While its known as a good lunch spot, it is the pure decadence of the dinner menu that makes it perfect for a "Treat Yourself" night. Gather three friends, and expect to get your hands greasy. Be wise and order four things to share. The two must-trys are the heart-stoppingly delicious Patty Melt on Rye ($16), and the delightful Cured Meat Sandwich ($16) — cool, creamy mozzarella atop a stack of assorted cured meats between brioche buns. Dunk the sinfully oozy Grilled Cheese ($14) into the roasted tomato dip and into your mouth — cue inappropriate noises. Finish off with the PB&J ($8) that is crusted in cornflakes then fried. Wash this all down with an ice-cold pint — you'll need it.
After an indulgent dinner at Park Bench Deli, another beer might not be the answer for you and your friends, but the Ju Hua cocktail ($14) at Wanton certainly is. Open till 1am on Fridays, this might sound like an unlikely spot to get your drink on (since it really is a noodle bar), but seriously, you need to get your bum here. Spiked with vodka and served in a metal pot, this ice-cold chrysanthemum tea strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and an alcoholic punch. The best part is drinking from these little tea cups, of which five are filled to the brim with one pot. Order one pot at a time, this way you'll have ice cold drinks throughout the night! Have some fun sipping on these cool babies as you digest, and thank the stars it's Friday.
This Claypot Mee Tai Mak may not be pretty, but it's darn tasty, and at only $8 for extreme comfort, it's everything you need after a long week. The plump little noodles lie in a sea of thick, bubbling, flavourful broth topped with a freshly-cracked egg. It is made complete with lovely bits of chopped vegetables, minced meat, and prawns. Be sure to ask for chilli padi to mix in! If you're coming in a large group, get a big portion to share, along with other dishes like Coffee/Salted Egg Pork Ribs and Boss Bee Hoon. As its name suggests, this place also does a mean, traditional Fish Head Steamboat — the perfect dish to share with family on a cool night. Pro tip: simply reserve a table and pre-order dishes so you don't have to wait!
This one's just perfect for a girl's night out. While ever-so-slightly pricey at about $35-40 per head, it is worth the occasional treat. The Japanese-inspired flavour combinations are both fun and elegant, perfect for sharing. In a small group, go for the Baby Eggplant ($12)—an absolute flavour bomb—the Wasabi Tuna Tartare ($23), Broccolini with Stracciatella ($21, please don't miss this) and the Squid Ink Fettucine ($19). Its not just the food that draws the crowd, the space exudes a calming vibe with a raw concrete bar, green plants, and dim lights, making it an intimate place you just want to spend time in. Of course, boys, you're welcome too.
No, you shouldn't need much convincing to come here. Just cross the road after your lovely meal at Kilo at Pact at Orchard Central, and park yourself at this bar along Emerald Hill. You can have as riotous or as tame a night as you please here, just know that from 9pm to 1am, the Marvellous Martinis are 1-for-1. Think Choya, Lychee, or Wintermelon Martinis at just $19 for two. Yes. Do it. At least twice. And then order their famed Har Cheong Gai at 1am to tame peckish pangs that the free flow of peanuts can’t sate. ;) You're most welcome!
Sweat out your killer week over an exciting, fragrant, spicy Sichuan meal of signature Chong Qing Grilled Fish with your friends or colleagues. Ordering the fish is a three-step process. First, choose your fish ($30), preferably the sea bass. Next, most crucially, is the flavour base — recommended are Spicy Numbing for the daredevils, Spicy Fragrant for spice-lovers, or Pickled Cabbage for chilli-wimps (i.e. a non-spicy option). Then, choose additional toppings such as enoki mushrooms and fried beancurd skin. Don't miss out on their tasty side dishes such as Pig’s Ears ($6.80) and Crispy Imperial Duck ($15)! Wash all this goodness down with a cooling homemade sour plum drink, and you'll be all set for dessert at the next spot.
After your mouth-numbing, fiery dinner at Chong Qing, skip over to Ah Chew Desserts just a few doors down on Liang Seah for a respite. Douse the flames with a classic Mango Sago with Pomelo ($4.20), Grass Jelly with Logan ($3) or Honeydew Watermelon Sago ($3.30). If you're up for something different, give the Water Chestnut with Egg and Chinese Herbal Jelly ($4) a go. For a warm, comforting bowl, the Fresh Milk Steamed Egg or a foolproof Black Sesame Paste (from $2.40) will do the trick. Open till 12:30am on Fridays, you can gather around for a good chat in this cosy spot. There's something calming about this tiny space, perhaps its the Chinese paintings hanging on the walls, or the dark wood furniture — it sends you to another place and time.
Put any diet/eat-clean plans on pause, and triumphantly declare Friday as cheat day — just so you can celebrate with a plate of scissors cut curry rice. Come here with a carefree spirit, and choose your ingredients with reckless abandon. Pile your plate high with classics — from pork chops to braised cabbage, ngoh hiang to tau pok. This meal is cheap, darn good, and super satisfying. Set along the character-filled Jalan Besar, grab a roadside seat for the full experience. Don't hang around for too long though, there's probably a queue of people waiting for your seat. Go on, it's time for a beer.
Boasting 23 craft brews on tap (!) that change every two weeks or so, this bar serves fantastic beers from all over the world like Mikkeller and To Øl. Taking over the old Chinese Druggists Association, this space is outfitted with simple marble tables and wood chairs, lending an elegant old-world charm that puts you at ease. Sit at the high tables outside should you want an even more casual vibe. The staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, answering your every query about each alien-sounding beer, and allowing you a taste before you order. From light, fruity ales to knockout dark porters, there's something here for everyone. These beers are so tasty, and pack a good punch (especially those over 7%!), making it really value for money. Give their unique bites like Lotus Root Chips a go.
Pro tip: order half pints ($7-11), they stay cold longer and allow you to try twice as many brews ;)
No need to crack your tired brains deciding where you and your friends should eat, just meet up at Novena MRT, and walk over to United Square for a plate of good ol' chicken rice in air-conditioned comfort. Perfect for groups up to eight pax, this is a classic spot for a casual dinner. Don't expect a smiling waitress or friendly banter, chicken rice slammed on your table within minutes is all you're gonna get! The kampung chickens used are full of flavour, and boast a lovely bite in the breast meat. Both their white and roasted chickens are equally good, though they run out of the latter quicker. Don't forget to share a Fried Beancurd Fritter with that addictive salad cream. Wolf this plate down as messily as you like, and chat and laugh as loudly as you want — no one will care.
Sated with chicken rice and ready for a good night, Nickeldime is the perfect chill-out spot you're looking for, just a short walk across from Novena Square. It beckons you silently with its optimistic neon sign out front promising "BEER", and delivers with 15 international craft beers on tap, and many more bottled ones to choose from. The beer menu is ever-changing, but you can always rely on a good range of ciders, ales and lagers. Best part is, if you're hankering for a dessert after all that chicken, you can kill two birds with one stone here with their Beer Waffle — a light dessert with nuts, berries, and nougatine. The place instantly puts you at ease with its brick walls, an adorable mural of a beer-guzzling octopus, and super friendly staff who are more than happy to help you find a beer you'll love.
Enter this wacky Palace of Thai Chicken, opened by the good people behind the darn tasty Artichoke, and expect a night of ridiculous, kitschy fun. The space is unapologetically crazy (in the best way possible), with silly signages, graffiti, mismatched everything, and all-around eccentric street vibes. Go straight for the Happiness Meal ($95) for two (its actually enough for three) — Mama Coleslow, Som Tum, Nugget Talay, Umami Corn, Fried Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Sticky Rice, and a dessert assortment. Look out especially for the corn, it is barbecued, slathered with sriracha mayo, then rolled in shrimp floss. Wut. Be sure to treat your BBQ Chicken with some extra love by smearing on a little more chili tamarind sauce. Save some space for the three desserts that come with this meal, especially those golden, icing sugar-dusted Thai Donuts, which will get you dunking non-stop into that kaya (!) dipping sauce. As promised, you will be satisfried long time.
Transition from a trashy-chic chicken palace to a dark, mysterious basement just a few steps away. Look out for the symbol of an upside-down crown overlapping a rectangle, and descend the stairs to this cool, intimate space. While the menu features a small selection of drinks that changes randomly, you get a distinct sense of balance between thoughtfulness and boundless imagination. Expect to be intrigued with creations such as the Snow ($25) — tea-infused sake with yuzu, yoghurt and white chocolate — or The Egg ($25), a salty-sweet combination of salted egg yolk, caramel, star anise, and torched hay. For something really wacky, Man vs Pig ($25) should do the trick, with Jamon de Bellota, rock melon, red wine vinegar, and distilled hazelnut. This is the kind of place for those looking for a novel experience, while still being able to relax and enjoy a good conversation with friends at the same time.
Branches of Nakhon Kitchen keep springing up, and thank the stars they decided to open in Holland Village! Don't be intimidated by the queue — it moves fast — they even take your order while you're waiting, ensuring food hits the table almost as soon as you're seated. The food here is both inexpensive and authentic, drawing groups of families, friends, classmates and colleagues. Don't miss out on ordering the Green Curry ($8), along with Tom Yum soup (choose the clear base, $6), and Pandan Leaf Chicken ($6). You'll need a lovely Thai Iced Tea ($3) to put out the flames and keep you going. The portions here are perfect for one person, allowing you to mix and match more dishes than usual within your group! This is not a spot to chit chat and catch up with each other, so get going as soon as you've wiped the last bead of sweat from your forehead — it’s dessert time!
Now that you've had your tummies filled and warmed, hop 10 steps across the lane to 2am Dessert Bar for a sweet treat. As its name suggests, it opens till 2am, allowing you and your friends to chat the night away. The space is nothing like you'd expect for a dessert bar — its long concrete counters and high chairs provide a dark, cool, industrial vibe. Chef Janice Wong has long been combining unique flavours, and employing interesting techniques to create desserts like we've never seen before. Think tofu parfait, hojicha custard, and pear vodka sorbet lovingly put together in the Hojicha Sesame ($18); or the beautiful Tsujirihei Green Tea Tart ($20) that will have you weak at the knees with its crisp tart shell giving way to an oozing, warm green tea filling, and made complete with a jasmine rice sherbet. Prices aren't cheap, but it is worth the experience, so be sure to share a couple of desserts!
It is inadvisable to come here on any day other than Friday, and that's cos you're gonna need some time on Saturday to work off what you ate the night before. Juuust kidding! No scared. This oh-so-freaking-juicy fried chicken is worth Every. Single. Calorie. Grab anyone who doesn't mind watching (or joining) you stuff your face with beautifully crisp chicken skin, and breast meat so tender you won't believe it. Always, always ask for extra gravy to dunk that skin and all those fries in. Don't complicate matters by ordering the two-piece meal or any other combo, just go ahead and get at LEAST the Half Spring Chicken Meal ($7.10) for yourself. If you're a big eater, one whole spring chicken ($11.90) will be just right, seriously. Don't you dare get utensils for this. Pro tip: order takeaway and wait half the time, sit at the hawker centre nearby!
After all that fried chicken indulgence, take a much needed 10-minute stroll towards Geylang, where The Tuckshop will greet you with an ice-cold beer. This cafe-meets-bar concept has something for everyone, from craft beers to a range of good whiskies, and a wine list to please many. Its open bar and laid back al fresco area that wraps around the street corner spells cool, relaxed vibes. If you're somehow still peckish (which might mean you may need more Arnold’s next time), they have locally-inspired bar bites that pair well with your beer — think Chilli Ikan Bilis ($6) and Carrot Cake ($9) tossed in seafood chilli sauce. p.s. this lovely space now serves a wicked brunch on weekends too. Already planning for Saturday brunch, aren't you?
A long week of work calls for a meal that heals. If you work in the area, you're probably familiar with the super affordable, tasty rice bowls available here at lunch. At dinner, expect comforting dishes such as the classic Okonomiyaki ($8.80) and the Hanpen Cheese ($6.80), deep-fried fish cake stuffed with cheese, served with cod roe mayo (make sure they serve this hot!). What's nice is that they also do some really unexpected, elegant dishes like the Shime Saba — mackerel sashimi scorched with a blowtorch right before your eyes, served with lemon, mustard and soy sauce. Also go for the Maguro Tataki with ponzu jelly, a really nice play on contrasting flavours, and by then, you'd have forgotten about the insane week you've had.
Open till 11pm, this gelato bar will patiently wait for you to finish your lovely Japanese dinner before you're ready for some silky, luscious dessert. Plus39 makes their gelato in-house everyday with ingredients sourced both locally and from Italy, without any added preservatives or stabilisers. Go straight for the Hazelnut and Pistachio, they are foolproof crowd pleasers. This is quite likely the smoothest, creamiest, most intensely-flavoured gelato you'll find in this country. If you're in a group, take the opportunity to share a new, exciting flavour alongside your favourites. Take your scoops away for a stroll along the river, or park yourselves here to share a crispy waffle with two scoops ($13.50)! Now, that's a Friday night done right.