Sandwiched between Stateland Cafe and Honeycomb at Bali Lane, & Why is a New York-themed deli brought to you by the guys behind I Am Cafe along Haji Lane. Halal-certified and Muslim-run, & Why serves coffee, sandwiches, salads, mocktails, and selected bakes. Go for their Lobster Mobster ($16.90) — lobster chunks tossed with chopped celery and mayo, topped with arugula on bread -- and their indulgent Choc Rocher Cheesecake. End your meal with one of their decadent non-alcoholic mocktails such as the Mad About Dolce ($6.90) — you'd swear it tastes like it contains Baileys!
Because the prata here is so darn good, this humble stall commands a queue, especially on weekends. Everything is made from scratch using fresh, good quality ingredients, which is, sadly, not easy to find at prata stalls these days. Freshly made and fried, the prata here is crispy on the outside, chewy, buttery, very slightly sweet and most of all, not greasy. The kosong is good, but even better is their Coin Prata (essentially prata nuggets, 6 pieces for $3.50) — thicker, crispier, chewier, fluffier. Paired with curry that's spicier than the norm, this is one kickass breakfast. Besides prata, they also have nasi briyani, mee goreng, and the like.
You never need an occasion to justify eating cake, especially not at Lynn's Cakes and Coffee, where the cakes are moist and flavourful. They do classic cakes well, with a spot on cake-to-frosting ratio. If you're looking for great Red Velvet, Carrot Cake and Rainbow Cake, look no further. Their display case can have up to 12 flavours of cake at any one time, including other popular items like the Dark Chocolate Heaven and Salted Caramel Cake – you'd be spoilt for choice! Albeit slightly inconvenient, it is worth the travel. Prices range from $5.50 to $8.50.
Situated at North Bridge Road and taking over the space from the now-defunct De’Pop Culture Cafe, Halal-certified Wilder offers a fresh spin on classic brunch fare in a industrial cafe setting. Go for their French Toast -- a unique Eggs Benedict-esque creation with two fried eggs seated atop a savoury, stuffed brioche -- or the satisfying Prawn and Corn Fritter with Avocado and Homemade Tomato Salsa topped with Egg. A small selection of dessert items and drinks are also available.
Tucked in the corner of a coffee shop along Thomson Road, Sin Ming Roti Prata has generated quite a following for their house-made dough and freshly made pratas. While this means you have to wait for your prata, it's well worth it considering you will be getting a hot, fluffy stack. Try their coin pratas for really crispy, fun bites at 6 pieces for $3.50! Photo by Wayne Tan
The long queue at this stall is testament to the quality served here, simple, no-frills prata that satisfies. Interestingly, the prata dough used here is commercially made and bought, but somehow, the pratas here are flipped thin and fried to crisp perfection, and somehow it's not oily! The curries here are good too, opt for a nice hunk of mutton curry if you're feeling hungry. They sell out fast, so be there early. Photo by Alain Foodology
While some feel the briyani here is overpriced ($8 for chicken, $10 for mutton), and the place is a little run down, it is definitely worth a visit. This dum briyani is cooked and served traditionally, without any curry, but every bit aromatic. It's also healthier with the omission of ghee, so you can feel a tiny bit less guilty. If you're there on a Sunday, Monday or Thursday, opt for the kid goat briyani, tender meat without gamey flavour, under a pile of fragrant rice and fried onions. Photo by Michel Lu
Open since 1921 and known as the best briyani restaurant for many years past, Islamic Restaurant has a long history. Having moved down the street, the restaurant retains its old world charm with photos of famous patrons over the years, and allows you to dine comfortably in air-con. Go for the mutton over the chicken briyani, tender meat with beautifully light, fragrant, high-quality basmati rice. The fish and prawn briyani are good too. While it is arguably no longer the best, it is an excellent briyani. Photo by Jayne Tan
Open since 1921 and known as the best briyani restaurant for many years past, Islamic Restaurant has a long history. Having moved down the street, the restaurant retains its old world charm with photos of famous patrons over the years, and allows you to dine comfortably in air-con. Go for the mutton over the chicken briyani, tender meat with beautifully light, fragrant, high-quality basmati rice. The fish and prawn briyani are good too. While it is arguably no longer the best, it is an excellent briyani. Photo by Jayne Tan
With no distinct signboard and a snaking long queue under a HDB block, you know you've found something special. Having taken over from their father's stall, these brothers run a tight ship at Blk 17 Beach Rd, doling out packet after packet of briyani as people order takeaway in the dozens. If you've got the time, sit and enjoy your tender mutton and amazing gravy... this is a serious briyani. Photo by Jayne Tan
