Bornga by Chef Paik Jong Won is closing its VivoCity outlet after 10 years.

Everyone should be familiar with Chef Paik Jong Won, the main host of the cooking television series Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 Chef King as well as Culinary Class Wars.

We checked with the staff at Bornga and they confirmed that Bornga will be closing for good and there are no plans to reopen elsewhere. Bornga has yet to decide on the official date for the last day of operation but they will be closing in March 2026.

Bornga is known for serving its Korean BBQ with a long tray of fresh vegetables as well as an array of banchan.

Their Kimchi-jjigae is authentic and it hits the spot, while you will not go wrong with their marinated beef galbi.

Drop by Bornga for a last hurray before they close for good in March next month.

Bornga
1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-123 /124, Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8268

Founded by artiste Jaime Teo and former radio DJ Daniel Ong, Twelve Cupcakes was sold in 2016 to India’s Dhunseri Group for 2.5 million.

The local bakery brand Twelve Cupcakes has reportedly halted its operations after being placed into provisional liquidation on October 29, as announced in a notice on its website’s homepage.

What began as Jamie Teo’s simple passion for baking quickly blossomed into a thriving business when she and her husband opened the first Twelve Cupcakes outlet at United Square.

Their arrival marked the beginning of Singapore’s cupcake craze — suddenly, cupcakes were everywhere, and Twelve Cupcakes was selling out daily.

The brand’s success was impossible to ignore. People adored not only the couple’s picture-perfect partnership but also their irresistibly moist, beautifully frosted cupcakes. They popularised the now-iconic Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cupcake — complete with its signature heart-shaped topper — a design so beloved that it continues to inspire countless imitations today.

With rapid expansion and growing queues at every store, it didn’t take long for Twelve Cupcakes to sweetly take over Singapore’s dessert scene.

Good bye to one of the most iconic local cupcake brands in Singapore.

One-Michelin-starred Japanese kappo restaurant Esora will bid farewell with its final service along Mohamed Sultan Road on 29 Dec 2025.

Since opening in 2018, Esora has been celebrated for its refined kappo dining experience, clinching its Michelin star in 2021 under the helm of then-head chef Shigeru Koizumi.

Part of The Lo & Behold Group, Esora belongs to a stable of heavyweight names in Singapore’s dining scene — from three-Michelin-starred Odette to Italian restaurant Fico, the iconic Tanjong Beach Club, and the lifestyle destination New Bahru, home to several other acclaimed concepts.

Widely regarded as one of Singapore’s finest dining destinations, Esora is a one-Michelin-starred modern Japanese kappo restaurant that celebrates the beauty of the four seasons — from its menu and plating to the artful floral arrangements that transform with the time of year.

Make a reservation at Esora before their final service on 29 Dec 2025.

Esora
15 Mohamed Sultan Rd
Singapore 238964

The Privé Group has ceased operations across all its restaurants in Singapore. Privé started from its early days at Keppel Bay with the upmarket Privé Grill and the casual Privé cafe more than a decade ago and it quickly expanded with multiple brands over the years.

One of the more successful local cafe chains in Singapore, Privé had outlets at Marina at Keppel Bay, i12 Katong, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), CHIJMES, Wheelock, Paragon, 313@Somerset, Jewel Changi Airport, Tiong Bahru, Robertson Quay, and Katong; while Privé Grill was located at The University Club, with Empress at ACM and Bayswater Kitchen rounding out the group’s portfolio.

It was also behind nightlife spots such as Stereolab and Mink before they closed down eventually.

Two of its five outlets, both situated at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), will now be managed by Commonwealth Concepts, the company behind well-known dining brands such as Fat Cow, Bedrock Bar & Grill, Kinki and Baker & Cook.

The Privé Group is just one of the many restaurants that has closed down in 2025. We wouldn’t be surprised to see more casualties in the brutal F&B industry for the remaining four months in 2025.

Famed for its iconic prawn paste chicken and fish head noodles, Ka-Soh Restaurant will bid farewell to its third and final outlet at Greenwood Avenue on 28 September 2025, bringing its remarkable 85-year legacy to a poignant close.

First established in 1939 as a humble pushcart stall, Ka-Soh has grown into a beloved household name with over eight decades of culinary heritage.

A proud recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2017, Ka-Soh embodies the spirit of a classic Chinese eatery — serving a wide variety of zi char favourites, from hearty noodle dishes and fried rice to flavourful side plates.

No visit to Ka-Soh is complete without trying their signature fish soup noodles — a comforting bowl generously topped with tender, fresh fish slices.

Another crowd favourite is their crispy prawn paste chicken — fragrant, juicy, and a must-order at every table.

Ka-Soh’s third-generation owner Cedric is now working on a home-based venture to sell Ka-Soh’s signature Cantonese-style fish soup in frozen packs online, keeping the legacy alive in a new format. He’s also considering the possibility of launching a hawker stall in the future, though plans are still in the early stages and nothing has been confirmed yet.

You can drop by Ka-Soh at Greenwood Avenue to support them before they close for good in September.

Two Bakers is closing down in mid-August after being in our F&B scene for 11 long years.

Some cafes excel at savoury dishes but fall short when it comes to desserts, while others whip up impressive sweets but aren’t exactly spots you’d visit for a proper meal.

Two Bakers, however, strikes the perfect balance. Tucked away along Horne Road, this French and Fusion-inspired patisserie and bakery cafe delivers on both fronts—serving up satisfying mains and equally stellar desserts.

Most cafes tend to get their desserts from central kitchens– which results in different cafes serving the same desserts – so we are impressed by Two Bakers’ commitment to bake their own desserts.

And it is more than just simple “rustic” cakes. Two Bakers’ pastry kitchen’s repertoire includes eclairs, tarts, strawberry shortcakes, and fancy mousse cakes.

And if you are a fan of Two Bakers, you can always visit their sister cafe Daily Ground near Coronation Shopping Plaza in Bukit Timah.

Cafe Gyoen is a Japanese-themed cafe with a train decor which opened in Serangoon Gardens a year ago and they have won over residents in the neighbourhood with their hearty and delicious Japanese Teishoku.

Unfortunately, their lease is ending in May 2025 and they will not be renewing it due to an increase in rent. Their last day of operations in Serangoon Gardens will be on 7 June so do drop by to enjoy their food and drinks before they move out of the area.

Fret not if you are a fan of Cafe Gyoen as it has opened a new outlet at 87 Club Street.

Cafe Gyoen went viral with its Japanese train-inspired decor when they first opened their outlet in Serangoon Gardens.

Cafe Gyoen serves all-day Teishoku (which means set menu in Japanese), donburi, curry rice and small Japanese bites.

Simple, hearty and delicious Japanese dishes that will not cost a bomb.

Cafe Gyoen
87 Club Street
Singapore 069455

After 16 long years, Oriole Coffee + Bar is finally calling it a day and their last day of operation will be on 29 Sep 2024.

Whether you are a coffee connoisseur, an alcohol aficionado or just someone who appreciates a hearty brunch, Oriole Coffee + Bar has something for everyone. We have been dining at Oriole Coffee + Bar for a decade and it is truly a sad day to hear of its closure.

Say goodbye to Oriole Coffee + Bar one last time and enjoy 1-for-1 on ALL full pint beer, all day, every day from 1 to 29 September 2024. Plus, there will be live music by Wayne Sandz on 11, 18 and 25 September at 7pm.

When Oriole Coffee + Bar first moved to its current location at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore years ago, the building was not directly connected to 313@Somerset and it was quite the hidden gem in town as not that many people knew about them back then.

And not forgetting Oriole Coffee + Bar’s excellent brews. You must have a cup of coffee or cold brew when you are dining here.

You have one final chance to dine here before they close for good on 29 Sep 2024.

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96 Somerset Rd, #01-01, Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 9248 1972

Popular ice cream and waffle cafe, Sunday Folks will be closing their outlet at Chip Bee Gardens on 29 Feb 2024 after serving the residents in the neighbourhood for the last 10 years.

Beautifully swirled on a cone or on some crispy yet pillowy-soft waffles, Sunday Folks has made a name for itself with their signature waffles and freshly-churned soft-serve ice creams.

Customers get to pick from popular flavours including Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Dark Chocolate Ferraro, as well as exciting seasonal ice cream flavours!

After the closure of their outlet Chip Bee Gardens, you can still enjoy your favourite ice cream and waffles at their ION Orchard outlet.

Sunday Folks
2 Orchard Turn
#04-11 ION Orchard, 238801

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar, a casual Japanese eatery nestled in Wisma Atria’s Food Republic, offers Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. Their standout dish, the Shiok Maki, keeps customers coming back for more.

The famous Shiok Maki eatery has closed down after operating in Wisma Atria’s Food Republic for 17 years.

The legendary Shiok Maki Roll combines avocado, unagi, and aburi salmon, smothered in an irresistibly delicious creamy sauce that appears to be a perfect blend of mayo and mentai. It’s then generously sprinkled with tobiko. While the exact recipe remains a mystery, it’s definitely an enticing option!

Other than the Shiok Maki, Koh Grill & Sushi Bar also offers a wide selection of Japanese food including yakitori, maki rolls, sashimi, udon and soba.

We reached out to Chef-Owner Patrick Koh and he told us that the main reason for closing was because the lease at Wisma Atria’s Food Republic was up and the terms for the lease were changed.

This is probably not the end of Koh Grill & Sushi Bar as Chef-Owner Patrick Koh is currently taking a break and he is in the midst of reopening Koh Grill & Sushi Bar at another location.

Wheeler’s Yard is a massive industrial warehouse of a bicycle-themed cafe and workshop where coffee, food, and all things vintage meet.

After being around for 10 years, Wheeler’s Yard will be calling it a day and the last day of operation is on 30 Sep 2023.

Recognized for its vintage style and signature blue warehouse entrances, the cafe drew both cycling aficionados and coffee enthusiasts over its decade-long presence.

Wheeler’s Yard is best recognized for its photogenic blue warehouse doors, which have been the backdrop for numerous pictures throughout the years.

Farewell, Wheeler’s Yard. Thank you for the memories!

Wheeler’s Yard
28 Lor Ampas
Singapore 328781

Glacier, a minimalist botanical-themed cafe in Lavender known for its brunch fare and Mochi Waffles, will be closing on 31 Jan 2023.

Hafary Holdings has acquired a row of shophouses along Lavender Street, Foch Road and Tyrwhitt Road to build its new flagship store and Glacier Cafe will have to move out in January next year.

Opened by the team behind Onalu—a bagel specialist at SMU—Glacier is an all-white cafe which offers the standard cafe fare, coffee and desserts.

Glacier’s menu is small and concise, with prices ranging from S$16 to S$24 for a main course.

The Glacier’s Big Breakfast comes with perfectly-cooked scrambled eggs that are runny, bacon strips, German pork bratwurst, roasted truffle baby potatoes, mushrooms, salad and brioche toast.

Glacier will be closed indefinitely and they currently do not have any plans to reopen at a new location. Drop by the cafe to have brunch and coffee before their last day of operation on 31 Jan 2023.

Glacier
161 Lavender Street #01-09
Singapore 338750

Established in 2007, Riders Cafe at Bukit Timah Saddle Club is one of the most popular brunch cafes in Singapore.

Unfortunately, it will be closing on 19 Feb 2023 to make way for the Cross Island Line.

Riders Cafe is located within the Bukit Timah Saddle Club, which has to vacate its premises in Bukit Timah by the first half of 2023 and move to its new home in Woodlands.

Housed in a beautiful colonial building in Bukit Timah, Riders Cafe is best known for its Riders Burger, brunch fare and Death by Chocolate Cake.

A casual and relaxing space that exudes a lovely old world charm, Riders Cafe will be missed. You have until early 2023 to visit them before they close down for good.

Riders Cafe
51 Fairways Dr., Singapore 286965

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

Singapore’s Clinton Street Baking Company is the first outpost of the famous New York institution in South-east Asia.

Clinton Street Baking Company has been operating in Singapore for the past 7 years and their last day of service will be on Tuesday 30 August 2022.

Clinton Street Baking Company Singapore just announced its closure on its social media accounts.

This is where you can look forward to a range of classic New York brunch fare including the signature Chicken & Waffles, Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter and Fried Chicken Burger.

Fans of Clinton Street Baking Company can still find them at their other locations in New York City and Tokyo.

You have until 30 August 2022 to savour their signature dishes at 31 Purvis Street.

Clinton Street Baking Company
31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608

Previously know as Fynn’s Cafe, Caffe Cicheti has closed down after ending their lease at South Beach Avenue.

Fynn’s Cafe was first established back in 2016 and it rebranded to Caffe Cicheti, a modern-day osteria which specialises in home-styled coastal Italian cooking.

We love Caffe Cicheti because it is a pet-friendly restaurant where you can bring your furkids along and enjoy a great meal.

According to Caffe Cicheti’s Facebook page, they are looking for a new location to move to in 2022.

So it is good bye for now, until they find a new space. Meanwhile, you can check out their sister restaurants—Cicheti, Bar Cicheti and Wild Child Pizzette—to satisfy your cravings for Italian food.

Jamie’s Italian—a casual Italian restaurant by Jamie Oliver—has closed down in Singapore. It has closed its last outlet at Forum The Shopping Mall, and Lino Restaurant by Les Amis Group has taken over the former space vacated by Jamie’s Italian Singapore

.

Jamie Oliver is a household name, and arguably one of the most famous British chefs in the world.

Jamie’s Italian Singapore first opened its doors in Singapore back in 2013 at VivoCity and it had a second outlet at Forum The Shopping Mall in 2015.

When Jamie Oliver’s restaurant empire collapsed back in 2019, the two franchised outlets at VivoCity and Forum The Shopping Mall in Singapore were not affected as they were locally owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Jamie’s Italian International Limited.

Jamie’s Italian VivoCity outlet has been closed earlier due to conclusion of lease and they have closed the remaining outlet at Forum The Shopping Mall. It is unclear if Jamie’s Italian Singapore will reopen a new outlet at another location.

Lino Restaurant has taken over the space and they will be opening in October 2021.

Famous Hong Kong Wonton Mee Mak’s Noodle is closing its last outlet in Singapore at The Centrepoint on 28 Feb 2021.

Mak’s Noodle is well-loved by food connoisseurs from all over the world, who return regularly for the restaurant’s legendary wonton noodles.

Coined as one of Hong Kong’s best dining destinations, Mak’s Noodle has been a mandatory attraction on every gourmand’s checklist, and we are no exception. We saw ourselves returning to the renowned eatery even on our umpteenth Hong Kong trip.

Mak’s Noodle Singapore has announced on their Instagram page that they will be ending their business operations by the end of Feb 2021.

Mak’s Noodle first opened in Singapore back in 2015, but they are unable to come to an agreement for the lease renewal with the mall management.

It is unfortunate that Mak’s Noodle will be closing the last outlet in Singapore. Do drop by to satisfy your wonton mee craving before they close for good on 28 Feb 2021.

Mak’s Noodle
176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #01-63/64
Singapore 238843

The Salted Plum is closing both outlets at Circular Road and Suntec City on 13 Dec 2020.

Known for its affordable Taiwanese-style meals and Taiwanese “tapas” that are priced at S$5, S$10 and S$15, The Salted Plum is one of our go-to places for Taiwanese food in Singapore and we are sad to share this announcement.

The modern Taiwanese concept specialises in Taiwanese street food—from favourites such as Braised Pork Belly, Braised Pig Intestines and Taiwanese Sausage Patties to other interesting options including the likes of Salted Pork and Oyster Steamed Egg.

The Salted Plum has been around for 4 years and it suddenly announced the closure of both outlets on Facebook on 10 Dec 2020.

Fans of The Salted Plum have three more days to enjoy their Lu Rou Fan and other Taiwanese street food before their last day of operations on 13 Dec 2020.

Sum Yi Tai—which houses 3 concepts over 3 storeys in a conservation shophouse—is another Covid-19 casualty.

Sum Yi Tai was a popular hangout spot in the CBD which offered dim sum lunch and tapas-style dishes in a crimson-lit gangland bar. It has shut down its establishment at 25 Boon Tat Street because of the high rental in the CBD.

Conceptualised to pay tribute to the decadent glamour of 1980s Hong Kong, Sum Yi Tai (meaning “Third Wife” in Cantonese) propels traditional Chinese cuisine into the realm of designer bars.

For fans of Sum Yi Tai, it is not goodbye forever, yet. They are looking to move to another location in the near future.

Sum Yi Tai
25 Boon Tat Street