10 must-try restaurants in City Square Mall after exploring Singapore’s coolest neighbourhood
Right next to Little India (ranked as #19 Coolest Neighbourhood in the World), and with Farrer Park MRT station 1 minute away, City Square Mall is popular with both tourists and locals.
Home to around 200 shops, there is no shortage of food options here. From hotpot to Japanese fare and from taiwanese snacks to yummy desserts, here are the 10 best restaurants in City Square Mall you need to visit, pronto!
1. Lai Lai Taiwan Casual Dining (#03-39/40)
Taiwanese food has become very popular in Singapore and the best place in City Square Mall to try it is Lai Lai Taiwanese Casual Dining. It has been churning out delicious bowls for 21 years already.
There is an entire menu section called “Taiwan Special Products”. That includes the ever-popular Beef Noodles (S$14.90), Braised Pork Rice (S$9.90), Popcorn Chicken (S$8.90) and Taiwan Pancake (S$9.90).
There with the kids? No problem— choose from the Kid’s Meals range. Two of the more popular options are Chicky Sausage with Hashbrown and Scramble Eggs (S$9.90) and Chicky Teriyaki with Rice and Greens (S$9.90).
You can’t leave before trying one of their Toasts. My recommendation is the Pork Floss Toast (S$6.90) and a close second is the Chocolate Toast (S$6.90). Best of the desserts is the Lychee Freeze (S$5.90). You should also try something from their Taiwan Bubble Tea range or perhaps the Taiwan Beer (600ml) (S$8.90).
+65 6509 5626
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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2. Saute-San (#03-23/24)
Animal lovers rejoice, Saute-san is in the house (in City Square Mall). Saute-san is a restaurant that caters to vegan and vegetarian diners. It has a vast menu built around plant-based cuisine based on the brother-sister team’s own favourite dishes.
This is an especially great place for a value meal on weekday afternoons. Their Weekday Lunch Sets (S$10.90++) run from 11am to 2pm, Monday to Friday, and include 1 main, 1 drink and discounts off add-ons. Your choices of mains include Abalone Shroom Dry Ramen and Handmade Katsu Curry Don (add S$3.50).
Their spin on Orh Luak (oyster omelette) comes in 2 versions, Orh Luak (Egg) (S$13.90) and Vegan Orh Luak (S$13.90). Certainly worth a try!
In the mood for pizza? Have a unique one with the Teriaki Lion Mane (S$17.90). Saute-San’s sides are absolutely divine. My favourites are the Deep Fried Handmade Gyoza (S$8.90) and the Hanjuku Onsen Egg (S$1.50) which go so well with so many of the mains.
+65 8788 4284
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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3. Watami Japanese Dining (#03-53/55)
Watami Japanese Dining is an authentic Japanese brand founded in Tokyo over 30 years ago. Singapore is the 4th country it has conquered, and it has already been here for almost 15 years.
I like to eat here with friends because their sets are so good. They have Tokusen Sets for 2, 3 and 4 persons as well as a Tokunsen Hot Pot Set for 2 (from S$58).
The Tokunsen Set for 2 (from S$53) comes with 1 salad, an appetiser, 1 bowl of rice or noodles, 2 side dishes and 2 drinks. The Tonkunsen Set for 4 (from S$112) feeds more than 4, I think. There is a salad, 3 appetisers, 2 side dishes, 2 bowls of rice/noodles, 4 drinks, and 1 hot pot add-on.
It’s a pity the sets don’t come with desserts. You can order them à la carte, including the delightfully Japanese Matcha Warabi Mochi (S$5.90). Don’t miss this when you’re at CIty Square Mall.
+65 6634 7954
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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4. Wok Master (#02-51/52)
Wok Master prides itself on creating dishes the traditional way— in a claypot— and this Tze Char specialist has been winning fans all along the way.
Their finger foods are the best way to ease into your meal. The Handmade Prawn Rolls (S$12 for 6pcs, S$18 for 9 pcs) contain chopped water chestnut besides the prawn and minced pork, all wrapped in fried beancurd. Delicious!
First timers should try their specialty Wok Master’s Premium Claypot (S$30). It is filled with fresh prawns, scallops, clams, fish and veggies. Crab lovers will find the Chilli Crab (price varies) amazing. The stir-fried chilli crab is presented in a special chilli sauce, together with eggs and nuts. The mix of crunchy and soft is amazing.
Another of my faves is the Granny’s Braised Pork Belly (S$18 for small, S$26 for medium). Traditionally-prepared, this is brilliant red and served with fried mantou. Wok Master also has a Vegetarian menu and the Claypot Vegetarian Hokkien Mee (S$9.80) is very popular.
+65 6835 9096
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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5. Shi Li Fang Hot Pot (#02-53/54)
Shi Li Fang Hot Pot is a very casual hot pot restaurant. They have a fun vibe, too, with stuffed toys lining the front— they are all up for grabs if you order off the à la carte menu. Shi Li Fang Hot Pot’s soup base range includes Specialty Mala, Nourishing Fish Soup, Beauty Collagen (Chicken) and Tasty Pickled Vegetables.
Whether you are eating alone or with someone, the Super Value single package (S$9.90) is true to its name. You get a pot of 2 soup bases, a drink and a vegetables and egg basket for each. The choices of protein sets include Superior Marbled Pork Slice, Fish & Superior Chicken, Mushroom, and All-in-one.
Then, there are the set meals for groups of 2, 3 and 4 persons. My favourite part, despite the good food, is that you get a free flow of drinks for just SS$0.80. Overall, this is one of the most affordable hot pot chains in town.
+65 6870 8888
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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6. Beyond Pancakes (#02-35/36)
While serving what are arguably the best pancakes in Singapore, Beyond Pancakes has also gone beyond pancakes. They also serve Pannenkoek, Galettes, Pastas, Pizzas, Burgers and Grills.
Pancakes are a breakfast staple but the Big Breakfast Platter here makes it the best meal of the day. It comes with original pancakes, chicken sausages, chipolata, turkey bacon, has browns, scrambled eggs and baked beans, as well as the standard butter and maple syrup.
The most ostentatious item on the menu is undoubtedly the Original Pancakes Stack (S$19.80). Made of a towering stack of 10 Original American Pancakes that combine 2 other items on the menu, the Medium (S$8.90 for 4 pcs) and Tall (S$10.90 for 6 pcs).
You have a choice of toppings that includes Strawberry (S$2.90) and Blueberry (S$2.90). If you are up for the challenge, you can also add Vanilla ice-cream (S$2.50) as well as butter and maple syrup.
+65 6909 6265
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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7. Gado & Grill (#B1-26)
Gado & Grill brings you Indonesian fast food with a traditional twist. On the menu are some of the most recognisable authentic Indonesian street food favourites. That includes the eponymous Gado Gado and Ayam Penyet as well as Grilled Chicken, and their signature creations, GadoMie and NasiGO.
Also on the menu is one of the things that I like to eat more than almost anything else: satay! Gado Grill’s version is called Chunky Satay. The chunks of meat are larger than what you get at most other places and the peanut sauce is to die for.
NasiGo is Indonesian fried rice done in their propreitory way. This dish has been voted by a world panel as being one of the best on the planet and the Gado Grill version shows you exactly why.
It’s only fitting that if you come to a place called Gado Grill that you try the Gado Gado on the menu. Another characteristic Indonesian dish, this is one of my go-to choices when I am looking for a quick meal at City Square Mall.
+65 6988 7204
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
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8. Nagara Thai Gold (#02-23/24)
There are several Nagara Thai branches across Singapore but there is only one Nagara Thai Gold. This is their flagship restaurant where diners can enjoy fresh, fiery Thai cuisine. The best part is that it’s not expensive. We gave them a stellar rating when we visited last and it’s great to see that standards haven’t fallen.
I can never resist adding a Mango Salad (S$6.50) and Spring Roll (S$5 for 6 pieces) to my order here. It’s hard to go past the Deep-fried Honey Chicken (S$9), too. We love the super-spicy Tom Yum Nam Kun (Seafood) (S$12) every time we eat here.
Visit in the later afternoon and you can partake in their daily Thai Beer Happy Hour. 320ml bottles of Singha, Chang and Leo beer as well as 320ml cans of Chang Beer all cost S$8 a piece. Buy any 2 bottles and 1 plate of Deep Fried Chicken Garlic or Pork Garlic for just S$18.
+65 6257 0288
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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9. Chic-A-Boo Chicken Specialty (#01-30/31)
Chic-A-Boo Chicken Specialty is the chicken connoisseur at City Square Mall. The fare here is inspired by the American South that is big on hefty portions of lip-smacking good food.
They have recently reintroduced the Creamy Chicken Potpie (S$7.50) and the Japanese Curry Chicken Potpie (S$8.50) to the menu. This is a bun filled with your stuffing of choice and is one of the nicest savoury pastries I’ve ever tasted!
Their Japanese Curry Rice Bundle (S$12) has curry rice with your choice of Ebi Fry, Chicken Fillet or Fried Fish as well as a SJORA mango Peach drink.
Kids have a choice of 2 meals. Set A (S$6.30) comes with Mac & Cheese, 3 chicken nuggets, french fries, corn niblets and a packet drink. In Set B (S$7.30), there are 2 pieces of fish bite, 2 pieces of chicken fillet, french fries, corn niblets and a drink. There are 2 Student meals as well, one priced at S$9.50 and the other at S$11.50.
+65 6634 2723
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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10. Tokyo Shokudo (#02-39/40)
Tokyo Shokudo brings together all the best (and most loved by Singaporeans) Japanese food, including Ramen, Tsukemen, Tendon (tempura donburi) and Toji. They are known for their delicious range of 4 Ramen soup bases: Original, Tom Yum, Spicy and Yuzu. Tokyo Shokudo also has serves Tempura Rice Sets and other classic Japanese Rice Sets.
One of my tried-and-tested favourites from the Original Ramen range is the Chicken Chashu Ramen (S$11.50 for 2 pieces). If you have a bigger appetite or are sharing, the Chicken Chashu Ramen (S$15.00 for 4 pieces) is a good upsize deal. For a bit of heat, ask for the Chicken Chashu Spicy Ramen (S$14.00).
From the Tendon tempura rice bowls, the Signature Tendon (S$16.00) is nice but the Ebi Tendon (S$19.50) is worth the price, too. For side dishes, my recommendations are the Chuka Wakame (Seasoned Sesame Seaweed Salad) (S$7) and Mixed Tempura (S$15.00).
There is the standard range of soft drinks, Ice Milo (S$4.50) and Milo Dinosaur (S$6) but the Houji Tea (Hot) (S$2.50) and Houji Tea (Cold) (S$2.50) are better.
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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10 best restaurants & bars in Clarke Quay for an exciting night out
10 best places to eat at NEX mall from ramen to hotpot
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