Joining our local café scene is Farmers and Chefs, who has just taken over the premises of former Toast Box at Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way! The quaint al fresco establishment resides in a canopy tent, where diners can expect to be close to nature.

Think wood and grass: the entire place is set up with wooden elements, ornaments, plants and birdhouses. It almost seems as if we were transported to a magical garden!

Here, they believe in serving wholesome foods with quality ingredients, and their menu synonymously matches the nature theme.

First up, we had their Traditional Breakfast Set (S$3), which consisted of kaya butter toast and two onsen eggs. We love how the folks here have spun their own modern twist to our old-school soft-boiled eggs and toast set, replacing it with onsen eggs that were simply runny perfection.

The marriage between the silky yolk mixture and crispy toast was heavenly; we dipped the latter with the eggs, and upon biting into it, the toast would ooze salty, yet slightly sweet yolk. The kaya on the toast wasn’t cloyingly sweet either and complemented the saltiness of the eggs.

Of course, we had to try their signature Farmers Breakfast (S$10). Though quite small in portion, it was still a substantial dish served on a platter full of carbs, proteins and crunchy vegetables.

The chicken was juicy and tender, and we could taste the slight char on the skin. The sautéed mushrooms were also crispy and burst apart in our mouths, oozing luscious shroom flavour.

The scrambled egg was also creamy with a hint of milk, making it the perfect, goey topping to the buttered ciabatta! The softness of the eggs was also a nice contrast to the tough crust.

But our favourite component in the dish is the pan-seared rosti! It was crisp on the outside, but melted in our mouths, leaving us craving for more of that potato-ey goodness.

Lastly, we had the English Breakfast Tea (S$4.50/cold). It had a fragrant aroma with floral notes. It also had an earthy, mellow flavour, going beautifully with the rich, hearty meal. There was no lingering bitter aftertaste too.

Farmers and Chefs is one café in CBD that serves quality food at affordable prices. During lunch, they offer rice bowls that are priced between S$8.80 to S$13.80, while most of the pasta dishes are between S$8.80 to S$12.80. You will also be happy to know that they do not charge GST and service charge.

Expect to busk under the canopy and munch on delectable dishes while you escape the hustle and bustle of the city when you are here!

Farmers and Chefs
Singapore Conference Hall
7 Shenton Way #01-04
Singapore 068810
Tel: +65 8535 7555
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Singapore is known to be a food haven with abundant options such that we always find ourselves spoilt for choice when it comes to making a decision on what to have for our next meal. However, within Singapore itself, there are several enclaves where foodies will find themselves at during the next outing with their mates. Needless to say, Tanjong Pagar is one of them.

Many would think of just Korean restaurants when Tanjong Pagar comes to mind, but beyond that, Tanjong Pagar is home to a slew of cafés, restaurants and eateries. Whether it is Western food or Chinese fare you are looking for, cheap-eats or posh, elegant restaurants to bring your date, Tanjong Pagar has it all.

Here we have sussed out 27 eateries, cafés and restaurants in Tanjong Pagar for you to check out!

BAR-ROQUE GRILL

Awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Bar-roque Grill is a meat-centric smokehouse offering the best of French European cuisine.

Here you can indulge in decadent French-inspired food, including the esteemed Rotisserie Chicken (S$24/ half chicken) that is made using free-range and hormone-free French breed of chicken.

165 Tanjong Pagar Road #01-00
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 6444 9672
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

BEARDED BELLA

Whipping up contemporary brunch fare is Bearded Bella, a Melbourne-inspired café situated along Craig Road. Their coffee beans are sourced from Ethiopia, so coffee-goers should make sure to not skip their signature caffeine beverages.

Otherwise, Bearded Bella also serves a range of substantial, hearty meals that will no doubt leave you satisfied.

8 Craig Road
Singapore 089668
Tel: +65 9880 0775
Mon to Thu: 7.30am – 5pm
Fri: 7.30am – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 7.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

CAKE SPADE

Looking for somewhere to chill out and indulge in desserts after dinner? Score yourself some sweet treats at Cake Spade, one of the most popular dessert spots in Tanjong Pagar.

Cake Spade is best known for their amazing cakes in the likes of Strawberry Tofu Cheesecake and Speculoos Cheesecake; loyal patrons also visit them again for their brownies, crumbles and tarts.

83 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088504
Tel: +65 6444 3868
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

CHO-WON GARDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT

Situated just a 3-minute walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station along Peck Seah Street, Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant offers some of the best and authentic Korean cuisines in Singapore.

Owned by a Korean ahjumma, you know Cho-won Garden Korean Restaurant is legit when you see many Koreans frequenting this eatery!

2 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079305
Tel: +65 6225 1317
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DOCO

Located at International Plaza, DOCO—short for ‘Donburi Coconut’—specialises in wholesome rice bowls that are priced affordably for the masses.

For a hearty and filling meal, we’d suggest that you opt for the Sh-nack Don (S$8.90) which features grilled minced beef and cajun fish sprinkles nestled atop steaming hot Japanese white rice. Don’t forget to get a serving of Doco’s Coconut Soft Serve (S$4.90) for a refreshing treat.

10 Anson Road #01-16
International Plaza
Singapore 079903
Tel: +65 9049 9926
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 8pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

DRURY LANE CAFÉ

Our go-to for delicious brunch over the weekends, Drury Lane Café is a two-storey café located just down the road from Cake Spade.

You can expect an extensive range of food, from hearty, filling meals to simpler options including Banana Cake and Pancakes.

94 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088515
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon to Fri: 8am to 5pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is the newest addition to the list of cafés along Tanjong Pagar Road. This Aussie-style café strikes all the right chords in terms of aesthetics, and trust us when we say that it isn’t just the interior that will leave you in awe.

Their menu offers a tantalizing array of contemporary dishes—Mentaiko Royale (S$21), Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.5) and pasta dishes such as the Spaghetti Granchio (S$18.50).

39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GATTOPARDO RISTORANTE DI MARE

Gattopardo Ristorante Di Mare is one of the restaurants along Tras Street that promises guests a gastronomical dining experience—their posh interior makes the restaurant perfect for an intimate meal.

Chef Lino Saruo has over 25 years of culinary expertise in preparing Sicilian dishes and strives to use only sustainable seafood. From entrance to departure, what you get is an impeccable experience; gorgeous elegant interiors, exceptional service with attention to details and mouthwatering Southern Italian cuisine.

34 Tras Street
Singapore 079026
Tel: +65 9325 8843
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Hokkaido Izakaya

HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA

Hokkaido Izakaya is where you can relish the taste of Hokkaido in Singapore. Their dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients imported from four cities—Yakumo, Akkeshi, Furano, and Kamishihoro.

They offer a myriad of Japanese fare ranging from sashimi to sushi and soba sets so you would surely be spoilt for choice.

95 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088516
Tel: +65 6221 7118
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KURO MAGURO

If you have a hankering for maguro donburi, then Kuro Maguro will be your best bet. Conveniently located on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, it is definitely an ideal location for those working in the CBD area.

Prices range from S$20 to S$40, with dishes including the classic Barachirashi (S$18.80++) as well as the Salmon Oyako Meshi (S$20.80++), both featuring a generous helping of fresh seafood slices nestled atop warm Japanese white rice.

7 Wallich Street #01-04
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 8561
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

L’ENTRECÔTE THE STEAK & FRIES BISTRO

The single item menu at L’Entrecôte features their speciality steak, which comes doused in their house-made legendary brown sauce—a palate-pleaser for the carnivores.

For those who love anything free-flow, you’d be glad to hear that ordering a main will entitle you to unlimited servings of crisp, golden brown fries!

36 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089614
Tel: +65 6690 7561
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm –11pm
Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

LUCHA LOCO

Lucha Loco is a casual and vibrant Mexican cocina and garden bar located along Duxton Hill that offers contemporary Mexican food.

Looking for a date night place to impress your significant other? Their outdoor dining area hits all the right spots for a romantic night out. While you are there, be sure to try the stellar Barbecued Chicken Quesadilla (S$16++) and 6-inch Chorizo Y Papa Tacos (S$12++)!

15 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089598
Tel: +65 6226 3938
Mon to Tue: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Wed: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 12am
Thu: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 1am
Fri: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 2am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LUNAR COFFEE BREWERS

Brought to you by the same team behind Atlas Coffeehouse and the now-defunct Assembly Coffee, Lunar Coffee Brewers is a café in the CBD worth checking out after a hectic day at work.

Their premium cold brewed beverages and coffee will serve as fantastic accompaniments to their hearty donburi bowls.

6 Shenton Way #01-49/50
OUE Downtown Gallery 2
Singapore 068809
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Downtown / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Man Man Singapore

MAN MAN JAPANESE UNAGI RESTAURANT

As its name suggests, Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant specialises in Unagi-centric dishes. With freshwater eels specially imported from the Mikawa Isshiki region, what you can expect is the utmost premium quality of unagi and nothing less.

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant offers their guests a dining experience unlike any other—you can watch the chefs expertly slice the freshwater eels and charcoal grill them over high heat right before you!

1 Keong Saik Road #01-01
Singapore 089109
Tel: +65 6222 0678
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park

Photo Credit: Ninja Bowl

NINJA BOWL

Ninja Bowl is a dining concept owned and operated by The Astronauts Group, and this where you can get affordably priced Japanese-inspired dishes that will have you crooning over how gorgeous they look.

They offer an all-day brunch menu, which includes items such as the Mentaiko Scrambled (S$19), Steak & Udon (S$22) and Ebisu (S$18). Otherwise, their Ninja Bowls—Noka (S$14), Kamo (S$18) and Torinosu (S$18) are great options too.

15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 6222 8055
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

OVEN & FRIED CHICKEN

The fried chicken at this humble eatery will leave you so satisfied that you would throw any plans of a diet out of the window immediately.

Over at Oven & Fried Chicken, you can tuck into a tantalizing array of fried chicken done in a myriad of ways, some of which you have never heard of before—this includes crispy fried chicken smothered in Neapolitan-flavoured ice cream which goes highly recommended by us!

182 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068630
Tel: +65 6222 5959
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12am
Sat to Sun: 4pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

PARK BENCH DELI

Park Bench Deli started out as mere vendors at pop-up events, but the success of their gourmet sandwiches have led them to open up a store along Telok Ayer Street years ago.

For the love of sandwiches, go for their Cheese Steak (S$16) or the Fried Chicken Sandwich (S$16) which are all made fresh upon order.

179 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068627
Tel: +65 6815 4600
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 9am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PINCE & PINTS

Mirroring a similar concept to Burger & Lobster in London, Pince & Pints is dedicated to serving the best lobster dishes under one roof.

Their menu is rather limited, but you cannot go wrong with their signature Live Whole Lobster (S$58++) and The Lobster Roll (S$58++) which were our favourites. Alternatively, you can get local-inspired lobster dishes such as Chilli Lobster (S$58++) and Lobster Noodle (S$58++).

32-33 Duxton Rd
Singapore 089496
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Sunday
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PRAELUM WINE BISTRO

This intimate wine bar along Duxton Hill is perfect for after-work drinks or a night out with your girlfriends.

Managed by famous sommelier Gerald Lu—two-time National Sommelier Champion—and his partners, Praelum Wine Bistro is a welcoming space for not just wine connoisseurs, but anyone who enjoys good food with even better wine.

4 Duxton Hill
Singapore 089590
Tel: +65 6238 5287
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 1am
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Ryo Sushi

RYO SUSHI

Home to one of the most affordable Omakase sets in Singapore is Ryo Sushi, which is within walking distance from Orchid Hotel.

Setting you back at just S$38 for a 15-course meal, Ryo Sushi is where you should head to if you are looking for somewhere to get a holistic, indulgent dining experience without breaking the bank.

1 Tras Link #01-06
Orchid Hotel
Singapore 078867
Tel: +65 6443 3463
Mon to Sat: 11.45am – 2.45pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SALMON SAMURAI

Situated in 100AM Mall, Salmon Samurai is a hidden gem that all salmon-lovers ought to visit the next time you are in the vicinity.

They offer salmon donburi bowls, with options such as Salmon Mentaiko, Salmon Poke, and Garlic Shoyu Salmon, all priced reasonably at S$9.90. The Warrior Maki (S$9.90) had a good mix of crab meat, salmon sashimi, fresh cucumber and savoury chicken floss.

100 Tras Street #01-11
100AM
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6823
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SUPER STAR K

Super Star K specialises in using a charcoal grill and the authentic dining experience explains its popularity among Singaporeans and tourists alike.

They offer banchan that are not overly ambitious, unlike many other Korean eateries. Our personal favourites to order here include the beef short rib and pork belly. Also, did we mention that Super Star K is open until 4am daily?

75 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088496
Tel: +65 6224 0504
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

HAMBURG STEAK KEISUKE

There are only 2 items on the menu—the Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Steak Set (S$18.80) and Triple Cheese Prime Hamburg Steak Set (S$20.80). The latter is essentially hamburg steak with generous cheese filling within the grounded beef patty, which oozes out upon tearing the patty apart.

You’d be pleased to hear that diners have access to a free-flow salad buffet and 7 different egg stations as well!

72 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079329
Tel: +65 6908 4348
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Daily Cut

THE DAILY CUT

If you fancy wholesome, albeit hearty, salad bowls that will satiate you nonetheless, The Daily Cut at Tanjong Pagar Centre should be your go-to.

To start, simply grab the order list and check off your desired base, protein and supplements. They offer 4 different sizes ranging from petite (S$9) to X-Large (S$18), all of which are fully customisable.

7 Wallich Street #B2-16
Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore 078884
Tel: +65 6386 6160
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

Known for their eclectic mix of desserts, pasta, weekend brunch items and afternoon high tea, The Marmalade Pantry is a leading dining destination where you can always get hearty and wholesome food in a cosy environment.

You must try the melt-in-your-mouth Char Siew Kurobuta Pork Belly (S$32) and the luxurious Lobster Barley Risotto (S$34) for a satisfying meal that will bring your taste buds on a gastronomic journey.

100 Peck Seah Street #01-01
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Wafuken

WAFUKEN

Wafu refers to the Japanese style of western cuisine, whereas Ken is short for Kenko, which means wellness in Japanese. Wafuken essentially serves sous-vide rice bowls that are healthy but delectable nonetheless.

Most dishes are priced below S$20, making Wafuken a popular spot to get wholesome yet not overly-indulgent meals!

12 Marina View #02-05
Asia Square Tower 2
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 9459 6073
Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Downtown

XIAO YA TOU

Standing out amongst the bustling nightlife of Duxton Hill, Xiao Ya Tou is a restaurant bar that exudes charm and quirkiness unlike any other.

This modern fusion restaurant offers upgraded versions of ubiquitous street food, including the to-die-for XYT Hokkien Mee (S$16) and the XYT Ayam Percik (S$26) which we would find ourselves returning for.

6 Duxton Hill #01-01
Singapore 089592
Tel: +65 6226 1965
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Outram Park

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.