New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Singapore: July 2016

Tucked away in an industrial neighbourhood in Bukit Batok, The RawR Kitchen serves comforting Italian pastas and award-winning beers by On Tap Brewery. This no-frills restaurant-cum-microbrewery isn't easy to find, but before you dismiss it, we promise the arduous journey to the West is worth it. Come on the weekend with a group of serious pint-pourers for the Beer Buffet ($35) — a value-for-money two hours of free-flow craft beers. There are eleven on rotation, of which you should look out for the crowd-pleasing Wheat Beer (second place in the Asia Beer Medal Awards) and the alcoholic Root Beer. The latter pairs well with the lip-smacking Deep Fried Pork Belly ($9), which Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua describes as "immensely fatty and juicy, lightly crusted with a melt-in-the-mouth texture that is simply done yet addictive". If you're working around the area, swing by with your colleagues for lunch and have the unbelievably tasty Bolognese ($11). The humble dish of linguine is topped with beef that's been slow-cooked for four hours in a homemade tomato sauce.
Avg price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh

The menu at Tai Cheong Bakery, a household name in Hong Kong, is scant but focused. Previously a pop-up at Takashimaya's Food Hall, the bakery has settled for a permanent takeaway counter in Takashimaya's basement two. Look out for its signature teal signboard and long snaking queue — yes, be prepared to wait in line for at least two hours to get your hands on their famous Egg Tarts ($7.60 box of four)! Nothing quite comes close to the sheer buttery, flaky crust and smooth custard filling. Apart from the egg tarts, there are four other offerings on the menu, including a Chicken Pie ($2.80), Char Siew Bolo Bun ($2.20) and a Sponge Cupcake ($1.50).
Avg price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Mandy Lynn

Part of Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, the beautifully outfitted Baba Chews (think intricate, monochromatic tiles, plush seats and a stunning bar) is an all-day dining restaurant serving dishes from the Straits of Malacca. Come with your family or a group of foodie friends, so you can dine communal style. Start with the Chilli Crab Cake ($15), a spin on the local favourite that sees deep-fried crab meat patties served with fried mantou 'chips'. For mains, share the Iberico Pork Ribs Pongteh ($25), tender braised ribs slicked in a umami-rich gravy; Sambal Stingray ($20), redolent with smoky flavours and slathered in a spicy and tangy sambal; and Sambal Terung ($10), eggplant cooked in chilli, tamarind and spices. The menu also includes the usual hotel suspects like burgers and pastas, as well as dishes designed by the Intercontinental Hotel Group's culinary ambassadors, such as Chef Sam Leong's Signature Wasabi Prawns ($15). End your meal with a bowl of icy, soothing Chendol ($6).
Avg price: $35 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

Besides its humble kiosk at the basement of Robinsons The Heeren, this scoop shop has taken up a permanent space in Takashimaya, just across from Godiva. Venchi's location makes it a must before and after shopping, and perhaps while lining up at Tai Cheong Bakery. The 130-year-old Italian creamery prides itself as a specialised chocolate shop, which explains why their chocolate gelato flavours are spot on — luscious, rich yet not overly so. There are three sizes ($5.90 for one, $7.50 for two, $8.90 for three scoops) and 10 gelato flavours to choose from. If you're new to the party, grab a few friends and share three scoops. The milk-based Pistachio, creamy chocolatey Giandujotto and Venchi's best offering — the Cremino Venchi, a medley of hazelnut and chocolate gelato — go excellently together.
Avg price: $5 per person
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

Every so often, we'll come across a bingsu that defies categories. The Purple Sweet Potato Milky Snow Mountain ($9.90) is one such dessert — buried beneath the mountain of bright purple snowy ice, nata de coco and red beans is a surprise centre: grass jelly! Expect the best of both worlds — Korean milky ice chiseled to snowy perfection, Taiwanese grass jelly, and mochi balls for some chewy goodness. Fancy something with a little less ice? The Gula Melaka and Soy Bean Curd Polo Ice ($6.80) might just be your thing — shovel beneath the small hill of shaved ice to reveal a heap of nata de coco, red beans and silky smooth soy beancurd. Located in Tiong Bahru Plaza at the new food wing, desserts here are at pocket-friendly prices — perfect for students looking to share a midday treat.
Avg price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Aub Keyou

At first glance, this contemporary Cantonese restaurant in Holland Village resembles yet another hipster cafe, thanks to its striking blue framed doors and edgy graphics. But look beyond that and you'll find some innovative Chinese fare like Chilli Glazed Fried Fermented Bean Paste Chicken Wings ($8), Golden Sand Corn with Salted Egg Yolk ($4.80) and Hakka Crispy Kurobuta Pork Belly ($18). Unconventional dishes, but so tasty. The 97-seater restaurant conveniently located beside Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is the perfect spot to bring your family for Sunday lunch, or when you need to accommodate a large group of friends.
Avg price: $25 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Marc T

If you’re looking for well-executed Japanese desserts to lift your spirits, then this is the place for you. The newly opened Henri Charpentier at Orchard Central serves mainly takeaway cakes and sweet treats, unlike its sister outlet at Dempsey Hill, where they do more artfully decorated desserts. There's a modest seating area just in front of the shop, where you can watch the pâtissier work his magic as you eat. Gather your girlfriends for a post-shopping treat and share the Double Cheesecake ($7.50). Light, fluffy and unexpectedly delicate — exactly how a Japanese cheesecake should be.
Avg price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

Bob Seah, the man behind the House of Peranakan Group of restaurants, has launched this new casual concept in East Coast Road. Like the other establishments in the group, the focus here is on authentic Nonya cooking, albeit on more affordably priced set meals and light bites. Bring your family for lunch and start with the moreish Kueh Pie Tee ($6.50 for four pieces) and Tauhu Goreng ($7.90). Then, move on to mains like Nonya Mee Siam ($7.90) and Assam Laksa ($8.90). Both noodle dishes are full on flavour and packed with fresh ingredients. For something even more authentic, try the Peranakan Rice Set ($11.90) — it comes with one main (choose from braised pork, beef rendang and assam fish) along with rice, Nonya chap chye (braised vegetables) and a bowl of soup. Durian lovers, don't miss the Durian Chendol ($6.50), topped with fresh durian puree and homemade gula Melaka.
Avg price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Amie Hu

Canberra's famed (and aptly named) Freakshakes have finally reached our shores. Set in Raffles Holland V, the new building across the road from Holland Village, Patissez will win sugarholics over with their over the top milkshakes. Choose from four creations, all stunning, sweet and absolutely delish — just be sure to save it for cheat days! For the uninitiated, go easy on your sweet tooth with the Pretzella ($16) — Nutella shake, vanilla mousse, pretzels and lots and lots of Nutella. The salty crunch of the pretzels add a much welcomed savoury dimension to this drink (or should we say dessert?). Apart from sweets, this joint also serves up some tasty mains like their Freak Burger ($25), so make a long brunch out of this visit. Just be sure to share the shakes.
Avg price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Vanessa Kou

If you're a fan of tendon, a straightforward Japanese dish of tempura on a bowl of rice, here's another restaurant to satisfy your craving! Located within Eat@Seven in Suntec City, Tempura Kohaku is a great spot for an intimate catch up over delicious Japanese food, at least until the crowd finds out about this place. The menu is concise, with only four tendon options. The Kohaku Tendon ($15) that comes with prawns, chicken and vegetable tempura is a safe order, but if you like your spice, you must have the Kohaku Tendon Spicy Flavour ($15). It is essentially the same bowl, but with an unbelievably tasty, mildly burning spicy sauce drizzled on. While there is no oozy, fried onsen egg like the tendon at Ginza Tendon Itsuki, the crisp, light-as-air batter and spicy sauce certainly sets itself apart! For ravenous eaters, there's a Tendon Set (from $18.50) that comes with a bowl of udon on the side and preserved vegetables.
Avg price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Gavin Chan

Always on the lookout for new dinner spots to impress your date? This flamboyant space on the first floor of M Social Singapore (not to be confused with Studio M Hotel) is the place to bring your beau. The massive pad is decked with lava lamps, chandeliers projecting artworks and even a sprawling wall of 40 iPads displaying visual art pieces specially designed by French icon Philippe Starck — all great as conversation starters. Together with their bold East-meets-West dishes, expect a novel dining experience here. Start with the Simply Scallop ($24) — Hokkaido scallops served carpaccio-style, drizzled with a tangy yuzu and ginger marinade. Then, try the Great Rack of Lamb ($36), where unbelievably tender mutton meat is marinated with oriental spices and served with steamed glutinous rice and Sichuan peppercorn, while the Lobster Porridge ($28), Executive Chef Bryce Li's specialty, is a comforting bowl of Teochew porridge teeming with abalone slices and topped with a lobster. Finish the meal on a high with the Yam Brulee ($10) — a twist on the traditional Teochew dessert topped with coconut ice cream.
Avg price: $50 per person
Photo by Burppler Sam Chua

It's hard to miss this homey, cosy Japanese izakaya on the first floor of Orchard Central. Resembling the entrance of a Japanese home with its wooden fixtures and stacked sake barrels, this is a great place to head to for affordable lunch sets and pocket-friendly drinks at night. Available daily from noon to 3pm, set meals start from just $15, and each comes with complimentary salad, appetiser, miso soup with clams and ice cream. Go for the tasty Yakiniku Onsen Tamago Don ($15) — simmered beef slathered with yakiniku sauce and served with a wobbly onsen egg, or the Kaisen Chirashi ($20) — 10 kinds of sashimi served freshly sliced or grilled, atop a bed of En's pink sushi rice that "has been mixed with a special Japanese condiment". Drinks start from $8 for a glass of shochu and $10 for cocktails all-day — a pocket-friendly way to let loose after work, with some grilled-to-order skewers to munch on, of course!
Avg price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Ice Blossom