New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars In Singapore: May 2017

Helmed by three young hawkerpreneurs, this Muslim-owned stall in Golden Mile Food Centre offers a sizeable range of affordable gourmet halal burgers. The beef options fared decently with their juicy patties, but their Country Fried Chicken Burger ($5) stood out for us. A glorious piece of fried chicken comes topped with a refreshing slaw, an oozy sunny side-up and sandwiched between grilled buns made in-house. Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua akins the chicken to your typical Taiwanese Chicken Cutlet, so you know you're getting the good stuff. All burgers come with fries (top up $1 for onion rings), and is guaranteed to fill you up despite its deceptively small appearance. Dining in a group? Share their signature Honey Soy Fried Chicken Wings ($4.90 for six) that reminded us of Korean fried chicken, glazed in honey soy sauce and topped with spring onions and sesame seeds. Bang for your buck? We think so.
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

With dark wood interiors and warm, romantic lighting, this snazzy Italian joint in Tanjong Pagar is perfect for when you're in the mood to dress up for date night, or for an evening out with the girls. We like how the dishes are kept affordable without compromising on quality. Start with the classic and flavourful Luka Housemade Wagyu Beef Bresaola ($12), followed by the Smoked Egg, Wagyu, Uni ($10 for two halves) — soft-yolked eggs wrapped in seared wagyu and topped with uni. For mains, Burppler Veronica Phua highly recommends the Shirasu Aglio E Olio ($22), a unique dish of aglio olio style pasta redolent with the fragrance of shiso leaves. If you're up for an adventure, try Trippa ($16), a hearty dish of tender beef tripe stew that'll be perfect with a side of bread. Save room for Luka's Tiramisu ($8), a dreamy mix of chocolate textures and airy whipped mascarpone.
Avg Price: $45 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

If you love affogato, this cosy, inviting spot in Cluny Court serves fun, creative renditions perfect for indulging in with a friend. While an affogato usually comprises a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream, The Affogato Bar gets creative with the dessert. Go for the Carota Carota ($13.90) — one of the more popular affogatos on the menu that sees carrot cake ice cream set on a small slice of carrot cake and topped with walnuts, homemade cream cheese and macadamia nuts. Pour in the double shot of Mocharoma from Melbourne and let the carrot cake soak up all the coffee to give what Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua describes as a sudden addition of aromatic earthiness. Apart from affogatos, The Affogato Bar also serves bagels like the Roast Beef Bagel Sandwich ($14.50), that comes with a choice of seasalt or sesame bagel.
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

Just when we thought the tempura donburi craze has taken a backseat, this tempura-focused restaurant helmed by chef Naoki Tsuzuki opens at the basement of Great World City. Tempura items are freshly fried upon order and served to you at the counter in batches, much like they do so in fine-dining tempura restaurants. Swing by for lunch with your colleagues and sit at the counter to watch chef work his magic! Go for the Assorted Tempura Set ($25.90) that comes with nine tempura ingredients like asparagus, prawns and hamachi, and add $2.80 for the Original Egg Tempura Rice (absolutely worth it). The oozy egg is wrapped in beancurd skin and then fried, before it's set on top of your rice. It's a massive portion, so bring your appetite. Garlic salt and yuzu salt are served on the side as dips, and you have the option of drizzling as much tendon sauce as you like. Tendon lovers — come early to snag one of the highly coveted Ten Don Set ($23.80) that is limited to just 10 sets a day!
Avg Price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler Daniel Food Diary

This cosy shophouse space occupied by Sogurt along Bukit Timah Road has undergone a facelift, sporting #millenialpink walls, plush teal seats and a beautiful pastel-themed wall mural. What was once the place for students to grab frozen yogurt has rebranded to Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar, dishing out grain bowls, toasts and desserts. The space is pretty, there are large communal tables and the food is tasty — great for an intimate catch-up with a friend. You won't go wrong with the chef's recommended Pork Belly Miso ($16) that comes with a choice of Garlic Japanese Rice or Quinoa Salad (additional $3). The generous portion of fork-tender, braised pork belly slices is enough to keep us coming back for more. Otherwise, sink your teeth into toasted sandwiches like the comforting Pepperoni Pizzazz ($11.50) that comes loaded with cheese, pepperoni salami and a marinara herb sauce. For desserts, share the Skillet PB Cookie ($15) — a decadent dish featuring Salted Speculoos, one of three of the new ice cream flavours from their dessert bar, stacked atop of a huge peanut butter cookie and served with gula Melaka sauce on the side.
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See

Taking over the much-loved Cocotte at Wanderlust Hotel in Little India is yet another French concept, this time helmed by executive chef Jeremy Gillon who previously led La Montana, a restaurant in the French Alps, to Michelin stardom. For those who lament the loss of Cocotte's lauded roast chicken and other rustic plates, fret not, because the food here is no less tasty and pretty hearty too. Expect contemporary bistro fare that's heavily influenced by seasonal ingredients — both produce that is available locally as well as those imported from France. For best value, visit for the set lunch ($28 for two courses; $34 for three), available Tuesdays to Saturdays. Dishes that impressed us include the Cauliflower Tabbouleh with Pan Seared Prawns in Tarragon, which has wonderful flavours and textures, and a perfectly executed Duck Confit served with brussel sprout salad and roasted red cabbage. We can't wait to come by next to check out their Sunday brunch (11:30am-4pm)!
Avg Price: $35 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

Sister to Coriander Leaf restaurant (currently at CHIJMES), this new entrant to the Ann Siang circuit offers Asian-inspired grills in a relaxed (but still chic) setting — great if you're looking for a new spot to line your tummy at before hitting the bars. For first-timers here, keep it safe and simple with the Harissa Chicken Burger ($20): tender and smoky tikka-style chicken thigh served on toasted brioche buns. Have fun slathering on the five yummy homemade condiments that are served on the side — options include jalapeno salsa, tomato chutney and Thai hot sauce. Other options incude charcoal-grilled meats like Spiced Lamb Sausage ($23), Rib Eye with Wakame-Koji Butter ($39) and Cobia Kingfish ($24). Sides (from $6) are ordered separately; just take heed from Burppler Dex Neo's experience and avoid the mushy charred broccoli.
Avg Price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

Neighbours to Joo Bar along Tan Quee Lan Street, Holy Crab is the collaboration between private chef Elton Seah and the owner of Joo Bar. The space is small and portions are big, so make reservations in advance and come in a big group. The menu is kept to the bare minimum — one appetiser, three carbs, and shines the spotlight on what Chef Elton does best — gravy-ladened crabs. There are two types of crabs to choose from. Large groups (three or more) should consider sharing the Sri Lankan crabs, while duos may want to opt for the smaller Vietnam crabs. All crabs are brought in daily, charged based on weight ($8 per 100g) and you're allowed to split one large crab to be cooked with two different sauces at no extra charge. Of the six sauces including the signature chilli crab, go for the comforting 'succumb', which features crabs braised in a incredibly flavourful broth, fried with eggs, chives and topped on a bed of vermicelli — no need for an extra order of carbs! Share the Fried Baby Squid ($14) while waiting on your crabs.
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See

Nestled in a sleepy part of Tampines, Three's a Crowd Cafe dishes out cakes, waffles and ice cream — perfect for a sweet treat with your friends. Share the fluffy waffles that come with crispy edges and top it off with one of their house-made ice creams. There are 14 flavours to choose from, so you'll be spoilt for choice! Tea lovers, go for the Kris Grey ($3.50) — a smooth earl grey ice cream with a strong punch, a result of them steeping Ette brand tea leaves in milk for 12 hours. Alcoholics will love the Baileys ($4.50) and the Drunken Raisins ($4.50). The latter comes with raisins soaked in rum for more than a month — we only wished there were more! Not in the mood for ice cream? Three's a Crowd Cafe also serves cake by the slice, all baked in-house of course, like the crowd-pleasing Strawberry Shortcake ($5.80 per slice).
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

This joint in NEX has been drawing in crowds with its affordable yet tasty ramen. It gets really popular during meal times, so head there early to snag a seat. Meat lovers will love the Grand ($12.90), a pork bone broth ramen that comes with three types of meat — char siew, pork cheek (Toroniku) and braised pork belly (Buta Kakuni). It's also topped with a dash of black onion sauce for extra umami-ness. The broth has been simmered for over eight hours to achieve its creamy consistency and rich flavour. If you're not a big fan of thick, rich broths, follow Burppler Raine Liu's recommendation and go for the lighter uobushi tonkotsu broth made with a mix of premium bonito and pork bone broth instead. Of the three meats available under the uobushi tonkotsu broth section, Burppler Raine Liu loves the tender pork cheeks (toroniku) the best.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Raine Liu

Located under block 45 at Holland Drive, Seoi Gor Cafe is where you should head to when you're craving for cheap and good cha chaan teng items. While the presentation for some of the dishes may be lacking, Seoi Gor Cafe makes up for them in terms of flavour and their reasonable pricing — nothing is over $6. Follow Tastemaker Casey Tan's lead and order the Scrambled Egg and Ham Toast ($4.50), silky scrambled eggs set atop heavily buttered, well toasted bread that remained fluffy through the meal. It's satisfying but not the most filling, which only means you can order more like Burppler Hwan Lim's recommendation of Macaroni Soup with Fried Egg ($4.80). A comforting yet flavourful item, it's a dish that sits well with most diners, young or old. Wash it all down with a cup of HK Traditional Milk Tea ($1.90).
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Casey Tan

Hailing from Bangkok, April’s Bakery has opened its first international outpost at Tampines MRT Station (facing Tampines Mall). The popular chain specialises in homemade pies that strongly resemble Cantonese style lao po bing (wife cake). At $2 a pop for all pies, this definitely makes a quick and cheap fix to quell those snacking pangs. There's also a wide variety of flavours, such as the best-selling Taro ($2), which Burpple Tastemaker Zhihui Lim claims to be outstanding with its flaky thin exterior and generously thick, smooth taro filling, complete with a whole gingko nut in the centre. Skip the lackluster Thai Milk Tea ($2) and go for the Red Bean ($2) instead. We hear savoury fillings such as Honey Pork and Honey Chicken will be coming soon! All pies are free from butter, lard and preservatives, so it’s recommended to consume within three days of purchase.
Avg Price: $4 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Tammy Wee

Yes, you read that right — this ramen joint in the heartlands of Hougang dishes out hearty bowls of ramen that are under $8! Prices are nett and there's no service charge or GST, which makes this two-week-old spot really popular with the Hougang residents. Head there early to snag a seat indoors, otherwise be prepared to sweat it out sitting outside. Get appetites going with the Crisp-Fried Baby Squid ($4) or the Green Tea Smoked Duck ($4), which comes with five slices of smoked duck drizzled with passionfruit vinaigrette. For those who want it all, go for the Seven Wonder Ramen ($7.80) that comes with seven toppings, including prawns, ajitama egg and bamboo shoots. It comes with a Thai green chilli seafood sauce that Burppler Jayson Yeo describes to be tangy and fiery, packing a lip-smacking punch! The housemade pork and chicken broth is light yet flavourful — you'll want to slurp it all down to the last drop. Apart from the Seven Wonder Ramen, you won't go wrong with the Miso Kakuni Ramen ($7.80) that comes with perfectly torched pork belly.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burppler Dex Neo

Helmed by chef Sebastian Ng from now defunct Restaurant Ember, this dining spot in the brand new OUE Downtown fits the bill for both business and pleasure. Come by for a lunch meeting, a special meal with the colleagues, or a quiet dinner date after office hours. So far, the Burpple community has nothing but praise for the food here. Start with the Toast with Foie Gras Mousse ($12) — a decadent, silky smooth mousse that spreads perfectly. You won't go wrong with the Chilean Seabass, Mushroom & Bacon Ragout, Truffle Yuzu Butter ($32), which Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua declares to be one of the more noteworthy dishes he's tasted this year; and the Grilled Octopus, Burnt Butter, Capers, Bean Purée ($27), which sees expertly grilled octopus on a burnt butter sauce. Save space for the Coffee Granite with Whipped Cream ($6), which will hit you with a potent hit of coffee, pillowed with folds of velvety whipped cream. Simple but oh so good.
Avg price: $40 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

Taking over the now-defunct Pits & Pans is The Playground Coffee, a cafe that serves grain bowls, coffee and light bites. Prices are affordable, coffee's great and it's a short bus ride from Pioneer MRT Station — great for NTU students to hang out with friends in between classes. Grain bowls like the Pulled Beef Grain Bowl ($16) come with usual suspects like sous vide egg, bean sprouts, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, but we much prefer the tastier Mushroom Aglio Olio ($12). Tossed with a generous amount of mushrooms and topped with garlic breadcrumbs, it's flavourful and the portion is just right to not warrant a food coma after. End your meal with a sweet treat like the French Toast ($14) that comes with homemade berry compote, fresh fruits and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Wash it down with a Flat White ($5) brewed with beans from Two Degrees North Coffee Co, or treat yourself to a refreshing Virgil's Root Beer Float ($8) on a sweltering hot day!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Hwans Lim

Located on the first floor of Maxwell Chambers is this Japanese chain specialising in torafugu (tiger pufferfish) and snowcrab. Guenpin Fugu & Snow Crab Japanese Restaurant cleans out the poisonous portions thoroughly before having it air-flown to Singapore, so there's no tingling sensation whatsoever. If it's your first time having pufferfish, share the nine-course Zeitaku Set ($168) for a full experience. While the menu states it as a set for one person, the restaurant allows you to share it with another diner at no extra cost. Eight out of nine dishes are pre-selected to showcase the different styles of preparing pufferfish (raw, grilled, shabu) and snow crab (raw, deep-fried, grilled), with the choice of having thin or thick-sliced pufferfish. Go for the latter, a lesser seen option that allows you to enjoy a stronger fugu flavour. Be sure to save space for the comforting porridge that is cooked with the leftover broth of the pufferfish hotpot. Pro tip: Swing by during lunch for their value-for-money set lunches (from $19.90) that include a massive Snow Crab Tempura Rice Bowl!
Avg Price: $100 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See

Swing by this gorgeous space that's perfect for a good read over a slice of cake, or to catch up with friends over tea. A short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, Nesuto (which means "nest" in Japanese) is the brainchild of the good folks behind SHUU by Koki Tamagoyaki. Instead of choux puffs, Nesuto focuses more on dainty small cakes (from $9 to $10.80) like the crowd favourite Suzette ($9.80), which features vanilla, grand marnier, orange caramel and santiago tart. Tastemaker Xing Wei notes that while the flavours sound like they might overwhelm each other, the result is a subtle yet refined union that is not too punchy. Fans of their matcha choux puff would be happy to hear that Nesuto offers the Le Omm ($9), a layered sponge cake version that is more intense in flavour. The matcha soufflé sponge cake is layered with mascarpone cheese and azuki red beans, and spiked with a tinge of rum before being dusted with matcha powder. Be sure to pair this with the Oriental Green Tea ($9 per pot) from Antea Social that Tastemaker Kelly Wong loves. She adds that the tea complements the underlying light bitter notes of the cake — a true match made in heaven!
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kelly Wong

This Japanese duo concept along Boat Quay has been drawing in the crowds with its wallet-friendly wagyu prices. The second outlet of Aburiya Japanese Wagyu Yakiniku (the first outlet along Robertson Quay is undergoing renovation) serves Japanese-bred, Kuroge (black cattle) A4-grade wagyu grilled on specially imported charcoal (bincho). The space is classy yet inviting, and the bincho doesn't leave a lingering smoky scent on your clothes — perfect for business meetings with clients. Prices start from $18 for raw wagyu, $20 for grilled meats and Family Sets (good for three to four pax) that include an assortment of wagyu and pork start from $50. The other concept, The Container Japanese Wagyu Tapas & Bar, occupies the patio section overlooking the river. Sticking to their nose-to-tail philosophy, the bartender infuses the wagyu fat from Aburiya into their whisky. Try it in the Amai Sanaa ($19), a creamy cocktail that comes with a spritz of lemon, dashi syrup and strawberry candy on the side. Be sure to have that with the highly Instagrammable 'Smoking' Wagyu Carpaccio ($20)!
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A

Fans of Wimbly Lu — rejoice! Now you can enjoy the best of Wimbly Lu and Little Wimbly Lu at this new spot, just a few doors down from Chye Seng Huat Hardware. The gorgeous space has many photogenic spots, is more conveniently located than the other two outlets, and the menu puts together the bestselling items from the other two outlets, making this the perfect spot to catch up with your girlfriends. Skip the pancakes and stick with the foolproof Waffles with Ice Cream ($8.50). Choose from eight different flavours and if available, opt for the creamy Speculoos that our Burpple community loves. Root beer lovers will dig the signature Root Beer Float Cake ($6). Served in a martini glass, the slice of densely rich brownie is slicked with a root beer infused chocolate sauce, set on a bed of hot fudge and topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler Raine Liu

This new kid on the CBD circuit still has some ways to go in terms of getting their act down pat — they were flustered and out of several items when we visited two weeks into their opening — but we foresee a bright future once things are up and running smoothly. Their Avocado Toast ($5.50), a simple but effective combination of lightly warmed sourdough, sliced avocado and a generous sprinkle of chilli pepper, is something we'll be returning for time and again. Add a crumble of feta cheese ($1) for some added oomph. They also serve Acai Bowls (from $6.90), and their salads are quite something. Pacific Rim ($13.50) features a perfectly baked salmon fillet, served atop a punchy quinoa salad and basil aioli. Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua also had good things to say about New Farm ($12) — moist, slow-cooked chicken served on the same quinoa salad base. Grab a hit of their robust yet well-balanced coffee while you're here, their opening promo sees all espresso-based drinks going at just $2. Pro tip: There are only 10 seats in this cosy nook of a space, so either beat the lunch crowd, or order to go.
Avg price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua