Hidden away at the rustic and relatively unexplored Portsdown road is Wessex Tavern, a quaint English-style cafe that serves delicious Western food and is a great place to head to for brunch.

This place was set up by none other than the younger generation of the Colbar family, so you know that they will only serve you the very best of hearty grub.

They have both alfresco and air-conditioned dining, so you can take your pick depending on how the weather is like. The cafe’s interior is nice and spacious, and the whole place is decorated in a very rustic manner, making you feel like you’re being taken back in time to an old-fashioned cafe.

In terms of food and beverages, they serve lots of great breakfast, brunch and lunch options such as Bangers & Mash (S$14), Big Breakfast (S$15.80), Tavern Pan-Fried Salmon (S$15.80), Homemade Shepherd’s Pie (S$8) and Homemade Beef Stew (S$13.80).

We decided to try their Avacado Sandwich which was served on multigrain bread with romaine, rocket, tomatoes, and alfalfa (S$8.90). The bread was a bit too hard for our liking, but that was just due to the nature of multigrain bread, so if you enjoy multigrain bread this would be perfect for you.

The bread was stuffed from edge to edge with vegetables and generous chunks of avocado, so much so that we had a hard time holding it even with both our hands. All in all, we feel that it was really worth the money even though it sounds very expensive.

Wessex Tavern really is a hidden gem that is worth exploring if you’re ever in the area. We recommend that you come here if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hectic city life.

Wessex Tavern
5B Portsdown Road #01-1
Singapore 139311
Tel: +65 64757019
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

Thanks to the downtown line, it is easier for us to explore other parts of Singapore in search of hidden food gems. And when it comes to hidden gems in Singapore, who can deny that Beauty World is amongst the top of most foodies’ lists? A secret food haven brimming with cosy cafes and eateries that serve tasty, affordable nosh, this enclave has it all.

We have here a list of great places that sell mouth-watering food. These places are located 5 minutes away from the MRT, so all you need to do is hop on the train, get off at Beauty World and then walk there!

Photo Credit: Buta Kin

BUTA KIN RAMEN 

Never would you expect to find good quality ramen in Singapore for under S$10. However, Buta Kin has managed to do just that. They sell restaurant-quality ramen in generous portions for S$6.90 a bowl, and we love how they are not stingy with their ingredients. Each bowl comes filled to the brim with thick slices of chashu, black fungus, nori, and a soft boiled egg.

144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-28
Singapore 588177
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30am
(Closed on Mondays)

CARPENTER & COOK

This is probably the most popular at Lorong Kilat that is both a vintage home store and cafe, with some of the prettiest cakes. This is the ideal spot to rest and relax with a nice warm cup of coffee and a book.

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.

19 Lorong Kilat, #01-06,
Singapore 598120
Tel: +65 6463 3648
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

G7 SIN MA CLAYPOT LIVE FROG 

To some, the idea of eating frog porridge may sound a bit squeamish. However, don’t dismiss it too quickly because frog porridge is actually really delicious! If you’re a first timer looking for a good place to try frog porridge, this would be a great place to try. The frog here is very sweet and tender, and tastes just like chicken — if not better!

5 Cheong Chin Nam Road
Tel: +65 64677317
Singapore 599730
Daily: 12pm – 3am

Photo Credit: Eatalltheyumz

HE ZHONG CARROT CAKE 

Tucked away in Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre is He Zhong Carrot Cake, which hands down sells some of the best white carrot cake in Singapore. For just S$2.50, you get an incredibly generous portion of chunky, springy and fragrant carrot cake that is great to chow down by yourself or to share around. For an extra kick, you can dip it in their tangy homemade chili sauce.

Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre
#02-185, Upper Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 588215
Thu to Tue: 6am – 8.30pm
Wed: 6am – 1am

Photo Credit: Jew Kit

JEW KIT CHICKEN RICE 

This place sells some really great chicken rice, and is a great place to go to when the chicken rice cravings hit you hard. The chicken served here is incredibly tender and silky, and it goes really well with their fragrant rice. Order a whole chicken to share around if you’re planning on going in a big group!

Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #B1-16/17/18
Tel: +65 64632637
Daily: 10am – 9pm

Photo Credit: Limpehtakemeto

JOO SENG TEOCHEW PORRIDGE AND RICE 

Joo Seng Teochew Porridge is one of our go-to places when we need to have our Teochew porridge fix. They have a plethora of ingredients to choose from, and it’s all very affordably priced. This place is great for a gathering with family and friends as you can order and try more dishes to share around.

14 Cheong Chin Nam Road
Singapore 599738
Tel: +65 64630768
Daily: 10am – 4am

KINDRED FOLK 

Tucked away in the new KAP Residence Mall is Kindred Folk, a charming double-storey ice cream cafe that serves a decent selection of unique homemade ice creams such as Roasted Rice Milk Tea and Wasabi. Besides ice cream, they also sell mains such as pasta and chicken drums.

9 King Albert Park
#01-09, King Albert Park Shopping Mall
Singapore 598332
Tel: +65 69283043
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

Photo Credit: Remintheeatingplace

PROSPERITY SEAFOOD WHITE BEE HOON 

Seafood White Bee Hoon is becoming a popular food item for a lot of Singaporeans these days, and it’s not hard to understand why. There is something incredibly satisfying about a steaming plate of white bee hoon that’s accompanied by a copious amount of seafood. Prosperity Seafood Bee Hoon does this job well and sells must-try white seafood bee hoon.

Bukit Timah Hawker Centre
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-182
Singapore 588215

Photo Credit: Jessalynnnhoe

SIN CHEW SATAY BEE HOON 

Satay Bee Hoon is one of the less raved about dishes here in Singapore, and we feel like it deserves more attention because it’s so sinfully good! Sin Chew does a good job of making a plate of satay bee hoon, and its hard to resist their plate of rice vermicelli smothered in a copious amount of sweet and savoury satay sauce.

Bukit Timah Market and Food Centre
51 Upper Bukit Timah Road #02-162
Singapore 588215
Wed and Thu: 5pm – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday)

Photo Credit: Kianzoid

XIE KEE HOKKIEN MEE  

Xie Kee Hokkien Mee is hands down one of the best Hokkien mees we have ever tried in Singapore, and its never-ending long snaking queues can attest to that! What makes them special is that they use flat noodles instead of the usual yellow noodles. The noodles soak up the gravy really well and have that satisfying touch of wok hei to it.

51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-174
Singapore 588215
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm

Photo Credit: Platgal 

ZHONG ZHONG FINE SPICE  

If you’re looking for a stall that specialises in ngoh hiang, this is the place to be at. They have a decent variety of ingredients here such as crispy prawn fritters, you tiao, yau kwa, whole stuffed squid and pink sausages. We love dunking it in the pink sweet sauce for a sweet touch!

51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-149
Singapore 588172

Photo Credit: The.coolbean

ZHOU PIN PORRIDGE  

We feel that Zhou Pin porridge does not get as much credit as it deserves. This humble stall sells a wide range of porridges that are great for a rainy day or if you’re looking for some comfort food. Each bowl comes with a long, crunchy stick of you tiao, and the owners are very generous with their servings of porridge. 

51 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #02-149
Singapore 588172

Read: Beauty World Food Centre Guide – 8 hawker gems to try

Our favourite Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is back at it again. They have opened a second cafe—Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition—in Clementi just behind NUS.

The new outlet is nothing short of amazing. Just like their previous branch, they stick to the core of incorporating fruits into their menu as much as possible, being kid-friendly, and serving up absolutely delicious food at even more reasonable prices than before.

We already know what’s great at their first branch, so what is it about The Z Edition that makes it fantastic? A bouncy castle for kids during the weekends! And on top of that, there are some tweaks to the menu and here is everything we love.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

Calling all mommies: this is also the next brunch spot you must bring your kids to for a jolly good time!

BANGING APPETISERS

Just like before, FFL serves their signature cold-pressed juices in a small test tube for you to sample, and in an adorable beaker should you order the full-size ones (averagely S$5 per glass).

We ordered the Spam Fries (S$8) as well as the Golden Brown Chicken Wings (S$8)—both served with homemade sweet chilli sauce.

The chicken wings had a lovely crispy skin that readily soaked up sweet garlic taste of the chilli. It was well seasoned down to the bone, and juicy without being oily. The light batter coating the spam fries also had an interesting texture to it, that provided a pleasant contrast between it and the soft spam inside. Despite being deep fried, it wasn’t greasy at all.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY MAINS

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. The Classic British Fish and Chips (S$12) is our all-time favourite main at FFL.

As plain and boring as it sounds, the portion size is massive, and the fish remains firm, flaky and delicately soft, encrusted by a thin layer of white ale batter. Their homemade tartar sauce boasts a slight spice to it that made the whole dish even more enjoyable. As if the generous serving is not filling enough, it comes with a side of fruit salad and truffle fries.

Another main to try is the FFL Baked Rice (S$9). The rice is cooked in buttermilk before being baked with a layer of mozzarella cheese, and it is pleasantly cheesy without being cloying or heavy. With bacon, chicken ham and mushrooms in it, kids are bound to love this dish of baked rice for sure!

The Grilled Pork Loin (S$15) is also a chef’s recommendation. Tender, thick and juicy, each morsel was a delight in itself to eat.

Served with mashed potatoes, eggplant pesto and green zucchini, the flavours intermingled with one another to highlight and emphasize the natural sweetness of the meat. It also comes along with pesto mayo sauce and apple chutney that helped to change up the flavour profile as we ate it.

Cafes are usually not known for their steaks, but FFL’s Angus Rib Eye (S$22) is definitely worth its price. It is a genuine 250gm of Angus ribeye that’s tender and soft, with the perfect amount of chew before easily sliding down your throat.

We loved how with every chew it released more of that beef flavour we all know and love, which melded well with their brown sauce that was slightly sweeter than the typical chargrill or mushroom sauce.

We also enjoyed their Cajun Chicken (S$10), which is really a simple yet comforting roasted cajun chicken served with grilled vegetables, sweet corn and mashed potatoes.

BITE-SIZED FUN FOR THE KIDS

Just like their first branch, FFL aims to cater to the entire family. Treat your kids to deliciously adorable meals such as FFL’s Teddy The Daddy (S$8), Little Miss Koala (S$8) or Chicken Little (S$10).

Their kids’ menu is prepared with less salt, without compromising on any of the other flavours for the children to enjoy. That is, if they’re willing to cut into something so cute.

From now until 30 Nov 2018, kids below 8 dine for free during weekends at Fresh Fruits Lab Z when you quote ‘ladyironchef’. Every order of a main course comes with a complimentary kid’s main (from the kids’ menu).

They also offer cake decorating to allow your kids to have a hand at crafting their own desserts. Choose from a range of their signature and have your children’s creativity flow from the tip of their chocolate pens.

For those kids that just can’t sit still, there’s a bouncy castle out in their backyard—set up at Fresh Fruits Lab Z on weekends. Boy, won’t the kids get so excited about this!

Your kids will absolutely love the bouncy castle where they can bounce and run back and forth. Fresh Fruits Lab Z Edition is the perfect place for parents to kick back and relax with good food while their children entertain themselves.

During lunch hours from 12pm to 3pm (except on public holidays), FFL offers a set menu consisting of a drink, salad and main for only S$10.90++.

For the alcoholics, you’d also be glad to know they have daily beer promotions. The most bang for the buck ones being Wednesdays for students, with beer towers at only S$39 (U.p. S$49–53), and Fridays with two towers going for S$89! Worth it!

Fresh Fruits Lab – The Z Edition
28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tues to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

This post was brought to you by Fresh Fruits Lab.

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted that it’s a little out of the way, especially for those who do not drive, it is still a charming spot that’s worth the trip. It is a retreat from civilisation and it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the old days.

This rustic hideout is furnished with retro interiors like Formica tabletops and old photographs, which bring an air of nostalgia that sets you back in time. Whether you’re pining for a beer, some food or a place to chill, Colbar is one that’ll guarantee you a relaxed and tranquil experience.

Well-versed in the culinary art of Western cooking, the cooks here are able to whip up a wide array of both Western and Asian delights.

In addition to their stellar grub, they also carry a vast selection of English craft beers. From sweet ciders to bitter IPAs, they have it all.

Their Roasted Chicken Chips & Mushroom came with a piece of chicken leg and a small portion of potato wedges and mushrooms. Despite the small portion, the chicken was well roasted—super crispy on the outside and firm but not too dry on the inside.

The mushrooms were coated in savoury gravy, which complimented the chicken.

Next came the Pork Cutlet Chips & Mushroom which was equally good as well.

The meat was succulent and well coated in panko breadcrumbs, that did well to give the pork an incredible crunch as well as help to lock in moisture. The pork itself boasted a subtle yet pleasant note of rosemary and thyme which we thought worked brilliantly.

The dish that we enjoyed the most was definitely the Cheese Omelette & Chips. This classic dish was simple yet so ‘egg-cellent’.

The egg was really soft and fluffy and the warm melted cheese inside just oozes out with a slight cut. The portion and wonderful taste of the omelette definitely made up for the price.

Last on our table was the Dry Ho Fun, which we felt was nothing special. Just like a plate of fried kway tiao, it was filled with basic ingredients like small prawns, fish cakes and bean sprouts.

We liked that they added a good portion of fried shallots on top that added a crunch to the dish. However, the dish was simply too greasy to finish.

Colbar
9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: One North

Probably only known to those who stay in the west of Singapore, Pandan and Teban Gardens are two underrated neighbourhood districts in Jurong East. As secluded as these places may seem to the rest of Singapore, there are a couple of hidden gems in the area that are worth exploring.

Ranging from humble eateries and hawker stalls to restaurants and even a cosy ice cream parlour, Pandan Gardens and Teban Gardens offer a decent selection of food choices for residents of Jurong East and those who are working near the area.

Here are 9 Eateries And Restaurants To Check Out At Pandan & Teban Gardens.

PANDAN GARDENS FOOD PLACES

Photo Credit: KEK Seafood

#1 KEK SEAFOOD

KEK—short for Keng Eng Kee—Seafood at Pandan Garden is the zi char restaurant’s second outlet in Singapore. Adding a different twist to local zi char dishes, what you can expect at KEK Seafood is a myriad of local and western dishes such as Marmite Chicken, Coffee Pork Ribs, Salted Egg Soft Shell Crab Pasta and more.

200 Pandan Gardens #01-12
Singapore 609336
Tel: +65 6694 3044
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Ministry Of Ribs

#2 MINISTRY OF RIBS

Nestled under a HDB block, Ministry of Ribs is like your typical ‘atas’ coffee shop where you can get American-style food at reasonable prices. What they are known for is their succulent Hickory Smoked Ribs but if you are looking for more options, go ahead with the Black Angus Ribeye or the Ministry Burger.

For those who are up for a tipple or two, Ministry of Ribs also carries a range of alcoholic beverages where you can have a good time with your buddies over some beers.

Blk 416, #01-125
Pandan Gardens
Singapore 600416
Tel: +65 9890 4649
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

#3 MY LITTLE ICE CREAM SHOP

My Little Ice-Cream Shop is managed by the same folks behind the famous fishball noodles eatery—Pandan Fishball Noodles. This hole-in-a-wall ice cream parlour offers classic ice cream flavours such as Raspberry, Strawberry and Coconut. Otherwise, opt for their premium flavours including Salted Caramel, Yuzu Sorbet, Tiramisu and Mao Shan Wang.

Have the ice cream on fresh waffles which comes with one wet and one dry topping.

150 Pandan Gardens
#01-07 Ayer Rajah Community Club
Singapore 609335
Tel: +65 6265 5845
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: PGFN

#4 PANDAN FISHBALL NOODLES

Founded in 1982, Pandan Fishball Noodles has been dishing out mouthwatering fishball noodles and laksa at the same coffeeshop and the business is now helmed by the family’s third generation. The sweet part? You can get a comforting bowl of fishball noodles for only S$2.50!

Blk 416, #01-122
Pandan Gardens
Singapore 600416
Tel: +65 9009 2714
Daily: 6am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: jamsembrano

#5 TENDERBEST

Look no further if you are craving for sinful fried chicken—you will find a menu dedicated just for that at Tenderbest. Nestled within Ayer Rajah Community Centre, the halal-certified restaurant runs a self-service concept where diners have to pick up their own orders at the counter.

Some noteworthy items not to miss are the Salted Egg Yolk Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Crispy Fried Half Chicken with Rice and Laksa Spaghetti.

150 Pandan Gardens
#01-02 Ayer Rajah Community Centre
Singapore 609335
Tel: +65 9169 0972
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

TEBAN GARDENS FOOD PLACES

Photo Credit: Prae Sampachanya

#6 HAO CHU SEAFOOD

Hao Chu Seafood or also known as Chop Lian Hin because of its prominent wooden signboard is a no-frills coffee shop where residents of Teban Gardens drop by for hearty zi char dishes such as Curry Fish Head, Cereal Prawns, San Lou Bee Hoon and Fish Head Soup.

39 Teban Gardens Road
Chop Lian Hin Coffeeshop
Singapore 600039
Tel: +65 6561 1405
Mon to Fri & Sun: 11.30am – 1.45pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

#7 POH POH CHICKEN RICE

Talk about Poh Poh Chicken Rice and many will think of the original outlet at Serangoon Gardens. This chicken rice stall may not be ranked amongst the best in Singapore, but its affordable prices make it a great place to satisfy your cravings for this local dish.

You can also find Poh Poh Chicken Rice at Teban Gardens Food Centre.

37A Teban Gardens Road
#01-15, Teban Gardens Food Centre
Singapore 601037
Mon, Wed to Sun: 8am – 8.30pm
Tue: Closed
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Sen

#8 QUAN SOON WANTON NOODLE

Besides Poh Poh Chicken Rice, something else to look forward to at Teban Gardens Food centre is Quan Soon Wanton Noodle. Having been around for more than 35 years, this hawker stall offers one of the cheapest wanton noodles in Singapore for only S$2!

Even the laksa and prawn noodles are sold at S$2 and you can choose bigger portions by topping up just a little more.

37A Teban Garden Road
#01-04, Teban Garden Food Centre
Singapore 601037
Daily: 5am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: T.K Kitchen

#9 TONG KIAN EATING HOUSE

Also called T.K Kitchen, this coffee shop specialises in Chinese zi char at Teban Gardens. Their signature dishes include crabs cooked in several ways (Chilli Crab, Claypot Cheese Crab and more), La La Bee Hoon, Handmade Fried Prawn Rolls and Assam Fish Head.

T.K Kitchen is closed on every Thursday on the second and fourth week of the month.

37 Teban Gardens Road
#01-302/303
Singapore 600037
Tel: +65 8330 7554
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

For more recommendations, read our guide on 18 Food Places in Jurong East that are worth travelling for.

Buona Vista is a little far-flung for those who do not reside in the West. The whole vicinity  is well-known for its educational institutes and facilities as well as high-technology research industries.

However, this buzzy part of Singapore happens to be a budding café precinct that is home to a handful of bistros and cafes and is an up-and-coming hipster neighbourhood that is worth exploring.

Whether you are looking for a scrumptious brunch fare or an artisanal cup of coffee, here are 9 Bistros and Coffee Spots in Buona Vista To Explore.

#1 AWFULLY CHOCOLATE

As the name of the café suggests, Awfully Chocolate specialises in rich and decadent chocolate cakes. The wide range of chocolate confections and pastries here is impressive and the price points are pretty reasonable. For a 6-inch All Chocolate Cake, you only need to pay S$34.

Awfully Chocolate
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-18 The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Tel: +6694 4805
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

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Photo Credit: victoinette

#2 BODACIOUS BAR & BISTRO

Decorated in an industrial style, Bodacious Bar & Bistro whips up a delicious line up of breakfast and comfort food. If you do not have the time for a hearty breakfast, this cosy bistro is also a great spot for a quick morning brew against a vastly green view.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 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.

Bodacious Bar & Bistro
70 Biopolis St
Singapore 138547
Tel: +65 6778 9585
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 10am –10pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

#3 CEDELE BAKERY KITCHEN

At Cedele Bakery Kitchen, you can expect a comprehensive menu with choices ranging from all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner items. There is also a takeaway section for the bakery—perfect for those who are in a hurry.

Cedele Bakery Kitchen
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-19 The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6734 0763
Mon to Fri: 10am – 9.30pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

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Photo Credit: randymionho

#4 JIMMY MONKEY CAFÉ & BAR

If you are on a quest to find good coffee in Singapore, you should definitely drop by Jimmy Monkey Cafe & Bar—an Australian-style cafe at One-North Residences. On their menu, you can find savoury and sweet bites such as Smoked Salmon Spaghetti, Truffle Potato Fries, French Toast with Maple Syrup and many more.

Jimmy Monkey Café & Bar
9 One-north Gateway
#01-51 One-North Residences
Singapore 138643
Tel: +65 6777 8470
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

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Photo Credit: monkicafeholland

#5 MONKI CAFÉ

A stone’s throw away from Buona Vista MRT station, Monki Café is a newly-opened Taiwan-Western fusion café that offers savoury set meals and a wide selection of shaved ice desserts. Seasonal dishes are added weekly so there is always something new to look forward to.

Monki Café
43 Holland Drive
#01-41 Singapore 270043
Tel: +65 6258 8112
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

Photo Credit: rochestercafesg

#6 ROCHESTER CAFÉ

Calling all sweet tooths! Rochester Café is a new dessert café tucked away in Rochester Mall. The lovely dining establishment offers a delightful variety of layered cakes, ice cream, waffles and a decent range of hot beverages to pair with your sweet treats.

Rochester Café
35 Rochester Drive
#01-08 Rochester Mall
Singapore 138639
Tel: +65 9842 5821
Daily: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

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Photo Credit: littlenuggetpaws

#7 SIXTY40

Located at Rochester Mall, Sixty40 operates as a café in the day and transforms into a casual bar at night. The gastrobar boasts a laid-back ambience, which makes it a great spot to hang out with your mates.

The best part? There are dart machines to keep you entertained!

Sixty40
35 Rochester Drive
#01-05 Rochester Mall
Singapore 138639
Tel: +65 6684 9028
Mon – Thur: 11.30am – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sun: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

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#8 SWEE LEE SOCIAL CLUB

Music instrument institution Swee Lee is a home-grown brand and tucked inside the store is Swee Lee Social Club, a café where patrons can gather over a cup of coffee and light bites.

In addition to their stellar coffee, Swee Lee Social Club also carries juices and sweet treats such as Waffle & Co. (S$10) and Sweet toast (S$7).

Swee Lee Social Club
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-01-07/10 The Star Vista
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6334 7703
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

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Photo Credit: thelawncafe

#9 THE LAWN

Tucked away in the lush greenery of Biopolis, The Lawn is a cosy café which specialises in salad and grills. You can customise your own meal by filling up a simple form and ticking off various combinations.

Featuring 12 tantalising grills, 30 toppings and various dressings, diners are spoilt for choice.

The Lawn
31 Biopolis Way
#01-07 Nanos
Singapore 138669
Tel: +65 6478 9739
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 9pm
Sun: 10.30am – 4pm
(Closed on Saturdays)
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

Located on the first level of Gek Poh Shopping Centre in Jurong West, OH MY MANGO is a new dessert cafe that breathes new life into the somewhat run-down neighbourhood shopping centre. Specialising in Thai-inspired sweet treats, their menu boasts more than 40 different items from desserts to colourful beverages and even assorted Shibuya toasts that are available in both sweet and savoury varieties.

If you think that this is just another neighbourhood dessert pitstop, think again. On their menu, you can expect to find some pretty interesting offerings such as their Tom Yum Goong Toast (S$6.90) which is somewhat similar to a pizza except with the addition of the spicy and zesty flavours of Thailand’s iconic dish.

Those living in the West of Singapore truly have something to be glad about, especially with so many interesting cafes and eateries sprouting up around the area. Whether it’s a quick coffee run or a much-needed sugar spike, OH MY MANGO Dessert Cafe is a great option to consider.

This humble establishment has both indoor and outdoor seating but ordering is done in the separate unit just next door. Here, the overall appearance is kept minimalistic with plenty of hipsterish decors to give it a cafe-like vibe.

Their menu features more than 40 items ranging from sweet bingsu, a wide array of Shibuya toast options and a pretty extensive range of beverage options—from the iconic Thai milk tea to some quirky innovations.

Going by the name of OH MY MANGO, it would be a waste if we did not try at least one mango dessert, and boy were we impressed by the Fresh Mango Toast (S$10.90).

Comprising a scoop of mango-flavoured ice cream, cubes of deliciously sweet mango and a sprinkling of crushed almonds atop a thick and crispy slab of buttery toast, this to us gives the typical ice-cream-and-waffle combination a serious run for its money.

For the matcha fans, the Matcha Green Tea Bingsu (S$9.90) works up a real treat especially with the addition of a sticky red bean purée and crushed almonds that not only provides a nice texture to the bingsu but also bolsters the bitter green tea flavour with a hint of sweetness.

Anyone who loves Thai food will surely appreciate their Mango Sticky Rice (S$6). Simply put, this popular Thai dessert comes with no gimmicks attached. It comprises sweet sticky rice, fresh mangoes and a salted coconut sauce that you can pour over everything.

We have tried numerous variations all over, but the qualities that we believe determine a solid mango sticky rice dessert is the consistency of the coconut sauce and the freshness of the mango—which the good folks here nail down beautifully.

OH MY MANGO Dessert Bar
762 Jurong West Street 75
#01-334 Gek Poh Shopping Centre
Singapore 3640762
Tel: +65 9066 0426
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

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