Expect a long waiting time if you don't make reservations at Artichoke, set in the compound of the beautiful Sculpture Square. If you're unfamiliar with Middle Eastern flavours, Artichoke is a great place to start. A constant delight is their Mezze Platter ($26), it's the best way to start and share a meal with your friends, alongside a hearty Lamb Shakshuka ($26). Also go for the Feta Burrata ($23) if you love all things creamy and cheesy, and do not miss out on the Bacon Chop ($10) -- a mammoth-sized slab of maple-glazed bacon! For dessert, get the delightfully sweet Baklava Sampler. There are so many outstanding dishes, so grab your family or friends because you'll want to regret nothing by trying everything.
Carpenter and Cook needs no introduction. Boasting excellently executed pastries, it is not hard to see why they are a solid establishment in the F&B scene. There are so many good pastries to choose from, but what you should try are the Passionfruit Meringue Tart ($6.50), Quiche ($7), Savoury Brioche ($6.50) and Croissants (from $2.50) (heh, still a lot). The passionfruit tart has just the right amount of tanginess, complemented by the slight sweetness of the meringue, and the tart shell is perfectly crunchy. They also do one of the best quiches in town: it is eggy and custardy without being overly rich, and has a buttery, flaky crust. Furnished with quaint vintage items from around the world, this space is very welcoming for spending an afternoon at!
Opened by an ex co-owner of Sarnies, The Hangar is a seriously chill spot with good, honest food. Their menu is focused on sandwiches and salads, with brunch offerings like Smashed Feta and Avocado on Toast ($8), and The Hangover ($20) — a massive plate of eggs, sausages, mushrooms, beans, and toast. Albeit humble-looking, the sarnies here pack a load of flavour, and everything is made from scratch. Look out for their unique sandwiches such as Lotus Croqueroots (lotus root croquettes, $10), and the Lemongrass Steak ($12). Of course, no brunch is complete without coffee. Note that they roast their beans in-house!
Just a few stalls down from its big sister The Good Beer Company sits Smith Street Taps, a haven for craft beer lovers. As its name suggests, this stall in Chinatown Complex at Smith Street serves beer on tap. They offer a familiar Sapporo alongside lesser-known names, enjoy a lovely, ice cold pint in one of the best hawker centres in the country. Don't be shy, talk to owners Daniel and Meng Chao for recommendations, it'd be silly to miss out on a great food pairing, or a truly unique pour!
Boasting an impressive selection of specialty beers, ciders, and also German lager on tap, Beer is Food is a much welcome addition to the stall directory of Golden Mile Food Centre. With over 50 types of beers and ciders and regular new additions, this playground of craft beer allows you to pair unique drinks with your favourite hawker fare. Prices range from $8-14.
With branches in Dover and Pandan Garden, Ministry of Ribs brings good ol' American grub that is set to satisfy at extremely affordable prices. True to their name, their Hickory Smoked Ribs ($13.90 for half, $20.90 for full portion) are a stand-out, having been thoughtfully selected, slow-cooked, smoked and then seared for incredible flavour with their blend of spices and sauces. Their special Ministry Burger ($13.90) is a hearty option, complete with bacon and fried onion onion rings atop a juicy beef patty cooked to perfection. Ribs, burgers and prime ribeye steaks prepared fresh daily — this is just the spot to enjoy a hearty meal with friends or family.
Situated at North Bridge Road and taking over the space from the now-defunct De’Pop Culture Cafe, Halal-certified Wilder offers a fresh spin on classic brunch fare in a industrial cafe setting. Go for their French Toast -- a unique Eggs Benedict-esque creation with two fried eggs seated atop a savoury, stuffed brioche -- or the satisfying Prawn and Corn Fritter with Avocado and Homemade Tomato Salsa topped with Egg. A small selection of dessert items and drinks are also available.
Opening along Bukit Pasoh Road, Boca serves authentic Portugese fare in a warm, stylish setting. Be welcomed into the three-storey shophouse by flights of Andorinha (swallows) which commemorate the spirit of returning home, and make yourself comfrotable in this stylish, warm space. Order the Prato de Salgadinhos Mistos, which is their platter of petiscos (the Portugese equivalent of tapas) and go for the super-comforting Açorda de Bacalhau (congee-esque bread with salted cod), and the Chouriço em Chamas (chorizo flame-grilled in brandy). End the evening with the original Portuguese Egg Tart, served with a liberal sprinkling of cinnamon and icing sugar as they should be. Sounds like an amazing date night, no?
Oriole Coffee + Bar at Somerset re-opened its doors in January after a 2-month period of refurbishment, bringing back their much-loved signature Yellowbird and Raven blends and a larger food menu. Start the day with a flat white and Rueben sandwich, and for a hearty lunch or dinner, go for the Fried Wild Rice or Beef Cheek Tagliatalle. Cold brews are very much welcomed in this heat, and Oriole's Taisho M.A.D. milk is a stellar hit -- a heavenly blend of freshly brewed coffee with a non-diary concoction of macadamias, almonds and dates (hence the M.A.D.). Their coffee milkshake and series of coffee-based cocktails prove to be great hits as well! Conveniently located in town, drop by and satisfy your cafe needs whenever you're around.
This part-art-gallery-part-cafe has made big waves in the cafe scene, and not just 'cos they serve great brunch and coffee. Artistry also provides creatives with a platform to debut their work through exhibitions, performances, talks or events that never fail to entertain. Fans of Artistry's food would be pleased to know they've extended their opening hours, making it possible to squeeze in that morning cuppa at 9am (an hour earlier than before), and also grab some sliders ($18) after work from their brand new dinner menu (till 9.30pm)! Choose from 8 different flavours like Angus Beef & Bacon, or Lamb Tzatziki, and wash them down with a couple of drinks after a long day. For dessert, don't miss their notorious PB&J French toast ($14)!
From fish and chips to burgers to hot dogs, I Am is where you want to be with your friends this long weekend! Finish your meal with a lovely slice of Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel.
*Closed on 18th Feb
Come here for a good cuppa with the best pillowy-soft Tau Sar Pau you can find, before heading out to the next relative's home! Alternatively, start your day here with a hearty breakfast.
*Closed on 18th Feb
