Adira Chow

Indian cuisine in Singapore has evolved far beyond the usual go-to biryanis and ghee-laden curries, though these are droolworthy on their own too. Today’s top Indian restaurants in Singapore offer a thrilling range of flavours, concepts, and experiences, from creative tasting menus and Michelin-starred plates to time-honoured dishes that stay true to regional traditions.  This list is all about highlighting kitchens that are the best at what they do, whether it’s mastering the use of the tandoor oven and delivering lip-smacking, smoky dishes, or perfecting a simple meal of thosai and filter coffee. Expect everything from vibrant South Indian breakfasts to progressive North Indian dishes, and even Indian-inspired cocktails that surprise and delight.  We’ve scoured the city to bring you these top picks. Some are stalwarts that have stood the test of time; others are humble, delicious spots that are well worth a repeat visit. June 2025: Since our last roundup, we’ve refreshed the list with worthy additions like The Elephant Room while keeping trusted favourites like Shahi Maharani and thosai institution MTR Singapore that continue to deliver the goods. RECOMMENDED: The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Singapore and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reser

Singapore may be known as one of the most expensive cities to live in, and the recent GST hike doesn't make it much better. But we're here to prove that it's possible to dine on a dime yet enjoy a satisfying meal — if you know where to look. We're letting you in on some affordable finds in our city, apart from our trusty hawker centres that never fail to serve up delicious nosh for cheap. These places whip up solid meals for around $10 and under, whether it's a quality burger you're craving, traditional Thai fare, or a scrumptious banh mi that's sure to leave you stuffed. Here's helping you spend less on lunch so you can splurge on the things that matter. RECOMMENDED: The best hawker centres in Singapore and The best healthy bowls in Singapore under $15 Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Not everyone has the willpower to go to bed with an empty stomach, and if you’re here, chances are you don’t either. Lucky for us, Singapore’s food scene never really sleeps. Whether it’s a post-drinks refuel, hunger pangs after a late-night work grind, or just a case of the midnight munchies, there’s always a spot to hit up. From old-school hawker classics to round-the-clock diners and even bubbling hotpot joints that stay open till sunrise, these supper spots will keep you well-fed way past bedtime. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore after dark and The best free things to do in Singapore at night Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Gone are the days when vegetarian and vegan dining in Singapore meant uninspiring salads or basic grain bowls. Today, the city’s best plant-based restaurants are bold, inventive, and downright delish. Whether you’re a full-time herbivore, or just looking to eat clean for a change, Singapore’s green scene is a cut above many others in the region, and promises a great variety of meatless options at all price points. This list isn’t just meant for our vegan and vegetarian friends – it’s about celebrating flavour-first cooking that just happens to be meat-free (read: no compromising on taste). Some of these spots even offer clever, innovative dishes, from plant-based caviar to spins on hawker staples like orh lua and duck rice. There are also plenty of cuisines to choose from, from Japanese and Peranakan, to Thai and Korean. And yes, we’ve also included some classic vegetarian institutions, tried and tested by us and also the hordes of locals who swear by it. Ready to eat your greens? Here are the best plant-based joints in Singapore right now – places that prove going meat-free doesn’t mean missing out. April 2025: Since our last update in May 2024, we’ve swapped out several spots, including old haunts which have sadly closed (like Joie Restaurant), to make space for some of our recent obsessions like Ahimsa Sanctuary and Arunchala Bhavan. We’ve also added in some of our longtime favourites like vegetarian bee hoon stall Ruyi Yuan and others. Find out more about how Time Out ma

Great cafés in Singapore are everywhere – buried in shophouses, lined along bustling streets, perched on rooftops. Some draw in crowds with viral pastries and picture-perfect drinks, while others stay under the radar while still serving up quality brunch and brews. But what makes a café hidden? It’s not about being completely unknown (face it, that’s nearly impossible these days thanks to social media). Instead, it’s the thrill of discovery – finding a sleek coffee bar inside an old office building, or a café nestled within another business.  And yet, the phrase “hidden gem” is on the verge of being banned from the internet. Overused and stretched beyond meaning, it’s often used to describe spots that are about to become anything but secret. So let’s ditch the clichés. This list isn’t about cafés nobody knows, but those that require just that little extra effort to track down. Maybe they’re mysteriously located behind a nondescript door, buried deep in a quiet neighbourhood, or overshadowed by a bigger establishment. If you love the chase as much as the coffee, these are the best hidden cafés in Singapore to visit right now. April 2025: Since our last update in July 2024, we’ve swapped out several spots, including Kyuukei Coffee and Rookie’s Coffee Shop in Queenstown, which are a little more well-known now, with new finds like Bee Hoe Coffee in Joo Chiat and A Slow Cup in Robertson Walk. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discove

Singapore’s dining scene moves at breakneck speed – some 300 or so new restaurants open each month. That’s nearly 10 a day. Let that sink in for a bit. Even for a city that’s already one of the world’s best for food, that number is still on all accounts, quite staggering.  With so many new spots popping up, we’re on a mission to track down the tastiest, most innovative, and value-for-money spots in town. Whether it’s your favourite chef making waves with a fresh concept, or a new but undiscovered restaurant that deserves some time in the spotlight, our nifty list has got it all. Without further ado, here are the best new restaurants in Singapore to visit this year – all tried, tested, and approved by the Time Out team. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try  Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Japanese food is hands-down the most popular cuisine in Singapore – even on a busy weekend night, there's no lack of options. While some lean towards an omakase experience with a Japanese chef while others are perfectly satiated with a piping hot bowl of ramen, Singapore has got it all. Here are our top picks for when you're craving some mighty solid Japanese cuisine. RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Brunch has earned its place as a weekend ritual we all look forward to. There’s nothing quite like clocking in a few more hours of sleep and then waking up to enjoy a leisurely meal that combines the best of breakfast and lunch. Whether you’re craving classic eggs on toast, indulgent ricotta pancakes, a gourmet sandwich, or a vibrant plant-based bowl, our diverse brunch scene has something to satisfy every craving and diet.  What makes brunch in Singapore so special? It’s the way local and international influences find themselves blended effortlessly into menus, and how there are tons of options depending on the occasion – from elegant restaurants in the city to casual neighbourhood digs. In this list, we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites, including recent haunts and places we’ve been loyal fans of for years. Expect freshly baked goods, solid coffee, and dishes that go beyond the ordinary.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best brunch buffets in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Need a change of scenery from your usual work setup? Whether your home office is less than inspiring or you just can’t stand another hour in a stuffy library, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the usual crowded coffee chains and check out these alternative spots instead. These cosy cafés offer free Wi-Fi, ample power points to charge your devices, and of course, great coffee to keep you fueled while you power through your to-do list.  RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Finding great halal food in Singapore has never been easier. Gone are the days of sticking to just nasi padang and biryani—though, don’t worry, we’ve still got some legendary picks on this list. These days, the city is buzzing with Muslim-friendly spots dishing out everything from smoky American barbecue and fiery Xinjiang noodles to Cajun seafood boils and classic Italian fare. And whether you’re after a laid-back café, a lively group dining spot, or an upscale restaurant for a special night out, there’s something for every budget and occasion. So, grab your makan buddies and dive into our ultimate guide to the best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best halal Japanese restaurants in Singapore and The best halal restaurants in Orchard Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. May 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Caffe Pralet, as well as well-deserved inclusions like Elijah Pies and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, while bidding farewell to a few that have shuttered or slipped in standards.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. En

February 2025 The food scene in Singapore is always buzzing, and at Time Out, we're dedicated to uncovering the very best of it – right here, right now. This updated list brings together fresh, exciting dining concepts alongside beloved F&B classics and a few underrated spots we swear by. Welcome to the Time Out Eat List, where we've handpicked the finest spots in Singapore’s food scene, curated by our expert local editors. From innovative restaurants by acclaimed chefs to humble local haunts that won’t break the bank, we've got it all. Picking the 50 top places to eat is no easy task, which is why we’ve also crafted separate lists for the best Japanese, Spanish, and hawker spots, among many others. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

The Coconut Club welcomes a sister restaurant above its Beach Road digs – and no, it’s not plates of ayam goreng berampah it’s selling, but a whole new concept: ‘new-gen’ Singaporean cuisine. The term might invite some initial scepticism, but Chef Marcus Leow (formerly of Naked Finn and Magic Square) and his team are quick to quell it. Simply come wide-eyed and open-minded, and don’t expect to see jazzed-up laksa, glorified chicken rice, or anything of the sort.  Instead, the kitchen works with disparate flavours, obscure and long-forgotten ingredients, and a whole lot of creativity to whip up dishes that are noticeably Singaporean, yet delightfully foreign. We like the grilled firefly squid salad, where the iconic pairing of dark soy sauce and jambu in rojak is enhanced with briny – if slightly funky – firefly squid, strawberries, and kailan. The usually viscous hae gor (prawn paste) is also reworked into a golden, syrupy caramel that’s lighter on the palate. For dinner (four courses, $88 per person), a sharing course of crispy meesua is served among a spread of other oddball condiments. You’ve got the doughy pancakes, heavily deep-fried, and to pair: a heap of batang otah paste, fermented soy sauce with gula melaka, and a zesty salad with gado-gado and pineapple dressing. Whether you’re dining in for lunch (two courses, $58 per person) or dinner, you’re due to make the same tough decision on the main course: nasi ulam with grilled seasonal fish, or beef short rib satay wit

If you spot a long queue near Redhill Food Centre in the morning, especially on the first and 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar, then it's probably temple-goers queueing up for Ruyi Yuan — or one of its diehard fans waiting on a plate of vegetarian bee hoon.  We’ve been patronising this humble stall at Redhill since the 2000s – yes, back when a plate would only set you back $1.50. Now priced at $4, you get the same standard mix of toppings above your noodles. Mushrooms, cabbage, fried soy pieces resembling chicken chop, sweet ‘char siew’ slices, and tofu come together to add different textures and flavours to the mix. As with any plate of vegetarian bee hoon, it's mandatory to add a serving of zai er (crispy soy skin) on top for the extra crunch. Noodle customisations are also available, with options like hor fun, bee hoon, or yellow noodles — all of which have a faint and pleasant wok hei aroma.  The cherry on top is the sweet sambal served on the side, similar to nasi lemak chilli. Granted, this isn't the healthiest plate of vegetarian food around, but with how well all the components go together, you might even forget that it's meatless while you're busy wolfing it down.  If it’s your first time visiting, the queue system is pretty systematic: order on the right, then proceed to the left side to pay and collect your food. The usual wait is around 15 minutes, but do note that the first and 15th day of the lunar month, as well as special occasions like Qing Ming Festiva

There are plenty of vegetarian gems in Fortune Centre, but we like New Green Pasture Café for its clean, homely environment, friendly service, and meals that are light and refreshing on the palate. Tucked away on the fourth floor of the establishment, this eatery has been around for over 26 years, and is patronised by both elderly regulars and the younger crowd. You’ll notice shelves lined with health foods, organic biscuits, and more. The thunder tea rice ($12.50) here is a must-try. Brown rice is the only option, but it adds to the myriad of textures in the bowl – think peanuts, crunchy and savoury cai pu, gluten (to mimic fried scrambled eggs), dried tofu skin for umami, and three kinds of veggies. The slightly minty, green gruel is also just the right consistency. Ladle as much of it as you like over your rice, but leave just enough to have on its own for a satisfying end to your meal. And unless you don’t mind leaving absolutely stuffed, we recommend asking for a half portion of rice for the lei cha – believe us, it’s more than enough to fill you up. Order a side of the stuffed tau pok to share ($10.50). Four pockets of baked or air-fried tau pok (either way, they're certainly not deep-fried, seeing that they're perfectly crisp without the slightest trace of oil) come stuffed to the brim with crunchy veggies like alfalfa, beetroot, carrots, and radishes. But the reason why folks love this might be the special house sauce that's drizzled over it. We can't quite put a fin

This South Indian vegetarian joint in Little India is where to go for curry-drenched banana leaf plates with free-flow servings of rice and toppings — all below $10. The dishes and condiments at Arunchala are reminiscent of home-cooked meals — warm, hearty, nicely balanced, and not overly oily or cloying. The wallet-friendly price point of $9.90 for the basic rice meal is all you need to fill you up for the rest of the day. You get endless rice top-ups, rasam (a South Indian soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, spices, and herbs), vadai, papadum, three kinds of vegetables, and of course, dahl. The best way to enjoy this glorious mess? With your hands, and a mandatory side of teh halia (ginger tea). The dosai here is great stuff too — there are over 18 variations, which all come with the mandatory accompaniments of coconut chutney and the like. The plain starts at $3, but our favourite is the onion masala ($6), which is stuffed with a punchy potatoey filling and diced onions for extra crunch. Order a cup of filter coffee to complete the experience.  

Calling all sake lovers: Singapore’s largest independent sake festival returns bigger and better for its 10th edition this year.  Held at a larger event space (level three of the F1 Pit Building) from May 16 to 18, Sake Matsuri 2025 will feature over 100 sake breweries and more than 300 labels from across Japan – that’s 100 more than its last run in November last year. The new venue is also air-conditioned this time for maximum comfort, and those looking to grab a bite can do so at a dedicated food space at the Garage on level one.  There will be various three-hour sessions held throughout the festival. During each window, festival-goers will get to enjoy free-flow samples of sake and receive a complimentary Sake Matsuri tasting glass to bring home. The cherry on top is that you’ll also get to purchase bottles of your favourite sake and spirits at exclusive festival prices. The grand showcase will feature plenty of award-winning names and rare labels, including the premium Junmai Daiginjo, which is brewed with highly polished rice to give a light, complex and fragrant flavour; as well as Namazakes or unpasteurised sake. Also look out for rare sake made with traditional methods like Bodaimoto and Kimoto, one-of-a-kind Doburoku brews, as well as a range of Japanese spirits at the festival.  For the first time this year, Sake Matsuri is introducing an All-Day VIP pass on weekends for enthusiasts who want more bang for their buck. With the pass, guests can participate in a six-ho

Ditch the glitzy furnishings and grand cocktail bars for this casual watering hole in town. Side Door recreates the familiarity of home – a place where you know like the back of your hand, where you’re well-acquainted with all its side doors, if you will. The space is stripped back, minimal, and manages to rock an urban industrial look while still sporting a friendly atmosphere. But pleasing aesthetics aside, it’s the drinks and food that keep us coming back.  The bar is helmed by the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo Bannie and Tryson who were previously at Fairmont Singapore’s Anti:Dote – Bannie as an award-winning mixologist and Tryson as Chef de Cuisine. Think of Side Door as the bantering duo’s home away from home, where they get to show the best of what they’ve got in one space. Bannie’s mixology style is distinct – cocktails here are minimal in presentation yet complex and layered in taste. Most drinks are clarified with precision to bring out the main flavours of each ingredient. And because ‘competition mixologists’ like her are constantly put on the spot to innovate, you can expect no less than interesting and conceptual yet delicious pours at Side Door.  The Non-Fruit Beer ($26), for instance, is Bannie’s reinvention of the soju bomb, a popular drink in Korea. Here, malt whisky, lychee, Korean barley, Fernet Branca, and dry vermouth are blended to replicate a fruity pilsner. There’s also the Seaside ($26), a perennial favourite which has been with the bar since the

If you’ve ever wanted to get acquainted with Latin American food and culture, then this vibrant festival in Dempsey Hill happening this month is a great place to begin. Latinada is the largest street food and music festival of its kind in Singapore, and it’s run by power duo chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez, behind cult-favourite joints Tinto and Cancita. The festival is back with a bang this year, and it’s shaping up to be a revelrous three-day experience, set to take place from March 21 to 23 at Canchita. This isn’t chefs Daniel and Tamara’s first rodeo though – Latinada started in 2018, and their vision for the festival has only gotten bigger over the years. This year’s edition brings a total of 14 Latin American chefs from all around Asia, who will be cooking up a spread of Colombian, Mexican, Peruvian, Argentinian, and Chilean flavours. Some familiar names include Chef Fernando Arevalo of the newly opened Latido, Maribel Colmenares from Mami’s Tamales, and Mauricio Espinoza from Papi’s Tacos. They’ve also got chefs flying down from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Japan. Latinada will take place across two thematic areas in Canchita – the Inka Room and the Amazon Room. Over at the Inka Room, Latin American staples like ceviche, tostadas, and desserts like coconut and chocolate cakes will be served. Meanwhile, it’s a full on taco party at the Amazon Room, with flavours like beef cheek and chorizo, fish, chicken with avocado mayo, and many more. Other highlights i

Casa Cicheti takes over the quiet spot where PS. Cafe Petit once was, and it has completely refashioned the all-black interiors and marbled floorings into something more rustic and inviting. Light wood furnishings and striped fabric upholstery whisk you away to a home in the Italian countryside, and the space is bathed in swathes of soft light in the day. But it’s at night where the cosy trattoria really comes alive with noisy get-togethers and the like. In line with the familial theme, family-style sharing menus ($58 per person for lunch, $85 for dinner) are available, though be warned – these are sure to leave you stuffed. If you’re not a big eater, we recommend skipping the extras and zooming in on some of our favourites.  For starters, the gnocco fritto ($18) and carpaccio ($23) are good shouts. The former is generously laced with three slices of coppa each, while the latter has a robust flavour from the tuna-anchovy aioli and added texture from sunchoke chips. Cicheti is known to toss up a decent salad, and the Insalata Verde ($19) is no exception, with bursts of umami from the pine nuts and burnt miso dressing. The pizzas at Casa are a crossover between Roman and Neapolitan styles, hence ‘Nea-Romana’. Made with a trio of flours – finely milled 00, rye, and a larger amount of semolina, they are then fermented for 60 hours and finished off in a gas oven. The crust and base bear more similarities to the crunchy Roman pizza (sans the square shape), but they come in classic

If you told New Zealand-born chef Eliot Thomas two years ago that he would be running his own restaurant in Singapore, he wouldn’t believe you. Magpie opened its doors in early January, 2025 in the buzzy neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, serving up plates as unexpected as Eliot’s journey across the continent. On the menu? Borderless soul food.  It’s a quixotic word, borderless. But it perfectly captures the essence of Magpie, which is as much a story of a serendipitous encounter between two people from across the world, as it is about curious, experimental, and bold cooking. The idea for the bistro started when Kurt Wagner – the visionary behind popular African concepts Tamba and Kafe Utu – met Eliot on a trip to New Zealand. From there, the two got talking about their favourite culinary memories from their travels, from the fresh spices of Zanzibar to the vibrant flavours of Mexico. With Magpie, Eliot wants the experience to be “aggressively delicious” but “unconventionally familiar”. True enough, you’ll find influences from all over the globe in his dishes, from India to Italy, China to Fiji, and so on. Because of the produce-first nature of his cooking, expect the menu to change every few weeks as well. We start with the fresh tandoor bread ($9) glazed with Magpie’s butter. While it doesn’t leave a lasting impression on its own, it’s the perfect vehicle for dipping into other saucy dishes. Case in point: the grilled squid with melon chaat salad ($25) topped with chickpeas and

It’s food festival season this March, with the Kita Food Festival making its anticipated return to Singapore. The annual event celebrates the best of Asia’s culinary maestros and diverse food scene. This March 12 to 15, it’s all about legendary crossovers — think four-hands dinners, kitchen takeovers, and more. You have Chef Eugene See of the mod-Sichuan joint Birds of a Feather join arms with Chef Kelvin Cheung of Dubai’s Jun on March 12 and 13 for a four-hands dinner ($118 per person). Meanwhile, Singapore’s only West African restaurant Tamba will be hosting award-winning Australian chef Brian Cole on March 14 and 15 for a kitchen takeover. The six-course West African feast is priced at $198 per person. And there’s still more — check out the full programme here. The Kita Food Festival restaurant series ends with a bang on March 15 with Kita’s Big Barbecue ($88 per person). This massive backyard cookout will take place at the alfresco Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis, featuring six barbecued dishes prepared by chefs from buzzy joints across Southeast Asia. Headlining the event is Taiki Rattanapong from internet-viral Homeburg Bangkok, who'll be fanning the flames alongside other familiar names like Ricardo Allen (Camp Caribbean) and Adam Penney (Carnaby), as well as Waymann Cheong from the highly-raved Lucky Hole in Penang. Find out more about Kita Food Festival here.

Jungle fits right into the cluster of late-night watering holes along Ann Siang Hill. As night falls, spot a warm glow emitting from a corner shophouse unit, where the atmosphere is abuzz with the sound of chatter and classic funk tunes in the background. Here’s where plates of grilled meats and soulful Thai food come out smoking hot, while cocktails with Thai ingredients are shaken up by the counter.  The restaurant sports a snappy, no-nonsense one-pager of a menu – just the way we like it. It’s a straightforward selection of six starters, eight grilled dishes, two curries, and one dessert. Get the pomelo-lemongrass salad ($18) to start, where refreshingly sweet pulps that burst in your mouth are combined with a savoury splash of fish sauce and dried shrimp. We recommend saving some to have in between the heavier grilled dishes and curries. The grill section sees everything from Southern-style charcoal grilled chicken ($17) to lamb skewers ($15) and hammered beef brisket ($22). But if you’re spoilt for choice, the sugarcane-smoked pork jowl ($28) with nam jim jaew (a Thai dipping sauce for meats) is always a safe bet. It’ll also be amiss to not order the charcoal grilled cabbage ($12) with a soy ginger drizzle – another house favourite. Pick between the lamb massaman curry with roasted shallots and smoked ghee ($28), or the Southern crab yellow curry with wild rice shoots ($32). The crab curry has been a mainstay on the menu since Jungle’s opening. It’s a decent level of sp

Opened by the same people behind Drim Korean Steakhouse – yes, the one that Korean heartthrob Cha Eun Woo visited last year – Modu is also perched on the second floor of Mandarin Gallery. The 40-seater is elegantly styled with Hanok-inspired elements, and you can either grab a counter seat by the open kitchen, or dine in private rooms that seat up to 12 guests. All samgyetang broths at Modu are slow-cooked for minimally eight hours. The black chicken samgyetang is the cleanest tasting of the lot ($37), featuring a whole spring chicken stuffed with glutinous rice. Black chicken or ogol-gye is said to be more nutrient-dense than regular chicken, with a leaner meat texture. More unique picks on the menu include the perilla seed samgyetang ($38) which has a thicker, gruel-like consistency from grounded perilla seeds, and a nuttier aroma.  There’s also the Hangover Samgyetang ($37) which gets its name from its ability to cure nasty hangovers. The spicy broth – made from a secret house chilli blend – is meant to work up a sweat that’ll rid those toxins from the body, or at least jolt the senses awake. But even if not, it’s worth a try seeing that we’ve yet to find spicy versions of samgyetang elsewhere in Singapore. Other flavours on the menu include a collagen-rich herbal soup base ($35); black sesame ($38); as well as the Beauty Samgyetang ($37) brimming with medicinal herbs to help you achieve that glass skin glow.  On top of samgyetang, you can fill up on a range of sharing sid

It’s days before the opening of Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST), and we’re sitting in its first Singapore outlet in Tanjong Pagar. The Tokyo-based pizzeria takes over the spot that used to house cocktail bar Tippling Club, and apart from doing away with the hanging glass bottle display that used to dangle across the bar counter, all other fixtures remain pretty much the same.  The first thing we hear is that since PST Singapore opened reservations to the public recently, it’s already seen a jaw-dropping 2,000 tables booked, even before the official launch on June 10. We do our homework before visiting, and that’s how we find out about the brand’s seriously studded rep – it’s been given stamps of approval by Michelin, 50 Top Pizza, and has even hosted the likes of Jeff Bezos and Justin Bieber when they visited Japan. So, will these famed Tokyo-Neapolitan slices live up to the hype? First, a glance at the menu. There are around 12 pizzas categorised as either tomato or cheese-based, over 10 appetisers, desserts, coffee, and several cocktails crafted by Bar on 38. Photograph: Pizza Studio Tamaki | Pizza Studio Tamaki in Higashi-Azabu, Tokyo While it’s not master pizzaiolo Tsubasa Tamaki who’ll be firing up slices over at the Singapore branch, he’s left the job to his trusted protégé, Ryosuke Tanahara, who’s trained under him for close to three years, and can replicate his elusive dough recipe to a tee.  Speaking of dough, PST employs a highly specific formula developed by Tamaki him

Tokyo is loved for many things, but many don’t know that it's got a bangin' pizza scene as well. Yes, the metropolitan city has a whopping six pizzerias listed on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 ranking. Some award-winning joints include The Pizza Bar On 38th, Pizza Strada, and a crowd favourite – Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST). Come this June, you’ll get a chance to taste PST’s highly raved slices, as the brand will be debuting its very first outlet in Singapore.  It’s not news that our city has been inundated with pizzeria openings as of late. Last year alone, we saw names like Beyond the Dough, L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, Fortuna, Bad Habits Provision, and Anto Pizza E Aperitivi setting up shop on our shores.  So what makes Pizza Studio Tamaki special? Well, besides its billionaire-backed, celebrity-endorsed status – having hosted the likes of Jeff Bezos, Justin Bieber, and many others – it’s also been given the stamp of approval by trusted guides like Michelin and 50 Top Pizza.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by PizzaStudioTamaki (@pizzastudiotamaki)   But the ultimate proof is in its dough, made of a blend of Japanese and American flour and fermented for 30 hours, resulting in a puffy crust and wafer-thin centre characteristic of Napoli-style pizza.  Photograph: Pizza Studio Tamaki PST has been headed by Tsubasa Tamaki since its early days in Roppongi in 2017. Its Singapore outlet in Tanjong Pagar will see Tamaki’s protégé, Ryosuke Ta

If you’re not impressed by the long queues at the Oriental Kopi store in Bugis Junction, you can now try your luck at its new outlet, which is set to open in Nex on June 11. This will be Singapore’s second Oriental Kopi after the brand debuted its first store in Bugis last November.  The famed Malaysian kopitiam chain is known to command snaking lines, with many Singaporeans crossing the causeway to try its polo buns, Portuguese egg tarts, toasts, and coffee. With the new store, folks who stay in Serangoon and the heartlands need not make the trip down to Bugis anymore for a taste of the café’s Nanyang cuisine.  Photograph: Oriental Kopi / Instagram Prices at Nex should be similar, if not identical, to what’s listed on the Bugis menu. The chain’s signature Oriental kopi goes for $2 – and is a special blend of Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. The polo buns, which come with butter and condensed milk, are $4.60 each at Bugis. And the egg tarts are $5.20 for two pieces and $15.60 for six.  You can also expect the café to serve a range of breakfast toasts, including the traditional kaya butter toast ($2.60) and curry double lava egg toast ($4.60), among others. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, then Oriental Kopi’s wallet-friendly Nanyang dishes – from nasi lemak ($9.50) to Penang char kway teow ($7.50) and prawn mee ($9.50) – should fill you up. Photograph: Oriental Kopi / Instagram Apart from food, Oriental Kopi is also known for its packet traditional pan mee, which comes

June is here, and with the mid-year mark comes a fresh crop of new restaurants in Singapore waiting to be explored. From rooftop Italian dining inspired by coastal lighthouses to sizzling chicken offcuts that’ll change the way you think about Korean barbecue, you’ll want to make space on your calendar – and in your belly. This June, you can sip on aperitivo by the sea at 1-Alfaro, dive into bold Latin American flavours at Cudo, and join the hype train at Tokyo’s cult-favourite Pizza Studio Tamaki. There’s also something for noodle lovers – Kyo Komachi brings regional Japanese udon specialties to Vivo City – and a whole new take on KBBQ at Korea’s Song Gye Ok. Here are the hottest new tables in Singapore to book right now. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in January New restaurants in February New restaurants in March  New restaurants in April New restaurants in May Find out which are the best new restaurants that opened in Singapore this year. 1. 1-Alfaro Photograph: 1-Alfaro A brand new lifestyle destination by 1-Group, the folks behind well-known concepts like Wildseed, Atico Lounge, and Botanico @ The Summerhouse, launches this month. 1-Alfaro takes inspiration from the lighthouses of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, and fittingly, this new spot is perched on the rooftop of Labrador Tower, overlooking the sea. Dig into classic Italian plates and sip on aperitivo – the restaurant La Torre and bar La Luna at 1-Alfaro are run by the same team

Kyoto’s famed Kichi Kichi omurice has probably managed to reach your feed in one way or another by now. The focal point of these videos is always Chef Motokichi Yukimura’s eccentric antics, crazy hair, theatrical cooking style, and, of course – how he slices each omelette in one smooth motion to unravel a blanket of fluffy, runny goodness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Monica | SEATTLE FOODIE ♡ (@monmon.eats) Come this July, the internet-viral chef is bringing his popular creation to Singapore. But no, he is not opening his own restaurant here. Instead, Chef Motokichi Yukimura will be teaming up with Tsukimi Hamburg to launch a collaborative menu, combining his omurice recipe with the former’s hamburg steaks. There are two items on the special menu – the Kichi Kichi Hamburg Omurice ($16.80) with demiglace fried rice, edamame, and chicken, topped with omelette and a hamburg patty; and the Kichi Kichi Omurice ($12.80) which is the standard demiglace fried rice finished off with a spiral-shaped ‘tornado’ omelette.  Photograph: Tsukimi Hamburg | Kichi Kichi Hamburg Omurice Photograph: Tsukimi Hamburg | Kichi Kichi Omurice These dishes will be available across all three of Tsukimi Hamburg’s outlets (CapitaSpring, Hougang Mall, Jurong Point) from July 10 onwards, and will be permanent additions to the restaurant’s menu. For fans of Chef Motokichi Yukimura himself, you can also stand a chance to meet him for a cooking showcase on July 11 and

GastroBeats 2025 is back with a bang this year, bringing three weeks of music, games, and of course, street food from some of Singapore’s favourite F&B vendors. The festival runs from May 29 to June 22, from 4pm to 11pm daily, at Bayfront Event Space – next to several i Light installations. With over 50 food booths but so little time, we’ve narrowed it down to six must-try stalls at this year’s edition of GastroBeats. Here’s everything worth queuing for. 1. Jett Barbecue (F01)  Photograph: Jett Barbecue This is not Jett Barbecue’s first rodeo at GastroBeats. This Texan barbecue booth is a hit among festival goers each year, and its claim to fame is its fall-off-the-bone tender beef ribs smoked for up to 12 hours. The team even makes the effort to haul down massive industrial smokers, flown in straight from Texas. Sink your teeth into the Texas-style smoked dino ribs (from $19) served over a bed of mashed potatoes and sauce, or try the smoked beef cheek tacos ($24 for two pieces), which come with generous chunks of meat.  2. La Levain (F14)  Photograph: La Levain This homegrown bakery-café is known for its inventive croissants and flawless egg tarts, but at GastroBeats this year, it’s serving sourdough pizzas as well. La Levain's slices are fermented for 72 hours for deeper flavours and a crisp yet chewy crust. Just for the festival, you’ll be able to enjoy three exclusive locally-inspired flavours: tom yum, laksa, and nasi lemak ($13.80 for half, $22.80 for full). Prefer

Koreaboos would have probably heard of London Bagel Museum or Soha Salt Pond, but there’s another popular bakery in Seoul that’s been making waves on the internet recently.  Standard Bun, known for its fluffy dessert buns, is holding its first pop-up in Singapore at two locations: Suntec City and Bugis Junction. Here’s your chance to get your hands on these viral bakes – simply head down to Suntec City from June 4 to August 3, or Bugis Junction from June 10 to July 14. If it’s your first time hearing of the brand, Standard Bun is a Korean bakery chain which currently runs three outlets in Seoul. It’s not to be confused with Standard Bread, another Korean bakery which is set to open in Singapore this year.  Photograph: Standard Bun | Long queues outside Standard Bun’s pop-up at The Hyundai Seoul Standard Bun recently drew long queues at its pop-up at The Hyundai Seoul – the upscale mall known as one of the filming sites of the hit Korean drama Queen of Tears. The bakery isn’t just popular with locals, but has also attracted the attention of celebrities like K-pop group I-DLE, actor Lee Jin-Wook, and K-pop king G-Dragon himself. At its Singapore pop-ups, you can expect to find over 25 flavours of dessert buns and the bakery’s famed house-aged maple butter ($2.90). These are stored in glass jars in-house and sold separately, meant to be spread over the buns and enjoyed together as a sweet-and-savoury pairing. Photograph: Standard Bun Standard Bun’s mocha bun ($3.90) is Korea

You’ve heard of beers on tap and even cocktails on tap. Now it’s time for wine lovers to join in the fun as well. Vinflow is a brand new wine bar in Keong Saik that’s meant to knock off the pressure of wine drinking. Its main draw? A 32-bottle wine wall that automatically dispenses wine, and two-hour free-flow tasting sessions at just $59 per person – talk about a steal. How it works is as such: pick the wine of your choice by tapping an RFID wristband against the machine, which then dispenses 40ml or 80ml pours straight into your glass. Go for the 40ml tasting pour if you plan to sample your way through the bar’s selection, or a full 80ml pour if you’ve found a favourite for the evening. Photograph: Vinflow Despite the reasonable price of $59 for the full two-hour tasting session, the bar doesn’t skimp on quality. Bottles of vino available for tasting can retail for up to $150, and are chosen by certified sommeliers who handpick the best from known and upcoming producers alike. Some labels which you might find on rotation include China’s Chapter and Verse (shi bai pian) that was crowned Wine of the Year by American wine critic James Suckling; Côtes du Rhône GSM; and Kamikaze Orange from Portugal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vinflow (@vinflowsg) To pair with the wines, there’s also selection of small plates intended for sharing, including grilled tiger prawns; grilled octopus; slow-cooked king salmon; and for those who prefer local flavo

This year, homegrown brand Kopitiam is offering hot kopi-o and teh-o at the wallet-friendly price of 60 cents across 79 of its food courts islandwide. The last time some of us saw a drink priced below a dollar might have been the questionable fruit punches sold in our primary school canteens.  The promotion is part of the ongoing SG60 initiatives to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday. It also comes at an appropriate time when cost of living concerns are on the rise. This deal will be running for approximately three months from June 1 to August 31, weeks after National Day concludes. The best part – it’s available all day. To redeem your drink, simply head up to any Kopi Kiosk or The Kiosk – whichever drink stall the Kopitiam you’re at carries – and purchase the drink in person. Do note that the offer is only available over the counter and cannot be ordered through the FairPrice app. Additional takeaway charges also apply. According to Kopitiam, the chain sells around 500,000 or half a million cups of teh-o and kopi-o – not including other drink variations – each month.  Browse all Kopitiam outlets here and find out more here. ON A BUDGET? READ THIS: The best cheap eats in Singapore that are actually good The best free things to do in Singapore i Light Singapore 2025 is back this May, featuring 17 light installations from 20 artists

GastroBeats, the highly anticipated annual food and music festival in Singapore, returns for its fourth edition in 2025. This year’s festival village is once again located at the pet-friendly Bayfront Event Space, and will be running from May 29 to June 22, 2025.  That’s more than three weeks of free live music performances, carnival games, fun themed zones to explore, and plenty of street food by local vendors, including popular brands like Warabimochi Kamakura, Papi’s Tacos, and others.  Here’s all you need to know about the festival at a glance. What is GastroBeats? Photograph: Gastrobeats / Facebook GastroBeats started in 2022 to showcase the vibrancy of Singapore’s culture – its food, musical talents, and more. The festival runs concurrently with i Light Singapore 2025, an annual art event where installations by various artists will illuminate the bay area.  You can easily tick off both activities in one evening. Start with a stroll around the Singapore River to check out the artworks, then stop by GastroBeats at Marina Bay for some grub and music to round off the night. General admission is free. What’s new at GastroBeats 2025? Photograph: Gastrobeats This year’s festival sees a collaboration with Jelilo, a character designed by Singaporean creative Lester Lim. Three adorable life-sized characters – Captain Skull, One Eye, and Scarface – will be roaming the festival grounds, so get ready for photo ops and other fun, unexpected shenanigans that are sure to entertain

Pizza lovers, clear your calendars this month. Italian restaurant Fortuna – freshly minted as Singapore’s second-best pizzeria in the 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2025 awards – is pulling out all the stops for its first birthday celebration. Expect not just one, but two pop-ups at the end of this month – both collaborations with some of the world’s most legendary pizzerias.  Photograph: Fortuna First up, from May 28 to 30, Fortuna welcomes Diego Vitagliano, crowned Italy’s Number One pizza chef and second in the world, to its humble digs in Duxton. For three nights only, Diego will take over the kitchen at Fortuna with two specially crafted menus each evening.  Ease into the night with a five-course early dining menu (5pm to 6.30pm, $60 per person), or go all in with a seven-course signature collaboration menu at 6.30pm or 8.30pm ($160 per couple).  Photograph: Diego Vitagliano Expect bold Southern Italian flavours, creative twists on classics, and showstoppers like the Mambo d’Oriente — a crispy pizza topped with red prawn tartare, escarole, and miso powder. There’s also Spaghetto della Mezzanotte and the irresistible Ab-braciami with Angus carpaccio. Naturally, Italian wine pairings will be flowing at an additional $128 per couple. Fast forward to May 31, and Fortuna is keeping the party rolling with a double birthday bash with none other than Pizzeria Da Michele – yes, that legendary Naples pizzeria that Julia Roberts dined at in Eat Pray Love. The brand opened its first

Out goes another light in our F&B scene – the popular Japanese soufflé pancake chain Fluff Stack is closing all five of its outlets in Singapore after a six-year run. The brand took to Instagram on May 14 to announce this, explaining that the tough decision had to be made due to the “challenging F&B climate in Singapore”.   The news came as a shock to many – in the comments section, several lamented that the chain did not give enough heads up for fans to visit one last time to savour their favourite soufflé pancakes. There was also no indication of an official closing date in the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by fluff stack (@fluffstack) This is not the first business to bow out this year, in what seems to be a big wave of F&B closures across the island. Earlier in the year, global chains like Eggslut and Burger & Lobster pulled out of the scene entirely. Fast food brand A&W also shut its Ang Mo Kio outlet in April, though eight other branches in Singapore remain.  Most recently, beloved homegrown bakery Flor Patisserie and 1939 Singapore (previously Potato Head) also announced their closures – the former due to a staggering 57 percent rental hike that made the news, triggering a wave of public support for local businesses facing rental increases. Photograph: Flor Patisserie Singapore In a time of tighter wallets, starting a new venture in the F&B space seems like a big blunder waiting to happen – but many are still hopeful, and our din