Update 19 Jan 2025: The cafe segment of 51 Tras has closed.
Aesthetic, minimalist cafes are having their moment, and I’m here for it. Named for its exact location, 51 Tras in Tanjong Pagar is a self-proclaimed “creative space” that brings together several local, artisanal F&B brands under one roof. Making it somewhat of a godsend for hipster cafe-hoppers who can never decide which new space to check off their ever-growing list.
I’ve a strange liking for visiting convenience stores whenever I’m out of Singapore. So when we discovered Avery-Day, a new Japanese-style konbini had opened across from KSL City Mall during a recent road trip to Johor Bahru, I couldn’t resist popping by for a look!
With the pandemic putting quite a damper on Singapore’s F&B scene over the past couple of years, it’s refreshing to encounter new spaces opening again, especially experiential concepts that combine eating and drinking with other lifestyle and entertainment options.
Tucked away on the third level of Orchardgateway in Somerset, 82SOHO has set itself up as the place for gatherings, be it for hardcore video gamers or friends looking for a relaxed session of board games. The jungle-themed Tigress is where ravenous customers can satisfy cravings for good food and slurp-worthy drinks.
Remember when the words “hipster cafe” used to mean a cozy space fitted with eclectic furnishings and hand-drawn wall illustrations, that serves specialty coffee from a corner of the heartlands? Tolido’s Espresso Nook may not be re-inventing brunch, but it’s still going strong from its outpost at Crawford Lane in Lavender.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Nian Nian You Yu has closed.
Stories of ex-restaurant chefs striking it out on their own are hardly new. But, what about chefs that completely switched cuisines along the way? That is how Nian Nian You Yu – a fairly new hawker stall opened by a former chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant – came about.
Operating alongside iconic neighbours such as Tian Tian Chicken Rice and Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake at Maxwell Food Centre on Kadayanallur Street, one would never suspect that Nian Nian You Yu’s chef once churned out mod European foods at the likes of Bacchanalia and Sommer. Still, it’s not hard to miss this up-and-coming stall with its neon blue sign and its name spelled in both mandarin and pinyin.
When you’re a dairy fan hearing the words “Hokkaido” and “milk” being used in the same sentence, you know you’re in for a good time. Hokkaido-based Baristart Coffee has been operating at its Tras Street outpost with much popularity since opening in 2019.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Myeongdong District has closed.
The K-wave is showing no signs of slowing down, with various Korean-themed eateries and Korean-inspired cafes popping up as of late. If you’re craving an authentic Korean street food experience, Myeongdong District – not to be confused with the iconic shopping and fashion belt – recently set up shop in Fortune Centre.
Like its neighbours, Myeongdong District sports a barebones interior with cozy tables set amidst a bright orange backdrop. A K-pop track playing in the background would definitely add to the “Korean street food stall” atmosphere. The eatery cum takeaway kiosk is operated by a pair of young gentlemen who prepare every dish to order.
Chue On It 