MacPherson

Located under a HDB flat along Sim's place, this 28-seater makes a quiet nook to spend relaxing afternoons. Coffee's smooth and a good deal at just $4.80 for a latte. On food, count on the kitchen to dole out unpretentious fare — favourites include the fork-tender Beef Cheek ($16.90) and a generously portioned Chilli Crab Pasta ($14.90).
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

Come by this cosy cafe on Changi Road for innovatively-plated treats. Go for their Lightning Cars ($18) that sees grilled chicken in brown sauce served with sweet potato purée, and fresh fruits. The kids will adore the sweet and fluffy Banana Pancakes ($18) with mixed berries. Vegetarians, go for their Forest Wrap ($18) filled with zucchini, eggplant, mushroom, tomato and cheddar cheese, served with tomato sauce and a side salad with fruit. Wash it down with an Iced Long Black ($6). P.s There's a bouncy castle to burn off all that excess sugar!
Photo by Burppler Kevin M

Dropped by the relatively new Seng Coffee Bar for some post-dinner dessert, considering how I was pretty much in close vicinity of the cafe after having my dinner just a few bus stops away.

While the Chocolate Lava Cake is pretty much the go-to item here that is not just a crowd pleaser, but also rather aesthetic given how it comes in a rectangular block whilst filled with oozy, molten chocolate lava that is all for the ‘gram, I found myself going for the Cempedak Creme Brûlée instead (not about trying to make a statement here, but just my general preference for non-chocolate desserts at work here). No regrets for going for this option — the Cempedak Creme Brûlée comes with a satisfying layer of crystallised sugar that shatters with a knock from the spoon, revealing the creamy Cempedak-infused egg pudding within. While the pudding could admittedly be more well-executed given its slightly more airy and creamy texture, I liked how the Cempedak carries just a slight whiff of sweetness akin to durian, but without its pungency that perfumes lightly throughout the pudding layer. The dessert also comes with small cubes of Cempedak to further enhance those flavours — just some minor attention to detail that brings out the flavours of the dessert so ever slightly.

Seng Coffee Bar’s other offerings are pretty cafe-esque in nature, with items such as Mentaiko Mac & Cheese, Salted Egg Chicken Burger, Ribeye Steak and Smoked Salmon Egg Benedict being just a few items that have their place in the menu. That being said, I am rather intrigued by the offering of the Fried Nan Lu Chicken listed in the “Sides” section of the menu — an item that interests me for its use of the fermented soy bean curd for its marination; also something which I grew up with (mom’s cooking is always the best!) and also a side that would pair well with the various types of alcohol which they carry. Perhaps a revisit to check out the said dish is in the works soon ...

Broth was rich, flavourful and slightly spicy (for the spicy lovers), came with an egg and pork slices that were a tad porky.

Kway teow was generous and prawns were huge. Well worth the price and will definitely return again for this!

The pipa duck was the nicest, with a flavourful skin and meat that was moist. The roast duck and chicken wasn’t dry, but lacked an oomph. Had opted for the noodles but they were sold out, so rice it was! I think the meal would have been elevated had they flavoured their rice in some way. An average meal, might return to just get the pipa duck with noodles if I’m in the area.

You can't go wrong with Taiwanese Fried Chicken, one of the most renowned street snacks in Taiwan. The fried chicken here is juicy with a sweet and savoury coating, and Burppler boo tay says it's "honestly one of the best chicken cutlets ever, surpassed my expectations for its low price ($6.90)." The SingPost Centre outlet is also the only place to offer the exclusive Monga Fried Chicken Bento Sets, combining fragrant chicken rice and their amazing chicken.

Photo by Burppler Cliffton Choo

Brought to you by the people behind Soi Aroy, it's satisfaction guaranteed when you dine at this restaurant along Upper Aljunied Road! Get transported to the streets of Bangkok when you order up a variety of Green Curry Chicken ($9), Tom Saap ($9) and Pad Thai with Prawns ($9). Other must trys include the Crispy Deep-Fried Omelette with Crab Meat ($16), which Burppler Xing Wei Chua said was "not only airy and fluffy, but we found it to be immensely crispy even after being left at the table for a while — also not being in any way greasy as well. Add the crab meat atop, and it adds a distinct note of crustacean sweetness to the omelette; pretty fresh."
Photo by Burppler Xing Wei Chua

MIssing hot ramen from Japan and authentic bubble tea from Taiwan? Head to this cosy eatery in Macpherson for Tonkutsu ramen, Teriyaki Chicken and tasty bubble teas! Enjoy the Oishii Tonkotsu Ramen ($8.90), Katsu Curry Chicken Rice ($8.90) or Oishii Volcano Spicy Ramen ($9.90) for a fiery kick. Add on a cup of Brown Sugar Milk Tea w Pearls ($5.20) and The Jumbo Hokkaido Scallop ($9.90) for sharing!