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One of the best things about Singapore Management University (SMU) is its extremely central location. It’s just a stone’s throw away from over five malls and four movie theatres.

As compared to the relatively elusive NUS, SIM and Pulau NTU, SMU’s location is gold. With an enviable variety of dining options perfect for brunch get-togethers, indulgent lunch plans, and romantic dinners, decision-making can get pretty tough whenever lunch/dinner rolls around.

To help you guys out, listed below are our top 5 picks for the best food around SMU.

1. Timbre @ The Substation

Image Credit: Sg.asia-cityImage Credit: Sg.asia-city

Image credit: sszekiImage credit: sszeki

Timbre is a sure favourite amongst foodies and live music enthusiasts. Indulge in laid back atmosphere and a comprehensive pizza selection that ranges from exotic flavours such as the Crispy Caramel Anchovies to all-time favourites like Pepperoni. Our advice? Opt for the ‘half & half’ to enjoy two flavours in one pizza. We recommend the Roasted Garlic Shrimp with the crowd-pleasing Philly Cheesesteak, topped with a half a pint of Kirin beer.

With live music acts going on almost every night after 8.30pm, this hangout makes the perfect place to unwind with friends.

Timbre @ The Substation
Address: 45 Armenian Street, The Substation Garden, S179936
Opposite SMU Labs, next to SMU’s upcoming School of Law.
Contact: 6338 8030
Opening Hours
: Sun to Thur 6pm-1am; Fri & Sat 6pm-2am

2. Kith Cafe

Image Credit: Burpple
Image Credit: Burpple

If you’re looking for a quick fix to spice up your Instagram, Kith Cafe is your one-stop-shop for decadent food that tastes as good as it looks.

Image Credit: Burpple
Image Credit: Burpple

Breakfast options like Kith’s Big Breakfast (Eggs, toast, bacon, smoked bratwurst, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes) are served till 3pm. Mains such as the Sirloin Steak Sandwich are served after 11am. Oh, and don’t forget to order coffee, the latte art really completes the food flat lay!

Kith Café
Address: Parkmall, 9 Penang Road #01-01E, S238459
2 bus stops away from SMU’s School of Economics
Contact: 6338 8030
Opening Hours
: Tue to Sun 8am-10pm

3. The Daily Scoop

Pretty much unrivalled when it comes to waffles and ice-cream, The Daily Scoop is the place to go to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Image Credits: gracellowImage Credits: gracellow

Take it from someone who knows waffles, this is the perfect balance between a crispy and fragrant crust with a soft and light interior. The Daily Scoop offers a large collection of tastebud-friendly ice creams and often introduces refreshing new flavours to keep things new. After the first ice cream waffle, you’ll be coming back again and again for your dessert fix.

The Daily Scoop
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, #01-03 S227968
Located opposite SMU’s School of Economics, at SOTA.
Contact: 6338 8030
Opening Hours
: Sun to Thu 11am-10pm; Fri & Sat 11am-10.30pm

4. I’mKim Korean BBQ

image credits: groupon
image credits: groupon

We have two words for this eatery: Affordable and Awesome. I’m Kim Korean Barbecue is the place for meat lovers, with tender pork, beef, and chicken marinated in lip-smacking spicy, sweet, and salty sauces at your disposal. With its salad, soup, cooked food (their chicken wings are the best!) and drinks counter, you can’t go wrong with the student-friendly weekday lunch price ($12.90++).

I’m Kim Korean Barbecue
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, #01-04/05/06/07 S227968
Located opposite SMU’s School of Economics, at SOTA.
Contact: 6238 7218
Opening Hours
: Mon to Thu 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm; Fri to Sun 11.30-3.30pm; 5pm-10.30pm

5. Teaparty Express

Image Credits: Trip Advisor
Image Credits: Trip Advisor

With its $4.80 pasta and iced lemon tea lunch set, and located within the campus itself, we’re pretty sure Tea Party Express is a familiar name to the majority of SMU students.

Image Credits: Burpple
Image Credits: Burpple

Pasta choices include the Carbonara, Aglio Olio, Bolognese, and if you’re feeling adventurous and extra-hungry, order their famous Scones with Cream Cheese sauce to go! Tea Party Express has very recently expanded and is now serving new menu items such as Truffle Fries, Mac & Cheese, Chicken and Fish and Chips. With so many student favourites, you can’t possibly go wrong with this pocket-friendly dining option.

Tea Party Express
Address: 90 Stamford Rd #01-75, S178901
Located at SMU’s School of Economics, Level 1.

Whether it’s your first or hundredth visit, these best food around SMU will still guarantee great dining experiences.

Also, read Stuff Yourself Silly! 6 Best Buffets Below $30