Must Try Before I Die

Scoop of Art is truly a unique space in the Marine Parade community library that not only provides craft activities for families and friends, but also serves wholesome food and delicious gelato. If you're feeling a little peckish, start with the Shepherd's Pie, then choose a couple of gelato flavors to indulge in. The crowd pleaser here is definitely the Mars Bars & Sea Salt, the perfect blend of sweet and salty. *Not Halal-certified, but Muslim-owned

This 90-seater space sets you in the perfect mood for a lovely Indonesian meal, making it a great space for a date night or family dinner. The must-order dishes include the Tahu Telor ($8.80), which is hailed to be one of the best, the Ayam Bumbu Rujak ($8.80) or the super tender Rendang Sapi ($9.80). Your meal will be affordable, and full of flavor. *Halal-certified

For a good bowl of beef noodles or tasty pad thai, you'll be satisfied at Thaksin's. Don't expect bells and whistles at this coffeeshop, it serves decent food at reasonable prices. The soup here light, and the beef is tender and served with lots of fresh herbs. A great place for a quick dinner! *Halal-certified

Famously known as the cupcakes supplied to Penny University, these gorgeous creations come with a surprise filling in the middle, and delightfully unique flavor combinations. In a new brick-and-mortar space, Fluff serves 6 different flavors everyday, with the Red Velvet Nutella and Salted Caramel favourites being a mainstay. Other flavors include Ondeh Ondeh and Pineapple Tart. Get them early, they sell out quick! *Not Halal-certified, but Muslim-owned & Halal kitchen

Bumbu serves an a la carte buffet menu for just under $20 in an incredibly beautiful shophouse that makes you feel like you're in a friend's home. Bring the whole family for a Thai-Indonesian feast that won't burn a hole in your pocket, or order off the menu if you're on a date. Nailing classic dishes like tahu telor, beef rendang, and pandan leaf chicken, you really get the best of Thai-Indo cuisine here. The ambience really is a winner! *Halal-certified

Located in the far West, Maliboro's soft bone chicken is worth traveling for. Choose between crispy or grilled versions, and go for the salted egg variety that always hits the spot. The super tender meat will win you over, even if the concept of chowing down bones might be a little odd for you ;) *Halal-certified

Le Steak by Chef Amri aims to be an affordable family-friendly steakhouse. Popular items include their Grilled Chicken, Sirloin Steak and Seared Salmon, all priced reasonably below $20. Even the desserts of Lemon Tart or Creme Brulee are a hit at under $10. If you're in the Jalan Kayu area, this is the perfect place for dinner with your loved ones. Emerlyanna says, "Best (halal) steak for me. Tender and juicy meat, y'know, the kind of juiciness that explodes in your mouth plus extra thumbs up for the mashed potatoes"! *Halal-certified

This gorgeously whimsical shop is bound to put you in a good mood with its unique decor and colorful walls. Actually a shop by a French design company, La Marelle also doubles up as a perfect cafe hideout on the second floor along Baghdad St. For a hot bite, go for the stuffed croissant, and finish off with a cup of coffee and a Windowsill pie. *Not Halal-certified, but Halal supplier

Perfect for a date night or an intimate catch-up with friends, J's serves Latin American-inspired cuisine in a cosy setting. Begin your meal with breaded jalapenos stuffed with mozarella, served with creamy guacamole. Move on to a dish of comforting Adobo chicken and warm tortillas, or melt-in-your-mouth braised lamb shank. *Halal-certified

A popular spot for Halal dim sum, Tang Teahouse is bound to satisfy your liu sha bao (flowing salted egg bun), har gau, and roasted chicken noodle cravings. Expect a simple coffeeshop and decent food with reasonable price tags. *Halal-certified

Perfect for a date night or an intimate catch-up with friends, J's serves Latin American-inspired cuisine in a cosy setting. Begin your meal with breaded jalapenos stuffed with mozarella, served with creamy guacamole. Move on to a dish of comforting Adobo chicken and warm tortillas, or melt-in-your-mouth braised lamb shank. *Halal-certified