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.
You’ve heard of “husband and boyfriend” corners where you can rest your feet at retail stores, but what about an entire cafe for eating and drinking in between shopping bouts? Editor’s Market brings its slow-living philosophy into the dining world with a new F&B venture by the name of Cafe Found.
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.
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.
Chue On It 