· BURPPLE

Tanjong Pagar Food Guide

Tanjong Pagar is known for its abundance of Japanese and Korean cuisine, but we think there's much more to discover, from authentic pasta spots to bagels, bolo buns and more!

Update: From 16 May, dine-in F&B establishments will only be able to offer takeaway and delivery options. We are working closely with our Burpple Beyond restaurant partners to provide a solution for all Burpple Beyond members.

Let's face it, with the sheer amount of food options in Tanjong Pagar, it's nearly impossible to have an exhaustive list of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in the neighbourhood. For now, here are some great new spots and old classics that we love, with more to be added to this list soon.

ChiruPhoto by Burppler tingkerbxll

 

For Decadent Donburi
Previously known as Torii Izakaya, this snazzy Japanese resto-bar at Duxton has since revamped. You're here for their decadent Truffled Beef Donburi ($28) featuring generous beef slices, caviar, truffle mayo, foie gras and an onsen egg. Also good are the Pork Belly Garlic Fried Rice ($19) with succulent grilled pork belly, fried egg, garlic and scallion and Hearty Toro ($28) maxi for sharing!

Nanami Izakaya
Photo by Burppler Al Rsq

 

For Izakaya Classics
Nanami is a cosy Japanese restaurant offering sets and donburi during lunch as well as a variety of yakitori, fried, and grilled dishes for dinner. Burppler Xing Wei Chua ordered the community-favourite Barachirashi Don ($16.90) with cubes of fresh salmon, tuna, tamago and more says "The sushi rice carried a subtle sweetness whilst being pearly, laced in a savoury sauce. A pretty value-for-money bowl overall." As for Burppler Grace Lau who tried the Negitoro & Ikura Roll ($20) likes how it is "Light yet sophisticated. The rice is neither clumpy nor is it overwhelmed by vinegar. Every burst from the fish roe adds a little kick to the tuna belly maki."

O.BBa JjajangPhoto by Burppler Vanessa S

For Jajangmyeon Specialities
No prizes for guessing what this place specialises in. Burppler Chloe Tan says this is where you'll find "one of the better jajangmyeon in Singapore! A super satisfying meal, stuffed us (family of 4) silly!" Burppler Regina Shao, who ordered the basic Jjajangmyeon ($10) likes the value for money combo for two - "The noodle is chewy, black bean sauce is well-flavoured with a touch of sweet as well."

Champion Bolo BunPhoto by Burppler Maureen Ow

For Fragrant Bolo Buns
Champion Bolo Bun is without a doubt the hottest spot in Tanjong Pagar of late, with its aesthetic interiors and golden-brown buns. There are only 3 buns here: the Curry Bolo ($6), Classic Bolo ($4.50), and Mini of 4 ($4.50), but you can expect more flavours later this year. Burppler Audrey Wong enjoyed the "larger-than-usual buns, with a thick crispy fragrant crust and tender soft buns" and would recommend this place to "those who would enjoy non-cafe food in a cafe environment 😄" 

MorettinoPhoto by Burppler Benjamin Ho

 

For Pizza with Great Value
Looking for authentic pizza and pasta at affordable prices? Morettino at 100AM has been a Tanjong Pagar mainstay for several years now. Burppler Drea & Wils Eat got the Parma Ham and Truffle pasta using Burpple Beyond and says "The food was excellent and so was the attitude of the waitstaff. Definitely coming back!" Burppler Hiew Sisters, who tried the Black Truffle Pizza, agrees, calling it "one of the best pizza in town!"

Two Men Bagel House
Photo by Burppler Ryan and Nat

For Hearty Messy Bagels
If you haven't tried the bagels from Two Men, prepare to be blown away by their hand-rolled babies. There are over 15 flavour selections to choose from (with rotating new flavours every few months), including the meaty BE(the)SM, which come with sausage, sunny-side up and sauteed mushrooms. As for their burgers, choose from garlic, sesame, cheddar, and more. Burppler Mengwei Dai likes the chewy texture and fragrance of the sesame bagel.

Shukuu Izakaya & Sake BarPhoto by Burppler Tara Kwong

 

For Kushiyaki and Sake
This buzzy joint along Stanley Street creates an authentic Izakaya ambience with premium sake selections, charcoal-grilled skewers and donburis. Start off your experience with their Agedashi Tofu ($6) and Gyu Ponzu ($8) - think lightly seared fillet beef with ponzu sauce. Order up a selection of Salmon Nigiri ($4.80), Maguro Yukke ($13), deep-fried Tori Kara-age ($10) and end off the meal with the Ikura Don ($12). Still peckish? Get a round of Kushi-Yaki with your bottle of sake, including tsukune ($4.50) and Tochigi Wagyu A4 (Ribloin) ($9).

Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu KingPhoto by Burppler Alfred Tan

For The King Of Tonkotsu Broth
This humble 20-seater ramen shop may just serve you the best bowl of tonkotsu broth you've ever had. Arguably one of the best in town, you'll feel transported once you step into this cosy space. There are 3 flavours to choose from: Original, Black Spicy and Red Spicy. You may also indicate if you want a light, normal or strong soup. Go for the Tonkotsu Ramen Special ($14.90) with all toppings! The free-flow bean sprouts and hard-boiled eggs are just the cherries on top!

Pasta BravaPhoto by Burppler Carol Tan

 

For Pasta In A Rustic Ambience
Burppler Karina Tan says "if you are a pasta fan, this is the place for you", and likes their cream-based pasta as well as the cheesecake with liquor. Burppler Xinyi Goh also enjoyed the Gamberi Con Aglio E Prezzemolo, which comprises prawns sauteed in butter, garlic, brandy, and fresh parsley. "It is a mixture of all my fav ingredients! Love how the butter sauce gave off a hearty flavour to it. Would love to visit again to try other dishes!"

Kko Kko Na RaPhoto by Burppler The Hungry Feet

For Korean Fried Chicken
Hailed as one of the best places for Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) in town, you'll need lots of patience to nab a table during peak hours. The fried chicken here comes in three flavours: original, sweet and special garlic soy sauce. Go for the Combo Chicken Set to try them all! Burppler Ms Foodie "absolutely loves the yangneom flavour. The original was surprisingly tasty as most of the time the inner bits are bland... but this is not!" Besides chicken they serve dishes like buckwheat noodles, stews, and oden.