When you hear “IKEA”, your first thought is most probably their famous Swedish meatballs that everyone in Singapore has eaten at least once in their lives. However, with a now increasingly localised menu, IKEA’s restaurant has so much more to offer than just their meatballs.

From the standard Swedish fare to Singaporean classics such as their Chicken Rendang, we’ve narrowed down their extensive menu, highlighting some of our favourite dishes that we think everyone should try at IKEA!

HOTDOG

The perfect snack to munch on while walking through the various halls of IKEA, their S$1.50 Hotdog is wallet-friendly, simple and still super satisfying. Top it off with a generous helping of tangy chilli and mustard and you’re good to go!

CHICKEN WINGS

Another must-get at IKEA and one of the most popular dishes besides the meatballs has got to be the Chicken Wings (S$3 for 2pcs). Incredibly flavourful and juicy, the chicken wings here feature a unique spice blend that probably gives the wings their darker exterior.

MEATBALLS

It really wouldn’t be an IKEA food guide if we excluded their signature Meatballs (S$8.50 for 12pcs). Coming doused in the flavourful and savoury brown sauce and a side of lingonberry jam, these meatballs will definitely live up to expectations. A perfect mouthful is having a bite of the meatball, a bit of mashed potato and a chunk of broccoli.

FRENCH TOAST

While the French Toast (S$5) was nothing to shout about, it’s a pretty decent breakfast option. We feel that the cheese sausage is worth the mention though because it was juicy and oozed cheese when we bit into it. Apart from that, the two slices of fluffy french toasts are accompanied by hash browns, cherry tomatoes and baked beans that make it a filling meal.

CHICKEN RENDANG

For a Swedish establishment, IKEA sure does our local cuisine pretty well. We loved the Chicken Rendang (S$5) which featured a chicken drumstick, green beans, hard-boiled egg and rice. IKEA uses cage-free chicken and the drumstick that was pretty large came doused in lemak rendang sauce. Both the green beans and egg provided additional textures and dimensions to the heat too.

CARROT CAKE

Another of IKEA’s dishes in their local food lineup, this Carrot Cake (S$2.50) may not look impressive, but paired with the savoury chilli that accompanies the tender chunks of carrot cake, it is high up on our list of IKEA’s best dishes. It even has that slight wok-hei that more traditional carrot cakes have, making it quite the surprise.

LOTUS LEAF RICE

Another surprising main dish was the Lotus Leaf Rice (S$6.80) consisting of a generous portion of glutinous rice, lap cheong slices, Chinese mushrooms, salted egg yolk, chestnuts and chicken chunks. The aroma of the lotus leaf permeates the sticky rice impeccably and every bite you take will be filled with that toasty fragrance.

SOY ICE CREAM

Of course, one of the best ways to end off an IKEA meal is to eat their S$0.50 Soy Ice Cream. IKEA had changed the formula, making it soy-based to accommodate a larger audience. What they changed in ingredients didn’t really change the quality, though taste-wise, it definitely resembles an icy tau-huey. For S$0.50, who could complain, though?

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DAIM CAKE

Daim is a quintessential Swedish chocolate bar that is extremely addictive. While you can them at IKEA, the café also has it in cake form. The Daim Almond Chocolate Cake (S$3.50) is an upgraded version of the sweet treat. Layers of crunchy almond brittle, smooth cream and decadent milk chocolate, this is one indulgent dessert you must get when you’re at IKEA.

Craving for a taste of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed eateries, restaurants and cafes, but short of the expenses to travel the distance? We feel you. Well, lucky for us, Singapore is a burgeoning food hub that sees the constant arrival of trendy International F&B brands from all across the world.

Whether you are in the mood for a comforting cup of joe, hearty South-Korean stews, or even an opulent dry-aged steak from one of USA’s top restaurants, you can now spare a couple of hours to travel across our island to satiate your desired cravings.

Savour the best that the world has to offer right at your doorstep with our list of 26 international F&B brands in Singapore to visit if you can’t travel overseas.

25 DEGREES (USA)

Bringing its signature West Coast flavour to Singapore, 25 Degrees Burgers & Liquor Bar is a gourmet American burger joint from Los Angeles which serves up a myriad of gourmet burgers, milkshakes, beer and wine at reasonable prices. So far-reaching is its famed that It is even rumoured to be a cult favourite among many Hollywood stars.

Drop by during lunchtime on a weekday to enjoy their lunch special of the brand’s signature burger and fries set for only S$12++.

200 Middle Road
Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 6809 7990
Daily: 11am - 3am
Nearest Station: Rochor / Bencoolen

AH MAH HOMEMADE CAKE (MALAYSIA)

Castella cakes were by far one of the most raved about food trends in 2017. With so many competing brands vying to be the best in Singapore, Ah Mah Homemade Cake from Malaysia is one of the latest contenders in the foray.

Typically baked for 80 minutes, Ah Mah’s castellan cakes are a welcomed departure from the more conventional storebought variety, bringing with it the polished touch of an upmarket bakery with the comforting goodness of homemade treats. The cakes come in various flavours, with hot favourites being their original and cheese flavours.

1 Jelebu Road
#01-18 Bukit Panjang Plaza
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Panjang

BURGER & LOBSTER (UK)

Hailing from the vibrant London pub food scene, Burger & Lobster isn’t what you would expect as your typical English pub food fare. Having since expanded from a small pub in Mayfair to a global chain, Burger & Lobster still maintains its original vision: serving burgers and lobsters, and doing them well.

Customers can choose from either burgers, lobsters, or lobster rolls from the establishment’s lean menu. House favourites include the staple burger, The Mayfair (S$25++), or the famed Original Roll (S$40++). For those more keen on seafood, try the local exclusive of Sambal Glazed Lobster (S$65++) for a unique local and spicy twist that will leave you salivating for more.

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport, #05-203
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6971 6126
Sun to Thu: 10am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 1am
Nearest Station: Changi Airport
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/chichasanchen.sg/

CHICHA SAN CHEN (TAIWAN)

Bubble tea enthusiasts rejoice, for one of Taiwan’s most acclaimed bubble tea brands has finally arrived on our shores! Founded in 1998, the brand prides itself on using only quality tea leaves for brewing. The result is their creations always hold a subtle aftertaste of smoky bitterness courtesy of the tea base.

Although their drinks are less customisable than their competitors, CHICHA San Chen ensures their blends are palatable to most – maintaining enough flavour without being overly saccharine. Some of the brand’s more popular creations include their signature Bubble Milk Tea (S$4.50), and their Dong Ding Oolong Tea (S$4.70).

313 Orchard Road
313@Somerset, #03-41
Singapore 238895
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeesmithSG/

COFFEESMITH (SOUTH KOREA)

K-drama fans and coffee-lovers will definitely invite you to pay Coffeesmith a visit. Having made multiple appearances in various Korean dramas, this coffee place looks set to beat even the reigning global heavyweight of the industry, Starbucks, in its hometown of South Korea in terms of following.

Their coffee is made using a blend of 5 different beans, and also available on their menu are a series of innovative sweet treats, including their popular Smith Iced Cereal Latte.

#01-09/09A, Gateway,
277 Orchard Road,
Singapore 238858
Sun to Wed: 9am – 3am
Thu: 9am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Somerset

DAL.KOMM COFFEE (SOUTH KOREA)

Yet another popular Korean café chain, Dal.komm Coffee in The Centrepoint is a great pit stop for shoppers looking for a quality cuppa during a momentary reprieve.

Having been featured several times in the hugely popular Korean drama, ’Descendants Of The Sun’, it is no wonder that snaking queues form here on a regular basis.

176 Orchard Road
#01-01/06 and #01-102/103 The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

DEVIL CHICKEN (TAIWAN)

Unlike the other entrants on this list, Devil Chicken doesn’t present itself as an upmarket brand. Originally conceived in Taiwan’s bustling Shilin Night Market, Devil Chicken has made a name for itself there despite the intense competition, serving up piping hot fried chicken cutlets to the hungry crowd.

Customers can choose from two options – Original or Spicy – at the price of S$7.90 each. Although the spices are not as overwhelming as the brand’s name suggests, the cutlets are crispy and tender, and of a more substantial size than most alternatives. A must-have for any fans of fried chicken!

2 Tampines Central 5
Century Square, #01-40
Singapore 529509
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

DIN TAI FUNG (TAIWAN)

Located at most major shopping malls, Din Tai Fung has made its name known in the local market by serving quality xiao long bao. So beloved is this international brand that even on the average day, many of its outlets can be identified by their unending queues during meal times.

This Michelin-star awarded restaurant is all about serving authentic Chinese cuisine, and typically features an open kitchen showcasing the chefs carefully crafting their edible masterpieces. The chain’s coveted dumplings are filled with steamed chicken broth and a healthy serving of protein; it is to no one’s surprise that most tables order more than a basket of dumplings in order to satiate their cravings!

23 Serangoon Central, #B1-10/11/12
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 7787
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10:30am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Serangoon

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/dookkisg/

DOOKKI SINGAPORE (SOUTH KOREA)

For anyone who has a fondness for Korean tteokbokki, Dookki Singapore is a must-visit for lovers of the iconic Korean rice cake snack.

With an unlimited supply of ingredients from the self-serve bar, diners can enjoy a communal dining experience while sharing a seemingly endless amount of tteokbokki prepared in a variety of ways.

3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-107,
Singapore 038984
Tel: +65 6266 2425
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

GREYHOUND CAFE (THAILAND)

Bangkok’s popular Greyhound Cafe is here to tantalise with their extensive array of Thai and Thai-fusion dishes, all of which have been tailored to fit the Singapore palate.

Boasting gorgeous interiors and fine furnishings as well as a killer menu with some never before seen creations, Greyhound is a fantastic spot for brunch, dinner and everything else in between. For those who miss the milk tea from Bangkok’s café scene, fans can now get their fix at the café starting at S$8.50.

290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Shopping Centre
Singapore 238859
Tel: 6235 4078
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

HAI DI LAO (CHINA)

This hot-pot chain from the Sichuan Province of China is no stranger to any of us. While many would identify them merely as the hot pot restaurant that offers free-flow snacks and pre-meal manicure services, the population has started to view them as a restaurant that dishes out spectacular ma la hot pots with premium quality ingredients as well.

One of the reasons the brand has endeared itself into our collective is how most, if not all, of their outlets open past midnight, with their Vivocity outlet opening until 6am daily. By giving Singaporeans a very late night option of indulging in quality hot pot, it is no wonder the chain sees an endless stream of customers looking for an extended meal at their outlets.

1 Harbourfront Walk
Vivocity, #03-09
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6250 7557
Daily: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

IPPUDO (JAPAN)

Having made a great impression on the local population ever since its arrival here, Ippudo sets the standard for serving quality ramen in Singapore. The restaurant is poised to provide an upscale and modern ramen brasserie experience where diners can enjoy a variety of authentic Japanese dishes alongside a hearty bowl of their acclaimed ramen creations.

333A Orchard Road
#04-02/03/04 Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 62352797
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

LAVENDER (MALAYSIA)

After years of Singaporeans braving the Causeway traffic into Johor Bahru to takeaway this Malaysian bakery’s delectable goods, Lavender has finally opened its first Singapore branch in Jewel. Merging their bakery with a patisserie space, customers can choose to either bring home their choice picks to savour, or immediately indulge in them.

While the prices here are a factor higher than the original Malaysian branches, they are on par with other Singaporean bakeries. Moreover, the freshness and convenience of being able to obtain baked goodies of such stellar quality is a price many here are willing to pay. For those with a sweet-tooth, try the bakery’s Panettone (S$15.60); for those who prefer something more savoury, go for the Hanjuku Cheese (S$2.50/piece).

LE CASTELLA (TAIWAN)

Le Castella, a famous Castella cake shop from Taiwan opened in Singapore back in May 2017, and kickstarted a new wave of demand for castella cakes in Singapore. For the uninitiated, a Castella cake is a sponge cake from Nagasaki, Japan, known for its pillow-like appearance and moist interior.

With a globally-renowned Castella cake shop finally available in Singapore, locals have been spotted taking away multiple boxes of the jiggly and yummy sponge treats even outside of festive seasons. With the general airy and lightness of the cake’s texture, we don’t want to stop popping them either!

10 Tampines Central 1
Tampines One, #B1-32
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

OMOTESANDO KOFFEE (JAPAN)

Those of you hankering after a cuppa can grab yours from the highly acclaimed Japanese Omotesando Koffee. Originally from the hip Omotesando neighbourhood in Tokyo, this coffee place is known for its exacting standards in its brewing process, and uses beans from all around the world.

Located in Downtown Gallery right in the heart of the CBD, this spot is not just well-loved by the working crowd for a convenient pick-me-up, it is one of the favourite stopovers for the nation’s coffee connoisseurs.

6 Shenton Way, #04-09
The Work Project Downtown,
Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068809
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PARIS BAGUETTE (SOUTH KOREA)

Serving up anything from coffee to sweets, Paris Baguette from Korea is the perfect spot for lovers of all things sweet and pretty to look at. Whether it pertains to their charming cakes or gorgeous French pastries, the chain adopts a traditional French baking technique to ensure all items on the shelves are nothing short of perfection.

435 Orchard Road, #02-02,
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6836 3010
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PINK FISH (NORWAY)

Ever thought fast food could be healthy? Well, Pink Fish is here to prove that it is not only possible, but viable to achieve without compromising on taste either. This Norwegian brand believes in not just providing healthy meals for the masses, but promotes sustainability in its practices too.

All of the menu items contain the chain’s quintessential protein, salmon. Whether you are craving a full burger (S$9.90), or want a more comforting soup option (S$10.90++), Pink Fish manages to reinvent what many traditionally see as an unexciting fish into a myriad of flavour profiles. The next time you are craving some fast food, go for PInk Fish; your waist-line and health will be thankful!

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-261
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6909 9771
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

PIZZA MARU (SOUTH KOREA)

Famous for their plethora of menu options: fusion-style pizzas, pasta, bibimbap towers and wildly-popular Korean fried chicken, the world’s largest Korean pizza chain has finally reached the shores of our sunny island.

The first of its kind in Singapore, despite serving what many would consider a more sinful dining option, Pizza Maru is dedicated to advocating a healthy-wellbeing concept. Its signature premium Korean pizzas make use of a special, nutrient-packed dough formula comprising of green tea and chlorella, along with 12 healthier grains which include rye, black rice, barley and oats. So, who’s up for some guilt-free pizzas?

930 Yishun Avenue 2
1 Northpoint Drive #B1-192/193,
Northpoint City (South Wing)
Singapore 769098
Tel: +65 6280 6196
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

SHAKE SHACK (USA)

Arguably the most anticipated franchise opening in 2019, Shake Shack of American fame has finally arrived in Singapore! Known for serving up excellent no-frills burgers and fries, Singaporeans have continued to flock to the branch even months after its initial launch, craving a taste of the American (food) dream at the convenience of their doorstep.

Visitors must definitely try the franchise’s winning combo of ShackBurger (S$9.20++) and Crinkle Cut Fries (S$4.50). With its signature chunky and perfectly grilled beef patty, and the crisp thickness of fries under a generous blanket of cheese, Shake Shack has won the hearts of many across the world, and to no surprise, now the loyalty of many Singaporeans too.

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport, #02-256
Singapore 819666
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

SAYCHIIZU (THAILAND)

A new addition to Singapore’s food scene is SayChiizu, popular Hokkaido cheese toast brand from Thailand.

Besides their tasty, and somewhat entertaining, bestseller, you can also look forward to an array of colourful cheese-based beverages served in adorable packaging. For the love of all things stretchy, cute, and cheesy, this is one food concept opening you do not want to miss.

1 Harbourfront Walk
VivoCity #B2-K16,
Singapore 098585

SOCIAL PLACE (HONG KONG)

When we think of dim sum places in Hong Kong, we imagine the cosy traditional teahouses of yonder. Social Place, however, is a contemporary take on the cuisine, and elegantly melds the modern and the more time-honoured elements into a charming concept perfect for crowds of families and friends alike.

Likewise, Social Place showcases a similar balancing of the modern and tradition in its menu as well. Customers can go for the lusciously decadent Charcoal Custard Buns (S$8.80), or the sinfully tasty yolk-drenched Eggs (Ain’t) That Simple Sichuan fried chicken dish (S$22.80).

583 Orchard Road
Forum the Shopping Mall, #01-22
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 8870 2288
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SHITAMACHI TENDON AKIMITSU (JAPAN)

Award-winning tempura and tendon restaurant, Shitamachi Tendon Akimitsu, made its debut at Plaza Singapura mid-2017 and has been wowing local crowds ever since. With more than 128 years of culinary experience, Shitamatchi Tendon Akitmisu promises to impress all diners with authentic tempura and tendon. And all that at an affordable price point too!

68 Orchard Road, #04-65/68
Plaza Singapura,
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6264 3390
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TAI CHEONG BAKERY (HONG KONG)

Perhaps one of the better places to get egg tarts around, Tai Cheong Bakery is a must-try if you are a die-hard fan of Cantonese confectionary. Baked fresh in their outlets daily, each tart straddles the perfect mix of wobbly and crunch; every bite feels like sheer bliss!

More popular branches see a small crowd camping around the second they smell the buttery sweetness of the tarts being made. So, go early if you wish to nab yourself a box or two!

31 Lor Liput,
Singapore 277742
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

TIM HO WAN (HONG KONG)

For delicious dim sum without burning too big of a hole in your wallet, Tim Ho Wan is your best bet. This dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong serves up a small yet tantalising range of dim sum classics, of which their Baked Buns with BBQ Pork is a must-have. Be warned, queues tend to pile up during lunch hour!

68 Orchard Road, 01-29A/52,
Plaza Singapura,
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE (USA)

If the words “USDA Black Angus Beef, dry-aged and tender” are among your top few trigger words then Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a restaurant you need to visit.

Famed for serving tender cuts of prime USDA Black Angus beef, each slab is dry-aged for about a month in their in-house proprietary ageing room, before being cooked under the masterful watch of the restaurant’s chefs. With such intense attention to detail and quality control, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse promises nothing less than beefy perfection for even the most discerning of diners.

YOOGANE (SOUTH KOREA)

Yoogane Singapore is one of the most popular chicken galbi restaurants in South Korea. Having been established nearly 3 decades ago in Busan, South Korea, the brand has over 130 outlets and counting. With hoards of customers pledging loyalty to the franchise, there is little doubt that Yoogane is worth visiting for authentic Korean food that is both delicious and comforting.

Aside from their famed chicken galbi, Yoogane in Singapore also features a collection of popular dishes such as the iconic Army Stew, Dosirak, and newly launched Korean-style fried chicken that features three lip-smacking flavours.

4 Tampines Central 5,
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 6544 1098
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

We all have different opinions on what makes an ideal pancake—whether it should be topped with a mound of melting butter, delicately dressed with fresh berries or served as a savoury dish for lunch, there will be no conclusion on what makes a perfect stack of pancakes.

However, what we can all agree on is that pancakes are  made for both breakfast and dinner. Thankfully, Singapore has plenty of amazing places that serves irresistible pancakes ranging from classic American-style ones to melt-in-your-mouth Japanese pancakes.

If you have a soft spot for pancakes and simply cannot get enough of this fluffy and warm goodness, here we present to you 12 best pancakes in Singapore that prove pancakes are not just for breakfast.

Photo Credit: _whatsuppunk

BELLE-VILLE PANCAKE HOUSE

Keen on fluffy, jiggly pancakes that wobble to the brink of toppling upon shaking the plate? Belle-Ville Pancake House is a popular Millefeuille Pancake cafe that hails all the way from Osaka, Japan.

Named after a neighbourhood in Paris, this cafe specialises in made-to-order “millefeuille” pancakes which bear some resemblance to the French pastry. Prices start at S$7.90 for four pieces of plain millefeuille pancakes topped with buttercream. However, be prepared to wait up to half an hour for these pancakes are made upon order!

Belle-Ville Pancake House
Bugis Junction #01-01B
Towers 230 Victoria Street
Singapore 188024
Tel: +65 6255 5456
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

CLINTON STREET BAKING CO.

Hidden amongst the slew of cafés and eateries that Purvis Street is home to is Clinton Street Baking Company, an all-American cafe that whips up classic New York brunch fare unlike any other.

For an indulgent sweet treat, opt for their Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (S$19++) which comes with a choice between blueberries, banana walnut, or chocolate chunks to top it off. Drizzle their signature maple butter syrup over the pancakes to bring the dish to a whole new level!

Clinton Street Baking Company
31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608
Tel: +65 6684 4845
Mon to Thu: 8:30am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/ Bras Basah

Photo Credit: Asia Bars

DEAN & DELUCA CAFE

Dean & Deluca may be best known for selling premium grocery products, but you’d be glad to hear that they also have cafés that serve a plethora of substantial grub and all-day breakfast sets sure to please your belly.

Pancake-lovers can look forward to getting the Berries & Flapjack (S$21++), which are essentially thick, fluffy pancakes stacked with fresh berries in between.

Dean & Deluca
181 Orchard Road #01-09/10
Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 6509 7708
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

EARLYBIRD CAFE

Who says that pancakes must be a sweet dish? Earlybird Cafe is where you should ditch the Chicken and Waffles trend and head straight for Chicken and Pancakes (S$19), which are flippin’ amazing, to say the least.

Featuring perfectly crisp fried chicken nestled atop a stack of house-made buttermilk pancakes, we suggest you have them all in a mouthful together with the chilli maple sauce at the side to get an explosion of flavours dancing on your tongue. Yes, it really is that good!

Earlybird Cafe
17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9:30pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo Credit: Eggs ‘N Things

EGGS ‘N THINGS

For the love of all things eggciting, hop over to Eggs ‘N Things—a popular eatery hailing all the way from Waikiki, Hawaii. Situated in Plaza Singapura, this outlet is the first outside of Hawaii and Japan and this is where you can lay your hands on some amazing pancakes!

The Fresh Strawberry and Macadamia Nuts Pancakes (S$19.90++) and Banana Pancakes (S$19.90++) are some options you can try. Make sure to have them together with some of Eggs ‘N Things’ iconic whipped cream!

Eggs ‘N Things
68 Orchard Road
#03-79/83, Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6835 9988
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Photo Credit: Fresh Fruits Lab

FRESH FRUITS LAB

If you’re looking for delicious food that’s affordable at the same time, Fresh Fruits Lab should be next on your go-to list. Churning out recipes that incorporate fruity elements, their dishes encompass an added tangy oomph factor that will not disappoint the health-conscious.

Head to Fresh Fruits Lab any time from 10am to 3pm and order up their Fruity Berries Pancake (S$13) or Bananalicious Pancake (S$13), which are only available on their brunch menu. Instead of just being topped with fruits, the fruity flavours are infused into the pancakes so you can expect every mouthful to be flavourful, to say the least!

Fresh Fruits Lab Changi
351 Changi Rd
Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

Fresh Fruits Lab – The Z Edition
28 Clementi Road
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 11am – 1am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge

POOFY BY RIZ LABO

If you’ve never tried, soufflé pancakes redefine how pancakes should be done. Basically, they’re so light and airy you can imagine yourself eating a pancake cloud. Poofy by Riz Labo at habitat by honestbee makes theirs without a pancake mould so the edges are very soft with insides that are beyond fluffy.

We tried Poofy Pancakes (S$14) which was topped with fresh berries and cream and Matcha by Riz Labo (S$17) which was heavily sprinkled with matcha powder. Both tasted markedly different despite the same base, cream topping, and maple syrup drizzle. The easy way out of deliberating between them is to order both as afternoon tea with your pals.

Poofy @ habitat by honestbee
34 Boon Leat Terrace, #01-01
Singapore 119866
Sun to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Pasir Panjang

KYUSHU PANCAKE

Best known for their 100% natural, organic pancakes, what you get at Kyushu Pancake are pancakes that are made with seven different grains—all grown in Kyushu. The result? A premium pancake mix that gives the perfect texture and unique taste.

Some of the highlights include Kyushu Butter Milk Classic Pancake, Salted Caramel French Toast, Matcha Azuki Waffle, Egg Benedict Pancake and of course, their signature Matcha Montblanc that is not to be missed.

Kyushu Pancake
275 Thomson Road
Novena Regency #01-08
Singapore 307645
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Novena

Photo Credit: Oriole Coffee

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

Whether it is gourmet coffee that you are craving or alcohol for you to indulge in during a night out with your friends, Oriole Coffee + Bar posits as one of the best spots in town for you to have a meal at and chill out.

Their Espresso Hotcakes (S$14) features a thick slab of vanilla pancakes, seeds, berries, maple syrup and homemade whipped espresso orange butter that gives the seemingly simple dish a touch of complex, bittersweet flavour.

Oriole Coffee + Bar
96 Somerset Road, #01-01
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

PARK

Located in the neighbourhood of Holland Village, PARK stands out against the rest of the restaurants for its affordability on top of quality food.

On their menu, you can find an entire page dedicated to solely pancakes and crepes. Diners can select from a variety of sweet and savoury options for their pancakes, and choices include Pancakes with Smoked Salmon (S$15.50), Pancakes with Choco Bananas (S$11.50) and Mixed Berries Pancakes (S$13.50).

PARK at Holland Village
281 Holland Ave, #01-01
Singapore 278621
Tel: +65 9721 3815
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11am – 12am
Fri to Sun: 11am – 2am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Holland Village

THE BRAVERY CAFE

One of the most popular Muslim-owned cafés in Singapore, The Bravery is known to whip up pretty mean cafe grub with an ambience that’s perfect be it for a girl’s night out or a romantic date.

Their Pancake Stack (S$15.50) is what you should keep your eyes peeled for on their menu. Piled atop one another, the pancakes are topped off with bananas, ricotta cheese and maple syrup. We can imagine this tall stack of pancakes to be nothing short of fluffy and moist just by the looks of it!

The Bravery Cafe
66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073
Tel: +65 9388 2973
Sun, Mon, Wed & Thu: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Wild Honey

WILD HONEY

Wild Honey is one of those gorgeous, elegant restaurants that would spring into mind when you’re thinking of impressing your other half. Best known for their all-day breakfast, their menu comprises a wide variety of options that will surely leave you spoilt for choice.

Their Canadian (S$20) is one of their Chef’s Recommendation. Paired with a savoury side, diners get a stack of thick, moist and fluffy pancakes. A marriage of sweet and savoury flavours, we totally understand why this dish remains as the crowd-favourite item for brunch!

Wild Honey
6 Scotts Road
Scotts Square #03-01
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Sun to Thu: 9am – 8:30pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 9:30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

WILDSEED CAFE & BAR

Boasting tranquil greenery and a cosy environment, Wildseed Café & Bar is a great respite to unwind after a hectic work week over good coffee and better food.

What you should be keeping your eyes peeled for would be the Highland Pancake (S$9). Unlike many over-the-top desserts that flood our Instagram feeds, Wildseed Cafe’s rendition of pancakes is fairly simple but one that nonetheless manages to capture our hearts. Crunchy roasted sweet corn bits are served beside the fluffy pancakes before being topped off with house-made butter for the final touch.

Wildseed Cafe & Bar
3 Park Lane
Seletar Aerospace Dr
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 9643 9116
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8:30am – 6pm
Nearest station: Punggol

We’ve seen countless food and restaurant concepts from all over the world opening up here over the years and while Singapore remains a hub for all things new and trendy with regards to gastronomy, there are several heritage gems that still, and will always, bear timeless appeal.

These are the places that our parents and even grandparents used to frequent, the original hangout spots before the era of modern cafes and posh eateries. Taking a trip down memory lane, here is our list of 8 dining establishments that will transport you back to old Singapore.

BRITISH HAINAN

Tucked in the estates of Joo Chiat lies a quaint family-run restaurant—British Hainan—and dining here feels like we are taken back to 1960s. Once you step into the restaurant, you can find lots of vintage collectables like old gramophones, mixers and pay phone that we used in the past.

They serve multiple classic British dishes with a Hainanese twist, but the dishes to-die-for include their signature oxtail stew and their braised lamb shank.

75 Carpmael Road
Singapore 429812
Tel: +65 6336 8122
Mon to Sun: 11am – 5pm, 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos

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COLBAR

First opened in 1953 at Jalan Hang Jebat to serve as the unofficial canteen for members of the British Army back in the day, Colbar is both a heritage site as well as a popular haunt for lovers of craft beer and a wide variety of both Chinese and Western grub.

The food is nothing much to rave about but what you do get is a charming and fascinating look into old colonial Singapore—and a couple of ice-cold artisanal beers too while you’re at it.

9A Whitchurch Road,
Singapore 138839
Tel: +65 6779 4859
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

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COLONY

What sets Colony apart from other buffet restaurants is that they adorn a classic charm that transports you back to a time to when Singapore was still a developing state and the culinary journey at Colony will remind you of our heritage.

The Colony impresses even the most discerning taste buds through seven kitchens that showcase a mouth-watering spread of Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Malaysian, Western and local dishes.

7 Raffles Ave
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
Singapore 039799
Tel: +65 6434 5288
Mon to Sat: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 3.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

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HEAP SENG LEONG

They say that you need to keep making changes in order to improve but Heap Seng Leong coffeeshop has proved that philosophy wrong. Established in 1974, this coffee shop has kept maintained its heritage by doing things the way it used to be done 40 years ago.

Apart from the traditional breakfast, Heap Seng Leong is well known for their kopi gu you, which is also known as butter coffee. The taste of kopi gu you is similar to that of a normal kopi but much creamier with a slice of cold butter that melts on top.

10 North Bridge Road, #01-5109
Singapore 190010
Daily: 4am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

KILLINEY KOPITIAM

Singapore’s second largest kaya toast chain with more than 20 outlets nationwide, Killiney Kopitiam is a well-established coffee shop with outlets conveniently located at popular locations, easy for their customers to find.

Many might think of Ya Kun when it comes to kaya toast but Killiney definitely puts up a good fight. Slathered with sweet kaya and butter in between the two slices of soft bread that have already been toasted to perfection, the aroma of the slightly burnt toast is hard to forget.

67 Killiney Road
Singapore 239525
Tel: +65 6734 3910 / 6734 9648
*Mon, Wed to Sat: 6am – 10pm
Tues & Sun: 6am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

(Killiney Kopitiam has multiple outlets)

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OLD SCHOOL DELIGHTS

Modelled to look like a typical classroom, Old School Delights is one of the most interesting vintage cafes we have ever been to. Decorated with chalkboards, wooden furniture, and a menu in a form of an exercise book, this place definitely makes us wish we were back in school because as much as we hated school, we have to admit that school days were definitely the best days of our lives.

Old School Delights strives to relive culinary memories of Singapore’s past through their authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations. A must-try at the café is their famous Old School Heritage Mee Siam that boasts over 30 years of history. The rich flavour of the mee siam paired with a touch of zesty lime just makes the whole dish perfect!

180 Kitchener Rd
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 6458 4518
*Mon to Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

(Old School Delights has multiple outlets)

TONG AH EATING HOUSE

Although kaya toast sets can easily be found in Singapore, Tong Ah Eating House is one of those eateries that we just can’t get enough of, from its rustic, old-world charm to their stellar kopi and kaya toast offerings.

Their Traditional Kaya Toast Set comes with kaya toast, two soft-boiled eggs, and a drink. Toasted till slightly charred, the kaya toast was exceptionally crispy with a smoky aftertaste.

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

YET CON RESTAURANT

Founded in 1940, Yet Con Restaurant has been dishing out plates of their popular and oh-so-tasty chicken rice even way before the Japanese occupation.

At Yet Con, their chicken is cooked for hours, which enhances the flavours of the meat and gives it its signature tenderness. You can really feel the firm texture of the meat, which was not too drying and their chicken skin is definitely not oily at all.

25 Purvis Street
Singapore 188602
Tel: +65 6337 6819
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant is a no-frills and utterly unpretentious steamboat restaurant along Joo Chiat Road that stands out against all other places not just for the affordability of its food, but also the authenticity and marvellous quality of the Teochew fare. They stick to the tried-and-proven methods of keeping things simple, with a myriad of dishes suitable for casual dining and gatherings

You know that this is the real deal you step into the restaurant and see countless photos of celebrities who have dined at the restaurant plastering the wall. The owner has travelled to and worked in various countries to pick up the skills needed to execute each dish perfectly, so as to ensure that only the most authentic and best-grade dishes are brought to the table.

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant is a clear hit amongst the older generations and it is definitely one that young adults alike should hit up for a wholesome, communal meal.

And you’d love to know that at Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant, the owner promises you something: if the food is not good and fresh, they will refund you. Money back guaranteed is the best guarantee for a good meal, right?

EVERYTHING IS MADE FROM SCRATCH

From their fragrant steamboat broth to the fish paste noodles and bouncy fish balls, the folks behind the restaurant pride themselves on having almost everything handmade, bringing you only the freshest and nothing less.

Even the chilli is a star in its own rights. You have to try every single dip for your steamboat; they are made fresh in-house daily!

STEAMBOAT IS THE WAY TO GO

The star and centrepiece of this restaurant is definitely their steamboat. Every table should order a steamboat for sharing, on top of all the a la carte dishes that you may wish to add on.

Their signature soup base is a best described as a labour of love—the chefs prepare and wash the necessary bones and carcasses before adding them into a giant pot with their speciality ingredient—shark cartillage—then have them all boiled for over 5 hours daily.

The result is a creamy collagen-rich broth that is both savoury and sweet, and highly addictive. Even though we were stuffed by the end of the meal, we couldn’t help but have one last bowl of soup before leaving.

Prices start from just S$10 for 2 to 4 people, with a plethora of ingredients to choose and help yourself to.

FRESH SILVER POMFRET

You can look forward to a variety of seafood dishes to elevate your steamboat experience. The Silver Pomfret (seasonal price), in particular, is set to impress with its freshness. Afterall, what is Teochew cuisine without a good pomfret, right?

Wild-caught from Surabaya—which is known to have the best quality and sweetest Chinese Pomfret around—you can tell how fresh it is right from the moment your teeth sink into the white flesh that is soft yet firm at the same time.

We are telling you that quantities are limited so if you’re in luck, you have to go for it because it is worthy of the splurge.

DRUNKEN PRAWNS

The Drunken Prawns (S$8/100g) is something you cannot miss out on. Fresh prawns are intoxicated with Chinese wine and herbs, allowing the wine’s flavour to permeate throughout the body, intensifying the natural sweetness of every single prawn.

As mentioned, do not forget to flash this advertorial upon sitting down for steamboat during dinner hours. From Mondays to Fridays, every table with a steamboat order will enjoy free-flow drunken prawns. You are in for a real treat, guys.

HOME-MADE FISH PASTE AND FISH BALLS

Handmade from scratch, the fish balls are a must to order—everything from the mixing of ingredients to the shaping of the fish balls are prepared by hand without taking the easy way out.

You can literally taste the difference when you bite into these bouncy delights and it is amazing how they managed to conceal the fishy odour without compromising on the taste.

Another dish you must make sure to order up would be Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant’s signature squid paste fillet—made using 99% fish paste and 1% vegetables and chestnuts without the use of flour at all, you know that what you get here is undoubtedly the real deal.

VARIETY OF PREMIUM MEATS

No steamboat is ever complete without meats. Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant offers an array of high-quality meats that are imported from USA and Brazil—while it did not particularly blow our minds, these meats are definitely not something that we would decline.

Here you can choose from meat including USA Prime Beef (S$12 per portion), Pork Belly (S$9 per portion) and Fresh Chicken (S$8 per portion).

CLASSIC A LA CARTE TEOCHEW DISHES

Steamboat just ain’t enough when dining at Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant. We suggest you save some space for some of Jinji’s equally delectable array of Teochew a la carte dishes.

The a la carte items do not come packaged with fancy accessories nor over-the-top creations but the simplicity of it is precisely why we love their Teochew fare. Here are some of the sumptuous dishes you can expect at Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant.

PORK KNUCKLE

Should you be looking for something more indulgent, the Pork Knuckle (S$30) will go highly recommended. Boy, this dish checks all the boxes for what a good pork knuckle should taste like.

Upon your first bite, be prepared to be impressed by the crisp texture of the crackling skin before digging into tender and succulent pork meat.

TRADITIONAL SALTED CHICKEN

The Traditional Salted Chicken (S$18) may be light in seasoning but that itself is enough to leave us satisfied. There is nothing fancy going on in this dish but every piece of chicken is extremely flavourful, making this a simple but hearty dish that we’d return for.

GOLDEN PRAWNS

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant isn’t afraid to boast the variety of cooking methods that they have which can transform a seemingly simple seafood into a myriad of dishes.

The Golden Prawns (S$30) is one of the many prawn dishes that they offer. Despite being heavily coated in a crisp and golden layer of flour, it was surprisingly light in flavour and that only served to accentuate the flavour of the prawns.

JADE KAI LAN

Who would have thought that a vegetable dish would excite the entire table of diners? Well, the Jade Kai Lan (S$12) was one that we wiped out within minutes.

We thought that kai lan is best enjoyed when stir-fried, but this dish proved us wrong. Stir-fried kai lan is hidden below a stack of deep-fried pieces of the same vegetable, bringing you a textural variety that is nothing short of impressive. The latter reminds us of crispy kale!

BRINJAL WITH PORK FLOSS

The Brinjal with Pork Floss (S$12) may be a fairly straightforward item on the menu but it is still a remarkable one at that.

Deep-fried brinjal pieces are covered with a generous amount of pork floss, curry leaves and chilli; this dish is a winner. The different textures made it a delightful side dish to munch on and it will forever change your impression of brinjal.

GOLDEN PUMPKIN

The Golden Pumpkin is essentially deep-fried pumpkin slices doused in a rich and piquant salted egg sauce that will have salted egg yolk fans swooning in no time.

Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant
176-178 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427447
Tel: +65 6348 8924
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm
Mon to Sun: 5pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

This post is brought to you by Teochew Traditional Steamboat Restaurant.

Occupying floors 25 to 39 of the Duo Tower and towering over the beautiful Kampong Glam enclave is the latest lifestyle hotel brand, Andaz Singapore. Boasting marvellous skyline views and a sensational snippet into Singapore’s vibrant dining scene is Alley on 25, an immersive novel dining concept that shares the hotel lobby of Andaz Singapore.

An F&B destination in its own rights, you’ll find various different restaurant concepts, a bar and a lounge that cohesively share the space; each of them with its own identity and no two concepts are alike. It is like stepping into a different world despite being in the same zone; it is one enthralling alley.

Inspired by Singapore’s vast and fluid dining culture, tuck into a splendid array of edible delights from hearty stews and family-style roasts from The Green Oven, charcuterie, a variety of cold dishes and locally-inspired desserts from Icehaus, to rustic modern Asian fare from Smoke & Pepper.

The truth of the matter is, whichever dining concept you choose to dine at, you can be certain that the impeccable service standard at any of their 5 restaurant concepts will have you feeling pampered from head to toe, and leave your taste buds sufficiently satisfied. Here’s every reason why Alley on 25 should be on your go-to list.

ICEHAUS

Icehaus—the all-day dining restaurant at Alley on 25—offers cold cuts, sustainable seafood, heirloom salads and locally-inspired desserts.

During lunch, Icehaus has a semi-buffet lunch concept whereby you can opt for the full spread of edible delights for only S$18++/ pax. Tuck into the likes of freshly baked bread from the local bakery, Tiong Bahru Bakery, a well-stocked salad bar, as well as unlimited amounts of charcuterie, cheese, soft-serve ice cream and iced tea.

Guests hankering for a light yet satisfying desserts can also opt for Icehaus’ famous desserts that beautifully encompass the elements of local street sweets but with a modern approach.

We are huge fans of their Pandan Chiffon Cake (S$14++) as well as their Andaz Chendol Pop (S$10++). The former really took us by surprise with its heady pandan aroma and decadent yet light mouthfeel, and the latter in itself was such a joy to eat (and look at).

The Andaz Chendol Pop consists of gula melaka coconut ice cream, red bean caramel and pandan white chocolate—all of which work wonderfully well together to form the ultimate treat.

AUNTIE’S WOK & STEAM

Meandering down the alleyway, guests will surely be drawn to the sounds of clanking metal and a strong scent of stir-fried delights wafting through the air courtesy of Auntie’s Wok and Steam. The restaurant emulates Singapore’s zichar scene but with a hint of Szechuan influences thrown into the mix.

The result? An array of hearty zichar-style dishes that pack massive flavour, heady wok hei and a fiery kick.

Diners can also look forward to a smorgasbord of dim sum offerings in addition to classic rice and noodle dishes.

A variety of the signatures from Auntie’s Wok and Steam include Double Boiled Beef Short Rib (S$22++) that comes with hand-stretched egg noodles and a spicy Szechuan broth, Jiao Zi Dumplings (S$12++ for 6 pieces) as well as Organic Fried Rice (S$18++) that comes with massive chunks of crab meat.

PLANCHA’LAH!

Currently available for dinner service only, Plancha’Lah! is where one can find a multitude of premium ingredients spanning from all corners of the Pacific Rim—from Japan to as far as South America—all expertly prepared by a team of seasoned teppanyaki chefs.

The live culinary theatre that features an open flat top, also known as a plancha is a true spectacle to behold.

Combining both the precision and sophistication of Japanese teppanyaki techniques and a wide array of international dishes such as Hokkaido Scallops, Grass-fed Black Angus Tenderloin and Patagonian Toothfish, what diners can expect is no less than culinary finesse with a hint of dramatic effect.

We absolutely love their Patagonian Toothfish “en papillote” (S$42++) and their Grass-Fed Black Angus Tenderloin (S$35++), both of which boast a superb sear before being tossed around with a combination of seasonal root vegetables.

And what better way to round off our meal than with their must-try Pineapple Flambé (S$15++). Perfectly seared on the flat top with lots of clarified butter before being a shot of tequila is added for an added kick (and dramatic effect), this savoury-sweet dessert is literally the best thing one can have after a hearty meal.

SMOKE & PEPPER

Dishing out primarily Asian-focused fare with a touch of modernity, Smoke and Pepper impresses with not just their stellar interior furnishings, but with their food as well. Perhaps the largest dining destination at Alley on 25, this humble restaurant entices with its barbecued specialities that are prepared over an open-fire grill.

Dig into the succulent likes of their Black Angus Beef Burger (S$18++), Grilled Squid (S$18++) that comes served with shiso peppers and a green chilli dressing, Black Angus Beef Skewers (S$35) and more!

THE GREEN OVEN

For those who crave all things homey, comforting and meaty, The Green Oven works up the ultimate treat. This restaurant is where one can tuck into a myriad of classic international fare, prepared from the heart of the kitchen, that is within the confines of the restaurant’s massive green-colour Beech oven.

Look forward to comfort dishes such as Roast Black Figs (S$18++), Whole Spring Chicken (S$ 35++)—cooked in a claypot along with bacon lardons, baby potatoes, rosemary and thyme—,Braised Osso Buco–a Milanese staple—and not forgetting their oh-so-glorious Lobster Mac & Cheese (S$35++)

These homey, soul-warming dishes are a favourite among many and will definitely delight every palate.

NEW EXTENDED “LAZY BREAKFAST”

Too tired to wake up for brunch on weekends? Now, you can sleep in and still have an awesome breakfast/brunch meal at Andaz Singapore! Alley on 25 just launched their new “Lazy Breakfast” from 11.30am to 2.30pm daily, priced at just S$35++ per pax (Child S$17.50++). You can enjoy unlimited offerings at their breakfast buffet spread, including one a la carte dish of your choice. For another S$35++, you can enjoy free-flow Proseccos, wines and draught beer.

A la carte items include Eggs Benedict, Steak and Egg prepared with Australian Sirloin, Breakfast Burger, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Breakfast Quesadilla and Grilled Pastrami & Cheese Sandwich. Besides the a la carte dish, stuff yourselves with their huge variety of items in the buffet spread that features pastries from Tiong Bahru Bakery, gluten-free cereals and even Asian dishes such as congee and dim sum.

Alley on 25
5 Fraser Street, Level 25
Andaz Singapore
Singapore 189354
Daily: 6.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post was brought to you by Andaz Singapore.

Fans of Korean food would know that Tanjong Pagar is home to many authentic Korean restaurants and popular Korean barbecue joints. The latest addition to Tras Street is Daegweol, a new Korean restaurant that opened discreetly in August.

Those who enjoy hearty, traditional Korean dishes will find Daegweol right up their alley—their straightforward menu focuses on Korean delicacies such as Galbi-Tang (beef short ribs soup) and Suyuk (pork belly).

Daegweol also offers affordable lunch sets starting from S$16++. As the restaurant is currently still in soft launch, diners can expect an updated menu in coming months.

Taking over the premise of the now-defunct May May, Daegweol has a similar refined interior which boasts polished marble tables and a sleek counter bar right at the back of the hall.

The modern restaurant’s soft ambient lighting, crawling greens and wooden furnishing help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for business lunches with clients, a romantic date with your significant other and even a gathering with large groups of friends.

We dropped by for their weekday lunch sets and the first thing that caught our eye was the Galbi-Tang (lunch – S$18++, dinner – S$26). For those who are not familiar with Korean cuisine, Galbi-Tang is beef short-rib soup and it is a favourite among Koreans.

The intense beef flavours from Daegweol’s Galbi-Tang is a result of simmering beef short-ribs for a total of six hours before they are served to diners. We pulled the tender meat off the bone easily and sang praises of its robust flavours. Other ingredients you can find in the soup are radish, leeks, glass noodles and stripped slice eggs.

Their Suyuk with Rice Set (lunch – S$16++, dinner – S$24++) came with six pieces of boiled pork, pork soup, healthy multigrain rice and fresh lettuce. The chewy boiled pork slices may be too tough for some but we felt that it went well in a wrap with seasoned bean paste. Wash it all down with refreshing light pork broth.

All main dishes come with free-flow ban chan such as kimchi, fried anchovies, tamagoyaki amongst others. We ordered a few rounds of the tamagoyaki which had bits of crunchy carrot for extra textures.

Apart from what we tried, the menu currently has three other main dishes—Suyuk, DweaJi-GukBap (pork bone soup) and NaeJang-GukBap (stuffed pork organ rolls). If you are up for some desserts, Daegweol has a range of bingsu, Green Teaffogato and Hotteok.

Daegweol
65 Tras Street
Singapore 079004
Tel: +65 6222 1828
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

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To say Singapore is a foodie’s paradise is an understatement. We are more than that!

Perhaps, you may think that your everyday carrot cake and bak kut teh are all too common, but Singapore is blessed with different races and cultures, and this has directly impacted our food and all that we have to eat today.

Being in Singapore simply means you will never run out of options on what to eat, because just local food alone, we have a huge plethora and they are all unique in their own ways. We take a look at some of The Best Things To Eat in Singapore.

#1 BAK KUT TEH

Bak Kut Teh is a popular pork bone soup that has many different renditions across Southeast Asia. But of course, nothing beats the Singapore-style Bak Kut Teh – a rich and peppery clear pork bone broth with tender pieces of pork ribs.

Braised for many hours, the broth has an intense flavour and the pork is so tender that it falls off the bone easily. Traditionally eaten with white rice, braised peanuts and/or salted preserved vegetables, this is one of our all-time favourite local dishes.

#2 BEEF NOODLES

Beef noodles can be a pretty vague term because there are, too, many renditions across Asia. Here in Singapore, beef noodles are traditionally served in two ways – dry or with soup.

The dry version is served with a thick starchy brown sauce, whereases the latter is served in a rich herbal-like broth. Tender slices of beef are often accompanied by beef tendon or beef balls.

#3 CAI FAN/ MIXED VEGETABLES RICE

A great economical option for all, Cai Fan translates to Mixed Vegetables Rice. It is the most common stall in hawker centres and coffee shops, where you pick your own ingredients that will be piled atop white rice. Some popular dishes include Stir-Fried Kai Lan, Sweet & Sour Pork and Steamed Fish.

There is a Teochew porridge version which works the same way but porridge is used in place of rice.

#4 CHENG TNG

Cheng Tng is a popular and affordable dessert, usually found in coffee shops and food courts in Singapore. It used to be sold by street vendors in the past, but is a ubiquitous dessert that can be found just about anywhere in Singapore today.

It is a sweet “soup” that features ingredients such as dates and longans in a light brown broth. Cheng Tng can be eaten both warm or chilled, and are mostly under S$2.

#5 HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE

As Singapore’s most iconic dish, it is hard to not love this irresistible plate of goodness that can be found everywhere in Singapore. The Hainanese chicken rice dish features a fragrant rice that is cooked in chicken broth and pandan leaves, topped with tender chicken slices.

The chicken is steamed for long hours, and the Hainanese chicken rice is traditionally served with ginger, dark soya sauce and chilli sauce on the side.

#6 CURRY PUFF

Curry puffs are found in many shapes and sizes, and each ethnicity in Singapore has their own version that varies very slightly from each other. A rich curry (usually chicken curry) paste with potatoes and chicken are enveloped inside puff pastry.

This extremely delectable pastry can be found with different stuffing variations. Popular ones include Sardine or Vegetarian Curry. Some quirky ones are Chilli Crab to Chicken Satay.

#7 DURIAN PENGAT

Pureed durian is mixed in with palm sugar and coconut milk, and pandan leaves are used to enhance the flavours of the dessert. This is how the typical Durian Pengat is prepared and this dessert is well-loved by many Singaporeans.

Typically served chilled, some places also top their Durian Pengat off with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

#8 FRIED HOKKIEN MEE

The Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee can also be referred to as fried prawn noodles. Yellow noodles and thick bee hoon are wok-fried with bean sprouts, squid, prawns and lard – all in a sweet broth that gives the dish its primary flavour.

When served, it comes with a slice of lime and a dollop of fiery chilli.

#9 ICE KACHANG

Ice Kachang is every citizen’s saving grace in our nation’s tropical heat. Coarse shaved ice decorated with ingredients such as red bean, pandan jelly, attap seeds and more. Multi-coloured sugar syrups are drizzled on the shaved ice to give the dessert a colourful finish.

In the past, street vendors used to serve Ice Balls – which were actually coarse shaved ice too, but shaped into a ball and served with just the sugar syrups. These days, ice kachang are a lot more elaborate. But they are still very economical – mostly under S$2.50!

#10 KWAY CHAP

Kway Chap is one that might intimidate foreigners, for it includes a multitude of ingredients – mostly intestine from a pig. The ‘Kway’ refers to thick cut flat noodles or kway teow served in a herbal broth, and ‘Chap’ refers to the braise sauce.

The braise often features pig’s intestines (both big and small), pork belly, and braised beancurd. Salted vegetables are add-ons, and the accompanying chilli sauce is often a pretty spicy one.

#11 LAKSA

Nothing meats a warm bowl of Laksa and Singapore’s version of it is sometimes referred to as Katong Laksa. Katong is the place where this iconic dish originated from and the bowl of cut-up thick bee hoon is flavoured with dried shrimp, assam leaves, spices and enhanced with fragrant coconut milk.

Typically, the Katong Laksa is topped with cockles, fish cake and boiled prawns. Laksa is best consumed with a soup spoon only. You can add extra spice to your laksa with sambal chilli.

#12 MILO DINOSAUR

Milo is a malt chocolate drink, and it is Singapore’s favourite drink. The Milo Dinosaur might seem like an intimidating name, but it is quite the contrary.

Iced Milo is piled up high with more powdered milo, and it is also how this quintessential drink had the name ‘Milo Dinosaur’ coined – with the ‘dinosaur’ referring to the mountain of Milo powder.

#13 OYSTER OMELETTE

Oyster Omelette is a mainstay in many hawker centres and coffee shop stalls because it tastes so ridiculously good. Beaten egg and flour, together with seasonings and condiments, are wok-fried with plump and fresh oysters to produce this incredible dish.

The flour, when fried, becomes crisp on the outside but still soft on the inside. It adds a good textural variety and bite to the dish. Have it with some sambal chilli and you are in for a treat.

#14 PRAWN NOODLE SOUP

Prawn Noodle Soup is a great comfort for Singaporeans. Typically, yellow noodles or vermicelli is used together, served in a rich prawn and pork ribs broth, and topped off with fresh prawns and pork meat.

Most prawn noodle stalls in Singapore also offer a dry version where the noodles are tossed in various sauces.

#15 ROJAK

We call Rojak the Singapore-style salad. It is a fruit and vegetable “salad” tossed in a shrimp paste sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

The Indian version of this is very different. It is a variety of deep-fried doughs, seafood and meats that is eaten with a red peanut sauce.

#16 ROTI PRATA

Called ‘Roti Canai’ in India, the Roti Prata (as it is called in Singapore) has made its mark and goes down as one of our country’s most iconic dishes.

It is like a flour pancake that is usually made a-la-minute, and served with a side of chicken curry. The most common varieties are plain and egg prata. And as typical Singapore kids, we grew up eating our prata with sugar.

#17 SATAY

Who can pass up on barbecued skewered meats? Pork, chicken and beef are usually used, and the skewers are grilled or BBQ-ed upon order. It is served with ketupat (Malay rice cake), onions and a side of peanut stalls.

Way back in the past, satay seller used to have mobile stalls where they push through estates where they call out “SATAY!” to alert residents of their arrival. Now, we can find satay in everywhere in hawker centres, food courts and coffee shops.

#18 SWEET & SALTY GLUTINUOUS RICE

It is quite difficult to find stalls selling this traditional dish of sweet & salty glutinous rice, with many long-standing stalls fast depleting. But if you are lucky and happen to chance upon a stall selling it, do not hesitate to purchase it.

Typically, the salty one is more popular but some will choose to mix theirs in with some sweet glutinous rice too. This is one local gem that should not be forgotten.

#19 SWEET CHEE CHEONG FUN

We all know the Hong Kong-style Chee Cheong Fun where either shrimp or char siu meat is stuffed inside. Singapore’s version is served bare (no fillings) and topped with sweet sauce, sesame seeds and sometimes, chilli.

This rice noodle (‘fun’) is made by steaming a mixture until it becomes a large sheet, then rolling it to resemble a pig’s intestine (‘chee cheong’). It is a common and economical breakfast staple in Singapore.

#20 YONG TAU FOO

Yong Tau Foo is can be easily found in coffee shops and hawker centres, with a shelf of ingredients where you take your pick. Grab a bowl and a thong, choose your favourite ingredients and hand it over to the shop assistant.

Choose between soup or dry (some places serve laksa or mee rebus sauce to go with it) and pick a noodle or rice of choice. Popular ingredients include fish balls, cabbage, tofu, stuffed chilli, beancurd skin and stuffed taupok.

#21 BAK CHOR MEE

Bak Chor Mee is a Singaporean hawker dish of minced meat noodles that is commonly eaten as supper.

The piping hot bowl of springy noodles is tossed in black vinegar and chilli, then topped with sautéed mushrooms, lard, minced pork, meatballs, pig’s liver and sambal chili paste. There are a variety of noodles – from thick to thin to flat ones – and you can request for a non-spicy bowl too.

#22 BAN MIAN

Ban Mian in Singapore is a crossbreed noodle dish influenced by the Hakka and Hokkien cuisines. Essentially a big sheet of noodles, the sheet is then cut up to bite-size pieces.

The end result is bouncy delicious egg noodles submerged in a near-boiling anchovy stock broth, complete with minced pork, vegetables and a runny egg.

#23 BRAISED DUCK RICE

Braised Duck Rice is a popular Teochew Chinese delicacy that is well-loved by Singaporeans. The tender duck meat is complemented with a rich sauce and served with a bowl of porridge or fragrant rice.

There are numerous variations of the sauces across Singapore but recipes typically include a myriad of herbs, spices and other flavourful condiments to give the dish an irresistible oomph.

#24 CARROT CAKE (BLACK & WHITE)

Black Carrot Cake, otherwise known as Chai Tow Kway, is nothing like the sugary sweet treats you would come across in Western bakeries. The Singaporean version is a savoury spicy dish that is available in white or black.

The traditional Southeast Asian Carrot Cake is a plate of white radish cake cubes stir-fried with rice flour, chye poh (Chinese dried radish) and eggs. Additional sweet dark sauce is added for the black version.

#25 CHAR KWAY TEOW

The Singaporean version of Char Kway Teow is an addictive plate of sweet-and-savoury rice cake strip noodles stir-fried with several ingredients – bean sprout, belachan chili paste, blood cockles, eggs and sweet sauce.

The dish is extremely unhealthy due to its high fat content but it is insanely delicious! Just drop all your concerns and enjoy a plate of char kway teow; it’s worth it.

#26 CHWEE KUEH

Chwee Kuehs – or more professionally known as Water Rice Cakes – are actually mini bowl-shaped steamed rice cakes topped with crunchy salted turnips.

These savoury snacks are inexpensive (typically under S$1.50 for 4 pieces) and are often consumed as breakfast in Singapore. Best eaten with the kickass chilli, of course.

#27 FISH HEAD CURRY

Fish Head Curry is literally an entire red snapper fish’s head cooked with vegetables. The bubbling red curry stew is spicy and slightly sour, often eaten with fragrant white rice.

These are often found in zichar stalls in Singapore, and it is a communal dish.

#28 FROG’S LEG PORRIDGE

Frog’s Leg Porridge sounds like an exotic dish to eat in TV series Fear Factor, except that it is not. In fact, it is one of the best things in Singapore!

The local Singaporean delicacy of succulent frog meat served with smooth congee is usually consumed during dinnertime or suppertime. There are various cooking styles, but the most popular one is ginger with onion, and gong bao (dried chilli).

#29 HOR FUN

Hor Fun is a plate of thick flat rice noodles served with prawns, squids and snakehead fish slices and drenched with an aromatic viscous sauce.

The sauce is made of chicken stock, egg whites, fish sauce, oyster sauce, light sauce and thickened by corn flour. It may look like second to nothing but this is a very flavourful dish that is more often than not very filling.

#30 KAYA TOAST

The traditional kaya toast is a widely consumed breakfast staple in Singapore. Sweet coconut jam spreads are sandwiched between butter-smeared bread toasts.

Kaya Toast usually comes in a set, complete with 2 half-boiled eggs and a hot drink (either coffee or tea) of choice.

#31 LOR MEE

Lor Mee is a Chinese braised thick yellow noodles dish characterized by its starchy sauce. A good bowl of lor mee is hard to come by these days.

Its contents are rather complex, but basically comprises beansprouts, Chinese black vinegar, celeries, dark soya sauce, fried fish, hard-boiled egg, garlic cloves, ginger slices, meat broth, rock sugar, sliced pork belly meat, spiced powder and tapioca starch to produce a mouthwatering dish.

#32 MEE GORENG

Mee Goreng in Singapore is more often than not Halal-certified, and is a popular supper dish.

This spicy convenient snack is a plate of yellow noodles served with seafood and traces of fried egg. The yellow noodles are usually cooked to varying shades of brown and red, depending on the amount of tomato sauce, oyster sauce and sweet soya sauce used.

#33 NGOH HIANG

Ngoh Hiang is a deep-fried roll of meat wrapped with beancurd skin and seasoned with five-spice powder. The filling is usually finely diced water chestnut, minced meat, prawns and yam.

#34 NASI LEMAK

When directly translated, Nasi Lemak actually means rice in cream. Indeed, the fragrant rice has been soaked in coconut cream before it is steamed and served. The rice is served with cucumber slices, dried shrimp paste, crispy fried anchovies and hard-boiled eggs. A dollop of sambal chilli goes along with it as well.

Optional condiments such as chicken wing and sambal sotongs are common add-ons for a more wholesome meal.

#35 PEANUT PANCAKE

Peanut Pancakes are more affectionately known by the Hokkien community as Mee Chiang Kueh. The pancakes are crispy on the outside, incredibly chewy and fluffy on the inside, and filled with a generous amount of roasted crushed peanut.

#36 POPIAH

Popiahs are fresh spring rolls that are considered festive food to the Peranakan and Hokkien communities. Today, they are commonly eaten throughout the year as a savoury snack.

The delicate tapioca egg skin wraps a rich variety of turnip, bamboo shoots, firm bean curd, minced garlic, pork, prawns and topped off with a sweet sauce.

#37 SAMBAL STINGRAY

Sambal Singray is a divine spicy seafood creation where the stingray is wrapped in banana leaves and charcoal-grilled till cooked.

A spicy concoction of fermented shrimp paste and tamarind paste along with other spices such as lemongrass and red chilies are then smeared over the fish.

#38 TUTU KUEHS

Tutu Kuehs are mini steamed white rice cakes filled with either grated coconut or roasted peanuts. These traditional Singaporean desserts are served on a fragrant piece of pandan leaf and are nostalgic snacks for the older generation.

A good strawberry shortcake is one that has pillowy soft sponge cake with sweet and fresh strawberries, and super delicious whipped cream.

It is an old-fashioned and rustic cake that is perfect as a mid-afternoon tea break, or for a sweet ending after dinner. It is an everyday cake; one that you can always turn to when in need of a pick-me-up. Here is a list of the Best Strawberry Shortcakes in Singapore.

ANTOINETTE PATISSERIE

While Antoinette Patisserie’s Strawberry Shortcake may not stand out against the other popular creations like Antoinette earl grey cake, Chloe and Saint Honore L’amour, it is still worth a try if you like a light and fruity cake.

390 Orchard Road
#B1-08/09/10C Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6735 6392
Daily: 11am to 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

BAKERZIN

After trying so many different strawberry shortcakes, Bakerzin’s rendition ranks among the best. The sponge cake is velvet smoothy, with a good balance of flavour and sweetness.

1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-207 VivoCity
Tel: +65 6438 8700
Nearest Station: Harboufront.

CIEL PATISSERIE

The Hougang neighbourhood may seem like an unlikely place to find a French patisserie, but that is exactly where Ciel Patisserie is located. This small patisserie has a wholesome range of cakes (S$4.80 – S$5.80), and tarts (S$4.20), but what you must try is its cloud-light fluffy Strawberry Shortcake.

124 Hougang Ave 1
#01-1444
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Tue to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Kovan/Serangoon

FLOR PATISSERIE

This terrific cake shop at Duxton Hill has a Strawberry Shortcake ($5.5) which is really moist and fluffy. Flor Patisserie’s version is a must-have for any fan of this classic dessert. It is an ideal afternoon cake, perfect with a cup of tea.

2 Duxton Hill #01-01
Tel: +65 6223 8628
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

HOUSE

House’s strawberry shortcake ($9.5) is the one that most people mention when you ask them where to get a good strawberry shortcake. House’s rendition is sort of a cross between a cake and a muffin – it is dense, firm, and more cakey than the usual Japanese Strawberry Shortcakes.

8D Dempsey Road
Tel: +65 6475 7787
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

GLACE PATISSERIE

Glace Patisserie’s Strawberry Shortcake is the combination of incredibly soft and fluffy sponge cake with delicious fresh cream. The first time we had it, we knew we found something truly special.

12 Gopeng Street #01-33/34
ICON Village
Tel: +65 6400 0247
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

LADY M

Lady M is a luxurious cake boutique from New York City, and besides its famous original mille crepes, the Strawberry Shortcake here is also worth a try.

1 Fullerton Road
One Fullerton #01-10
Tel: +65 6820 0830
Mon to Thu: 9am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12midnight
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

MEZZA9 DELI

One of our go to places for takeaway cakes is mezza9 deli at Grand Hyatt. The Strawberry Shortcake here is consistently good, and always lovely. And the best part? mezza9 offers 50% discount off all cakes after 9pm every night. You can get a slice of Strawberry Shortcake for just S$3!

10 Scotts Road
2F Grand Hyatt
Tel: +65 6416 7189
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SUN MOULIN BAKERY

Sun Moulin Bakery is one of the most underrated bakeries in town. We have been coming here for years, and besides their excellent Japanese bread, another item that we always get is the light and airy Strawberry Shortcake.

350 Orchard Road
Basement 1 Isetan Scotts
Tel: +65 6235 6093
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read my list of Best Dessert Places in Singapore

Those around me know that I am a big fan of Korean food. I always crave for Korean food when I watch Korean dramas, and it doesn’t help that the popular variety shows like Running Man always feature yummy looking Korean street food and BBQ.

This post is an extension to my list of Korean Restaurants in Singapore, and it includes more details about the Korean Barbecue buffets restaurants.

Here’s a list of the best Korean BBQ Buffets in Singapore.

[Definition] Korean BBQ, or gogi gui refers to the Korean method of grilling beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat. Korean BBQ / Bulgogi / Chadolbaegi / Galbi / Samgyeopsal

Arirang Korean BBQ Restaurant

Monday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $19.90++

1 Liang Seah Street
#01-07/08 Liang Seah Place
Tel: +65 6333 0025
Daily: 6pm – 11.30pm

Blue Garden Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant

Monday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $19.90++          |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $26.90++

50 Tiong Bahru road
Link Hotel #01-07
Tel: +65 62240700
Daily lunch: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm

Crystal Jade Korean BBQ

Monday to Friday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $19.90++          |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $23.90++

Saturday and Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $23.90++          |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $26.90++

23 Serangoon Central
#01-01 NEX Mall
Tel: +65 6634 4920
Weekday: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Weekend: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm

// Student promotion at $16.50nett for lunch on Mon to Fri.

Jang Shou Korean BBQ

Monday to Thurday-                                   |          Friday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $28.80++           |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $33.80++

86 East Coast Road #02-11/20,
Blk B Katong Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6344 8880
Daily: 6pm – 1030pm

Ju Shin Jung Korean BBQ Restaurant

Monday to Thursday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $29.00++             |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $35.00++

Saturday and Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $29.00++             |          Only ala carte

1018 East Coast Parkway #02-01 Singapore
Tel: +65 6447 9279
Daily Lunch: 11.45am – 3pm
Mon to Thu Dinner: 6pm – 11pm

Korean Charcoal BBQ Buffet

Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch (weekend)     $25++
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner (Daily):        $44++

26 Sentosa Gateway #01-294
Tel: +65 6795 5525
Weekend lunch: 12noon – 3pm
Daily Dinner: 6pm – 11pm

Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ

Monday to Friday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $12.00+                |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $22.00+

Saturday and Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $22.00+                |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $22.00+

275 Thomson Road
#01-01/02 Novena Ville
Tel: +65 6254 8123
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm

10 Tampines Central 1
#04-22/23 Tampines 1
Tel: +65 6784 8334
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm

291 New Bridge Road
#01-01 Oriental Plaza
Tel: +65 6225 6964
Daily: 12pm–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10pm

The Corner Place Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch (Weekend)     $24.20 Nett
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner (Daily)          $24.20 Nett

6 Raffles Boulevard
#04-102 Marina Square
Tel: +65 6333 0997
Weekend: 11.30am – 10pm

2D1N Soju Bang

Monday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $20+

44/46 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6220 7119
Sun to Thu: 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 10.30pm

For more recommendations, read my list of Best Korean Restaurants in Singapore

Everyone knows Dempsey Hill. It is arguably one of the hottest dining destinations in Singapore, with popular restaurants like The White Rabbit, Barracks Cafe and PS Cafe. But not everyone knows about Don Quijote Spanish restaurant at Dempsey. Well, I guess now we all know.

Be it a nice date with your partner; or a birthday party celebration with a big group of friends – Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant is the ideal place if you like tapas, paella and sangria.

One thing to note: the original branch at Lorong Kilat is no longer in operation.

The menu is huge. From cold tapas like Mixed Platter of Ham, Sausages and Cheese ($36) and Anchovy and Piquillo Pepper on bread ($12); to hot tapas like Tortilla Espanola ($11), Calamari ($12) and Gambas Al Ajillo ($13); to meats like Ox-tail Stew ($36) and Tenderloin Steak ($39); to Paellas ($30 for small); and desserts like Leche Fritta ($9) and Warm Chocolate Cake ($19) – there is something for everyone.

Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant recently launched a Market Seafood Menu where they serve “live” seafood from the market. It largely depends on what is available in the market, but the typical menu will feature a selection of fishes, lobsters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

While waiting for Sophie to arrive, Qiuting and I started with the Mejillon Al Vino Blanco – Mussels cooked in White Wine ($16); and Gambas Al Ajillo ($16) – Garlic fried Live Prawns.

The Scallop ($18) that came next were equally impressive.

For main courses, we were served a gorgeous Baked Whole Lobster ($69), and the visually pleasing Baked Whole Snapper ($45).

We stared at the baby lobster when it arrived on our table and for a moment, we didn’t know what to do. After five seconds, instinct took over and the three of us started to attack it with the fork. Om nom nom nom. It was as good as it looked.

The Baked Snapper, on the other hand, was slightly disappointing. The fish was really fresh, but we felt that it was under-seasoned.

And of course, a Spanish meal would not be complete without having Paella. At Don Quijote, there are four different Paellas: seafood, squid ink, vegetarian and meat.

The Paella de Carne ($30 Small/ $45 medium/ $60 large) came  with Beef, Chicken, Chorizo Sausages and rice cooked in a delicious saffron stock.

Even though we were quite full after polishing off the Paella, we were tempted by the highly recommended Tenderloin Steak Cubes with Blue Cheese ($20). The owner was very confident about it, and truth be told, I was quite skeptical initially. But I had to take back my words after having a cube. It was oh-my-god-yummy.

I also ordered the Chorizo Asado Barbecued Spanish Chorizo Sausage ($10) as Qiuting never had it before. It was a shame that we didn’t have room for desserts, otherwise I would love to try their Warm Chocolate Cake made with Spanish Chocolate ($19).

Don Quijote at Dempsey Hill is a nice place to go to if you are craving for Spanish food. While prices are not cheap, neither are they exorbitant – it is on par with most of the better Spanish Restaurants in Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant
Blk 7 Dempsey Road
#01-02 Singapore
Tel: +65 6476 2811
Sun to Wed: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 1am
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

For more recommendations, read my list of best Spanish Restaurants in Singapore

Ippudo is one of Japan’s top ramen shops and there was a hype when it opened in 2009. Even till today, there are often long queues during lunch and dinner.

The founder of Ippudo, Shigemi Kawahara, is known as the Ramen King after three consecutive first place wins on a nationwide ramen-making competition where the top ramen chefs compete to create the best ramen.

Does Ippudo ramen at Mandarin Gallery live up to the hype?

Ciki and I were there for dinner on a weekday, and it was fortunate that we went early as there was a long queue waiting outside shortly after. Upon entering Ippudo, I was pleasantly surprised by the interior. Unlike the usual ramen places, the dimly lit restaurant at Mandarin Gallery, Orchard road has a modern and classy vibe.

Besides ramen, Ippudo’s menu also has other side dishes like Agedashi Tofu ($10), Gyoza ($6), Chashu Hotplate ($8) and Tonkotsu Croquette ($12). After a quick glance at the menu, we ordered the classic Shiromaru Motoaji ($15) – original recipe tonkatsu soup served with Hakata-style thin noodles, rosu chashu, cabbage and spring onion; and Karaka-Men ($17) – Ippudo pork broth with special spicy miso and ground pork.

The chashu, oh the chashu.

At Ippudo, the Shiromaru Motoaji ($15) comes with a gorgeous piece of rosu chashu (pork loin). The Hakata-style noodles are springy and delightful, while the broth is refreshing and very addictive.

It is one of those moments where you find it hard to explain how something so simple can taste so delicious.

The Karaka-Men ($17), on the other hand, has a spicy kick to it and is no less addictive than the Shiromaru.

Like other ramen shops, Ippudo has its own regulars who swear by it and visit on a regular basis to satisfy their ramen cravings. While there are also others who felt that it is overrated and not as good as the one in Japan.

I think it all boils down to knowing how to manage your expectations. Ippudo has always been known as one of the best ramen shops in Japan, and this probably explains why some people go there with ridiculously high expectations and end up being disappointed.

For me, there is no doubt that Ippudo at Mandarin Gallery is one of the best ramen restaurants in Singapore. The question is, are you willing to queue up for it?

Singapore Food Blog Review
Ippudo Ramen
333A Orchard Road
#04-02/03/04 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6235 2797
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm

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This guide to the best truffle fries in Singapore was last updated on 22 Feb 2015.

Truffle fries are French fries tossed with truffle oil, truffle salt and parmesan cheese. Truffle oil is used to impart the earthy flavour and aroma of truffles to fries; giving it a strong smoky after-taste. It is not hard to understand why people crave for it. There is just something appealing about the exotic truffle oil – you either love it or hate it. Here is a list of the best truffle fries in Singapore.

#1 DANCING CRAB

Dancing Crab is a new dining concept by the Tung Lok Group at the Grandstand. The whole idea is that you eat seafood directly from the table with your bare hands – of course, you can use utensils or eat from the plates, but we won’t encourage that because it takes the fun away.

The restaurant offers a side of Spicy Cajun Fries (S$7) to go along with the classic seafood dishes like Fish & Chips, and Lobster Roll. But we highly recommend getting the Truffle Fries (S$7).

The Grandstand #01-20/21
200 Turf Club Road
Tel: +65 6466 3303
Tue to Fri: 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

#2 HABITAT COFFEE

Habitat Coffee at Upper Thomson Road deserves a mention for the great work that it has been doing. The bistro has been around for a few years, and despite the tough competition, it shines and remains a favourite for many. The menu has a nice mix of sandwiches, brunch food, pasta, and desserts, but you must start with the Truffle Fries (S$8).

223 Upper Thomson Road
Tel: +65 6456 2567
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

#3 HOUSE

When asked about the best truffle fries in Singapore, most people would immediately think of House at Dempsey Hill. The Truffle Fries here are deep-fried to a shade of gorgeous golden-brown, and infused with quality white truffle oil.

8D Dempsey Road
#01-01 to 06 Tanglin Village
Tel: +65 6475 7787
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#4 LANTERN ROOFTOP BAR

One of the most stylish rooftop bars in Singapore, Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel has a great view overlooking the Marina Bay waterfront – it is the go to place to bring visitors for a drink. Be sure to order the to-die-for truffle fries.

80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6597 5299
Sun to Thu: 8am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 8am – 2pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#5 PS CAFE

PS Cafe makes you feel cool just by dining there, and this is why it has continuously shines amid the strong competition in the local food scene. It has a well-thought menu which features simple and comfort food that always hits the spot. Something that you must not miss when you are there is the much-lauded truffle fries ($15).

45 Ann Siang Road
Tel: +65 9797 0648
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#6 SANDS SKYPARK

The truffle fries from Sands Skypark are not only addictive, but they also come with a million dollar view of Singapore’ skyline.

Infinity pool level 57
10 Bayfront Avenure
Marina Bay Sands
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#7 SUPPLY & DEMAND

With its al fresco area and a rooftop bar, Supply & Demand Modern Bistro & Rooftop Bar is a great place for a relaxing meal. They focus on Italian and South East Asian cuisines, and you may expect a combination of mouthwatering street food – from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Burma – presented in a modern way.

For appetisers, go for its Garlic Truffle Fries (S$15). Cut into huge chunks, the fries are splattered with truffle oil and topped with shaved Parmesan and roasted garlic bits. They are good on its own, but if you want something more, dip it in the spicy homemade dip.

#01-13 Esplanade Mall
8 Raffles Avenue
Tel: +65 6336 0588
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

#8 TANJONG BEACH CLUB

Who can resist the addictive thick cut of fries perfumed with earthy black truffle and parmesan from Tanjong Beach Club? On a weekend, nothing beats having Black Truffle Fries (S$15) and a delicious cocktail while lazing by the pool.

120 Tanjong Beach Walk
Tanjong Beach Club Sentosa
Tel: +65 6270 1355
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#9 THE COASTAL SETTLEMENT

The Coastal Settlement is a perfect place to chill out with loved ones and friends in a relaxed and fun setting. In particular, you must not miss their truffle fries.

200 Netheravon Road
(Near Changi Village)
Tel: +65 6475 0200
Tuesday to Sunday: 10.30am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

East Ocean Teochew Restaurant at Shaw Centre has always been known as one of the top restaurants in Singapore serving Hong Kong style Teochew cuisine. It is the place that most people mention when you ask them what their favourite Teochew restaurant is.

Besides serving traditional Teochew favourites, they are also very popular for their dim sum. For several months, friends have been telling me that I simply have to go there during weekend for dim sum.

I finally made a trip there recently, and the nostalgic atmosphere really reminded me of Red Star Chinese restaurant. If you are still thinking of where to go for dim sum brunch this weekend, why not check out East Ocean?

Weekends are meant for dim sum.

On weekdays, East Ocean restaurant has an ala carte menu to order from. But come weekends, staff will bring out trays of dim sum to every table for customers to choose from.

They have a good variety of dim sum, and prices range from $4.8 for a basket of siew mai, to $5.8 for the baked BBQ pork pie.

The Po Luo Bun was very good. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it is one of the best Po Luo Buns in Singapore.

Like many dim sum restaurants, East Ocean has three different kinds of Cheong Fun – char siew, prawn, and scallop. We had the char siew one; it was decent but not something that I’d stop to notice.

And of course, the famous Custard bun ($4.8) that everyone is talking about. East Ocean’s rendition was pretty good, but I don’t think that it is the best custard bun that I’ve had.

The other dim sum that we had include: Mini Crispy Egg Tarts ($5.8), Scallop Tofu ($5.8), Pan-fried carrot cake ($4.8), Steamed BBQ Pork Bun ($3.5) and Deep-fried Crispy Prawn Dumping ($5.8).

The dim sum at East Ocean Teochew Restaurant is not particularly outstanding. Moreover, prices are about the same as some of my favourite dim sum restaurants like Royal China, Paradise Pavilion and Yan Ting.

Having said that, East Ocean has a nostalgic feel, and this probably explains why it is so popular. It is quite fun to order directly from the dim sum trays going around. But like Red Star restaurant, the queue is really long during weekends. I won’t go back just for the dim sum, but I think it is a nice place to bring your friends for the dim sum trolley experience.

Singapore Food Blog Review
East Ocean Teochew Restaurant
391 Orchard Road
#05-08/09 Ngee Ann City
Tel: +65 6235 9088
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

For more recommendations, read my list of the best dim sum restaurants in Singapore

The Song of India by award winning Chef Milind Sovand is one of the best Indian fine dining restaurants in Singapore. So imagine my surprise when I found out that DEAL.com.sg has a deal that offers 35% off a scrumptious weekend buffet brunch at The Song of India for only $29 NETT (usual price $44.75).

While I love going to nice restaurants, it is impossible to spend so much on food all the time. That’s why I think DEAL.com.sg is doing a great job providing consumers with dining deals at a huge discount.

Even though I haven’t tried many Indian buffets in Singapore, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that you must try the buffet brunch at The Song of India.

From buying the coupon to using it in the restaurant, the whole process was pretty smooth. The purchased e-Vouchers were sent via email and could be conveniently downloaded as PDF to print out. When I went to The Song of India for the buffet brunch, the manager brought me to my table after confirming the e-voucher.

To be honest, I felt that the deal from DEAL.com.sg on the ala carte weekend buffet brunch at The Song of India was a steal.

For just $29 NETT, we got to dine at the gorgeous Indian restaurant, and the buffet even came with free flow of soft drinks. It even includes a $15 cash revisit voucher that can be used for lunch and dinner set menus (no minimum spending required)

I’m a scaredy cat when it comes to spicy food, so it was really a good thing that we had free flow drinks. Alternatively, you can add on $19/person for free flow of Tiger draft beer, or $29/person for free flow of red/white wine.

And we started our Indian feast like kings and queens.

What I liked about the ala carte buffet at The Song of India was all the starters and main courses were plated nicely and served to our table.

The Indian buffet has a bit of everything: from two soups like slow simmered chicken soup and tomato corrainder soup; to seven starters like tandoori chicken, lamb kebab, tandoori fish tikka, tandoori cottage cheese, tandoori grilled broccoli/cauliflower, and dahi papdi chaat; seven main courses like chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, fish curry and dal makhani; free flow of naan, biryani and basmati rice; and three desserts to choose from.

We ate and ate and ate. It felt so good to punish myself by eating all the spicy food. Everything was deliciously spiced and I really enjoyed the tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, and fish curry.

I know it’s probably not very wise to eat too much naan at a buffet, but they were the perfect vehicles for soaking up the curry gravies.

The buffet deal at The Song of India (usual price $38++ without the coupon) was so popular that 635 deals were sold out! So be sure to drop by DEAL.com.sg everyday and look out for the best dining deals in Singapore.

Established in 2010, DEAL.com.sg is one of the top online shopping platforms in Singapore and it offers daily deals on travel, food, spa and entertainment.

Singapore Food Blog Review
The Song of India
33 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6836 0055
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

When it comes to having supper in Singapore, Simpang Bedok – a stretch of halal eateries that open till late – immediately comes to mind.

Among them, Spize Supper Club is one of the most famous muslim restaurants serving halal food. Besides Simpang Bedok, it also has another branch at River Valley that caters to the hungry late night club goers.

If you ever find yourself hungry in the middle of the night, Spize halal restaurant at Simpang Bedok is probably your best bet.

It has a very comprehensive menu. From Thai food like Pineapple rice ($9) and Tom Yam Seafood ($10); to Malay food like Mee Goreng ($5.5) and Nasi Ayam ($3.8); and Western food like burgers ($6.5) and steak ($14.9) – there is something for everyone to choose from.

We started with the Spize Burger ($7.5) – chargrilled beef patty with sunny side up, BBQ sauce and cheese. The Mee Goreng ($5.5) came wrapped in an egg omelette. Both dishes were just fine – I mean, how badly could anyone make a burger and fried noodles?

My friend was raving about Spize’s Chicken Wrap ($5.5), so we ordered one to share. I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be rock-my-socks-off-good.

What makes Spize Supper Club so popular? I think it is a combination of cheap food, late night hours, and the atmosphere of eating by the road side. It is one of those places that you come back again and again for late night supper.

I am on a mission to try more Muslim food, so do leave a comment and let me know where are some of your favourite halal restaurants in Singapore.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Spize Supper Club
336/338 Bedok Road
Tel: +65 6445 3211
Daily: 11am – 3am

Pancake is one thing that I can have everyday without getting sick of. They taste great with a scoop of ice cream, or if you are like me, I’d have them with just maple syrup and butter.

I LOVE pancakes. Over the last two months, I’ve been trying out different brunch places to find the best pancakes in Singapore. Where can you find good and fluffy pancakes? Which pancake places are worth a try?

Here’s my list of the best pancakes in Singapore.

Pancake lovers unite!

Antoinette

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Chef Pang Kok Keong. Antoinette – a beautiful Parisian style patisserie tea salon – is one of my favourite new restaurants in 2011.

Besides offering French desserts, Antoinette also has an all day dining menu which has eggs, French toast, and Blinis (French thick pancakes). There are both sweet and savoury pancakes like Blinis with blueberries ($10), and savoury Blinis with smoked salmon ($15).

30 Penhas Road

Tel: +65 6293 3121

Pancakes are most people’s favourite brunch food for a good reason: they are fun and delicious.

Barracks Cafe House Dempsey

Everyone needs at least one reliable place for comfort food. For me, Barracks Cafe at Dempsey Hill is one of my favourite cafes in Singapore. With seven layers of fluffy pancakes, the 7-layer Pancake ($18) at Barracks Cafe is quite possibly the biggest pancake in Singapore. Definitely a must-try for pancake lovers.

8D Dempsey Road
#01-01 to 06 Tanglin Village
Tel: +65 6475 7787

Canopy Garden Dining & Bar

Over at Canopy Garden Dining & Bar, they serve a Buttermilk Pancakes ($6 with maple syrup, and $9 with ice cream). For the price, we thought that it was great value for this dish.

Bishan Park 2 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Singapore 569931
Tel: +65 6556 1533
Weekdays: 9am till late
Weekends: 8am till late

Cedele Restaurant & Bakery

A good pancake can be found at Cedele. They have different variations like wild blueberry, pepper corn, apple cinnamon and mushroom onion.

Filled with the goodness of blueberries, Cedele’s Wild Blueberry Pancakes ($12.9) came with butter, maple syrup, salad, and choice of bacon or sausage.

501 Orchard Road
#03-14 Wheelock Place
Tel: +65 6732 8520

Epicurious Cafe

The pancakes ($7) from Epicurious are not out-of-this-world good. But I still love it, and I always order baked eggs and eat them together.

392 Upper Bukit Timah Road
The Rail Mall
Tel: +65 6894 5926

Food For Thought Cafe

At Food For Thought Cafe, you can choose from a variety of pancakes: have it plain with fresh cream and Gula Melaka syrup ($6); or opt for the popular combination of banana & walnuts ($10). Breakfast is available from 9am to 5.30pm, let’s have pancakes for afternoon high tea.

8 Queen Street
Tel: +65 6338 9887

Not all pancakes are created equal. Your mission: go in search of the best pancakes in Singapore.

OverEasy Restaurant

Another place that has all day breakfast is OverEasy at One Fullerton. It is an American restaurant that serves your favourite comfort food, it is opened till late 2am. How about having some pancakes ($16) with scrambled eggs, tomatoes and bacon for supper?

1 Fullerton Road
#01-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6423 0701

Privé bakery café

Prive Bakery Cafe is one of my favourite brunch places in Singapore. There’s nothing fantastic about the food, just simple, well-executed comfort food served at reasonable prices.

And of course, you must order the fluffy pancakes ($13.5) when you are there.

2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina @ Keppel Bay
Tel: 6776 0777

Pancakes are just an excuse for me to eat maple syrup and butter. Om nom nom nom!

Spruce Cafe Bakery

Perched at the top of Phoenix Park in Tanglin, Spruce is a nice cafe which is just a few minutes drive from Orchard. It is extremely popular for their weekend brunch, and the Banana Hotcakes ($14) with honeycomb butter and blueberry syrup is definitely worth a try.

320 Tanglin Road
Phoenix Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 5528

Strictly Pancakes

The concept of all day dining restaurant serving only pancakes is not new – I have been to Pancakes on the Rock in Sydney which has a similar idea.

But Strictly Pancakes is certainly the first of its kind in Singapore. It is one of the few places that serve both sweet pancakes ($10) like lemon curd, strawberries, and blackforest; and savoury pancakes ($14) that come with ingredients like beef patty, salmon and garlic buttered prawns.

44A Prinsep Street Singapore
Tel: +65 6333 4202

Wild Honey Singapore

Wild Honey at Mandarin Gallery is a breakfast speciality restaurant that serves different breakfasts from all over the world. The Canadian Pancake ($18) – a stack of classic pancakes served with wild berry, bacon and maple syrup – is one of the most popular items on their all day brunch menu.

333A Orchard Road #03-02
Mandarin Gallery Singapore
Tel: +65 6235 3900

For more recommendations, read my list of best brunch places in Singapore

One of the newest cafes to open in the trendy Duxton Hill area, Group Therapy Cafe is a space tucked away on the 2nd storey of a reconstructed shophouse.

Even though I’ve been to the Duxton Hill area many times, I’ve never noticed them until my friend told me about it. Just in case you are wondering where they are located, the cafe is directly above Etna Italian restaurant on Duxton road.

I fell in love as I stepped inside the cafe. It is one of those places that you would find it impossible not to like. Definitely one of my new favourite cafes in Singapore.

From what I understand, Group Therapy started out mainly as an event space for birthday parties, media launches and corporate workshops, but the cafe business has slowly grown with the help of word-of-mouth recommendations.

The menu changes from time to time, but you can expect comfort food like salad ($15), soup ($11), sandwiches ($14), eggs ($11-15) and desserts ($4.5-8.5). When we were there on a Saturday afternoon, we ordered from their all day breakfast menu to share.

The Poached Eggs ($15) that we had was gorgeous. Stacked on top of an extremely thick and fluffy toast, the poached eggs with salmon came with a generous helping of the hollandaise sauce. It was fantastic!

I was slightly disappointed when I found out that they only serve pancakes (from a special brunch menu) on Sunday. But that feeling was gone with the arrival of the waffles.

Weekends are made of Belgian style waffle ($8.5) with maple syrup and butter.

Group Therapy Cafe at Duxton road does not serve out-of-this-world good food; the menu is simple and unpretentious. They have a very comfortable and relaxing space, and I love the fact that not many people know about them YET.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Group Therapy Cafe
49 Duxton Road #02-01
Tel: +65 6222 2554

Tue to Thu: 11am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Mon

For more recommendations, read my list of the best cafes in Singapore

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Besides Marmalade Toast at Takashimaya, another place that I like to go whenever I am in town is Pique Nique American Cafe by Chef Pang Kok Keong.

I am a huge fan of Chef Pang. I’ve tried almost all his desserts while he was at Canele Patisserie (under the Les Amis group). Boy was I excited when I heard that he left the group late last year to set up his own company, the Sugar Daddy Group.

Pique Nique is located at the basement of Takashimaya where McDonald’s used to be. It serves favourite American comfort food like mac & cheese ($12-16), hot dogs ($8.5-11), burgers ($10-13), all day breakfast ($7.5-13.5), whoopie pies ($2) and desserts ($4-8).

Both Pique Nique and Anoinette (a French bistro-patisserie) are conceptualised by Chef Pang in his attempt to take over the dessert world in Singapore. I’ve been to both dessert places a few times so far, but more on Anoinette another day.

Among the desserts at Pique Nique, there are cupcakes with flavours like banana spilt, chocolate caramel, peanut butter, and carrot; cheesecakes like triple chocolate, American, oreo and strawberry; and an assortment of whoopie pies like maple walnut, caramel pecan, and peanut butter & jelly.

So far, I’ve tried the Lemon Meringue cupcake, Red Velvet Cupcake, Vanilla Cupcake ($4.8), Blackout Chocolate Cake ($8) and Oreo Cream Cheese Bar ($4.8) and Whoopie Pies ($2.15). While I don’t think they are fantastic enough to be listed as one of the  top 10 cakes in Singapore, I like that most of them are classic comfort desserts – ideal for afternoon tea.

Pique Nique at Ngee Ann City is also one of the few places that serve all day breakfast in Orchard road. The American Favourite breakfast with two eggs served with homemade English muffins or white toast starts at $7.5, and there is also the popular eggs benedict that comes with Pique Nique’s special fries at $12. They also have French toast ($7.5), buttermilk pancakes ($7.5) and waffles ($13.5) on the brunch menu.

There are not many restaurants in Orchard Road that serve decent food at pocket-friendly prices, and Pique Nique is one those few places. The food and desserts are not fantstic, but most of them are reasonably priced and I will definitely go there when I want a light snack in between meal times.

Pique Nique by Chef Pang Kok Keong
#B1-01 Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Ngee Ann City Tower A
391A Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6238 6705
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

In conjunction with the opening of the Circle Line network stages 4 & 5, SMRT is hosting a makan session where 20 lucky readers get to join me and eat for free.

This is a great opportunity for me to show you where are the best food places near the Circle Line stations. I’ll be organising two separate food outings on the 26th Nov (Botanic Garden station) and 14th Jan (One North station).

Register here (remember to choose the right dates) and let’s go on a food adventure!