PUBLISHED January 24th, 2017 06:00 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:47 pm
February sees a bumper crop of new F&B establishments in Singapore, several of them in up-and-coming lifestyle destinations such as South Beach Avenue and The Oval. We also see a new cafe themed around one of America’s biggest sitcoms, and a bar that serves… ants?
New Restaurants in Singapore
Pim Pam by FOC
If you find the name FOC familiar, it’s because they’ve been around for years at HongKong Street and more recently, Sentosa. Last month, we welcome them to Orchard Road as Pim Pam by FOC – a massive gastro-bodega inspired by the Barcelonan tapas and wine culture. Open from early morning through night, head down for a fragrant cup of Cortado coffee, breakfast on egg-based Manda Huevos plates, or opt for the signature Slow Braised Pork Chop and Scallop Paella.
Pim Pam by FOC is located at 442 Orchard Road #01-29, Singapore. Open Tue-Fri 12pm – 11pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am – 11pm. Closed Mon.
One Night Only
If you enjoy the food at Muchachos and The Daily Cut, you’re going to love what’s cooking at its sister venture at River Valley. The name stems from the owners’ answers to motel managers asking how long they were staying – one night only – during their trip across the United States. Thus, you can expect an all-American diner that celebrates the irreverence and adventure of the U.S – maple bacon pancakes with corned beef hash, fried mozzarella sticks, burgers, Nashville hot chicken, and all the malty milkshakes you can wolf down.
One Night Only is located at 397 River Valley Rd, 248292, p. +65 6235 1248. Open Tue-Fri 12pm – 10pm, Sat-Sun 9am – 10pm.
Ippoh Tempura Bar
If you’re in Osaka and ask any local to recommend you a tempura shop, chances are you’ll be led to Ippoh, one of the oldest tempura shops in the region. Thankfully, now we won’t have to spend an arm and leg flying to Japan, as Ippoh Tempura Bar opens up at COMO Dempsey. Think crispy and delicate Osaka-style tempura made the same way as it is in Japan, to go with an excellent range of great sakes and beers. Lunch sets start from $60, while dinner goes around $140, though prices may change according to the seasonality of the ingredients. It’s a small restaurant for sure, seating only up to 18 people, so do make reservations for your impending tempura cravings.
Ippoh Tempura Bar is located at 17B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676, p. 1800 304 3388. Open Sun-Thu 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm.
Fynn’s
Hands down the prettiest café to open of late, Fynn’s seems more at ease on a Balinese beach rather than the concrete complex of South Beach. Nevertheless, we welcome the refreshing rattan ceiling fixtures and soothing blue-washed floors. The brunch food is as thoughtful as they are Instagram friendly; detox with the gula melaka-laced chia seed pudding ($14) or get some Middle Eastern wholesomeness from a delectable hummus-enriched chicken pita paired with a citrusy kale salad ($17). Indulgent favourites like burgers and hot cakes also fare well, with things like brioches and compotes painstakingly made in-house. We hear that there are new pasta dishes for lunch and a new dinner menu slated for February so you might want to check them out soon.
Fynn’s is located at 26 Beach Road, #B1-21 South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189768, p. +65 6384 1878. Open Mon-Fri 9am – 10pm, Sat 11am – 10pm. Closed Sun.
Thirteen Duxton Hill
This cosy new day bar and bistro at Duxton promises to fill you up with plenty of the good stuff, courtesy of owner-chef John-Paul Fiechtner and sommelier Sally Humble – and truly humble she is. Prepare for the unexpected when you step into this grungy space; there’s no proper menu, only a piece of paper that lists the day’s specials. Alternatively, go for the Chef’s Menu at $66. This could be anything from Corn in Prawn Head Butter with Croissant, a simple salad of Green Apple and Radish, and even a Veal Heart Pastrami. The desserts too, are a work of magic – chrysanthemum jelly, white jasmine, cultured cream, it could be anything really.
Thirteen Duxton Hill is located at 13 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089597, p. +65 9054 1435. Open Mon 9am – 3pm, Tue 8am – 3pm, Wed 8am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.45pm, Thu 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.45pm, Fri-Sat 8am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.45pm, Sun 9am – 5pm.
The Summerhouse
Seletar has never been known for being a destination of any sorts, let alone F&B, but that looks set to change with the launch of The Summerhouse, a multi-concept lifestyle destination located in an old bungalow. Conceived to be an idyllic summer retreat, dine sustainable farm-to-table cuisine (drawing its produce from establishments in the region as well as an in-house garden) at The Summerhouse Dining Room; have tea and cakes at the Wildseed Cafe; and drink up on the balcony at the Wildseed Bar. With dishes like a DIY Sandwich & Salad Platter, Kelong Rojaks, and Black Truffle Porridge, it’s going to be a wholesome, nature-inspired dining experience.
The Summerhouse is located at 3 Park Lane, The Oval, Singapore 798387. Open Wed-Fri 6pm – 10pm, Sat 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm, 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm.
FOO’D by Davide Oldani
Importing his accessible fine dining concept to Singapore is Chef Davide Oldani, of renowned Michelin-starred restaurant D’O in Italy and creator of the Cucina POP experience. Tucked in the newly-renovated Victoria Hall (come to think of it, we haven’t seen a single dining establishment there for years), FOO’D is where his creative culinary techniques and Italian flavours will shine, employing high-quality seasonal ingredients to create signature dishes like the humble Truffle Risotto with Sourdough Breadcrumbs, savoury Lobster with Coconut Sauce and Roasted Celeriac, and Caramelised Onion balanced out with cold Grana Padano cream.
FOO’D by Davide Oldani is located at #01-01 Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, Singapore 179556. Open Mon-Sat 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm. Closed Sun.
Akira Back
This restaurant by award-winning Chef Akira Back has really seen the world – from Las Vegas, and Jakarta to New Delhi, Seoul, and now Singapore. Serving up innovative modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents (and a touch of other influences from around the world), Akira Back is best known for his Tuna Pizza – first created to convince Americans to consume raw fish – alongside hearty dishes like Brown Rice Gyudon topped with Foie Gras and Onsen Tamago and more delicate ones such as Hirame Carpaccio. While you’re here, why not grab a bottle of Akira Back sake, originating from the 100-year old Nambu Bijin Brewery in Ninohe?
Akira Back is located at 30 Beach Road, South Beach Avenue, Singapore 189763, p. +65 6818 1914. Open Tue-Sat 6pm – 11pm. Closed Sun & Mon.
Central Perk Singapore
Who here’s a fan of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, perhaps the most iconic American sitcom to hit the world? What if we told you that you can now gather your best buds and recreate the scenes from Central Perk Cafe, right here in Singapore? If you have a vested interest in meeting like-minded friends, you can sign up for a membership plan that gives you six cups of free coffee per visit – great for sampling the six speciality blends (one for each F.R.I.E.N.D.S. character). Alternatively, walk in as a regular and go for speciality dishes like Janice’s Oh My God Baby Back Ribs ($39), Chandler’s Thanksgiving Whole Roasted Chicken ($36), and Joey’s Fisherman Stew ($38).
Central Perk Singapore is located at 1 Magazine Rd, Central Mall #01-01, Singapore 059567, p. +65 9025 2524. Open Tue-Sun 11am – 11pm. Closed Mon.
Hot Buns and Thunder Balls
Buns, balls, and cocktails – what’s not to like? This new restaurant at Vagabond Hotel is all about the irreverent spirit and mischievous that the brand is so known for. Look forward to fun Asian-inspired burgers that are simply to die for (they’re no that artery-clogging, but you get the idea) from the luscious Slow Burn ($22) – dark soy and spiced braised Iberico pork belly – to the dreamy Sexy Indian ($18), featuring hand-picked spices from the markets of Little India blended to create and utterly tantalising chicken tikka. And we haven’t even mentioned the fragrant and provocative Thunder Balls ($10) yet.
Hot Buns and Thunder Balls is located at 39 Syed Alwi Rd, Vagabond Hotel, Singapore 207630, p. +65 6291 6677. Open daily 12pm – 3pm.
K-Tower Amoy Street
Ever heard of the nine-layer seafood tower? It’s the latest gastronomical trend to spark off in Seoul, and now, it’s right on our shores. Keeping to the authentic Korean style, varieties of fresh seafood is stacked up in tiers before being steamed – the result: glorious juices and seafood essence trickling down and amalgamating in a hot pot of umami goodness. Priced at $388, you’ll find all your favourite ocean catches including crabs, oysters, lobsters, mussels, prawns, and jade abalones. That’s not all you’ll find at K-Tower; enjoy lunch classics like the Shake Shake Rice Box and Ginseng Chicken Soup, and a plethora of sides.
K-Tower Amoy Street is located at 74 Amoy St, Singapore 069893, p. +65 6221 9928. Open daily 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm.
Little Bastard
The Little Bastard is far from your average illegitimate child, born of mixed parentage with Thai and Chinese roots. In cahoots with The Refinery, this modern Asian small plates and dessert cocktail establishment dishes out your childhood favourites but with an unorthodox twist. Blurring the lines of culinary and cocktail mixology, expect the wacky likes of Cold Tom Yum served alongside a sous-vide Lemon Barley Gin, or Duck Confit Penyet and an adult-only Chendol. What a son of a peach.
Little Bastard is located at The Refinery, 115 King George’s Ave, Singapore m p. +65 8459 9893. Open Tue-Sat 6pm – 12am. Closed Sun.
The Garage
Finally, more dining options at the reclusive Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Garage is a dual-concept establishment housed in a beautifully conserved 1920s Art Deco-style garage – at the elegant Botanico, head chef Antonio Oviedo blends seasonality-driven cuisine (Lamb Tartare, Botanico Salad) with his penchant for experimentation and the thriving ethos of casual bistronomy, while the family- and pet-friendly cafe Bee’s Knees presents all-day offerings (eggs, waffles, cakes) with takeaway options and a retail section.
The Garage is located at 50 Cluny Park Rd, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488, p. +65 6264 7978. Open Tue-Sun 10am – 6pm (Bee’s Knees), Wed-Sun 6pm – 10pm (Botanico).
Po
Along with The Lo & Behold Group’s first foray into the hotel industry comes flagship restaurant Po, which as you might have wondered, is pronounced like the Mandarin word for grandmother – popo. Dedicated to the richness of Singapore’s culinary heritage, look forward to signature dishes by acclaimed Chef Willin Low, the founder of Wild Rocket and a pioneer of Mod-Sin cuisine. Dishes to expect include refined interpretation of your local favourites such as Charcoal-grilled Iberico Satay, Spicy Tamarind Barramundi and Carabinero Prawns & Konbu Mee.
Po is located at The Warehouse Hotel, 320 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169628, p. +65 6828 0000. Open Wed-Mon 6pm – 10pm, Tue 9am – 5pm.
New Bars in Singapore
Teepee Bar & Restaurant
Part bar and part restaurant, Teepee is the latest entrant on the HongKong Street block, bringing you cocktails by Matthew Chan (formerly the head sommelier at Bacchanalia). Go for the signatures Chamomilla, a floral and refreshing concoction of Tougarashi Umeshu, jasmine and lemon; or the bold Dark and Stormy – Diplomatico rum blended up with housemade cola syrup and East Imperial’s Ginger Beer. Punchy as it is, you’ll want to wash that down (or is it the other way around?) with some grub – perhaps a Buttermilk Chicken Burger with brined chicken thigh and apple raisin slaw or gourmet Pork Belly Kimchi Bowl will do the trick.
Teepee Bar & Restaurant is located at 31 HongKong St, Singapore 059670, p. +65 6225 0025. Open Mon-Sat 8am – 2am. Closed Sun.
Native
If you have no qualms about eating ants, Native might just be your newest favourite bar. Focusing entirely on regional products, you can look forward to a back bar well-stocked with whiskies from Taiwan and India, rum from the Philippines, Thai Agricole, Sri Lankan arrack, and much more in due time. Founded by Vijay Mudaliar (formerly of Operation Dagger), you’ll see unusual ingredients – many of which we grew up with – such as turmeric, tapioca, cinnamon, and mango utilised in the bar’s cocktails; along with Thai rhum, coconut yoghurt, soursop, and as we mentioned, crunchy weaver ants.
Native is located at 52A Amoy St, Singapore 069878, p. +65 8139 6433. Open Mon – Sat 6pm – 12am.
Crackerjack
Remember award-winning bartender Peter Chua, formerly of 28HKS? Together with close pal Zachary de Git (previously head barman at Tippling Club), the pair is now fronting Crackerjack, an all-day drinking and dining venue serving up marvellous cocktails, bonafide tea and coffee, and feel-good food at great prices. Imbibe in the morning, noon, or night – there’s no judgement here. From housemade soda taps to a high-tech centrifuge, this place is a bartender’s dream. Must-tries at Crackerjack include the Fro-Zay ($19), an upgrade rendering of frozen Provence rose wine, and the juicy sweet combination of Pierre Ferrand with Kyoho Grape and Jasmine ($16).
Crackerjack is located at 43 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088464, p. +65 8121 1462. Open Mon-Sat 8am – 12am, Sun 10am – 10pm.
The Wall
Adding on to the the already burgeoning list of watering holes along Tanjong Pagar Road is The Wall, a handsome two-storey whisky bar that also does fantastic sumiyaki. Its aim to make the spirit more accessible and friendly means you get a generous 45ml dram instead of the usual 30ml at affordable prices. Make sure you go hungry to fully enjoy the attractive whisky and sumiyaki sets that start from $49, including the usual players like Macallan and Yamazaki.
The Wall is located at 76 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088497, p. +65 6225 7988. Open Mon-Sat 5pm – 1am. Closed Sun.