Popular cafe, Forty Hands is closing down both Tiong Bahru and East Coast outlets on 12 Sep 2022.

One of the pioneer cafes that started the third wave coffee trend in Singapore, Forty Hands Café has been doling out consistent cups of coffee and Aussie-Asian brunch food since October 2010.

About a decade ago, Tiong Bahru was simply a tranquil neighbourhood with old school shophouses and local eats. The opening of Forty Hands and BooksActually along Yong Siak Street led to the revival of the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood and other cafes and restaurants followed after to create the hip and trendy enclave that we know today.

Other than the classic Aussie-style brunch fare, Forty Hands is also known for their local delights including Kong Bak paired with mouth-watering Har Cheong Gai waffles and their legendary Tau Sar Paus.

With their all-day offerings, morning folks will no longer need to lament at a restricted menu; if you want a cheese-drenched burger at 9 in the morning, you get to have precisely that! The brand is vegan/vegetarian-friendly as well – if a menu item catches your eye, the kitchen is able to convert it into a version suitable for your dietary restrictions.

Forty Hands is owned by the Spa Esprit Group who is behind other popular dining concepts such as Common Man Coffee Roasters, Noka, Tiong Bahru Bakery and Tippling Club. Fans of Forty Hands’s coffee can head to Coffee Man Coffee for a cuppa.

Good bye, Forty Hands. It has been a good run!

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak St, Singapore 163078

226 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428923

Nestled in an enclave of cafes in Tiong Bahru, Merci Marcel is a chic French café that took over the premises of the now-defunct The Orange Thimble. Located right next to Tiong Bahru Bakery, the café operates as a brunch spot in the day and transforms into a casual bar at night.

With a variety of French bakes and mains features in their daytime menu and an even larger assortment of hot beverages and alcoholic drinks, Merci Marcel is the perfect place for a gathering with friends or a romantic date with your other half.

Here’s a peek into what you can expect from this enchanting Parisian-style cafe in Tiong Bahru.

Merci Marcel is an Instagram-worthy Parisian-style café that emits a charming ambience and it is separated into three dining areas—an outdoor lounge, the main dining hall with a fully-stocked bar and an air-conditioned courtyard.

With natural sunlight filtering in through the glass roof, the cafe’s iconic indoor courtyard boasts the best seats for food and OOTD pictures.

The cafe’s delightful Smoked Salmon Burger (S$21++) makes for a wholesome meal that will start your day right if you are dropping by for breakfast. Their robust burger came with warm toasted bretzel bun, avocado slides, smoked ham and a side of mesclun salad tossed in olive oil and white wine vinegar dressing.

End your meal on a sweet note with a plate of French Toasts Brioche (S$17++), drizzled with honey and topped with summer berries. The French toast was very aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and definitely made for the ‘gram but the taste was not mindblowing and we have tried better ones elsewhere.

However, Merci Marcel’s signature croissant (S$3++) is a must-order! The croissant might look ordinary but the taste was phenomenal—it was one of the best croissants that we’ve had in Singapore.

Patrons can expect an airy and flaky crisp croissant baked with rich and creamy French butter which made it good on its own. The raspberry jam provided at the side gave it a zesty contrast and added an uplifting bite to the croissant.

Patrons can also look forward to other options such as Ravioles de Royans (S$18++) and three goat cheese platter (S$24++).

Coffee lovers will be interested to know that Merci Marcel outsources their coffee beans from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee where the beans are roasted locally in Singapore.

Without a doubt, this Parisian café is gaining attention fairly quickly for its charming ambience and we would definitely recommend this brunch spot to our friends.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 11.30pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Words by Fion Lee
Edited by Julee Ooi

Cafe-hopping has become somewhat of a habit or pastime for most Singaporeans and one neighbourhood that is teeming with endless eateries and restaurants to explore is Tiong Bahru.

Aside from the incredible array of cuisines and eats that you can find in this neighbourhood, the rustic charm of Tiong Bahru is something that will always hit us with a wave of nostalgia every single time we visit.

Whether you are new to the Tiong Bahru area or perhaps you are curious to see what hidden gems this lovely neighbourhood holds, here are 24 Cafes & Restaurants In Tiong Bahru You Should Check Out.

BIGMAMA KOREAN RESTAURANT

Founded by former caretaker and tutor—Candy Namgung Ji Young—Bigmama Korean Restaurant is our go-to place for authentic Korean food in Tiong Bahru. All dishes at Bigmama Korean Restaurant are cooked with no MSG so you can eat to your heart’s content without feeling too guilty!

Try the Dakgalbi, spicy pan fried chicken, and Suyuk, steamed pork belly served with vegetables and special sauces.

Bigmama Korean Restaurant 
2 Kim Tian Road,
Singapore 169244
Tel: +65 6270 7704
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

BINCHO

A unique all-in-one dining concept brought to you by Unlisted Collection, Bincho brings together the best of Singapore’s past with its present. There are three distinct dining concepts within Bincho which includes the likes of a classic old school mee pok stall, a modern open-concept yakitori bar and a bar which serves Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Bincho
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19,
Singapore 162078
Tel: +65 6438 4567
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

CAFFE PRALET

Established in 2006, Caffe Pralet was founded with the vision of serving up healthy and wholesome meals and desserts to its patrons. With Chef Judy Koh at the helm of the culinary team, diners can enjoy a wide variety of delights which includes Asian and Western meals and also cakes and pastries.

For those popping by for tea, Chef Judy’s signature cake ‘Pralet’, a French chocolate cake with a crispy Hazelnut layer topped off with a smidgen of edible gold, is worth a try.

Caffe Pralet
17 Eng Hoon Street, #01-04,
Singapore 169767
Tel: +65 6223 5595
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

CHAPTER 55

Looking for an affordable yet value-for-money lunch in the Tiong Bahru area? Well, Chapter 55 has got you covered. An Italian bistro that serves up regular Italian fare, gelato and more, Chapter 55 has an amazing 1-for-1 lunch promotion from 11.30am to 3pm on weekdays. Your tummy will be happy, and your wallet will not complain either.

Chapter 55
55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-37,
Singapore 160055
Tel: +65 6221 2219
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

CHENG’S AT NO. 27

Tasty, homecooked zi char dishes will always have our loyalty and a permanent place in our hearts. A family restaurant run entirely by the Cheng family, Cheng’s At No. 27 is where you should turn to for a warm, comforting meal. Aside from their zi char dishes, Cheng’s At No. 27 also has a dessert counter which has homemade cakes and pastries.

Cheng’s At No. 27 
27 Yong Siak Street,
Singapore 168654
Tel: +65 6223 7883
Mon: 10.30am – 3pm
Wed to Sat: 10.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

COQ & BALLS

Just a 6-minute walk from Tiong Bahru MRT, Coq & Balls is a buzzing and vibrant bar that is perfect for a casual drink and laid back night with the lads. Aside from serving up craft beers, ciders and premium draft beers, make sure that you have a try of their signature cocktail, the Chuck Norris.

Coq & Balls
6 Kim Tian Road, Kai Fook Mansion,
Singapore 169246
Tel: +65 6276 6609
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 4.30pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

DRIPS BAKERY CAFE

Calling out fans of everything sweet because your next cafe stop in Tiong Bahru should be the Drips Bakery Cafe. From cakes, tarts to savoury bites paired with aromatic coffee and tea, your dining experience at the cafe will be nothing short of sweet.

But savoury items such as pies and quiches are available for your picking if you are looking for a more satisfying and fulfilling meal.

Drips Bakery Cafe
82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05,
Singapore 160082
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FLOCK CAFE 

Searching for a place to unwind and watch the day fold out before you? Flock Cafe at Moh Guan Terrace would be your best bet. A family-run cafe that has strong indie vibes, Flock Cafe has a comforting and relaxed ambience which will make you feel right at home.

All coffee served at the Flock Cafe are made from the Speakeasy Blend and roasted by Liberty Coffee, which means that your coffee will have a medium body with hints of chocolate and nutty overtones.

Flock Cafe
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25,
Singapore 162078
Tel: +65 6536 3938
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FORTY HANDS

Forty Hands is a good cafe to visit for tasty brunch fare and excellent coffee. Some brunch options that you can go for include the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Cocotte and of course, the Big Boy Breakfast.

Otherwise, you need to have a taste of their coffee that is brewed from freshly roasted beans from Five Senses Coffee Australia. If you are impressed by the brew, you can purchase a bag of their freshly roasted speciality coffee from Forty Hands’ online store which will be delivered directly to you.

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12,
Singapore 163078
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Sun to Wed: 7.30am – 7pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

HOUSE OF PERANAKAN PETIT

House of Peranakan Petit is part of the House of Peranakan Group of restaurants which have been the proud advocates of Peranakan cuisine over the past three decades. The House of Peranakan Petit is a cosy and intimate 30-seater restaurant which is helmed by chef and owner, Bob Seah.

Immerse yourself in traditional Nonya cuisine created from Chef Bob’s secret home recipes as well as his modern Peranakan-inspired cuisines at the House of Peranakan Petit.

House of Peranakan Petit
42 Eng Hoon Street, Tiong Bahru Estate,
Singapore 169785
Tel: +65 6222 1719
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

IKYU

Ikyu prides themselves as being a daringly different Japanese restaurant and here is why. Ikyu seeks to defy all limits and definitions through its reinventions and interpretations of Japanese and French fusion food. They also claim to offer its patrons the best rice and sake in Japan, and their seafood, fruits and vegetables are air flown in from Japan’s Tsukiji Fish Market three times a week.

Ikyu
5 Yong Siak Street,
Singapore 168643
Tel: +65 9663 2003
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

MERCI MARCEL

Nestled in an enclave of cafes in Tiong Bahru, Merci Marcel is a chic French café that took over the premises of the now-defunct The Orange Thimble. Located right next to Tiong Bahru Bakery, the café operates as a brunch spot in the day and transforms into a casual bar at night.

With a variety of French bakes and mains features in their daytime menu and an even larger assortment of hot beverages and alcoholic drinks, Merci Marcel is the perfect place for a gathering with friends or a romantic date with your other half.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 11.30pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

NO.3 CRAB DELICACY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Serving up delicious crab delights since 2001, No.3 Crab Delicacy Seafood Restaurant is an under-the-radar seafood restaurant that is nestled at Level 1 of Link Hotel Singapore.

Instead of opting for typical crab dishes like the chilli crab or black pepper crabs, visit No. 3 Crab Delicacy Seafood Restaurant to take your crab experience to the next level. Think Curry Crabs, Crab Beehoon and Butter Crabs. You will be in for a feast fit for a king!

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No.3 Crab Delicacy Seafood Restaurant
50 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-04 Link Hotel Singapore,
Singapore 168733
Tel: +65 6327 2148
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

PLAIN VANILLA BAKERY

As one of the most popular bakeries in Singapore, it is not surprising to see many patrons frequenting its Tiong Bahru flagship store with their signature cardboard box in hand. All of their baked goods are baked fresh on a daily basis with only the best ingredients.

Plain Vanilla Bakery also strives to keep their recipes simple and uncomplicated. Serving up cupcakes, cakes, tarts and more; Plain Vanilla’s sweet treats will be worth your indulgence.

Plain Vanilla Bakery
1D Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru Estate,
Singapore 168641
Tel: +65 6465 5942
Mon to Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

PS. CAFE PETIT

Tucked away in the estate of Tiong Bahru is arguably one of the more well-known cafes in Singapore, PS. Cafe Petit. Some items on their menu include artisanal pizza, hearty salads, pasta, sinful desserts and selected wines at affordable prices. However, do note that seating is limited at PS. Cafe Petit and is subjected to a first come, first served basis.

PS. Cafe Petit
No. 41 Blk 78 Guan Chuan Street,
Singapore 160078
Tel: +65 9226 7088
Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

SIN HOI SAI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

With more than 20 years of experience under its belt, Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant is recognised for its excellent range of seafood and zichar dishes.

From the perennial favourite Salted Egg Crabs to Geoduck Sashimi, this is a place to head to for all seafood lovers.

Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant
Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-59,
Singapore 160055
Tel: +65 6223 0810/ 6224 3905
Daily: 5pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

TERU SUSHI

Did anyone say S$1 for fresh oysters? Yes, we kid you not. Get your fill of fresh oysters and a sashimi boat at Teru Sushi, a popular Japanese restaurant along Tiong Bahru Road. For satisfying, comforting yet healthy and affordable Japanese eats, Teru Sushi would be a good option.

Other items on their menu include Japanese bento boxes, mentai, wagyu beef sets and more!

Teru Sushi
50 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-01,
Singapore 168733
Tel: +65 6842 8484
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

TIANN’S 

A bakery and takeaway eatery that serves handcrafted food and drink, Tiann’s seeks to return back to basics by honouring the true taste and flavours of ingredients used. Tiann’s food is mostly gluten-free, paleo-friendly and organic. Some old-fashioned bakes that you can enjoy include the English Tea Cake (S$3 per slice), or how about A Chocolate Hazelnut (S$8.80 per slice) for a more decadent treat?

Tiann’s
71 Seng Po Road, #01-35,
Singapore 160071
Tel: +65 6222 1369
Tue to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

THE TIONG BAHRU CLUB 

A throwback Asian eatery right in the heart of Tiong Bahru, The Tiong Bahru Club is where you should visit for honest, no-frills Singaporean grub. From the Singapura Club chain of restaurants, the menu at The Tiong Bahru Club is a vintage bistro that will be ideal for a casual yet delicious meal.

The Tiong Bahru Club
Blk 57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-88,
Singapore 160057
Tel: +65 6438 0168
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

TIONG BAHRU BAKERY

With the vision of celebrating neighbourhoods, the flagship outlet of Tiong Bahru Bakery is a beautiful and quaint eatery which serves up excellent pastries and bread, and they also have savoury delights and desserts too!

However, a must-try at Tiong Bahru Bakery is the Kouign Amann, a buttery yet crispy pastry that is a speciality of the town of Douarnenez in Finistère, Brittany, which it originated from. Paired with an artisanal tea or coffee, you will be in for a treat!

Tiong Bahru Bakery
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70,
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6220 3430
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

DAY & NIGHT BISTRO

Located in the charming and rustic Tiong Bahru neighbourhood is the Day & Night Bistro, which sits on the same spot that previously housed Two Face Pizza & Taproom. In the day, Day & Night Bistro is a cosy old-school kopitiam and at night, it transforms into a pizzeria and tap room.

Day & Night Bistro
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-46,
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6222 6881
Sun to Mon, Wed to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

WHISK CAFE

With its interior and exterior completely decked out in white, the beauty of Whisk Cafe is hard to miss. A minimalistic cafe with an interior largely inspired by European decor, Whisk Cafe is a comforting cafe which offers classic carrot cakes and refreshing zesty lemon tarts for your sweet tooth.

Whisk Cafe would certainly make a good place to relax with a book and enjoy some quality time with a friend, partner, or even just with yourself.

Whisk Cafe
50 Seng Poh Road, #01-15,
Singapore 160058
Tel: +65 6222 6543
Tue to Thu: 9am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

WILD BARLEY

Although Wild Barley is predominantly a speciality grocery store that offers gourmet, organic and natural foods from America, Europe and Asia, it also has fresh bread and quality light bites, freshly prepared by Chef Flix, available for your enjoyment.

Wild Barley
25 Yong Siak Street,
Singapore 168653
Tel: +65 6221 9028
Tue to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Read: 8 Things We Love About The Tiong Bahru Neighbourhood

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore, Tiong Bahru is one that exudes charm like no other.

About a decade ago, Tiong Bahru was simply a tranquil neighbourhood with old school shophouses and local eats. It was not until the recent few years that modern cafes and restaurants started popping up in the area.

There is something about the marriage of old and new that boasts a very comforting vibe that is unique on its own. Here are 8 Things to Love About The Tiong Bahru Neighbourhood in Singapore.

#1 SO MUCH TO EAT

Tiong Bahru has a great mix of sassy cafes and restaurants, and local Asian-style eateries for everybody. We covered a few of our favourite eats here and this includes PS Cafe Petit and Sin Hoi Sai Eating House.

#2 EASILY ACCESSIBLE

Tiong Bahru is easily accessible by car or via public transport. A ton of buses stop right outside the main Tiong Bahru area, including buses from town such as Bus 16.

You can also drop off at Tiong Bahru MRT and take any bus from the mall side (2 stops away) to the main area. If you prefer heading down on foot, the general area in Tiong Bahru where all the cafes and restaurants are is about 5 to 10 mins away.

#3 HIPSTER HEAVEN

We say ‘hipster’ because of the abundance of cool and trendy cafes in the area such as Tiong Bahru Bakery, Drips Bakery Cafe, Forty Hands and Flock Cafe.

And there are occasional lifestyle shops that sell the quirkiest merchandise. For the hipsters and all Indie fans indeed.

#4 LOCAL EATS

If you are not the biggest fan of cafe fare, that’s fine because Tiong Bahru has several local food options include family-style tze char restaurant Sin Hoi Sai – a familiar name that has been around for as long as we can remember.

We also enjoy casual hawker meals at Tiong Bahru Market – pig out on all the local favourites!

#5 NEW & OLD

Tiong Bahru preserves the old while adding in some modern touches.

The old shophouses are well preserved, and we love the short flats as well as the rows of shophouses. The new blend in to the environment, without changing the facade of Tiong Bahru, and instead elevate the whole eclectic feel of the neighbourhood.

#6 OLD SHOPHOUSES

The old shophouses and housing estates are pretty much preserved, especially the older three-storey flats – which is a rare sight in Singapore with all the skyscrapers.

With Singapore progressing so fast, we sure appreciate these old-school buildings and facade.

#7 PLENTIFUL PARKING

If you are ever worried about parking, worry not.

First of all, parking spaces are aplenty along the different roads. However, during peak hours, we suggest parking at the multi-storey car park above Tiong Bahru market. If all else fails, there are open space car parks farther down from the market.

#8 RELAXING VIBES

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life, but just a visit here soothes our soul. Have dinner at one of the restaurants then head over to a quaint cafe for some desserts and a nice chat with friends.

We also love spending quiet afternoons over a lovely read and a cuppa in one of the many cafes here.

Egg tarts are aplenty in Singapore, but real good ones are rare like eclipse.

There are a few types of egg tarts and we too have our preference. The ones that tug our heartstrings are the Hong Kong-style ones with flaky pastry and sweet egg custard filling. Now, those are pretty rare in Singapore, unless you go to a dim sum restaurant – which can be expensive.

Know where we always go to when we need our Hong Kong-style egg tart fix? We are about to let you in on one of the hugest secrets.

Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries at Tiong Bahru is Heaven on Earth. Upon stepping in, you would be greeted by the aroma of fresh bakes and everything wonderful. This old-school looking confectionery may look next to nothing, but their egg tarts are to die for.

We first had the egg tarts from Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries back in 2007, and we have been fans of it ever since. The confectionery used to be on Sago Street – inconspicuous and hard to locate. But the ones in the know make it there anyway.

Today, they sit on Jalan Membina, and everything else remains unchanged. People often talk about how change is the only constant in life, but we say the only constant at Leung Sang Hong Kong is the amazingly buttery flaky pastry that is so addictive with every bite.

The egg custard encased in the pastry is of a pastel yellow shade – not the typical rich hue you might see, but what do you know? It is so silky, creamy and sweet! This is hands down one of the best egg tarts you can find in Singapore.

They also have Western-style egg tarts which come in a different shell – the harder kind that tastes more subtle. While it uses the same egg custard filling, we prefer the Hong Kong-style egg tart’s flaky puff pastry.

Other pastries that are baked in-house and sold at Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries include Roasted Chicken Pastry, Polo Buns, Lotus Seed Century Egg Pastry and Mushroom Chicken Pie.

Each pastry costs S$1.30, and if you buy 10 pastries, you get one pastry of your choice for free.

18 Jalan Membina
Singapore 164018
Tel: +65 6271 6056
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

The enclave of cafes and eateries at Tiong Bahru has been expanding at full force and it does not seem to be stopping any time soon. Late last year, a new addition – Whisk Café – has joined the hipster neighbourhood and the rest is history.

White seems to be the new black for most up-and-coming cafes and we are sure that frequent cafe hoppers will agree with us. Whisk Cafe’s interiors are completely decked out in white; white walls, white pillars, white tables, white stools. You get the gist.

It is not difficult to spot Whisk Cafe’s beautiful exteriors from afar. The minimalistic cafe is largely inspired by European decors and is an ideal spot to spend a quiet afternoon.

The rightful owner of this lovely cafe was previously in the marketing industry before deciding to pursue her dream of opening up her own cafe.

Taking a leap of faith, baker-cum-owner Tricia Lim signed up for a 6-month program at New York City’s International Culinary Centre and returned to Singapore with honed patisserie skills and fresh new perspectives. Opening a cafe in an overly saturated hipster-cafe neighbourhood takes a lot of courage but Miss Lim was clearly unfazed.

From classic carrot cakes to refreshing zesty lemon tarts, family-run Whisk Cafe serves a comprehensive variety of desserts that will please every sweet tooth. Whisk Cafe has also most recently started adding some delectable savoury salads such as Aburi Mentaiko Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing or Raspberry Vinaigrette into their menu.

Whisk Cafe
58 Seng Poh Road
Singapore 160058
Tue to Thu: 9am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Updated: The Dispensary is no longer in operation.

Walk into this quaint little cafe at the far end of the trendy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood and you will be greeted with a unique interior and atmosphere that you will not be able to find anywhere else.

What used to be a traditional Chinese medicine hall is now The Dispensary, a one-of-a-kind cafe concept that preserved what was left of its former tenant, to weave it into their new and fresh old-meets-new concept.

Cafe hopping can be pretty boring after some time, if you see the same interior over and over again. Unless you encounter gems like The Dispensary, with an interior that marries old and new perfectly with the old Chinese medicine shelves still on display as a backdrop of the cafe counter.

The Dispensary has both an air-conditioned indoor sitting and an alfresco dining area outside, perfect for beautiful Instagram shots or to relax on a non-humid day. A mini balcony area is also sometimes open for customers to hang out at.

Their cakes are especially raved about by many, so it should be on the top of your must-try list if you do make a trip down! If you like retro things or are into traditional Singapore heritage, you will definitely enjoy your time here. Yes, there is free wifi too!

The Dispensary
69 Tiong Bahru Road
Singapore 168723
Tel: +65 6536 0225
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am to 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

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 away in a small corner of Tiong Bahru, it’s easy to walk past this gem of a stall at the Day & Night coffee shop along Eng Hoon Street. Ah Bong’s Italian shares the same space as a traditional Yong Tau Foo shop at the coffee shop, which transforms into a bar at night.

Packed with a steady crowd, it is no surprise that this humble stall has been gaining popularity ever since it opened as they churn out new surprises every day with no fixed menu. The prices of the pasta range from S$7 to S$10.

Ah Bong’s Italian’s rustic charm reflects perfectly on their dishes as they use traditional plates used way back then in coffee shops and features a straightforward menu with no more than five items daily.

A dish that we have recommended before but could not sing enough praises of is their Basil Pesto Pasta (S$7). First impressions were already a hit as the aroma of the herbs greets our senses with a bang. Upon further tasting of the pasta, we knew that this is one of the best pesto pastas we’ve ever eaten, with an even better price tag.

The Spaghetti Bolognese (S$8) may be a simple dish, but it packs a punch with a perfectly executed sauce that coats the al dente pasta evenly. Ah Bong’s Italian is indeed worth travelling for.

Ah Bong’s Italian
56 Eng Hoon Street
#01-46
Tel: +65 9650 6194
Daily: 10am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

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.

Tiong Bahru is every cafe hopper’s dream and also every foodie’s heaven. With the wide range of cuisine types and choices this trendy neighbourhood offers, Tiong Bahru has slowly and successfully become one of the most iconic food destinations in Singapore.

The formula is no rocket science – Tiong Bahru offers us a rustic charm like no other. With a neighbourhood as full of life as Tiong Bahru, it is no surprise that more and more people choose to open their cafes, restaurants or bakeries here.

If you are unfamiliar with the area or thinking about making a trip down to sample some delicious food, here is our Guide to Tiong Bahru’s Restaurants, Cafes & Eateries to assist you in picking the best place in the neighbourhood to dine in.

#1 AH BONG’S ITALIAN

Located in the Day & Night coffee shop along Eng Hoon Street, Ah Bong’s Italian occupies just a small corner of the entire space. Don’t be fooled by its size, the chef cooks up a hearty plate of pasta a la minute when ordered and the menu changes everyday.

If you’re in luck and Basil Pesto Pasta (S$7), or a close variation of it is on the menu that day, order it! Each strand of pasta is coated evenly with the sauce and the plate is just bursting with flavour, without being overly rich.

56 Eng Hoon Street
#01-46
Tel: +65 9650 6194
Daily: 10am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#2 BIG MAMA KOREAN RESTAURANT

This casual Korean eatery transports you to the streets of Korea with their homely fare at reasonable prices. The overall ambience of the place screams comforting so bring your friends here to enjoy a satisfying meal. If you come in a bigger group, you will be able to taste a range of their signature dishes such as Dakgalbi (S$15 per pax) or Pan-Fried Bulgogi (S$50, large sharing portion).

2 Kim Tian Road
Tel: +65 6270 7704
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#3 BLUE GARDEN KOREAN BBQ

If you’re a fan of Korean BBQ buffets, why not try Blue Garden Korean BBQ Restaurant located at the trendy Link Hotel in Tiong Bahru? For lunch, pay only S$19.90 per pax and dinner goes for S$26.90 per pax.

Besides the usual barbecue meats, Blue Garden also offers classic Korean dishes such as Ginseng Chicken and a large range of kimchi choices that will make any kimchi lover contented.

50 Tiong Bahru Road
#01-07 Link Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6224 0700
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30 – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#4 DRIPS BAKERY

Specialising in desserts, make your way down to Drips Bakery and try their mouth-watering signature tarts. Each tart is not only affordable, but each and every one of them tastes freshly baked and oh-so-good! Drips Bakery also has a very welcoming and pleasant interior for you to hang out in.

82 Tiong Poh Road #01-05
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Mon, Wed & Thu: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Fri: 10.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#5 FLOCK CAFE

A family business, Flock Cafe brands itself as a hip and unpretentious cafe, serving some of the best coffee around. Try unique flavours such as the Orange Cinnamon Mocha (S$6.50), which you can’t find anywhere else! Flock Cafe also serves a range of all-day-breakfast staples such as Eggs Ben for you to have while you sip on some delicious coffee.

78 Moh Guan Terrace
#01-25
Tel: +65 6536 3938
Daily (except Tue): 9am – 5pm
Nearest Staion: Tiong Bahru

#6 FORTY HANDS

Using blends from Common Man Coffee Roasters, the aromatic coffee at Forty Hands is one to travel for. Not only are they serving up great coffee, they serve a menu of fusion all-day-breakfast items, putting their own spin to it. Get hungry for their Eggs Ben on Steak with Spicy Roasted Potatoes, all the good thing in one dish.

78 Yong Siak St
#01-12
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Tue to Wed, Sun: 8am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#7 GALICIER PASTRY

Galicier Pastry is an old school bakery located facing the main Tiong Bahru Road. Get transported back to your childhood with familiar cakes and pastries such as freshly baked Pandan Chiffon Cake (S$5) or even Nyonya Kuehs such as Kueh Dar dar ($4 for 5). Galicier is always packed with a steady crowd so be sure to get there early to get the freshest batch.

55 Tiong Bahru Rd
#01-39
Tel +65 6324 1686
Daily (Except Tue): 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#8 OPEN DOOR POLICY

We love the fact that Open Door Policy serves hearty dishes that tastes as good as they look. They serve more premium items such as Wagyu Rump, Beef Cheeks and Truffle Scrambled Eggs among their recommended menu items. If you’re looking for restaurant quality food at reasonable prices, Open Door Policy is one to check out.

9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6221 9307
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Weekend brunch: 11am – 4pm
(Closed on Tuedays)
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#9 PLAIN VANILLA

As one of the undisputed best cupcake bakeries in Singapore, what we also love about Plain Vanilla is their rustic and warm interior of their bakery on Yong Saik Street, Tiong Bahru. Drawing us in with the rich aroma of freshly baked cupcakes, their addictively good range of pastries and cakes makes us come back for more, every time.

1D Yong Siak Street
Tiong Bahru Estate
Tel: +65 6465 5942
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#10 HOUSE OF PERANAKAN PETIT

Nyonya food always tastes like home and House of Peranakan Petit reminds us of home-cooked dishes made with love. Have their Babi Ponteh (S$16) with rice, together with some Chap Chye (mixed vegetables) and you’re set for a substantial meal of authentic Nyonya cuisine.

42 Eng Hoon Street
Tiong Bahru Estate
Tel: +65 6222 1719
Daily: 12 pm -3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest: Tiong Bahru

#11 POTEATO

As the cafe’s name suggests, they do specialise in both tea and potato-centric dishes. You can expect premium tea selection for S$7.50 a pot, to have with mains such as the Creamy Seafood Pasta (S$16.80). If you come with a bigger group, be sure to try their Sweet Potato Fries (S$5) too!

78 Yong Siak Street
#01-18
Tel: +65 62212 488
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#12 PS CAFE PETIT

Fans of the PS Cafe chain of restaurants will love the cosy and beautiful interior of this smaller branch at Tiong Bahru. Although full main dishes are not aplenty here, they still serve their usual decadent range of desserts such as their mouth-watering Sticky Date Pudding (S$16). Alcoholic drinks are also served here and a range of ice cream too.

78 Guan Chuan Street
#01-41
Tel: +65 9226 7088
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#13 SIN HOI SAI

As the most popular Chinese Zhi Char restaurant in Tiong Bahru, Sin Hoi Sai has expanded their space over the years to cater to an ever-increasing amount of customers. Some must try dishes here include their Har Jeong Kai (Prawn Paste Chicken), which is probably one of the best you can find in Singapore.

55 Tiong Bahru Road (Opposite Link Hotel)
#01-59
Tel: +65 6223 0810
Daily: 5pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

#14 WHISK CAFE

Located just at the corner of the cross junction, Whisk Cafe occupies a very coveted space in the Tiong Bahru District. Instagrammers will fall in love with the full white interior and colourful range of desserts. They offer tarts, macarons and cakes together with coffee and tea.

58 Seng Poh Road
Tue to Thu: 9am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

While it is relatively easy to find Korean restaurants in Singapore, it is difficult to find a truly outstanding place that will make you go back again and again to try everything else on the menu that you have not tried. Big Mama Korean Restaurant at Kim Tian Road is one of the few that belongs to this category. The food is generally good, and addictive enough to make you return on a regular basis.

It is better to go to Big Mama in a big group as many of their signature dishes come in big hearty portions. One of the most popular dishes which you will see every table ordering is the Dakgalbi ($15/pax, min 2 pax). Pan-fried chicken with vegetable, rice cake, sweet potato cooked in a spicy sauce. There is also the Pan-Fried Bulgogi ($50) which is a savoury combination of well-seasoned beef and rice cake. The remaining two dishes on the Big Mama’s recommendation list are Pan Fried Pork Belly ($40) and Suyuk ($25/40), pork belly boiled in water and served with various sauces.

While the prices of the signature dishes seem steep, the portions are meant for sharing. So it works out to be a decent meal that is not too gruelling on the wallet. But even if you are not in a big group — and one of the reasons why I love Big Mama — the menu offers plenty of choices.

There are the usual favourites like Ramyeon ($8), Pork Bulgogi ($13), Bibimbap ($14), Kimchi Fried Rice ($12), Seafood Soft Bean Curd Soup ($14), Kimchi Soup ($14). If you like Kimchi Pancake, you will love Big Mama’s rendition ($15) with finely chopped kimchi and seafood.

Big Mama also offers BBQ Meat like Grilled Pork Belly ($18), Grilled Boneless Beef Rib ($28) and Grilled Pork Collar ($18). While the meat was well-marinated and cooked to a good standard, it did not take our breath away.

The star of the menu was the Jjambbong Jeongol ($25/40) – a delicious spicy hot pot of mussels, prawns, clams, squids and kimchi which you see in the first photo of this post – with its balanced medley of savoury, sweet and spicy flavours. This is simple and honest food that I can eat on a regular basis, especially on rainy days.

I was not particularly fond of the Fish Cake Hot Pot ($20/35). Perhaps because it paled in comparison to the spicy seafood stew, and perhaps because it was too overwhelming to have a whole pot of fish cake.

Big Mama is extremely popular, so getting in without a reservation is very difficult, especially during dinner. The food is addictive and familiar, and it is a place that deserves more recognition.

Big Mama
2 Kim Tian Road
Tel: +65 6270 7704
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest residential estates in Singapore. But in recent times, it has undergone a renaissance; the area is probably the hippest neighbourhood in Singapore right now. It all started with the opening of a coffee joint and an indie book store along Yong Siak Street. The rest, as they say, is history.

Here is a guide to Tiong Bahru’s restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

40 Hands Coffee

This coffee house focuses on sustainably produced speciality coffee, stocking Fair Trade and Direct Trade coffee beans. Besides coffee, they also have a range of cakes, pastries and sandwiches on the menu. For those who are looking for a place to have brunch, 40 Hands Coffee has a brunch menu available all day from Friday to Sunday.

Spa Esprit Group should be credited with the revival of the Tiong Bahru area. They are the ones who started 40 Hands, and subsequently added Open Door Policy and the extremely popular Tiong Bahru Bakery.

Blk 78 Yong Siak Street
#01-12 Singapore
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Tue: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wed & Thu: 8:30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8:30am – 11pm
Sun: 8:30am – 6:30pm

Books Actually

Books Actually is an independent bookstore specializing in fiction and literature which includes poetry, essays, literary journals.

The owners curate a great selection of books that you cannot find elsewhere. Besides stocking titles from various subjects – such as biography, current affairs, history, human sciences, music and film and travel narrative, Books Actually also distribute books under the imprint Math Paper Press and also hand-stitches notebooks and produces stationery under Birds & Co.

9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6222 9195
Mon: 11am – 6pm, Tue to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 9pm, Sun: 10am – 6pm

Big Mama

Big Mama is a hole-in-the-wall eatery that has been gaining a strong following for its Korean home-style cooking. While some of the signature dishes are slightly more expensive, it has a ‘Big Mama’s Simple Menu’ with sets like Kimchi Fried Rice ($12), Pork Bulgogi with rice ($13) and Soyabean Soup with rice ($13).

2 Kim Tian Road
Tel: +65 6270 7704
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Coq and Balls

Every trendy neighbourhood needs a cool bar, and at Tiong Bahru, you have Coq and Balls. This watering hole is a causal and chillout place where you can enjoy delicious bar food and a beer or two.

6 Kim Tian Road
Tel: +65 6276 6609
Daily: 5pm – 12am

Drips Bakery Cafe

If you are planning a cafe hopping adventure in Tiong Bahru, you should start from Drips Bakery Cafe. It is a charming place that offers cakes, tarts, savouries like quiches, salads and sandwiches.

82 Tiong Poh Road #01-05
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Mon, Wed & Thu: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Fri: 10.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 9.30pm

Flock Cafe

One of the newest cafes in Tiong Bahru, this coffee spot serves sandwiches such as Bacon & Egg ($10.90), Pork Cheek and Gruyere ($11.90), as well as breakfast food like Scrambled Eggs and Toast ($6.90) and French Toast Pancakes ($8.90).

78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-25
Daily (except Tue): 9am – 5pm

IKYU

Helmed by executive chef Takuma Seki (formerly of Hide Yamamoto), IKYU prides itself as a “daringly different” Japanese restaurant that offers an unique dining experience. Definitely a great addition to the Tiong Bahru dining scene.

5 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6223 9003
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

Nana & Bird

What started off as a pop-up concept store became a multi-label boutique that stocks fashion and lifestyle products. If you are looking for a gift, drop by Nana & bird and you might find something that you need.

79 Chay Yan Street #01-02
entrance along Yong Siak Street

Open Door Policy

Being under the Spa Esprit group, Open Door Policy – with the perfect Manhatten-chic vibe – certainly delivers as far as ambience is concerned. But it is more than that – it is a bistro with a difference. Everything is prepared with the freshest ingredients and when you get to dine in such a buzzy yet intimate atmosphere, I promise you will fall in love with the place.

9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6221 9307
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Weekend brunch: 11am – 4pm

Plain Vanilla

My favourite cupcake bakery, Plain Vanilla has opened a second store in Tiong Bahru. They have by far one of the best cupcakes in town. Do visit them and grab a cupcake when you are visiting the area.

1D Yong Siak Street
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 6pm

PoTeaTo

As the name suggests, this cosy eatery specialises in potato-based dishes and tea. The best thing is most of the dishes at PoTeaTo are reasonably-priced. Main courses such as Fish & Chips and Louisiana Pork Ribs range from $13.80 to $17.80, while you can get a Pulled Chicken Sandwich for $9.80.

78 Yong Siak Street #01-18
Tel: +65 62212 488
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 9pm

PS Cafe Petit

PS Cafe Petit at Tiong Bahru is a new takeaway concept for freshly made pizzas and wine. It has a very cool vibe, and I love the design of the shopfront and interior. On the menu, you can find pizzas (prices range from $21-28) such as PS Original Smokey Marherita, Bolognese, and Four Cheese Porcini.

78 Guan Chuan Street #01-41
Tel: +65 9226 7088
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm

SocialHaus

Right next to Books Actually is SocialHaus, a casual little bar where you can enjoy western food – such as fish & chips, and pastas – with cold beers. If you are searching out a great after work spot for drinks with friends, check out SocialHaus. On ladies night every Wednesday, SocialHaus offers prosecco and Haus wines at $5/glass.

11 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6557 0286
Mon, Wed & Thu: 12pm – 11.30pm
Fri: 4pm – 12 midnight
Sat: 11am – 12 midnight
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm

Strangelets

Just a few stores away from Books Actually is Strangelets, a little design shop that sells bags, interior furnishings and all kinds of quirky stuff.

7 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6222 1456
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 8pm

Two Face Pizza and Taproom

This place has a similar concept as Bar Bar Black Sheep and Fat Cat Bistro. It is a coffee shop in the day, and when the sun sets, the space transforms into a cool spot where you can pizzas and beers.

56 Eng Hoon Street #01-48
Tel: +65 6536 0024
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 10pm

PS Cafe Petit at Tiong Bahru is a new takeaway concept for freshly made pizzas and wine. It has a very cool vibe, and I love the design of the shopfront and interior. It is a shame that there is no dine-in area, though.

That said, it is a good option if you want to get pizzas for occasions like a house party, or picnic. On the menu, you can find pizzas (prices range from $21-28) such as PS Original Smokey Marherita, Bolognese, and Four Cheese Porcini.

PS Cafe Petit

78 Guan Chuan Street #01-41

Tel: +65 9226 7088

Tue to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm

Words by Sarah Lim, photos by ladyironchef.

Open Door Policy at the uber-hip Yong Siak Street has certainly managed to draw in the brunch-loving crowd with their creative weekend offerings. Groups of patrons, mostly expatriate families, started streaming in once doors flung open at 11am and half an hour later the restaurant was fully packed.

Being under the Spa Esprit group (which also manages Forty Hands Cafe), we’d expected no less of the décor, and ODP certainly delivers as far as ambience is concerned. Despite the collision of rustic wooden shelves, metallic elements lining the ceiling and stools looking as if they came out from a 1960s classroom, everything blended together to create the perfect Manhattan-chic vibe for a weekend brunch.

And that was precisely what we were here for on a Sunday morning. It didn’t matter that the brunch menu had fewer than 10 items; we immediately homed in on the pancakes, French toast and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

If you thought the decoration was stunning, prepared to be awed by the beauty (literally) of the dishes. Our almost too-pretty-to-eat French toast with roasted berries and vanilla ice cream ($18+) was a testament to the emphasis ODP places on food presentation.

Four hunky blocks of buttery, almost cake-like brioche perfectly seared to achieve a crusty caramelized surface came dusted with icing sugar. The juicy compote of berries and creamy vanilla ice were the perfect accompaniment to the French toast. The marriage of flavours and textures was indeed a treat for the palate.

The smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toasted ciabatta with spinach and fresh herbs ($19+) was a less exciting option. Parting the slices of smoked salmon that blanketed the dish revealed a generous portion of gorgeously creamy scrambled eggs, which we felt could have been perfect with a little more seasoning. Having been soaked through by the moist eggs, the ciabatta was also less crusty than we’d have hoped for.

Amongst the three dishes, we were least impressed by the ODP pancakes with black berry and chocolate ($17+). These turned out too thick and dry for us since we’ve been so spoilt by fluffier varieties elsewhere, and were struggling to finish despite sharing. Fortunately, the sticky and decadent chocolate sauce, balanced by the tart blackberries was a welcomed redemption for the dish.

Service was efficient despite running on full house, so applaud ODP for doing away with the 10% service charge despite their right to do so. While prices here still push the boundaries for brunch, what you get in exchange is a wonderful dining experience amidst beautiful surroundings – as long as you pick the right dishes.

Open Door Policy
9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6221 9307
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Weekend brunch: 11am – 4pm
Closed on Tue

For more recommendations, please read my list of best cafes in Singapore

Thinking about what to do on a Sunday morning? Let’s find a nice cafe for brunch, have a cup of coffee, read a book and watch the world goes by.

The once-sleepy Tiong Bahru estate seems to be coming alive as more and more cafe – Drips Bakery Cafe, Forty Hands, and Open Door Policy – open in the area.

The Orange Thimble cafe at Eng Hoon Street is one of the new additions, and it joins Group Therapy Cafe in my list of new favourite cafes in Singapore.

For now, The Orange Thimble remains a nice hidden cafe. My friends have repeatedly warned me not to blog about it, so they are probably plotting a plan to murder me as I type this. You should quickly go down before more food blogs write about it.

The art cafe is divided into five sections. Directly behind the main area, there are two small tables in the corridor leading to the backyard.

There is also a mini art gallery where you get to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the art pieces.

The food at The Orange Thimble isn’t exceptional. In fact, I wouldn’t come here just for the food. But I like the place. It has a nice vibe, and I can definitely see myself coming back to chill out with a group of friends.

The Orange Thimble Cafe in Tiong Bahru serves all day breakfast on weekends – English breakfast comes with eggs, sausages, bacon, sauteed mushroom, roasted tomatoes with toast for $11.5. Other items on the menu include: Shepherd’s Pie ($9), Egg Mayo sandwich ($8.5) and English Breakfast Burger ($5.5).

Singapore Food Blog Review
The Orange Thimble Cafe
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Tel: +65 6223 8068
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm

For more recommendations, please read my list of best cafes in Singapore

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When I was younger, the de facto meeting place for gatherings was definitely at least a cafe, or a nicer restaurant for a special occasion. While I enjoy going out to fancy restaurants, I also like having a simple dinner at a Zhu Chao stall with my friends.

For one of our gatherings, we decided to meet at Tiong Bahru as everyone is working nearby. Since I’ve been to Sin Hoi San Seafood Restaurant, I asked my friend to recommend another eating place in the area, and she immediately suggested Por Kee Eating House – a very popular Zhu Chao Stall at Seng Poh road opposite Tiong Bahru Market.

Like what I’ve mentioned in my Singapore Must-Eats post, Zi Char (also known as Zhi Char/Cze Char/Tze Char/Zhu Chao) is a Chinese stall (in a coffee shop) that serves a variety of ala carte dishes at affordable prices.

The signature Home-made tofu braised with mushrooms is also highly recommended, and this is coming from a guy who only likes hotplate tofu. We also had the famous Champagne Pork Ribs ($16 for small), and it was really good.

As you all know, I’m on a quest to find the best sweet and sour pork in Singapore. Even though I have been disappointed each time, I still continued to try them. Unfortunately, Por Kee’s Sweet and Sour Pork ($12) was only mediocre. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing either.

The food at Por Kee Eating House is good, but not great. Furthermore, the prices at Por Kee are slightly higher than the typical Zhu Chao stalls; vegetable dishes start from $9 (small), and the meat dishes are around $12-16 (small).

I wouldn’t go all the way to Tiong Bahru just to eat this, and even if I am in the area, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Where do you usually eat in Tiong Bahru?

Singapore Food Blog Review
Por Kee Eating House
69 Seng Poh Lane #01-02
Tel: +65 6221 0582

Street food is easily one of the best things a country can offer. Unlike other countries where you eat by the road side, Singapore’s version of street food is what we call hawker food, and they are found in food/hawker centres – which are usually located in the heartlands.

For what is lacking in the electrifying atmosphere of eating by the street, the hawker centres in singapore make up for it by serving clean and tasty food, in a comfortable environment.

Tiong Bahru Market is one of the most popular hawker centres in Singapore. I always go there when I am craving for local food. Here are some of the things that I order when I am eating there.

It is no secret that Singaporeans love queuing up for food. In a way, it acts as a guide to the more popular stalls in a hawker centre, but it is not accurate all the time.

Judging from the queues when we were there on a Sunday morning, the best food stalls in Tiong Bahru Food Centre (in no particular order) are: Pork Ribs Prawn Noodle (#02-31), Koh Brothers Pig Organ Soup (#02-29), Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (#02-82), Wanton Noodles (#02-30), 178 Lor Mee (#02-23) and Tiong Bahru Lee Hong Kee Cantonese Roasted (#02-60).

This is one of the best food in Tiong Bahru Market – Tiong Bahru Lee Hong Kee Cantonese Roasted stall. The long queues are annoying but the Char Siew and Roasted Pork are out-of-this-world-good.

I grew up eating the roasted duck. When I was a kid, my parents would bring me to the old Tiong Bahru Market during the weekends. Ahhh, those were the days.

The chicken rice from Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice stall is very very good. To me, they are easily one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore. The Steamed Hainanese chicken rice here is wildly popular, but I always prefer roasted chicken, and their rendition is equally good anyway.

Besides the popular stalls that I’ve mentioned, you can also try the following at Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre: Peranakan food like Buak Keluak and Ngio Hiang from the fairly new Daisy Dream Kitchen (#02-36); hot and soupy Kway Chap (#02-43); another Lor Mee option from Tiong Bahru Lor Mee (#02-80); piping hot Char Siew Bao and Siew Mai from Tiong Bahru Pau (#02-18); and handmade fish balls from Teochew Fish Ball Noodle (#02-13).

And of course, no visit to Tiong Bahru Market is complete without eating Chwee Kueh. Among the two Chwee Kueh stalls there, I prefer Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Chwee Kueh (#02-05) – which is one of the few original stalls from the old Tiong Bahru Market.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Tiong Bahru Food Market & Hawker Centre
30 Seng Poh road

For more recommendations, read Bukit Timah Market | Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre | Jurong West Food Centre | Old Airport Road Market | Serangoon Gardens Food Centre

I am impressed with Forty Hands Cafe. Despite its (ulu) location within a shop house in the Tiong Bahru area, the cafe has been doing very well since its opening.

However, I felt that the food was average. They are always crowded, though, especially for weekend brunch. Also, I didn’t fancy the narrow layout of the place. Having said that, 40 Hands Cafe is still one of the nicer cafes in Singapore.

They have a few sandwiches (prices ranging from $8-$10) on the menu, but hey, breakfast food is all about eggs! The egg items like the Eggs Benedict, Baked Eggs and Big Breakfast are priced below $20.

We had two sets of the Big Breakfast: one with scrambled eggs and the other with poached eggs. The portion was generous and it came with mushroom, grilled tomatoes, sausages, eggs, toasts and greens. The Baked Eggs, on the other hand, was extremely salty and we didn’t manage to finish it.

And of course, people go to Forty Hands Cafe for the coffee. Known amongst the array of coffee joints, 40 hands is one of the few cafes that serve up the best coffee in Singapore.

It is quite difficult to find Forty Hands Cafe. Your best bet is to take a cab and hope that the driver knows where is Yong Siak street (near Tiong Bahru market). Book lovers will also be happy to know that the popular BooksActually has relocated to the same street. I think the idea of visiting a book shop after a good Sunday brunch is very appealing.

For more recommendations, read my list of Brunch in Singapore | Best Cafes in Singapore

Singapore Food Blog Review
Forty Hands Cafe
Blk 78 Yong Siak Street
#01-12 Singapore
Tel: +65 6225 8545

Operating Hours:
Tuesdays: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8:30am – 10pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 8:30am – 11pm
Sundays 8:30am – 6:30pm
Closed on Monday

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At the ground floor of Link Hotel in Tiong Bahru, is Blue Garden Korean BBQ Restaurant. It currently occupies the space which was used by the now-defunct Persimmon Restaurant. Much of the interior remains intact: the black and white tiled floor, and the kopitiam-style furniture.

Korean food lovers will be happy to know that Blue Garden restaurant offers Korean BBQ buffet during lunch ($19.90) and dinner ($26.90).

My definition of buffet: be prepared to eat a lot.

The Korean BBQ Buffet offers free-flow of Korean dishes like Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, Kimchi Pancakes, Korean Spicy Rice Cakes (Ddukbokkie), and a variety of Kimchi (Spring Onion, Cabbage, Leak, Cucumber).

The truth is, Blue Garden’s appetisers are pretty run-of-the-mill. We tasted a bit of everything as we were saving our stomach for the highlight of Korean BBQ Buffet – MEAT!

… And of course, we were there for the meat. The Korean BBQ Buffet has free flow of Pork Collar, Beef Belly, Pork Belly, and three different types of Bulgogi (beef, chicken and pork). Read my lips: this is an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

Amongst the four of us, we ate enough meat to last us for a week. We ate, and ate and ate. We totally threw the diet plan out of the window – it was crazy! If you are not a big meat-eater, the Korean BBQ Buffet also has seafood and vegetables.

But trust me, you’d want to just go for the meat. Wow, I think I am very good at giving advice! Remember, just go for the meat.

I had some white rice to go along with the meat, but mostly I wrapped the BBQ meat in lettuce leaves. After a while, I was too lazy to put it nicely into the lettuce so I ate the meat directly from the BBQ pit. The bulgogi is delicious!

Considering that places like Crystal Jade Korean Restaurant charges $18 for a plate of marinated meat, I think that Blue Garden’s Korean BBQ Buffet is very reasonably priced. Looking for a cheap and good buffet? Find a group of friends who love meat and go for the Korean BBQ Buffet!

One thing to note though, the air ventilation was almost non-existence; our clothes smelled like Korean BBQ after we were done.

For more recommendations, read Korean Restaurants in Singapore | Buffet in Singapore

Blue Garden Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant
50 Tiong Bahru Road
#01-07 Link Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6224 0700

Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $19.90++/pax
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $26.90++/pax

Sin Hoi Sai (also known as Sin Hoi San) Eating House has been around for ages and they hold a special place in my heart. When I was a kid, my uncle used to bring me there for dinner every month.

As the years went by, we stopped going there for zi char, but I am really happy to see that Sin Hoi Sai has been doing well. Ask any foodie where you can find a popular Zi Char Restaurant for supper and invariably, the name Sin Hoi Sai at Tiong Bahru will prop up.

Back in the days, we used to eat in the alley under the open sky. They have since expanded to the shop house opposite, increasing their seating capacity.

Even though the standard of the food is still decent, the prices have gone up by quite a bit. It really depends on your perspective though. If you see Sin Hoi San as a Chinese Seafood Restaurant, then their prices are probably quite acceptable.

But for me, Sin Hoi San will always be that place where I had my steamed fish at the “al fresco” area. I feel that their current prices are rather steep for a Zi Char Stall.

Considering the fact that Sin Hoi Sai used to be a no-frills Zi Char place and it now provides air-conditioning in the shop house, I can understand the increase in price. We are also paying more as they are operating throughout the night.

Will I go back to Sin Hoi San Seafood Restaurant? Yes, but only if I am looking for a late night supper place. Given that there are plenty of good cze char places that I have yet to explore, I am not in a hurry to come back.

I am sorry Sin Hoi Sai, you’ve changed. It’s not me, it’s you.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Sin Hoi Sai Eating House
55 Tiong Bahru Road (Opposite Link Hotel)
#01-59 Singapore
Tel: +65 6223 0810
Daily: 5pm – 5am

187 East Coast Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6440 6956
Daily: 5pm – 4am

* * * Now closed * * *

My fourth, her third, another’s second, and many others first. Our common love for food. That’s how it all began. At the heart of East-Meet-West. Persimmon.

Kopitiam, the symbolic of our local heartlands. The place where everybody grew up sipping their milo & coffee, where everybody settled their three meals when their mother was on strike, and the gateway to many delicious heritage hawker food.

Persimmon is quintessentially a swanky and upmarket kopitiam, retaining the traditional feel by using the classic kopitiam furnitures and floor tiles. The furnishings were a combination between comtemporary and rustic. And not to mention her location is right in the middle of Tiong Bahru, with the shophouses and kopitiam lining side by side.

Choices of desserts pick from a la carte buffet. Bread pudding, carrot cake, mango pudding, panna cotta, chocolate mousse. For the discerning us, perhaps only the carrot cake made the cut.

The kong ba bao (stewed pork belly) was way off my radar. The bun was hard and dry, the meat was not fatty enough, and lacked the delicious gravy. And oh ya, it wasn’t part of our menu, but was under the a la carte buffet offered.

Inspired by NoSignBoard white pepper crab, Persimmon white pepper Crabcake is all about that. Enjoyed the white pepper “crab”, no doubt in the form of crabcake, without any hassle. Under the sunny weather, the crab was toned prefectly brown, with a crisp-cross shell, and savoury meat within. Adiós

The crown of Persimmon. Hainanese Chicken Salad. Featured in almost all the media publications, there isn’t any excuse for you to miss this dish. The concept is simple, Singaporeans loved their chicken rice, but dreaded the calories. So what do you do? Remove the rice, throw in some greens, and voila! Singapore’s very own Hainanese chicken salad. Poach chicken, fresh local herbs & mesclun greens, rise crisps, and special dressing.

Tomato base pasta? Boring! How about our rich cream base instead? I hate cream! Right, why not try our Linguine laksa leaf Pesto? Specially created for your exquisite taste buds, the laksa infused linguine will definitely blow you away with its unique taste. Think laksa, but swop the thick rice noodles with pasta. Some felt that the laksa leaf was too heavy and overwhelm the whole dish. On the other hand, i thought the pasta was perfectly fine. Innovative with a big I.

Mixed blonds (fusion) are interesting in some ways, and the 8 treasures certainly roused my curiosity. Three mushrooms, two nuts, chinese sausage, parmesan cheese and risotto. What happens when Italian Risotto combine with the 8 treasures? You get the 8 treasure Risotto! The intial impression was Glutinous rice, but it was way better. I need to be honest, i couldn’t taste all of you. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter, you are all mine!

Staying true with the principle of fusion food, we have the European-style steak meeting heads on with our Asian carrot cake. The grilled ribeye with “chye tao kueh” carrot cake is bound to make your eyes popped out. The carrot cake was fried with XO and balsamic, with the latter providing a sour taste. A vast contrast with the steak. Not everyone could accepted sour carrot cake with steak though. Aspiring combination, but somehow failed to sizzle with the seemingly weird taste.

Eaten alone, the Slow poached salmon with zuchinni ribbons didn’t come as tender as we thought it will. But dipped in the green curry sauce, the fish went through a make-over in the taste department. There was cucumbers used in the green curry, which caught my attention. Like what one of our fellow friend say, when you don’t understand, just say “fusion!”

Our humble Otak is given a upmarket transformation by going créme brulée. With richly flavoured spicy kaffir lime & coconut used as the main ingredients, there was fish mousse hidden beneath the otak. The otak creme brulee is a very creative fusion dish indeed, but the experiement could perhaps be better. Some of us found the otak to be too watery, and maybe it’s meant to be this way. But is créme brulée ever so soggy?

There was a slight tweak to the menu compared to the one i previously shown. And the cost per person was 20 dollar nett, which everybody agreed was a reasonable price given we managed to try a variety of food. I hope everybody enjoyed their meal, and see you all at the next LIC food outing! We had 27 people for this outing, which was quite a healthy figure.

Well, like what some of you mentioned, it was a case of hits and misses, fusion food is pretty much an experiment between the Asian and Western cuisines, and it was certainly interesting to try some food which we’ll never get to try elsewhere.

And not to forget, LIC outing is all about the fun, joy and laughter during the event, and getting to know more friends. I’ll also like to take the opportunity to thank Helena and Sharon, the co-owners of Persimmon for having us there.

Do add me on facebook, if you missed the links earlier.

Read Jaime-la-nourriture chinese post on the outing here

For those who missed this Persimmon outing, you can get the best discounts when you mentioned ladyironchef while you are at Persimmon. So do go down and give the fusion food a try.