Burpple - New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars In Singapore: January 2017
Get your tummy ready for some stellar Nanjing dishes in Plaza Singapura, amazing bakes in Serene Centre and affordable ramen to-go in Marina Bay Sands. Also, find out where to go for a garden-themed tea break with the colleagues in the CBD in this Newly Opened update — 10 more places added for 10 new dining experiences! Know of any new, Burpple-worthy places that we MUST share with the community? Drop us an email at editorial.sg@burpple.com!. This article was originally published on burpple.com. Download the app for iPhone and Android now at burpple.com/getapp!
1. The Bakery by Woodlands Sourdough
For Freshly Baked Breads in the West For Freshly Baked Breads in the West
Appearing in farmer's markets over the last four years, this micro bakery has now settled in a small brick-and-mortar bakeshop in Serene Centre, much to the delight of Burpplers. Located next to Sugarhaus, this humble bakery cranks out whole loaves of sourdough, toasts, sandwiches and excellent coffee — perfect for slow mornings. From the toast menu, go for the Nut Butter, Honey and Sea Salt ($3.50) that the Burpple community really loves, as well as the Sage Cream Cheese and Berry Compote ($4). All toast toppings are made in house! From their selection of hot pressed sandwiches, try the comforting Kimchee + Cheddar ($7) for a warm, simple lunch. Wash it down with a Hand Brew ($5) or Cold Brew ($5.50). Before leaving, select a loaf of excellent sourdough to bring home! Note that favours differ daily (check their Facebook page). Pro tip: For better storage, they don't slice the loaf for you and recommend you to slice only as needed. No gluten-free options available. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burppler Jonathan Wong2. STRAY by Fatcat
For Chinese-Inspired Cafe Fare For Chinese-Inspired Cafe Fare
Opened by the team behind FATCAT Ice Cream Bar in Bedok, Stray serves up modern Chinese food, although we wouldn't have guessed based on their hipster, minimalist setting. They currently serve a compact soft launch menu, with lunchtime eats being the most value-for-money as dishes each come with a complimentary tea or coffee. Try the inspired Salmon Yu-Sheng Bowl ($18 for lunch special, a la carte $20), topped with plump cuts of marinated salmon, golden crackers, aromatic fried ginger and the obligatory wobbly onsen egg. The Black Pepper Wagyu Bowl ($20 for lunch special, a la carte $22) is great for a meatier option. You'll also find their signature dessert Spheres ($12 for a set of three), wobbly, pop-in-the-mouth treats served bite-sized on spoons. When the full menu launches (some time in February, according to the chatty servers), expect more daring Chinese-inspired creations like truffle paper-wrapped chicken. Avg Price: $20 per person Photo by Burppler Leigh Khoo3. Fruce
For Interesting Fruit Juices in Town For Interesting Fruit Juices in Town
Fruce, derived from the words "fruits" and "fusion", is a colourful grab-and-go concept in the basement of Wisma Atria that serves delicious concoctions of desserts and juices combined. There are four categories of drinks (Coconuts, Fusion, Refresh and Top it Up) that are available in two sizes, medium or large. Go for the crowd favourite Avocado Coconut (from $4) — a creamy blend of avocado and smooth Thai coconut extract that comes with yummy coconut bits. For the more adventurous drinkers, try the Pumpkin Kuromitsu (from $3.80). Fresh pumpkin flesh is roasted, blended to a smooth paste before topping it with Kuromitsu foam made from Japanese brown sugar. It's bright orange hue may raise some eyebrows, but one sip and you'll be sold like us! Pro tip: The drinks are good on its own, but if you prefer having it less sweet, there's an option to do so. Avg Price: $5 per person Photo by Burppler Diana Tan4. Wildseed
For Laidback Brunch in the East For Laidback Brunch in the East
Housed in an 80-year-old British Colonial house, this cafe on the grounds of Seletar Aerospace Park is the place to kick back and relax with family. There's plenty of room for kids to run around, especially with the newly built aerospace themed playground. Most of the ingredients used in this farm-to-table cafe are sourced from local and Malaysian farms, with garnishes freshly plucked from the edible garden nearby. Expect hearty sandwiches like the Pork and Krauts ($15) — cured, smoked and slow-cooked pulled pork collar — and The Morocano ($18). The latter features tender three-day braised beef brisket, eggplant stew and sauteed pak choi, slathered with hummus and sesame. Kids will love to snack on the Super Thin Curly Fries (from $11) that come with a side of savoury seaweed mayonnaise. Don't leave without having the freshly baked Pea Flower Coconut Muffin ($6.50) that is infused with natural pea flower extract to give it its bright blue hue, and a nice gula Melaka coconut filling in the centre. Avg Price: $25 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Cassie Ong5. Shop Wonderland
For a Garden-Themed Tea Break in the CBD For a Garden-Themed Tea Break in the CBD
This atmospheric, fauna-inspired space has moved from its Haji Lane digs to Telok Ayer, right beside Sarnies. Those working nearby could come by for lunch savouries like beef goulash and grain bowls (avg price $15), but we think that its tropical garden-like setting makes it more of an oasis for a nature-themed tea break. We do wish they would fill the place with even more blooms though! Desserts wise, they have a tempting display of gorgeous bakes that will have you swooning. We love the Raspberry Pistachio Cake ($8), which is moist and boasts lovely hints of rose. A slice of it pairs very well with a cup of coffee (from $4.20 for an espresso), brewed from beans by Highlander Coffee. Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Muriel A.6. Nanjing Impressions
For Stellar Nanjing Cuisine For Stellar Nanjing Cuisine
Here are two reasons why we'd re-visit this place: the stellar cooking and the unique setting. The restaurant is decked up to resemble olden China, complete with Chinese lanterns, old-school wooden benches and costumed servers. There's plenty to enjoy food-wise too. Try the Jinling Roast Duck (from $16.80/small), which sports tender meat and a tasty herbal sauce. Pair that with the Steamed Glutinous Rice with Pork ($13.80), which Burppler Dex Neo declares to be his favourite dish here. The glutinous rice is steamed with the pork for three hours, resulting in a soft, pillowy parcel fused and flavoured with the pork fat. Take Dex's advice and ask for their chilli oil mix, which is not set out on the table. For something sweet, end with the Honey-Glazed Stuffed Lotus Root ($12.80), which comes stuffed with glutinous rice and slicked in pear-honey syrup. Avg Price: $30 per person Photo by Burppler Dex Neo7. Wheeler's Estate
For an Elegant Date Night in Seletar For an Elegant Date Night in Seletar
Set in the lush surroundings of Selatar Aerospace Park, Wheeler's Estate (by the same guys behind Wheeler's Yard) is far out enough to make a visit feel like an adventure — one that would reward you with good food! Prices are on the high side, but its colonial bulding setting makes it quite romantic, so save this for special date nights or celebrations. If you're in a group, order the fun Pull Apart Breads ($12) to share — we heard the one with cheese and bacon is really good! The portion is generous, so save the tummy space for their mains if it's just the two of you. Try the 300g Ribeye ($45 with one side), not only for its smoky, perfectly grilled meat, but also the delicious side of roasted pumpkin with honey yoghurt. Another favourite is the elegant Flounder ($45), which Burpple Tastemaker Justin Teo describes to be moist, tender and covered in delicious lemony almond crumbs. Avg Price: $80 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Justin Teo8. Ippudo x Kuro-Obi (Marina Bay Sands)
For Takeaway Ramen in MBS For Takeaway Ramen in MBS
Ramen lovers, you'll want to add this to your rotation. Located in the basement of Marina Bay Sands, Ippudo's first quick service outlet, Kuro-Obi, allows you to have your ramen to go. This means no service charge added to the bill, prices are kept under $12, and you can have piping hot ramen by the Singapore River while overlooking the city skyline in the night. It's also great as a quick solo lunch option — orders are made on the spot, and everything is done in just under six minutes. Unlike the famed pork broth used in Ippudo, Kuro-Obi's specialty is their tori-paitan, a silky rich chicken broth that goes perfectly with their tender chicken thigh chashu. There are four flavours available, Kuro-Obi (original), Aka-Obi (spicy shrimp), Cha-Obi (veggie shoyu) and Shiro-Obi (classic). The Aka-Obi ($10) that is loaded with a scoop of spicy shrimps (hae bi hiam) and a drizzle of chili oil gives the ramen just the right amount of kick. Note that not all flavours come with the chicken chashu or Ippudo's famed umami egg, so be sure to have them as add-ons! Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Dex Neo9. Botanico at The Garage
For Cakes and Dinner in a Beautiful Setting For Cakes and Dinner in a Beautiful Setting
Located just a stone's throw away from Botanic Garden MRT Station is The Garage, a two storey colonial house that was formerly a stable for cars. It is now home to two concepts, Bee's Knees and Botanico. By day, Bee's Knees serves hearty meals, cakes and coffee on the first floor, great for chilling out on a weekend with the kids and pets. While the mains at Bee's Knees didn't impress, we recommend ordering the beautiful, floral-themed pastries like the Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart ($7) and the Banoffee Tart ($7) for tea break instead. Come nighttime, the second floor concept, Botanico, dishes out well-executed, beautifully plated dishes in an elegant space, great for a date night. If there's one item on the menu that you must order, let it be the Chargrilled Iberico Pork Belly ($26). The wickedly good dish that Burppler Shawn Loh describes as a "hot, steaming and incredibly soft, moist and fatty porcine kiss" is guaranteed to satisfy all meat lovers. Pro tip: On a cool night, opt to sit outdoors and take in all of the surrounding lush greenery. Avg Price: $40 per person Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh10. Marble Bistro
For Small Plates in an Inviting Space For Small Plates in an Inviting Space
As the Everton Park vicinity continues to thrive with plenty of new openings, Marble Bistro's wallet-friendly small plate dining and stunningly-lit white, marbled space has captured the hearts of our Burpple community. The inviting space, helmed by Culinary Institute of America (CIA) chefs, makes this a great dinner spot with family and friends alike. Start off the meal with the Mushroom Macchiato ($6.50), a trio of portobello, button and shiitake mushroom essence that takes six hours to prepare. Served in a clear cup, the soup is made to look like a "macchiato" — dark brew mushroom essence to mimic coffee, and truffle foam as the milk froth. For mains, follow Burpple Tastemaker Acamas Teo's lead and order the Beef Steak ($16), a juicy, six-hour sous vide flank cut served with seasonal greens, baked mushroom and cheese. End off with a Double Chocolate Brownie ($7) that comes with a generous scoop of fig and honey ice cream. Avg Price: $25 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Acamas Teo11. Charlie's Peranakan Food (Golden Mile Food Centre)
For Affordable Authentic Peranakan Food For Affordable Authentic Peranakan Food
This humble stall in the basement of Golden Mile Food Centre dishes out authentic Peranakan food at very affordable prices. Chef-owner Charlie is no stranger to the food scene, having set up his previous restaurant along East Coast Road eight years ago. For maximum satisfaction, bring a small group of friends so you can try more dishes. We especially love the Ayam Buah Keluak ($7) — Charlie's rendition sees a generous amount of buah keluak flesh scraped out from its nut, mixed with minced pork before being stuffed back into the shell. It's also used in the gravy, which helps to make it thicker and richer. Share the tender Beef Rendang ($7), Chap Chye ($2) and the Lok Kai Yik ($20), a Cantonese dish of stewed chicken wings, pork innards and taupok that we hardly see on menus nowadays. Its distinct pink yummy broth comes from long hours of stewing the dish with fermented red yam. So comforting! Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Jeremy Tan12. At The Myo
For Affordable Pastas in Everton For Affordable Pastas in Everton
Previously known as Sebastian's Fusion Cuisine, this humble coffeeshop stall has moved into its new home just a few steps away. It's a reasonably-priced Outram Park standby, and easily our favourite choice in the area for neighbourhood pastas. Located under Block 4 in Everton Park and neighbours to Nylon Coffee Roasters, the Western diner has rebranded to At the Myo and has down-sized its menu, retaining only its best-selling dishes. The offerings are concise and simple — pastas, curry rice and a few moreish sides. As seating is limited, come with a small party, and plan to eat the Spicy Dried Shrimps "HBH" Linguine with Bacon ($12). It's tossed with a handful of hae bi hiam that adds just the right amount of spice to your pasta. Otherwise, you won't go wrong with the classic Bacon Carbonara ($10). Add $1 to complete your meal with a drink — opt for the well-brewed Thai Milk Tea! Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Jean Kao13. Thirteen Hectares of Nutmeg
For Creative Modern Australian Fare For Creative Modern Australian Fare
One thing's for sure at this new bistro-bar by Melbourne chef John-Paul Fiechtner — you won't know what you're eating till you get there, but chances are it'll be creative and tasty. The menu changes daily, depending on what catches his fancy at the local market. The Burpple community has been raving about the Corn, Prawn Head Butter & Croissant ($16), which sees grilled baby corn drizzled with the most umami-tasting prawn head butter, served with an amazingly flaky croissant to mop it up with. We also loved the Liver, White Peach, Cherries, Flowers ($22) — especially how the slight crunch of the peach and the tang of the cherries complemented the silky smooth liver. On top of this, the wines are great and the service is warm and friendly. We can't think of a better way to spend a night out with fellow food lovers! Avg Price: $80 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Fiona Ting14. Xiao Ya Tou
For a Fun Lunch in Duxton Hill For a Fun Lunch in Duxton Hill
Remember when we said we couldn't wait for Xiao Ya Tou's brunch menu (which by the way, has a drool-worthy Unagi Eggs Benedict)? Now, there's also lunch to look forward to! Story goes, when Xiao Ya Tou takes her beauty nap, her lover, Little Husband, cooks on her behalf from 10am to 4pm (weekdays only). Little touches like how the menu is folded into a pocket-sized book and slipped to you discreetly by the staff makes the whole dining experience that much more fun. The menu is simple — two mains, four salads, four sides, one drink and a dessert. The sides and salads were standouts, especially the incredibly moreish Fried Chicken ($14) with a tasty coriander mayo that we're still thinking about, and the shatteringly Crispy Egg Salad ($14) topped with swimmer crabmeat and a tangy Thai dressing. For mains, the Pho ($17) comes with a choice of wagyu striploin or brisket. The slow-cooked broth is not as flavourful as we would have liked it to be, but the meats are cooked expertly. Wash it all down with a cup of Vietnamese Coffee ($6). Avg Price: $25 per person Photo by Burppler Hwans Lim15. Mukshidonna
For Comforting Tteokbokki in the East For Comforting Tteokbokki in the East
Downtown East's recent facelift has seen the introduction of a lot more fun food choices and that includes Mukshidonna, a popular tteokbokki chain from Seoul. We'd read some not so great reviews, so we were pleasantly surprised to have really enjoyed the food! The trick is to let the pan of rice cakes simmer for longer, so the broth cooks down to a thicker and tastier sauce. Bring at least one friend for this meal, as you'll need a minimum of two orders for the rice cakes. Of the five rice cake choices available ($13.90 each), we recommend that you get the beef slices as well as chicken ham, and to order the cheese as an additional topping ($3). Don't miss out on the fried rice ($5, or $7 with cheese), which is cooked in the same pan to soak up all the remaining sauce. Flecked with seaweed and boasting very umami flavours, it was for us the best ending to a very fulfilling meal. Avg price: $20 per person Photo by Burppler Leigh Khoo16. The Coffee Academics (Raffles City)
For Brunch and Excellent Coffee in Town For Brunch and Excellent Coffee in Town
If you're a fan of The Coffee Academics at Scotts Square, then you'll be happy to know they've opened a second outlet. Sandwiched between The Soup Spoon Union and Tiong Bahru Bakery in Raffles City Shopping Centre, this outlet is a scaled down version of the first, with slightly less than half the seating space. The trimmed down menu only offers the best sellers from Scotts Square, alongside some new dishes. Swing by in the day to grab a coffee to go (from $4.50), or have a casual catch up with friends over either their famous Crispy Fish Fillet Tacos ($23) or newcomer The Mess ($20). The latter sees sauteed baby potatoes with spicy chicken sausages and pencil asparagus, with a wobbly poached egg in the centre. They have plans to roll out alcoholic drinks in the near future so mark this down as your next watering hole. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask them for coffee recommendations like we did! Avg Price: $30 per person Photo by Burppler Hengpei Ang17. An Acai Affair
For Pretty Acai Bowls (and Cookie Sauce!) For Pretty Acai Bowls (and Cookie Sauce!)
Just a few doors down from Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique, An Acai Affair is all about acai 'bowls' and smoothies. There are limited seats, so it's best to have your order to go. Here, the acai is served either in coconut husks or takeaway cups, the latter a more convenient (but slightly less Instagrammable) option. What differentiates this spot is the option to pick your own acai bowl toppings (from $6.90) and also the addition of sauce (honey, cookie sauce or peanut butter). It's rare to find llaollao's cookie sauce on the menu, so we highly recommend getting it here. For something beautiful (but still healthy), get the Tropical Coconut Bowl ($6.90) — the acai comes served in a young coconut husk and topped with fresh cut fruits like strawberries, blueberries and coconut shavings. It's utterly refreshing on a warm day, and you can eat the coconut flesh once you're done with the acai. Double win. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua19. Hattendo Cafe
For Oozy Japanese Cream Buns For Oozy Japanese Cream Buns
This 80-year-old bread chain from Japan brings its dough-kneading talents to Singapore with this bakeshop situated in the newly opened Tanjong Pagar Centre. Started by founder and loaf legend, Kaoru Morimitsu, Hattendo serves oozy cream buns made daily as well as ready made salads and coffee from Itsuki Coffee. There are five Cream Buns ($2.50 each) available— Matcha, Custard, Azuki Beans, Chocolate and our favourite, Whipped Cream. It's no wonder why the Whipped Cream is the best seller — the cream is cloud-like and the soft buns are pillowy wonders. Grab a seat to watch the bakers in action through the glass kitchen or buy a box of the baked treats to go for your colleagues or family to share. Pro tip: Follow Burpple Tastemaker Zhihui Lim's lead and get a bun and coffee set ($5) for tea time! Avg Price: $5 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Zhihui Lim20. Pololi
NEW ON DELIVEROO: For Flavourful Poké Bowls in Telok Ayer NEW ON DELIVEROO: For Flavourful Poké Bowls in Telok Ayer
Pololi, which has three locations in Hong Kong, has set up shop in Singapore. The fast-casual spot just minutes away from Telok Ayer MRT Station offers poké bowls to go — a nutritious yet tasty takeaway option for those working nearby. Start by choosing the size, Keiki ($15.99) gets you 150g of fish while Kama'aina ($17.99) gets you 180g, before selecting your base (rice, salad or both). Portions are generous, so small eaters might want to opt for the Keiki instead. They only offer salmon and tuna for protein, with six flavours that are on rotation daily. What makes this poké joint different from others is that you get to sample their flavours before deciding — a handy move when it comes down to choosing between Thai Style Tuna or Spicy Nutty Salmon (trust us, it's a tough decision). Pro tip: Skip the sauces (vinaigrette or soy) when you're ordering — the marinated fish is flavourful enough on its own. Avg Price: $20 per person Photo by Burppler Raine Liu
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