Tsui Wah
Fans of Hong Kong cafe Tsui Wah, listen up! You can now get your fill of their Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk at their first Singapore outpost, in Clarke Quay. Other signatures include their Borscht with Thick Toast, Pork Chop Bun and Lamb Chop Curry with Steamed Rice. Singaporeans love their cha chaan teng fare, so be prepared to queue.
Two Hana
This pretty Korean-inspired cafe at newly reopened Century Square serves up creative eats with plenty of soul. Expect Korean fusion plates like Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites and Bulgogi Chicken Linguine, among other tasty plates. We give you the lowdown here.
Steakville
The folks from defunct The Betterfield and The BetterShip have now turned their attention to beef. Set in Sunshine Plaza, Steakville offers quality beef at affordable prices — perfect if you like your steak experience to be no-frills and delicious. Consider Burppler Xing Wei Chua’s suggestion to go with their Signature Hanger Steak. Read about chef-owner Shaun Gian’s inspirations for Steakville here.
The MeatHöuse
With Century Square’s reopening comes The MeatHöuse, a Muslim-friendly steakhouse helmed by chef Benny Se Teo, the man behind Eighteen Chefs. There is a strong emphasis on premium meats, including corn-fed certified black angus from USA, as well as Australian and Uruguayan black angus. Burppler Muriel A said she would return for the Australian Tajima Wagyu Striploin Steak ($36, 200g), and the Tomahawk steak (from $12 for 100g) — a massive slab of juicy and succulent bone-in ribeye that’s fit for three (or perhaps two ravenous souls).
Deli's Kitchen
When the omurice cravings strike, head on down to this Sunshine Plaza spot. According to Burppler Veronica Phua, the owner has collaborated with 11 well-known F&B establishments across Japan to bring their signature creations to Singapore and one of them is the Omurice Cafe Yellow Gourmet’s egg covered rice. Veronica recommends the Beef Demi Glacé Omurice, which combines runny eggs with tender roast beef and a rich and savoury sauce. The delicious Gyutan Don (grilled ox tongue rice bowl) from Gyutan Senri is something to try too.
Yellow Pot
Housed in the new Six Senses Duxton, this chic joint dishes out classic Chinese fare with a focus on sustainable, organic produce. Try the stellar Seared Pork Cheek, and give one of their botanical cocktails, like the chrysanthemum forward Escape to Kaifeng, a go. Read about our experience here.
Miss G’s Grill & Bar
Here’s an underrated spot for you CBD Burpplers. Expect tasty rice bowls, with options like Foie Gras and Beef Steak, Iberico Char Siew and Thai Lemongrass Chicken at this Far East Square joint. Burppler Brenda Tay was rather disgruntled about the long waiting time for the food, so it might be a good idea to save this for days you get to enjoy longer lunches.
My Melody Cafe
Get ready for kawaii overdose at this uber cutesy cafe that pays homage to the popular Sanrio cartoon character. Located next to Gudetama Cafe at Suntec City, My Melody Cafe goes all out with lots of pink and girly accents. Come with your mobile phone fully charged and snap away at too-pretty-to-eat dishes like The Princess Bunny (a mild curry rice dish), Little Pink Riding Hood (smoked salmon eggs Benedict) and strawberry-centric desserts.
Ebi Tori Menzo
Having garnered the crowds for their famed Ebi Tsukemen since they opened in Japan two years ago, this Osaka brand has brought its signatures to South Beach shores. Try the Signature Tsukemen if it’s your first time. While it may look deceivingly like a salad, Burppler Dex Neo warns that the prawn flavour is actually very concentrated and not for the faint hearted! The noodles are wonderfully springy, and can also be enjoyed in the soupier (yet still very deeply flavoured) Ebi Ramen.
Löwe'f Artisanal
If you’re up and about for breakfast, pop by this Queen Street cafe for a seriously tasty start to your day. The Good Morning Burger is a dreamy combination of creamy scrambled eggs, melted cheddar, pickled shallots and coffee mayo, sandwiched between freshly baked sourdough buns. A good morning it will be, for sure! (P.s. The Burpple community has great things to say about their other sandwiches too.)
Backyard Kitchen
Expectations are high for this new venture by chef Muhammad Haikal Johari, of one-Michelin-starred modern European restaurant Alma fame. Inspired by Singapore’s food-loving Muslim community, Backyard Kitchen serves smart, Asian-flecked modern European fare free from pork and lard. Read all about our experience here.
Little Creatures
Listen up, fans of Little Creatures beer — the Australian brewery has found its way to Mohamed Ali Lane! The restaurant comes complete with an in-house micro-brewery that is expected to be in full swing by end of this year. We had a peek at their menu, which comes packed with comforting classics — think pizzas, pastas and daily brunch plates. The best part? Little Creatures beer on tap!
Maxi Coffee Bar
Taking over Bicky & Brew’s previous hole-in-the-wall digs in Emerald Garden, this tiny joint’s the new place to go on Club Street for pretty good coffee and toast (more smashed avocado, anyone?). The tiny place fits only two counter seats, so you’re better off grabbing to go.
Le Fuse
Taking over defunct The Sunday Market is this Muslim-owned cafe that serves Sichuan dishes with a twist. Expect the likes of Deng Deng Beef Sichuan, Mala Xiang Guo and a really interesting Rice Cakes Chicken Soto Sichuan. Burppler Blanche Tan describes it as a non-spicy version of Korean tteokbokki, packed with all the works including ketupat, begedil, chicken mid-wings and greens. Filling!
Tokidon
CBD Burpplers, check out this new spot in the basement of Hong Leong Building for lunch. Tokidon dishes out tasty beef rice bowls that are hearty and substantial. There is limited dine-in space, so it’s best suited for takeout. Burpplers Xing Wei Chua and Dex Neo tried and loved the Wagyu Sukiyaki Don, which sees tender beef slicked in sweet-salty sauce. Yum!
Benjamin Barker Cafe
Menswear brand Benjamin Barker now has a cafe to its name. Set in Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, the ground floor space serves hearty Western plates — think Rotisserie Chicken and Surf N Turf. The food is tasty and prices are decent, so consider planning a pre- or post-movie meal here.
Un-Yang-Kor-Dai
For tasty north-eastern Thai (Isaan) cuisine, look to this new spot on South Bridge Road. Their signature Kai Na Yang Sa-Moon Prai PenLaos grilled chicken sports a slightly sweet sauce that packs a latent heat (it’ll catch up with you). Try it, alongside the really tasty Som Tum (papaya salad) and appetising Tom Zab Kra-Duk Moo (hot and sour soup with pork ribs). Flavours are generally punchy, so be prepared to sweat.
Madame Fan
Prominent London-based restaurateur Alan Yau, of Wagamama and Hakkasan fame, is the man behind this plush, fine-dining concept in the refurbished NCO Club on Beach Road. Decked out in shades of red and black, the sprawling space is set to spoil you with quality Chinese fare (with prices to match). Some Burpple community favourites include the Scallop Shumai, Crispy Aromatic Duck Pancake with Chinese Kaluga Caviar, and Double Boiled Four Treasure Soup. Leave a review in the app if you’ve dined here!
IL DEN
Trust Burppler Xing Wei Chua to unearth this hole-in-the-wall bistro, tucked away in sleepy Orchard Plaza. The single communal table seats 10 diners, max, and the chef-owner does it all, from cooking to serving — Xing Wei describes his experience to be akin to a comforting meal at home, prepared by a talented friend. The menu is compact, but has good choices for pastas and protein mains. Xing Wei really enjoyed the Carbonara, which uses freshly made pasta, chunky pork and just the right amount of cheese.
Street Submarine
Having garnered a following at food fairs, Street Submarine has set up permanent shop on Haji Lane. Pop by for tasty subs filled with locally-inspired ingredients — think chilli beef rendang and spicy pulled beef — along with beef or chicken satay fries. Burppler Mandy Lee was also really excited to realise that they serve Milo Ice Kepal, the Milo ice ball dessert that went viral in Malaysia!
New outlets:
Tiong Bahru Bakery (Chip Bee Gardens)
You might notice an extra spring in lucky Chip Bee Gardens residents’ steps recently, with the addition of Tiong Bahru Bakery’s latest outlet along Jalan Merah Saga. Inspired by an old-school candy store, the bakery also features the first-ever takeaway express lane for viennoiseries (yes, kouign amann!), bread and beverages on the go. Don’t miss the commemorative pastry, Merah Saga Tart ($9.50, available till end July) made with raspberries and red currants and light vanilla cream on a sable breton base. Also coming soon to the outlet is the Afternoon Threesum (from $25) — a three-tier tea set presented in bamboo baskets, filled with bite-sized sweet and savoury treats to share. It’s already available at the rest of Tiong Bahru Bakery’s locations so if you need a tea sesh pronto, you know where to go.
llaollao (Changi Airport Terminal 2)
Seems like the frozen yogurt wars are not over as llaollao makes a comeback with a 24-hour store at Changi Airport Terminal 2! From Burppler The Hungry Geek’s sharing, we can expect the same taste, same texture, same toppings, same prices — just like the good ol’ IlaoIlao times. A second outlet at Tampines 1 is also due to open in end June, with more outlets slated to be launched in the upcoming months. Look forward to their return and grab an iconic green cup of froyo soon (definitely much needed in this sweltering hot weather).
Hvala (CHIJMES)
Hvala has recently opened their second outlet at CHIJMES. With the zen interior, natural sunlight and spacious seating, this looks to be a great place to wind down amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Settle down with their Japanese-inspired cakes or desserts — think Goma Cake ($7.50) and Hojicha Ice cream ($5.20) — and a cup of tea. Have we mentioned Ceremonial Grade Whisked Matcha ($8.80)? Enjoy!
The Sushi Bar (Tampines 1)
The Sushi Bar has finally arrived in the heartlands with a new outlet at Tampines 1! Best known for their Chirashi Don (from $19.90) topped with fresh and thick cuts of seafood, Soft Shell Crab Salmon Aburi Maki ($17.90), and Sirloin Steak ($14.90 for 100g, $28.90 for 200g) grilled to a perfect medium rare, the value-for-money sushi joint surely has something to please your taste buds. If you have yet to make a visit, consider this outpost since there are always queues at the other two locations.
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