Update 19 Jan 2025: Lee’s Confectionery has closed.
I have a soft spot for HDB cafes, especially if it’s somewhere I can find artisanal, plated desserts. There’s something understated about savouring elegantly-crafted sweets in the comfort of a humble, familiar neighbourhood.
Lee’s Confectionery is about as unpretentious and heartland as you can get.
With Australian and Korean-inspired cafes dominating the local food scene, it’s refreshing to see places like OVERBRØD go against the grain by serving Swedish, Danish, and Norweigan dishes. Especially when most Singaporeans’ primary encounters with said cuisines have been through a certain furniture retail store.
Much like the Scandinavian cuisine it was inspired by, OVERBRØD’s space is on the minimalist, understated side, with dark wood fixtures creating a homely, cozy vibe.
Interestingly, it’s also set up shop outside Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, directly opposite IKEA Alexandra, the OG of Scandinavian delis in Singapore.
On Day 1 of our recent work trip to Tokyo, we were eager to tuck into some good ol’ Japanese food after a hectic afternoon. As it turns out, Shouhei Ramen was right around the corner from our hotel in Nishishinjuku.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Kura Patisserie has closed.
Sometimes, you just might be able to discover hidden gems in the least likely place. South Bridge Road is one place that often gets overlooked as that awkward stretch of seedy bars between Clarke Quay, Chinatown, and Raffles Place. But, the addition of quaint cafes and dessert spots such as Dopa Dopa and Dawn, has made this underrated area a good option for cafe-hopping, minus the busy crowd!
Kura Patisserie is the newest cafe to set up shop along South Bridge Road (and directly opposite my previous workplace!). Helmed by co-founders whose work experiences include hotels and Tiong Bahru Bakery, Kura Patisserie used to operate out of River Valley, before settling on its current, more central location.
Legend has it that if you’re good enough at your craft, customers will flock to you regardless of whether said craft is accompanied by stellar or mediocre service or an outright lack of it.
Fiie’s Cafe, formerly known as As-Shifaa Cafe, has been operating under the radar on the top floor of Lucky Plaza, and recently went viral for its nasi ayam goreng sold by a characteristically grumpy owner.
Currently in its second generation of ownership, Fiie’s Cafe’s roots can be traced back to Ayer Rajah Camp, where its original owners sold fried chicken wings from a humble stall. Its premises at Lucky Plaza seats about 20 customers, and it’s as cozy as it can get during peak hours.
Nobu, known worldwide for its Japanese dishes with Peruvian influences, opened at the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore to much fanfare last year.
Helmed by head chef Nobu Matsuhisa, whose personal and professional journey can be considered a success story in and of itself, this swanky restaurant has built an impressive clientele of celebrity guests in metropolitan cities around the globe.
With a Signature Bento promotion happening in the month of February, I was curious to experience Nobu and see what the fuss is all about.
Telok Ayer Street is home to a smörgåsbord of cuisines, including Japanese, Korean, French…and with the opening of sister brands Miznon and North Miznon, Israeli. Helmed by Masterchef Israel judge, Chef Eyal Shani, this is the Miznon chain’s first outpost in Asia, and its eleventh worldwide.
The casual arm of sister brand, North Miznon is where you can enjoy delectable Israeli dishes at a fraction of restaurant prices. The eatery’s bustling vibes and efficient service make it an ideal weekday lunch spot.
Chue On It 