Just minutes away from Kembangan MRT Station lies family-run Birdie Num Num Gastrobar, a convenient laid-back neighbourhood hangout that serves simple, honest café-style fare. Go for the Miso Cod ($15.90) that brims with Japanese familiarity – a lovely miso-marinated cod sitting on rich, cheesy risotto. For a no-brainer option, go for Birdie's Burger ($15.90), a beef patty loaded with melted cheese and bacon. This is one of those casual spots you’d be grateful for, a place in your neighbourhood where you and your friends can knock back a few and have a good time.
Taking over the former space of Windowsill Pies at Horne Road, Bao Makers’ unique concept is centred on… baos! All you Instagrammers would love the minimalist decor here with both white and unfinished cement walls and the occasional splash of wood accents. While they do serve main dishes such as the Teriyaki Chicken Chop ($14.90), it is really the bao dishes you should focus on. The Salted Egg Yolk Shrimp ($15) is the one to go for — familiar local zi char flavours stuffed in a light and fluffy steamed mantou. Your usual Flat White ($5.50) order might sound like a strange accompaniment, but just give it a shot, ok? Their coffees are brewed from a blend supplied by Common Man Coffee Roasters.
Tucked in a coffeeshop in Tiong Bahru, this humble little stall has been making waves with fabulous pasta served on old school kopitiam melamine plates. Made fresh daily by chef-owner, Chris, the simplicity of these pastas is deceiving. It's the kind of comfort food you wish you could have anytime, especially favourites such as the Premium Mac & Cheese with a good drizzle of truffle oil, the exceedingly fragrant and generously coated Basil Pesto, and the subtly flavoured Warm Bath — penne pasta with egg, French beans, anchovy butter. At just $7 and up, you can't fault the food here. Chris also whips up stunning desserts like Earl Grey Creme Brûlée and Chocolatey Chocolate Cake (at just $4!), which you should most certainly end your meal with. Oh, finish off by ordering a teh o from the drink stall uncle, of course. Come alone for a quick and delicious meal, or with a friend to share three plates maybe? ;)
Opened to much hype along Neil Road (a few doors down from The Lokal), The Populus Café might just live up to its name. The interior is industrial-chic, complete with wood finishings, black walls, and cement floors accented with gold. Started by the same people behind Department of Caffeine, and Two Degrees North Coffee Co, a specialty coffee roaster and wholesaler, this café aims to provide bold, inventive food. The Populus Scramble ($17) features creamy scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, and marinated feta in a crisp, buttery croissant — a substantial, tasty dish. Don't leave without trying a dessert, in particular the Lemon & White Chocolate Sundae ($13) that boasts a balance of tart and sweet with citron mascarpone, fresh lemon jelly, and rich vanilla soft serve served on a bed of more sweet goodies (think popping candy!). Pair it with their Cold Drip Coffee ($6) — it is rather stellar!
Showcasing traditional Teochew cuisine, Paradise Teochew Restaurant is Paradise Group's latest venture, and their first entry into the Teochew cuisine market. This semi-casual 196-seater restaurant is situated on the third floor of the Chinese Swimming Club, with large glass windows that allow natural light in, along with a view of the swimming pool. Start your meal with familiar classics in the Teochew Four Varieties Combination ($9/pax, min three pax) — a platter of Braised Sliced Duck, Pork Roll, Prawn Ball and Scallop. Don't miss the exquisite Steamed Diced Chicken wrapped in Egg White Crepe ($18), and the unique Crispy Pumpkin, Yam and Sweet Potato Strips ($12). This is the perfect spot to bring your folks to for Sunday afternoon dim sum, or perhaps for a celebration and for some truly authentic Teochew fare!
Taking over an old clinic space at 20 Foch Road (hence the name), 20F Specialty Coffeehouse in Jalan Besar boasts both day and night concepts. Passers-by would notice the fusion of old and new in both the facade and interior of the café — where old-school window grills and gorgeous vintage tiled floors meet industrial bronze fixtures and colourful chalk drawings on concrete walls. The Duck & Waffle ($22) is the signature item here, available for both lunch and dinner, featuring a harmonious marriage of crisp buttermilk waffles, savoury duck confit and berry sorbet. For a substantial brunch option, go for the Pulled Pork Flatbread ($17), a Mexican-inspired dish of spicy pulled pork, chipotle mayo, guacamole, an oozy sous vide egg, plus nachos on the side. Pair it with a latte ($5) pulled from Liberty Coffee's Speakeasy blend. Degenerate drinkers (yes, you) would be happy to know that they serve cocktails like the Red Sangria ($18). These vibes are just perfect for an after work chill-out sesh on Fridays (or Mondays...).
From the same folks who brought us Yoogane, Andong Zzimdak at Raffles City's basement specialises in Korean stews. You might be tempted to order the Mini Seafood Pancake ($9.90), but it might be wise to opt for the Chicken Karage ($9.90) instead and share these light and crisp nibbles and leave precious stomach space for the hearty stews. Then, dive into the ginormous portion of Andong Jjimdak (small $45.90, large $55.90), a mildly spicy chicken stew with a soy-based sauce that originates from the Andong province of South Korea, and brims with carrots, potatoes and translucent, chewy sweet potato noodles. This is the kind of soulful food that is best shared among a small group of friends — you'll definitely leave with full, warm, happy bellies.
On a cool night, or after a long day, there are few things more comforting than sitting down on a table full of dishes and a warm bowl of Teochew porridge in hand. This eatery manages to retain the down-to-earth nature of this traditional food, while allowing you some air-conditioned comfort. The porridge ($0.70) is just the way you expect it to be, with a good amount of porridge water. Go straight for their delicately Steamed Mullet (market price), perfectly light and flaky and served with salted vegetables, a staple that will bring memories flooding back to any Teochew nang. There are also many other sides to choose from, like the Big Sotong ($6.90) — served chilled with a sweet, tangy home-made sauce. If you ever find yourself hungry at wee hours of the morning, you'll be glad to know this spot is open till 5am! Pro tip: Go for the Supper Buffet ($16.80/pax) from 11pm to 5am, entitling you to porridge over 30 dishes to choose from.
