Category: Cafes In Singapore

Patissez Freakshake: Milkshakes So Sinful, You’ll Feel Guilty For A Lifetime!

Growing up in my family, getting a milkshake in a restaurant was a pretty big deal for a child. It meant that you were being rewarded with a treat of something other than juice or the rare soft drink. Plus, you got to choose the flavour of the milkshake and revel in a cup of vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.

Nowadays, milkshakes are a lot more bold and exciting, especially with the creation of ‘freakshakes’ a few years ago! Freakshakes, an extravagant milkshake that may just freak some out with its ingredients, is originally from a patisserie called Patissez in Canberra, Australia. Patissez has recently landed in Singapore with four amazing flavours!

Patissez Singapore

Located on the ground floor of the still fresh Raffles Holland V mall, Patissez Singapore touts slightly extravagant milkshakes better known as ‘freakshakes’. It’s originally from Canberra, Australia. These flavours are mostly a mix of different food items that most people would love on its own, but even more when it’s in a cup together.

This is the second international branch of the original Patissez brand, with the first being Patissez Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. The creator of the Patissez Freakshake said that they are planning to launch in Thailand and China in the future.

Patissez Freakshake

At first glance, Patissez’s signature Freakshakes look almost like they were squeezed into a mason jar too small for what it is — a heavenly, decadent mess. Depending on the type of shake you ordered, you would find whipped cream, peanut butter and chocolate overflowing out of the jar. Patissez Freakshake instantly transports you to Willy Wonka’s magical factory.

Patissez Singapore carries four freakshakes: the Muddy Pat, Pretzella, Mint Condition and Sneaky Freak.

As we tried all of these four shakes, it became increasingly evident that these unmistakably unique concoctions are more than just items on the menu. Priced at $16 a drink, each Patissez Freakshake is an experience.

Patissez Freakshake – the Muddy Pat

We munched down on the Muddy Pat, a chocolate-y shake that comes with vanilla mousse, a heavenly fudge brownie and a marshmallow. As we savoured it, we mm-ed and aah-ed our way, as if experiencing a gastro-orgasmic release.

Patissez Freakshake – Pretzella and Mint Condition

My favourite was the Pretzella, a Nutella-meets-pretzels kind of shake that I would, without a doubt, describe as ‘best of both worlds’: salty and sweet. Slurping the shake with a straw, finishing the messy yet beautiful milkshake made me felt cathartic.

You might also find the Mint Condition a good buy, especially if you are a fan of mint chocolate and cookie sandwiches. It would have been even tastier if the cookie sandwich was made out of ice cream, but that might just make it even more over-the-top.

Patissez Freakshake – Sneaky Freak

Since peanut butter isn’t exactly my favourite topping in the cabinet, I have to say that the Sneaky Freak wouldn’t be my first choice. But from what I’ve heard, it is every bit delicious and lip-smackingly good as it is salty and creamy.

Patissez Food

Aside from whipped cream-topped drinks, the Patissez also functions as a restaurant with many top-notch dishes to boot. Popular choices include its all-day breakfast selections, from bacon jam toasty to Brekkie Burger to Corn & Zucchini Fritters.

It is also well known for its burgers, all served with fries and Patissez special sauce. Examples include the Freak Burger which is made up of two beef patties, double crispy bacon, bacon jam, American cheddar and housemade BBQ sauce. For the non-beef diners, the Crispy Panko Chicken Burger is not to be missed. It comes with Panko sesame chicken, kewpie mayo, pickled vegetables ad lettuce.

With a wooden-plank ceiling and warm lighting – in low hanging bulbs no less, this cosy cafe will definitely make a good date spot for folks. It’s the best place to relax and enjoy a sinful drink with some good ol’ brunch and company. Just be careful not to overeat!

Patissez Singapore
Address: 118 Holland Avenue #01-06 Singapore 278997
Tel: +65 62623616
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM, Mondays to Fridays, 9 AM – 10 PM Saturdays and Sundays

This was an invited food tasting session

Header image credit: Patissez Singapore

Also, read The Most Elaborate Milkshakes in Singapore! – A Drool-Worthy Photo Gallery

Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG

Train enthusiasts, cafe hopper, or lover of all things Japanese, we have great news for you! East Japan Railway Company (JR EAST) has just announced that they will be opening their very first out-of-Japan, tourism-themed cafe this November. And the best part of all, this ‘train’ will be arriving in Singapore!

Get your Japan rail passes at the cafe

Set to open their doors on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, the Japan Rail Cafe will be a one-stop Japanese-experience for fans of the country. Besides dishing out yummy gourmet food and displaying kawaii items, prospective Japan tourists can also find information about lesser known regions of Japan and even purchase their Japan rail passes here. Now that sure is convenient!

Monthly menu and display updates

If you think this is just another ‘one visit and you’re done’ themed cafe, you’re missing out the fun here. The kawaii display items imported from Japan will be changed EVERY MONTH. The menu, which adopts the latest recipes developed by JR EAST’s F&B outlets in Tokyo, will also be updated on a monthly basis.

Workshops, pop-up booths, and seminars

On top of that, Japan Rail Cafe will also be hosting monthly workshops, and pop-up booths selling items from shopping malls inside JR EAST’s train stations. If you’re too broke to make a trip to the land of rising sun, you can experience Japanese culture at the seminars and get your Japanese (gift or souvenirs) here!

Get advice for your Japan itinerary

Planning the itinerary of an overseas trip can be a bit of a pain but we have a feeling that this cafe will be the perfect place to work on your Japan trip’s rundown. What’s better than having a local help you with your travel plans? At the Japan Rail Cafe, there will be Japanese service staff (fluent in English) who will introduce their home country to you.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations and having a cultural exchange in a casual setting sure is a great way to celebrate the relationship. #relationshipgoals

Japan Rail Cafe
Address: 5 Wallich Street, #01-20/21, Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore
Estimated opening date: November 2016

(Header image source: Wikimedia, words by writer)

Also read: Popular Nightspots – Unwind To Recommended Izakayas in Singapore

Decadent Yet Light Cakes You’ll Love – Waku Ghin @ Marina Bay Sands

In September last year, renowned chef, Tetsuya Wakuda, launched Waku Ghin Patisserie Platine at RISE Lounge, offering 18 types of intricate pastries and petit cakes from the award-winning restaurant Waku Ghin.

The exclusive selection, which changes seasonally, is beautifully handcrafted and lovingly created by Waku Ghin’s pastry team. The cakes are available for takeaway or dine in at RISE lounge, located in the lobby of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Tower 1.

Each cake is made in-house, using premium ingredients and fresh seasonal fruits from Japan and Europe. The picture-perfect creations are not only easy on the eyes but also on the palate, hitting the right notes for texture and flavour.

Dining at Waku Ghin’s Patisserie Platine is, of course, an experience by itself. Enjoy the stream of natural light from all directions while you sip tea at the lounge – a place where businessmen and tourists frequent any time of the day – and feel like a total tai tai.

Chocolate mousse with raspberry and pistachio

The chocolate mousse with raspberry and pistachio ($12) is a decadent dessert – though there’s a rich cocoa taste, the texture remains light. The cakes here are not at all dense, in fact, it is so light, that it is dangerously easy to polish off an entire cake by yourself without realising it. The ingredients are fresh, as promised, and this rings true in every bite.

Ghin’s cheesecake

Ghin’s cheesecake ($12), a house speciality, is feathery light and it is almost like eating a cloud. For a cheesecake, it goes against the grain of what a typical cheesecake would be like. Waku Ghin’s team pushes boundaries with the cake, making it refreshing and almost airy. It is the type of cake you would eat for a good pick-me-up after a long work day.

Matcha Opera cake

The matcha opera cake ($10) also offers the same fluffy texture as the cheesecake and is very reminiscent of a tiramisu cake. We noted a hint of alcohol in this cake and for each bite, the tastes hit the taste buds quite strongly, but there are so many layers to the taste that the alcoholic tinge is soon forgotten.

Coconut mousse with passionfruit and mango

This bright coconut mousse with passionfruit and mango ($10) also carries the same lightness in texture as the other cakes despite being so dense in the fruit department. The coconut is so subtle in the mousse that it is almost undetectable. This was one of my favourites out of the lot we tried. All the desserts were surprisingly not too sweet either.

Waku Ghin has certainly pushed boundaries to create decadent, yet light desserts. You’ll never feel jelak polishing off an entire cake yourself! Every bite and calorie is worth it, satisfaction guaranteed.

Waku Ghin Patisserie Platine
Address: Rise Lounge, first floor, Marina Bay Sands Tower 1
Opening hours: From 11am daily
Tel: 6688 5568

Brought to you by Discover SG x Foodie Vs The World

This was an invited food tasting session.

Also, read Popular Nightspots – Unwind To Recommended Izakayas in Singapore

PS.Cafe & Prawn Mee – It Will Wow Your Tastebuds

PS.Cafe is one of those names that every Singaporean knows and now, slowly, Malaysians are getting introduced to. The Malaysian managing editor at Foodie Vs The World, Sarah, has heard rave reviews about this place from her friends and has indeed also tried one of the outlets when she was visiting Singapore. We’ve mostly heard about the widely known truffle fries, but PS.Cafe serves up more than just great truffle fries.

We made a trip down to the Palais Renaissance outlet one day to try their dry prawn mee, a classic local dish, sure to please many a tastebud.

PS.Cafe has a lovely al fresco seating area for those who like to enjoy a little piece of nature while eating.

PS.Cafe has an asian menu comprising 9 different Asian dishes, all of which are instilled with a little bit of creativity to bring out the fusion between the East and the West. We were introduced to one of people’s favourite, the Dry Prawn Mee.

According to the head chef of PS.Cafe, Chef Wai, the uniqueness of this dish comes from the preparation of the prawn paste. Unlike the usual hawker way of adding different condiments (black sauce, dried chilli etc) together, the chef makes use of prawn shell reduce as well as other ingredients to create the prawn concentrate.

The ingredients in the Dry Prawn Mee are pork belly, prawns, kang kong, bean sprouts and 2 quail eggs. Pasta noodles instead of egg noodles are used to marry the very Asian style of preparation with the very Western styled noodles. Noodles are prepared al dente to give it that perfect texture.

The noodles itself are tangy and full-flavoured as the prawn concentrate is very well absorbed into the noodles. Like the pasta, the shrimps are perfectly cooked to bring out the firmness when first bitten into, before yielding to a softness on the inside. The pork belly is also another element that is cooked to perfection. At the first sip, the soup broth is rich in flavour and slightly spicy. Readers be warned: this dish is highly addictive. If the soup is simply not enough for you, there is a little pot that comes with the dish containing additional prawn soup.

The only setback, we believe, is that the dish can get a little oily, but it is worth every calorie consumed.

Singapore’s best prawn mee may well be at an unexpected location – not at our beloved hawkers, but at a cosy cafe. For a delightful twist of our local favourite dish, head on down to PS.Cafe and savour the sweet soup with prawns and pasta noodles done to perfection.

PS.Cafe @ Palais Renaissance
Adddress: 390 Orchard Rd, Palais Renaissance, Singapore 238871
Opening hours: Open 11:30AM to 12AM on weekdays, 09:30AM to 12AM on weekends.

Brought to you by Discover SG x Foodie Vs The World

This was an invited food tasting session.

Also read: Roast Paradise @ Old Airport Food Centre: Serving Great Char Siu!

Old Is Gold – 12 Best Food Finds In Mature Estate Toa Payoh!

Familiar to most Singaporeans is Toa Payoh, one of the most mature heartlands you can find in Singapore. Some may equate maturity to being old and forgotten, but hidden in this estate are some delicious dishes you can’t find anywhere else.

Listed below are our top 10 food picks from Toa Payoh. We don’t know about you, but we think this mature estate has yet to lose its charms.

1.Fu Zhou Ban Mian

Credit: www.pinkypiggu.com

Not only are the stall owners generous with their ingredients, the fresh fish slices served with noodles are often accompanied by with a hearty serving of crispy anchovies and poached egg. For non-veggie fans, you will be pleased to know that you can opt to switch the veggies for extra noodles at absolutely no charge.

Do, however, expect to wait up to 20mins for a bowl of soupy goodness during lunch hours!

Fu Zhou Ban Mian
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 9pm
Address: #01-406 J99 Eating House, Blk 186 Toa Payoh Central Singapore 310186

2. Melben Seafood 

Credit: Melben Seafood

For those craving zi-char or crab dishes, you’d want to check A stall definitely familiar to crab lovers, Melben offers a variety of crab dishes that range from Chilli Crab to its signature Crab Bee Hoon in Claypot ($60). The sweet and savoury milky buttery soup of the Crab Bee Hoon totally had us at the first sip. However, be sure to ration the soup as extra soup comes at an extra charge.

Credit: Alex Chua’s Burpple

For the K-Pop fanatics, you may have already heard of this Korean fried chicken café.

With six flavours (crispy, spicy, sweet, garlic, soy and honey soy) to choose from, the fried chicken ($16 for 8 pieces) here is juicy and flavourful. The crispy version tastes like the average fried chicken but the honey soy (our personal favourite) is a good mix of sweet and savoury; totally worth every sinful calorie!

Credit: Benvado’s Facebook

Besides fried chicken, Oppa! Choo Choo serves a variety of other Korean food such as rice burgers and bingsus. We highly recommend the rice burger with spicy pork ($6.90).

Oppa! Choo Choo
Address: 600 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 #01-05 S319515
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am to 11pm (Last order at 10.30pm)
Contact: 6255 2023

4. RedRing Treasures

Credit: RedRing Treasures Facebook

Since we’re on the topic of fried chicken, there is another eatery in Toa Payoh that specialises in the dish.

Opened last year is , which happens to be one of our childhood chicken rice haunts.

Credit: RedRing Treasures Facebook

Their crunchy, tender and juicy cutlets are marinated for whopping 24 hours. Each bite is a step closer to food heaven.

A must-try is the RedRing Signature Chicken Cutlet Noodles ($4.90). Like the cutlet, the noodles are made in-house. Paired with two kinds of sauces, the QQ (chewy) noodles are sweet and savoury at the same time.

RedRing Treasures (Gourmet Paradise Outlet)

Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact:  9489 6057
Address: 502 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, S319397

5. Hougang 6 Mile Mua Chee

Credit: eatbook.sg

Originally located at Hougang Ave 8, this childhood snack is our favourite of the lot.

Though $3.50 for a box of mixed Mua Chee (sesame and peanuts) may admittedly be a little steep, it is arguably the best Mua Chee in Singapore.

Hougang 6 Mile Mua Chee

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm to 10pm
Contact:  9862 1501
Address: 480 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 #B1-01 HDB Hub Gourmet Paradise Food Court Stall 21 Singapore 310480

6. Thunder Tea Rice (HDB Hub)

Credit: smallpotatoesmakethesteaklookbigger.blogspot.sg

For the health nuts, you’ll be glad to learn of the existence of It may look unappetizing, but the greenish soup that comes with our meal was pretty tasty. Never judge a soup by its appearance, we say.

Credit: JQ Chef Cafe

This relatively new café that opened last year has since received 

Credit: danielfooddiary.com

They do offer set lunches ($15.90) that consist of a salad, main course and ice cream. For this, we highly recommend getting the Mushroom Aglio Olio as the main course! Do note that set lunches are only available from 11.30am to 3pm.

JQ Chef Café

Address: 186 Toa Payoh Central #01-428
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 pm to 10pm, closed on Mondays
Contact:  6354 4541

8. Creamier 

Credit: cavinteo.blogspot.com

There may be hundreds of waffle cafes in Singapore but

Credit: smittenglutton.wordpress.com

If you are afraid that things may get a little too saccharine for your liking, we recommend getting the Sea Salt Gula Melaka ice cream for that savoury contrast.

Like some of the other eateries mentioned, Creamier is insanely popular, especially during the weekends. You might have to wait up to 40mins. So if you wish to get your waffle fix, be sure to head down early!

Creamier

Address: Blk 128 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-835, S310128
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturdays, 12pm to 11pm
Contact:  6250 1476

9. Toa Payoh Fried Kway Teow

Credit: somewhere502.rssing.com

An old school comfort food, we’re sure many are familiar with Char Kway Teow. At Toa Payoh Fried Kway Teow, get ready to expect a slightly darker and sweeter version of the dish. The version served at this stall may be closer to Malaysia’s rendition, but we assure you that it is just as delicious.

Toa Payoh Fried Kway Teow

Address: Blk 22, Toa Payoh Lor 7 Food Centre #01-51 S 310022
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays
Contact:  9743 1206

10. Swatow Teochew Restaurant

Credit: Swatow

Like what its name implies,

Credit: Swatow

It may not be a bakery, but Swatow’s egg tarts are hands down, one of the best we’ve had so far. Speaking of Dim Sum, Swatow offers Dim Sum buffets from 3pm to 5pm daily ($19.80++ on weekdays and $22.80++ on weekends). A little tip from us: be sure to get your hands on the egg tarts first as they tend to run out fast!

Swatow Teochew Restaurant

Address: Blk 181 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #02-602 S310181
Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 10.30pm
Contact:  6363 1717

11. Kim Keat Hokkien Mee

Credit: Kim Keat Hokkien Mee Facebook

Unlike the usual Hokkien mee, Kim Keat Hokkien Mee serves theirs in bubbling hot claypots. Claypot has been known to enhance the flavours of dishes, but we’re not too sure if the claypots or some other secret ingredient is responsible for the delicious stock of this dish.

Besides the usual prawn, sotong, and sio bak (fried pork belly), you’ll find clams in this dish, making the broth slightly sweeter than its counterparts.

Credit: ieatandeat.com

They do offer the Opeh leaf version ($8) where the Hokkien mee is served on the leaf itself, giving the dish a smoky taste. The broth is not as rich, though. So for those who prefer the slurpy type of Hokkien mee, you may want to stick to the claypot version.

Portions here run a little small so big eaters may wish to consider upsizing their meals (from $10 for 2 pax onwards). The chilli may be a little disappointing for chilli lovers but rest assured that the dish itself is tasty enough.

Kim Keat Hokkien Mee

Address: Toa Payoh Lorong 4, Blk 92 #01-264, Toa Payoh, S310092
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 9.30pm, closed on Tuesdays
Contact:  9456 0413

12. Ocean Curry Fish Head 

Credit: jthejon.blogspot.com

Whilst you are here for Kim Keat Hokkien Mee, be sure to also check out The dish may be relatively pricier, but that’s because stall owner Mr Tay uses only the best quality Ang Goli (Gold Band Snapper). We can definitely testify for the freshness of the fish as some of us have had it many times!

Credit: www.sgfoodonfoot.com

The curry here is a mix of Indian and Nyonya curry. The sweetness of the Nyonya curry marries perfectly with the spiciness of the Indian’s. As you dig in, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find chunks of fresh pineapple and ladies’ fingers.

Besides fish head curry, this stall also serves other zi char dishes like Har Lok ($3 per prawn). You choose such dishes ala economical rice stall style – dishes are displayed in circular tin plates behind a glass panel. Again, prices are relatively higher than your usual economic rice stall but we say it’s worth every cent.

Ocean Curry Fish Head (Toa Payoh)

Address: Blk 92, Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-264, S310092
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm, closed every alternative Tuesdays and the day after all public holidays
Contact:  6252 2168

Did we miss out any good eateries in Toa Payoh? Leave a comment and let us know your favourite eats!

Headline credit: words by writer and picture by www.cheekiemonkey.net

Also, read 8 Geylang Serai Bazaar Street Snacks Worth Braving The Heat For!

8 Kampong Glam Places For Cool Vibes, Best Drinks, And Music That Will Soothe Your Soul

1. Going Om

Decent dive bars are hard to come by, yet Going Om ticks all the criteria of a good bar on our list. Tucked in the eclectic Haji lane, this bar brings a homely and cosy atmosphere. You can sit on little stools with small tables and listen to great live music. Chill at this bar and enjoy the relaxed vibes. This hidden gem is definitely a good getaway from the busy city life.

Drink prices here are pretty decent with a daily happy hour from 5pm to 9pm and house pours from $8.

63 Haji Ln, Singapore 189256
Tel: 65 6396 3592
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 530pm-1am, Fri 5.30pm-3am, Sat 3.30pm-3am, Sun 3.30pm-1am (Closed on Mon)

Unwind and relax while you listen to live band performances at Blu Jaz Cafe. This cafe is a bohemian-style pub that has pretty cool interiors and a laid back feel. Set up in a restored shophouse along Bali Lane, Blu Jaz features authentic live jazz, resident DJs and comedy sessions. While the 1st floor usually plays host to local Jazz and Funk banks, the 2nd floor is frequently taken up by local DJs playing 90s Hip Hop to Reggae. On its top floor, expect a quieter lounge catering to their frequent spoken word and poetry performances by local troops.

Whether you are looking for an intimate cosy corner, or prefer outdoor seatings at the courtyard, this place provides it all. Blu Jaz has an extensive menu which features bar snacks to Western comfort food, Asian local delights, and a large selection of beers, spirits and cocktails.

 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848
Tel: 65 6292 3800
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am (Closed on Sun)

Chill the night away with authentic Mexican food at Piedra Negra. Opened by the same management at Blu Jaz, Piedra Negra serves up delightful Mexican food in an affordable casual dining style. Covered in colourful murals with eclectic pieces of furniture, this place is hard to miss.

Don’t worry about getting a seat here. The restaurant is pretty big and there are tables that are built in as part of the walls that can be unfolded out. Head in if you prefer relaxing in its plush cushioned bar stools casted in soft dim lights with Mexican music playing in the background.

Piedra Negra
Address: 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
Tel: 65 6291 1297
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-1am

4. Bar Stories

Located on the 2nd floor of a shophouse, Bar Stories is a quirky little bar. Don’t expect to refer to a drinks list, there is no menu. Every drink here is crafted by a team of mixologists who will bring out the best flavours. As this swanky spot gets a little packed in the evenings, it is recommended that you make a reservation before you make your way down.

Bar Stories
Address: 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Tel: 65 6298 0838
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm – 1am, Fri-Sat 3pm – 2am, Sun 3pm-1am

5. Maison Ikkoku

If you’re looking for a great brunch on a weekend, drop by this quaint little cafe. Exposed brick walls, old furniture and bare bulbs light the cafe with its industrial-retro interior. Maison Ikkoku serves up quite a good range of brunch items and is famous for their quality coffee.

While the 1st floor of the shophouse houses a cosy cafe, its 2nd floor is a cocktail bar by night. Head up to its cosy bar after a good meal at the cafe. Select from the menu of cocktails or simply let the bartenders serve you a cocktail specially catered to your taste buds. With the recent trend of mixology bar openings, this bar is a cut above the rest and is sure to leave you refreshed after a drink or two!

Tel: 65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-7pm

Tel: 65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am

If you’re looking for a chill out spot with good coffee, Working Title is the place to go. This cafe is connected to the hostel right above. It has a relaxed, slightly hipster, and indie vibe, with an eclectic choice of furniture that was collected from preloved stores. Pop in for a relaxing time with a friend or with your laptop after the long afternoon exploring the area around Arab Street and Haji Lane. If you’re looking for some extra peace with free wi-fi and sockets, you’ll find an unexpected light and breezy outdoor area to get some work done. The backyard space of the cafe also hosts musical performances at times.

Check out their wide variety of food
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

7. The Lab

As you can tell by their name, The Lab is all about experimenting and trying new things especially when it comes to food. Designed somewhat like an underground laboratory, with assorted lab equipments and copper pipes running down their walls, this cafe is a sight to behold.

The Lab serves up a mixture of experimental Western and European cuisine. You’ll find food from cuisines such as Dutch, Hungarian and Russian on the menu. When you’re here, do try their interesting drinks which are served in beakers and syringes of syrup or coffee.

The Lab
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang #01-01,Singapore 199069
Tel: 65 6299 5681
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 1230pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-930pm

8. I AM Cafe

Located at the junction of North Bridge Road and Haji Lane, I AM cafe is inspired by the city of Amsterdam. Halal Certified and opened by 3 Muslim friends, this cafe is an open space concept which serves hearty sandwiches, burgers, pastas and pizzas. One of the must try dishes on their dessert menu is the Rainbow Mille Crepe and Red Velvet Cake baked by one of the owners’ mothers. If your definition of a good chill out place includes good cakes and drinks or a comforting lunch, I AM Cafe is the place to visit!

Do note that this cafe doesn’t take reservations so do drop by early to snag your seats!

I AM Cafe
Address: 674 North Bridge Road #01-01, off Haji Lane, Singapore 188804
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 1130am-11pm, Fri-Sat 1130am-1am, Sun 1130am-10pm

Awed by all the bohemian vibes and cosy atmosphere at the Kampong Glam district? If your definition of a good chill out place includes good music, delightful desserts or a good meal, be sure to make your way down this weekend to explore the Kampong Glam area!

(Header image by expatliving, edited by writer)

Also read: Beerfest Asia 2016 – Bottoms Up To Your Favourite Beers & More!

7 Best Eats You Must Try Along Tanjong Katong For That Great Meal

The Tanjong Katong neighbourhood is one with cafes and eateries spouting out relatively fast. Coupled with old school eateries and stalls, it’s an eclectic neighbourhood with a wide range of food options.

With its large residential crowd and people flocking from all parts of Singapore, it is undoubtedly a prime spot for cafe owners and eateries.

Well, the East has practically everything for food! Yes, we East siders do take our food very seriously. Do join us for a gastronomic tour down Tanjong Katong Road as bring you 7 best cheap eats all under $15.

1. Punggol Nasi Lemak

https://www.instagram.com/p/9yVrbLpG5U/?taken-at=1130352

Don’t be fooled by its name. Although this stall is named Punggol Nasi Lemak, it is located along Tanjong Katong Road. Though it is priced slightly highly than your usual plate of Nasi Lemak, you get to choose from a wide array of dishes.

What we recommend – their crispy chicken wings fried to perfection, crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside; and their spicy Otah. Their French Beans fried with dried shrimps is also one of our must haves. For any Nasi Lemak dish, the sambal chilli is the most important condiment and we must say it is on point.

The queue starts as early as 6pm. Fret not, as their staff work quickly and it won’t take too long before it’s your turn (about 15 minutes). Each plate will cost from about $5 to $7 depending on what dishes you pick. Overall, its fried chicken wings and otahs undoubtedly win our hearts.

Punggol Nasi Lemak 
Address: 238 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437026
Tel: 65 6287 0020
Opening Hours: 5.30pm-2.30am, Closed on Thu

2. Eng’s Noodles House

(image credit: wanton mee. This place has come a long way from the 1950s where it started out from a pushcart at Duku Road to a stall at Dunman Food Center and now a shophouse unit along Tanjong Katong Road.

Their noodles are custom made according to Eng’s specifications. Thicker than the usual wanton noodles, they’re springy and firm. Bottles of hot chilli sauce are also provided at each table. Their wontons, though smaller in size, are seriously addictive. Priced at $4.50 for a small bowl of wanton mee and $5.50 for a large one.

Tip: Order an extra plate of wonton (we prefer the non-fried version), you won’t regret it!

Eng’s Noodles House
Address: 287 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437070
Tel: 8688 2727
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-9pm

3. Little Ice Cream Kafe

Known as LICK in short, this homely ice cream palour is opened by a pair of sisters-in-law. Serving up 30 flavours ranging from the good old classics, zesty fruity flavours to local delights, this is the place to go for a late night ice cream fix!

Some of their best sellers include Gula Melaka, Sea Salt Caramel, and Mao Shan Wang. This place also makes really good crispy waffles which are fluffy and soft on the inside.

The cafe is quite small and it is difficult to get a seat on weekends as it is usually crowded. $3.30 for a single scoop, $5.30 for double scoop and approximately $10 for 2 scoops of ice cream and waffles.

Tip: Half-price for waffles every Tuesday. Free Wi-Fi available.

Address: 258 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437046
Tel: 65 6440 8526
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 1pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am

4. Maekhong Thai Cuisine

If you’re looking for affordable and good Thai food, check out Maekhong Thai Cuisine. With over 100 dishes on the menu, Chef Kuan and his team cook for the Singaporean’s tastebuds while retaining the authenticity of each dish.

Try their Basil Seafood Fried Rice (pictured above) at $6.80 nett. A very affordable price for big pieces of squid, sliced fish and prawns. Their Pineapple Rice ($6.80) with lap cheong (chinese port sausage) is delectable to say the least. For the sweet tooth, order their Red Ruby or Mango Sticky Rice for the perfect end to a great meal.

Maekhong Thai Cuisine
Address: 228 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437053
Tel: 65 6440 7714
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm

5. Nan Xiang Chicken Rice

Nan Xiang Chicken Rice is the stall to visit if you are looking for some good chicken rice at Tanjong Katong. Located in a coffee shop along Tanjong Katong Road, this stall not only serves chicken rice but also the best char siew (cantonese roasted meat), roasted to perfection! Its char siew is done old school style – charred with fatty cuts. They also serve good roast duck and sio bak (crispy roast pork belly).

With quality food at affordable prices, this stall often gets crowded during meal times but it is well worth the waiting time for a good plate of chicken rice and char siew. A plate of chicken rice or char siew rice starts from $3.

Nan Xiang Chicken Rice 
Address: 271 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437054
Tel: 65 6397 6823/ 9752 3448 (Jimmy)
Opening Hours: 9.30am-10pm, Closed on Tue

6. The Laneway Market

Located at a laneway (at Boscombe Road) off the busy Tanjong Katong Road lies a cosy cafe where people come together to enjoy good food. Serving up casual breakfasts to dinner mains, with speciality coffee and in-house baked pastries to go along, this cafe presents a welcoming atmosphere for its customers.

If you’d like to enjoy a chill out evening, drop by The Laneway Market. Its coffee, tea and desserts are decent with no extra GST or service charge. The cafe also provides free Wi-Fi and iced water. You can spend almost the whole day in the comforts of the cafe catching up with friends or work.

For the coffee lovers, try their Laneway Cuppa ($6), a special blend of Sumatran and Ethiopian beans infused with a shot of coconut essence. Their Earl Grey latte ($6) and cold brewed coffee are worthy of mention too. For the mains, we recommend their Laneway Carbonara – Bacon, Chipolatas, Sous Vide Egg ($15).

Whats more – download the Hollerout app and receive 10% discount with $40 min spent (code: DISCOVERSG).

7. Do.Main Bakery

(Image credit:
Address: 226 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437015
Tel: 65 6348 1406
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 8am-9pm, Fri-Sun 8am-10.30pm

With so much good and cheap food along Tanjong Katong Road, there’s no reason to procrastinate. Head down soon to explore the place!

For those driving to Tanjong Katong, parking may be difficult to find along the main road, but there is a big public carpark if you turn into the road just beside Caltex. If you know of any other affordable must eats at Tanjong Katong, do drop us a comment and let us know!

(Header image by Instagram user @howicworld, edited by writer)

Also read: Here’s An Ingenious Way To Easily Save 10% Off Your Dining Bills