Last updated: 26 Dec 2018
Le Shrimp Ramen
Rundown: Paradise Group’s latest venture pairs the simple Chinese la mian with ramen-inspired rich shrimp broth.
Perfect for: Casual, rainy day dinner dates or ramen lovers craving something new!
Order this: Le Signature Prawn Ramen ($19.90) and Prawn Dumpling with Chilli Vinaigrette Ramen.
For those who like: LeNu Chef Wai’s Noodle Bar and Ramen Keisuke Lobster King.
FYI: The idea was birthed when Paradise Group CEO Eldwin Chua tried a bowl of Japanese shrimp broth ramen in Hokkaido.
15 Stamford
Rundown: Celebrity ‘Demon chef’ Alvin Leung pays homage to his favourite Asian dishes in this Capitol Kempinski hotel restaurant.
Perfect for: Family celebrations or splurge-worthy dinners with the gang.
Order this: Hokkaido Scallop with Adobo Butter and Ginger ($12), Chargrilled “Bak Kut Teh” Pork Chop ($38) and Bone-in Beef Short Rib Rendang ($68).
For those who like: Yellow Pot.
FYI: Look out for the beautiful, specially-commissioned plates with floral prints and a hidden ‘demon chef’ logo.
Niku Kin
Rundown: A smart-casual yakiniku joint crops up along Craig road.
Perfect for: Hamburg lunches with the team or after-work barbecue dinners.
Order this: Wagyu Katsu Hamburg Set ($14.90) and Niku Blue (grilled platter of five beef cuts, $108).
For those who like: Beef Yakiniku Dining Yakiniquest.
FYI: Expect 100% Hokkaido wagyu beef. You can also dig into that juicy hamburg as a side for dinner.
A Summer in Paris
Rundown: Famous French pastry chef Yann Brys brings his craft to VivoCity.
Perfect for: Dessert with the girls.
Order this: Tourbillon Lemon Tart ($8.80) and PomPom ($9.30).
For those who like: Tarte by Cheryl Koh.
FYI: Yann Brys won the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in 2011. For the uninitiated, the award’s known to be the the highest regard for pastry chefs in France!
The Mast'
Rundown: One-month-old Italian osteria in Frasers Towers wins the community over with fresh cheese.
Perfect for: Solo pizza lunches or dress-down Italian date nights.
Order this: Pinsa Bufalina ($14).
For those who like: LINO.
FYI: The cheese lab is enclosed in glass windows, so you can watch your cheese come to life and eat it too!
Hideout by Local Box
Rundown: The Heeren gets a local delights cafe with shiok, pocket-friendly fare.
Perfect for: Post-shopping nosh.
Order this: Soup Laksa with Soft Shell Crab ($13.80) and Wet Mee Siam ($8.50).
For those who like: Harriann’s Nonya Table and The Local Box.
FYI: Yes, this one’s by the same team behind Tanjong Pagar’s popular-for-lunch The Local Box.
Naganuma Ice Cream
Rundown: Hokkaido’s famous milk ice cream shop lands in Carlton City Hotel.
Perfect for: Something cool for sunny afternoon walks, or after-lunch sweets.
Order this: Creme Brulee Soft Serve ($8) and Milk Soft Serve (from $5 for a scoop).
For those who like: Matchaya and Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory.
FYI: The parlour’s known as Naganuma ice-no-ie in Japan — which translates to mean an ‘ice cream shop’.
Meatsmith Western BBQ
Shared by Burpplers Jason Wong, Xing Wei Chua & Rueann Dass
Rundown: Meatsmith puts an Asian hawker spin on their expertly executed meat dishes at Glutton Bay’s Makan Sutra.
Perfect for: Meaty dinners with friends on cool nights.
Order this: Salted Egg Chicken Chop ($9) and Charsiew Pork Ribs Rice ($10).
For those who like: Meatsmith (Telok Ayer) and Noods & Meats.
FYI: The stall also offers daily specials, like Burnt Ends’ well-loved Burnt Leeks done here with a sweet-sourish sauce.
Casa Rustico
Rundown: Quiet, homely Italian cafe-bistro pops up along Mohamed Sultan road.
Perfect for: Comforting egg and pasta dishes over conversations with a friend.
Order this: Scrambled Eggs ($8.50) and Cavetelli ($25.50).
For those who like: Casa Tarfuto.
FYI: Opened by the same folks behind Casa Tarfuto, this offshoot sees co-owner Tammy baking her own goodies for the dessert counter.
Aburi-En
Rundown: Nondescript Japanese joint for hearty dons in Tanjong Pagar Centre.
Perfect for: A treat-yourself dinner after a long day’s work.
Order this: Buta Bara Don ($15) and Wagyu Karubi Don ($19).
For those who like: Tokachi Tontaro.
FYI: Look out for the Miniso stretch to find this small, charming space.
Ristr8to
Rundown: Latte art champs from Chiang Mai open a cafe in unassuming Tai Seng food court.
Perfect for: A potent pick-me-up after lunch.
Order this: Satan’s Latte ($4) for the latte art, Ficardie ($4.50) and Dopper ($6) for a good kick.
For those who like: Toby’s Estate and 78 Alkofelic.
FYI: There are only five counter seats but you can also enjoy your cuppa at the food court’s spacious seating area.
Thevar
Rundown: One-half of Meatsmith Little India, chef Mano Thevar takes Indian cooking up a notch at his namesake restaurant.
Perfect for: A fresh, upscale experience with friends who love Indian.
Order this: Pork Ribs ($28) and Berry Pulao ($10).
For those who like: Meatsmith (Little India).
FYI: The promising new locale is also co-owned by chef Kim of Michelin-starred Meta.
Fat Chap
Rundown: Hip, casual Asian concept serving hearty, good-for-sharing eats in Suntec.
Perfect for: Group gatherings with a hint of nostalgia.
Order this: Crispy Pig’s Ears ($12), Marinated Whole Squid ($15) and Grilled Whole Fish ($53 for two pax).
For those who like: Indochili.
FYI: Also expect eclectic cocktails, made with Asian gin, Suntory whiskey and more.
Wonder Gelato
Rundown: Bright Instagrammable spot to get your gelato fix in Waterloo.
Perfect for: Ice cream breaks on hot afternoons.
Order this: Double Scoop ($6) with Sea Salt and Popcorn.
For those who like: aRoma.
FYI: Skip the rather dense and chewy waffles, and spend tummy space on more ice cream instead.
Happy Cat Chuan Chuan
Rundown: People’s Park Complex gets a cutesy, street-style ma la skewer concept.
Perfect for: When you’re feeling peckish and adventurous in Chinatown.
Order this: Lotus Root ($1.50 for two skewers) and Taiwanese Sausage ($1).
For those who like: Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo.
FYI: The skewers come doused in a cold ma la sauce — tongue-numbing but superbly enjoyable on a hot day!
Sesame & Bagel
Rundown: Cosy little bakery located off-the-beaten path in the West for bagelwiches.
Perfect for: Weekend excursions with bread-loving buddies.
Order this: Roast Beef Bagel Sandwich ($10.50) and Blueberry Bagel ($2.50).
For those who like: Two Men Bagel House.
FYI: The NEWest location is a little secluded, but the community describes those freshly baked, affordable bagels to be worth the trip!