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
This snazzy newcomer on Amoy Street is the perfect place to catch up with friends over cocktails and excellent Sichuan-inspired dishes after a long day. If you're swinging by for a celebratory dinner after work, get their perfectly executed Negroni ($25) to relax. Kick off your meal with the spicy Find the Chicken in the Chillies ($16) and the Crispy Gyoza with Truffle Soy Vinaigrette ($16) — both great for sharing. For mains, you must try the Spicy Oriental Bolognaise ($22), their rendition of zha jiang mian made with angel hair pasta, pork ragout, kale and sakura ebi. Cool down your senses and end the meal with the Glutinous Rice Cake ($12), flat strips of chewy rice cake topped with soy powder and Okinawan black sugar. Pro tip: If you don't fancy a heavy dinner, come by at lunch to take in the full beauty of the place (there are two sky roofs for natural light to pour in). While you're here, get the Grilled Cheese Panini ($20) with braised pork belly, pickled cabbage and fried potatoes that is served only during lunch.
Avg Price: $50 per person
Photo by Burppler Jayne Tan
This casual air-conditioned joint serves only one main on the menu — Nasi Lemak ($12.80) and an amazingly good Cendol ($3.80) that you cannot leave without trying. Ice shaved till it's soft as snow and drizzled with a generous dose of gula Melaka, it's a dessert that we recommend having one on your own. But first, back to the Nasi Lemak. Having attended a Nasi Lemak Convention in Malaysia (yes it's an actual event) and realising that Singapore had nothing quite as spectacular as what they tried there, three foodie friends decided to set up their own nasi lemak hut here. Before you gripe about how it's a rip-off, the quadrupled pricetag can be justified by the use of high quality ingredients. For one, the coconut used is specially imported from a plantation in Malaysia, and everything from its meat to its water is processed right in the kitchen. The massive chicken leg is lightly battered with hints of lemongrass and ginger, much like how it is done as a penyet. Definitely worth a try, at least once!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See
By the same people behind FOC in Hong Kong Street and Sentosa comes this buzzy joint oozing Spanish flair in Claymore Connect — great for refueling between hitting the shops with the girls. Inspired by Barcelona's tapas culture, this all-day dining joint serves up fun, Catalan food. Many have been raving about the Crab Coquetas ($2.50/piece), which are crisp golden on the outside and in the words of Burpple Tastemaker Veronica Phua, "dreamily crabby on the inside". Each additive, bite-sized sphere is topped with a dollop each of brava tomato sauce and garlic mayo. For something more substantial, try the flavoursome Pork Chop and Scallop Paella ($22), or go straight to dessert! The delicate Skinny Apple Tart ($10), which comes served in a pool of peach coulis and homemade vanilla ice-cream, may just hit the spot.
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Veronica Phua
You'll find only the finest Japanese meats at this posh restaurant. Located within South Beach Tower and just steps away from Esplanade MRT Station, this establishment is a convenient spot for a business meal to impress, or to squeeze in a lunch date over delicious rice bowls. If it's the latter, order the decadent Foie Gras Bifuteki ($45) that comes with melt-in-the-mouth cubes of fatty foie gras and tender slices of Japanese wagyu beef. Each set comes with salad, miso soup and dessert. Pro tip: For a business dinner, call ahead to request for the private room (sits eight, minimum spending of $1000) and be sure to opt for the Omi Wagyu Japanese Sukiyaki ($130). After swishing those wonderfully marbled slices of beef in the sukiyaki base, add on the Signature Truffle Egg Sukiyaki Rice ($12) — Hokkaido rice and a sashimi-grade Japanese egg cooked in the remaining stock, topped with a generous amount of truffle shavings. Heavenly.
Avg Price: $100 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A
Here's an alternative to jostling with the crowds in Orchard for Lady M's signature mille crepe cakes. Located in PoMo, Hasu serves up quite a tasty rendition of Mille Crepe Cakes ($5/slice) which come in three flavours — Original (vanilla), Green Tea and Hazelnut. With hazelnut crumbs nestled between every tightly packed layer, the latter is one of the cafe's best sellers, although Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua wishes the hazelnut flavour can be even more pronounced. While you're here, check out their other bakes, which include eclairs and sponge cakes. Pro tip: Today (10 Nov) is the last day to enjoy a slice of their mille crepe cake at only $3! Like their Facebook page Hasu Confections, share the post with this special deal and show it to the cashier upon order. It's limited to 200 customers daily, so act fast!
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Ni Eats
Located on the second floor of Cineleisure, this successful restaurant chain from Thailand dishes out simple yet delicious Thai-style yong tau foo (known as yentafo). Come with a group of friends and start with sharing a plate of Yum Crispy Salmon Skin ($7) — freshly fried fish skin with a side of spicy seafood sauce meant for pouring over the salmon skin. Then, warm your tummy with a bowl of Yentafo Kruengsonge Soup ($8.50), which comes with handmade kway teow, its signature pink sauce and nine different yong tau foo items. While the original yentafo in Thailand comes with blood sausage, the version in Singapore contains grass jelly, which works surprisingly well with all the other elements. The savoury clear broth that you should opt for is made by simmering pork bone, radish and coriander root — so unbelievably tasty! There are three spice levels available — those who favour some heat should opt for the "Rod-Jeb", or screaming spicy. End your meal with one of their more unique homestyle desserts like the Nam-Wa Banana in Coconut Milk with Sesame Seeds ($5)!
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Hwans Lim
You'll want to save this place for the next birthday celebration in the office. This cosy bakery along Club Street makes delicious bakes that we can vouch for. The Ombre Berry Cheesecake (from $45) is a no-bake triple layered pink cheesecake with a thick biscuit base that is beautiful, light and crowd-pleasing. Lucia Cake's owner and head baker was previously trained at Le Cordon Bleu, London, so you can expect your bakes to be of a certain calibre. This banker-turned-baker also dishes out stellar Triple Chocolate Brownies ($35, comfortably feeds 12 people). Whether you like it cakey, chewy or fudgy, you'll be deeply satisfied. An abundance of rich, earthy, slightly bittersweet chocolate flavour makes these super dense brownies stand out from your average fare.
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burppler Raine Liu
Kyū (means nine in Japanese and is also the short form for its parent company, Nine Press) is a takeaway coffee stand at the entrance of Prudential Tower. The coffee blends are specially crafted by Nine Press and roasted by Knockhouse, both well-versed in their fields, so you know your coffee is in good hands. If you're able to spare five minutes, swing by to start your day with one of their Drip Coffees ($4.50). There are three intensities to choose from — Stay Rolling is light, Stay Awake is medium and Stay Alive is intense. For a perk-me-up, we recommend the Stay Alive, a pleasant blend of Colombian beans with hints of macadamia nuts and chocolate. If you haven't had breakfast, fill your tummy with small bites like croissants or heartier breakfast options like sandwiches, all supplied by Paul.
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burppler Hwans Lim