Tucked in the corner of Teck Lim Road next to Keong Siak Road is Chez Suzette, a beautiful French cafe which specialises in hearty French food, crêpes, freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffee as well as a range of specially curated French wine.

From the French-style decor and furniture to the plates and utensils, Chez Suzette totally nailed it.

Prices range from S$19 for a Croque Monsieur, to S$36 for a main of Braised Beef Cheeks. There are also other classic French dishes including Escargots (S$16), Traditional French Onion Soup (S$16), and Duck Leg Confit (S$29).

We had the Duck Leg Confit (S$29) which was served with ratatouille. While the skin wasn’t as crisp as we’d like, we enjoyed every bit of the Duck Leg Confit.

Another dish that we ordered was the hearty Rolled Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing (S$22) and it came with mashed potato, baby carrot and a turkey sauce. The Rolled Turkey wasn’t dry at all and it was, in fact, quite tender.

To end off your meal, the signature Crêpes Suzette (S$15)—with a homemade sauce made of caramelised sugar and butter, orange juice, and zest—is a must-order dessert. Top it off with Grand Marnier Flambé (additional S$5 supplement) and watch the staff flambéed the Crêpes Suzette table-side. Get your camera ready!

There is also a retail and workshop space at Chez Suzette which features curated items from local artists and craftsmen.

Drop by Chez Suzette and enjoy a leisure lunch of French classics and wines with your friends.

Chez Suzette
5 Teck Lim Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088383
Tel: 8690 4810

The cafe scene in Singapore is saturated with a plethora of cafes that more or less serve up grub that’s pretty mainstream, namely typical brunch items such as eggs Benedict, french toast, granola bowls and the likes. Newly-opened Kafe Utu, however, stands out from the crowd.

Proudly proclaiming themselves Singapore’s first Afro-themed cafe, they dish out brunch-style classics underscoring heavy influences from African cuisine that are sure to trump your typical eggs and toast any day. Aside from that, they also brew seriously good coffee.

Upon entering, we were blown away by the gorgeous, rustic interior of the cafe. Period.

The place has a modern African theme going on and is beautifully furnished with wooden counter tops, metallic fittings, warm colours and breathtaking paintings.

Our first order of business was the Utu Plate (S$18). This colourful ensemble features two slices of sourdough toasts that were topped with marinated goat cheese, cumin roasted tomato, raw garlic, curried avocado, arugula and a side of butter and jam.

The idea of eating raw garlic doesn’t really sound that appetising but surprisingly, it worked. It also added a nice sweet yet spicy flavour to the mix and really complemented the creaminess of the curried avocado.

From the Mama Africa section of the menu, which features some of their more traditional African dishes, we had a go at their Swahili Fish Curry (S$29). The curry consists of tender slices of red snapper fillets and coconut rice that was doused in a sauce made from tamarind, coconut milk, house curry paste and habanero.

The curry packs a punch and massive amounts of flavour without being overly spicy.

A visit to Kafe Utu would be a wasted trip if you left without trying a Mandazi, which is a classic African fried bread that originates from the Swahili Coast. These doughnut-like treats have a sweet and slightly savoury taste to it which make them incredibly addictive to munch on.

The ones here were also sprinkled with a generous amount of coconut flakes and cardamom, which added a subtle sweetness and spiciness to the bread.

Located in the bar and restaurant-laden street of Keong Saik Road, Sluviche is an outfit that serves up icy, boozed up slushies and a tantalising array of fresh and colourful ceviche—perfect for beating the Singapore heat.

With a menu that is limited to a handful of ceviche options, this may not be the ideal place if what you are looking for is a hearty, full-on meal but what you can be sure of is a pleasant mid-day pick-me-up in the form of raw seasoned seafood and a refreshing cocktail.

The best way to enjoy seafood is raw and the best way to savour an alcoholic beverage in Singapore’s mid-day humidity is ice-cold, so what are you waiting for? Sluviche is the place to be.

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Specialising in Peruvian ceviche and pimped up, adult-only slushies, Sluviche—a cheeky play on the words ‘ceviche’ and ‘slushie’—brings to Keong Saik Road a breath of vibrancy and a laid-back vibe. This is where we can imagine ourselves coming to for fun, carefreeness and fresh flavours to excite our palates.

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Their menu is concise in that it only features a selection of 5 ceviche options, 2 boozy slushy options, 3 house-crafted cocktails. Wine and spirits are also available, but the things that you absolutely must try—which also makes for a quick pick-me-up at any time of the day—are their Pisco Punch (S$15) and Pisco Sour (S$15).

Their food offerings may be small but make no mistake, these boys don’t play. What you get out of every serving of their ceviche are masterful techniques in the form of specially curated seafood, scratch-made sauces to uniformly cut garnishes.

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Fish options available here consist of scallops, tuna, shrimp, Buri (yellowtail) and Fiji (swordfish)—all of which come with a side of sourdough bread.

Ready for a night out with the lads? You know where to go.

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Sluviche
17A Keong Saik Road,
Singapore 089124
Tel: +65 6224 0212
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

All photos are credited to Sluviche. 

Tucked away on Bukit Pasoh, the vibrant and lively Casa Poncho is a new Latino restaurant and bar that serves some of the best churros and cocktails in the area. Inspired by Latin American cuisine, the dishes are designed to be shared and feature a whole array of rustic nosh synonymous with Mexican comfort food.

If fresh ceviche, sinful churros and devilish Mezcal-based cocktails are things you fancy, then this new kid on the block is sure to spice up your evening as you watch the sun slowly set and kiss the workday goodbye.

For a little bit of Mexico in the heart of Singapore, drop by Casa Poncho be it for a full-on meal or an end-of-work tipple.

Decked out in vibrant colours and with groovy Latin music booming in the background, Casa Poncho is the sort of place you should definitely come with your best buddies for a night out of zero restraint. Armed with a cocktail in hand, the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere will have you feeling transported straight to Cuba.

If like us, you go absolutely mental at the sight of a grilled octopus leg, then allow their El Pulpo, an insanely tender grilled octopus topped with chilli ranchera salsa, pumpkin seeds, and a dash of scallion oil, to delight your taste buds.

To get yourself and your mates in the mood for a fiesta (and fast), consider one of their Mezcal-based cocktails. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from an agave plant native to Mexico and much like the infamous spirit, tequila, it really packs a mean punch.

Casa Poncho
14 Bukit Pasoh Road,
Singapore 089828
Tel: +65 6224 5466
(Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Tue to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

All photos are credited to Casa Poncho Singapore.

Butcher Boy is a new Asian-inspired bar and grill at the Keong Saik dining enclave. This humble ‘meatery’ is the perfect space for meat-lovers in search for good vibes and solid meat dishes.

Butcher Boy is the second venture by chef-owner Andrew Walsh of Cure. Their key offerings, as its name suggests, include a sizzle of luscious meats alongside a selection of cocktails, buns, sharing plates, and oh-so-decadent sundaes.

Taking its naming inspiration from Walsh’s all-time-favourite novel and movie, The Butcher Boy, this cosy restaurant space is intended for guests to escape the bustle of life and ease over a laid back atmosphere of great food, tipples and music. Whether you are a passionate meat lover or someone who simply needs to unwind after a hectic workday, Butcher Boy is one place worth visiting.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/pg/butcherboysg

Following through on the Asian influence, Butcher Boy presents carnivorous grill options for guests to sink their teeth into.

Dishes worth trying include the Iberico Pork Belly (S$32), the Duck Banh Mi with Liver Pate and Sriracha ($18) and the foolproof Fried Chicken Bao with Yuzu Kewpie (S$18). Their two-page beverage menu is compact but sufficient. Feel free to knock these bad boys back with a Japanese craft beer or one fo their house-crafted cocktails.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/pg/butcherboysg

For drinks, award-winning head bartender Knut Randhem has created Asian-inspired cocktails such as Thai Basil Tini (S$16++), a mixture of Columbian gin, sake, basil, lemon and sugar; and the Street Side Milk Punch (S$18++), which comprises Cahaca, Thai milk tea and a salted caramel syrup.

Butcher Boy
31 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089138
Tel: +65 6221 6833
Mon to Thu: 5.30pm – 12am
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Located just a stone’s throw away from Outram Park MRT is Keong Saik Bakery, a nostalgic yet contemporary eatery which is the newest addition to the already vibrant food street along Keong Saik Road.

Presenting local favourites with a modern twist, Keong Saik Bakery is a suitable place to visit for breakfast or tea. Think crusty croissants, fluffy and dainty cakes and a warm, comforting cup of coffee or tea; there could be no better way to brighten your day.

Upon stepping into Keong Saik Bakery, a wave of nostalgia swept over us when we noticed that the walls of the eatery were covered with wallpaper that spoke about the heritage of the Keong Saik area.

We were also greeted by the beautiful aromas of freshly baked pastries. Thus, we could not help but order the Sor Hei (S$3.20), a black and white Danish pastry.

Did you know that the Sor Hei was named after the Cantonese ceremony for Ma Jie? This is actually part of Keong Saik Bakery’s patronage to the previous owner of the shophouse on which the eatery occupies.

Crispy, light and giving off a lovely smell of butter, we were delighted when we pulled open the Sor Hei and found melted chocolate chips within the pastry. This reminded us of a chocolate croissant and it was just as satisfying too.

The all-day breakfast set (S$5) was another item that we tried. Choose your bread from the self-service bread section and pair it with a Kopi O or Teh O. The all-day breakfast set also comes with our favourite soft-boiled eggs!

We went with the Sardine Cheese (S$2.50) which comprises of chilli tomato sardines, onions and mozzarella cheese in French dough. Albeit slightly underwhelming in taste, it still went well with the fragrant Kopi O.

If you intend to visit during tea time, signature cakes that you can try include the Gula Jawa Sticky Rice (S$6) and Chendol Delight (S$6.50).

The next time you are searching for a new place to have breakfast, why not give Keong Saik Bakery a try?

Keong Saik Bakery
41 Keong Saik Road,
Singapore 089146
Tel: +65 6909 3199
Tue to Wed, Fri to Sun: 8am – 8pm
Thu: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Previously located in the iconic red and white building, Tong Ah Eating House has relocated a few units farther down Keong Saik Road. The traditional coffee shop has been around since 1939 and has gained recognition for its crispy kaya toast.

While there is no lack of kaya toast sets in Singapore, Tong Ah Eating House is one of those eateries that keeps customers going back for more. Everything is kept simple—from the modest wall decorations to their humble kaya toasts.

It is surely a treasure of Singapore.

Tong Ah Eating House uses the traditional round tables which are ideal for big groups and families. Although you can choose to sit outside, it is much cooler indoors as there are fans. You can also watch the staff in action as they toast your bread.

Everyone goes there for the Traditional Kaya Toast (S$4.90) which comes with kaya toast, two soft-boiled eggs and a drink. Toasted till it was slightly charred, the kaya toast was extremely crispy with a smoky taste. Just like what we expected, the melted butter and handmade kaya is a lovely combination.

Of course, we all know that kaya toast is best paired with soft-boiled eggs! Add in some pepper and a dash of soy sauce to taste and dip the crispy toast in.

Tong Ah Eating House also serves Crispy Thin Toast Kaya, French Toast with Kaya and Steamed Bread with Kaya (S$4.90).

Will you visit Tong Ah Eating House soon?

Tong Ah Eating House
35 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 6223 5083
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Opened by the folks behind Department of Caffeine and Two Degrees North Coffee Co., The Populus Coffee & Food Co. opened its doors to public late last year, and it has been our favourite cafe in Singapore since.

You see, The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is everything a good cafe should be – a neat decor with plants and natural sunlight, comprehensive food menu with wholesome meals and homemade desserts, and a brilliant cuppa.

With the rise of demands for cafes in Singapore, more and more are sprouting out across the island, but sadly, everyone is just cutting corners and compromising on the quality – whatever they are. Thank God The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is nothing like that at all, and they always strive to bring the best experience to cafe-goers.

Upon stepping in the The Populus Coffee & Food Co., any coffee lover would be enchanted by the centralised set-up. The coffee bar, with the sleek coffee machine, is a sexy one that will not go unnoticed. Watch the baristas in action, have a chat with them and they will be happy to share their knowledge about third wave coffee with you; smells are free, too!

The coffee beans are roasted exclusively by Two Degrees North Coffee Co, with 3 blends and 4 single origins at the moment.

You cannot leave The Populus Coffee & Food Co. without having a cup, that’s for sure. We’ve had several cups since its soft launch days, and never once were we disappointed.

The menu was painstakingly put together with the good thoughts of feeding their patrons healthily and well. Your best bet will be the Grains Bowl (S$18) that features quinoa, beautiful grilled vegetables and roast chicken. Honest earthy flavours so healthy and fulfilling, this is what we’d like to think of health food.

Then, there is the Lemon & White Chocolate Sundae that stole our hearts. This is one unexpected creation, and what might look like just a sundae is actually way more than that.

The Lemon & White Chocolate Sundae (S$14) is a mind-blowing bowl of homemade Tahitian vanilla ice cream with fresh lemon jelly, rosewater meringue, white chocolate crumb, popping candy, cornflakes and citron mascarpone. The end result is a sophisticated bowl of well-balanced citrusy and milky flavours that left us longing for more.

The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
146 Neil Road
Tel: +65 6635 8420
Mon & Wed: 9am – 7 pm
Thu & Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Outram

Read: We spoke to several cafe owners to get a gist on how much it costs to open a new cafe in Singapore – from rental, to interior design, labour cost, and kitchen equipment.

Transforming itself from a red light district in the 1960s into today’s trendy neighborhood, Keong Saik has successfully shaken off its notorious past, reinventing itself with some of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.

Assuming you plan on boozing at the crème de la crème of bars at Keong Saik, we’ll assume part of that strategy will include reading this article. Let’s just say it’s a more “specific” strategy.

Here are the Top 5 Bars in Keong Saik Road You Must Check Out:

#1 COPPER BAR

Scrupulously designed to look like a drinkery from a futuristic steampunk era (assuming steampunk is the in thing in the future), this eclectic new eye-boner-ing gin bar exudes a dark sense of mystery—we’re talking skulls, test tubes and beakers—that lures one (too many) into its alcoholic den. Not that we’d mind. The intimate two-storey space focuses on gin, gin, and more gin (read: over 60 gins and 30 self-infused gin concoctions). Sounds sexy? We know, and it’s about to get sexier.

Available on tap are four variations of the classic negroni (S$18) where you will be consumed with desire to have a go at each. Do so. But if you really must choose, Classico and Copper Avenue bode extremely well with the palate; the former done the traditional way with The Botanist gin, and the latter; a twist on the Left Hand with a touch of amaretto. Believe us, it’s strong. Also, we should mention that there’s a hibiscus and chamomile gin-moscato number called the Athena’s elixir (S$24) that full of floral, herbaceous notes. Drink it.

10 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089264
Tel: +65 6222 5565
Mon to Wed: 6pm to 12am
Thu to Sat: 6pm to 3am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#2 LOLLAPALOOZA

In Singapore’s burgeoning food scene, Lollapalooza is the blueprint for impeccable dining and service standards, and of course, wine. Surely you know someone (read: you) who could benefit from some exquisite champagne and wine. Sounds date worthy? It is. So bring a date, or a mate. There’s a rotating range of 20 champagnes and wines available by the glass and half bottle formats, with over 90 wines on the menu. Eliminate all thoughts of wines by the glass being total crap, because these will change your mind.

If you’re a fan of white wines, Soave Classico “La Rocca”, Pieropan (S$31.50) is simply outstanding. Elegant aromatics of honey and almond brim on the nose, before developing intense flavors of pressed flowers and vanilla.

And If you’re in the mood to celebrate, rise to the occasion with a glass of grower champagne. The Champagne Marie Demets, Tradition NV (S$26) is delicate and clean on the mid-palate, with aromas of ripe fruit that will not disappoint.

1A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6221 3538
Mon to Sat: 6pm to 11pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#3 STUDIO 1939 AT POTATO HEAD FOLK

You must’ve been to Potato Head Folk, or at least heard of them (and their deceptively coy “naughty fries” that will have you eating out the palm of their hand). But have you heard about their bar? If you haven’t, prepare to be enlightened. Ascend the stairs to level three. There’s where enlightenment begins—with over 40 rums.

We’re not religious, but it must be said. The Temple of Excellia (S$25) reigns in the godly (drinking) realm, penetrating one’s senses with oaky, bitter and sweet notes of dried fruit and rich honeycomb. Ascend into a higher realm with the beetroot and horseradish pickled quail eggs (S$10) and Johnny Drum private stock 9 bourbon-pickled onions (S$9)—you can’t go wrong when pickling with 15-year aged bourbons. Take the Silk Tea Route (S$24) and get Hooked On A Feeling (S$24); a bourbon, and rum-based cocktail where layering flavor complexities make an appearance in your favor.

Also, the bar opens before noon. Some people get drinks at that time.

36 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089143
Tel: +65 6327 1939
Tue to Sun: 11am to 12am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#4 THE CUFFLINK CLUB

No novice in the bar scene is The Cufflink Club; its undeniably bold aura exhibited in its sleek New York-esque interior and achingly attractive cocktails. Start with gin-based Jiak the Ripper (SS$23) that awakens the palate with tart and fruity notes coupled with a tinge of herby bitterness, and work your way through the cocktail prowess of bartender Aaron Goodall. Like Berlusconi (SS$20); an egg-white number that employs pink grapefruit, mandarin, sour lemon and aperol bitters that will have you lapping it up in no time, and Porn Star (SS$28)—go the whole nine yards and tip in the champagne (so what if there’s already vodka in there?).

There’s also a tightly curated menu of pizzas to soak up the aforementioned liquids. It’s not much, but it’s all you’ll need. Order the NYC style (SS$18) pizza. It’s got the usual suspects of house cherry tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano and it’s pretty darn amazing.

6 Jiak Chuan Road
Singapore 089262
Tel: +65 9694 9623
Mon to Thu: 5pm to 1am
Fri: 5pm to 2am
Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#5 THE LIBRARY

On the outside: a weekly password for entry that borders on being pretentious. On the inside: discreetly potent cocktails. On your inside: great pleasure. Saddle up onto a bar stool or cozy your date and yourself into one of the plush couch seats (where it’s more intimate). If this is a date situation, you’ll need a Silver Screen (S$23). Think of it whichever way you like, but this popcorn-infused bourbon-based beauty has a citrusy and spicy soft finish with its house-mix of 3D bitters; angostura, orange and Peychaud’s, that’s bound to heat things up (even if your date doesn’t).

There’s an option to take it slow and easy with a refreshing Piscotheque (S$23)—think sweet notes of pink guava and passion fruit that blossom in the mouth with a dry, savory-sweet finish. Then get the party started with a Foursome in the Jungle (S$32). You’ve seen this in a dream. Here, your dreams turn into reality (albeit a little differently) where Mina Real mezcal and spiced Rooibos rum form the basis for a good time, alongside citrus notes of pineapple and lime. Play your cards right and you’ll get to the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

47 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089153
Tel: +65 6221 8338
Daily: 6pm to 1:30am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Men’s Folio, and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest dining and nightlife news.