New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars: July 2015

Wanton mee gets a modern spin at Wanton, a noodle bar (with mainly bar seats) opened by the people behind Seng's Wanton Noodle and Pluck. At lunch, come to this Amoy Street spot to enjoy their basic wanton noodles with char siew ($5.50 small / $6.50 medium), where the springy noodles and satisfying char siew don't disappoint. The dinner service starts you off with Nudles, i.e. plain Seng's noodles dressed in oil ($2). You then choose from unique toppings such as Fried Spicy Whole Quail ($14) or the Steamed Baby Kailan with Gangster Sauce, Braised Mushrooms & Scallops ($10). Wash your noodles down with their vodka-spiked chrysanthemum cocktail Ju Hua ($14 for a pot) or the Modern Times Coffee Stout ($16) to relax after work!

From the brains behind Middle Eastern restaurant Artichoke come the cheekily-monikered creamsicle concept Neh Neh Pop. Flavours include Sneekers, Strawberry Pockie and Baklava. Go for their colourful Rocky Road ($8) — milk chocolate ice cream with marshmallows, coated with dark chocolate and studded with popping candy, Fruity Pebbles and Willy Wonka Nerds. For something more tropical, give their best-selling Mango Sticky Rice ($7) a go...if it isn't already sold out.

Westies rejoice - coconut ice cream concept Wimi Ice Cream opens at 321 Clementi! The ice cream is freshly made daily, without stabilizers and preservatives. Reasonably priced at $4.90, not only can you choose 3 toppings for your ice cream, you also get a cup of coconut juice! More premium toppings like red ruby and mango cubes are available at an additional $0.30 each.

Unleash the Hungry Kraken in you! Dragging you in by its tentacles is the creative Waffurger. This rather genius creation comprises of thick fluffy buttermilk waffles (replacing the usual buns) holding a crispy juicy fried chicken patty slathered with their mouthwatering homemade sauces. Try the Kraken Waffurger ($5.50) and fall in love with their specialty honey butter. Pair it with their Kraken Wings ($8 for 4, available in garlic, chilli, or lemon pepper) for a stupendously satisfying meal.

If you think you're rather well-acquainted with Thai food, allow the unique, lip-smacking food at Gin Khao to open your eyes. Situated at East Coast Parkway, this big-group-friendly casual restaurant serves Thai food with a twist. From their Thai Ice Coffee with Coconut Juice (juice, not milk) to their Clams Steamed and Simmered in Thai Beer Broth ($12.80), the unique dishes here are sure to excite you. Don't leave without ordering their Stir-fried Squid with Runny Salted Egg ($14.80), which uses actual salted egg instead of just salted egg yolk paste. No Gin Khao experience is complete without trying the savoury Green Curry Gelato with Sticky Rice ($8.80) — yes, green curry ice cream!

Brightening up the sleepy Geylang Bahru estate is Ugly Cake Shop, a bakery cafe selling cupcakes and sliced cakes. They believe strongly in the use of natural ingredients over artificial ones such as fondant, gum paste or marzipan, even though the latter make for beautiful cakes. Be sure to try their cupcakes Sally (dark chocolate and peanut butter – our favourite!), Big Daddy (Valrhona nutella) and Sarah (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and pecans)! Prices range from $3.80 to $4.50 for the cupcakes, while sliced cakes are priced at $7 each. 20% of the profits go to undernourished children in Timor Leste — all the more reason to show them big big love.

Taiwanese ice cream concept Coolplay Soft Serve opens an outlet in Toa Payoh, serving their signature moustached soft serve. Flavours include Heavy Chocolate, Whisky Vanilla, Matcha and Strawberry, with the option to mix two flavours as well. Single flavours cost $4.50 while a dual flavour swirl would cost $5, and you can have your soft serve on either a cup or cone for the same price! Go for the Whisky Vanilla, but take your photo fast — the ice cream melts really quickly!

Australian-based brand Luxe opens a cafe on Keong Saik Road serving coffee and Australian cuisine, with its spaciousness and laid back vibes making for a chilled out environment. You must definitely try the Luxe Hanger Steak Burger ($24) — charcoal buns, grilled mushrooms, chilli butter and a beautifully rare hanger steak. You might be tempted to go for the MerryBerry Ricotta Hotcakes ($24 with a scoop of ice cream), but for the same price, the steak burger certainly gets our vote. Be sure to go in groups, as the smallest table seats 6 to 8!