New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars In Singapore: November 2016

Put a posh spin on your desk lunch and step out to this takeaway shop in Tanjong Pagar Centre for Josper oven-grilled meat rice bowls. There are currently three options for your protein — Grassfed Black Angus Sirloin ($14), Thai Basil Grilled Chicken ($9) and the much talked about 18hr Sous-Vide Jowl (pork cheeks, $12). All the meats are smoked with apple wood for more depth and complexity, and served with premium Japanese Yamagata Haenuki rice plus a 63-degree sous-vide oozy egg. Vegetables like Asparagus and Cherry Tomato on Vine are at an additional $1 each. Pro tip: Take Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua's advice and be fearless about stirring in the zingy chili they serve on the side!
Avg price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Jonathan Wong

Know that going into Noodle Thai-Thai Kitchen means there’s a possibility of you leaving with puffy lips, runny nose and a fully satisfied tummy. Located a few doors down from Mrs Pho on Beach Road, Noodle Thai-Thai Kitchen dishes out flavourful and authentic bowls of noodles. Their Spicy Thai Thai Soup Noodles ($6.90) is not to be reckoned with — its soup is cooked with a generous portion of fiery hot chili powder commonly used in Thailand. What makes this stall stand out from the rest is its abundance of ingredients, from crispy pork rinds to fishcakes and meatballs. If you’re not looking to sweat it out, opt for the superb Signature Crispy Pork Jade Noodle Dry ($6.90) instead — al dente thin green noodles served with tender, flavourful slices of pork, a wobbly egg and fried wonton. The sweet-tangy sauce served on the side is great for dipping your pork into! Pro tip: Swing by during lunch with your colleagues and have the set lunch (from $5.90) — it comes with a traditional Thai dessert and a drink!
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Alvin Wang

From the guys behind Penny University comes this cafe in Tampines West Community Club. It may only be a few weeks old, but the Muslim-owned establishment is already drawing crowds for its comforting fusion cafe fare and comfortable ambience — perfect for group gatherings and family brunches. Begin with starters, many of which have a distinct Middle Eastern flair like the Charred Aubergines ($6.50). Smoky and garlicky, this comes with yoghurt, za'atar spices and pomegranate seeds. Move on to tasty and substantial Asian-inspired mains like Soft Shell Crab Burger ($13.50), Iga Bakar ($18, grilled beef ribs) and a stellar Salmon Fillet ($14), which comes with brown butter miso sauce, curried breadcrumbs and Israeli couscous. If space permits, dig into the Greek Yoghurt Panna Cotta ($8), or just sit back and sip on a cup of Jaffa Orange Mocha ($6).
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

We're so glad there's one new spot in the east to get our Korean fried chicken fix! Located a couple streets down from Katong I12, Nyam Nyam specialises in fried chicken, but also offers a menu of other Korean favourites for variety. You won't go wrong with the Spicy & Crispy Dakgangjeong ($18). It is equal parts sweet and spicy, and comes with a sprinkle of sliced chilli padi for extra heat — just what you need to convince yourself you MUST have a beer. For something kinder on the palate, try the Sweet BBQ Chicken ($18 half/ $32 whole). Fill the rest of the table with other tasty Korean eats including Tteokbokgi (spicy rice cakes, $8) and Cheese Kimchi Fried Rice ($12). Pro tip: Check out their daily lunch special (11:30am-2pm, including weekends). $10 gets you a main like hot pan rice with beef or BBQ chicken rice plus a soft drink!
Avg price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh

This new spot in Esplanade Mall serves both healthy eats and sinful bar bites all day — two extremes we certainly welcome. Sister concept to A Poke Theory on Boon Tat St, expect four types of Hawaiian poké (pronounced ‘poh-kay’, marinated sashimi cubes served on grains or greens) bowls. This makes it a healthy and convenient option for office workers nearby. Alternatively, if you're feeling indulgent, swing by for their delicious bar bites like tater tots and grilled cheese sandwiches. After work, relax with a few bottles of craft beers and ciders while sharing the lusciously rich Pizza Fries ($14). It is blanketed generously with three types of cheese — gruyere, mozzarella and Parmesan, topped with smokey pepperoni and is Burpple Tastemaker Zhihui Lim’s “idea of the ultimate comfort food”!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Zhihui Lim

Pacific Plaza is fast becoming a hotspot for new, buzzy places to open. Joining Michelin-starred ramen joint Tsuta is Kam’s Roast, which hails from Hong Kong. This three-time Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its excellent roast meats such as goose, duck and pork. While goose is not offered in Singapore due to our regulations, their other roasted offerings are worth a try. Get the signature super fatty ‘Toro’ Char Siu ($22.80) that is set to guarantee a lip-smacking meal with its sweet-smoky flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Kam’s Roast also makes a great version of wonton noodles, so be sure to have an order of the springy and fragrant Braised Noodle laced with Ginger Scallion ($6.80) to complete your meal!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Marc T.

Situated on the third floor of Wisma Atria, Picnic is a Marché-like place great for catching up with friends over a meal in a picturesque setting. The sprawling space resembles a picnic in the park, with astro-turf lining the floor, food truck setups and floor-to-ceiling man-made trees with draping vines. At the entrance, you’ll be presented with a buzzer — hold on to this because it is what you will use to order your food from the various food trucks. There’s a wide variety of items offered here, so even the pickiest eater will find something to eat! Head straight for the Pizza and Pasta Food Truck and order the value for money Seafood Pizza ($15). It comes generously topped with shrimp and squid, and is great for sharing among four. Skip the tempting rosti and stick to the crowd pleasing Beer-Battered Fish and Chips ($15) instead — opt for truffle fries as your side at no extra charge!
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Elvina Alim

Here’s another to add to your rainy day list. Hailing from Klang, Malaysia, this Bak Kut Teh stall on the first floor of People's Park Centre serves an authentic herbal-based broth instead of the usual peppery soup that we are used to. Come with a group of friends for a casual meal, and for those who really love their meats, get the Big Bone “Tua Kut” BKT ($9) that comes with tender chunks of fall-off-the-bone meat. The Dry BKT ($8.50) served in a claypot is great for sharing amongst a big family. Feel free to ask for refills of the tasty, earthy broth!
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Jess

If you choose your Saturday brunch destination based on ambience and Insta-potential as much as its food, you will love Botanist. The sister cafe to the ever-crowded Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters at Upper Thomson, this cosy 40-odd seater is a hit amongst the younger crowd. Dress cool to sit outdoors where draping plants line the wall, and order a five-ounce Flat White ($5) while you deliberate your main. Portions run big, so it's best to share. The lusciously rich Slow Cooked Beef Cheek ($24) is the most expensive item on the menu and with good reason — set on a bed of truffle mash, the chunky slab of beef cheek is so tender it falls right off the bone. For flowy eggporn, opt for the tasty Corn Fritters ($18) served with tomato salsa, guacamole and hummus. The hearty Breakfast Platter ($23) has hash, streaky bacon and bratswurst sausage to name a few — a fail-proof option the guys will enjoy. Prices are nett and there is no service charge. Pro-tip: Head down early to avoid disappointment.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See

Located on the first floor of Pacific Plaza, this 18-seater ramen joint is Tsuta's first international outlet outside of Japan. There are only two soup variations on the menu of the world's only Michelin-starred ramen restaurant — shio (salt) or shoyu (soy sauce). Both soup bases stem from a chicken stock boiled with vegetables, clams and seafood for additional depth — think of it as soul-warming chicken noodle soup. Go for the crowd favourite Char Siu Ajitama Shoyu Soba ($22.80) that comes with the full works — four slices of char siu, flavoured egg, bamboo shoot and leek. The Tsuta rendition gets an unexpected umami boost from the scoop of truffle pureed in truffle oil. Otherwise, shio purists will enjoy tucking into the Char Siu Ajitama Shio Soba ($22.80). It comes with the same toppings, except that the the truffle is replaced by green olives in truffle oil.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Eleanor Tay

A newcomer to Raffles City's buzzing food options, Koki Tamagoyaki is a takeaway stand located just next to Chewy Junior at the basement. While they're more known for their Tamagoyaki (from $9.90) that we frequently see at Takashimaya's Food Hall — pillowy soft and beautifully cooked egg served with an assortment of toppings — it's the oozy Choux Puffs ($4.30) under their Shuu by KOKI Line that we are heading here for. Featuring a crusty, cookie-like exterior, the French confection comes in four flavours: matcha, coffee, black sesame and bourbon vanilla. We favour the latter two — the intense, creamy black sesame paste is one that purists will love, while the bourbon vanilla is a lighter flavoured crowd favourite.
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

If your posse needs a new hideout, head over to this cosy space in Jalan Besar. Located within the grounds of The Refinery, Little Bastard has a secret little entrance — just ask the friendly service staff how to reach it! The space resembles a secret gambling den, complete with authentic mahjong tables and plush sofas to lounge on. Start your night with the tasty Duck Confit Penyet ($20) that features a tender duck leg, homemade sambal and kecap manis. Then, be sure to get the highlight of the menu — the super innovative One Night in Tom Yum ($20), a delightfully tasty, ice-cold cold udon dish with a generous mound of crab meat. Pour in the tom yum consomme, mix it all up, and be prepared for a thoroughly satisfying flavour bomb. Their locally-inspired cocktails like Mama's Kaya Toast ($24) and Cheng Teng Gao ($18) are fun and tasty, with the latter being an alcoholic take on the traditional dessert, complete with all the toppings and an addition of brandy and a "top secret ingredient".
Avg Price: $45 per person
Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh