Popular homegrown bakery Elijah Pies is opening its first-ever dining concept with its new cafe at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Established in 2014 as a takeaway shop, Elijah Pies is a specialty pie shop that is known for their famous nutella pie as well as an array of gorgeous pies. They opened a baking studio at 803 King George’s Ave in Lavender in 2021.

The new Elijah Pies cafe will be officially opening to the public on 6 May 2023. They will be giving a free box of Mini Pies (S$26.90) for the first 50 customers (who spend a minimum of S$20) on their opening day on 6 May 2023.

The design of Elijah Pies’ new cafe is intended to imitate the cozy ambiance of a residential home and has been thoughtfully created to accommodate 20 guests across 5 sections – the porch, living room, dining table, fireplace and daybed.

The central feature of Elijah Pies’ new location is a 4-meter long island table situated within an open kitchen, where founder-baker Elijah Tan and his team of bakers will serve a thoughtfully selected menu of pies that are crafted by hand and offer comforting and familiar flavors.

The menu will include popular sweet and savoury pies such as the Nutella Pie, Yuzu Meringue Pie , as well as new creations like the Seaweed Chicken Pot Pie and Mac N’ Cheese Pie.

Fans of Elijah Pies will know that they serve some of the best tarts in Singapore and they taste just as good as they look.

Get a table at the counter and catch a glimpse of founder-baker Elijah Tan and his team assembling and preparing the final touches at the open kitchen.

There are three new savoury pies which are available exclusively at the new cafe:

• Mac N’ Cheese Pie (S$12.90)
• Tomato Prawn Bisque Pie (S$14.90)
• Seaweed Chicken Pot Pie (S$13.90)

We had the chance to try all the savoury pies which are generously filled with lots of ingredients and our top picks are the Black Truffle Mash Pie, Mac N’ Cheese Pie and Scallop Chowder Pie. The savoury pies are great as a light snack during lunch for those who are working in the Central Business District.

In addition to the pies, there is also a range of beverages available that have been created using baking methods. These include the Vanilla Pistachio drink that is blended with genuine nut butter, and the Grapefruit Elderflower soda that is infused with locally farmed organic flowers.

You can also grab a cup of coffee to go along with your favourite tarts.

Elijah Pies
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#01-102 Singapore 081007
Tel: +65 9855 9480
Monday to Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday to Sunday: 10am – 10pm

Established in 1989 by Michael Allpress in Auckland, New Zealand, Allpress Espresso has become a renowned specialty coffee roaster for independent cafés worldwide including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Allpress Espresso Singapore is opening its first pop-up cafe in Singapore at 73 Duxton Road on 2 May 2023 for 6 months.

To celebrate its opening, Allpress @ 73 Duxton will be having a 1-for-1 promotion for all espresso-based coffees for a week from 9 to 14 May 2023

Allpress Espresso Singapore will be serving its signature drinks such as Espresso (S$5), Long Black (from S$5), Flat White (from S$6) and Latte (from S$6).

It has partnered The Dark Gallery team to curatee a food menu to enhance the coffee experience, which includes delicious savory bagels, pastries, cake, and ice cream.

Photos credit: Allpress Espresso Singapore

Some of the desserts include Coffee Basque Cheesecake (S$8), Vanilla Espresso Cake (S$9), Allpress Dirty Caramel Chips ice cream (from S$6), as well as a vegan-friendly Allpress Cold Brew Sorbet (from S$6).

Fans of Allpress Espresso can also get limited-edition merchandise such as t-shirts and tote bags that are specially-designed for this pop-up, as well as Allpress Espresso’s range of products are also retailed at the shop.

Allpress Expresso Singapore @ 73 Duxton
73 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089532
Tuesday – Sunday: 8am – 5pm

Equate Coffee is a new minimalist coffee shop in Tanjong Pagar that focuses on coffee and pastries which include Canele and Ondeh cake.

One of the owners behind Equate Coffee is from Habitat Coffee and it is currently still in soft launch and will officially open to the public on 1 March 2021.

Choose from Espresso (S$3), Black (S$4.5), White (S$5), Chocolate (S$5), Mocha (S$5.5) as well as Filter Coffee (S$7). On top of that, Equate Coffee also offers traditional Kopi (S$2.5) and Kopi-O (S$2).

Enjoy your coffee with their caneles (S$) and ondeh cakes (S$7) which are baked in-house.

Photos credit: Equate Coffee

Equate Coffee is definitely a great addition to the speciality coffee scene in Singapore. Do check it out when you are around the area.

Equate Coffee
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-25, Singapore 082001

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.

The beauty in fusion cuisine lies in its ability to combine different culture, culinary techniques and cuisine to create something entirely different and intrinsically better. But it goes far beyond simply slathering kaya on a scone or sprinkling curry leaves onto pasta—it takes practice, and possibly hundreds of failed attempts to achieve the perfect recipe.

Maru Dine & Bar is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant located in Icon Village in Singapore’s central business district that expertly integrates the cultures of Vietnam, Japan and America into its food.

Be charmed by its uniquely designed interior that creatively encompasses the essences of each individual culture, as well as a stellar array of quirky creations that will please your palate as much as it will tickle your senses.

Photo Credit: Maru Dine & Bar

Setting their sights on a new culinary direction, the chefs behind Maru aim to deliver refreshing and inventive dishes that are derived from the collision of cuisines from around the world.

Some popular items on their menu include the Iberico Pork Jowl that features strips of tender and crispy pork cheek served along with a tofu purée and a savoury mentaiko sauce, as well as their Uni Ikura Angel Hair that comes with caviar, seaweed, truffle and a Japanese-inspired sauce made using fresh sea urchin.

Photo Credit: Maru Dine & Bar

For cuisine that bends all the rules in an edgy yet sophisticated setting, Maru Dine & Bar is a spot you should totally visit.

Maru Dine & Bar
12 Gopeng Street#01-05 Icon Village
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6327 1123
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

For many working professionals, Telok Ayer is the go-to place for after-work drinks at trendy bars. Telok Ayer is always bustling and full of life because of its strategic location in the heart of the Central Business District.

The vibrant neighbourhood is an interesting place to explore too—boasting the most exciting food establishments and cafes that turn into bars at night housed in traditional shop houses. It is a culture-rich place that is home to not just popular chill out spots, but also hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

Here are 12 Bars In Telok Ayer For The Night Owls.

#1 ASH & CHAR

For the uninitiated, Ash & Char is a up-and-coming gastrobar helmed by the same people in charge of Rise & Grind Coffee. Co. Siddle up to their chic bar for a beer, a glass of wine or their unique in-house cocktails such as the Elderflower Fuss.

#01-03/04 21 McCallum Street
Singapore 069047
Tel: +65 9132 8880
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Bourbon Street Facebook

#2 BOURBON STREET

Bourbon Street is a cafe by day where you can pop by for a fuss-free meal which transforms into a bar at night so you can have a tipple or two with your friends. On their alcoholic drinks menu is their signature bespoke cocktails and New Orleans beer selections. Ladies, you will love the 1-for-1 cocktails ladies night promotion which occurs every Wednesday night.

#3 BITTERS & LOVE

Having moved from North Canal Road, Bitters & Love is one of the most popular bars in Telok Ayer now. Known for their bespoke cocktails, the bar also has a selection of bar snacks such as Rangers Valley Waygu and Triple Cooked Handcut Truffle Potatoes to pair with your drinks. Beyond that, Bitters & Love also organises ‘contemporary mixology’ classes as well.

#4 CLUB MEATBALLS

An open restaurant with a cocktail and wine bar, Club Meatballs is one of the nicest chill-out spots in China Square Central. The best day to visit Club Meatballs for drinks is on Saturday, where you get Happy Hour promotions all day long—Spirits and Mixers start at S$7 and a bottle of beer starts at S$8.

If you are planning to head over on other days, you can enjoy the same promotions from 12pm – 2pm and 4pm – 8pm.

20 Cross St, #01-34/35/36
China Square Central
Singapore 048422
Tel: +65 6222 8660
Mon to Fri: 8am – 12am
Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Cocotto Facebook

#5 COCOTTO

A Japanese bar cum eatery, Cocotto is where you will find decent Japanese-French fusion cuisine to fill your tummy. If you are just there for drinks, delight yourself in a wide array of whisky, sake and beer. You will find groups of young people sharing a laugh over Kronenbourg or Asahi beer towers and tasty finger food.

#01-01 Far East Square
38 Pekin Street
Singapore 048768
Tel: +65 9800 4954
Daily: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#6 EMPLOYEES ONLY

Hailing from New York City, Employees Only opened its first international outpost in Singapore’s Amoy Street. Have a taste of the legendary speakeasy’s signature concoctions such as Ready Fire Aim and Employees Only’s Manhattan.

112 Amoy Street
Singapore 069932
Tel: +65 6221 7357
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 1am
Sat: 5pm – 2am
Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#7 FU LIN BAR & KITCHEN

You would never have guessed that this yong tau foo eatery is actually a hipster bar at night. By day, enjoy a hearty bowl of our local favourite dish and by night, indulge in their Asian tapas and alcoholic beverages.

Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen has an ongoing Happy Hour promotion from 4pm to 8pm daily. A bottle of Asahi is going at S$9.50 while a bucket of five Corona Extra sets you back at S$35. They also have a range of House Pours priced at S$9.

127 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068596
Tel: +65 6423 0311
Mon to Fri: 10am – 12 Midnight
Sat: 4pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Amie Hu

#8 FYR

If you are looking for a place to impress your date, look no further. Grab a pint of Pure Blond and Steinlager at S$9 each or go for a bucket of five (S$45), where you can mix and match between Carlsberg, Corona and Asahi Black. Fancy a cocktail? Get yourself a Blazing Scarlott (Tequila, Red Wine, Raspberries) from the bar.

19 Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069619
Tel: +65 6221 3703
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Eve of PH: 11.30am – 12midnight
Sat: 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Mojo Singapore Facebook

#9 MOJO

Adhering to a duo concept, Mojo Singapore serves up rice bowls in the day. And when night falls, the place transforms into an izakaya of sorts, with a menu of yakitori, small plates, and alcoholic beverages.

204 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068640
Tel: +65 6220 0723
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Muse Amuse Facebook

#10 MUSE AMUSE

When it comes to creativity, Muse Amuse wins hands down. The minimalist design features an uncluttered, spacious venue with a long communal table where guests are expected to linger around, a bar counter to order Asian-influenced cocktails and an outdoor balcony.

289 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058835
Tel: +65 9475 5529
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#11 NAPOLEAN FOOD & WINE BAR

A retro bar to see and be seen at, those who are into anything rustic will love the interior design and ambience at Napolean Food & Wine Bar. The dining experience, however, is slightly more forward-looking with a long row of enomatic machines that are able to dispense 32 different wines for a taste test.

206 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068641
Tel: +65 6221 9282
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 12 Midnight
Sat: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#12 SUM YI TAI

Opened by the same owners behind the now defunct Butter Factory Group, Sum Yi Tai reminds you of old Hong Kong in the 80s. The Chinese bar offers three various concepts over three storeys in one shophouse—the first floor is for tapas and drinks, mid floor is a dining club for party animals and the top level is a private rooftop bar.

25 Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069622
Tel: +65 6221 3665
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 1am
Sat: 7pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

The Wagon is one of the newest but most unassuming restaurant on Tras Street, Singapore. It looks subtle and unassuming from the outside, along the rows of restaurants and shophouses. But if you can locate this gem, you are in for a treat.

When night falls, a huge red neon signboard bearing the words ‘The Wagon’ lights up in full glory. And that is also when The Wagon comes alive. From the brick walls to the copper pans and pots hung up, the interior of The Wagon is chic and fun – all while boasting a very sassy yet casual vibe.

From French-Japanese inspired tapas served on trolley, to the amazing beef platter which features four different premium cuts of Hokkaido beef (dry-aged in-house), to the whole Muenier Flounder, The Wagon is full of surprises and a place that is suitable for all occasions.

Think of it as a spot where you can have great tapas and mains in a relaxed setting. And did we mention that it serves cocktails at S$7 each during Happy Hour? Also, our readers can quote “ladyironchef” to get a surprise dish from the chef.

The kitchen is headed by Chef Makoto Deguchi – he who has cooked at a 1-Michelin Star restaurant in Paris. This explains why his dishes feature a rustic French style while using primarily freshly-imported ingredients from Hokkaido.

What we were sold by immediately was the “wagon” that is being pushed from table to table. The idea is really to surprise diners every time with tapas of the day. The tapas are off-menu and are different every day, with a few mainstays.

What happens is that after you’ve settled in your seats, the wagon would be pushed to you, presenting to you the various tapas and its prices. The team will also verbally introduce every item to you, tell you stories that might interest you, and you can then pick whatever you fancy.

This provides a very personal interaction; think of it like olden day dim sum push carts, but in a fresh alternative with items that you probably couldn’t even guess!

Apart from the rotational items, expect mainstay dishes such as Foie Gras Creme Brûlée (S$12), fresh uni (S$8 for 10g) on Carrot Mousse (S$5), and Shaky Shaky Fries (S$8).

The Brûlée was intensely flavoured with foie gras and this smooth treat is not for the faint-hearted. The uni was undeniably fresh and creamy; just the way we like it.

You can order the fresh uni by weight on its own, but a recommended serving is to have it on top of the Carrot Mousse that is adorably displayed inside an empty uni shell. The textures are incredibly similar and while the taste differs, it complements each other pretty well.

A surprising star for us was the Shaky Shaky Fries, which is vaguely like an upgraded version of McDonald’s Shaker Fries. The burst of umami came immediately upon first bite because of the ultra-tasty seasoning that is imported directly from Miyazaki itself. Potato wedges are used instead, and the broad surface balanced out the saltiness of the snack. For just S$8, we would do this over and over again.

Another tapas to look out for is the Frill Lettuce (S$15) with a side of minced beef. You are to wrap the beef up in the leaves, like how you would enjoy K-bbq. Every lettuce is flown in from Hokkaido, and it was served to us still with the root intact – this is as fresh as it can get; the plant is basically still alive!

On to the mains. Which comes in a regular menu and is pretty much fixed, but no less boring.

One of the most impressive dishes is the Grilled Platter (S$75), featuring four different premium cuts of Hokkaido beef with various accompanying sauces. The beefs are dry-aged in-house and are extremely buttery with a gorgeous marbling.

The cuts might differ daily and you will be served the four best and freshest cuts of the day on this platter. We had the rump, sirloin, tenderloin and top blade – all served atop rosti chunks. The sirloin and tenderloin were the juiciest and most stunningly-marbled.

Then, there is the Muenier Flounder (S$60 whole and S$30 half). It is something that is not commonly seen here in Singapore. Our fish was served whole on the plate and was so well-seasoned, we polished the flounder to the bone (literally).

In case you are wondering, yes, flounder is a common fish breed used in Japanese cuisine, but this white fish is given a makeover here at The Wagon and prepared the French way – flavourful, elegant and so good that you need no condiments.

This main alone will be more than enough to impress. The whole fish is pretty massive, and we recommend half a portion for one person and a whole fish for two, so you can still enjoy some of the small tapas plates from the cart.

One seasonal item to look out for this Spring is the Sautéed Spring Vegetables (S$28) which features a variety of Japanese vegetables that are so very fresh. Prepared in the simplest of way, the vegetables are cooked over high heat to produce a broth so natural and sweet; the end result is a hearty and healthy dish so intensely packed with Sprin flavours.

And because we always have room for desserts, we went for The Moelleux Au Chocolat (S$15) and Milky Blanc-Manager (S$13). They are lighter dessert choices that would be great if you are already feeling quite stuffed from your tapas and mains.

We could not leave without trying some of The Wagon’s cocktails. As rum-lovers, the Wagon Mai Tai (S$18) takes first place for us. It comprises a mix of Dark and White Rum with Lime Juice, Orgeat, Burnt Orange and Vanilla Syrup for a very complex but well-balanced taste. So similar yet distinctly different from your classic Mai Tai. 

We also had the Pi Pi Piew (S$20) – just because, right? Quirky name, light cocktail. It uses a mix of strawberry and thyme-infused vodka with peach liquor and more for a fruity and refreshing aftertaste.

The Wagon also has excellent happy hour promotions (Mon to Sat, 6pm – 8pm) with S$5 half pints of Kronenbourg Blanc, S$7 cocktails and S$6 Suntory Premium Malt Pilsners. PARTY TIME, GUYS!

Remember to quote “ladyironchef” when you are dining at The Wagon to get a surprise dish from the chef.

The Wagon
55 Tras St
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 6221 6369
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Closed: Sun
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

This post was brought to you by The Wagon.

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.

Heading up to level 2 of 73 Amoy Street to Dapper Coffee was a tiny setback, especially after trudging through Singapore’s humid weather. But the cosy space made up for the “hike”, and we spent an idyllic afternoon at the cafe over great coffee.

The swanky interior resembles a cool British pub. The coffee aroma that filled the air was alluring and we were thankful for the good range of different coffee to choose from.

Let’s see what the hype about Dapper Coffee is all about.

We ordered a cold brew coffee – perfect option for a crazily humid afternoon. Their cold brew coffee was listed as S$7. But upon taking a seat, the barista came up to us and told us that they only had a drink called Gold Cold Brew (S$10) available.

Skepticism levels were higher than ever. We agreed to it and before we could enquire more, he sprinted off to grab our drink. When we saw that the drink came in a tiny minuscule bottle, it really didn’t look like much. He swished and swirled the little glass jar and then the magic happened.

We were told that this drink has something called ‘unicorn tears’; of course, he declined to unveil the “secret ingredients”. What we saw were tiny gold particles, much smaller than gold flakes, inside of the glass. However pretty it was, it was still a tiny bit gimmicky.

We poured it out to have a taste and we had our answer – it was an exceptional cold brew. But we are sure about one thing – the ‘unicorn tears’ did nothing for us, except a little visual appeal. The coffee was strong and intense, basically more of a cold brew espresso instead.

Dapper Coffee also offers a range of cakes that includes Salted Egg Yolk Sesame Cake and Mango Avocado Cake for you to pair your coffee with.

Will we return here? Very likely, but we will probably stick to our usual latte. The extra S$3 was not worth it.

Dapper Coffee
73A Amoy Street
Second floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 9005 4790
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Weekends: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

The number of cocktail bars in Singapore has been increasing stealthily to meet the growing community of discerning drinkers. These bars are more often than not a hole-in-the-wall and you probably would have overlooked them in the day. An unassuming camouflaged entrance seems almost deliberate to ward off those who did not put in the extra effort to scout for the gateway to divine cocktails.

While classics such as Old Fashioned and Manhattan have been on every bar’s menu since our granny’s times, a new wave of Asian-fusion exotic selections, such as Kuvo’s prawn noodles cocktail and Bitters & Love’s crowd-pleaser kaya toast cocktail, has entered Singapore’s burgeoning bar scene in the recent years.

These unorthodox concoctions are the brainchild of Singaporean bartenders who have not forgotten their roots. The unique alcoholic beverages truly deserve extra commendation for overcoming the near-impossible uphill task of integrating local flavours into delicious cocktails.

Here is our guide to 8 interesting cocktails with a local twist in Singapore that you should try!

BAR STORIES – MISS JOAQUIM

For non-Singaporeans, Vanda Miss Joaquim is the name of Singapore’s national flower. This beautiful concoction was named after Singapore’s orchid and Bar Stories’ bartender David Koh was largely inspired by the ingredients he had seen around Chinatown. Miss Joaquim (S$23) is mixed Barsol Pisco Selecto Torontel, Fair Goji Liqueur, Giffard Organic Four Berry Liqueur, ginger, lemon juice, homemade osmanthus syrup, egg white and raspberries, before being garnished with cut raspberry, edible flowers and lychee pearls.

57A Haji Lane, 2nd Floor
Singapore 189250
Tel: +65 6298 0838
Mon to Thu: 3pm – 1am
Fri to Sat: 3pm – 2am
Mon: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bugis

BITTERS AND LOVE – KAYA TOAST COCKTAIL

Bitters and Love’s Kaya Toast Cocktail (S$23) is interestingly contained in a kaya jam jar and served with a dollop of kaya jam on plain white bread. The main ingredient – kaya jam – itself is a sugary treat, with its main ingredients being eggs, coconut milk and sugar. Together with english breakfast tea, Mount Gay Rum, peach liqueur, honey, fresh lemon juice, egg white and more kaya jam, the local dessert cocktail is created. The overall taste is endearingly sweet and refreshing on the tongue.

118 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

DING DONG – PI PA GAO

Pi Pa Gao is a traditional Chinese medicine best known for its medicinal benefits of relieving a cough and sore throat. Ding Dong has infused the herbal loquat syrup into an edgy cocktail and named it Pi Pa Gao (S$23).

Adding Diplomatic Rum, Calamansi and Johnnie Walker Black Label, the seemingly bizarre concoction is served in a slanted glass. The taste of the scotch whisky is dominant, but you can still detect traces of Pi Pa Gao. If you would like an alcoholic beverage that soothes the throat, this one is definitely for you.

23 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 069703
Tel: +65 6884 6884
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Closed: Sun
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

JEKYLL & HYDE – BEANCURD COCKTAIL

If you are a fan of both cocktails and soybean pudding, Jekyll & Hyde’s beancurd cocktail is a must-try on your next night out. Made from the popular Lao Ban Tao Hway, Jekyll & Hyde’s team makes it a point to buy fresh soy beancurd from Maxwell Food Centre’s Lao Ban.

Shaking the tao huay with butterscotch syrup, hazelnut liquor, kaya and vodka, the resulting texture is delightfully soft. Served in a cute ceramic Chinese tea cup, the drink is extremely easy to drink and is great for those with low alcohol tolerance levels.

49 Tras Street
Singapore 078988
Tel: +65 6222 3349
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Source: KUVO Singapore

KUVO – PRAWN NOODLE COCKTAIL

We all know about the much raved about local delicacy prawn noodles, but we bet it’s not everyday that you get to hear about the famous dish being transformed into a cocktail! The unorthodox Prawn Noodle Cocktail (S$20) is indeed mostly made with ingredients that you will find in a piping hot bowl of prawn noodles. But if that is too exotic to your liking, you can simply tell the bartenders what you fancy and they will create a drink specially suited to your preference!

321 Orchard Road
#02-01 Orchard Shopping Centre
Singapore 238866
Tel: +65 6733 8272
Sun to Thu: 12pm to 1am
Fri to Sat: 12pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

MITZO – CHRYSANTHEMUM EMPRESS SOUR

Mitzo is well known for their Asian-inspired cocktails and it is Chrysanthemum Empress Sour (S$20) that captivated our hearts. The simple liqueur concoction is an alternative take on the classic whisky sour – Beefeater Gin has been infused and shaken with chrysanthemum flowers, dashes of lavender bitters, egg white, fresh lemon juice and ginger syrup. The result is a pleasantly sweet alcoholic beverage with floral hues.

270 Orchard Road
Grand Park Orchard
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 12midnight
Nearest Station: Somerset

OPUS BAR & GRILL – KAYA TOAST MARTINI

Forget your typical apple and peach martinis. Opus Bar & Grill has rolled out an exciting new cocktail that will tantalise your tastebuds. All hail the Kaya Toast Martini (S$20) – the mildly sweet concoction has been created with barley water, kaya jam, Ketel One Vodka and lemon juice, topped with a kaya-smeared bread toast.

Besides the Kaya Toast Martini, Opus Bar also has a range of Asian-inspired cocktails such as Miso Soup, Tom Yum, and Durian cocktails.

581 Orchard Road
Hilton Singapore
Singapore 238883
Tel: 65 6730 3390
Daily: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard Road

THE SECRET MERMAID – MOONSHINE MILO

The secret hidden gem near Raffles Place MRT has a signature Milo-infused cocktail that will instantly wake your worn out minds and bodies. Moonshine Mylo (S$15) is simply made with distilled moonshine spirit, milo powder, water and corn whisky. It is served in a bottle but tastes nothing like a beer or cider.

10 Collyer Quay, #B1-08
Ocean Financial Centre
Singapore 049315
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 11pm
Sat to Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

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

From The Quarters’ trademark durian crème brulee to Miss Molly’s fusion laksa pasta, third culture proprietors have successfully transformed Tanjong Pagar from a ghetto zone into a cultural splendor. The rows of charming old heritage shop houses are now homes to a melting pot of cafes and restaurants.

While Korean restaurants seem to dominate the dining scene at Tanjong Pagar, we cannot deny the existence of many other up-and-coming eateries. The historic district of Tanjong Pagar is so popular that even award-winning Tippling Club and Gattopardo Restaurant have shifted to the bustling neighbourhood and never looked back.

Here is our guide to 29 bars, cafes and restaurants in Tanjong Pagar:

#1 BAR-ROQUE GRILL

Bar-Roque Grill is a French restaurant located at the corner of Amara Hotel and you can choose to dine in its lavish dining room or chill out over drinks at its terrace bar. Don’t forget to try their free-range chicken cooked by Singapore’s largest rotisserie.

Their prices are pretty reasonable; dig into a hearty two-course set lunch (S$34) or pop by on a weekday between 5pm – 7:pm and enjoy their one-for-one happy hour.

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

#2 CAKE SPADE

Listen up cake lovers. You are missing out on some serious good stuff if you have yet to visit Cake Spade. The owners of Cake Spade strive to provide maximum satisfaction with every bite of their creations and freshness is of utmost importance; no artificial preservatives have been used in any of the baked-from-scratch desserts.

Brilliant tasty creations include their signature strawberry tofu cheesecake (S$5.90 per slice) and nutella fudge crumble (S$4.20 per slice) – we found ourselves hopelessly addicted to their crunchy biscuit base.

1 Tras Link
#01-06, Orchid Hotel
Tel: +65 6444 9672
Mon to Thurs: 12pm – 9am
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#3 CHICKEN UP

As implied in its name, Chicken Up sells chicken that is worth queuing up for. Koreans may frown and debate about the authenticity of the fried chicken, but that is only because Chicken Up has adapted its traditional methods in its preparation. Chicken fats have been removed from the skin prior to being double fried and the end result is a juicy, fried but less greasy tender chicken.

Having said that, the chicken remains sinful and you might as well go all the way with their seemingly harmless but lethal watermelon and apples soju. Do note that Chicken Up has a large following so do make a reservation in advance or be prepared to queue up.

48 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6327 1203
Mon to Thurs: 5.30pm – 2am
Fri to Sat: 5.30pm – 3am
Sun: 5.30pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#4 CUMI BALI INDONESIAN RESTAURANT

Unlike its flashier neighbours, Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant’s simple entrance makes it easy to overlook the eatery. Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant is one of Tanjong Pagar’s oldest residents; it has been around for more than two decades!

Old is gold indeed; the restaurant is one of the best restaurants around and it is not hard to see why loyal patrons keep returning for more. Must-orders include the grilled sotong, chicken satay and spicy kang kong.

66 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6220 6619
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Sun: 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#5 DRURY LANE CAFE

Drury Lane Cafe’s recently revamped their menu but drool worthy classic dishes such as baked eggs and muffins are here to stay. Drury Lane Café’s muffins have captured the attention of many for its tastiness and unique payment concept – you get to pay whatever amount you deem fit and we hope everyone takes this opportunity to be generous instead of stingy. The shop house can be easily spotted with its bright red doorframe and workaholics rejoice – there’s free WIFI too!

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

#6 GATTOPARDO RISTORANTE DI MARE

Gattopardo Ristorante Di Mare’s new location at Tras Street is significantly smaller than its previous home at Fort Canning, but its presence remains at large. The charming two storey shophouse exudes romantic European vibes with its stylish décor and passersby will find themselves struggling to resist the restaurant’s inviting courtyard.

The beautiful alfresco-dining on the cozy balcony upstairs had us sold and we proceeded in with no regrets. 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, the entire experience is impeccable; gorgeous elegant interiors, exceptional service with attention to details and mouthwatering Southern Italian cuisine.

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34 Tras Street
Tel: +65 9325 8843
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat to Sun: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Everton Park is quickly becoming the latest it neighbourhood. Some call it the new Tiong Bahru, and it is not difficult to see why. Since Nylon Coffee Roasters and Grin Affair started here in 2012, this quiet HDB neighbourhood has been drawing foodies to explore the area. Here is our guide to cafes and eateries in Everton Park.

#7 HAN KOOK GWAN RESTAURANT

Han Kook Kwan Korean Restaurant is one of Singapore’s oldest Korean restaurants. Korean BBQ is a hit here – you will not regret ordering their best selling seasoned primed rib with soy sauce (S$38) and seasoned pork rib with soy sauce S$28). Their pan-fried spicy squid (S$35) and seafood pancake (S$20) are also worth the calories.

26 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6224 2881
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#8 HOUSE OF DANDY

Everything at House of Dandy is as fine and dandy as you imagined but do not let the luxurious 1920s Manhattan-style decors mislead you into thinking that a drink costs a bomb.

Alcoholic drinks actually start from S$8 and its patrons are mainly corporate lads and ladies. Bespoke cocktails can be created by their talented mixologists upon request or choose the King Seat Daisy cocktail which has been featured in World’s Best Bar’s best spring cocktails list.

House of Dandy is also listed in our guide to Top 5 Bars in Tanjong Pagar.

74 Tras Street
Tel: +65 8661 2340
Mon to Sat: 5pm – late
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#9 JUICE JUNKIE

It seems like the novelty of cold pressed juices is not wearing off anytime soon in sunny Singapore. Over at Juice Junkie, BPA-free bottles of fresh organic cold-pressed juices are going at around S$10 each.

For those not in the know, cold pressed juices are inherently different to typical juices in their slow juicing method; heat is significantly minimized and nutrients are more effectively locked in due to negligible oxidization. The end result is a raw juice in its most nutritious state.

68 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 9177 1489
Mon to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat: 11am – 4pm
Sun: Closed

#10 KKO KKO NARA

Kko Kko Nara is famous for their Korean fried chicken, which are available in the following flavours – hot and spicy, sweet and spicy, soy garlic or original. While everyone visits them for their addictive chicken, there are also other noteworthy items on the menu that are worth trying i.e. spicy sausage stew. Opened till 3am daily, Kko Kko Nara is also a popular destination for a late night of soju.

68 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6225 9282
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#11 LES DELICES

Les Delices may be a newcomer in the Tanjong Pagar vicinity but is no stranger to the media. Co-owner cum pastry chef Georgina Sim was previously trained in Le Cordon Bleu; the culinary school has groomed famous graduates such as American Chef Julia Child and Peruvian Chef Gaston Acurio.

Instead of succumbing to industry’s demands of coffee and customizable cakes, the Parisan-style café has decided to focus on a limited menu of French pastries and teas. Their specialty is the cream filled light Choux Pastry (S$5.90) but their other desserts such as the rich Heavenly Valrhona Chocolate Dome (S$10.90) are equally popular. Each cake has been paired with either an English or Chinese tea to bring out the best flavours.

333 Kreta Ayer Road
Tel: +65 6225 9282
Mon: 1pm – 7pm
Tue to Thu:1pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 1pm – 10.45pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

#12 MENYA SANJI (KAGOSHIMA RAMEN)

Most of us are used to the broth of Kurume ramen, where its soup is prepared with solely pork bones. But things are a little different at Menya Sanji – The pork bones are simmered together with a myriad of other ingredients such as chicken bones, vegetables and even seafood. The resulting broth is less oily than the conventional ramen.

The milky soup base of Menya Sanji’s signature Sanji Ramen is prepared with a pig’s head, painstakingly cooked for over 20 hours with other secret ingredients and then served with thick wheat noodles, boiled egg, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, fungi and thick slices of roasted char shu. A bowl of this Kagoshima-style goodness starts from S$11.50.

1 Tras Link
#01-04, Orchid Hotel
Tel: +65 6604 8891
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#13 MISSION JUICE

Cold pressed juices are all the rage right now with their endless health benefits. Located just a two-minutes walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit A is Mission Juice, a juice specialist with a mission to save the world with their cold pressed juices.

Mission Juice has proved that healthy things can taste good too – they sell only the most nutritious and freshest fruit juices with no added sugar. Must-try juices include Breakfast Surprise (S$5) – a mixture of apple, orange, passion fruit and pineapple.

12 Gopeng Street
Tel: +65 8202 1355
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 12pm – 5pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#14 MISS MOLLY’S

You may remember Miss Molly on Instagram for its pretty rainbow cakes (S$8.90) but we were actually drawn to the café in early 2014 after hearing about its sambal belachan shrimp linguine – a dish that was neither Italian nor Asian.

Miss Molly’s menu may be a tough nut to crack but its fusion dishes such as Laksa Pasta with Prawns (S$13.80) and Har Jiong Kai Sandwich (S$8.80) have resonated well with the younger generation who are excited to try Miss Molly’s exotic offerings. While the taste of the special dishes remain debatable, Miss Molly’s definitely deserves some recognition for their brave attempt in marrying Asian flavours into Western cuisine.

2 Craig Road
Tel: +65 6222 2671
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#15 ONE TWO KITCHEN KOREAN BBQ & RESTAURANT

Are we in Seoul? We questioned ourselves immediately upon stepping into the restaurant. We heard endless of chatter in Korean and even the music was of course, Korean. One Two Kitchen Korean BBQ & Restaurant is a new addition to Tanjong Pagar’s K-Town but has already gained a fandom with its Izakaya-style ambience and irresistible marinated pork belly.

89 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 9234 0950
Daily: 6pm – 6am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#16 PHO STOP

Stop by Pho Stop for a budget-friendly Vietnamese meal. Start your meal with a fresh chicken salad (S$7) before digging into bowls of piping hot pho with sliced beef (S$8.30). Do make sure to check out their bar above called the The Bar Above, which offers an enchanting view of The Pinnacle at Duxton with its dazzling fairy lights.

72 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6534 8178
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 10pm (Pho Stop), 6pm – late (The Bar Above)
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#17 RAMEN KEISUKE TONKOTSU KING

A long queue formed outside Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King is a common daily sight for residents in Tanjong Pagar. Their award winning Tonkotsu Ramen Special (S$14.80) was crowned as the best in Singapore back in 2012.

Till date, the delicious thick milky broth remains unrivalled. Celebrity Chef Keisuke Takeda whom emerged champion out of over 30,00 ramen chefs in the 2011 Tokyo Ramen Championships is the rightful owner of the Keisuke brand. Their ramen surpassed all our expectations and that is not all – Keisuke also offers free flow eggs and bean sprouts to all diners.

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best ramen.

1 Tras Link
#01-19, Orchid Hotel
Tel: +65 6636 0855
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#18 RAMEN KEISUKE TORI KING

Celebrity chef Keisuke Takeda is so confident with his ramen creations that he did not hesitate opening another ramen shop just a minute away walk away from his Tonkotsu Ramen outlet.

Located on the third level of 100AM shopping mall is Ramen Keisuke Tori King. Their specialty is in its chicken broth – made from chicken bones and chicken feet. Other essential ingredients such as Japanese seaweed are also added to the arduous eight hours boiling process. Chef Keisuke Takeda has successfully challenged the notions of conventional ramen by completing it with generous portions of tender chicken thigh meat. A bowl of chicken broth ramen starts from S$11.90.

100 Tras Street
#03-15, 100AM
Tel: +65 6604 6861
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#19 RAMYUN AND SOJU

Ramyun and Soju is a no frills Korean ramen noodle bar. A set meal starts from only S$9.90 and is inclusive of a bowl of noodles, a beverage of your choice and a dish of kimchi. You can choose from original spicy broth to dry black bean paste and add toppings such as cheese and rice cake at additional S$2 each. While their springy noodles are not fantastic, they do offer a quick and filling budget meal.

1 Tras Link, #01-03, Orchid Hotel
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Located within the vicinity of Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area is Duxton – the ideal destination for an interesting foodie experience. From Melbourne-inspired hipster cafes to Italian restaurants, the dining scene in the Duxton neighbourhood is undeniably vibrant. Read our guide to Duxton Hill’s best restaurants, cafes and bars.

#20 SQUIRES AND SCOUNDRELS

Squires and Scoundrels places a great emphasis on fun and their playfulness is evident from their incredibly early happy hour timing – it starts from an astonishing 3pm! The bar serves tasty wagyu beef and chicken burgers with recommended beer pairings.

The burgers (from S$18) are interestingly named after famous cities such as New York and Madrid. Keep yourself entertained by challenging your friends to a game of shuffleboard or pose for a picture with their pop-graffiti art.

72 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6635 6604
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 3pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#21 TEPPEI JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Teppei Japanese Restaurant at the ground floor of Orchid Hotel has been gaining a steady following because of its extremely affordable omakase (prices start from S$50/pax). Another highly-raved about dish that has earned its regulars’ loyalty is its barachirashi (S$17.60).

The barachirashi is pretty decent and inexpensive – probably the cheapest chirashi you can get in Singapore. It suffices as an introductory bowl for first-timers, decent enough, but there are many more chirashi-don out there that shout freshness and variety way better.

#01-18, Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link
Tel: +65 6222 7363
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#22 THE QUARTERS

The Quarters provides caffeine fix (from S$3.70) to the working crowd and gourmet satisfaction to foodies seeking exotic fusion food. As mentioned earlier on in the introductory paragraph, Durian Crème Brulee is served here at S$7 each.

Every item on the menu at The Quarters has a unique Singaporean local twist i.e. Shiok Burger’s crumbly pork patty (S$17) has hints of curry spices that will leave an unforgettable aftertaste. You can also purchase sealed jars of salted egg aioili and belachan here – they make great gifts for budding chefs!

16 Enggor Street
Tel: +65 6834 4174
Mon to Thu: 8am – 10pm
Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#23 TIPPLING CLUB

Ranked as one of Asia’s top 50 restaurants for the past few years, Tippling Club certainly needs no introduction. While some dismiss the award-winning bar as a pretentious gastronomic destination, we have to admit that their cocktails have never failed to impress.

Bubble tea (S$18) is a unique concoction of apple, citrus and gin infused with melon & mangosteen – nothing like the Taiwanese bubble tea we expected. Other interesting picture worthy drinks include Purple Drank (S$23) and Juniper Sling (S$23).

The former is a playful cocktail mixed with curaco, candy gomme, citrus, raspberry and vanilla & raisin spirit, served in a cough syrup bottle. The latter is a fragrant cocktail made of cassis, cinnamon syrup, gin, cherry bitters, grand marnier and junipher, served in a Penhaligon’s perfume bottle.

38 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6475 2217
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#24 TODAMGOL

While competition may be fierce and even threatening to some restaurants along Tanjong Pagar Road, Todamgol clearly remains unaffected by its new neighbours. Opened since November 2011, the Korean restaurant still faces a relentless queue at the entrance every single day.

Todamgol serves a delectable variety of authentic Korean dishes such as the popular Korean Stew Bu Dae ji Gae (S$35) and Korean glass noodles Jap Chae (S$18). Their daily late night opening hours sees crowds toasting to soju till 3am. Now you know where to head to on Sunday and Monday nights!

31 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6224 7077
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 3am
Sat to Sun: 5.30pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#25 TWO BLUR GUYS

Two Blur Guys burger shop was started by two self-proclaimed blur guys in 2012. Each delicious burger is served with a fresh homemade potato leafy salad.

1 Tras Link
#01-13, Orchid Hotel
Tel: +65 6636 4183
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#26 WA BAR

WA Bar is a franchise from South Korea that specialises in beer. Their menu offers an assortment of Korean and Western fare and Korean pop fans are in a treat – the large flat screens play pop Korean music videos all night long! But WA Bar is not limited to just K pop fans. With their wide selection of beers and decent bar food menu, it is one of the go-to watering holes and a great place to unwind after work.

64 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6224 7073
Daily: 11am – 3am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#27 WHIPS CUPCAKES

Located inside Icon Village, Whips Cupcakes is known for their cute mini cupcakes that are priced at only S$1.00 each. There are up to 12 flavours to choose from and the more interesting ones include nutella, marshmellow and M&M! Customised fondant toppers are available upon request.

#01-85, 12 Gopeng Sreet
Tel: +65 6222 5432
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Sat to Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#28 5 THE MOMENTS

5 The Moments is actually a 2-in-1 concept of a film photography company and an ice cream shop. The beautiful café showcases an array of images from their photography portfolio and patrons interested in enquiring about wedding shoots should make an appointment in advance.

A wide selection of ice cream is available (choose from dark truffle chocolate to New York cheesecake) at S$4.80 per scoop. Their delightful waffles are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

73 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6222 5337
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

From the best selection of rums and sakes, to the best happy hours—it’s not just us who need a break; so does the wallet—we’ve done our groundwork, and pounded pavement to bring you the best bars in Tanjong Pagar.

BAM! – BEST SELECTION OF SAKE IN SINGAPORE

Housing some of Singapore’s rarest sakes, as well as one of the most extensive sake lists in Singapore, each label in BAM!’s walk-in cellar is carefully selected by owner Derrick Lim, an advanced sake professional certified by the Sake Education Council in Japan. An intense passion for the art has led him to establishing a bar where locals are able to enjoy exquisite sake without having to travel to Japan.

On the sake list, stands a total of over 80 labels from 10 artisanal sake breweries in Japan, as well as some rare awamori and shochu. Top tier labels such as Diamond Akatsuki (S$880) and Katsuyama Diamond Lei (S$1,120) are extremely limited—only 300 and 600 bottles respectively, are produced annually—that use a state of the art centrifuge extraction method to obtain its pure aromas and taste. Other rare sakes include elegant limited edition organic Asahi rice (Kyoto) Junmai (S$100), fruity Junmai Ginjo Ichigo Nama (S$120) that’s wonderful with Western dishes, and multiple gold medal winner Daiginjo Tobindori (S$299).

BAM! is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s Top 5 Sake Bars.

38 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6226 0500
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

ELEMENT ON TRAS STREET – BEST FOR HAPPY HOURS

The newly revamped Element at Amara Hotel now sports a snazzy new outdoor post; Element on Tras Street—an alfresco bar that boasts incredibly attractive happy hours. From 5pm to 8pm daily, draft beers go at S$9 per pint, one of the lowest prices in the CBD. Beers available on tap aren’t the standard run-of-the-mill beers either. Exclusive to our sunny little island is RedRock lager, a slightly hoppy, rich and malty full-bodied beer with a crisp and clean finish.

Brewed from Italy’s largest brewery, Peroni is Italy’s number one premium beer—a refreshingly crisp lager that’s high on the charts for its character, style and taste. We love its light-bodied malt and bitterness that starts out slow and grows increasingly focused. For the weight-conscious, there’s also Australia’s leading low carbohydrate beer, Pure Blonde. Refreshing and easy on the palate, this is our go-to beer anytime of day.

100 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6879 2555 / +65 6879 2607
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

HOUSE OF DANDY – BEST BAR TO SEE AND BE SEEN

If you enjoy people-watching, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing back the roaring twenties with spot-on art deco, House of Dandy encourages patrons to exude the same fashion-forward confidence it embodies. The crowd here consists of well-dressed PMEBs and fashionistas who know what they want, and have no qualms on how to get it.

Adding to that draw, is a recently launched list of cocktails like Blushing Barmaid ($22) that consists of Campari, amaretto, egg whites and bitter lemon shaken and strained over ice, and garnished with dehydrated orange peel for a zesty fragrance. A house signature, Rakes’ Ration ($34 for two) is a blend of two spirits and a beer (warning: not for the weak): Plantation 3 Star rum, Makers Mark bourbon and IPA; shaken and smoked in a mason jar with Amaro Montenegro, Chambord, lemon juice, and Rakes’ syrup, before rounding up the drink with a dash of Angostura and orange bitters—expect complex and bittersweet layers of berries and herbs.

House of Dandy is also listed in our guide to 5 Hot New Bars in Singapore.

74 Tras Street
Tel: +65 8661 2340
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

MARS BAR BY MIXES FROM MARS – BEST CREATIVE COCKTAILS

Who would’ve thought a chili crab cocktail would work? Oh, but it has, and very much so. The boys (yes, these youngurns should be proud) behind Mars Bar are bartenders Louis Tan and and Roger Yip, who honed their creative skills at Bar Stories before venturing out on their own. On the menu are crazy-sounding concoctions like bak kwa cocktail (S$22) that fat-washes local favorite honey glazed Bee Cheng Hiang bak kwa in Bulleit bourbon before mixing in cinnamon and orange syrup to enhance its savory sweetness; and the sweet, salty, and savory chili crab cocktail (S$22) made with chili crab paste, Tanqueray gin, Malibu rum, kaffir lime, lemongrass, and orgeat.

Bespoke concoctions are also at play here. On our visit, we were served King of Asia (S$22)—a cocktail creation inspired by durian. Fresh passion fruit, butterscotch schnapps and vanilla ice cream recreates creamy textures of durian, and the addition of Gosling rum results in a lingering pungent fruity bitterness best described as the king of all fruits.

83 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 9651 6714
Mon to Sun: 4pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SUGARHALL – BEST SELECTION OF RUM IN SINGAPORE

With the people behind cocktail bar Jigger & Pony running this establishment, you know you’re in good hands. Two-time Diageo Reserve World Class Singapore winner Aki Eguchi helms this well-stocked bar of over 60 rums, including uncommon rums like the highly sought-after Ron Zacapa 2013 Reserva Limitada (S$53) that’s incredibly oaky and subtly sweet—perfect for pairing with a grilled juicy slab of pork chop (S$28). Other exclusive rums include Zafra Ron Master Reserve Panama (S$36), and Diplomatico 2000 (S$34)—only six bottles are available in Singapore, all of which sit behind the bar at Sugarhall.

Made with multiple gold award winner (at the Caribbean Rum Taste Test in London) El Dorado 12 years, Bumbo Old Fashioned (S$22) is an exemplary rum cocktail with a beautiful smoky nose of sweet toffee and vanilla with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, whose taste is further emphasized with a good ‘old grilled rib-eye (S$32). Our personal favorite is the Sugarhall Mai Tai (S$22) that opens with sour and fruity notes of Tamarind and spiced apricot before blossoming into a rich, dark yet mellow bitterness with a mildly spicy finish.

102 Amoy Street
Tel: +65 6222 9102 / +65 9732 5607
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Club Street || Top 5 Bars at Raffles Place || Top 5 Bars at Ann Siang Hill.

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 Appetite Asia, Food & Travel, 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 openings in the dining scene.