Burpple - New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Singapore: October 2017
Singapore's already exciting food scene is getting buzzier, and we had such fun putting together this week's newly opened guide. From a swanky steakhouse and a laidback Italian brunch spot in the new InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay to excellent coffee in Hillview and hearty brunch grub in Thomson, this week's guide is packed with delicious ideas that'll have die-hard foodies trekking across the island. Enjoy!. This article was originally published on burpple.com. Download the app for iPhone and Android now at burpple.com/getapp!
1. Blackwattle
For Classy Business Lunches in the CBD For Classy Business Lunches in the CBD
A joint venture by Unlisted Collection and award-winning Australian chef Clayton Wells from Sydney's Automata, Blackwattle is the most talked about restaurant of late, and with good reason. The food is outstanding, ambience is befitting of a classy business lunch and prices are reasonable, which is why we've made plans to return as soon as possible. Prices for a two and three-course set lunch start from $38 while a Prix Fixe Five-Course Meal is $115; a la carte items start from $10. Swing by during lunch and have the affordable Three-Course Set Lunch ($48) that comes with an entree of Kingfish Tartare tossed in crème fraîche and topped with capers, yuzu koshō and fresh plums. For mains, follow Burppler Veronica Phua's lead and get the Barramundi that comes served with hispi cabbage "dressed in an insanely yummy kombu butter and dotted with buckwheat" on the side. End your meal with the crowd favourite Pumpkin Seed Sorbet that is surprisingly creamy and rich in flavour. Pro tip: Treat yourself and get items from the a la carte menu like the Stormshell Clam (from $14 a shell) that comes with rosemary dashi and aerated cream as well as the Grilled Duck Hearts ($12) that come with burnt onion mustard and a dash of viking salt. Avg Price: $60 per person Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua2. aRoma (Arab Street)
For Gelato in Kampong Glam For Gelato in Kampong Glam
While exploring the Kampong Glam enclave, cool down and treat yourself to a refreshing scoop of Italian ice cream. This new takeaway shop on Arab Street serves up some seriously good Gelato (from $3.90), and we love the array of flavours that veer off the beaten gelato track — chocolate chilli or orange with ginger, anybody? Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua enjoyed his scoop of strawberry mint gelato, which he describes to be tart, cooling and palate cleansing. For something richer, try the pistachio or the mascarpone with dates and walnuts. Burppler Veronica Phua likes that the gelato here is really thick and smooth, slightly sticky and brims with flavour — exactly how it should be. Avg Price: $5 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua3. Maru Dine & Bar
For a Fun Fusion CBD Lunch For a Fun Fusion CBD Lunch
This new addition to Icon Village is perfect for a fun lunch in the CBD. Don't be put off by the fancy decor — Burppler Jonathan Teo attests to Maru's very reasonable prices. Inspired by the cuisines of Japan, Vietnam and America, the cooking is bold and creative, and absolutely tasty. The Burpple community is really loving the Grilled Pork Jowl ($18) and Spicy Fried Minced Pork ($13) so far. The former turns out super tender pork slicked in wafu sauce and atop rice, while the latter is glazed with fish sauce and spicy miso, and served with springy noodles. Add a squeeze of lime for a good pop of flavour. Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Jonathan Teo4. Ramen Nagi
For Award-Winning Ramen from Tokyo For Award-Winning Ramen from Tokyo
Having set up over 20 stores across Asia, this award-winning ramen chain from Tokyo has finally made its way to our shores. Pop into its Suntec city location for a bowl of steaming, soul warming ramen. Keep it simple with the Original King ($13.90), which sees thin, straight noodles swimming in creamy and rich tonkotsu broth; add a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg for $2. Burpplers with heavier palates may prefer the Black King ($15.90). The noodles come with the signature 'black ball' made from minced pork, black sesame and special spices. Stir it into the already thick broth for extra flavour, but bear in mind that its intensity also means this is unlikey to be a soup that'll have you drinking up every last drop. Pro-tip: Make sure you're not pressed for time when you visit — there is often a queue, especially during peak meal times. Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Dex Neo5. Thus Coffee
For Hearty Brunch in Thomson For Hearty Brunch in Thomson
Located in the sleepy part of Upper Thomson Road near Casuarina Curry, Thus Coffee is a modern cafe that dishes hearty brunch grub and excellent coffee. It's hard to get to, but well worth the trek, plus the ambience is welcoming and inviting — great for catching up with friends on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Share the Crispy Fish Fingers ($12), an addictive starter that pairs well with Craft Beer ($15) from 1925 Brewing Co. Our Burpple community loves the Hearty Chicken Stew ($16), a lusciously rich and creamy chicken stew cooked with potatoes and carrots, served with a slice of toasted multigrain bread. For brunch lovers, you won't go wrong with the THUS Breakfast ($19) that comes with the full works — two wobbly eggs on top of toasted muffins, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, salad and baked beans. Truffle lovers, don't miss out on their Truffle Ice Cream (from $6), a seemingly plain looking ice cream that packs a strong hit of truffle. Weird, but wonderful! Wash it all down with a Flat White ($5) made with beans roasted in-house, or their Iced Green Shot ($6.50), a matcha-based milk drink with two shots of coffee. Avg Price: $25 per person Photo by Burppler Hilary See6. Publico
For a Laidback Italian Brunch For a Laidback Italian Brunch
Set at the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, this vibrant, sprawling space is the latest must-visit place, especially for lovers of Italian food. The multi-concept destination features a restaurant overlooking the Singapore River along with a daytime deli that transforms into a Italian cocktail and dessert come evening. The fun and spacious deli is our favourite concept so far — it serves a scrumptious all-day breakfast menu and coffee from Liberty Coffee, making it one of our top spots for an indulgent weekend brunch, especially when dining in a large group. Settle back for hearty plates like Avocado on Tuscan Toast ($15) and Italian Meatballs Panini ($19), or get your green game one with the Burrata Salad ($19). Save space for the dreamy Profiteroles ($10). Burppler Kris Lim shares that the beautifully dimpled choux puffs are filled with light, airy cream and drizzled over with rich and smooth chocolate sauce. Avg Price: $30 per person Photo by Burppler Kris Lim7. Babao Dessert
For Late Night Asian Sweets For Late Night Asian Sweets
Set along South Bridge Road, a short stroll from the drinking enclaves of both Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, Babao Dessert is the place to go for an Asian dessert fix. Expect traditional Chinese sweet soups like Rice Dumpling in Ginger Soup ($3) and Mango Sago ($4.50), alongside more modern sweets like Japanese shaved ice (kakigori). Burpple Tastemaker Vanessa Kou says that the kakigori here resembles Korean bingsu. She really liked the Cocoa Kakigori ($8.80). Expect a rich, malty treat with crunchy Milo nougats buried under the mountain of shaved ice. The Mango Kakigori ($11.80) is a fruitier option packed with chunks of freshly cut mango. The creamy espuma topping adds a richer mouthfeel. Pro-tip: They open till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays — perfect for chilling out with your drinking kakis. Avg Price: $5 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Vanessa Kou8. 52 Sandwich Shack
For Hearty, Affordable Sandwiches For Hearty, Affordable Sandwiches
In place of KOKI Tamagoyaki in the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre, this sandwich stall turns out incredibly satisfying and fuss-free sandwiches. The prices are wallet-friendly too! One of the clear winners, especially among our Burpple Tastemakers, is the 52 Grilled Cheese ($6.90). With three different cheeses (fontina, mozzarella and cheddar) sandwiched between buttery, toasty brioche, this is a classic combi that'll hit the spot. For something more substantial, the Yakiniku Pulled Pork Sandwich ($8.90) that comes packed with tender sous vide pulled pork collar, homemade yakiniku sauce, pickles and the same trio of cheeses in the 52 Grilled Cheese. The result is a meaty, hearty meal, enlivened with spot-on pickles. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Wei Zhi Chiang9. Wolfgang's Steakhouse
For a Special Occasion Steak Dinner For a Special Occasion Steak Dinner
Set in the new and swanky InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Wolfgang's Steakhouse is the new it place for meat connoisseurs to celebrate special occasions. Prices are steep, but the combination of stellar meats, personalised service and elegant ambience — think walnut wood floors and alabaster chandeliers — makes this well worth the splurge. The restaurant prides themselves on their dry aged beef. According to Burpple Tastemaker Felicia Sim, the process is carefully carried out in-house in a designated aging room for 28 days, which allows the meat to develop its deep, rich flavour. Taste that in the USDA Prime Dry Aged Porterhouse Steak ($185 for two), which sports a lovely caramelised crust and perfectly pink center. It's great with a side of Creamed Spinach ($11) and a glass of red — wines by the glass start from a decent $18. Avg Price: $130 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Felicia Sim10. Kohi-Ya
For Great Coffee in Hillview For Great Coffee in Hillview
Those living in the Hillview area — rejoice! Set up by the Ninepress folks, who are also behind the takeaway coffee stand Kyu Coffee Bar in the CBD, this beautiful cafe is just the place to go to have an intimate catch up session with your friends, or to enjoy a good read with a cup of coffee. Kohi-Ya, which means coffee house in Japanese, is located in the newly built Hillview Community Club, a short walk from Hillview MRT Station. Cool down with a cup of refreshing Iced Cappuccino ($5.50) that comes in a cute miniature fishbowl mug or get your caffeine kick with a Flat White ($4.50). They've recently revamped their menu to do away with starters and desserts, and currently only serve a modest selection of all-day mains like the tasty Squid Ink Orzo Pasta ($18) and the Miso Yuzu Udon ($18). That said, prices are steep for the location and portions run small, so you might want to file this away as a pitstop for just drinks instead. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burppler Hilary See11. Pastaria Abate
For Good and Simple Handmade Pasta For Good and Simple Handmade Pasta
This smart casual new joint in Craig Road is the place for down to earth, honest to goodness Italian. They specialise in handmade pasta, and judging by what the Burpple community has to say so far, they do it really well, and at very affordable prices. Burppler Kenneth Lee really enjoyed the Italian Meatballs ($12.80, with your choice of pasta) — hearty and spot on, it makes a solid lunchtime option for executives working around the area. Burppler Alex Chua on the other hand likes the Prawn & Saffron ($15.80, with your choice of pasta). The pappardelle he chose was thin and soft, while the cream sauce was light with lovely hints of saffron. What won Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua over though was the Martini Grilled Pork ($15.80), which boasts tender meat and comes slicked in a luxurious and sweet glaze. Consider getting the Portobello Fries ($8.80) and gooey Fried Mozzarella ($6.80) to share too. Pro tip: Their default way of cooking the handmade pasta is a little over al dente, so request for it to be al dente if you want a bite in your pasta! Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Kenneth Lee12. Küchef (Berseh Food Centre)
For Western Fare in Jalan Besar For Western Fare in Jalan Besar
This new stall in Berseh Food Centre serves delectable Western plates that way surpass coffeeshop fare, which adequately justifies the slightly higher prices. Start with the Mushroom Soup ($3), which Burppler Jocelyn Ning found flavourful and enjoyable. If you're in the mood for a meaty feast for mains, order the generously portioned Lamb Shank ($15.50), cooked till soft and tender, and served with mashed potato and a salad on the side. For something less rich, the Seafood Pasta ($7.90), which comes with lots of squid, prawns and clams, and cooked with a touch of white wine, is a good option. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burppler Jocelyn Ning13. Savourworld
For Food and Drinks near Kent Ridge For Food and Drinks near Kent Ridge
Just a short walk from Kent Ridge MRT is this enclave of 17 restaurants curated by the folks behind Timbre and Timbre+. Diners at Savourworld can choose to sit in the individual air-conditioned restaurants or opt for the umbrella seats in the courtyard should they want to order from multiple restaurants. There are no overlapping cuisines or dishes, so you won't be torn between ordering the same dish from two different places. Familiar names like Spruce and Blue Lotus even offer different menus from their other outlets, so you get to try something new. Drop by Coffee Break in the morning for their Black Sesame Premium Toast ($3.30) and get $0.30 off your bill with any drink order. During lunch, grab a seat at Tokyo Joe and tuck into their super fresh Signature Bara Chirashi ($16). For the sweet-toothed, indulge in a scoop of Ice Cream ($3.80) from Licktionary and don't leave without getting your Thai Milk Tea (from $2.30) fix at Cha Tra Mue. Pro tip: Many of the restaurants offer Happy Hour prices for their booze, so make this your next afterwork watering hole! Avg Prices: $10 per person Photo by Burppler Hilary See14. DOCO
For Rice Bowls and Coconut Softserve For Rice Bowls and Coconut Softserve
Set in International Plaza, this new kid on the CBD circuit is the place to go for hearty rice bowls and coconut soft serve. Of the two rice bowl options available, the Burpple community highly recommends the Sh-nack Don ($8.90). Expect umami beef slices, a runny onsen tamago and crispy Cajun-spiced fish skin served atop a bed of warm Japanese rice — great for lunch! Wash that down with their Coconut Shake ($4.90) made with a blend of Thai coconut water and bits of coconut flesh, or treat yourself to the dairy and nut-free Coconut Soft Serve ($4.90), drizzled with gula Melaka sauce and powdered gula Melaka. It's refreshing and light enough, and makes for an icy finish to a tasty meal. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Vanessa Kou15. PARTEA (Suntec City)
For XL-Sized Fruit Teas For XL-Sized Fruit Teas
This tea franchise from Taiwan is bound to quench your thirst with their fruit teas, which they call Rainbow Teas (from $6.80). Choose from four options for your tea base — green tea, black tea, four seasons spring tea and gaoshan oolong tea, all of which come with huge chunks of various fruit including watermelon, strawberry, mango and passionfruit. Burpplers are enjoying the gaoshan oolong for its distinct smoky tea flavour, which offsets the sweetness of the drink really well. The drinks tend to be on the sweeter side, but unfortunately, they currently do not offer customisation of sugar levels. Apart from the Rainbow Teas, there also offer tea variations with cheese foam, and good old pearl milk tea. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Ice Blossom16. Randy Indulgence
For Icy, Fruity Bowls in the CBD For Icy, Fruity Bowls in the CBD
More acai bowls? In scorching weather, yes please! There are no seats at this takeaway stall in Tanjong Pagar Centre (beside Lamb Cupcakery) but there is the communal dining area beside Guzman Y Gomez if you'd like to sit down and eat. Their acai bowls come in two sizes — Happy ($9.90) and Diet ($7.90). The Fruity Bowl comes topped with banana, strawberries, blueberries, granola, coconut flakes and honey, while the Protein Bowl comes topped with banana, almonds, walnuts, chia seed pudding and honey. For something different but equally refreshing, get the Fruit Ice Cream ($6.90). Made from frozen fruit (choice of banana, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple and mango), the icy soft serve is tangy and fruity, and comes on a base of chia seed pudding, topped with cereal. Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burppler Natalie Wong17. Food Philo
For Build Your Own Hearty Plates For Build Your Own Hearty Plates
This hip new entrant to UE BizHub East in Changi (nearest MRT station: Expo) gives diners the freedom to customise their own plates, and unlike many build-your-own places, they offer not only healthy fare but also more indulgent options. Prices start from $13.80 for one carb, one protein, one side and two veggies — portions are generous so it's a guaranteed bang for your buck, and most importantly, the food is well cooked. Burpper Ni Ni really enjoyed her grilled beef with quinoa. For something more substantial, there's breaded chicken parmigiana, baby back ribs (additional $2) and crispy duck (additional $3) for protein mains, along with a host of interesting sides including shirataki noodles, mozzarella sticks and brussels sprouts. If you're visiting for lunch, take Ni Ni's advice to make it an early one (around 11:30am), as the crowds descend at peak hour. Pro tip: From now till 31 October, flash your Burpple App upon ordering to enjoy one-for-one drinks. Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burppler Ni Ni18. NATSU
For Cheap and Good Tendon in Clementi Mall For Cheap and Good Tendon in Clementi Mall
Located in the basement of Clementi Mall, this strictly takeaway stall serves customisable bowls of Tendon that are both hearty and affordable — great for students studying in the area. Prices start from just $0.80 for a piece of sweet potato tempura, and go upwards to $1.70 for a prawn tempura. For a satisfying meal, go for The Tempura Signature Set ($6.90) that features a prawn tempura, two pieces of capsicum tempura as well as lotus root chips and garlic edamame as toppings. Each set comes with a base of Japanese pearl rice, kakiage (fried shredded vegetables) and pickles on the side. Add an onsen egg for just $1.50. For additional tempura orders, we say skip the thinly sliced King Oyster Mushroom Tempura ($0.80) and opt for the naturally sweet Pumpkin Tempura ($1.20) and Japanese Crab Stick Tempura ($1.20) instead. Pro tip: As part of their opening promo, get one tempura and one topping on rice for just $2.90! Avg Price: $10 per person Photo by Burppler Hilary See19. My Makan Place
For Affordable Indonesian Fare For Affordable Indonesian Fare
This casual spot on Tanjong Katong Road (they've taken over the space once occupied by Kay Lee Roast) is the place to go on penny-pinching days. My Makan Place serves up familiar Indonesian and Malay dishes — think Gado Gado ($4.90), Mee Rebus ($5.90) and Mee Siam ($5.90) — at extremely affordable prices. The Mee Rebus is a favourite among the Burpple community, thanks to its depth of flavour and quality toppings that include crispy fried fish, ngoh hiang and an oozy egg. It's homey and Burpplers really liked that they got to customise their noodles — choose from yellow noodles, bee hoon, kway teow, udon and ramen. The Mee Siam comes in a thick gravy that Burpple Tastemaker Wei Zhi Chiang describes to be sweeter and more peanutty than most, but still tasty. Consider ordering the Gado Gado to share. The magic lies in the peanut sauce, which hits the perfect balance of nutty, savoury and sweet, with a good kick of spice. Avg Price: $5 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Wei Zhi Chiang20. Original Cake (Westgate)
For Taiwan's Famous Castella Cake For Taiwan's Famous Castella Cake
Castella cake lovers, rejoice! Taiwan's famous Original Cake has set up shop at Westgate. The castella cake shop, which originally started in Taipei's Tamsui Old Street, draws hordes who patiently queue for a taste of its pillowy and cottony soft castella cakes. These are baked fresh daily in-store and come in three flavours — Original ($11.50), Frozen Chocolate ($16.50) and Golden Cheese ($13.50). The savoury dimension of the Golden Cheese, which comes with a layer of molten cheddar, is good if you don't like cakes too sweet, while the chilled Frozen Chocolate is studded generously with Hershey's chocolate chips for a more decadent mouthfeel. Pro tip: Warm up your Frozen Chocolate Cake at home to have a fluffier texture with melty bits of chocolate. Note that the cakes are currently sold at a promotional price of $10 for Original, $12 for Golden Cheese and $15 for Frozen Chocolate. Avg Price: $15 per person Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Miss Ha
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