We’re just days away from Christmas, and most of us would probably have been preoccupied with Christmas shopping and attending the many Christmas-themed events happening around Singapore.
However, amongst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush, we tend to forget that Christmas isn’t just about the presents and tinsel – it’s also about spending time with our loved ones. Food is the way to a Singaporean’s heart, so what better way to spend time with family and friends than over a delicious Christmas meal?
We’ve curated a list of food spots you can head to for Christmas dinner, from casual cafes to intimate restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
For Local Favourites
Christmas dinners aren’t just about roast turkeys and log cakes. If you’re not too keen on dining on a traditional Christmas fare, why not try something more local instead?
And the best part of this? These local eateries are also giving physically disabled individuals and ex-offenders a chance to start a new life, so you can be sure that your meal is not just filling your stomach, but filling someone else’s life with hope too.
1. New Rasa Singapura
Located at Tanglin Post office, New Rasa Singapura serves up local fare in a casual alfresco setting. Expect local favorites like Fish Head Curry, Beef Rendang and Hainanese Chicken at this quiet spot.
Not only does New Rasa Singapura serve up authentic local cuisine (there’s even our childhood favorite, Potong ice-cream!), they are also a social enterprise.
Aiding those struggling to find long-term employment, New Rasa Singapura provides training and employment to those with physical impairments and those recovering from medical conditions.
Want to throw a Christmas party without the fuss of preparation and cleaning up? New Rasa Singapura can also play host to your Christmas get-togethers with its flexible and customizable party packages.
So by throwing your Christmas party at New Rasa Singapura, you will not only enjoy a 100% fuss-free event, you’ll also be helping out Singaporeans who are struggling to make ends meet.
New Rasa Singapura
Tanglin Post Office Singapore
56 Tanglin Road #B1-02, S247964
Tel: +65 98188102
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon), 12pm – 10pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
2. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh Without Borders
Nothing beats a hearty serving of Bak Kut Teh and one of the places local food connoisseurs rave about is Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh.
Serving up Bak Kut Teh, which boasts a robust and flavorful broth. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh has adopted a “business [offering] a second chance.”
Founded by ex-offender Jabez Tan, Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh is dedicated to give ex-offenders and former drug users a new start in life through providing a meaningful career.
In the spirit of paying it forward, managers, chefs and cashiers (all ex-offenders) in turn train and work with disabled individuals, to equip them with the life skills they have learnt as well.
Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh
Timber+
73A Ayer Rajah Crescent #01-34, S139957
For Sweet Treats
3. Flour Power
Established by self-taught baker Lena Ng, Flour Power trains individuals with special needs in baking and customer service skills through the sale of baked goods.
Offering an array of sweet treats like delicate cupcakes alongside savory quiches, Flour Power is the perfect spot to grab some finger food for your casual get-togethers.
This festive season, Flour Power is also offering a Christmas-themed menu, with customizable gifts, cupcakes and traditional Christmas Fruit Cakes up for sale!
Flour Power
1 Jasmine Road, S576585
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 6452 0156
For The Whole Family
If you have yet to pick a spot to dine with loved ones this festive season, don’t fret – we’ve got you covered.
These restaurants not only serve up delicious Western fare in intimate settings, they’re also giving back to individuals who need a little more help.
4. Food for Thought
A pioneering F&B social enterprise in Singapore, Food For Thought strives to help build a sense of community by bringing people together through good food and meaningful social causes.
Located at Singapore’s National Museum and the Botanic Gardens, Food For Thought serves up modern Western fare at reasonable prices.
Serving All Day Brunch alongside Honey Hoison Baby Back Ribs and Spicy Pulled Pork Cocciolini, you’re in for a culinary experience at Food For Thought!
Whilst perusing the menu at Food For Thought, guests will see several meaningful causes that Food For Thought currently focuses on. Feed Good Food is one such cause, and guests are encouraged to purchase Food Bundles from Food Bank Singapore to help out needy families all around Singapore.
Food For Thought
Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road
Tanging Gate, S259569
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm
Contact: 63384848
National Museum
93 Stamford Road, #01-04/05, S178897
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm
Contact: 63389887
5. Bliss Restaurant
Located at Cheng San Community Club, this humble eatery might seem like your run-of-the-mill neighborhood eating spot at first glance, but don’t be mistaken, Bliss Restaurant serves up a multitude of cuisines. From classic Western, to hearty Italian favourites, the menu at Bliss Restaurant has them all.
A social enterprise based on a job integration model, Bliss Restaurant strives to offer employment opportunities without discrimination. Aiming to create a dining destination with a social cause, Bliss Restaurant recycles and donates groceries and gives them to low-income families.
They can play host to private functions and get-togethers, for all you party organizers out there. With a sprawling alfresco and indoor dining area, and a customizable menu to boot, your Christmas gathering will go off without a hitch!
Bliss Restaurant
Cheng San CC
6 Ang Mo Kio St 53, S569205
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu 5pm – 12am; Fri & Sat 5pm – 1am
Contact: 62803389
6. Garcons
With three outlets under their belt, owners Enoch Teo and Immanuel Tee are no strangers in the kitchen.
Whipping up French fare, Garcons is dedicated to training youths-at-risk who have no experience in cooking. By equipping at-risk youths with culinary skills, these beneficiaries are given a shot at an honest life.
Serving up classic French favourites like Foie Gras and Duck leg Confit at very reasonable prices, introduce your family to French food with their offerings, while doing your bit for a good cause!
Essen @ The Pinnacle
1 Cantonment Road, #01-01, S080001
Timber+
73A Ayer Rajah Crescent
Upper Thomson
215R Upper Thomson Road, S574349
For A Casual Get-Together
Christmas get-togethers aren’t just for family.
More often than not you’ll either be attending a few Christmas parties or even throwing one yourself! But organizing one usually involves tedious preparation and clean up, so save yourself the trouble of cleaning up by heading down to one of these casual cafes this festive season.
7. Professor Brawn Café
Established by Ronald Tay and his wife Denise Phua, Professor Brawn is located at Novena Square, and aims to give autistic youth a fair shot at the working world.
The couple, who have an autistic son, strive to provide affordable Western fare while raising awareness for the special needs community. Professor Brawn embraces an inclusive workforce, and their staff comprises of people of all ages with different abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.
Serving up delicious and affordable Western fare such as Pan-Seared Norwegian amidst a laidback setting, Professor Brawn also offers an array of desserts. Word on the street is that their carrot cake is a do-not-miss!
Professor Brawn
Novena Square
#02-78/79, 238 Thomson Road S307683
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Contact: 6253 4650
Boat Quay
10 Circular Road, S049366
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11am – 10pm Weekends Closed
Contact: 65320607
8. Joan Bowen Cafe
Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood along Macpherson is Joan Bowen Café, established in June 2009 by Jeanne Seah-Kong and Khong Yoon Kay, parents of Joan Bo-Wen, a girl with special needs.
The home-style café provides a relaxing and calm environment while serving up affordable Western and fusion dishes like Beef Cheek Stew and Chilli Crab Pasta.
Special needs youths play a huge part at this humble eatery – from serving guests, to shopping for ingredients, Joan Bowen Café gives them the chance to develop life skills.
Joan Bowen Café
9 Jalan Wangi, S349354
Opening Hours: Mon 11am – 4pm; Tue 11.30am – 4pm; Wed – Fri 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 9.30pm; Sat 1pm – 9.30pm
Contact: 62813629
Social Enterprises
These 8 eateries around Singapore, aren’t just serving up delectable food this festive season, they’re also social enterprises that are giving back to society. Restaurants like Professor Brawn and Flour Power are empowering special needs individuals by providing them with life skills and employment opportunities.
Keen to find out more about local cafes and restaurants that are going the extra mile? Check out DBS Asia For Good’s regional directory for businesses that are giving back and creating a positive impact in society!
Visit https://www.asiaforgood.com to find out more.
