Sevens Kissaten
Photo by Burppler belle ong
For A Japanese Teahouse Experience
Sevens Kissaten embodies the spirit of "omotenashi", the Japanese phrase for hospitality in a contemporary Kyoto teahouse-inspired setting. Think modest comfort meals to complement their selection of premium Japanese teas. including a Kissaten Signature Breakfast Omakase ($32), Salmon Ikura Don ($29), Omurice ($16), and Kissaten A5 Wagyu Don ($42). On the tea front, enjoy things like Houjicha Latte ($7), Momotaro Rojicha ($7) and more!
The Butcher's Dining
Photo by Burppler Xing Wei Chua
For Korean Meats
A Korean-run and inspired butcher and bistro? Yes, please! Since this is also a butcher, expect authentic Korean cuts of meat from Braised Pork Kimchiu Jjim to Gal-bi-jjim to Shabu Shabu, showcased in their dishes. Burppler Xing Wei Chua tried the Spicy Pulled Pork Burger ($18.90) and loved it, saying "the fibrous meats were especially meaty and sufficiently moist", well-marinated in a Korean sauce that's both sweet and spicy.
Surrey Hills Grocer
Photo by Burppler Xing Wei Chua
For All-Day Brunch
Make way for another newly-opened cafe in Joo Koon! Surrey Hills Grocer is a cafe-grocer concept offering a variety of Australian products and produce, with an al fresco-style dining area plating up all-day brunch. Expect a variety of burgers, open-faced toasts and meats designed by an Australian Michelin-starred chef, who serves as a consultant for the establishment. Favourites include the Tasmanian Salmon ($26), Cod Fish Brioche Burger ($20) and Panchetta Fungi Aglio Olio ($20).
DAWN
Photo by Burppler Cassie Ong
For Hole-In-The-Wall Coffee
Led by a team of baristas formerly from Kurasu, Dawn is a cosy and rustic cafe that takes hole-in-the-wall quite literally. This intimate coffee joint has a good selection of Slow Pour Coffee blends like the Camilo Torres (marshmallow, lemon sorbet and chrysanthemum) and Diego Bermudez (Turkish delight, raspberry and lychee). Burppler Xing Wei Chua also likes the Nectarine Square to pair with his coffee ($6) - "a pretty satisfying, well-executed cake that whiffs of a buttery scent with slightly crisp, browned edges."
Terra Madre
Photo by Burppler ZP HappilyStuffed
For Australian-inspired Dining
At Terra Madre, look forward to an exceptional Australian inspired food menu across breakfast, lunch and dinner. The venue also offers delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes and a wide selection of organic drinks. Diners can even explore a mix-and-match section for lunch and dinner that promotes a communal dining experience that encourages diners to share and explore different dishes as a single table. Burppler ZP HappilyStuffed ordered the Australian Beef And Wombok and describes it as "sustainable food with surprising spicy notes! The beef and the spiced mash was superb. And the wombok with the spicy hummus was indeed unique and left a burning sensation on my throat."
Rosemead
Photo by Burppler Evan Mua
For Wood-fired Dishes
Rosemead is the first-ever restaurant concept by the Jigger & Group, and darn if it isn't pretty. The food here is largely powered by the wood-fired oven that lends its smoky richness to dishes like Whole Roast Chicken ($80), Wagyu Short Rib ($65) alongside starters such as King Crab ($42) with fermented chilli and Swordtip Squid & Mussel ($27) with chilli harissa. Burppler Evan Mua highly recommends the House Rolls ($19), which comes with an umami glaze made with mushroom, bacon and kelp, "best eaten when given a liberal smear of the flavour-loaded shiitake cultured butter."
Henri
Photo by Burppler Evan Mua
For French Wines and Pastries
Henri is a new French wine bistro in the CBD, opened by the same people behind popular bakery Bread & Hearth. Aside from an array of light bites, soups, entrees, and mains, Henri boasts a boulangerie section with French artisanal bakes that are difficult to resist. Burppler Miss Ha says "While I am not a French cuisine lover, I do have an extremely soft spot for French pastries. The Mille Feuilles Cacahuète Vanille Et Caramel ($12) on the dessert menu caught my eye immediately simply because I really love pastries with many layers of puff pastry."
Aphrodite Waffles & Gelato
Photo by Burppler Jeremy Holden
For Floral Ice Cream Flavours
Recently opening its doors along the Desker Road stretch, Aphrodite is the new kid on the block whipping up freshly churned ice cream (from $5 a scoop) focusing on earthy and floral flavours. Dig your spoon into flavours like the Blood Orange Sorbet, Salted Honey, Goat Cheese and their specially namesake Aphrodite - made with blue cheese and chocolate. Burppler Jeremy Holden likes the latter the best and "was pleasantly surprised to find that it tasted really good. The blue cheese notes comes as an aftertaste with a chocolate majority and both complemented each other. A must get for sure for any adventurous palates out there".
