New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars in Singapore: September 2017

Started by fish farm and wholesaler Ah Hua Kelong, this restaurant in Haji Lane (it shares space with hip cocktail bar Bar Stories) is perfect if you're in the mood for a seafood feast. Consider starting with the Curry Mussels ($16 with deep-fried mantou, $18 with pasta). The mussels are plump and fresh, and the gravy certainly made an impression on Burpple Tastemaker Amanda Liu, who declared she would gladly drink it all down. Take Tastemaker Zhihui Lim's advice to go for the mantous, which are great for mopping up all that luscious curry. Another interesting dish is the Confit Seabass ($20), served on a base of hummus. The fish, like most of the seafood here, was super fresh and cooked in a way that offered a hint of plum-like sweetness. Mix things up with an order of Braised Beef Shin ($22), fork-tender yet retaining a good bite, served with torched potato mash, broccoli and crisp barley chips. If you fancy a tipple, the bartenders at Bar Stories would be happy to shake up a bespoke cocktail for you (average price $20-$25).
Avg Price: $60 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Zhihui Lim

Sharing the space with Sugarhaus at Serene Centre (beside the popular Woodlands Sourdough), this 10-seater steakhouse offers a super simple menu of two steak mains, four sides and three desserts. The Shortribs ($25) have more marbling than the Flat Iron ($22), but both are seared till nice and pink in the middle, and tender to the bite. The meats come with chimichurri sauce and a garden salad, but for something more substantial, add on sides ($5 each) like the Sautéed Thyme Mushrooms and Creamed Kale. Interestingly, Burpple Tastemakers Xing Wei Chua and Casey Tan both enjoyed the meat sans sauce, and just with a sprinkle of salt. Based on Burpple community reviews, you may be better off skipping dessert for now. Currently trending on social media, Jade ($10) features a pretty dome of pistachio mousse cake with a strawberry jelly centre, but while it makes a stunning picture, it leaves much to be desired in terms of taste.
Avg Price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler Gerald Tan

This tiny shop in Sembawang is a good place to get a quality ice cream fix in the north. Occupying one of the smaller shop spaces at Victory8 at Jalan Legundi (opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre), Just Because Creamery serves house-churned flavours that are rich, smooth and luxurious. For something creamy, consider the Hazelnut Praline, which is nutty, chocolaty and well-balanced, or the Earl Grey, which bears lovely flavours of the tea. For something fruity, the Mango Mint bears a pleasant freshness that complements the tangy mango, while the Lychee Rose is delicate, without overpowering rose syrup flavours. Prices start from $3.50 a scoop, served in a cup or cone. Add on $0.80 to upgrade to a waffle cone.
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burppler Wang Sharon

This King Albert Park cafe serves up an extensive menu of eats from pastas and pizzas to Asian plates, making it an ideal place for all occasion gatherings, be it family meals or laidback brunches with friends. Favourites among the Burpple community so far include the simple but tasty Pancetta Fungi Pasta ($15), the decadent Foie Gras Wagyu Burger ($22) that comes with two pieces of foie gras, and the deliciously oily Smokin' Sambal ($18), which slicks the pasta in a fiery sambal sauce. Save space for dessert. The Jasmine Peach Panna Cotta ($12) is a magical combination of peach-glazed panna cotta, toothsome ume soil and bittersweet jasmine tea sorbet.
Avg Price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh

Tucked away inside NTU's Alumni Building in One North, this casual dining restaurant serves tasty Asian fusion plates that hit the spot, and its spacious interiors make it perfect for large group gatherings. Try the Ground Beef Rendang Pot Pie ($24), which features the time-tested combination of flaky and buttery pastry with tender ground beef. According to Burppler Jonathan Teo, the beef was well-spiced and mixed through with rocket and potatoes for extra bite. Another winnning plate is the Laksa Linguine ($22), which comes topped with a generous helping of springy squid, peeled prawns and tau pok, as well as a perfect onsen egg. Break the egg and stir it through the pasta for extra lusciousness. It's also only mildly spicy, which makes it ideal for those with a low threshold for spice. If the tongue still burns, cool things down with the Iced Coconut Yam Parfait ($12), a variation on local yam paste (orh nee) that combines yam parfait, fried pumpkin mochi and deep-fried shallots (yes you read that right) — yum! Pro tip: Check out their affordable weekday set lunch ($8.80). For that price you get a main (consider the Spicy Balacan Seafood Linguine), a soup and a drink.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua

This casual concept by Mexican stalwart Margarita's is all set to bring a load of deliciousness to the east. The decor is fun and so are the vibes, so bring good company. The menu is straightforward with no pretenses, and dishes feature the best quality ingredients, many imported straight from Mexico. Start with a drink — the bartenders are happy to pour you a beer, or to shake up a cocktail. The interestingly flavoured Margaritas (from $18 a glass) are worth a try — jalapeño + lime anybody? Then, settle down for a feast with the Mexican Yucatan Chicken ($28). The tender chicken skewers are slicked with achiote, garlic, orange juice and lemon juice, served with steamed tortillas on the side. For something a little different, try the Carnitas ($32), which serves fork-tender pulled pork alongside salsa rojas, salsa verde (red and green salsa), guacamole and warm corn tortillas. Don't miss the Salted Caramel Piña Colada Bread Pudding ($15). Expect, in Burpple Tastemaker Geraldine Tay's words, "fluffy, buttery brioche soaked in dark rum and cream, studded with chopped pineapples. Served with a generous scoop of coconut ice-cream, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted coconut shavings."
Avg Price: $40 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Geraldine Tay

Replacing defunct Ramyun & Soju at Orchid Hotel, this Japanese curry house from Hiroshima is worth checking out if you're in Tanjong Pagar. The space is rather cramped, so go solo or bring just a friend or two. They offer customised toppings and spice, like many other curry houses out there, but what really sets them apart is the inclusion of paitan soup. Diners are encouraged to add the light broth to any leftover rice and curry, turning it into a porridge-like consistency that is quite comforting. The Deep Fried Chicken Curry ($15.70) is a classic, and one that has Burppler Jianwei Low coming back from his weekly fix. For something different, try the Garlic Pork Belly Curry ($15.70). Sliced thinly, the pork was less garlicky that Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua expected, but he still enjoyed it for its juiciness. Pro tip: The bowl may look large but don't be deceived, says Xing Wei. The portion is actually good for one.
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua

Set in Alexandra Retail Centre, Jin Ho Mia serves up tasty grain bowls and hot pots. The rice bowls (available only for weekday lunch) are perfect for those working in the area but come sundown, the hotpots are great for unwinding over. Grain bowls offer classic combinations like Salmon Poke ($14.80) and Greens and Soba ($11.80), or try the unique Pao Fan ($14.80), which drenches the bowl in a tasty tom yum broth. Come dinner time, hotpot is the way to go. There are five different broths including tom yum, tomato and their signature fish broth, and all form a delicious base to cook the ingredients in. The Tok Kong Pot ($48.80) is a guaranteed crowd pleaser packed with decadent ingredients like Alaskan king crabs, tiger prawns and flower clam. The Ah Boy Pot ($33.80) is great if you like the ingredients meaty, while the Giam Pui Pot ($28.80) has an abundance of greens to nourish the health-conscious.
Avg Price: $15 per person
Photo by Burppler j xbl

Set in PoMo, this new cafe serves up all-day breakfasts and affordable lunch specials, making it a great option for students and executives in the area, as well as diners looking to get away from the Orchard crowds. The food is priced competitively and tastes decent, albeit not particularly outstanding — great for regular meals, but probably not special occasions. Try the Seafood Tom Yum Pasta ($10), which is tangy and bright, or go for breakfast plates like Truffle Scrambled Eggs ($9.50) and Banana Pancake ($9). Coffee (from $4), on the other hand, is surprisingly good. Try the Flat White ($4.50), which is creamy and smooth. Pro tip: Their lunch promotion is great value. Most mains ordered come with a complimentary drink.
Avg Price: $10 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Xing Wei Chua