Tai Seng may be an industrial area but it doesn’t just have worn-out buildings and office towers. If you take a stroll through the area, you’ll pass by stretches of hip restaurants, modest eateries and noisy coffee shops.

But that’s not all — stowed away in various pockets of the estate are tons of foodie secrets that we’re about to let you in on.

Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast bite, heading out for lunch or looking for a post-work hangout spot, we’ve put together a list of 27 cafes and restaurants in Tai Seng you should definitely check out! Ranging from ramen and poke bowls to dim sum and salads, you’re bound to find something that’s right up your aisle.

ALCHEMIST

There’s just something about Alchemist’s atmosphere  — their industrial-chic abode exudes a quiet serenity that goes wonderfully with their esteemed coffee. Located in former Khong Guan Biscuit Factory, this cafe is one of Tai Seng’s best-kept secrets.

Their flagship outlet in Tai Seng is armed with an in-house roastery, ensuring the freshest, most aromatic brews. Their baked goods will do you no wrong, either. We can’t get enough of their Almond Croissant which is crusted over with a buttery cookie flap.

2 Mactaggart Rd, #01-01, Khong Guan Building
Singapore 368078
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

ARTEASE

As the name playfully suggests, Artease takes a lot of pride in their tea. You can expect the most unique concoctions from them, such as Caramel Popcorn (S$4/regular, S$5/large) and Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50).

The Caramel Popcorn (Salty) comprises a harmonious blend of caramel, milk, roasted rice tea, and sea salt. If you’re in need of a strong pick-me-up, the Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50) will fit the bill. The honey lends the drink a gentle sweetness and helps to slightly mellow out the intensity of the coffee.

Artease’s selection of cooked-to-order sandwiches is especially popular amongst the working crowds here, as well. Their Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich (S$4.50) is highly recommended.

30 Tai Seng Street, #02-09, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6222 6966
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

BREADTALK

This home-grown brand probably needs no introduction. With countless outlets across the nation, BreadTalk is easily the ring leader of the local bakery scene. Their ovens spew out an impressive line-up of classic and contemporary bread, along with seasonal pastries and sweets.

Whether you need some fuel for the day ahead or a mid-afternoon snack, Breadtalk has got your back. One of their well-loved creations perfect for breakfast is the Egg O’ Clock (S$1.70), a soft chiffon cake sandwiching runny egg lava and melted cheese. Snag it early in the morning while it’s warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

And if you haven’t tried their signature Floss Buns (S$1.70), are you really a Singaporean?

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-04, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6636 4344
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo credit: Chibaobao

CHIBAOBAO

Located at Tai Seng Point level 2, Chibaobao is a new eatery in Tai Seng which specialises in claypot dishes which are affordably priced under S$10.

11 Irving place
taiseng point #02-02 S369551
Tue – Sat: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm

DIN TAI FUNG

When you think of Din Tai Fung, you think of quality. Hailing from Taiwan, this Chinese restaurant is world-famous for its Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$10.30++ for 10 pieces, S$7.80++ for 6 pieces). Each of these Xiao Long Baos is a masterpiece, undergoing six preparatory stages and pleated with precisely 18 intricate folds.

Another thing we love Din Tai Fung for is its open-concept kitchen, which allows customers to witness the chefs’ impeccable skills and calm focus. Watch them churn out their best-selling dishes which include the Steamed Chicken Soup (S$10.80++) and Fried Rice with Shrimps and Eggs (S$12.80++).

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-02, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6702 0060
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

EVERTON CREAMERY

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That’s exactly what Everton Creamery did, and they’ve brought the Roman craft to our land. Producing al naturel gelato with techniques from authentic gelato masters, this dessert joint is a force to be reckoned with.

Their flavours rotate with the season to ensure the freshest quality, but they do have a few permanent fixtures on their menu. Their classic Pistachio (S$4.80/single, S$8/double; +S$0.50 for premium flavours) never fails us, made from roasted Pistachio scooped straight from the baskets of Sicily. Top it on their Belgian Waffle (S$9.30) because, well, why not?

30 Tai Seng Street, #02-01A, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 9436 3479
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

FOOD REPUBLIC

Transport yourself back to the historic era at Food Republic in BreadTalk IHQ. Dressed in an ancient Oriental aesthetic accompanied by nature-themed elements, the food court dons antique decor and actual Chinese artefacts.

Trying out food court stalls are always a hit or miss — but, we’re here to ensure that you won’t have to suffer the latter. Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles’ Signature Dry Fishball Noodles (S$4.30) are an old-time favourite. Concocted with age-old recipes and house-made fish balls, you’ll be bestowed with al dente noodles and fish balls so springy they could bounce off carpets.

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-06, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6444 6019
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

HARRY’S

Looking for a classy yet casual lunch or dinner spot? Harry’s will take you right into its snazzy abode and take care of your empty stomach.

Their Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs (S$29) always call out to us with their fall-off-the-bone tenderness and well-concocted seasoning. We can never leave without a serving of their Mushroom & Truffle Flat Bread Pizza (S$23), as well. Gooey cheese intertwined with juicy mushrooms and sealed with a dash of truffle oil – it doesn’t get more decadent than this.

18 Tai Seng Street, 18 Tai Seng, #01-23/24/25 & #01-K4
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6386 9064
Sat to Thurs: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

HUGGS COFFEE

No-frills coffee. That’s just how the baristas over here do it. With a mission to cater to the working crowd, Huggs Coffee will set you straight with its dignified yet affordable brews. Their high-quality beans sourced from Columbia and Sumatra vow to be sturdy bases for your morning cuppa.

Their Latte Gula (S$4.80) will whisk your senses to the streets of Malacca while their Turmeric Latte (S$5) promises to inject a spritz of health. For quick breakfast bites, their Blueberry Muffin (S$3.50) is a safe choice.

18 Tai Seng St, 18 Tai Seng, #01-K1
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6282 3373
Mon to Fri: 7:30am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10:30am – 7:30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

GLC RESTAURANT

Boasting an impressive array of zi char delights that taste really good and are priced pretty affordably, GLC Restaurant is definitely one to consider should you find yourself hankering after proper zi char that’s also Muslim-friendly for your Muslim friends.

GLC Restaurant has an incredibly extensive menu and they serve up almost any kind of local food that you’re craving. From quintessential local food such as chicken rice and nasi padang to popular zi char items such as hor fun and yang chow fried rice, the list is endless and you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.

121 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534836

GRASSO COFFEE

Originally a takeaway kiosk, Grasso Coffee is now a full-fledged cafe that offers straightforward grub at affordable price points. Nothing too fancy here but you definitely won’t be complaining at the end of your meal.

Their menu features classic cafe dishes, from stuffed croissants and baked rice to pasta and salads. Their Egg Mayo Croissant (S$4.50) is a fail-safe choice — the egg mayo is rich and creamy while the croissant exudes flaky crispiness.

As for their mains, their Cream Baked Chicken is an all-time crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can get a portion at just S$3.80 thanks to their insanely reasonable tiered pricing — S$5 for 1 main, S$8 for 2 mains and S$11.50 for 3 mains!

The Commerze @ Irving #01-27/28, 1 Irving Place
Singapore 369546
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/thebigfat.cheeks/

JJAK & CO.

We love our poke bowls but most of them are beyond reach in the CBD areas. Thankfully, Tai Seng has its very own poke bowl contender secluded in Tai Seng Centre — JJAK & CO. Don’t underestimate its humble interior and menu because this place actually serves up formidable poke and Japanese rice bowls!

Their fish is unbeatably fresh and diced into fat juicy chunks, just the way we like it. If you’re not a fan of sashimi, their Pork Belly Yakiniku Don (S$12.90) or Truffle Beef with Foie Gras (S$19.90) will impress you just as much.

3 Irving Rd, #02-03, Tai Seng Centre
Singapore 369522
Tel: +65 9656 1456
Mon to Fri: 11.30 am – 09.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 08.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

KNOTS CAFE AND LIVING

At first glance, you’d think Knots Cafe & Living is just a well-furbished furniture store. And, you wouldn’t be wrong. But, what do you know — they serve decent nosh as well! Behind their mystical garden theme and woody aesthetic, their hidden kitchen dishes up classic brunch and Western-Italian fare.

Opt for a waffle twist to your usual brunch affair with the Knots Waffle Brekkie (S$18.90), which comes with smoked beef sausage, sautéed mushrooms and scrambled eggs. The Fish & Chips (S$13.90) is a recommended dish as well which sees thick dory fillets breaded and fried to an idyllic crisp.

160 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-07
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
Sun to Thurs: 9am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson

KOAT AROY

You know you’re in safe hands when you hear the restaurant staff rattling off in Thai. Koat Aroy is a little Thai eatery that serves value-for-money dishes in super generous portions. While their menu has its hits and misses, when they do a dish right, it’s pretty superb.

Go for their Pad Thai (S$6) which will have you singing “sabai sabai” with its bouncy noodles coated in well-balanced seasoning and citrus notes. As for their seafood, the Thai Steamed Fish with Lime Sauce (S$22) is sublime.

#01-24, The Commerze @Irving, 1 Irving Rd
Singapore 369520
Tel: +65 6386 7475
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

MEATS N’ MALTS

To all the carnivores out there who have not given Meats N’ Malts a go, where have you been? This gem of a restaurant dishes out honest Western grub at wallet-friendly prices. Steak, ribs, country fried chicken — they’ve got it all.

Their BBQ Pork Ribs (S$19.90) guarantees to reach the fall-off-the-bone benchmark and is glazed with their lip-smacking BBQ sauce. If you’re in the mood for a nice slab of fish, their Grilled Dory with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce (S$12.90) will surely satisfy. Grilled to a nice charred crisp, the fish’s light smokiness pairs wonderfully with the herbaceous cream sauce.

30 Tai Seng St, BreadTalk IHQ, #01-07
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6909 0010
Sat to Thurs: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

NOMVNOM

Even before Impossible Meat was a thing, nomVnom was already changing the game for plant-based gastronomy. This vegan fast food joint dishes out grub so delicious that you’ll gladly be tossing meat aside.

Their extensive menu sees pizza, smoothie bowls, and sweet indulgences as well. Let their Beetroot Hummus (S$8.90) burger convince you of the goodness of mushroom patties or treat yourself to their Pesto Linguine (S$12.90) bursting with basil goodness.

18 Tai Seng St, #B1-02, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 9678
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

ONE BAR CAFE

One Bar Cafe will have your tastebuds singing — literally. Started by four band members, this 3-in-1 establishment ticks all the boxes of “cafe”, “bar” and “live music venue”.

Also, every Thursday is the cafe’s open-mic night! So grab your pals and head down for a liberal time of food and song!

1 Irving Place #01-25, The Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8798 2625
Tues to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/rockymastersingapores/

ROCKY MASTER

You may or may not have heard of this cafe-restaurant with over 10 outlets islandwide. But, even if you have, you probably don’t have much of an impression of it. Well, it’s time you gave them a shot because this place actually serves up a wide variety of pretty delectable grub.

18 Tai Seng St, #01-28, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 5096
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/soramensg/

SÕ RAMEN

Sõ Ramen serves up some pretty solid bowls at budget-friendly prices. Made with premium wheat flour, their ramen comes in three forms. Each type is specially curated to bring out the best of each broth.

Get cosy with their Grand Tonkotsu Ramen (S$13.90), which will warm your soul with its rich hearty broth carrying melt-in-your-mouth pork cheek, silken cha shu, and braised pork belly. For something lighter on the palate, their Shoyu Ramen (S$10.90) is just as comforting.

30 Tai Seng St, #01-03, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6444 5516
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE BOILER

Get your hands dirty with some good ol’ crab at The Boiler, which does some seriously delicious Cajun-style seafood. Diners flock there for their seafood boil speciality, which features an assortment of seafood bathed in your choice of sauce and served in a bag. There’s nothing pretty about it but rest assured that it’s going to be one big beautiful mess.

The Bombdiggity Bag (S$149) is one of their best-sellers, consisting of Dungeness crab, mussels, prawns and a whole load of other ingredients. It’s big enough to be shared amongst four or one giant Hulk. If seafood ain’t your thang, their Southern Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich (S$14.90) is a killer option as well.

18 Howard Rd, #01-06, Novelty Bizcentre
Singapore 369585
Tel: +65 6635 1285
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/lixuanpoh/

THE BONELESS KITCHEN

Vegetarian jjajangmyeon and kimchi jjigae that actually tastes good? Sign us up, please. The Boneless Kitchen is a vegetarian Korean restaurant that has been breaking ground in the local Korean food scene for many years now.

While the extensiveness of their menu isn’t comparable to most Korean establishments in Singapore, it’s definitely sufficient to trigger our appetites. Their Kimchi Jeon (S$3.90) makes for the perfect starter, coming in crispy and mildly spicy bite-sized pieces. But, the real feast begins when the gigantic Army Jeongol (S$36.90/2 pax) arrives. Packed with instant ramen, spam, cheese, mushrooms and a whole load of other ingredients, it’ll have you feeling like a soldier charged for battle.

1 Irving Pl, #01-31 Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8457 6464
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE FLAME CAFE

Housed in an industrial building, The Flame Cafe is a great venue for hosting large gatherings. While they offer a good variety of Western dishes, we suggest you just come here for their smashing Halal pagoda steamboat buffet.

Layered with four tiers, their steamboat contraption allows you to boil, barbecue and steam your ingredients all at the same time. Their buffet selection ranges from marinated meats and seafood to vegetables and mushrooms.

73 Upper Paya Lebar Rd, Level 1, Central Bianco Building
Singapore 534818
Tel: +65 6282 0251
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE GOOD BOYS JUICE AND COFFEE BAR

Clean eating has never been easier than with the help of The Good Boys Juice and Coffee Bar. Despite their name, they sure know how to make a mean smoothie bowl. Their smoothie bowls come in huge heart-shaped bowls and are loaded with an assortment of toppings. Our favourites are the TGB Acai Bowl (S$12) and Going Nuts (S$12) bowl.

Besides smoothie bowls, they also offer a line-up of hearty noodle/grain salads and beverages. Customise your own TGB Hearty Bowl (S$9) and pair it with any of their juice blends for a wholesome lunch!

1 Irving Pl, #01-26, The Commerze Building
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8130 1083
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6.30pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

TIM HO WAN

We don’t know about you, but we’re suckers for dim sum. And sure, Swee Choon is great, but where do we go when we’re looking for somewhere just a little up the tier? Tim Ho Wan is the answer.

This casual dim sum restaurant doesn’t have the most extensive menu that trails across the floor but every dish is satisfying enough. The apple of the restaurant’s eye has got to be their Baked BBQ Pork Buns (S$6.20), which will win your heart with their flaky buttery crust encasing sticky, juicy chunks of char siew.

Other menu highlights include their Pan-Fried Radish Cake and chee cheong fun rolls.

18 Tai Seng St, 18 Tai Seng, #01-36
Singapore 534119
Tel: +65 6246 2000
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

TOOK LAE DEE

We’ve seen enough of overseas brands coming to Singapore and not living up to the hype. Thankfully, Took Lae Dee is not one of them. This famed restaurant chain operates 24/7 in Bangkok and has landed on our shores at 18 Tai Seng. With a name that translates into “cheap and good”, you can expect some seriously affordable fare.

Their best-selling Pad Krapow (S$6) is adored by many for its piquant basil kick coating the stir-fried minced pork. Top on a fried egg (S$1.20) for that glorious runny yolk enhancement. As for their Pad Thai ($6 for chicken, $7.20 for prawn), it’s an extremely tasty and authentic rendition, albeit verging on the sweet side.

18 Tai Seng Street, #01-34/35/K9, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6702 2000
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

WISHES CAFE

Wishes Cafe is yet another neighbourhood dessert cafe that does excellent handmade gelato. Creamy and lusciously rich, every batch of gelato is made daily for utmost freshness. Their well-loved flavours include Kaya, Pistachio and Lychee Rose (S$3.50/single, S$6/double).

As if the prices weren’t reasonable enough, they have a special promotion every day from 7 pm – 9 pm where diners can get a scoop of gelato at a mere S$2 for every waffle order!

Block 36, Circuit Rd, #01-414
Singapore 370036
Tel: +65 9299 6161
Sun to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm — 11pm
Nearest Station: MacPherson

YAMATO IZAKAYA

For those days when you and your colleagues can’t seem to agree on a lunch spot, Yamato Izakaya may help to ease the tension. This 3-in-1 institution houses three different restaurants — Man Man, Hitoyoshi Ramen and Tora Tora.

Famed for their signature unagi, Man Man serves up freshly grilled eel that’s dreamily tender and smoky. Take your pick from their three portion sizes: Unatama (S$20.50++), Medium (S$28.40++) and Large (S$36.10++).

If anyone needs to curb a ramen craving, Hitoyoshi Ramen will do the job. Their Tonkotsu Ramen (S$10.90) is satisfying enough, with a sizeable portion of thin ramen noodles, pork slices, black fungus and a perfect ramen egg.

Yamato Izakaya
65 Ubi Road 1, #01-92 Oxley Bizhub,
Singapore 408729
Tel: +65 6385 5273
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Everton Creamery, a hidden café nestled in Tai Seng’s iconic BreadTalk IHQ Mall, has some really good desserts. They specialise in premium gelato flavours, alongside waffles and a small selection of coffee.

Located right smack in the middle of neighbouring offices, Everton Creamery is one of the go-to ice cream shops in Tai Seng. We were immediately attracted to its cute storefront, boasting pastel décor, ice cream posters and a dazzling array of gelato flavours.

Check out what we thought about the place!

We decided to go for their Waffle with Double Gelato scoops, topped with two dollops of premium flavours: Belgium Chocolate, and Durian (S$13.50). Albeit on the pricier side, the quality of their ice cream and waffles are worth every penny.

The waffle had a buttery aroma, and was crispy on the outside and airy in the middle. Ice cream wise, we chose the Belgium Chocolate and it boasted a creamy and rich texture. It had just the right amount of sweetness, with a luscious, chocolatey taste.

The Durian gelato was super fragrant and rich. It had a velvety texture, although we thought it resembled a thick durian paste instead of ice cream! It was not overly cloying either, but decadent in flavour.

You’re definitely in for a treat when you visit Everton Creamery! This is a great spot to chill with your friends or co-workers after a long day, so do drop by and give them a try.

Everton Creamery
Breadtalk IHQ Mall
30 Tai Seng Street #02-01A
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 8869 1885
Mon to Fri & Sun: 12pm – 9:30pm
Sat: 12pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Taking our coffee scene by storm is Alchemist, a specialty coffee joint famous for their grab-and-go cuppa. Coffee lovers will be familiar with their first two outlets at Hong Leong Building and International Plaza; they have just opened their flagship store this year at Khong Guan Building in Tai Seng!

Their latest establishment is a hidden gem, nestled in former Khong Guan Biscuit Factory. Decked in a minimalistic interior with marble furniture and blue countertops, they now house a roastery and dining area for you to chill with your cup of joe! You can snack on their baked goods too.

The Hot Chocolate (S$5) was smooth and velvety in texture, and we could taste the thick chocolate flavour. We thought it tasted like a brownie in drink form! The creaminess of the foam was also very comforting with a sweet aftertaste.

We also ordered a Flat White (S$5), which was served with beautiful swan latte art. The coffee was made from a house-blend Dark Matter, and it had a bold, nutty finish. It was also smooth and consistent with a mellow flavour profile.

Here at Alchemist, each cuppa is carefully and lovingly prepared. They are definitely one of the better coffee shops out there, with their cosy ambience being a plus point. If you are looking for a great pick-me-up, this is the place to visit!

2 Mactaggart Rd
#01-01 Khong Guan Building
Singapore 368078
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

A place that sees a large pool of executives, factory workers, novice drivers and the likes on a daily basis, Tai Seng is a pretty bustling area that still goes pretty much unnoticed by foodies.

Yet, those who work there will know that hidden within the industrial enclave lies a surprisingly vibrant slew of concept cafes.

If you find yourself a tad sick of your usual coffeeshop lunch option where its often crowded, humid and repetitive then here is our list of 6 Cafes in Tai Seng you should visit soon.

Photo Credit: Instagram

ALCHEMIST

Located at Khong Guan Biscuit’s old factory space is minimalist cafe Alchemist. This Instagrammable cafe roasts its beans in-house with a giant coffee roaster, leaving the entire place basking in the aroma of fresh coffee.

Alchemist offers a wide range of single-origin coffees and a selection of pastries to go along with your cuppa. If you’re ever bored of your instant coffee at the office, check them out for a great pick-me-up!

2 Mactaggart Road
#01-01 Khong Guan Building
Singapore 368078
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: Instagram

JJAK & CO.

At Jjak & Co, you can ball on a budget with their Mentaiko Salmon bowl and Bara Chirashi bowls that are just below $15! If you’re feeling fancier, try their Cold Truffle Somen with Hotate for a refreshing meal.

If you don’t fancy regular donburi, you can grab some fresh sashimi atop fluffy rice with healthy greens as an accompaniment by customizing your own poke bowls. They’re pretty generous with their portions too!

3 Irving Road
#02-03 Tai Seng Centre
Singapore 369522
Tel: +65 9656 1456
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 9pm
(Closed on Sundays)

KNOTS CAFE & LIVING

The perfect oasis from the hustle (and heat) of the surrounding industrial buildings, Knots Cafe & Living is a furniture store and cafe all in one. Wooden furniture, flowers and an assortment of plants are strewn all over the cafe and the natural light that enters make for pretty gorgeous photos too.

The food options here are relatively straightforward and nothing too far off from your typical cafe fare. Think waffles, cakes and sandwiches on weekdays and full-on brunch delights such as Eggs Benedict on weekends to get you well sorted before a spot of furniture shopping.

#01-07, 160 Paya Lebar Road,
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Thu & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng/ MacPherson

PRODIGAL CAFE

If the name Prodigal Café seems to ring a bell, that’s because the eatery is the sister café of the now-defunct Prodigal Roasters which was previously located in the heartlands of Ang Mo Kio.

Now, the charming little café resides in a tiny space underneath a HDB block at Macpherson Lane, where it is home to yummy sandwiches, toasties and specialty coffee.

#01-55 Block 81
Singapore 360081
Tel: +65 9450 0484
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: Grasso Coffee

GRASSO COFFEE

Humble in its menu offerings, Grasso Coffee is not one to skip because even though they only serve coffee, sandwiches and desserts, you can count on the good folks here to do them right.

Their beverage offerings are also given an innovative twist so expect quirky options such as Iced Caramel Corn or even an ice-blended alternative that features a mixture of both Horlicks and Milo—a surefire hit among those with a sweet tooth for sure.

The Commerze @ Irving #01-27/28,
1 Irving Place,
Singapore 369546
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: The Good Boys Juice & Coffee Bar

THE GOOD BOYS JUICE & COFFEE BAR

Offering a wide range of delicious smoothies, acai bowls and juices, The good boys over at The Good Boys place heavy emphasis on delivering nutritious treats made using fresh ingredients to ensure that patrons will always left a shot healthier and immensely satisfied.

For the matcha-obsessed, go for their Fruity Matcha (S$12), and try also the Crimson Lush that features beetroot and dates as well as the Viva Amazonia with acai and banana.

#01-26 1 Irving Place,
The Commerze Building,
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8130 1083
(Closed on Fridays)
Mon to Thu: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Be My Guest Cafe at Tai Seng serves up a wide array of western-fusion cuisine, cakes and pastries as well as weekend brunch. Some of the dishes on the menu include their Green Curry Seafood Pasta, Lion Prawn Mala Mee Kia, and the Wolfberry & Osmanthus Cheesecake.

Dishing out innovative fusion dishes at affordable prices, Be My Guest Cafe truly is a cafe worth stopping by at if you happen to be in the area.

Their menu is straightforward and features a selection of fusion dishes with strong influences from East and West. If you add on S$4 during lunchtime, you get a meal which entitles you to a soft drink as well as either a cake or tart.

After hearing so much about their Lion Prawn Mala Mee Kia (S$13.80), we just had to try it for ourselves. The dish comprises angel hair pasta and six decently sized prawns tossed in a mixture of chilli padi, Szechuan pepper and prawn roe.

The prawns were sweet and immensely flavourful and the pasta was seasoned well. We liked the tiny chunks of mala peppers that provided a nice crunch and a hint of spice as well as the prawn roe that acted like little nuggets of salt.

One of the highlights of this humble establishment is their Green Curry Seafood Pasta (S$13.80). Beautifully tossed in a Thai green curry sauce, this pasta dish is so fragrant that it just fills up the entire room.

Linguine pasta is served with a generous portion of clams, mussels, squid and prawns, all nicely coated in the luscious, flavourful sauce made up of what seemed like coconut, kaffir lime leaf and chillis.

To balance out the spicy and the savoury flavours, we got a slice of their Wolfberry & Osmanthus Cheesecake (S$4.80) which is essentially a floral jelly inspired by the Chinese gwai fa jelly, atop a decadent cheesecake.

You have a luxurious cheesecake that is rich and creamy, and a refreshing floral jelly that seems to balance it out well enough without overlapping in terms of flavour.

Overall, we were utterly impressed by the food here and coupled with the absence of GST and service charges as well as the great service rendered to us, there is no doubt that we will return. Perhaps next time, to try their other dishes like their chilli crab pasta and crispy pork belly that we noticed other tables ordering.

Be My Guest Cafe
1 Irving Place
#01-20 The Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 9221 4405
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Sat: 11am – 8.30pm
Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

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Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more heartland cafes pop up and even so in industrial office areas such as Tai Seng. What you may not know is that Tai Seng houses some of the most interesting local cafe gems and they are just waiting for you to explore.

We can ensure that these 5 cafes are worth travelling to as they are all located within walking distance from Tai Seng MRT Station. If you are unfamiliar with the area, here is our guide to the Must-Try Cafes in Tai Seng.

#1 23 JUMPIN

23 Jumpin might just be the most popular cafe along the row of F&B outlets at The Commerze Building, which is a stone’s throw away from Tai Seng MRT. Hearty and delicious mains are served here and are all at reasonably priced nett prices.

A must-try on the list is their Honey Paprika Wings (S$8) – juicy yet crunchy, this plate of ten halved wings are perfect for sharing with your dining compatriots.

The Commerce @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-25
Tel: +65 9137 5697
Mon: 11am – 2pm
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

#2 CAROL MEL CAFE

There was an immediate sense of warmth once you step into Carol Mel Cafe. Surprisingly, they serve local and Malaysian-inspired homely fare such as rice vermicelli and chicken with rice, together with usual cafe fare such as freshly brewed latte (S$4.90). The overall vibe of Carol Mel Cafe was enough for us to feel cozy and comfortable dining here.

The Commerce @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-30
Tel: +65 6635 5755
Mon: 9am – 6.30pm
Tue to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

#3 The Oven Cafe Bistro

Simple and unpretentious, The Oven Cafe Bistro drew us in with their minimalistic interior and cozy atmosphere. A popular item on the menu is the Chicken Alfredo (S$13), featuring a big slice of oven-baked chicken.

Have your main dish with their signature Mushroom Soup (S$5) or share a bite of the Chicken Chunks with Thai Chilli Sauce (S$9) with your dining partner. No extra bling, just some seriously good comfort food here at The Oven Cafe Bistro.

The Commerce @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-22
Tel: +65 9006 9012
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
(Only private bookings on Sundays & public holidays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

#4 THREE YEARS IN A BALLOON

Three Years in a Balloon took flight about a year ago and has been serving satisfied customers ever since. Quirky and fun are two words you can use to describe this cafe that specialises in decorative cakes. Besides serving a big range of ready-made desserts, get excited about their savoury crepes, quiches and pies which you can have along with a warm cup of coffee there.

163 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

For more recommendations, read our guides to the best cafes in Singapore.