Popular lifestyle cafe, PS.Cafe has opened a new outlet at i12 Katong in the east of Singapore on 24 May 2022.

Photo credit: PS.Cafe

PS.Cafe’s newest outlet in Katong comes with a breezy terrace that is the perfect spot for people watching.

The outdoor patio is also a pet-friendly space, you can bring your furkids along for a meal.

Other than the classic PS.Cafe dishes such as PS.Big Breakfast, PS.Burger Truffle fries and Sticky Date Pudding, there are also new additions to the menu at PS.Cafe Katong.

PS. Cafe has long been known to serve up one of the best sticky date puddings in Singapore, and we can only agree. This warm plate of pudding is always served at the perfect temperature and has a spot-on balance of flavours – definitely worth every penny!

PS.Cafe Katong
112 East Coast Road, #01-01/02/03,
i12 Katong, Singapore 428802

Ma La Ma La Tang is a new casual eatery at 37 East Coast Road which specialises in Mala Tang. Good news for Easties who love Mala dishes!

Ma La Ma La Tang charges a flat rate of S$2.88/100g for all ingredients and there are five different soup bases to choose from:

• Mala (mild, medium or spicy)
• Green Pepper
• Tomato
• Mushroom
• Dry Mala

Photos credit: Ma La Ma La Tang

They are currently offering a 20% discount off the total bill from now until 19 Dec 2021.

Ma La Ma La Tang
37 East Coast Road
Singapore 428755

Pâtisserie CLÉ is opening a second outlet at Lucky Heights neighbourhood near Siglap and Bedok.

First established as an online pâtisserie in 2018 by local pastry chefs Germaine Li and Joy Chiam, Pâtisserie CLÉ (clé is French for ‘key’) specialises in French cakes, tarts, and bakes.

The local brand opened its first physical space in Paya Lebar Office and the second outlet will be located in Lucky Heights neighbourhood where fans can get a range of tarts and
entremets as well as a new selection of viennoiseries.

The star highlights are unique creations that pay homage to the Lucky Heights neighbourhood and they include The Lucky Clover—a twist on puff pastry swirls with generous sprinkles of fragrant spring onion, garlic and bacon—and the Truffle Ziggy, a savoury bite filled with truffle cream, wild mushrooms, arugula, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, which is inspired by the iconic zig-zag stairway in the Lucky Heights neighbourhood.

Pâtisserie CLÉ is perhaps best known for its Tart Gift Box with a choice of eight tarts and you have to try the signature Orh Blanc Tart which is an interesting fusion of the French Mont Blanc dessert and the local orh nee flavour.

Do note that Pâtisserie CLÉ Paya Lebar will be closed momentarily for renovations. It will be re-opened in April with a refreshed look.

Pâtisserie CLÉ
79 Lucky Heights, Singapore 467627
Tel: +65 8127 3925
Wed – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Closed on Tue

Preserved to reflect the Peranakan culture in Singapore, the gorgeous shophouses and bungalows that line the streets of Joo Chiat are only one of the many reasons to visit this underrated area in Singapore. 

Instagrammable pastel-coloured shophouses aside, Joo Chiat Road is home to many cafés, restaurants and eateries that offer a wide variety of scrumptious grub ranging from traditional Teochew steamboat to artisanal bakery and reinvented nasi lemak.

Here are 20 food places in Joo Chiat that will make you wish you stayed there.

BERGS GOURMET BURGERS

For those who value good quality burgers, BERGS is the place to go. Conveniently nestled just across the street from 112 Katong Mall, BERGS remains as one of the most popular spots amongst those who reside in the area for any burger craving fix.

The burger patties, sauces, and marinades are handcrafted from secret recipes designed to deliver the freshest, most intense mix of sensations and flavours.

45 East Coast Road
Singapore 428765
Tel: +65 6348 8466
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

ENJOUÉ BAKERY

When it comes to artisanal bread and pastries baked fresh, very few do it better than the good folks over at Enjoué Bakery. Specialising in a vast array of quality European-style artisanal bread, pastries and cakes, each and every one of this humble Joo Chiat bakery’s authentic bakes come with sturdy crusts imbued with the natural flavours of fermentation and a robust mouthfeel that is quite unlike any other.

All their products are hand-made, freshly-baked daily and free from any preservatives and other unnatural ingredients. In essence, what you are likely to get is real-deal, healthy loaves that boast spectacular flavour profiles and textures—something you probably will not be able to find at commercial bread shops

174 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427445
Tel: +65 6440 3028
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 8.30am – 5pm
Sun: 8.30am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Paya Lebar

GUAN HOE SOON RESTAURANT

Guan Hoe Soon is possibly Singapore’s oldest Nyonya restaurant that has been dishing out authentic Peranakan fare since 1953.

Now run by the founder’s granddaughter and her husband, you can count on Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant to bring you a scrumptious Peranakan feast as they pride themselves in using only the freshest ingredients and a selective choice of spices without skimping on the quality of their food.

40 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427764
Tel: +65 6344 2761
Daily: 10.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Paya Lebar

JINJI TEOCHEW TRADITIONAL STEAMBOAT RESTAURANT

Jinji Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant is a no-frills and utterly unpretentious steamboat restaurant along Joo Chiat Road which local stars have been frequenting this traditional restaurant over the past decade.

The owner has travelled to various countries to pick up the skills needed to execute each dish to an utmost perfection, so you can definitely count on Jinji to indulge in an authentic Teochew meal.

From now until 31 Oct 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy these promotions (for customers who dine in only) upon making reservations:

- 30% off all steamboat orders (excluding seafood and beef) during lunch daily (not available on Mondays and public holidays).
- Free-flow live drunken prawns for every steamboat order during dinner from Mondays to Fridays (not available during weekends and public holidays). Do note that this is available while stocks last for the day.

176-178 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427447
Tel: +65 6348 8924
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Paya Lebar

LONG PHUNG 

Located just across the street from Jinji Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant and Enjoué Bakery, Long Phung is a restaurant whose menu focuses primarily on Vietnamese cuisine.

Once a hidden gem in Joo Chiat, Long Phung is now a place where many flock to for authentic Vietnamese fare without breaking the bank.

159 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427436
Tel: +65 6440 6959
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Paya Lebar

MR & MRS MOHGAN’S SUPER CRISPY ROTI PRATA

Remarked as one of the best roti prata stalls in Singapore, Mr & Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata is located within a shabby, old-world-looking coffee shop named ‘Poh Ho Restaurant’ along Crane Road.

Here they serve real-deal, crispy prata flipped to perfection to give the right amount of crispiness on the edges and a fairly fluffy interior. Their curries—not that you need it—are extremely fragrant and pair well with their doughy goodness.

7 Crane Road
Singapore 429356
Tel: +65 9794 3124
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Thu to Sun: 6.30am – 1pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Paya Lebar

NINETHIRTY BY AWFULLY CHOCOLATE

Joo Chiat is where you can find Awfully Chocolate’s flagship store, Ninethirty, which offers a decadent selection of well-loved comfort food and of course, the famed chocolatier’s desserts.

Besides their toothsome chocolate-centric confectionery and desserts, you can expect a tantalising array of hearty mains in the likes of pasta dishes and palatable brunch fare.

131 East Coast Road
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Paya Lebar

SINPOPO BRAND

Sinpopo Brand is an extremely charming retro café that sits amongst the many shophouses in Joo Chiat. Boasting an extensive menu of traditional local favourites that have been reinvented to form creative dishes, what you can expect is a unique dining experience unlike any other.

From quirky mains that bring out nostalgia, an interior decked with minimalist furnishings and an innovative drink and dessert menu, what’s there to not love about Sinpopo Brand?

458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dakota

WALAKU

Whipping up traditional Malay fare with modern interpretations is Walaku, a humble bistro nestled along the streets of Joo Chiat. Some of their innovative dishes include the Seafood Mee Goreng (S$8) and the Lemak Chilli Api Soft Shell Crab Pasta (S$15.90).

For a more comforting and traditional meal that will nonetheless leave your tummy satisfied, opt for the Ayam Goreng Rempah Nasi Lemak (S$7.80).

110 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427402
Tel: +65 6284 2420
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

WERNER’S OVEN

Werner’s Oven is a traditional German restaurant and bakery that prides itself in serving authentic and handmade bread and wursts.

Over the years, they have up kept the conventions of the Germanic culinary and baking methods while introducing innovative alterations to suit the taste buds of both Asian and Western guests.

49 Joo Chiat Place
Singapore 427773
Tel: +65 6442 3897
Tue to Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Eunos

It is hard to pass up on Japanese food—let alone Japanese buffets where you are free to indulge in endless fresh sashimi, maki and other Japanese delicacies. While we can never get enough of Japanese buffets, it is sometimes hard to decide which Japanese restaurant  we should patronise in Singapore (not that we are complaining).

On days when you want to treat yourself to value-for-money Japanese cuisine that will not break the bank, Shin Minori is an affordable option you should consider. Best known for its a la carte buffet offering, the restaurant caters to all sorts of cravings for Japanese food—offering anything from sushi to sashimi, tempura and even heavier alternatives such as soba and udon.

Drop by either one of their outlets at UE Square or Katong Square for lunch or dinner and you will be greeted by the likes of pretty hand rolls, gorgeous slices of sashimi, maki rolls, tempura and more.

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No meal at a Japanese dining establishment is complete unless you have tried their sashimi. Diners can either go for the Sashimi Moriwase, whereby you get a platter of assorted seafood or individual raw fish options including Maguro (Tuna) Sashimi, Hamachi (Yellow Tail) Sashimi and Ika (Cuttlefish) Sashimi.

For the buffet’s price point, we were impressed by the freshness of the sashimi, which came in the ideal thickness that was kept consistent for all the sashimi slices.

For the sushi lovers, there are more than 20 different choices that will please your taste buds.

From chef recommendations such as Karashi Maguro Sushi (Spicy Tuna with Avocado & Tobikko) and Aburi shake Sushi (Seared Salmon) to crowd favourites that include Ebiko Sushi (Prawn Roe) and Crunchy Kani Sushi (Crabmeat with Tempura bits), there is something on the menu no matter what your preferences are!

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Moving on to the Yakimono section, this is where you will find all the scrumptious grilled dishes that taste as appetising as they look. We highly recommend the Saba Shioyaki (Grilled Mackerel with Salt) and Tori Teriyaki (Grilled Chicken with Sweet Soy Sauce) which was aromatic and covered with charred bits, just the way we enjoy grilled meat.

Shin Minori A La Carte Buffet Pricing
Lunch – Sun & PH
Dinner – Mon to Sun, Eve of PH & PH
Adult (S$41.90++), Child (S$31.90++)

Shin Minori
88 East Coast Road
#02-08 Katong Square
Singapore 423371
Tel: +65 6386 7337
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

For the love of all things, breaded, fried and golden, few come close to the taste and textural satisfaction we get from Japanese tonkatsu. What’s to hate? It’s everything you could ever want on a plate from the crispiness of its breaded exterior to the moist, meaty flavour that hides within.

While East Coast Road may seem a tad far off for tonkatsu—given that you can easily find it everywhere nowadays—Katsuya is one tonkatsu-focused restaurant worth making a trip down for.

The restaurant—helmed by Chef Kervin who has several years of experience cooking Japanese cuisine and even a Japan-issued chef license to boot—ensures that everything is done properly. They do not use MSG and lard in their cooking and the sheer deliciousness of their food is solely dependant on the technique and freshness of each individual ingredient.

On their menu, diners can expect to find a wide range of katsu offerings spanning the classic pork katsu, beef katsu and even lamb katsu. Sashimi, sake and other small plates are also available for those looking for a quick snack and tipple after work.

As far as pork is concerned, having a good amount of fat almost always guarantees exceptional flavour, which is why we did not hesitate to opt for the Rosu (pork with fat) Tonkatsu (S$23++).

The layer of fat was moist, full of porky flavour and provided a somewhat buttery element to the dish. Having gotten the set, we were also treated to refillable cabbage and rice!

While there was nothing wrong with the Chicken Katsu Curry (S$23++), we felt that it lacked a certain flair to it. The chicken was succulent and deep-fried to golden perfection, however, the curry sauce—as flavourful as it was—seemed like any other Japanese curry sauce.

The dish was well balanced from the pickles and the shredded cabbage that do well to cut through the intense richness of the curry and is, without a doubt, a good option to consider if you ever find yourself craving Japanese curry—our only gripe was that it seemed a tad too ordinary considering its price point.

Katsuya
85 East Coast Road,
Singapore 428787
Tel: +65 6344 8183
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Harvest is the new kid on the block along East Coast Road, located right opposite i12 Katong. This homely salad and protein bowl bar features an extensive range of fresh ingredients of which you can pick to customise your very own healthy bowl.

Every portion of either the salad or protein bowl comes with one base, one sous vide-cooked protein, three sides, one topping and one dressing. Should you require something refreshing to wash down your food with or simply to cool you down, they also carry a pretty impressive variety of bottled cold-pressed juices.

What is impressive is that they adopt the French cooking technique of sous vide in cooking their proteins—a practice not commonly found in your average cafe. For all you health nuts living on the East side in need of a quick and healthy fix, Harvest is one spot that you should definitely pay a visit to.

Decked out in white walls, minimal decor and lots of plants and wooden furniture, this humble eatery gives off a rustic, almost tropical-like ambience.

The way things work here is pretty straightforward. Simply grab an order sheet and fill in your order that consists of one base, one sous vide-cooked protein, three sides, one topping and one dressing, and submit it at the counter.

What truly impressed us was their use of sous vide to cook their proteins which is not something you would typically expect to find in a cafe.

It takes the hassle and stress away from traditional cooking methods by utilising precise temperature control to deliver even and consistent cooking, ensuring that the final product is always cooked to the right doneness. After which, the dish is completed by either searing or in this case, flame torching for that extra hit of flavour.

Each bowl starts off at S$12 but you will have to top up for premium items such as steak, salmon or avocado.

Our first protein bowl came with Japanese brown rice as its base. For our choice of protein, we went for the dory fillet along with shaved parmesan, marinated cherry tomatoes and an onsen egg  (+S$1) as our sides. Finally, we topped it with bonito flakes and a garlic soy dressing.

The dory was soft and flavourful, and the brown rice was given an extra flavour boost thanks to the parmesan cheese and the runny yolk of the onsen egg. Separately, the ingredients may not have worked but the garlic soy dressing really did well to bring the entire dish together.

The second bowl we got started off with a bed of mixed baby spinach and rocket (+S$1) and a marinated chicken breast as our protein of choice. Our sides comprised broccoli, roasted pumpkin and shimeiji mushrooms which were beautifully topped with furikake and a sesame wafu dressing.

Despite being cooked sous vide, the chicken itself was rather dry. The other vegetable items were decent but special mention has to be made about the roasted pumpkin. Roasted till soft, the pumpkin was incredibly sweet and delicious.

Harvest
81 East Coast Rd,
Singapore 428785
Tel: +65 8715 1625
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/10/harvest-east-coast-singapore/feed/ 1 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/08/comida-mexicana-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/08/comida-mexicana-singapore/#comments Tue, 08 Aug 2017 11:11:36 +0000 Editorial http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=141442 Continue reading →]]>

Behold Comida Mexicana, a casual and convivial dining concept etched from long-standing Mexican restaurant brand, Margarita’s.

Having only made its debut a month ago, this new-kid-on-the-block is keen on showing off its spectacular lineup of Mexican fare from the classic Carne Asada, to less conventional items like their Cornflakes Crusted Fish Fillets with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce and Fried Corn.

Tthis is one place that is sure to charm with its authentic flavours and great vibes.

At Comida Mexicana, all dishes are created from scratch using only the freshest imported ingredients from Mexico and the USA, from its various sauces, salsa dips, right down to the marinades.

Photos credit: Comida Mexicana

The Enrollados (S$18) is a dish that should not be missed. Chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño and tomatoes are rolled in a wheat tortilla. It is then coated in an egg wash and fried till golden. Take each bite with the accompanying enchilada gravy for a thoroughly addictive starter.

Meat platters for sharing include the Carnitas (S$32), a Mexican pulled pork dish with tortilla, salsa rojas, salsa verde, and guacamole. This rendition features a shredded US pork collar seasoned with cinnamon and other aromatics, then slow-baked in an oven for two and a half hours.

Another must-try on the menu is the Cornflakes Crusted Fish Fillets with Roasted Tomatillo Sauce and Fried Corn (S$32). Crispy cereal-crusted baby snapper fillets are piled high atop a roasted tomatillo sauce with fried corn kernels that adds a smoky aroma.

If these items alone are enough to get you salivating, there is much more to be had. Head on down to Comida Mexicana today!

Comida Mexicana
404 East Coast Rd,
Singapore 428998
Tel: +65 6440 8030
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan

British Hainan is a quaint family-run restaurant tucked away along Carpmael Road in the estates of Joo Chiat. They serve a myriad of classic British dishes with a Hainanese twist, but the dishes to die for include their signature oxtail stew and their braised lamb shank.

The owner, Mr. Frederick Puah, considers himself an aficionado of antiques and all things vintage, so dining here will no doubt give you a feel of the good old days. Expect to find age-old vinyl records, old gramophones, and even a public pay phone.

Combining great food, old-school vibes, and exceptional service standards, British Hainan is a place that deserves a visit by generations old and new.

British Hainan exudes a homely feel with no regards whatsoever to organisation—antiques can be seen strewn all over the place. Nonetheless, this organised chaos is precisely why we find this humble establishment so charming.

They cater more to dinner crowds, and only open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays.

British Hainan’s Sambal Wings (S$8) arrived piping hot and they were well fried without being oily. The sambal sauce was incredibly fragrant and we liked that just the right amount of sambal sauce was used, ensuring that the chicken wings still retained its crispiness.

The Traditional Hainanese Oxtail Stew (S$27.90) is no doubt our favourite item on the menu—this is a stew that is hard to beat. The oxtail itself is melt-off-the-bone tender and the sauce is incredibly luscious without being too heavy, unlike many other stews we have tried.

An interesting point to note is that their stew base is sweetened using root vegetables and fruits such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots, not regular cane sugar. The restaurant also prides themselves with not using MSG in any of their dishes.

When the Hainanese Pork Chop (S$14.90) arrived, we were a little taken aback because it did not look like anything special—but how wrong we were. Upon taking the first bite, we were transported to textural and flavour heaven.

The pork chop was incredibly crunchy and the sauce that accompanied it was immensely flavourful. The sauce is sweetened the same way as their stews with no MSG.

British Hainan is undoubtedly one of our favourite restaurants in the East Coast neighbourhood for the very simple reason that it is a place brimming with great food and humble hosts who will do their utmost to ensure you feel at home every time.

British Hainan
75 Carpmael Road
Tel: +65 6336 8122
Sun to Thu: 6pm - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/07/british-hainan-singapore/feed/ 1 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/06/sinpopo-brand-new-menu/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/06/sinpopo-brand-new-menu/#comments Sat, 03 Jun 2017 02:15:09 +0000 ladyironchef http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=133358 Continue reading →]]>

The aesthetic appeal of Sinpopo Brand will first catch your eyes then lure you into the cafe. Then, it is the vintage-retro and laidback vibes that will charm you and entice you to take a seat.

With a menu of traditional local favourites with modern interpretations, Sinpopo Brand is an extremely charming retro café that sits amongst the many shophouses in Joo Chiat. It is one that never ceases to impress, both with its vibe and food.

Based on feedback from its regulars, Sinpopo Brand has introduced several new dishes and drinks which are more familiar with the locals. Now, let us discuss the dishes that are worth your calories and will make you want to visit the cafe.

OUR FAVOURITE KOPITIAM DRINKS SERVED IN THE FORM OF COCKTAILS

Fancy your morning glass of Teh-O Peng in a cocktail glass? Sinpopo Brand’s Special Teh-O Peng (S$5) doesn’t steer too far from what the classic “kopitiam drink” should taste like—sweet and dense in every sip. Sinpopo Brand has also added a subtle hint of pandan to give it a fragrant and stronger taste.

And when served in a cocktail glass? Yes, Instagram time.

If you enjoy grandma’s traditional brew of red dates and longan, you will come to love Sinpopo Brand’s Red Date & Longan Tea (S$5). Revitalising and packed with Vitamin C, this traditional speciality is served to you in a beautiful martini glas. Same same but different.

One word came to mind when our Gula Melaka Shake (S$8) was served to us: Chendol. The colour of the drink itself topped with chendol jelly and drizzled with Gula Melaka somehow screamed ‘local’s favourite’. We totally love the blend of sweet, fragrant gula melaka in coconut ice-cream.

We would expect the Gula Melaka Shake to be thicker in coconut flavour, but the Pandan Shake (S$8) came along with an even thicker coconut base. Just like a creamy pandan cake, the drink is rich in coconut and definitely a drink fit for all of you with a sweet tooth.

TWO NEW MAINS TO TRY

One of Sinpopo Brand’s tweaked recipes, Baked Cod with Dao Jio Crust (S$18), was originally termed ‘Baked Salmon’.

Now, instead of salmon, it is a thick slice of straight-from-the-oven cod sitting atop a bed of glass noodles. We were undeniably mesmerised by this gorgeous main dish that emerged from the kitchen.

The blend of glass noodles with the cod was well executed and the seasoning in the noodles gave the cod so much more flavour.

Curry Pai Kwuat (pork rib)—once a local favourite dish—is a delicacy you can hardly find in Singapore nowadays. Sinpopo Brand has brought back this famous Hainanese curry dish and tweaked it slightly to elevate it to the next level.

There is still the rich and robust curry that everyone is familiar with but what makes it better than the traditional dish is the use of premium pork ribs. Served with a side of steamed rice, egg and crispy potatoes which are first cooked in curry before being fried, the Curry Pai Kwuat (S$18) is one dish that you should not miss at Sinpopo Brand. Do note that it is available for a limited time only.

NEW BAKES WITH CALORIES WORTH GAINING

The Pandan Kaya Tart (S$7) is a soft and richly flavoured dessert that comes with a delectable crumbly crust. The curd is smooth and every bite screams nostalgia. You know, you really shouldn’t be too bothered about that new pair of skinny jeans you bought when you have something this good.

AND NOT FORGETTING SINPOPO BRAND’S SIGNATURE DISHES

The Nasi Lemak Set and Sliced Wagyu Horfan are some honourable mentions and you may want to try them if it is your first ever visit to Sinpopo Brand.

SINPOPO BRAND’S NASI LEMAK (FOR 2)

This is basically our local favourite with six side dishes. Steamed coconut rice is free flow and served with the house special har jeong kai wings (so damn good!), lam yu-marinated pork belly, luncheon meat crisps, rojak slaw and sambal fishballs.

At S$28 for this massive spread, your taste buds will be spoilt with an explosion of familiar flavours that will linger in your mouth (and mind) for a long, long time.

SINPOPO BRAND SLICED WAGYU HORFUN

Have you tried fried horfun? One of the cafe’s bestsellers is the Sliced Wagyu Horfun (S$18). It is tossed with tender wagyu slices, crispy garlic, sliced onions, spices and you can squeeze a little lime if you enjoy a bit of a sour finish.

Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Rd Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

Situated along East Coast Road, Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique is a delightful ice cream paradise that is highly popular on social media for its extremely photogenic interior and of course, its amazing ice cream.

A prominent face in the vibrant Katong food scene, you will find signature flavours of ice cream inspired by natural botanical elements in this humble parlour. 

Two flavours that got our attention were the Spiced Pear and Strawberry Basil. The former is a heavenly combination of William pears, cinnamon and star anise; the latter is a tarty melange of farmed and wild strawberries rounded off with the mellow tones of an organic basil infusion.

Apart from being extremely refreshing on the palate, the flavours of pear in the Spiced Pear were in perfect harmony with the acidity of the cinnamon and star anise. Likewise, the Strawberry Basil was incredibly light and had undertones of basil in its scent and taste.

At S$4.70 for a single scoop or S$7.70 for a double, this is a sweet deal for ice cream bursting with so much goodness and flavour. 

Other exciting flavours to look out for include the Pandan, Vanilla Fig Swirl, White Chrysanthemum, Lychee Raspberry, Mango Sorbet, Mint Cacao and Lemongrass Ginger.

Enjoy your ice cream in a cup or in their signature Thyme Cone with a top-up of S$1. The Thyme Cone is made from waffle batter with infusions of thyme and all cones are made in-house daily.

A charming ice cream parlour that offers interesting flavours in the East; we love this combination.

Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique
63 East Coast Road #01-05, Singapore 428776
Tel: +65 9678 6092
Sun, Tue to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

Shared-space cafes are all the rage right now and we are seeing east-side cafe Stamping Ground Coffee adopting this genius concept at its new location in the Siglap neighbourhood.

Located along Upper East Coast Road, Stamping Ground Coffee shares the same space with a florist—Dawn Q Floral Design. The end result was unexpected; two inherently different businesses co-existing harmoniously in a single venue.

Stamping Ground Coffee—formerly situated at Club Street—is characterised by its minimalistic décors; think white marble counters and rustic wooden chairs. You can choose to dine either indoors or outdoors.

There are a few car park lots located right outside the café and parking is absolutely free of charge. However, do note that the lots are very limited.

From local brand Papa Palheta’s Throwback Blend to Melbourne’s Rumble Coffee Roasters, each coffee run to Stamping Ground Coffee is never quite the same. Blends are on a rotational basis and you can look forward to a different roast from time to time.

Pick up a signature cold brew (between S$6 – S$8 nett) or enjoy a cappuccino (S$5 nett).

Stamping Ground Coffee’s all-day menu features 11 dishes and each dish costs no more than S$15 nett. Their Bacon Jam (S$14 nett) features a thick fluffy brioche topped with candied bacon, rocket leaves and balsamic dressing. Knife the soft toast and unveil a baked egg.

Those with a sweet tooth should order the Belgian Waffles (S$13 nett) instead. The waffle is served with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. Generous amounts of roasted soybean flour and corn flakes are sprinkled over it.

Stamping Ground Coffee
87 Upper East Coast Road
Singapore 455223
Tel: +65 9070 7610
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 9am to 6pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Over the years, East Coast Road has established itself as a dining destination with its sheer number of food and beverage tenants. Two-week-old Nyam Nyam Chicken & Beer is the newest addition to the bustling stretch and we reckon it makes a perfect dinner spot.

East side dwellers rejoice – you no longer have to travel all the way to Tanjong Pagar to satisfy your Korean food cravings.

We initially ordered the Tongdak Chicken, but the lady boss of Nyam Nyam Chicken & Beer politely rejected our order.

“It’s not good, order these instead,” she insisted. Wow, her honesty is seriously commendable!

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It turns out that the restaurant will be modifying its menu soon based on customers’ feedback. While nothing is set in stone yet, we are hoping that she will keep the Nyam Nyam Wings!

We got the Soy Nyam Nyam Wings (S$10+) which came in a portion of three drumlets and three wings. The succulent chicken wings – slathered in a thick and sweet marination – were deep-fried to perfection.

These sticky and juicy wings are then sprinkled with sesame seeds. Just in case you were wondering, we devoured them instantly. Talk about finger licking good!

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The Nyam Nyam Wings are also available in Original (S$8+) and Yangnyum (S$10+) flavours.

We were also recommended the Hot Spicy BBQ Chicken (half – S$18+, whole – S$32+). These chunky chicken were served atop a sizzling plate and boy, they were indeed hot and spicy! Those who have a low tolerance for spice should skip this.

Unfortunately, the flesh was a tad too dry and this dish certainly pales in comparison when compared to the mouthwatering Soy Nyam Nyam Wings.

Chicken & Beer aside, the Korean restaurant serves a comprehensive selection of Korean classics such as Kimchi Pancake (S$8+) and Budae Soup (S$25+). We highly recommend the pancakes; they are crisp on the outside and delightfully starchy inside.

Nyam Nyam Chicken & Beer
214 East Coast Road
Singapore 428913
Tel: +65 6344 1224
Daily: 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Scoop Therapy is a dessert-only spinoff of Group Therapy, serving mainly ice cream and ice cream-centric desserts. The small space sits in the East of Singapore, and you might already have seen photos of their Instagram-worthy desserts on your social media feeds.

We were pretty tempted by pictures of their sultry S’mores and Ice Cream Bomb floating around social media, so we made a trip down to find out what the hype is all about.

So, was the trip worth it?

The little dessert cafe is located on the first floor of The Odeon Katong, complete with full glass walls and a relatively intimate interior. There are some outdoor seating too, albeit limited.

They have their ice cream selections on display but unfortunately, the only drinks were lemonade and hot chocolate only.

Nevertheless, that did not stop us from wanting to try the two photogenic desserts that we came here for. The ice cream flavours are fixed for both desserts, with chocolate inside the S’mores and Earl Grey for the Ice Cream Bomb.

Mimicking the world-famous Frozen S’mores from Dominique Ansel Bakery, the S’mores (S$6.50) here is slightly different with a Dark Chocolate Ice Cream center and a cracker crumb core on the stick. There was some sort of crushed nuts layer separating the frozen ice cream from the outer layer of torched s’mores.

Well, the S’mores was actually decent and the ice cream stayed pretty frozen despite the torched outer layer. However, it did not come close to the real deal at Dominique Ansel Bakery; no, it did not wow us.

The Ice Cream Bomb (S$6.50) features two layers of choux puff sandwiching a generous scoop of Earl Grey Ice Cream. It is topped with fudge and supposedly popcorn (as said on the menu).

However, ours was topped with honeycomb instead and we were actually happy that it was done this way, as the sweet honeycomb paired really well with the fragrance of the tea-based ice cream.

Both desserts are great individual sizes and if you ever find yourself having dinner in the Katong vicinity, you can always pop by for some decent desserts here right after.

Scoop Therapy
11 East Coast Road
The Odeon Katong
Singapore 428722
Tel: +65 6247 9335
Tue to Thu: 2pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Dakota

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Tucked in the Katong neighbourhood at the East Side of Singapore, Sinpopo Brand is one of our favourite places to visit for a casual and comforting meal of local delights. If you do not prefer to squeeze with the massive crowds in Central Singapore this festive season, a great alternative is to dine here.

This Christmas, Sinpopo Brand will be offering a Gula Melaka Log Cake (S$38). Besides the affordable price tag and vintage vibes, here is what we love about it!

Being an option that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can have a smaller and more intimate dinner with your loved one here at Sinpopo Brand.

Ambience aside, their amazing selection of food such as their popular Nasi Lemak Set for 2 (S$25) is also extremely value for money, and you can end your meal off with desserts that are made with local influences and flavours (we absolutely love).

The Gula Melaka Log Cake is made with premium gula melaka, rolled in a delicious moist cake with soft light gula melaka cream, topped off with homemade sesame dentelles. The intense taste of gula melaka is very distinct and it worked well with the moist cake and light cream to balance out the flavours.

At only S$38, Sinpopo Brand’s Gula Melaka Log Cake is super reasonably-priced. You really get your money’s worth with this decadent cake! It is one of a kind, unpredictable of a log cake, and gula melaka is something that Singaporeans can love and resonate with. Even the most traditional folks will enjoy log cakes this Christmas with Sinpopo Brand’s version!

To order, email festive@sinpopo.com or call Sinpopo Brand at +65 6345 5034. You can also walk in to place your order. All orders are to be made at least four days in advance. Self-collection is advised. However, if you prefer to have it delivered, home delivery option is also available for orders of 5 cakes and above.

Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

Stepping into Ninethirty by awfullychocolate in East Coast Road is like visiting a long lost friend at his/her home. An immediate sense of comfort welcomes you, and your senses will be drawn to the aromatic smells wafting from the kitchen.

Ninethirty also doubles up as the flagship Awfully Chocolate store, and it is the only concept of its kind in Singapore.

It is a casual bistro that is suitable for a night out with a group of friends, or a date with your partner. It is nothing too fancy, just a simple and unpretentious space that serves a reasonably-priced menu of comforting Western food with Asian touches, chocolate cocktails as well as the most amazing chocolate desserts.

ONE EGG SOUP

This should be no stranger to those who frequent Everything With Fries at Holland Village, as it was one of the most popular starters there. The One Egg Soup (S$11) is a comforting bowl of soup that is, well you guessed it, prepared with one egg. Topped with a delicious egg white soufflé, it is so simple a dish, but so so good.

Flavourful when served warm, with the addition of truffle oil, the One Egg Soup is what we’d like to think of as unadulterated joy. The warmth and taste of this soup really reflects humble comfort food, elevated with the use of truffle oil.

BRAISED BEEF KARUBI

The Braised Beef Karubi (S$23) was extremely tender and well seasoned. And even though the beef was the star of the show, we couldn’t stop munching on the roasted garlic fries served on the side. This rustic dish is certainly calling out to all you beef lovers out there!

CHARGRILLED PORK CHOP

Look at that glistening beauty! We were blown away just looking at Ninethirty’s stunning Chargrilled Pork Chop (S$21). You see, pork chops can easily be overcooked, but thankfully, when we cut through our piece, the meat inside was still moist and tender.

The browned butter and garlic sauce, generally drizzled on top with more on the side, was what sealed it for us. Oh, we sure enjoyed the caramelised onion relish on the side too. And yes, more fries, please!

LAKSA TAGLIATELLE

With the famous Katong Laksa stalls in the vicinity, we were close to writing this out. We can be skeptical at times, but we were speechless when we sunk our teeth into the al dente tagliatelle with the laksa sauce. Damn, the Laksa Tagliatelle (S$20) is the perfect marriage of European and Asian styles and flavours, and boy was it amazing!

The mussels were fresh and generously offered with the pasta. The addition of crisp okra really delighted us as it added a nice bite when eaten all together. Now, we should have known better than to be too quick to judge and write things off. This Laksa Tagliatelle, you have to try.

MAC & CHEESE

We can’t be the only ones who get all excited when we see Mac & Cheese on the menu, yes?

This Mac & Cheese (S$18) here at Ninethirty sure had us jumping in joy; we are not even kidding. Rigatoni pasta is used for a more substantial texture, and the chunky pasta does its job in absorbing the cheeses. You would want to eat this warm to enjoy its best flavours.

MUSSELS & FRIES

Yup, you heard us right. Mussels & Fries (S$20) are a thing and they are here to stay. But this is not your usual Western mussels, guys. The distinct taste of lemongrass and spices used for the mussel broth had us reminded of Thai green curry. Comforting like that.

We were delighted to find a generous serving of mussels used and also a mountain of fries on the side. And you know what is the best way to enjoy the fries? Dunk them into the mussel broth, guys!

PINK SALMON

Nothing screams comfort food like a tomato-based spaghetti dish. The Pink Salmon (S$20) is a sophisticated take on the traditional Bolognese. The seared salmon perched on top of the pasta features a massive portion cooked to perfection – still slightly dark pink on the side and extremely moist on the inside.

The tomato-based spaghetti really felt like something an Italian grandmother would dish out – rustic, hearty and oh-so-addictive. It is something that we wouldn’t mind coming back again for more and more. Some things stay gold like that.

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST

This dish is so delicious, we wish it wasn’t only served on weekends and public holidays (from 10am to 10pm). A creamy peanut butter spread (yes!!!) is slathered generously in between in-house baked brioche toast. The bun itself is soft on the inside and lightly toasted outside.

Look out for the almond streusel tossed all around for the crisp texture really complimented the intense flavours well. It is official – we are addicted to Ninethirty’s Brioche French Toast (S$16).

MARTINIS & DRINKS

If you are a huge fan of awfullychocolate’s decadent Rum & Cherry whole cake, you will be happy to know that they now have a Chocolate Rum & Cherry (S$8) drink that is out to satisfy you just as much. Can’t finish the whole cake yourself? No biggie because this drink is a great alternative to curb your cravings.

And yes to local spin on milkshakes. The Gula Melaka Jackfruit Shake (S$8) is a sweet milk shake with rich gula melaka notes. You can taste the perfect weave of coconut ice cream, jackfruit, gula melaka and coconut milk altogether in one unassuming cup. Extremely refreshing!

Now, if you can’t decide between having a cocktail or a dessert, the Dark Chocolate Martini (S$15) is a perfect after-dinner drink. Have the best of both worlds this way, we say! Rich chocolatey goodness and alcohol sounds like a match made in heaven.

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE SIGNATURE DESSERTS

Any meal at Ninethirty wouldn’t be complete without a single scoop of the iconic Hei Ice Cream, traditionally served in an adorable takeaway box. However, here at Ninethirty, you can have it on a tall metal glass when you dine in. Rich and extremely concentrated in chocolate flavours, we dare say you can’t find a decent dupe of this ice cream anywhere else.

Apart from Hei ice cream, don’t forget to try the cake that started it all – the Awfully Chocolate All Chocolate Cake (6” at $34). Also available in 2 other flavours – Chocolate Banana Cake ($36) and Chocolate Rum & Cherry Cake ($38).

Ninethirty by awfullychocolate
131 East Coast Rd
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Ninethirty by awfullychocolate.

The Katong district used to be home to countless of prestigious residential estates up to the mid 20th century. It was later taken over by the government and rebuilt to what we see today – donned with Peranakan-inspired shophouses, and in them lies many hidden gems and secrets. The famed Katong Laksa is located in the vicinity too.

And in the recent years, the number of cafes we can find at Tanjong Katong or Joo Chat is increasing. It is undoubtedly a prime spot in the eyes of cafe owners, and we can see new themed establishments emerging in the area. We are often jealous of the dining choices that residents living there can get; well, it is almost impossible to run out of food options if you live in that district. But anything for food; we are always dining out at Tanjong Katong and Joo Chiat!

For those who need some help, here is a Guide To The 13 Cafes In Tanjong Katong And Joo Chiat. It might take some time to conquer them all, but it will be fun.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in the East of Singapore.

#1 AVENUE CAFE

Opened by a group of interior designers, Avenue Cafe at Joo Chiat Road grants you a chance to experiment with some of their furnitures sold in the cafe, with in-store consultants stationed to attend to your queries. The cafe specialises in hot dogs. With five flavours for you to choose from, they are inspirations from five countries – China, Singapore, Germany, Korea and Mexico.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

454 / 456 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427667
Tel: +65 6779 7153
Thu to Sun: 10am – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Dakota

#2 BAKER’S WELL

This bakery cafe churns out humble homemade goods, packed with love and precision down to the very last ingredient. Fulfil your breakfast needs with some of their bakes; their muffins are made with no butter and less sugar!

35 East Coast Road
Singapore 428754
Tel: +65 6348 6864
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#3 CARVERS & CO

Located in the heartlands, Carvers & Co gets you enjoying their hearty roasted meats. The interior boasts a cosy setting, well-loved by many heartlanders who visit the cafe for its simplicity and comfort. They have various menu choices available on weekdays and weekends, so expect to be spoilt for choice.

43 East Coast Road
Singapore 473500
Tel: +65 6348 0448
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#4 DO MAIN BAKERY

This French Bakery cafe believes in adopting the most authentic hand-pressed techniques to produce their bread and pastries, using ingredients of the best quality. Choose from an abundance of items from their menu, such as their all-day breakfasts, mains to some of the freshest baked goods.

226 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437015
Tel: +65 6348 1406
Tue to Thu, Sun: 8am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 8am – 10:30pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#5 GROUP THERAPY CAFE

Group Therapy Cafe brings about another quiet enclave for some me-time. Sitting in the compounds of Katong V, there are all-day breakfast options, as well as signature pies. Try the Chilli Crab Pie (S$11) for a change from the ubiquitous brunch foods. Sometimes, all we need is a good meal away from the hustle and bustle, yes?

Katong V
30 East Coast Road, #01-11
Singapore 428751
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#6 GOBI DESSERT

If you are a big fan of Soufflés, it is time to visit Gobi Desserts. Be set to go on a gastronomical journey with their lovingly-made bite sized desserts which would only leave you yearning for mores. The cafe is also very pretty, yes?

350 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427598
Tel: +65 6345 2127
Mon to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

#7 HOLQA CAFE

Holqa Cafe strives to bring people together and to encourage people to cherish their time with one another – their clause evidently seen with the clocks, cameras and photo frames decked out in the cafe. It is not the most spacious, nor does it have the most striking decor, but it does captivate the patron’s hearts with their selection of locally-infused Western dishes.

37 East Coast Road
Singapore 428755
Tel: +65 6635 7010
Mon to Tue: 12pm – 9pm
Thu to Fri: 12pm – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 9pm
Closed on Wed
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#8 LITTLE ICE CREAM KAFE

At Little Ice Cream Kafe, fondly known as LICK, you can find premium homemade ice cream flavours catered to the vast crowd. There are more than 30 flavours for you to choose from! Add on a waffle if you need something more substantial. Ice cream for supper? Yes please!

258 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437046
Tel: +65 6440 8526
Mon to Thu: 1pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 11am – 12am
Sun: 1pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#9 STRICTLY PASTRY

Another cafe at Joo Chiat, Strictly Pastry is not only strictly about pastries. From meringues, cakes, tarts and pastries, pamper your sensory glands with baked goodies fresh from the ovens, painstakingly made with love and a truckload of dedication.

267 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427521
Tel: +65 6348 8837
Mon, Wed: 3pm – 9pm
Thu to Fri: 1pm – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
Nearest Station: Dakota

#10 SINPOPO BRAND

By the people behind Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brand transports you back in time with their retro vibes that are bound to invoke nostalgia, not forgetting rustic furnitures and oldies music playing in the background. The menu is locally inspired, and some of the notable finds include the Babi Toast (S$7), house special Nasi Lemak for Two (S$25), and Orange Kaya Pisang Creme Brûlée (S$7).

458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Dakota

#11 THE LANEWAY MARKET

Another pretty place in Tanjong Katong Road is The Laneway Market, whose menu is inspired by various cuisines all around the world. This welcoming cafe is nothing but a delight for us to spend our afternoons in, and the portions of the food are really generous. And, it is probably one of the most photogenic cafes in the area.

266 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437053
Tel: +65 6719 8832
Tue: 4pm – 930pm
Wed to Fri: 11am – 9:30pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 9:30pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#12 TOOTHSOME CAFE

Toothsome Cafe steps out of the norm and offers a different take on cafe food that is closer to home, on top of a plethora of cake selections. The spacious cafe first opened its doors this year, and there is faux lawn at their shopfront for some photo-taking too!

368 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437125
Tel: +65 9823 5048
Mon to Tue, Thu: 9am – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Closed on Wed
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

#13 WITH A PINCH OF SALT

Located opposite Punggol Nasi Lemak, this bright and jolly cafe is quite a crowd pleaser with its colours and happy vibes. With A Pinch Of Salt dishes out quite an extensive menu of Western and Italian mains, and nothing is overly expensive here.

297 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437080
Tel: +65 6348 2297
Tue to Sun: 11am – 11pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Run by the folks behind Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brand is a nostalgic café along Joo Chiat Road and it encompasses everything a good cafe should be – welcoming and cosy, comforting local food with a twist, and exceptionally interesting desserts and drinks. And what Sinpopo impressed us with the most is the attention to details and all its subtle nostalgic touches – evident from the interior and dishes.

Stepping into Sinpopo, their love for all things retro is evident from the design, and it will surely invoke a sense of nostalgia. We were particularly drawn to the menu design too! You will see why when it is your turn to dine there.

Of special name-cards and customised menus modelled after old school attendance books, an old television, songs from the 80′s and 90′s, vintage chairs and tiles, and a kitchen that whets your appetite with comfort fare that we grew up loving, here are some of the things we love so much about Sinpopo Brand.

GREAT APPETIZERS

If you must have your salads, a great choice would be the Frisée Salad with Crispy Muah Chee (S$10). Unlike your usual salads of just greens, Sinpopo has added homemade crispy battered muah chee into a mix for a more badass touch (oops). Well, this can also be thought of as a great choice for vegetarians.

The Crab Wantons (S$8) were filled evenly with creamy crabmeat and served with a side of house dip, reminiscent of our local chilli crab sauce.

For pork lovers, a must-try is the Babi Toast (S$7) which comes with the Thai-style green chilli dip. It will make you forget about staying skinny temporarily.

MAIN COURSES WITH LOCAL TOUCHES

Although Sinpopo offers mains such as Baked Salmon and Char-grilled Pork Chop, they never fail to jazz the dish up with a local element. But when at Sinpopo, we would like to think that the local-style mains should still be in the limelight. We could not sing enough praises of the Bakwan Kepiting (S$16) and Sinpopo Beef Shortrib Horfun (S$16) – comfort food at its finest.

The former is a warm bowl of tasty clear soup broth that comes with three very large meatballs (talk about generous!) and flat rice noodles. A nice little extra gem that comes along with this bowl is an onsen egg, and a side of classic red cut chillies, of course.

The meatballs are springy and packed with pork, crab meat and bamboo shoots. It sounds oddly plain, but having a bowl of the Bakwan Kepiting gives us almost as much gratification as eating Grandma’s cooking.

The Sinpopo Beef Shortrib Horfun is one of their signature dishes and we loved how the execution of this dish is one of a kind. The horfun is first prepared to a crisp texture, before being soaked in a rich and slightly salty beefy broth.

The bowl is topped off with fork-tender short ribs that have been braised for hours, and some fresh cut red chilli, onions and lime.

NASI LEMAK SET FOR 2

If you are visiting Sinpopo with the love of your life, you have to try the house special Nasi Lemak for Two (S$25). Because sharing is caring, and what better way to spend quality time together than enjoying some great local food, right?

For S$25, you get more than your money’s worth with a big variety of ingredients for your nasi. The coconut rice is fragrant and comes with a side of halved onsen egg and caramelised onions; and the rice is free-flow so you can eat to your heart’s content!

The accompanying dishes are, behold – Prawn Paste Chicken (WE LOVE THIS SO DAMN MUCH), Crispy Pork Belly, Ma Ling luncheon chips (a hot seller here and available as an appetizer itself), Rojak Slaw, Sambal Fish Balls, Roasted Potatoes & Curry and Sambal Chilli. So good, you are even encouraged to take a bottle of Sinpopo’s Sambal Chilli home!

DESSERTS WITH A LOCAL TOUCH

Desserts are Sinpopo’s specialty and some of the creations are inspired by their sister company, Awfully Chocolate. All of the sweet treats here at Sinpopo bear very distinct local elements, and there has never been another time when we are so fond of modern desserts with a local twist.

Gula Melaka is a special taste and not many can master the art of preparing it to the right consistency and sweetness. Thankfully, Sinpopo has aced the preparation of Gula Melaka, producing at least 3 different desserts featuring this delightful ingredient.

We leave it to you to decide which to order, but let’s just say the Gula Melaka sells like hotcakes.

Fans of Awfully Chocolate may find the presentation of this cake familiar as the style of layering is similar to the ever-popular Super Stacked Cake from Awfully Chocolate. If you are worried that the Gula Melaka Cake (S$7) might be overwhelmingly sweet, you will be happy to know that this cake sports just the right amount of gula melaka and is fragrant as it can be.

Yes, more gula melaka because we simply cannot get enough of it! Crunchy doughnuts are slathered with gula melaka with a side of kopi affogato. Sinpopo’s Doughtnuts & Gula (S$8) might look like a novelty but it is assuredly enjoyable. If we may, this will get many likes on Instagram.

Where do we even begin? The Orange Kaya Pisang Crème Brûlée (S$7) sounds more than complicated, but it is really a simple twist of the usual rich custard dessert. Using orange kaya as the base flavour, Sinpopo’s take on the classic French dessert comes with a pleasant Singapore twist, and the top note of pisang (banana) married the orange kaya really well.

The Durian Pengat (S$9) is served all year round and you need not wait till it is the durian season to enjoy this dessert! We were stoked when we were first presented this dessert, because the amount of durian used is pretty generous. It is topped off with a refreshing scoop of coconut ice cream and some crisp browned butter croutons.

The Chilled Pandan Soufflé (S$9) was such a stunner and all of us couldn’t contain our excitement. Pandan is infused into the chilled cottony soufflé and served with almond streusel and a sesame dentelle. As the soufflé is chilled, you have to eat it quickly before it “melts”.

Quote ‘Ladyironchef” or flash this post on your mobile for a complimentary Sng Muay Pop (u.p. $5) with every Gorgeous Mains purchased. This promotion is valid until 31 August 2015.

For the latest updates, go to www.sinpopo.com and like them on Facebook and Instagram.

Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

No lack of dining options if you are at the Katong neighbourhood, and there are always new diners and cafes spouting out. But Carvers & Co got our attention for their concise and highly-raved menu. It does not have a fancy decor to boast of, but it seems they are a comfort for many residents.

They’ve got different menus for weekdays and weekends, and even lunch and dinners differ. The deals on weekends are surely more enticing, and you can expect dishes like Truffle Eggs on Toast (S$15) and Earl Grey French Toast (S$16).

During weekday lunch, they do pretty awesome sandwiches. We had the Miso Butter Veggie Sandwich (S$12), and while it tasted fantastic, we would opt for the Steak Sandwich (S$13) anytime. For just S$1 more, you have a glorious serving of brisket cuts, sweet onions and melted mozzarella cocooned in toasted buttery brioche.

If you need your protein fix, there is also a Roasted Chicken (S$14) option that comes with hash and green beans, or Fish & Chippies (S$14).

Dinner is a lot pricier. You have the Carvers Plate (S$35 for one, S$70 for two) that features a trio of roast meats with potatoes, caramelised onions and garlic confit. Game for some steaks? Carvers & Co. has got that covered. Splurge on the Bone-in Prime Rib that is subjected to availability and cuts, and priced at S$100 per kilogram.

Try it for yourself to understand why the simple affair at Carvers & Co. is well-loved. They brew decent cuppa, too!

Carvers & Co
43 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6348 0448
Mon to Fri (Closed on Tue): 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Paya Lebar

With a tongue-in-cheek name like Rabbit Carrot Gun, it is hard not to do a double take when we passed this watering hole along East Coast Road. Like its name suggests, Rabbit Carrot Gun does not take things too seriously. The menu is full of quirky dishes that fortunately turned out fairly well.

The casserole of Mushrooms ($14.90), described on the menu as crème fraiche on toasted brioche, poached egg & balsamic is a delicious, creamy concoction of fragrant, earthy mushrooms slowly simmered in a delicate cream sauce. The golden yolk stirred into the dish gave this a luxurious touch.

If we can overlook the amount of oil that went into making the warm caramelized onion tartlet ($13), we would have appreciated this dish a lot more. The candy-sweet onions came in a generous portion atop a flaky tart, and then topped with a dollop of strikingly pink of beetroot pesto that enlivened the dish.

We could not resist the sound of a Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble ($11.50), but it was unfortunate that this temptation resulted in the meal ending on a sour note, literally. We cringed on the first bite, and did not like that it left an odd aftertaste. The slipshod preparation of this dish was a far cry from their savoury dishes. The ice cream which came specked with vanilla beans, appeared promising, but reeked of mediocrity.

We love the chill-out vibe and the enthusiastic service of this little gem of a café. A downside of this place is the lack of air-conditioning, which can be frustrating for the heat-intolerant. But the expatriates living in the area seem to be enjoying this new addition, for they throng the place in bermudas in the evenings and on weekends for brunch.

And you’re probably as curious as we were about the name. Apparently the idea comes from the game scissors-paper-stone. So next time instead of playing scissors-paper-stone, why not try rabbit-carrot-gun instead?

Rabbit Carrot Gun
49 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Tue to Sun: 8am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Eunos
Words and photographs by Sarah Lim