Takashimaya is already home to a multitude of cafes and coffee joints for shoppers to rest their feet. So, what’s one more, right? TAG Espresso is a home-ground coffee brand that recently branched out into the cafe scene, with its newest outpost situated near the lift lobby at Tower B.
I have a soft spot for understated cafes like Dapper Coffee and the now-defunct RONIN, with their barebones decor and unpretentious offerings. So when Ceres Haus popped up on my radar, I knew I had to check it out.
Situated on Circular Road above MISFITS, Ceres Haus offers no indication of its existence in this neighbourhood of eateries and seedy bars, save for a bottle and coffee cup labeled with its name. Looking back on it, the combination of said “decor” indicates Ceres Haus’ business as a cafe by day and wine bar by night.
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.
Aside from Han Kee, Piao Ji Fish Porridge is one of Amoy Street Food Centre‘s legendary stalls where the queue is ever flowing. In fact, it’s enjoyed such great popularity that it has another stall just for storing seafood.
The chilly start to the year got me craving a solid bowl of sliced fish soup, and after two failed attempts on a weekend during its New Year closure, I finally scored a chance to try its famed seafood soup.
Chue On It 