New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Singapore: September 2017

At this wanton noodle store (you'll recognise it by its insanely long queue), it's the char siew that the crowds will gladly wait an average of 30 minutes for. The Wanton Noodles (from $4) are springy and decent, but pale in comparison to the barbecued pork on top — beautifully charred, sliced into thick slices and just delicious. To make the queuing worth your while, take the advice from Tastemakers Casey Tan and Amanda Liu to go for the Premium Cha Shao Noodles (from $6), which is made from the armpit of the pork (bu jian tian in Mandarin). According to Tastemaker Amanda, this prized cut results in char siew that sports the perfect ratio of meat to fat, so it's tender without being overwhelmingly fatty. Pro tip: The char siew sells out early, so make this a breakfast outing.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Amanda Liu

To quote Burpple Tastemaker Fiona Ting, this hole-in-the-wall Clifford Centre newbie is the place for "seriously saucy" Braised Pork Belly Rice ($3 for small, $5 for big). Portion-wise, we found the best way to go was to add meat ($1) to the small bowl to get a great proportion of meat to rice. Get your appetites ready for a bowl of Japanese pearl rice, topped generously with slow-cooked braised pork belly. Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua describes the rice to be drenched with the savoury braised sauce, and the meat to be melt-in-the-mouth tender. In short, it's a super comforting, belly-warming meal that'll perk you up for lunch. They also serve pretty tasty old-school waffles, smeared with your choice of filling. Fiona loves the Nacho Cheese Waffle ($2), sandwiched with a slice of cheddar and copious amounts of nacho cheese sauce. Pro tip: Ask for a bowl of chili to go with your lu rou fan!
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Fiona Ting

Tokyo's famously hip coffee house has found its way to our shores, and aficionados can now get their fix at Downtown Gallery. So far, the Burpple community has affirmed that the coffee is as good as it tastes in Japan. Omotesando is known for their quality coffee (beans from Melbourne are roasted in Kyoto by Ogawa Coffee Roasters), and the brand's dedication is reflected in their very precise approach to brewing coffee. Taste the magic in the Iced Cappuccino ($7.50), a milky, mellow brew that comes with Omotesando's signature bubble cap, topped generously with cocoa powder. If you prefer a stronger brew, take Burppler Dex Neo's to go for the hot drinks, which'll give you more of a kick. Pro tip: Good things come to those who wait. Be prepared to queue; the average waiting time is about 40 minutes.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Lewis Tan

This new Japanese kushiyaki bar at The Sail @ Marina Bay serves up amazingly smoky and yummy kushiyaki (skewered sticks), but that's not all — they dish out some stellar rice bowls too. There are only counter seats, so come solo or bring just one friend. Get acquainted with their style through the Kushiyaki Omakase ($22), which gets you six skewers that are grilled till they sport a lovely char. Expect the likes of pork, chicken, and chicken with leek, all of which go very well with a drink. Portions run small for the rice bowls like the Kushiyaki Don ($14.90) that is served with four assorted sticks atop a bowl of rice, along with a fried onsen egg; or the Special Tempura Don ($14.90), which sees the chef's selection of ingredients battered and fried till crisp golden. Order the free-flow Ocha (hot tea, $2) to wash it all down.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler chutoro eats

Housed in a standalone metal and glass structure, sporting floor-to-ceiling windows, wood accents and lush greenery, this gorgeous light-filled space in CHIJMES is ideal for a bit of respite in the city. Pop in for a coffee and something small to eat, be it a cinnamon roll, a slice of banana cake with cream cheese frosting or an open-faced sandwich from their toast bar — try the Avocado & Dukkah ($7) if you fancy something savoury. They use sourdough from The Bakery at Woodlands Sourdough for their toasts, so expect a good, crisp crust. The Burpple community has praised the friendly service and warm ambience, so file this away for some me-time or a quiet tete-a-tete. Coffee-wise, their offerings (from $3.50 for a black coffee) feature a rotation of beans from various roasters, so you're likely to be surprised every time.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Salsera Love

This durian dessert cafe is THE place for all things durian, served with a dose of industrial chic — think brick walls and exposed beam ceilings. Four Seasons Durian is well-known for their durian confectionaries, so rest assured these desserts will hit the spot. Go in a group so you can share the love but think twice about bringing non-converts; as Burppler Kris Lim says, the smell will hit you once you enter the space. The extensive menu is bound to get durian lovers hot under the collar. The D24 Durian Mochi ($5 for four) are chewy and rather mild but if you yearn for stronger flavours, go straight for the Mao Shang Wang Durian Mochi ($8.80 for four). Others to try include the Durian Strudel ($15.80), Mao Shan Wang Ice Cream ($5.80), Mao Shan Wang Coffe ($5) and the delectable Mao Shan Wang Ice Cream Puffs ($15.80 for six), which many say are a must-order. If you can't find a seat, get the Mao Shan Wang Takeaway Cup ($6.80) to go — the soft serve sundae makes a lovely treat while moseying through Chinatown.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Kris Lim

For a whole new perspective on hotdogs, visit Frank for their creative fusion takes on the humble sausage. These guys dish it out from Singapore's first and only food container! While the franks are creative, the menu is kept uncomplicated and simple, making it really easy to narrow down your choices. Go classic with the Nürnberger Dog ($10), sandwiched in a pretzel bun with potato salad, wholegrain mustard, mayonnaise and chives; the Tokyo Frank ($12) that tops a kurobuta pork sausage with miso dressing and bonito flakes; or the Curry Dog and Beer ($22, comes with a 300ml beer) at dinner. The latter is elevated with sauerkraut and crispy bacon, and is so good that Burppler Kenneth Lee declared it to be one of the tastiest ones he's had. Try it, and then tell us all about it. Lowenbrau lager is also served on draft (from $8 for 300ml).
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Kenneth Lee

If you want good and satisfying fried chicken wings — those sporting a perfectly crisp outer coat while maintaining juicy insides — go to Sticky Wings. Taking over Four Fingers in Westgate, this casual chicken restaurant (pending Halal certification) serves wings, burgers and light bites. Choose from three different flavours for your wings — sweet-savoury Kecap Manis glaze mixed with garlic and gula Melaka, fiery Spicy Flamin' that is a blend of chillies, or have it Naked, simple but still finger-licking good. For a satisfying meal, opt for the Black Belt ($8.50), which comes with a drumstick and three two-joint wings and top up $2.50 for a soft drink and a side. Of all the sides that we tried, we enjoyed the Fries with Minced Beef Rendang and the My Butter Half ($1.50), a portion of tasty butter rice.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Marc T.

Located in the basement of Marina Bay Sands, this sprawling 350-seater nautical-themed buffet space is great for hosting company lunches as well as weekend family gatherings (prices start from $42 for adults). There are private rooms for large groups (50 pax) and round booth tables that are designed to look like boats on the outside for smaller families. Parents, take delight as kids under 1.3m dine for free! There are 10 hot and cold stations to choose from — tuck into familiar continental buffet items like pastas and pizzas, sashimi, Alaskan king crab (even at lunch!) and local dishes like chilli crab and sio bak. There's also a dedicated Korean station where you can make your own bibimbap, customise your bowl of guksu (noodles) and have free-flow soon dae (blood sausages). For dessert, go crazy at the DIY Bingsu station and don't forget about the chewy Korean cakes, waffles and chocolates!
Avg Price: $45 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Julius Lim

For a modern spin on bak kut teh, check out BakBak at Circular Road. The 80-seater space is started by the same guys behind Rong Cheng Bak Kut Teh, so expect good ol' flavours, albeit with a twist. They've even modernised the ordering system — diners order using their mobile phones and the QR codes assigned to every table. There is an emphasis on healthy eating, so expect the likes of sea cucumber, tofu and brown rice on the menu. Try their Sanuki Udon with Dragon Rib ($11) — Burppler Rachel Chua loves how the noodles soaked up all the umami flavours from the broth, or keep it classic with the Premium Dragon Rib Soup ($10.50). The use of fresh pork loin ribs and garlic lends a robustness to the broth. For sides, don't miss out on the Fried Prawn Roll ($11), which Burpplers are raving about. Pro tip: This place is great for groups but if you're in the need for some solo time, opt to sit at one of the single diner booth seats.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Cassie Ong

When in the mood for an Indonesian feast, book in for the weekend lunch buffet ($38) at this Bay Hotel restaurant. The current buffet promo ($55 for two pax) makes it a fair deal to enjoy a smorgasbord of Indonesian flavours. For us, their Indonesian dishes were the standouts — be sure to ladle on the ayam kalio, reminiscent of rendang albeit with more turmeric and blue ginger, the DIY Indonesian rojak (check out the shrimp paste gula Melaka sauce!) and the udang petai belado (prawns with petai beans) stir-fried in a sambal gravy. The chilled seafood and French pastries aren't worth the calories, so zero in on the Nonya kueh kueh instead. Pro tip: There's no guarantee when the promo buffet prices will last, so visit quick!
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A.

Located on Stanley Street, the Singapore outpost of Barcelona's Michelin-starred Restaurant Gaig serves delish Spanish plates, with a focus on Catalan classics. While cosy, the white-washed space is inviting, and the rustic cooking is steadily winning the Burpple community over. The Paellas (from $28.20) are foolproof, but it's the Catalan dishes that are likely to lure you back. Try the flawless Stuffed Baby Calamari ($24.50), which sees the calamari stuffed with minced squid, beef, pork and egg, and slicked in a rich tomato-based sauce, and the Pig Trotter with Turnips ($19.20), a super comforting dish that features melt-in-the-mouth meat. Order the Chocolate Beignets ($12.70) for dessert. Battered, deep-fried dark chocolate ganache balls that are crisp on the outside and silky smooth within? Yes please.
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Blueskies Cottonclouds