This cosy, open-kitchen pasta bar nestled in the heart of Keong Saik Road relies on just 11 pasta dishes to impress. For a fun date night idea, get seats at the counter to watch the pasta chefs at work. Although on the saltier side, the Pappardelle ($30) with rabbit ragu, pine nuts and olives makes for a wonderfully unique and delicious meal. The Burpple community is also loving the wanton-like Tortelli ($26), filled with pumpkin and slicked in sage sauce.
Photo by Burppler The RantingPanda
Situated in Kam Leng Hotel along Jalan Besar, this modern Chinese restobar shakes up old-school zi char with its innovative spin. We recommend giving the Awesome Silky Egg Hor Fun (from $7.80) a go. The rice noodles are deep-fried before getting tossed with gravy, resulting in an interestingly silky yet crunchy texture. For something to share over happy hour Draft Beer (from $10 a pint), get Chef J’s BBQ Pork ($14.80) for sweet, smoky pork jowl slices to munch on.
Photo by Burppler Muriel AvdH
When the week calls for good food and nosh with your friends, gather the group at this newbie along Keong Saik Road. The smart casual Barcelona-inspired concept is backed by Catalunya alumni, so you're in good hands. Come for the prized Japanese Tuna Cheek with "Marmitako" Sauce ($35), a deliciously fresh and fatty part of the fish doused in red pepper sauce. Don't leave without sharing Olivia’s Creamy Homemade Cheesecake ($14) — creamy, cheesy goodness coddled in a buttery shell.
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo
Add this coffee bar in International Plaza to your Wishlist for your next caffeine run. The beans are roasted by the same guys behind Community Coffee, so expect excellent stuff. Currently made with a Guatamalan blend in the hopper, the Long Black ($4) gets our stamp of approval. Those who prefer a milder flavour will appreciate the White ($4.50) with a smooth finish. Coffee's takeaway-only, so bring your own tumblers!
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass
If you've got a beef-loving date to please, this contemporary BBQ concept will fit the bill just right. Brought to you by the team behind Black Cow, this restaurant focuses similarly on the winning formula of its predecessors – Japanese wagyu beef. You're here for the umami house signature Supreme Don (from $85), sporting an all-star ensemble of expertly grilled wagyu beef, glazed foie gras, uni, onsen egg and shaved truffle – all in one bowl.
Photo by Burppler Alicia Ho
Sister restaurant to popular South Union Park, this French-inspired concept along quiet Yio Chu Kang Road revolves around handmade pastas, meaty mains and simple soups. Crustacean lovers, dive straight for the Crabmeat Pasta ($25) and eat your fill of sweet, shredded crabmeat on top of linguine, slicked in a sweet and fragrant white wine sauce. Also good is the super tender Braised Beef Cheeks ($26), paired with earthy mushrooms atop a creamy mash.
Photo by Burppler Rueann Dass
This fresh face amongst the slew of Japanese eateries at Suntec City's Eat At Seven specialises in sanuki udon — characterised by a square shape and flat edges. The menu features an ample variety of broth bases, from tom yum to tonkotsu. If you're looking for a lighter option, the bright and zingy Smoked Duck Udon ($11.80) should do the trick, while the rich, creamy Tonkotsu Udon ($12.80) will appease a heavier palate.
Photo by Burppler Yang Xunsheng
This Upper Cross Street inhabitant specialises in vegan tea lattes that aren't just delicious, but healthful too. Get this: they make their own cashew milk (as a base for all their drinks) from scratch by grinding quality whole cashews with no artificial additives. The Burpple community has nothing but praise for the creamy and well balanced Creamy Cashew Earl Grey ($5) and the Sweet Potato Latte ($5.50) that has a roasty, caramelised aftertaste.
Photo by Burppler Claire Ng
Filling in for now-defunct Bakery by Woodlands Sourdough is now what some has dubbed its "spiritual successor", serving up sourdough toasts and sandwiches. Go for the Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($12), featuring brie, mozzerella and cheddar on freshly baked sourdough paired with a tangy mustard tomato jam, or the Dark Chocolate Zucchini Loaf ($5) for a sweet treat.
Photo by Burppler Cheryl Ng
Located along Jiak Chuan Road, this beautifully done up cafe is set to win the hearts of cafe-hoppers. The menu is split between African nosh and the usual brunch suspects. Expect dishes like a creamy and tender Caribbean Goat Curry ($28), to the fluffy and addictive Ricotta Hotcakes ($23). Don't leave without ordering the coffee, made with Australia's Industry beans, like the Bidi Bado "Abracadabra" ($7) — a full-bodied Utu-style mocha served with a rim of peanut butter, almonds and pink peppercorns.
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo
Jot this German delicatessen down if you ever need a quick lunch around Cityhall or have some spare time to people-watch over a cuppa. Dine alfresco (it's still air-conditioned) and order the Lunch / Dinner Set ($15) that comes with a sandwich — get the savoury Sourdough Bread with Pastrami — and a drink. Otherwise, the buttery, eggy Onion Quiche ($6) is also stellar.
Photo by Burppler Xing Wei Chua
The next time you need a speedy takeaway meal in the CBD, count on this US-famous pizza chain. Doling out hot and ready pies sporting thick, fluffy crusts and foolproof pepperoni and cheese toppings, Little Caesar will not disappoint. Coupled with the value-for-money price point — a large 12-inch Pepperoni Pizza goes for just $7.99 — this is one joint we'll happily return to.
Photo by Burppler Muriel AvdH
Decked out in bright blue walls, this cheery Haji Lane joint takes the usual bubble tea offerings up a notch with spot-on smoothies — think creamy Avocado Chocoffee ($7.90) and Mexican Avocado Banana ($7.90). Still need your tea fix? The ultra fragrant Lapsang Souchung Milk Tea ($4.90) should satisfy. Their sugar level is 25% by default, so go ahead and enjoy your not-too-sweet but delicious treat.
Photo by Burppler Fiona Lew
Housed within the food court in newly opened City Square Mall's Don Don Donki, this stall dishes up simple Japanese rice bowls to quell post-shopping hunger pangs. Follow Burppler Muriel AvdH's lead and go for the Beefsteak Don ($15) – think tender beef slices with a nice outside sear and pink middle, topped with a well-balanced, savoury sauce and caramelised onions.
Photo by Burppler Muriel AvdH
Tung Lok Group strikes again, this time with a casual Irish roast duck concept in United Square. Duck lovers, have a go at the plethora of options here. Skip the somewhat underwhelming Duck Confit and Waffles ($20) and dive straight for the super fragrant Duck Fried Rice ($10) instead.
Photo by Burppler Alicia Kho
From the guys behind Nobu-ya comes this new oden kickback for easy, satisfying dinner and drinks. For an introduction to their oden, share the Oden Mori ($15) — a yummy mix of kelp, radish, konyaku, fish cake, fried tofu and beef tendon. Then fill up on their good value bowls, like a Shake-Ikura-Don ($16.80) that comes with eight beautifully fresh salmon slices and a truckload of explosive fish eggs.
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo