There are so many great cafes in the East, especially in Katong and Joo Chiat.

The Eastern part of Singapore has all along been well known for housing some of the best-hidden food gems and it is little wonder why it is always so packed during the weekends.

More often than not, this area gets instantly recognized for its deep Peranakan roots, but if you were to spend a day exploring the quaint neighbourhood, you’ll start to realize that there is more to Katong and Joo Chiat than its history. In fact, walk down any street within the area and you’ll start to see the growth of a budding cafe culture.

To help you explore Katong and Joo Chiat better the next time you’re in the area, here are 11 cafes to visit for that needed caffeine fix.

Avenue Cafe

Established by a group of interior designers, Avenue Cafe aims to combine furniture shopping with cafe allure to bring you a different kind of in-house experience.

Here, you’ll get a chance to experiment with some of the furniture which is sold in the cafe while having a chat with a friend over a cup of coffee. The cafe is also known for its hot dogs which have flavours inspired by five different countries – China, Germany, Korea, Mexico and Singapore.

454 Joo Chiat Road Singapore 427667
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holiday: 10am – 12am
Nearest station: Dakota

Baker’s Well

Since they opened in 2004, Baker’s Well has been producing humble homemade baked goods, which have been prepared and packed with love. From muffins to cakes and cookies, each product is baked with precision and quality ingredients for the best taste.

Plus, no worries about the calories here – their muffins are made with no butter and less sugar!

35 East Coast Road Singapore 428754
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Brawn and Brains Coffee

Brawn and Brains Coffee

Founded in 2013, Brawn & Brains Coffee has since grown from a tiny coffee shop to a bonafide cafe with two outlets under their belt.

Their most recently opened outlet in the Katong area features a new coffee and food menu that uses different brewing methods for a good cup of Joe, as well as fresh yet simple ingredients to create hearty comfort food.

218 East Coast Road Singapore 428916
Tue to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 8.30am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest station: Eunos

Photo Credit: Café De Nicole

Café De Nicole

This floral shop and cafe is an Instagrammable pet-friendly joint that allows you to enjoy a good cup of coffee alongside furry friends, as well as their friendly resident house cat who is aptly named ‘Lao Ban’!

In addition to their wide variety of food, Café De Nicole is also widely known for their aesthetically pleasing drinks like the colour-changing Mermaid Tears, and their sweet Souffle Pancakes.

224 Telok Kurau Road #01-01 Singapore 423836
Tue to Fri: 9am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest station: Kembangan or Eunos

Photo Credit: Choice Cuts Goods + Café

Choice Cuts Goods + Café

Known as a lifestyle concept shop, cafe and bar, Choice Cuts offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere where they can enjoy speciality coffee, craft beers and light snacks while browsing through the selection of vinyl records, hip hop inspired lifestyle products, accessories and streetwear brands.

Each cup of speciality coffee comes in a hand-stamped takeaway cup and is made from a blend of the finest beans from Brazil, Honduras, and Ethiopia.

451 Joo Chiat Road #01-07
Katong Point Singapore 427664
Tue to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm C
losed on Mondays
Nearest station: Dakota

Photo Credit: Forty Hands

Forty Hands

Having successfully run their flagship branch in Tiong Bahru, Forty Hands moved East and have been serving satisfied Easties since they opened their second outlet early last year.

Alongside signature favourites, the outlet in the Katong area has given Forty Hands an opportunity to reinvent their menu through an exploration of their kopitiam roots to create new dishes for brunch like the Stinky Har Cheong Gai Waffle, served with shrimp paste batter-fried chicken, sambal maple syrup and a sunny side up fried egg.

226 East Coast Road
Singapore 428923
Daily: 7.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest station: Eunos

Gobi Desserts

Get ready to go on a gastronomical journey at this aesthetically pleasing cafe which serves lovingly-made bite-sized desserts. And, if you are a big fan of Souffles, Gobi Desserts has got you covered with their selection of gorgeous, flavoured souffle!

350 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427598
Mon to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 7am – 10pm
Nearest station: Dakota

Group Therapy Katong

If travelling to Duxton isn’t ideal for you, perhaps the outlet at Katong would make a more enticing place for you to have brunch with your loved ones.

Located within Katong V, Group Therapy Katong brings a casual and approachable concept that fits in perfectly with the laidback feel of the area. In addition to their comfortable seating, the cafe also has an all-day menu which features some breakfast classics, mains and homemade desserts!

30 East Coast Road
#01-11
Katong V
Singapore 428751
Daily: 8am – 6pm
Nearest station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Homeground Coffee Roasters

Homeground Coffee Roasters

Having only had an online shop previously, Homeground Coffee Roasters has since grown into a physical shop that now roasts their coffee fresh for customers!

Besides their freshly brewed beverages, they also have food available such as open-faced toasts, seasonal cakes, and bagels. One item to try on the menu is their take on a local breakfast favourite, the Level Up Kaya Toast (S$8), that is served with a 63 degrees sous vide egg on the side!

475 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427682
Thu to Tue: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Wednesdays
Nearest station: Dakota

Photo Credit: Penny University

Penny University

Motivated to bring artisanal coffee to the East Coast, Penny University has been the Mecca for coffee lovers since 2012, with their freshly roasted speciality coffee.

Here, you’ll not only find a wide offering of beverages but also an extensive variety of food available. From brunch to dinner or just desserts, anytime is the right time to unwind and enjoy good company at this cafe.

402 East Coast Road
Singapore 428997
Daily: 8.30am – 10pm
Nearest station: Eunos

Sinpopo Brand

From the team which brought you Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brand takes you back in time with their nostalgic retro vibes which are evident in their rustic furniture and old-school music.

The menu has also been crafted to offer locally-inspired food such as the Babi Toast (S$7), the house special Nasi Lemak for Two (S$25), and the Orange Kaya Pisang Creme Brûlée (S$7).

458 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427671
Mon to Thu & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest station: Dakota

When it comes to the King of Fruits, there is no sitting on the fence—you either love it or hate it. And fortunately for those who belong to the former group, durian desserts are aplenty in Singapore; durian puffs, durian crepes, durian cakes and even durian lapis—you name it, we have it.

If you are a true durian fan, you would enjoy the fruit in any form it takes. The durian pengat, however, is another league of its own entirely. Smooth, creamy and luxurious, this delightful (or sinful) treat tends to be full-flavoured and comes in a mousse-like texture. Since it is not as commonly found like the rest of the durian desserts, we never shy away from second or third helpings whenever it is available.

Here are 7 Best Durian Pengat In Singapore And Where To Find Them.

#1 STRAITS CAFE

Offering the best of halal Straits-inspired food under one roof, Straits Cafe has one of the best spreads for regional fare—think kueh pie tee, chic kut teh and more. However, durian fans have to make a beeline for their durian dessert counter which features durian crepe, durian cakes and their signature durian pengat.

You can expect only the real deal when it comes to their durian pengat as it comes with real durian flesh and we absolutely love the silky texture.

9 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189559
Tel: +65 6708 7745
Daily: 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

#2 J65

Best known for their themed buffet nights, J65 never fails to impress when it comes to seafood-centric buffets that come with affordable price tags. The dessert section is something we always look forward to as it is nothing short of mind-blowing.

You can find everything from western cakes to freshly baked Nonya Kuehs, tarts and mousses and an assortment of traditional Potong ice cream flavours…but of course, it is their excellent durian pengat that has us going for extra helpings.

1A Cuscaden Road
Level 1 Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore
Singapore 249716
Tel: +65 6831 4374
Daily: 6:00pm – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#3 SINPOPO BRAND

Sinpopo Brand along the cafe-laden Joo Chiat Road is a nostalgic retro cafe that offers local food that comes with an interesting twist. Opened by Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brand’s Durian Pengat (S$9) is served all year round and you need not wait till it is the durian season to enjoy this dessert!

The rich durian mousse is topped off with a refreshing scoop of coconut ice cream and some crisp browned butter croutons.

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

#4 SPICE BRASSERIE

We’re suckers for anything containing durian but what we particularly love about Spice Brasserie’s Durian Pengat—available as part of its local food buffet—is the fact that despite it having a strong aroma of the fruit itself, the flavour was nice and mellow.

Sweet, the way it should be, the velvety smooth dessert boasts a buttery flavour, a reflection of the high-quality durians that they use. Served with warm sticky rice, a lightly salted coconut cream and fried tau suan, the otherwise mousse-like dessert is taken to a whole new level and after much trial and error, the chefs really nailed it.

our readers can quote “ladyironchef” upon making a reservation to enjoy 25% off the lunch and dinner buffets.

181 Kitchener Road
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 6428 3160
Reservations: spicebrasserie.prskt@parkroyalhotels.com
Daily: 6am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#5 ELLENBOROUGH MARKET CAFÉ

Offering a fantastic view of the Singapore River, Ellenborough Market Café features Straits Chinese and Peranakan cuisine alongside International favourites.

The selective dessert spread has a few tantalising choices such as Homemade Marble Cheesecake, Swiss Apple Strudel and the ever popular Signature Durian which is essentially durian mousse infused with gula melaka and pandan flavours.

20 Merchant Road
Singapore 058281
Tel: +65 6337 2288
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#6 FOUR POINTS EATERY

Four Points Eatery located in Four Points by Sheraton Singapore offers a wide variety of fresh and cooked seafood choices on their dinner buffet that the entire family will enjoy. When you are done indulging in freshly shucked oysters and juicy ‘live’ prawns, head over to the dessert section.

Their creamy durian pengat is served in an ice bucket and diners get to scoop up however much they desire—all the better for gluttons like us!

382 Havelock Road
Robertson Quay
Singapore 169629
Tel: +65 6349 4872
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

#7 ATRIUM RESTAURANT

Durian-lovers rejoice! Atrium Restaurant’s Durian Penget is something everyone can look forward to. What’s not to love about a creamy, luscious mash of sweet durian pudding? The answer has to be “nothing”.

This creamy dessert is definitely one of the more sinful dessert options, but you’re already at a buffet so just indulge to your hearts’ content.

317 Outram Road
Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Level 4
Singapore 169075
Tel: +65 6733 0188
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park/Tiong Bahru

Read: 10 best durian desserts in Singapore that are every durian lover’s dream.

There is a constant debate between the East-siders and the West-siders on which side of the island is the best. Growing up, you would have friends who live at the far ends of Singapore. Those who stay in the West whine whenever they need to travel to the East and vice versa. Making a trip to the other side of the island could almost be considered a day trip on its own.

East-siders believe that the East side is the best—and for good reasons. The East of Singapore is dotted with interesting hot spots and amazing food locations that are more than enough to make the West-siders jealous. Not convinced? Here are 15 Things To See, Do and Eat In The East of Singapore That Proves That The East Is The Best.

EAST COAST PARK

East Coast Park deserves to have an entire post of its own. Spanning across 185 hectare with a running track stretching 15km long, this is the ultimate hub for all things outdoorsy. Cycling, rollerblading, going on family runs—it all happens at this one park. We are pretty sure you have memories of the park as the ultimate chalet and barbecue spot for all your class outings. Yes, even you Westies.

Marine Cove within the park has just recently reopened after renovations, and now boasts amazing playgrounds and an expansive selection of restaurants. If East Coast Park is not the best park in Singapore, then what is?

East Coast Park
East Coast Park Service Road
Singapore 449876
Tel: +65 1800 471 7300
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Stations: Eunos/ Kembangan/ Bedok

FACTORY OUTLET SHOPPING AT CHANGI CITY POINT

Changi City Point—one of our favourite shopping malls in the East of Singapore—is where you can find many factory outlet stores. Some of the popular shops include Adidas Factory Outlet, Nike Factory Outlet and Charles & Keith Factory Outlet.

GO FISHING AT MAINLAND TROPICAL FISH FARM

The #eastiekids would probably recall spending time at Mainland Fish Farm scooping up little guppies to keep as your own. You can also feed the koi fishes on site, and go prawning with some pals!

Shop around for aquarium accessories and more at the farm. This is one of the best chill- out spots in Singapore for some weekend fun.

Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1
Singapore 519352
Tel: +65 6287 3883
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

FEAST ON THE BEST LAKSA IN SINGAPORE

Need we say more? Katong is one of the best spots in Singapore for some sinful albeit irresistible laksa. Case in point: 328 Katong Laksa.

328 Katong Laksa
53 East Coast Road
Singapore 428771
Tel: +65 9732 8163
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

Photo Credit: The Business Times

TAKE TONS OF INSTAGRAMMABLE PICS AT JOO CHIAT ROAD

Joo Chiat Road is a conservation area in Singapore, situated between Geylang Serai and Marine Parade Road. The pastel-hued, old-world architecture of the protected Peranakan shophouses will transport you back in time, thus making it one of the more prettier photo spots in Singapore!

Besides providing endless photo opportunities, the road is also home to some great restaurants, eateries, and shops!

Photo Credit: Gallop Stables

GALLOP AROUND WITH HORSES

Situated in Pasir Ris Park, the Gallop Stable Pasir Ris offers public riding, where you can get upclose with a horse, and even feed their 13 resident ponies!

Gallop Stables
Pasir Ris Central, Pasir Ris Park
Singapore 829168
Tel: +65 6583 9665
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: NTUC Club

SPLASH AROUND AT WILD WILD WET

Let us not forget the place that all the 90’s kids looked forward to during outings with classmates and friends. Newer water parks around the island such as Adventure Cove in Resort World Sentosa may overshadow this rustic water park, but it is a place that all Easties (or Singaporeans in general for that matter) hold close to heart.

Wild Wild Wet is still up and operating, so if you want a little trip down memory lane, just hop on down to Singapore’s largest water park! The entry prices are also pocket-friendly.

Wild Wild Wet
1 Pasir Ris Close
Singapore 519599
Tel: +65 6581 9128
Mon to Fri: 1pm – 7pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: Jeffrey and Flora

DINE AT EAST COAST LAGOON FOOD VILLAGE

Every Singaporean knows that East Coast Lagoon Food Village is one of the best places to visit for the best local dishes at reasonable prices. Char Kway Teow, Carrot Cake, Satay, and a plethora of seafood stalls. This food centre is a place we will always return to for classic Singaporean fare.

East Coast Lagoon Food Village
1220 East Coast Park
Singapore 468960
Tel: +65 6225 5632
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Photo Credit: dreamtravels4you

STROLL ALONG CHANGI POINT COASTAL WALK

This boardwalk is the ideal place to catch Singapore’s sunrise and sunset. It is tucked away in the western end of Changi Point, and gives visitors a breathtaking view of the coastline. The 2.2km-long boardwalk is well-lit and opens for 24 hours.

Changi Point Coastal Walk
7A Gosport Road
Singapore 509710
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Photo Credit: Your Singapore

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PERANAKAN CULTURE AT THE KATONG ANTIQUE HOUSE

This antique house educates visitors about the Peranakan culture, featuring pretty costumes, crockery, and furniture out for display. Mr Peter Wee, the friendly owner of the Katong Antique House and a fourth-generation Peranakan himself, is always more than happy to educate visitors on his Peranakan heritage.

Katong Antique House
208 East Coast Road
Singapore 428907
Tel: +65 6345 8544
Daily: 11am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

DIG INTO SOME LOCAL FARE AT SINPOPO

Founded by the people behind Awfully Chocolate, Sinpopo Brad can be found along Joo Chiat Road. Everything about the café screams ‘nostalgia’—from the types of food served, right down to the retro interiors and plating.

You can find vintage tiles, chairs, and even a menu that is remodeled after old school attendance books. One of Sinpopo’s specialties includes the Nasi Lemak Set For 2 (S$25), which comprises of a selection of ingredients to go with your rice.

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

There are many other cafes in the Tanjong Katong and Joo Chiat precinct. Check out our guide here!

Photo Credit: Forest Adventure

COMPLETE ACTIVITIES AT FOREST ADVENTURE

The Forest Adventure Course at Bedok Reservoir Park is a great place to challenge yourself with their 35 obstacles courses in four different sites. Think climbing, swinging from tree to tree, and even ‘flying’!

There is also the Kids Course, which is excellent for your little tots to hang loose and have fun.

Forest Adventure
Bedok Reservoir Road
Bedok Reservoir Park
Tel: +65 8100 7420
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Tampines

DINE AND STAY AT RABBIT CARROT GUN

This café is set in a quaint refurbished shophouse and serves up classic dishes such as Eggs Benedict, burgers, and more.

Settled above the diner is The Rabbit’s Warren. It runs a bed and breakfast concept, with five luxurious suites that will take you back in time. No need to travel far for a quick little satiation!

Rabbit Carrot Gun and The Rabbit’s Warren
47 – 49 East Coast Road
Singapore 428768
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Nearest Station: Dakota

SHOP AT THE LARGEST IKEA IN SINGAPORE

Singapore only has two IKEA outlets—one along Alexandra Road and the other in Tampines. Easties would be proud to hear that the one on our turf is the largest one in Singapore. That could only mean more shopping, and more meatballs!

IKEA Tampines
60 Tampines North Drive 2
Singapore 528764
Tel: +65 6786 6868
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

CHANGI AIRPORT IS MERE MINUTES AWAY

Residents in the East enjoy commutes to Changi Airport! No expensive cab rides or hour-long train journeys. The airport is right on our very own turf. It is even convenient to just pop by for meals or study dates!

Changi Airport
Airport Boulevard
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

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

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

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

OUR FAVOURITE KOPITIAM DRINKS SERVED IN THE FORM OF COCKTAILS

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

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

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

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

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

TWO NEW MAINS TO TRY

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

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

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

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

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

NEW BAKES WITH CALORIES WORTH GAINING

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

AND NOT FORGETTING SINPOPO BRAND’S SIGNATURE DISHES

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

SINPOPO BRAND’S NASI LEMAK (FOR 2)

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

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

SINPOPO BRAND SLICED WAGYU HORFUN

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

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

Sinpopo Brand along Joo Chiat Road is one very outstanding retro cafe that we absolutely love visiting for they always have new ideas to surprise us on every visit.

Apart from its local-style menu, you will be filled with nostalgia with songs from the 60s and its old-school interior; Sinpopo Brand is truly a local gem that reflects Singapore’s past.

Gather some friends and have a lovely time chit-chatting over Sinpopo Brand’s new Weekday (Tue to Fri) Afternoon Tea Set at S$30+ for 2 pax, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

For our readers, quote “Ladyironchef” along with this post to receive a complimentary bottle of Sugee Biscuits (U.P. S$12+) OR Salted Egg Yolk Cookies (U.P. S$12+).

SINPOPO BRAND’S AFTERNOON TEA SET FOR 2 PAX

For S$30+, you and your afternoon tea companion get to enjoy a slice of Sugee Loaf Cake, a slice of Durian Pengat or Gula Melaka Cake, 1 Roasted Marshmallow with Salted Kachang & Gula Melaka Ice Cream, a serving of Gula Melaka Jelly, 4 pieces of Sugee Biscuits or Salted Egg Yolk Cookies, and choice of any 2 drinks (any coffee or tea).

That’s only S$15+ per person for a whole lot of treats if you think about it!

ROASTED MARSHMALLOW WITH SALTED KACHANG & GULA MELAKA ICE CREAM

You may know how gula melaka ice cream tastes like, but have you tried Gula Melaka Ice Cream encased in a roasted marshmallow and topped off with salted peanuts? With the sweetness from the fluffy marshmallow and saltiness from the peanuts, it felt like a wild party of flavours in our mouths.

This newly curated chilled dessert is definitely one to look out for!

DURIAN PENGAT

If you are a regular reader, you would know that the Durian Pengat at Sinpopo Brand is our weakness (or we have a soft spot for it). Now these guys have come up with a Durian Pengat Cake using that sinful homemade pengat, and it’s just so luscious. When we dug into its rich creamy pengat and pandan cake layers, we fell in love all over again.

Usually only available online, you can now try it with the limited tea set promotion!

GULA MELAKA CAKE

Do not despair if durian is not your calling because you can choose to have Sinpopo’s signature Gula Melaka Cake instead! You can see the distinct layers of gula melaka fudge in between thick slices of moist cake topped off with gula melaka glaze. Sinfully rich, this is one for the sweet tooth.

SUGEE LOAF CAKE AND GULA MELAKA JELLY

Reintroduced in a loaf cake version this Chinese New Year, the delightfully light, moist and fragrant Sugee Loaf Cake, made of Sugee, almond and browned butter, is best eaten with the generous portion of vanilla bean cream.

Just when we thought that the Gula Melaka Jelly might be overshadowed by everything else, it was surprisingly light and refreshing addition to the tea set. We liked having the jelly in between bites to alternate with the strong flavours.

TWO AROMATIC DRINKS OF YOUR CHOICE

Choose any coffee or tea from Sinpopo Brand’s menu with every order of the weekday Afternoon Tea Set.

Of course, we would pick the signature Sinpopo Teh Tarik Special and Kopi Peng because not only are these perennial favourites on the drinks menu, they are ever comforting. Nothing beats a good cup of Singapore-style teh and kopi, yes?

Other coffee selections on their drinks menu are Kopi Macchiato, Cappucino, Long Black and Flat White; while tea choices include Earl Grey, Turkish Apple, Roman Chamomile and so on.

SUGEE BISCUITS OR SALTED EGG YOLK COOKIES

Cookies at Sinpopo Brand are not to be overlooked. Trust us on this; we’ve had several bottles ourselves. These amazing bite-sized crumbly cookies are so addictive!

The Sugee biscuits bring along such a nostalgic taste with strong buttery notes, while the salted egg yolk cookies with curry leaves are a heavier option bearing the distinct saltiness that all of us love.

Do come down to enjoy Sinpopo Brand’s new Weekday (Tue to Fri) Afternoon Tea Set at S$30+ for 2 pax (U.P. S$46.50+) from 17 Jan 2017 to 28 Feb 2017, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, and remember to quote’ ladyironchef’ along with this post to receive a complimentary bottle of Sugee Biscuits (U.P. S$12+) or Salted Egg Yolk Cookies (U.P. S$12+).

Sinpopo Brand’s operational hours during Chinese New Year 2017:
27 Jan: 12pm – 5pm (only for CNY Hamper collection)
28 to 30 Jan: closed
31 Jan: 12pm – 10pm

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

Sinpopo Brand is one of the charming cafes you will find along Joo Chiat Road, and apart from their menu of local food reinvented, they have a range of desserts that are inspired by local flavours. Well, if Awfully Chocolate is the sister brand, then it speaks volume of Sinpopo Brand’s sweets. Sure, they do not ever disappoint.

Sinpopo Brand has been working on a new series of cakes for all you dessert lovers. Think Marshmallow Cheesecake, Durian Pengat Cake and the ever-popular Red Velvet Cheesecake.

And guess what? Sinpopo Brand now delivers its signature cakes right to your doorstep!

Among the selection of cakes we tried, the Marshmallow Cheesecake (S$32) had all of us at the table raving about it.

A marshmallow layer top is torched and envelops the creamy cheesecake. The aftertaste of the golden brown marshmallow is one for the sweet tooth.

Durian fans should really check out the Durian Pengat Cake (S$37) because the King of Fruits is glorified in the form of this very addictive dessert! In between the soft sponge cake are layers of sweet, aromatic durian cream. This full-flavoured, creamy delight is going to be the reason why we are calling up Sinpopo Brand the next time we are longing for some durian treats.

Red velvet is one of the most common dessert flavours and is widely in cupcakes, ice cream and cakes. Those who prefer a less sweet option as opposed to the Marshmallow Cheesecake can opt for the Red Velvet Cheesecake (S$32).

In addition, you can also get other items such as Browned Butter Sugee Cake, Gula Melaka Cake (S$30) and super addictive Salted Egg Yolk Cookies (S$12) from the website.

Order from Sinpopo Brand’s website and get your cakes the next day (with a delivery charge of S$10) . A complimentary thermal bag is given with every whole cake ordered. 

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

Nestled in between the shophouses on Joo Chiat Road is Sinpopo Brand, one of our favourite cafes with a strong touch of nostalgia. The cafe boasts a retro rustic ambience – think wooden tables, checkered floor tiles, antique light bulbs, Bruce Lee posters and songs from the 60′s.

Nothing spells comfort to a Singaporean more than Nasi Lemak and Hor Fun – which is exactly what Sinpopo Brand is known for. However, what distinguishes Sinpopo Brand from the usual hawker centre food besides the vintage interiors of the cafe, is how they deliver local food that comes with a twist.

On our previous visit, we shared several of our favourite bites from Sinpopo Brand. Since then, the concept cafe has introduced new additions. There is a Salted Vegetable Duck Soup that totally reminded us of grandma’s cooking, a Muah Chee Salad and an extremely photogenic Gula Melaka Chendol Parfait!

Readers of Ladyironchef can enjoy any dessert for just S$5 with any 2 main dishes or Nasi Lemak for Two ordered.

Here are our favourite Mod-Sin Dishes from Sinpopo Brand That Are Worth The Calories.

YUMMY APPETIZERS

Move aside, boring salads.

We initially mistook the Muah Chee Salad’s (S$12++) golden-brown chunks as croutons, but they are actually fried Muah Chees. Can you believe that these traditional glutinous rice balls are now incorporated in salads?

Instead of tossing them in ground peanut, these chewy delights are rolled in a batter and fried till its exteriors are crisp. The Muah Chees surprisingly go well with the myriad of fresh greens, parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. Kudos to Sinpopo Brand for such an ingenious invention!

Now you may find this rather odd, but the Wedges & Curry (S$6++) was another dish that won us all over. This humble-looking dish to be so damn addictive! There was a sense of familiarity, like the curry Mom makes at home. It’s true – sometimes the simplest of things brings the most gratification.

NONYA KIAM CHYE ARG!

Many locals enjoy salted vegetable duck soup and the hot peppery broth is said to dispel internal body heat. This Chinese delicacy is known for its strong salty and sour taste that is good for whetting one’s appetite before a meal.

What constitutes a good bowl of salted vegetable duck soup for us is the right blend of saltiness from the salted vegetables, sweetness from the duck meat and a tangy sourness that is not overbearing.

Happy to declare that Sinpopo Brand’s Nonya Kiam Chye Arg! (S$16++) ticks all the above boxes. The cherry on top? Or should we say the duck on top, my friends, is a whole duck leg confit that is wonderfully crisp and even better when eaten with the belachan chilli served on the side.

SLICED WAGYU HOR FUN

The Sinpopo Sliced Wagyu Hor Fun (S$18++) is one of the cafe’s bestsellers. The uniqueness lies in its drastically different texture. These hor fun noodles have been painstakingly soaked in a semi-salty beef broth before being cooked till it becomes fish maw-like.

Complemented with fork-tender wagyu slices, ground peanut, sliced onions, red chilli, coriander leaves and a lime wedge, this mind-blowing dish is indeed worthy of being one of Sinpopo Brand’s signatures.

SINPOPO CRAB BEE HOON

The Sinpopo Crab Bee Hoon (S$16++) is another hearty soup dish. Ultra-thin vermicelli dunked in a savoury broth, and completed with a huge dollop of delectable crabmeat. Everyone at the table was nodding their head in unison and singing praises about this stellar bowl.

LOCAL FLAVOURED DESSERTS

As Awfully Chocolate’s sister company, Sinpopo Brand places much pride in their desserts. We always love a good serving of sweets when at Sinpopo Brand, for they are really good at crafting delectable desserts with a local touch.

New desserts that are going up on the menu are Sinpopo’s Super Chendol Parfait, Durian Puff and Marshmallow Cheesecake.

The Sinpopo’s Super Chendol Parfait (S$10++) is an impressive elaborate dessert served in a martini glass. A scoop of gula melaka ice cream is placed atop a bed of chendol and finished with a jiggly konnyaku palm sugar jelly. Dig further in and you will find attap chees and red bean paste. Yum! What calories?

The Durian Puffs are going at S$5.90++ for one and S$20++ for four. Upon digging into it with a spoon, the crisp biscuity exterior broke apart to reveal rich creamy durian pengat encased inside.

The Marshmallow Cheesecake (S$7++) is a new dessert addition that deserves to be raved about. The sweet treat has successfully combined the contrasting textures of stickiness, softness and crumbliness into a divine creation. You can expect a dense New York-style Cheesecake – with a crumbly base – covered with torched marshmallow fluff. Sinful yet delicious.

From now till 31 October 2016, readers of Ladyironchef can enjoy an exclusive deal when dining at Sinpopo Brand! With any 2 main dishes or Nasi Lemak for Two ordered, enjoy any dessert for just S$5!

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

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

Chinese New Year hampers are one of those things we look forward to receiving every year! It is also the time for you to show appreciation to friends, family and clients!

This Chinese New Year 2016, Sinpopo Brand has one of the best hampers that includes their well-known pastry and cakes with local flavours.

From now till 22 January 2016, receive 10% off your total bill when you order the Prosperity Hamper Set (S$88).

Have you tried Sinpopo Brand’s sugee biscuits? The crumbly sugar cookies is their classic and one that they have also successfully incorporated into their desserts. The best taste, of course, still comes from the cookies itself, and they make great CNY table snacks for your guests.

But the star this year has to be salted egg yolk cookies. Damn, we are obsessed with salted egg yolk and yes, we’ve tried them; they are addictive.

Both cookies are available for takeaway at S$15 each.

Their signature Gula Melaka Cake (5×5″) retails at S$30 each and is an all-time favourite sweet treat if you are a fan of the local flavour. A little gift to your colleagues, maybe?

The Prosperity Hamper (S$88) will include 1 Gula Melaka Cake (5×5″), 2 bottles of Sinpopo Sugee Biscuit and 2 bottles of the Salted Egg Yolk Cookies - with 8 Mandarin oranges to complete, no less.

All orders must be made at least 4 days in advance. To order, you can go to www.sinpopo.com, email festive@sinpopo.com or call +65 6345 5034. Deliveries can also be arranged.

07 Feb 2016 (Sunday) – 12pm to 5pm for the hamper collection & orders.
08 Feb 2016 (CNY DAY 1) and 9th February 2016 (CNY DAY 2) – CLOSED
09 Feb 2016 – Business as per normal

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

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

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

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

GREAT APPETIZERS

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

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

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

MAIN COURSES WITH LOCAL TOUCHES

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

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

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

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

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

NASI LEMAK SET FOR 2

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

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

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

DESSERTS WITH A LOCAL TOUCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.