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

The BreadTalk International Headquarters (IHQ) sits in the midst of the Tai Seng area. You might not know, but it is actually a comprehensive lifestyle mall that has all your favourite BreadTalk brands, dessert parlours, beauty services, personal care store, optometrist and more under one roof.

Spanning across 7,000 square metres of land and 10 storeys, the spectacular infrastructure is located along Tai Seng Street and just opposite of Tai Seng MRT Station.

BreadTalk IHQ will also be celebrating their third anniversary this month, with freebies and contests for all. Simply upload a photo taken within BreadTalk IHQ Mall with the hashtag #BreadTalkIHQ in October, and the 30 most creative entries will win attractive food vouchers.

If you haven’t been, here are 7 Places At BreadTalk IHQ To Dine At. Yes, all your favourite brands are under one roof. And there is free kopi for the month of October! You have to read on to find out more.

#1 ARTEASE

Artease specialises in teas, and you can expect unique concoctions such as Caramel Popcorn (regular – S$4, large – S$5) and Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50).

The Caramel Popcorn (Salty) comprises a harmonious blend of caramel, milk, roasted rice tea and sea salt; a sweet rendition is available too. If you want an effective pick-me-up, the Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50) is amazing. The coffee is intense and the added honey gives the drink the right amount of sweetness.

Artease’s selection of cooked-to-order sandwiches is especially popular amongst the working crowds here. For the month of October, Artease is offering two new sandwiches with their homemade jams—Earl Grey and Matcha Jam Toast—for only S$2 (U.P. S$2.80).

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

#2 BREADTALK

16-year-old local bakery BreadTalk is a household name that needs no elaborate introduction. The Singaporean brand prides itself on constant innovation and boasts a collection of classic and contemporary bread created from the finest craftsmanship.

This month, the brand is launching a series of never-seen-before gourmet bread creations that will whet your appetite.

Through a collaboration with Taiwanese Chef Johnny Chen Yung-Hsin, Champion of the 2015 Mondial du Pain (World of the Bread), BreadTalk has recently launched 5 stunning crafted buns that include 3 of his award-winning breads and 2 unique, locally inspired creations that will be sold exclusively in Singapore.

The collection includes First Love (bo-luo brioche with strawberry rose jam filling), Circle Of Life (bo-luo brioche with longan walnut filling and topped with diced pistachio), Five Blessings (a complex red quinoa and red yeast rice dough with walnut, pumpkin seeds, diced cheese), SingaShake (Danish dough with coconut custard, kaya and biscuit stick) and Ah Lemak (savoury yeast dough with anchovies and cheese).

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

#3 DIN TAI FUNG

Hailing from Taiwan, Chinese restaurant Din Tai Fung is world-famous for their exquisite steamed pork dumplings. Each Xiao Long Bao is a masterpiece; they undergo six preparatory stages and the most complex step involves the chef pleating at least 18 intricate folds on the dumplings.

The comprehensive menu features over 100 dishes and bestsellers include the Oriental Salad in Special Vinegar Dressing (S$4.50++), nutritious Steamed Chicken Soup (S$10.80++), Fried Rice with Shrimps and Eggs (S$12.80++) and everyone’s all-time favourite Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$10.30++ for 10 pieces, S$7.80++ for 6 pieces).

From now until 31 October 2016, Citibank cardmembers will receive a complimentary Sliced Duck in Crispy Spring Onion Pastry with a minimum spend of S$90.

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

#4 EVERTON CREAMERY

The popular ice cream joint at Everton Park has an outlet here at BreadTalk IHQ and we cannot be more thrilled because it is now nearer to us! The two-year-old ice cream brand produces handcrafted gelato with natural ingredients and abstains from artificial enhancers and chemical preservatives; think intense, thick and creamy texture that explodes with flavours.

Choose from 16 different rotational flavours (single scoop – S$4.80, double scoop – S$8), and an additional S$0.50 will be charged for premium flavours. We especially enjoyed the classic Pistachio, the all-new Mocha Crunch, and the interesting Taiji YuanYang (a mixture of peanut butter and black sesame to mimic traditional glutinous rice balls or ‘tang yuan‘).

We say have the “full works”—The Belgian Waffle (S$9.30) comes with a single scoop of ice cream).

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

#5 FOOD REPUBLIC

Food Republic is probably the most popular food court in Singapore. There are numerous outstanding vendors that you have to try—namely Ah Chew Yong Tau Foo, Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles and Sergeant Hainanese Chicken Rice.

The Sergeant Hainanese Chicken Rice is a household name and the Yuan Yang Chicken Rice Set (S$7.50) is a treat. Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles’ Signature Dry Fishball Noodles (S$4.30) is a traditional favourite, and the bowl of al dente noodles and springy fishballs is one that we can never get sick of.

Why not order a piping hot bowl of Yong Tau Foo Soup (S$5.20) from Ah Chew Yong Tau Foo too? The price includes six ingredients and your choice of noodles, or seven pieces of yong tau foo. Ah Chew Yong Tau Foo also does a splendid Chee Cheong Fun (S$2.40 for two pieces).

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

#6 RAMENPLAY

RamenPlay is another brand by BreadTalk that has enjoyed popularity since its debut. Expanding their line of ramen bowls and donburi, RamenPlay is also serving Shabu Shabu now and you can pick from either pork (S$13.90) or beef (S$14.90) with two soup choices (clear or kimchi).

Since the area during lunch is catered to mainly working professionals, RamenPlay has also launched bento sets for a quick grab-and-go. Our favourites are Pork Yakiniku Bento Set (S$8.80) and Teriyaki Chicken Bento Set (S$8.80).

Paired with fragrant Premium Koshihikari Rice imported from Niigata, Japan, the Bento Sets make for a delicious and value-for-money lunch choice.

From now till 31 October 2016, RamenPlay is offering its Cha Shu Tonkotsu Ramen in a spicy broth. Enjoy 25% off selected sides with every order of Cha Shu Tonkotsu Ramen!

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

#7 TOAST BOX

Toast Box has successfully combined nostalgia and modernity into an Asian cafe concept. The homegrown eatery draws inspiration from coffee shops in the 60s and takes pride in serving aromatic traditional Nanyang Kopi (S$1.80).

While we love our Kaya Toasts, the Curry Chicken with Rice (S$7.70 per set, inclusive of Homemade Barley) set is actually a gem and an underrated find! The Hainanese-style curry reminds us of home, and it is precisely such simple goodness that we know we can always count on.

The all-new Cheesy Ham & Egg Thick Toast (S$6.10 per set, inclusive of a hot medium size Kopi/ Teh) reminded us of a French Croque Madame but with an Asian tweak. The pillowy white toast is topped with ham, egg and melted cheese.

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-05
BreadTalk IHQ, Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6636 4506
Daily: 7.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

To celebrate BreadTalk IHQ’s third anniversary, the first 30 lucky shoppers spotted in the mall between 12pm to 2pm on weekdays will receive a complimentary cup of kopi or teh as long as your ID contains the digit ’3′ in it!

This post is brought to you by BreadTalk.

Din Tai Fung – a household name in Singapore since 2003 – is a popular favourite among locals and visitors alike. Talk about xiao long bao and we all think of Din Tai Fung’s legacy. But more than the little steamed dumplings, all 18 branches around the island sees a perpetual queue, and is the best testament to its consistently good and affordable Chinese food made of premium quality of ingredients.

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

Among the 18 locations Paragon’s outlet is the flagship restaurant and it showcases three VIP rooms that can be expanded to accommodate up to 30 diners. It is the perfect venue to celebrate your Chinese New Year reunion dinner with your family and loved ones.

Almost every dish on the menu is good enough to be called a signature, but in this installation, we bring to you the bests of Din Tai Fung (www.DinTaiFung.com.sg), and their Chinese New Year specials to usher in the year of Horse.

We are also giving away 3 sets of S$120 Din Tai Fung dining vouchers and Salmon Prosperity Yusheng (each set worth $168.80), read on to find out how you can win them!

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

Lo-hei is a meaningful activity on Ren Ri (the birthday of mankind) on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year (6 Feb 2014), so why not head down to Din Tai Fung tomorrow and do a prosperous toss with the Salmon Prosperity Yu Sheng (S$28.80 for standard, and S$48.80 for deluxe) with your loved ones. After all, what is Chinese New Year without a round of lo-hei and shouting out all the wishes we have? We love Din Tai Fung’s version for its inclusion of crispy yam strips, natural jellyfish, Tian Jin roasted chestnuts and topped with homemade sweet and tangy plum sauce. For something more luxurious, go for Din Tai Fung’s Abalone Fortune Yu Sheng (S$68.80).

Din Tai Fung is synonymous with xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings). What makes Din Tai Fung’s Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$7.30 for 6 pieces, S$9.80 for 10 pieces) so good – other than its delightfully rich broth, tender and succulent skin, and premium pork filling – is its consistency. No matter which branch you go to, no matter what time you order, every xiao long bao comes with a minimum of 18 intricate folds, and is always excellent like a work of art.

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

Each Xiao Long Bao undergoes 6 precise preparatory stages before it is presented to you. Having at least 18 folds on each xiao long bao gives the dumpling the right texture and also helps the skin to hold the generous broth and filling.

Photo credit: Din Tai Fung Singapore

A worthy variation is the Truffle Xiao Long Bao (S$4 for 1 piece, S$19.80 for 5 pieces, $38 for 10 pieces). Nothing quite like biting into a piping hot dumpling that explodes with the aroma and distinct flavour of fresh truffles! We suggest doing without the ginger and condiments – eat it on its own, because it is that good on its own.

No meal at Din Tai Fung is complete without their signature appetisers. Whet your appetite with the Oriental Salad with Special Vinegar Dressing (S$3.80), or more affectionately known as the signature Xiao Cai – a simple mix of beansprouts, julienne seaweed, rice vermicelli and chilli and beancurd strips in a light tangy dressing that boasts a myriad of flavours all in one serving.

The Original Shanghainese Drunken Chicken (S$7.50) is an appetizer that no one can resist. Served chilled, this succulent white meat is soaked in Chinese wine to produce an addictive taste. It is noteworthy that Din Tai Fung’s rendition uses chickens that are specially reared, and only chicken thigh is used for the dish.

We also fell in love with the Green Chillies Stuffed with Marinated Minced Meat (S$7.30) ever since the Singapore team introduced this as a permanent dish two years ago. From what we understood, this is supposedly the Thais’ favourite and was created in lieu of their flagship opening in Bangkok, Central World. But because it is such a hit, and Singaporeans have an incredibly soft spot for spicy food, this dish is here to stay and we love every bite of it!

For more vegetables lovin’, the Crunchy Mini Cucumber in Spicy Sauce (S$4.30) uses the freshest Japanese cucumbers and is a crisp start to your hearty meal.

What we all know as Chao Shou is really the all-time favourite Oriental Wantons with Black Vinegar and Chilli Oil (S$7.80). Definitely a crowd pleaser because every dumpling is a generous serving of minced meat drenched in a kickass sauce. There must be something in the sauce that has us craving for it time and again.

Another crowd favourite is the Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake (S$9.30). Cakes of chopped fresh prawns deep-fried till golden while retaining the juiciness and sweetness of the prawns.

And a bowl of everyone’s favourite Steamed Chicken Soup (S$9.80) is an irreplaceable comfort item in Chinese dining. Simmered for 6 hours, it is made of pure chicken essence and contains 4 different parts of a chicken.

Also a world famous is the Fried Rice with Shrimps and Eggs (S$11.00) – a classic Chinese dish that is so simple, yet made very divine by the chefs at Din Tai Fung. The regulars will be all too familiar with the fragrance of this dish – every grain of the premium Taiwan pearl rice is coated with egg and nicely flavoured with the sweetness of the fresh shrimps.

A good accompaniment for the fried rice is the Stir-fried Dou Miao with Garlic (S$12.00), with every stalk precisely picked at 4-6cm for optimum freshness and taste. Do it plain with the Garlic or with Shrimps. And the best thing is this dish only uses a teaspoon of sunflower oil, bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetable.

If you have a penchant for heavy flavours, the Special Braised Beef Noodle Soup with Beef Brisket (S$11.50) is a clear winner. The broth is simmered for more than 10 hours with the freshest beef to accentuate the essence of the meat, ideally handmade springy noodles with no preservatives that absorbs the broth with every strand coated with the beef’s fragrance, and most importantly, the tender chunks of beef so generously filling the bowl of goodness.

To end off the festive meal (available now till 28 Feb), indulge in a bowl of Peanut Glutinous Rice Balls (S$6.80 for a bowl of 6 pieces). The Chinese always believe that eating glutinous rice balls signifies family union. These small balls of rice flour and sweet filling is a joyful treat to share with the family, and we really love the peanut soup that is freshly prepared daily.

And of course, because you are at Din Tai Fung, you can also end off your meal with another round of dumplings. Our pick for the sweet dumplings is the Steamed Red Bean Dumplings with Chocolate Lava (S$7.50 for 6 pieces, S$10.00 for 10 pieces), which sounds every bit like heaven and tastes twice as nice as heaven. For this dumpling, Din Tai Fung uses premium chocolate and fine mashed red bean paste from Taiwan.

Before we conclude, just a quick note that prices of the dishes at Din Tai Fung vary at selected outlets.

The Lunar New Year festive specials are available for dine-in or takeaway at Din Tai Fung, from 1 Jan to 28 Feb 2014. For more details, go to www.DinTaiFung.com.sg. Follow Din Tai Fung on their Facebook page and Instagram for more updates.

ladyironchef x Din Tai Fung Giveaway

3 sets of S$120 Din Tai Fung vouchers and Salmon Prosperity Yu Sheng (Deluxe) to be won

1. Like Din Tai Fung’s Facebook page.
2. ‘Share’ this post on your facebook timeline
3. Leave a comment in this post and come up with a creative name for Din Tai Fung’s yusheng in 2015 (Please type in han yu pin yin).
4. Closing date of giveaway: 8 Feb 2014 (2359hrs). Winners will be notified by email.
5. This giveaway is only open to readers residing in Singapore.
6. Redemption of prizes will be at BreadTalk IHQ from 10 – 14 Feb (please take note that the Yu Sheng will only be available till 14 Feb).

Updated on 9 Feb: The winners of the giveaway are Kenneth, Valeri and Felicia.

This post is brought to you by Din Tai Fung Singapore.