Singapore’s cafe scene has expanded to the far corners of the west, with Surrey Hills Grocer, an Australian-style cafe and grocer setting up shop in none other than Boon Lay. Helmed by ex-banker Pang Gek Teng who first earned her food business chops in Down Under, it boast farm-to-table brunch staples and exclusive Australian produce at competitive prices.
Looking out for last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas? Spend a whimsical evening “under the stars” at The Secret Patio @ Duxton’s Indoor Planetarium Campfire Night, which transforms a beautiful venue into a makeshift camping ground, complete with a galaxy projector that will make you feel as though you are dining amidst flora and fauna.
Update 19 Jan 2025: Lucky Dumplings has closed.
I don’t know about auspicious colours and numbers, but if someone labels a certain type of food “lucky”, you can be damned sure I’m getting my fill of it. Lucky for frequent town goers, the aptly-named Lucky Dumplings has set up shop in ION Orchard‘s foodie basement, with delicious noodles and dumplings available for the taking.
There has been a spate of Michelin Bib Gourmand hawker recipients expanding beyond their home bases and setting up shop across Singapore. Good for them – and good for us to be able to get a taste of their revered recipes closer to home! One of these growing hawker businesses is Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, which recently opened its third outpost in Tampines Street 81.
Duo Chicken Rice ($5 – $6)
You’ve heard of 100-year old recipes passed down for generations, but what about 100-year old sourdough starters? Goldenroy’s San Francisco Sourdough Pizza is a takeaway kiosk whose claim to fame is American-style sourdough pizzas, the base of which is made from a 48-hour aged sourdough starter that is itself an heirloom strain aged over 100 years old!
Update 19 Jan 2025: Isshin Machi has closed.
Isshin Machi may sound like a Japanese eatery, but don’t be fooled – it’s a Taiwanese eatery through and through, complete with authentic Taiwanese street food and popular Mandopop beats playing at its premises.
With its third outlet opening at GR.ID (formerly known as PoMo), students from the neighbouring SMU and SOTA campuses can now dine on its authentic, affordable Taiwanese fare!
Update 19 Jan 2025: Kream & Kensho has closed.
With work picking up once more, it’s important to be able to take care of yourself and make time for the little joys in life. This weekend, I struck one more cafe off my ever-growing list of places to try!
Kream & Kensho had been on my radar for a while now, having taken over Stranger’s Reunion’s former space in Kampong Bahru in late 2020.
Chue On It 