33 best places to grab some grub in the food haven of Katong & East Coast [Dec 2024 update]

Given the wide variety of restaurants, hipster joints and hawker delights that pepper the streets of Katong/East Coast, it’s a bona fide foodie paradise. With so many great choices, you need a filtered list of the best places to grab some grub in Katong and East Coast.

I’m an Eastie who lives in the area so you’re in excellent hands. From German beer bars and floral-flavoured ice cream to wanton noodles and old-school cakes, here are 33 scrumptious spots in the Katong and East Coast area just waiting to be discovered.

1. Katong Mei Wei

One of Katong’s most precious gems is Katong Mei Wei. Hiding in the basement of Katong Shopping Centre is one of its best-kept secrets. With this chicken rice joint being one of the best in Singapore, there is no way that it wouldn’t be on this list.

I recommend the Roasted Chicken Rice (S$7.70), Steamed Chicken Rice (S$7.70) and a serving of Salted Fish Bean Sprouts (S$6.30 for small). As an added bonus, these sets also come with a huge bowl of soup and achar completely free. Talk about truly getting bang for every buck! 

The chicken is unbelievably silky and smooth while the skin still has a little texture to it. On the tender and flavourful side thanks to the sesame-oil base, it makes for an incredible accompaniment to the rice. With 25 years under its belt, Katong Mei Wei will definitely leave you more than satisfied.

865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-85/87, Singapore 437844
+65 9789 6073
Tue: 10.45am – 7.15pm
Thu to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Closed on Mon & Wed

2. Etna Italian Restaurant 

For something a little fancier for weekday dinners, Etna Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, complete with a Silician flair. With ingredients imported from Italy, this ristorante focuses on providing top-notch Italian fare. 

The kitchen is helmed by Italian Executive Chef Anna Borrasi, whose fame partly stems from her founding of the renowned iO Italian Osteria. That bundle of experience shines through in the food here, too.

Truffle lovers will adore the Ciriole alla Norcina (S$30) with its house-made pasta laced with truffle paste and a load of mushrooms. However, many good things have been said about Etna’s pizzas, and their signature Etna Pizza (S$28) in particular. 

For dessert, their Tiramisù al Pistacchio di Bronte (S$16) known for its unique twist on the classic Italian treat is the must-try. Made with authentic pistachio paste from Sicily, Italy, that nutty flavour blends perfectly with the mascarpone. Truly the best way to end off a meal!

110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298
+65 6444 9530
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
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3. Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe

Just opposite i12 Katong, Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe (formerly known as Ninethirty) is well-loved by all. It is famous for its wide selection of brunch and dinner items as well as their famous chocolate desserts. As their flagship store, this hardcore chocolate joint makes for an awfully great place for a catchup with friends!

Of course, the wow factor has to be this outlet’s live chocolate taps, with 3 different chocolate types available — 45% Dark Milk, 60% Dark Chocolate and 70% Dark Chocolate. Used in their hot drinks like Hot Chocolate (S$8) and Chocolate Espresso (S$8), the richness of the fresh cocoa is truly unbeatable! 

On the other hand, this flagship store is also crowded during dinner time thanks to their affordable 2-course Dinner Set (S$25+). Among their 6 appetisers, the Braised Angus Mille-feuille really blew me away, with the wonderful contrasting flavour profiles. Besides acidity from the bits of garlic tomato and savoury beef brisket, there’s even cacao gravy to stay true to their chocolate origins. 

131 East Coast Road, Singapore 428816
+65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
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4. Katong Yong Tau Foo

Another yong tau foo stall that is sure to leave you entirely satisfied is Katong Yong Tau Foo nestled in Katong Shopping Centre (which is also home to many of my faces like the previously mentioned Katong Mei Wei as well as Dona Manis Cake Shop).

They are widely known for their one-of-a-kind Laksa Yong Tau Foo (S$6.40 for 7 items) for all the good reasons. I could really taste the fragrant coconut milk and the nutty aftertaste from the laksa leaves, which are a fantastic combination of milky and spicy. Costing just an additional S$0.80, the broth is not to be missed during your visit!

There are other unique ingredients like handmade dumplings, boiled yam cubes, beancurd skin stuffed with handmade fish paste and carrot cubes, and more. 

865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-85/87, Singapore 437844
Fri to Wed: 9.30am – 7.30pm
Closed on Thu

5. Beach Road Prawn Noodle House 

How can we leave out the famous Beach Road Prawn Noodle House? Folks who recognise this place will remember it as “The Prawn Mee Place” opposite Caltex that is forever swarming with eager customers. 

Using a recipe that’s nearly a century old, this prawn mee joint has established its presence as one of the forerunners of this Singaporean classic. Even I have to say that the queue is so worth it, since that sweet and full-bodied prawn broth is simply unforgettable.

Here, we have the Jumbo Prawn Mee (S$15) which comes with large meaty tiger prawns that have been conveniently halved and deveined. 

With that flavourful, robust and thick broth, you’ll be licking the bowl clean. The soup is a lot sweeter than what you find elsewhere but still equally slurpable. Plus, the ngoh hiang next door is worth a visit as well.

370 East Coast Road, Singapore 428981
+65 6345 7196
Wed to Mon: 7am – 4pm
Closed on Tue
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6. Baker’s Well

Tracing its humble beginnings back to 2004, Baker’s Well started as a labour of love that produced homemade goods from their ovens for everyone to enjoy. Now, the owner’s niece and partner have pulled together their design and technical skills to rebrand and refurbish Baker’s Well.

What we see today is a beautiful shopfront with an artistic concept that encompasses the interior of the bakery cafe. Baker’s Well serves an array of delicious artisan bakes ranging from bread, cookies and muffins to pastries and cakes.

We tried the Almond Croissant (S$5) during my visit to the bakery cafe. It’s a lot less flaky than your usual croissant and with a thicker, starchier consistency that has a texture similar to the bread. Fragrant with the scent of almonds, each bite was sweet and delicate.

All I needed was a steaming cappuccino and we could call it a day.

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35 East Coast Road, Singapore 428754
+65 6348 6864
Daily: 8am – 9pm
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7. Al Forno

I have been frequenting Al Forno for as long as I can remember (since I was a little kid), and it never fails to impress each time. As one of the best Italian restaurants around, Al Forno is not a place you should miss out on, especially since you’re able to witness the whole pizza-making process there.

From kneading the dough to shoving the pizzas into the pizza oven, all the kitchen action makes for an experience to remember. Their method imparts a unique smoky flavour to their pizzas, and it is no wonder that their pizzas are a notch above the rest. 

My all-time favourites include the Pizza Primavera (S$28), topped off with wild rocket and parma ham, and Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia (Squid Ink Pasta) (S$27). Even just a simple Pizza Margherita (S$23) will do wonders for your tastebuds.

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400 East Coast Road, Singapore 428996
+65 6348 8781
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2pm & 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
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8. Zaffron Kitchen

A place for authentic North and South Indian cuisine, Zaffron Kitchen‘s fare is a testament to delicious Indian food. Having won many accolades, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand 5 times, this Indian restaurant is the place to go if you’re craving good old-fashioned favourites from the tandoor and zesty curries.

Many praise the Dahi Puri (S$8.50), which is a popular snack that originated from Mumbai, India. Stuffed with an assortment of chutneys and finished with a light topping of muruku, this filled puri shell makes for quite the flavour bomb!

Of course, the classic here is the Butter Chicken Curry (S$19.90). It is lighter compared to the other curries, thanks to its tomato, cashew nuts and butter gravy base. Along with charred chicken, this curry tastes divine with some naan. If you are feeling extra indulgent, get the Cheese Naan (S$8.30) for some of that cheese pull. 

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137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428820
+65 6440 6786
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 9.30pm
Fri: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm
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9. Baba Chews

With all the vibrant shophouses and Peranakan-tiled floors that the Katong/Joo Chiat area is known for, it would be remiss to not include iconic Baba Chews on this list. 

As a modern Peranakan restaurant that aims to fuse their local dishes with well-known Western favourites, this eatery stands out from the traditional ones. With unique dishes like Otah You Tiao (S$16) and Char Siew Donburi (S$21), their menu is a series of interesting discoveries.

One such dish is the Chicken Lasagne (S$22). It’s a beautiful mess on a plate, and cut into it to reveal multiple layers of pasta sheets and minced chicken. The combination of aromatic rendang and savoury cheese works well, and the cheese helps to mellow the heat from the rendang. 

Those who love a good mix of fusion dishes are sure to adore what Baba Chews has to offer. Even their Chendol (S$12) has a modern flair that you can look forward to!

86 East Coast Road, Katong Square, Singapore 428788
+65 6723 2025
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
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10. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen

A little down the road from Baba Chew lies Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen. A more traditional establishment, this is for those who tend to be more of a purist when it comes to Peranakan cuisine.

Situated amongst a stretch of Peranakan shophouses along Joo Chiat Road, Old Bibik’s is helmed by Mr Adrian who is Peranakan himself. Many of the recipes used in the restaurant were passed down from Mr Adrian’s late grandmother.

While Mr Adrian has faithfully followed his grandmother’s recipes, he has also added some twists to keep up with the times.

One such dish is their Tofu Buah Keluak (S$16), consisting of fried pieces of tofu with a creamy and smooth buah keluak sauce. A play on textures and deep complex flavours, this was a refreshing change to the usual ayam buah keluak.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo

328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-02, Singapore 427585
+65 8450 7996
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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11. Dona Manis Cake Shop

This was my mom’s secret place to get killer local treats like their famous Banana Pie and other old-school goodies. Don’t be fooled by the dingy exterior of Dona Manis Cake Shop because their items sell out like, well, hotcakes.

Having been around for over 30 years, this traditional cake shop has now garnered quite the reputation, thanks to the many stellar reviews it has received. Nowadays, you are extremely lucky to even get a slice after mid afternoon.

This delicate slice of Banana Pie (S$3.50 per slice, S$35 for a whole pie) is skillfully layered and packed with caramelised banana slices, then sprinkled with chopped nuts. It is on the less sweet side to cater to the older crowd. Personally, I am extra biased towards the crust’s light buttery taste. 

865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-93, Singapore 437844
+65 6440 7688
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Mon
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12. Ponggol Nasi Lemak

No stranger to long, snaking queues, Ponggol Nasi Lemak has a reputation that speaks for itself. Known for their amazing juicy and crispy fried chicken as well as other nasi padang dishes, Ponggol Nasi Lemak is not a place you visit just once. They already have 3 specialty stores  and the Tanjong Katong one is the most popular.

With their tried and tested recipe for nasi lemak, it’s no wonder that Ponggol Nasi Lemak is a favourite haunt for Easties. Their coconut rice will definitely appeal to the coconut lovers as it is extra fragrant. Particular about personalising your nasi lemak? No sweat, as this joint has over 20 side dishes to choose from! 

However, Ponggol Nasi Lemak is especially famous for their delightfully crispy Chicken Wings (S$2 for 1). Who can deny that satisfying crunch of chicken skin? A word of advice would be to dip it into the sambal for some added kick. 

238 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437026
+65 6287 0020
Fri to Wed: 4.30pm – 11.30pm
Closed on Thu
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13. Micro Bakery (The Red House)

Just like their Botanic Gardens outlet, Micro Bakery (The Red House) focuses on high-quality, naturally leavened homemade sourdough. Having moved into historical landmark The Red House, this bakery makes for a great place to have a tasty brunch and take a trip down memory lane, thanks to the building’s rich history. 

What better way to enjoy sourdough than to get an Avocado Toast or, in this case, the Green Goddess Avocado Tartine (S$19)? With a hefty amount of smooth avocado paired with a topping of pistachio dukkah, the soft sourdough led my mouth to complete euphoria. Any bread connoisseur can tell that this sourdough is legit, with its perfect balance of acidity. 

Besides their beautiful smorgasbord of sourdough loaves, brownies and muffins, their brunch menu is pretty much the same with the likes of the well-loved Grilled 4 Cheese Sandwich (S$16) gracing the menu.

63 East Coast Road, The Red House, #01-06, Singapore 428776
+65 8879 4890
Wed to Fri: 8.30am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 5pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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14. Bei-Ing Wanton Noodles (美樱云吞面)

Bei-Ing Wanton Noodles (美樱云吞面) is a good bet for any day you are in the East. Having been in operation since 1984, this wanton noodle shop promises good ol’ wanton noodles but with a modern twist.

You’ll notice right off the bat that Bei-ing serves Malaysia-style wanton mee, which comes with egg noodles in black sauce to give it a rich umami flavour. Their Char Siew Wanton Noodle (S$7/S$8) comes with thick slices of glistening barbecued pork alongside fried and steamed wantons.

The noodles are perfectly springy, coming apart easily with the gentlest bite. Despite their thickness, they are still able to soak up the sweet and savoury black sauce and its flavours. We love the char on the char siew which gives them an irresistible smoky flavour.

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50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, #01-64, Singapore 428769
+65 6440 9511
Sat to Thu: 12pm – 4.30pm
Fri: 12.30pm – 4.30pm

396 East Coast Road, The Bullion Hawker Bar, Singapore 428994
+65 9046 7176
Mon & Wed: 11am – 3pm & 5pm – 8pm
Tue: 11am – 8pm
Thu: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 8.30pm
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15. Dragoncity Claypot Frog Porridge

Who doesn’t like a good frog leg porridge for supper? Dragoncity Claypot Frog Porridge in Joo Chiat is open till the wee hours of the morning, so if you’re feeling peckish after a late-night movie, you’ll know where to go. It’s known to be crowded after 6pm, so book ahead to not be disappointed.

Their longtime favourite of Dried Chilli Frog (S$14/S$20/S$26/S$33/S$38) continues to capture customers’ hearts, but this frog porridge joint is well-known for their other frog dishes, too. Another must-order would be the Frog Porridge (S$9/S$17/S$23) which is a lighter, less spicy version.

Mala fans will be elated to know that there are several options — Mala Sotong (S$18/S$26) and Mala Pork (S$16/S$22/S$28), both perfect for curbing cravings.

180 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427451
+65 9446 4666
Daily: 4pm – 2am
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16. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice

As the name suggests, this chicken rice specialist is top-notch and worth every star bestowed upon it. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice is no stranger to long queues and attracts a huge crowd come dinner time. While there are now a couple of outlets around Singapore, folks still believe that this flagship outlet in Katong is the best.

With each portion of Kampung Chicken Rice selling at S$7, it is undeniable that the price is on the higher side. However, it is oh so worth it, thanks to its high quality. 

The chicken is nice and lean while the rice is fragrant without being overly greasy. It’s always contentious to dub any place as having the best chicken rice, so the jury is still out on that one. I guess you’ll have to head down to check it out yourself.

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191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897
+65 6344 5911
Daily: 11am – 2am
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17. 326 Katong Laksa

Often raved about by laksa lovers all over Singapore, this particular 328 Katong Laksa stall is believed to be the original Katong Laksa. Still, if you are a real Katong-nite you’ll know that’s not entirely true.

This may also be known to many for being the laksa joint that beat famous chef Gordon Ramsay at the Singtel Hawker Heroes Challenge in 2013. Clearly, many Singaporeans’ curiosity was piqued after that exciting battle. 

With a light and flavourful broth, each bowl of Laksa (S$7.30/S$9.30) does have an extremely well-balanced flavour profile. The broth easily hits savoury and salty notes to perfection with the inclusion of dried shrimp. 

Some do say that this joint is a little over-commercialised but 328 Katong Laksa still serves up bowl after bowl of scrumptious laksa that’s well-loved by many.

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51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
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18. Janggut Laksa @ Roxy Square

A stone’s throw from 328 Katong Laksa is the highly underrated Janggut Laksa. With a history as rich as their laksa broth, it’s hard to resist a bowl. This store is said to be one of the first to sell this Singaporean classic, but that’s a huge claim that has sparked quite the debate on which is the OG stall.

The Janggut Laksa (S$6/S$7/S$8) is certainly different from other laksas that I’ve tried. The most significant difference is the gravy; instead of the usual thick gravy, the one served here is more of a soup, which is light and very easy to drink.

This broth has plenty for you to appreciate, thanks to the strong coconut flavour and rich umami. Spice-shy diners will be able to take this bowl of goodness without breaking a sweat, too. Similar to the 328 Katong Laksa version, the noodles here are cut short for easier slurping, which earns a brownie point from me!

50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, #01-64, Singapore 428769
Daily: 10.30am – 4.30pm
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19. Brotzeit German Beer Bar & Restaurant

A homegrown brand conceived in 2006, Brotzeit German Beer Bar & Restaurant aims to introduce Singaporeans to authentic German cuisine and world-famous German beer in a chic and contemporary setting. Perfect for a catch-up with friends or family, this place provides a great combination of booze and grub.

Brotzeit currently operates 4 outlets across Singapore. One of them is housed in a row of conservation shophouses in the heart of Katong.

If you come as a big group, their platters are perfect for sharing. For a group of 4 to 6 people, the Signature Brotzeitplatte (S$138) contains classic German dishes like honey-glazed pork ribs and pork schnitzels as well as their premium sausage selection.

For smaller groups, dishes like their pork-cheese sausage Käsekrainer (S$20) or the BBQ Schweinshaxn Burger (S$21) are perfect. Some of the dishes even come with beer pairing recommendations; it would be a shame to miss out on them during your visit!

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126 East Coast Road, Singapore 428811
+65 6348 7050
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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20. Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique

You’ll smell Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique before you see it. The heady inviting aroma of their thyme-flavoured cone wafts through the air and has proved to draw in crowds from far and wide. Plus, there’s a pretty wall for all obligatory Instagram shots of your cone of the day.

Get a Single Scoop at S$5.50 and a Double at S$9 in more guilt-free ways than one – their cups are made from sugarcane pulp which is good news for the environment! The scoops in cones go at S$6.80 for Single and S$10.30 for Double.

Popular flavours include Strawberry Basil, Pandan and White Chrysanthemum.

The Strawberry Basil was delightfully light and not as sweet as I thought it would be while Pandan would satisfy anyone craving something full-bodied and local. My favourite, though, has to be White Chrysanthemum. I haven’t even mentioned Mango Sorbet, Pistachio, Basil and Lychee Raspberry which are just some of the crowd pleasers here.

63 East Coast Road, The Red House, #01-05, Singapore 428776
+65 9678 6092
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
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21. An Acai Affair

Although the acai craze has died down, many folks (including me) deem it a to-die-for snack. In a hipster neighbourhood such as Katong, An Acai Affair fits right in with the cluster of yoga and barre studios nearby.

Founded by SMU Business students Anna Ng and Isabel Lee, the franchise now has a whopping 15 branches, earning them the title of Singapore’s largest acai speciality cafe. With their pride in serving acai that’s completely organic and free of preservatives, it’s no wonder that this brand is so beloved on our sunny island.

With options like Mango Tango (S$7.50/S$10.80/S$16.40), these healthy bowls are set to give your body a treat, as well as sweeten up those Instagram feeds. Locked in with an array of fresh fruits, mango sorbet and a dollop of superfood acai, it’s the perfect bowl of goodness for any occasion.

There is even a Make Your Own Bowl (S$7.50/S$10.80/S$16.40) where you are free to customise to your heart’s content. This is definitely my go-to option every time I’m here to satisfy my fruity cravings. 

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101 East Coast Road, Singapore 428796
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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22. Jin Yu Man Tang Dessert Shop 金玉满堂

Tucked away on one side of The Flow @ East Coast, Jin Yu Man Tang 金玉满堂 is the place to find great Cantonese desserts. As much as we love our acai and fancy ice cream, nothing warms the soul quite like a comforting bowl of traditional dessert.

With a solid 95 menu options (yes, really), there are a boatload of different tastes to choose from. Be it a hot or cold dessert, sweet or salty, the possibilities of what to pick are truly mind-boggling.

From Signature Ginger Milk Pudding (S$5.30), Double Layered Milk Pudding + Red Bean (S$4.80) to Peach Gum + Milk + Mango (S$6.70), it’s delicious desserts galore. 

We particularly relish the Ginger Milk Pudding, where special milk is poured into a ginger mixture and allowed to solidify. Every spoonful of the quivering pudding was silky-smooth bliss. It had a certain lightness to it, with a pleasant ginger fragrance that gradually built up, leaving me feeling all warm on the inside.

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66 East Coast Road, The Flow @ East Coast, #01-03, Singapore 428778
+65 6214 3380
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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23. Neptune

Billing itself as the place for food, coffee and natural wines, Neptune is one of my faves in the area. To add to that, the cafe is decked out in a calming sage green that is very in-vogue. The soft glowing orb lamps will make your pan for Instagram all the better.

As with any cafe, it’s always a hodge-podge of dishes that caters to the mercurial tastebuds of the Singaporean diner. Even so, there are always a few reliable dishes like the Shrimp Scampi (S$22.70) that comes with ribbons of tagliatelle dressed in garlic butter shrimp sauce with a crispy shallot panko sauce. 

Desserts are undoubtedly my favourite part of the meal and Neptune does not disappoint in that regard. Between the Sticky Date Pudding (S$15) and Passionfruit Pie (S$8.10), I would urge you to go for the Sticky Date Pudding.

237 East Coast Road, Singapore 428930
+65 6970 7305
Tue to Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
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24. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

It was to many people’s delight that Chin Mee Chin Confectionery returned to its OG home in Tanjong Katong in September 2021. Although the confectionery has partnered with Ebb & Flow Group which is famous for other successes such as Tigerlily Patisserie and The Dragon Chamber, rest assured that the classic traditional taste is not lost!

Their Kaya Toast (S$2.60) blew me away completely. We’re talking soft brioche toasted over a charcoal fire, upon which the velvetiest homemade kaya rests along with a perfect square of slightly melted butter. You might call me melodramatic, but if the toast asked me to elope in Las Vegas, I’d gladly accept.

However, there are also modern treats to try! Decadence was the Cheesecake Brownie’s (S$2.80) middle name. It gives you a perfect combination of creamy savoury and sweet flavours that just melt in your mouth. Peanut butter fans will adore the Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart (S$2.40), which comes with a crunchy tart shell along with some rich chocolate and peanut butter filling.

204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903
Tue to Thu: 8am – 4pm
Fri: 8am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm & 6pm – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Mon
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25. Cheeky Bee Hoon

One of the freshest entries on our list, Cheeky Bee Hoon works on quite an intriguing concept. Helmed by Chef Darwin Wong, this bee hoon joint sets expectations high with the entire kitchen crew made up of fine-dining chefs. 

Cheeky Bee Hoon’s main dishes are bee hoon (obviously) in 3 different forms— Soup (S$8.90), Dry (S$8.90) and Braised Pork (S$8.90). While they are all priced the same, Chef recommends the Soup and Braised Pork, which involves 2 starkly different flavour profiles that will be worth your while.

Containing an extra heaty kick, the Braised Pork’s bee hoon is one-of-a-kind, best described as vermicelli’s curly twin. Extremely QQ and full of a savoury yet sharp spices, this bowl only lasted us a matter of minutes. Scared of it being jelak? Get the coriander sauce as an excellent refreshing dip and you will not regret it. 

37 East Coast Road, Singapore 428755
Daily: 10am – 9pm
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26. Two Men Bagel House

Two Men Bagel House chain has garnered quite a following. Selling chunky bagels packed full of hearty ingredients, this bagel joint has captured many folks’ hearts (and stomachs). 

With a totally Gen-Z motto — Artisanal without the bullshit — Two Men Bagel House truly puts it into practice by involving fancy ingredients like capers and camembert cheese sauce. Talk about bougie! 

The definite must-orders here are the Joo Chiat-exclusive bagelwiches. There are a total of 4, including Fred Peri (S$17), filled with peri chicken, a sunny side-up, arugula and green-chilli mayo, Piggy Smalls (S$18), a spiced pork jowl bagel, and Black Diamond (S$19), perfect for beef steak fans.

Order Delivery: Deliveroo

465 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427677
+65 6241 3061
Daily: 8am – 3.30pm
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27. Wan Mei Dessert

Need an icy dessert to cool off from Singapore’s heat? Wan Mei Dessert has got you covered with their plethora of local shaved ice concoctions. Those who know Chinese may have chuckled at the humorous wordplay of the name, which originated from the phrase 完美 which means ‘perfect’ in English. 

Wan Mei’s unique factor is that they give you the option to completely customise your shaved ice with their Shaved Ice Set (S$10.90). From the shaved ice flavour, syrup and toppings, the choice is completely yours! 

There were lots of options to choose from, including wacky flavours like Milo Dinosaur and Matcha, and syrups such as Calpis and Gula Melaka. Don’t even get me started on the toppings like Mini Mochi and Pandan Sago, which definitely left me spoilt for choice. 

For the folks who prefer more ‘normal’ fare, there are less adventurous options like Orh Nee (S$5.90) and Yuzu Ice Dessert (S$5.90)  Less creative, yes, but still equally as delicious. 

Order Delivery: Deliveroo

11 East Coast Road, The Odeon Katong, #01-14, Singapore 428722
+65 8884 9248
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 10pm
Closed on Tue
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28. Forma

Up to this day, I have still been unable to get a reservation at upscale trattoria Forma for a bite of their handmade pasta. Helmed by pasta artisan Yumhwa Lee of private diner Ben Fatto, this place prides itself on its old-school pasta preparation methods. 

Yes, you heard that right. Making pasta using methods that pre-date modern pasta-crafting technology, each strand or piece of noodle is shaped and crafted by a nimble set of hands.

Another wow factor is that the pasta menu changes every season, showcasing different pasta shapes in a variety of flavour profiles. Try their unique pastas like Bigoli col Consiero (S$32), featuring hand-extruded long egg pasta, duck ragu, savoy cabbage and parmigiano reggiano D.O.P.

Don’t miss the Costata di Manzo (S$88), an Australian black Angus steak dish that is MB4 and 200-day grain fed.

128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638
+65 6513 2286
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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29. June Coffee

This one’s for all the cafe hoppers out there. June Coffee has become a pretty popular spot in the East Coast for those seeking a chill respite from the hustle and bustle of life. Due to the popularity of the cafe, you may have to expect a longer waiting time to get a table, depending on whether you visit during peak hours or not.

I opted for the Miso Carbonara (S$19) as my main— this scrumptious pasta dish was incredibly rich and creamy, with the umami-ness of the miso complementing the milkier flavours of the cream. I would highly recommend the Truffle Tater Tots (S$8 for half portion), which were so crispy and had a pretty strong truffle aroma.

Black sesame lovers have to go for the Muah Chee Croissant Cube (S$7), which was filled with black sesame paste and a blob of silky mochi within. Of course, June Coffee offers a huge variety of Instagram-worthy drinks. My Taro Matcha Latte (S$8) was earthy and sweet, with the taro element working surprisingly well with the fresh matcha.

49 East Coast Road, Singapore 428768
Tue to Thu: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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30. Lau Hong Ser Rojak

Founded in 1974, Lau Hong Ser Rojak is a stall with loads of history. The OG founder, Mr Lim, started here helping out his dad when he was still in secondary school and has now taken over with his wife. Take note of the famously long waiting times, that can span up to 30 minutes.

The stall offers 2 renditions of rojak. The original Rojak comes in 5 different sizes, ranging from S$3 to S$8, and includes all your classic ingredients, including pineapples, cucumbers, turnips and youtiao. This savoury plate packs a punch from the shrimp paste, though it errs a bit on the sweeter side.

They also offer a more unique rojak served with century egg and cuttlefish for S$6, if you’d like to try something more experimental.

271 Onan Road, Dunman Food Centre, #02-14, Singapore 424768
+65 6346 6519
Mon, Tue, Thu to Sat: 3pm – 2am
Closed on Wed & Sun
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31. Mrs Hen

Challenge your tastebuds when you dine at Mrs Hen, located within East Village. This ayam geprek joint allows you to pick from 4 different spice levels, with a huge variety of sauces for your perusal.

The mains start from S$7.80. Begin by choosing 1 of 4 proteins, including the signature Ayam Geprek (+S$1.20) and Ikan Geprek (+S$2.20), before selecting a base of Nasi, Nasi Kuning (+S$2), Indomie (+S$2) or Salad (+S$2).

Finally, pick your topping choice, such as the Sambal Signature, Sambal Hijau or Sambal Matah. Opt for all 3 with the Sambal Platter (+S$1). Perhaps spice isn’t for you— not to worry, for Mrs Hen also has Saus Telur Asin (Salted Egg) (+S$2) and Saus Goreng Mentega (Soy Butter) (+S$2).

430 New Upper Changi Road, #01-43, Singapore 487048
+65 6208 2082
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm
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32. Stirling Steaks

Calling all those with an insatiable appetite for steak— Stirling Steaks is the perfect spot for your next lunch or dinner date. Their “Eat All You Can” Steak Buffet grants you 60 minutes of free-flow steaks, meats, salad and fries at S$40++ per pax for lunch and S$45++ per pax for dinner.

Indulge in as much Sirloin Picanha and Hanger as your heart desires, as well as Grilled Beef Shabu, Grilled Pork Shabu, Chicken Thigh, Dory Fillet and Garden Salad & Fries. All steaks will be served with medium doneness by default.

Is 60 minutes not enough for you to enjoy your meal? Opt to top up S$5++ for 30 minutes or S$8++ for an unlimited dining time.

115 East Coast Road, Singapore 428804
+65 8856 6101
Daily: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
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33. T.G. Fish Porridge

Within Haig Road Market & Food Centre, you’ll find T.G. Fish Porridge, a stall run by an elderly couple. With a range of fish-based dishes, seafood fans will certainly want to make a trip down to the East for this.

The Sliced Fish Bee Hoon (S$6/S$8/S$10) is a popular delicacy sold here, though if you prefer rice, go for the Sliced Fish with Rice (S$6.50) instead.

The huge chunks of fish are fresh and firm, nicely balanced out by the light saltiness of the soup. The strong flavour and smell of the fish permeates into the other elements of the soup, even the vegetables. The additional seaweed, cabbage and anchovies add a well-rounded flavour to the whole dish.

14 Haig Road, #01-50, Singapore 430014
Tue to Sat: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Sun & Mon

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