New Restaurants, Cafes & Bars in Singapore: October 2020

Tempura Tendon Tenya is the No. 1 Tendon chain in Japan, for good reasons too: it's affordable, it's consistent and very delicious. Burppler Rachel T even says the "food tastes almost just like in Japan". Try the classic Tenya Tendon ($8.50) with large tempura prawn, red fish, squid, French beans, and pumpkin, or opt for the Seafood Tendon ($12.90). Look out for Happy Hour on weekdays, where you can get a Japanese beer with a selection of tempura for just $8.90. A selection of cold and hot udon and soba are also available.

Photo by Burppler Rachel T

No shortage of fresh concepts in Amoy Street, obviously. Avenue 87 is the brainchild of co-chef-founders Glen Tay and Alex Phan, plating up Modern Asian cuisine of well-known dishes transformed by their memories and experiences. Only 4- and 6-course tasting menus (from $76) are available at the moment, featuring creations like Sambal Octopus, Ah Hua Kelong Seabass and Pisang No Goreng.

Photo by Burppler Cecil Dulam

Having moved from their Raffles City outlet, Parallel now occupies a cosy new space on Duxton Hill and a larger menu to boot, including Acai bowls, croissants, and sourdough sandwiches. Burppler Xing Wei Chua likes how their Acai bowls aren't icy, but "smooth with a deep, earthy yet berry-like note". But it's how budget-friendly their speciaty coffee are that catches his attention - from $2.90 for any black coffee and $3.90 for whites whether it's iced or not. When it gets dark, Parallel turns into a bar of sorts with classic cocktails from $10!

Photo by Burppler Xing Wei Chua

As if you haven't heard about this place on social media yet. Luke's Lobster is a New York import specialising in, you guessed it, Maine-style lobster rolls (from $25.50). Burppler Veronica says the best way to enjoy the different seafood is to order the Luke's Trio ($33.50) "It comes with a half serving of each of the Shrimp, Crab and Lobster Rolls, so it's especially perfect when you're visiting for the first time." Burppler Kenneth Lee says "the lobster flesh is sweet, thick and definitely a treat".

Photo by Burppler Joe Yang

Hamilton Road has a new cafe, and it's For The People (how awesome is the name?) The menu offerings are relatively varied, from all-day brunch to pasta, burgers, and mains. And yes, specialty coffee and tea too. Burppler Xing Wei Chua says the Garlic Aglio Olio is pretty decent, "the linguine comes al dente, carrying a firm bite and tossed in sufficient oil for that slurpy mouthfeel." The coffee is generally good - rich and smooth with a slight chocolatiness.

Photo by Burppler Xing Wei Chua

Remember Zorba The Greek Taverna at Clarke Quay? They've launched a new cafe concept by day with stunning blue and white tones and a charming Santorini-inspired decor. Their new weekend brunch items include the Zorba Breakfast Platter ($24) with scrambled/poached eggs, Greek sausage, bacon, grilled portobello stuffed with feta, and avo toast. Try Zorba's take on the traditional Easter bread Tsoureki ($16), fluffy on the inside and crisp outside with banana and a drizzle of caramel.

Photo by Burppler Wei Zhi Chiang

The freshest fish and seafood? Yes please. CATFISH is a contemporary Asian Fusion restaurant with a focus on seafood and Asian ingredients. Think mini wanton skin cones with smoked salmon, scallop sashimi, and uni, or Whole Sichuan BBQ Fish with crispy herbs. Burppler KT who tried the Fish & Chips ($36) says it's the best he enjoyed recently. "The thick-cut fish fillet was very fresh, tender and moist on the inside. The outer deep-fried batter was thin and not greasy at all, crispy till the last bite."

Photo by Burppler K T

Brought to us by the Les Amis Group, Lemak Boys shines the spotlight on local favourites with a Peranakan twist, and yes, that includes their somewhat controversial Nasi Lemak. Burppler Veronica Phua ordered the Premium Nasi Lemak ($18.50) and thought "the essential components were done really well. While the rice was very fragrant and flavourful without being heavy or oily, the sweetish sambal proved a shiok match. The fancier items of fried chicken (it was well-marinated and crispy), omelette and otah (both had an appealing thickness), and the prawns with savoury chilli sambal, met our expectations too."

Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

Can't get enough of BBT? Charlie Tea at Takashimaya is the latest concept by the BreadTalk Group, featuring tea leaves from Fujian Province in China and also Sri Lanka in a variety of artisanal drinks. Burppler Iris Lim likes the Grapefruit POP, a sparkling green tea which "is very refreshing and generous with the filling flavours". Don't miss out on their sweet and savoury treats too! "I do like the savoury sausage bread, which has this yummy mushroom butter spread within the crunchy soft croissant-like bread texture".

Photo by Burppler Iris Lim

Genius Central is full of tasty food that's good for the mind and body, from vegan and vegetarian options to nut-, dairy-, and egg-free creations. Burppler miss greedy enjoyed their Mexican Cheese Quesadilla ($20), which "was served with huge chunks of potatoes but they were cooked to perfection. They were generous with the melted cheese so cheese lovers take note!" As for Burppler Xin Tong, "usually I don't eat smoked salmon but the Smoked Salmon Pasta was amazing!"

Photo by Burppler Celine S

1-for-1 deals available

This new ramen bar in Novena specialises in Hokkaido-style ramen and interestingly, an Ebi Tartar Sando that reminds Burppler Jell XY CX KJ of "a homemade sandwich dish that I had during a farm visit in Hokkaido." Burppler Cecil Dulam says you have to try the Tokusei Sapporo Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen ($19.80). "The broth is thick, combination between of pork bone broth, grinder prawn, lobster bisque and rich seafood sauce." The Birikara Spiciest Miso Ramen is another hot favourite - quite literally.

Photo by Burppler Joe Yang