Update 19 Jan 2025: Gyosen has closed.
While Fortune Centre has established itself as a foodie haven for vegetarians and vegans, that has not stopped a handful of Japanese and Korean eateries from setting up shop in this unassuming mall. Gyosen has quietly made a name for itself with its affordable Japanese rice bowls and omaksase which are housed in two adjacent units on the third level.
If you didn’t open a cafe in Katong, can you really consider yourself part of the OG hipster neighbourhood? Atlas Coffeehouse Group marks its foray into east Singapore with Neptune, a chic cafe serving all-day brunch and other comfort foods.
Update: Waga Waga Den is temporarily closed.
With several Japanese-style or Japanese-inspired cafes popping up across Singapore, it’s interesting to see what each and every joint has to offer. One such business that has recently opened its doors at South Beach Tower is Waga Waga Den. A takeaway concept by Black Carvery Group, the same group behind Japanese fine-dining brands Black Cow and Shatoburian.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Menbaka Fire Ramen has moved to The Centrepoint.
If you’ve always been curious about Kyoto’s iconic Menbaka Fire Ramen but never got to try it (for obvious reasons), they have opened their first and only international outlet in Cineleisure Orchard.
While I’m personally skeptical about how well overseas food concepts, particularly Japanese, translate to local palates, curiosity got the better of me when I saw it was relatively empty one late weekend afternoon.
So, how does Singapore’s take on Menbaka Fire Ramen compare to the OG outlet in Kyoto?
Some things are just better when they are together, and food and wine are no exception. New Ubin Seafood has rolled out the Truly Singaporean Makan & Wine Pairing Lunch ($85++, $75++ for Early Bird Reservations), a monthly affair that curates selected cuisines with various wines.
French cuisine often gets a rep – for better or for worse – as food that is geared for the high class or occasions with a little frou-frou. But, that’s not to say that you can’t find French food that’s wallet-friendly, yet substantiative. French Fold is one such place where you can satisfy cravings for authentic crepes and galettes.
Opened by the same company behind Merci Marcel, French Fold is one of the newer additions to Telok Ayer, having taken over the space previously occupied by Mojo. The rustic-meets-tropical paradise interior lends a laid-back vibe to the space that is reminiscent of its neighbourhood.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Cake Spade has moved to Keong Saik Road.
Shifting locations, especially to a bigger one, is a good sign of a business growing. And Cake Spade has certainly come a long way since its first opening at Orchid Hotel almost a decade ago. Time really flies!
The homegrown brand helmed by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy alumnus Zenn Ng has expanded once more to a two-level shophouse on South Bridge Road opposite Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. While no longer located within the vicinity of Tanjong Pagar, the cafe still sports its baby pink exterior and feminine interior, no doubt inspired by luxury fashion brand, Kate Spade.
Chue On It 