Favourites

If the unchartered west is where you're aiming to bring your date, pop by this cosy resto for amazing Italian nosh. Must-orders include the Traditional Stuffed Roman Schiacciata (from $10) – think creamy, aromatic truffle mushrooms embedded in a fluffy, chewy and slightly crusty flat bread. Trust the Burpple community's gut and go with the divinely crispy and crackly Porchetta (from $9), before finishing off with the delightful Pistachio Tiramisu ($14).
Photo by Burppler The Fine Diner SG

Boasting 23 craft brews on tap (!) that change every two weeks or so, this bar serves fantastic beers from all over the world like Mikkeller and To Øl. Taking over the old Chinese Druggists Association, this space is outfitted with simple marble tables and wood chairs, lending an elegant old-world charm that puts you at ease. Sit at the high tables outside should you want an even more casual vibe. The staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, answering your every query about each alien-sounding beer, and allowing you a taste before you order. From light, fruity ales to knockout dark porters, there's something here for everyone. These beers are so tasty, and pack a good punch (especially those over 7%!), making it really value for money. Give their unique bites like Lotus Root Chips a go.
Pro tip: order half pints ($7-11), they stay cold longer and allow you to try twice as many brews ;)

Strangely, God made fish reproductive fluids extremely tasty, or I suspect I might be fish-sexual. Shirako (cod milt) even tops Ikura for me as I crave its return yearly.
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This 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘇𝘂 𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲 ($19.80) more than alleviated my craving with an overload of blissful silky creaminess, coloured by piquant notes of ponzu. Whereas the Ankimo was decadently rich, flavourful and, whilst not quite melt-in-mouth, swished about my mouth with a luxurious buttery texture.
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And where better to get this delicacy than at my favourite izakaya, with fresh sashimi at reasonable prices.
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📍 2 Craig Rd, Singapore 089662
⏱️ (Mon-Fri) 12pm-2.30pm; (Mon-Sat) 6pm-11pm; closed on Sundays

Just a five-minute walk from Tai Seng MRT is this spacious cafe in Khong Guan Building. This is Alchemist's second outlet, the first being a tiny takeaway joint in International Plaza, and the third in Design Orchard. Have a Flat White ($5) that's best paired with a flaky Butter Cinnamon Danish ($5) for an ultimate afternoon treat. Otherwise, opt for a foolproof Pour Over (from $5).
Photo by Burppler Jade Ng

Come with a group of friends who love bold flavours, and start by nursing a Sexy Sanchez Vatos Rita's ($28), a strawberry margarita infused with a pint of Brunty's Strawberry Cider, placed precariously upside down on the side of the glass. For food, order the better-than-fish-and-chips Baja Fish Tacos ($10 for two tacos, $14 for three) — tempura beer battered pollock fried to a shattering crisp, topped with spicy chipotle mayo, fresh salsa and apple coleslaw. Don't miss the irresistible Kimchi Carnitas Fries ($16) — think tender braised pork and sauteed kimchi atop a bed of french fries, smothered by cheese, sour cream, hot sauce and cilantro.

This spot in Dover Rise Coffee Shop is great for hearty family dinners. Not only is there killer fish soup, you can (let's make that a 'must' instead) also enjoy what is arguably one of the best Har Cheong Gai ($9) around. Order the XO Fish Bee Hoon ($6/pax) that comes with both sliced and fried fish, thick bee hoon and a peppery, milky broth spiked with XO brandy. Pro-tip: also order their excellent San Lou Hor Fun ($6) to share.
Photo by Burppler The Hungry Geek

Located in Boon Lay, this food centre sees an unending stream of regulars on weeknights. The stall front is covered with many accolades won over the years — a testament to how good their dishes are. Follow our Burpple community's recommendation and get the Fried Egg with Oysters ($10). Unlike the starchy oyster eggs we're used to, the version here is an omelette topped with a generous portion of plump oysters. Burppler Hwans Lim highly recommends coming with a group of four or more to share the Fish Steamboat (market price). It comes ladened with plenty of fresh fish slices, yam cubes and tomatoes. Also worth sharing are the XL-sized Homemade Prawn Roll (Hei Zho)($8) — unlike other places where the hei zho comes in bite-sized pieces, here they do a lemon-sized version that requires more than a bite to finish.
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Jeremy Tan

No-frills zi char spot Two Chefs is so popular that having a reservation doesn’t guarantee immediate seating, but the wait will prove worthwhile. Consider the tender, one-of-a-kind Butter Pork Ribs (from $8) coated in condensed milk powder and the XO San Lou Hor Fun (from $7) with full-on wok hei.
Photo by Burppler Debra Ow

A new arrival on the Tiong Bahru circuit, BAKALAKI Greek Taverna is our next go-to for date night. Decked out in a palette of white and light wood, the gorgeous space serves authentic Greek fare with cosy, laid-back vibes. Order the Moussaka ($22.90) the moment you are seated — the classic dish of layered eggplant, minced beef, cheese and potatoes takes 40 minutes to cook, but is well worth the wait. Meanwhile, get going with an order of Warm Pita Bread ($2.90) and their generously portioned dips. Try the Taramosalata ($15.90), an appetising dip made from white cod roe, bread crumbs and lemon juice. Other Burpple community favourites include the Htapodi ($32.90), expertly grilled octopus tentacles (you get two tentacles per serving) and Paidakia ($32.90), grilled lamb chops marinated with oregano and rosemary. If space permits, consider the Loukoumades ($14.90) for dessert. These fried donuts are drizzled with honey and cinnamon, and served with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Avg Price: $55 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

Joining the selection of top-notch restaurants at Marina Bay Sands is this lauded Miami brand specialising in Southern cooking. In its first outpost outside of the United States, The Bird is all about hearty food and Southern hospitality. Prices are on the higher side, but that certainly hasn't stopped the crowds from swooping down. The must-order here is no doubt the Lewellyn's Fine Fried Chicken ($35 for half a chicken) — the 100-year old recipe that has the chicken brined for 27 hours and marinated in a delicious mix of spices. Another favourite among the Burpple community is the Chicken 'N' Watermelon 'N' Waffles ($45), which sees crisp and tender spiced-rub chicken served with chilled spiced watermelon, Vermont sharp cheddar cheese waffle and heady bourbon maple syrup. According to Burpple Tastemaker Felicia Sim, the portion is good to share between two; all the better so you can negotiate tummy space for the spot-on Deviled Eggs ($14) topped with smoked roe, dill and chives, and the Classic Buttermilk Biscuits ($10). Declared by Burpple K T to be the best he's tasted in Singapore, these biscuits are warm, comforting and absolutely delicious with the accompanying honey butter and housemade jam. Pro tip: The general consensus is that the desserts are on the sweeter side, so decide wisely.
Avg Price: $60 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Felicia Sim

Queues move fairly quickly here, and very soon you'll find yourself seated, with a generously-portioned plate of Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah ($12.80). The crispy and juicy chicken thigh is the star of the show, featuring runny sunny side up and fragrant coconutty rice as excellent supporting cast members. Pair that with the sweet but kicky sambal and you're golden. End the meal with their delish Cendol ($3.80) that sees finely shaved ice topped with freshly squeezed coconut milk, homemade pandan rice flour jelly and just enough gula melaka to balance out the milkiness.
Photo by Burppler K T

For a trendy yakitori to bring your friends, this fairly new one in town guarantees a good time. You can expect to chomp on mindblowingly good Chicken Karaage ($9.60) and a varied selection of yakitori, while nursing a very tall glass of Mega Highball (from $18). In case you’re hungry for more, bat for the hearty Oyako Don ($12.80) — just pray that it hasn't sold out!
Photo by Burppler Kenneth Lee