21 Surprising Celebrity-owned Restaurants in Singapore You Never Knew About
Fancy bumping into Singapore celebrities during your meal? Well it could happen if you visit these celebrity owned food outlets.
Albeit the hectic work schedules, there has been an increasing trend of celebrities engaging in sideline businesses such as fashion, beauty & wellness, fitness, education. You name it, they have it. It is also noticeable that most of them have chosen to jump onto the F&B bandwagon. Are they really up for the challenge in this competitive industry? Their fame in Singapore does add that marketing advantage in drumming up publicity definitely.
Here are some restaurants owned by celebrities who have dabbled decently well in these F&B side businesses.
1. Kimchi Korean Restaurant by Haden Hee
Photo: Danielfooddiary.com
If you find the owner of Kimchi, Haden Hee, familiar then you might have seen him on TV taking on supporting roles in several Mediacorp dramas. He is also the younger brother of actor Julian Hee. At Kimchi, it is a ‘pay only what you eat’ concept for the side dishes as Hee aims to minimise food wastage. Prices are kept relatively cheap without compromising the standard.
Their melt-in-the-mouth marinated Wagyu Beef Short Ribs ($29.50) is one of their bestsellers and a must-order dish. Opened only in 2014, Kimchi has garnered the support of many patrons with their good and affordably-priced food. For some creativity and novelty, try Kimchi Xpress located at Shaw Centre for some DIY Bibimbap ($5.80 to $8.80).
Kimchi: 3 Temasek Boulavard #02-387 Suntec City Convention Tower Singapore 038987 | Tel: 6337 7811 | Website
2. Guksu Restaurant by Haden Hee
Just a store away from Kimchi Korean Restaurant, Guksu is also the creation of actor Haden Hee. Patrons can choose their preferred thickness of noodles (thinnest, thin, thick) as well as from the five different broths that are available. Not to forget the latest Korean Fried Chicken hype, Guksu serves five types of fried chicken ranging from garlic, soy sauce to honey glazed.
Guksu: 3 Temasek Boulavard #02-385 Suntec City Convention Tower Singapore 038987 | Tel: 6334 7950 | Website
3. Wholly Crab by Felicia Chin
Photo: Todayonline.com
This is Mediacorp artiste, Felicia Chin’s second venture into the F&B industry after Mama Shop (which is currently on hiatus). Offering flavours that better suit the local’s palate, Kung Pow, Laksa and Curry can be found on the menu while lady boss Felicia Chin tries to introduce a new flavour every month.
Situated at Satay by the Bay, Wholly Crab is more of a hawker setting than a restaurant which probably explains the price tag. At a more affordable price compared to other similar seafood boil restaurants, you can get a Love Bucket ($60) that includes a crab, 8 prawns, 250g (each) of clams and mussels as well as a side of your choice.
Wholly Crab: Satay by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 | Website
4. Old Town White Coffee by Mark Lee and Jack Neo
Photo: Straitstimes.com
Brought in to Singapore by Comedian Mark Lee and Jack Neo in 2008, Old Town White Coffee has since expanded fast with its first outlet situated at East Coast. Serving traditional Malaysian dishes at affordable price, in the comfort of a kopi-tiam style restaurant, it is no surprise that the restaurant is always packed during meal times. Their white coffee ($2.90), no doubt, has won the hearts of many regular customers.
Old Town White Coffee: JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, #01-19, Singapore 609731 | Tel: 6684 4404 | Website
5. The Flying Squirrel by Jack and Rai
Photo: Straitstimes.com
Tucked away in the back alley of Amoy street, The Flying Squirrel is a Japanese restaurant opened by musicians Jack and Rai. Able to hold approximately only 30 people, this place is a definite pleaser if you prefer intimate dining environment. Do remember to make reservations beforehand to avoid disappointment. Remember though, no one leaves the place without trying the TFS Chirashi ($25).
The Flying Squirrel: 92, Amoy Street #01-02, Singapore 069911 | Tel: 6226 2203 | Website
6. Mischief by Cynthia Koh & Michelle Chong
Photo: Todayonline.com
Probably the newest celebrities to jump onto the F&B industry bandwagon, Mischief is a collaboration between Cynthia Koh and Michelle Chong. Located at a prime location, Esplanade Mall, diners can expect to enjoy an unobstructed view of Singapore’s stunning cityline while indulging in “American street food” and some alcohol. There is no GST or service and the best thing, you may get to meet Cynthia Koh who volunteers to serve the customers on Friday night.
Mischief: 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall #01-12 Singapore 039802 | Tel: 6532 0481 | Website
7. Play Kitchen by Ben Yeo
Photo: Tnp.sg
You may be surprised but Play Kitchen, brainchild of Ben Yeo, is not a stand-alone shop like the others mentioned in this post. A humble stall located at the food court, Play Kitchen’s serves western food and pastas infused with some Asian element. Similar to an open-kitchen concept, customers get to catch the chefs in action as cooking is done right at the store front.
Personally, I like their ‘Smoked Duck Breast Penne w Veg in Thai Sauce ($7.90). Unlike usual Thai dishes, it was neither sour nor spicy but flavourful enough to make you keep wanting more. Other signature dishes include Special Hei-bee Clams Spaghetti in Asian Flavours ($7.90) and Suckling Chicken Steak w Aglio Olio Spaghetti ($8.90).
Play Kitchen: Jurong Point 1, Kopitiam Food Court #03-42 Singapore 648886 | Tel: 6333 1908 | Website
8. Tenderfresh Classic by Ben Yeo
Photo: Tnp.sg
Tenderfresh Classic, Ben Yeo’s second venture after Play Kitchen, is located at the heart of Bukit Timah. As Tenderfresh brings back memories from the past, Ben’s intention is to make a comeback with its signature fried chicken, served alongside with paellas and pastas from Play Kitchen.
Tenderfresh Classic: 9 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599734 | Tel: 6762 2661 | Website
9. Twelve Cupcakes by Jaime Teo and Daniel Ong
Nobody would have not heard about Twelve Cupcakes. Founded by Jaime Teo and Daniel Ong in July 2011, it didn’t take long for the outlets to expand all over Singapore as well as to overseas countries like Taipei, Jakarta etc. More than 30 over flavours are available but only 7 flavours are available daily, few of which include signature Red Velvet and Salted Caramel. Other special flavours will be introduced once every week and information are updated on their website.
Twelve Cupcakes: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St #B1-03B Singapore 188021 | Website
10. Dulce and Sucre by Jaime Teo and Daniel Ong
Photo: Thesmartlocal.com
Dulce and Sucre is an addition to the couple’s business venture. Dulce and Sucre has a relatively large variety of patisserie, ranging from tarts to whoopie pies to gourmet coffee. Their selection of whoopie pies, loaves and cake push-pops are customers’ favourite things to order.
Dulce and Sucre: Orchard Gateway 277 Orchard Road B1-01 Singapore 238858 | Tel: 6509 1255 | Website
11. Porn’s Sexy Thai Food by Pornsak
Porn’s Sexy Thai Food is a restaurant set up by Mediacorp artiste, Pornsak, for one simple reason: He missed the food in his hometown. Currently, there are four outlets of Porn’s located in Singapore. If you’re around the vicinity, do hop in for their $9.90+ lunch sets available from 11:30am to 3pm.
A total of six choices are available including Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup and Green Curry. Stick to the Tom Yum Soup for the safest bet.
Porn’s Sexy Thai Food: 28 Liang Seah Street, Singapore 189049 | Tel: 6337 5535 | Website
12. Porn’s Thai Boat Noodee by Pornsak
Photo: Straitstimes.com
If you would like some noodles instead, you will also be glad to know that Porn’s Thai Boat Noodee, a new member of the Porn’s family has opened at Kitchener Complex to satisfy your Thai boat noodles craving. The menu may not be extensive but similar enough to what you would see on the menu in Thailand.
Porn’s Thai Boat Noodee:Kitchener Complex, Blk 809 French Road, #01-43/44/45
Singapore 200809 | Website
13. Chillax Cafe by Darren Wee
A humble and unpretentious cafe located at Serangoon Gardens, that is how radio DJ Darren Wee does it. The cafe opens till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, definitely a good spot for a “chillax” session with friends over some food and beer as what the name suggests. Some Root Beer Chicken Wings ($14) or Shabu Beef Poutine ($13) will complete your night as well. Chillax Cafe now serves brunch on weekends and public holidays.
Chillax Cafe: 28 Maju Ave, Serangoon Garden Estate, Singapore 556698 | Tel: 6244 5529 | Website
14. Babette by Darren Wee
Photo: Straitstimes.com
After Chillax, Darren went on to open his Babette which is located in Parc Soverign Hotel. Focusing on French inspired Japanese cuisine, Babette’s Steak and Foie Gras, Bacon Tempura and Matcha Lava Cake are said to be must-orders according to the customers who have visited them.
Babette: 165 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207569 | Tel: 6341 7727 | Website
15. PARK at Holland Village by Adam Chen
Situated at a prime location just right outside Holland Village Mrt Station, PARK cafe is one that nobody will miss. But who is the celebrity behind this cafe? It is actor Adam Chen who shared about his passion for “creating spaces” in a Straits Times interview as this cafe is only one out of his many other F&B establishments. PARK operates as a cafe in the day, bistro at night and its Spam Chips ($8.50) is also highly raved about by many cafe-hoppers.
PARK at Holland Village: 281 Holland Avenue #01-01 Singapore 278621 | Tel: 9721 3815 | Website
16. Five Bar by Adam Chen
Also owned by Adam Chen and his partners is popular bar chain, Five. It is not difficult to understand the snaking queue that forms every evening, without fail. Five Bar is probably one of the few bars in Singapore with incredibly cheap food at just $5. Even their most expensive dish, Ribeye Steak, costs less than $25. Perfect place to chill and have a drink without killing your wallet.
Five Tapas Bar: 25 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace, Singapore 229454 | Tel: 6733 8097 | Website
17. Slappy Cakes by Dick Lee
It doesn’t matter whether you are good at art or not because this DIY pancake shop, opened by composer Dick Lee, is meant for an afternoon of fun with your friends. Located at the slightly inaccessible Grandstand, you probably can spend the entire afternoon in a quiet environment. From the batter to savoury or sweet toppings, customers get to customize according to their own preference. Unleash your artistic talent now!
Slappy Cakes: The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road (Old Turf Club in Bt.Timah) #01-20/21, Singapore 287994 | Tel: 6465 1814 | Website
18. Dancing Crab by Dick Lee
Make your way up the stairs that you see in Slappy Cakes and you will find another of Dick Lee’s F&B venture- Dancing Crab. Located within the same place, Dancing Crab serves Louisiana seafood served in a bag, a trend from the U.S.A that was taken to Singapore in the recent years. The real fun, I guess, comes from putting aside all electronic gadgets, dirtying your hands and just enjoying a meal with your loved ones.
Dancing Crab: The Grandstand 200 Turf Club Road (Old Turf Club in Bt. Timah) #01-20/21 Singapore 287994 | Tel : +65 6466 3303 | Website
19. Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar by Constance Song
Photo: herworldplus.com
By Constance Song, Bam! is the local actress’ take on a Japanese-Spanish tapas and sake bar. Bam! is actually the first restaurant in Singapore to introduce modern shudo dining, where ‘shudo’ simply means ‘sake away’. At Bam!, sake is paired with Spanish-influenced food instead of other liquors because it makes “a great accompaniment to most ingredients”, as quoted from the actress.
The menu can change every fortnightly or even as often as daily due to the principle that only the freshest ingredients will be used. Some classics which are available everyday includes Roasted Suckling Pig ($78) and Kampong Egg with Baby Sotong and Chorizo ($18).
Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar: 38 Tras Street Singapore 078977 | Tel: 6226 0500 | Website
20. FRY Bistro by Irene Ang
Situated along Club Street, FRY Bistro is bar set up by actress Irene Ang. A rooftop bar with an amazing view, it is no wonder that the actress frequents the place regularly and even describes as her “home away from home”. Aunty Ang’s Chicken Wings/ Mama Ang’s Wings ($14) is definitely a hot pick.
FRY Bistro: 96B Club St, Singapore 069464 | Tel: 8418 5995 | Website
21. Bar Naked by Irene Ang
Photo: Shentonista.sg
Irene Ang’s previous karaoke bar HQ at Club Street has been taken over by her new brainchild, Bar Naked. As the name suggests, Bar Naked’s decor has been kept as minimalistic as possible as it promises to provide a blank canvas for brands. Other than the mainstay and premium cocktails, bar snacks such as truffle fries and Aunty Ang’s Chicken Wings (FRY Bistro’s bestseller) are also available. Live performances by bands or singers at Bar Naked will be updated on their Facebook page.
Bar Naked: 95 Club St, Singapore 069464 | Tel: 6423 4695 | Website
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