New Place

If you’re thinking of a hawker breakfast, then Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre is a must visit. Fun fact: before undergoing a two-year revamp in 2004, this hawker centre initially existed as a wet market (Seng Poh Road Market) that hosted non-permanent hawkers and nearby coffee shops under its roofs. Recently re-opened after a three-month renovation, this iconic venue is home to many morning crowd favourites including Jian Bo Shueh Kueh (#02-05) — known for their ultra soft, melt-in-your-mouth Chwee Kueh ($2 for five pieces) topped generously with fragrant preserved radish (chye poh) and chilli sauce on the side. For something more substantial, look no further than Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodles (#02-30). Despite the auntie’s grumpy demeanour, this stall is famous for its premium Char Siew Wanton Noodles ($5), featuring thick, juicy pieces of caramelised pork. It’s also said that the char siew here is more tender than most, as the meat is taken from the armpit of the pig (as compared to the commonly used pork shoulder). While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out 178 Lor Mee (#02-23) for their Lor Mee (from $3) — yellow noodles drenched in slurpy, flavourful gravy paired with crispy shark meat nuggets and deep-fried batter bits — comfort food at its best.
Photos by Burpplers Jasen Tay, Eat Dreamlove and Reiko Lee

Just a short walk from Kent Ridge MRT is this enclave of 17 restaurants curated by the folks behind Timbre and Timbre+. Diners at Savourworld can choose to sit in the individual air-conditioned restaurants or opt for the umbrella seats in the courtyard should they want to order from multiple restaurants. There are no overlapping cuisines or dishes, so you won't be torn between ordering the same dish from two different places. Familiar names like Spruce and Blue Lotus even offer different menus from their other outlets, so you get to try something new. Drop by Coffee Break in the morning for their Black Sesame Premium Toast ($3.30) and get $0.30 off your bill with any drink order. During lunch, grab a seat at Tokyo Joe and tuck into their super fresh Signature Bara Chirashi ($16). For the sweet-toothed, indulge in a scoop of Ice Cream ($3.80) from Licktionary and don't leave without getting your Thai Milk Tea (from $2.30) fix at Cha Tra Mue. Pro tip: Many of the restaurants offer Happy Hour prices for their booze, so make this your next afterwork watering hole!
Avg Prices: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See