Burpple - New Restaurants, Cafes And Bars: October 2015

We may be down to the last quarter of the year but new places continue to pop up! This month, gather your foodie troop and indulge in an incredibly good meal at Unlisted Collection's latest concept, switch it up with some modern Thai grub at Som Tam or treat yourself to Chef Tetsuya’s toothsome handcrafted pastries and petite cakes. This article was originally published on burpple.com. Download the app for iPhone and Android now at burpple.com/getapp!

• 1. Bao Makers

  Jalan Besar

  
  Photo by Raine Liu

  For Salted Egg Shrimp Bao
  Taking over the former space of Windowsill Pies at Horne Road, Bao Makers’ unique concept is centred on… baos! All you Instagrammers would love the minimalist decor here with both white and unfinished cement walls and the occasional splash of wood accents. While they do serve main dishes such as the Teriyaki Chicken Chop ($14.90), it is really the bao dishes you should focus on. The Salted Egg Yolk Shrimp ($15) is the one to go for — familiar local zi char flavours stuffed in a light and fluffy steamed mantou. Your usual Flat White ($5.50) order might sound like a strange accompaniment, but just give it a shot, ok? Their coffees are brewed from a blend supplied by Common Man Coffee Roasters.

  
  

• 2. Patisserie Platine by Waku Ghin

  Marina Bay

  
  Photo by Xing Wei Chua

  For Handcrafted Pastries & Petite Cakes by Chef Tetsuya
  Tetsuya Wakuda's Waku Ghin certainly isn't affordable for everyone, but thankfully, newly opened Patisserie Platine does not break the bank should you fancy a dessert from the celebrity chef. Only available at the RISE Lounge of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, feast your eyes on the variety of intricately designed desserts on display — give in to temptation and indulge in one (or three!) right there or get it to-go and share it with your loved ones at home. Chocolate lovers will definitely find the Black Forest ($12) intriguing, with lusciously rich chocolate and cherries well-soaked in deep alcoholic flavours. For something lighter on the palate, the Ghin Cheese Cake ($12) features a delicate white chocolate mousse encasing a tart lemon curd centre. Complement these luxurious cakes with RISE Lounge’s selection of drinks and your high tea cravings will be sorted in an instant.

  
  

• 3. Birdie Num Num Gastrobar

  Kembangan

  
  Photo by Shawn Loh

  For Honest Café Fare
  Just minutes away from Kembangan MRT Station lies family-run Birdie Num Num Gastrobar, a convenient laid-back neighbourhood hangout that serves simple, honest café-style fare. Go for the Miso Cod ($15.90) that brims with Japanese familiarity – a lovely miso-marinated cod sitting on rich, cheesy risotto. For a no-brainer option, go for Birdie's Burger ($15.90), a beef patty loaded with melted cheese and bacon. This is one of those casual spots you’d be grateful for, a place in your neighbourhood where you and your friends can knock back a few and have a good time.

  
  

• 4. Tiann's

  Tiong Bahru

  
  Photo by Jennifer Yee

  For Food & Space That Heals
  There are days for sinful indulgences, and then there are days to treat your body to something clean (and tasty, of course). Tiann's is a refreshing addition to the burgeoning café scene, serving gluten-free savoury waffles, cakes and freshly-pressed juices in a calm and relaxing environment. Enjoy a Roasted Squash Feta Waffle (half waffle at $9.60, whole waffle at $15.80) packed with pumpkin, chia seeds and pine nuts. Get a table under the glass roof to enjoy streams of natural light in this minimalist space as you sip on a refreshing cup of Raspberry Apple cold-pressed juice ($6.80). Bring a book, this is the perfect space for some "me" time.

  
  

• 5. Som Tam Modern Thai Fusion

  Orchard

  
  Photo by Geraldine Tay

  For Adventurous Thai Fusion
  Joining the upper floor eateries within Orchard Central is Som Tam, a modern fusion Thai concept from the folks behind Gin Khao — think mash-ups like Tom Yum Goong Burgers, Green Curry Pasta and Sticky Rice Ice Cream! Go for the sinful Oozy Chicken ($10.80) — fried chicken chunks coated indulgently in creamy salted egg yolk sauce — and definitely request for more spice when you order their hilariously named Pasta X Chicken X Green Curry = ?? ($14.80). End the meal on a sweet note with their version of After You Toast ($8.80), an oh-so-buttery crispy toast with a gelato of your choice (try the Thai Basil with Choco Chip)!

  
  

• 6. Masizzim Singapore

  Orchard

  
  Photo by Eat Dreamlove

  For Korean Stews
  Masizzim sits right next to their sister concept, Chir Chir, at 313@Somerset. Unlike the latter, known for Korean fried chicken, Massizim focuses on both modern and traditional Korean stews that are good for groups to share. Don't miss the super comforting Beef Rib Stew ($18), meltingly tender after six hours of slow cooking. It also comes with a choice of either a spicy gouchujang base (with four levels of spiciness to choose from) or a soy base. While waiting for your stews to arrive, get your gloves on and have some hands on fun shaping their DIY Rice Balls ($8) that comes either with Anchovy or Tuna.

  
  

• 7. Raven

  City Hall

  
  Photo by Ian Low

  For a Fun Dinner with Drinks
  Situated at CHIJMES, Raven is a large, sexy space serving well-crafted sharing plates that pair beautifully with a cocktail or two. Start with their Tuna Tartare ($17), this rendition surprises you with smooth avocado wasabi purée, and a hit of refreshing shavings of frozen pear. Also share the crispy Nori Wrapped Salmon ($29), boasting interesting textures with familiar umami flavours. If it's available, try the Teriyaki Glazed Pork Chop ($31), a deceivingly humble name for a lovely piece of Mangalista pork collar served with sweet kabocha mash and smoky peppers. Its dark interior has playful touches that make this a fun space to wind down after work with 2-4 of your best buds.

  
  

• 8. Monniker

  Balestier

  
  Photo by Raine Liu

  For Comforting Brunch in Balestier
  Navigation-themed (think compasses, globes and maps) Monniker has landed in the Balestier neighbourhood, offering residents yet another brunch option in a cosy, wood-accented environment. There is the requisite selection of items such as the Eggs Ben ($18) and English Breakfast ($21, Breakfast Fit For A Captain). Slightly more unusual is the decadent Chicken Waffle Stack ($19), with the two fragrant buttermilk waffles drizzled in maple syrup, sandwiching a slab of fried chicken topped with melted cheddar and a cheerful sunny side up. Cool off with their velvety smooth Iced Valrhona Chocolate ($7), decadently finished with more chocolate shavings.

  
  

• 9. Ding Dong

  Amoy Street

  
  Photo by Jayne Tan

  For Funky Asian-Western Twists
  This two-year-old three-floor bar and restaurant isn't a new addition to the Ann Siang enclave, but it does boast a brand new menu that you simply need to try. Head Chef Jet Lo has injected fun and unique twists to familiar Asian classics (yes, we've heard this before) that might just blow your mind a little. Think Wagyu Beef Char Siew ($29) — beef so tender you only need a spoon to cut it, and flavours so harmoniously layered yet intriguingly familiar. Don't miss the Crispy Duck Curry With Cauliflower & Passion Fruit ($27), a duck confit that stands among the best, bathing in a mildly-spiced curry with surprising tart bursts of passion fruit. Cocktails here are fun and go well with the food. The casual vibes make it a good choice for a fun date night, or a small celebratory dinner for four friends. Pro tip: the three-course set lunch goes for just $25 and features some of their à la carte menu options.

  
  

• 10. One Man Coffee (Fusionopolis Two)

  One North

  
  Photo by Eleanor Tay

  For Great Coffee in One-North
  Those who work in the One-north vicinity have welcomed this much-loved cafe with jubilation, now having one more awesome spot to pick up a (very) decent cuppa and irresistible bites. The Breakfast Burger ($6) with scrambled eggs and bacon jam (!) truly does make for the perfect breakfast, along with a double shot Flat White ($5.50) with a choice of beans from Axil or Nylon Coffee Roasters. Great for a light lunch bite its the Truffle Ham & Cheese Croissant ($7) — gorgeous chunks of brie sitting just-melted over a thick slice of honey ham, and just a slight hit of truffle mascarpone enough to make you forget you're having a bad day. Seats are limited to 4 at a round table, with narrow standing tables running along the sides. This is more of a takeaway spot, or a quick lunch with a colleague.

  
  

• 11. 5th Quarter

  Jalan Besar

  
  Photo by Veronica Phua

  For a Fun, Adventurous Meal
  5th Quarter is the latest, exciting concept by The Unlisted Collection and chef Andrew Nocote (previously from SKIRT), and is certainly a spot to bookmark. Set in the first floor of boutique hotel Vagabond along Syed Alwi, the dining room's heavy use of red and velvet might put you off. Don't let it. Allow their knowledgable, warm staff to take you through the unique and difficult-to-define menu, which focuses on traditional techniques such as salting, curing, brining and grilling. Leave all preconceptions at the door, almost nothing you get will be what you expect! Think thin wisps of lardo with truffle honey and chili ($8), shortrib ($36) with grilled carrot and pomegranate cream (what!), or rum-cured pork belly with melon and onion ($12). The desserts are a truly inspired spread, of which you should try all. This meal is an adventure best shared by 4 — set a date for your next celebration!

  
  

• 12. Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant

  Esplanade

  
  Photo by Eileen Ong

  For Unlimited Wagyu Beef
  Previously at Beach Road, Tenkaichi has relocated to Marina Square. This Japanese BBQ concept is perfect for all you wagyu beef lovers out there, especially those with bottomless stomachs to make this buffet worthwhile. The Deluxe BBQ Buffet ($49.80) grants you unlimited seafood such as squid, salmon and prawns alongside different cuts of pork and beef, but it is the Premium Wagyu Beef Buffet BBQ ($74.80) that is the one to go for — Wagyu beef rib eye cap with a marbling grade of 7+, and giant scallops that are too good to be missed! Top off this indulgence with free flow Haagen Dazs ice cream for dessert. Great for a group of six hungry people, you can even enjoy the view of the waterfront in their alfresco area, should weather permit!

  
  

• 13. Roll Up

  Raffles Place

  
  Photo by Julius Lim

  For Charcoal Tandoor Kebab Rolls
  Don’t expect the usual rotisserie kebab wheel or the Turkish döner-style kebab here. Instead, look forward to Indian-inspired meats lovingly marinated overnight in yoghurt and spices before being cooked it in a traditional charcoal tandoor. Go for the spice-kissed Pistol & Mortar if you love chicken tikka, or try the milder Creme Poulet (chicken malai tikka) and the flavoursome Mughal Mouton (mutton seekh kebab). Resistance is futile, so just give in to a side of their moreish Masala Fries, made even better with their creamy mint sauce. Best part is, they're open till late and prices are nett! Pro tip: Make a pit stop here for lunch on weekdays — the Kebab-of-the-Day's prices are slashed to $9 from the usual $11 (or $13 for the mutton)!

  
  

• 14. The Famous Ice-Cream Rolls Shop

  Thomson

  
  Photo by Nicholas Tan

  For Bangkok Ice Cream Rolls
  Tumbling into Thomson V Two is Famous Ice Cream Rolls, the popular concept from Bangkok that has turned ice cream making into quite a spectacle. Watch as the liquid ice cream base is "fried" and chopped on a super cold surface, turned into solid ice cream, and scraped into rolls right before your eyes. Available in six flavours like Milk or Oreo, go for the Ovomaltine flavour ($3.90 a cup) for a taste of nostalgia. Go crazy with their additional toppings at 50 cents each, or pair the ice cream rolls with some waffles. Be prepared to wait at least 45 minutes, and to eat your ice cream quickly as it melts pretty fast!

  
  

• 15. Roots Kitchen Bar

  Little India

  
  Photo by Raine Liu

  For a Relaxed Meal
  Jalan Besar has no lack of eateries, yet Roots Kitchen & Bar stands out as a unique spot in the area. It sports an industrial theme with unfinished red brick walls, with a touch of oriental flavour. Fitting for a teatime snack is the Egg & Truffle Mousseline ($4) featuring a smooth, creamy egg mousse spiked with truffle hidden in an egg shell, along with their special Ginseng Coffee ($7) that would perk up any weary soul. For something heavier, opt for the Seared Atlantic Seabass ($22). End your meal with the Citron & Passion ($12), which sees a delightful combination of tangy lemon and passionfruit curd with sweet Marshmallow Cookie ice cream. Come by after a long day, and wind down with a cold beer or glass of wine.

  
  

• 16. The Fickle Mussel

  Novena

  
  Photo by Shawn Loh

  For Their Laksa Pasta
  Initially starting out with a Thai-Western fusion menu, The Fickle Mussel has changed tack and is now going French-inspired. Some French offerings include escargots and foie gras (both $9.90), while other dishes lean toward more Asian flavours, like the Laksa Linguine with Grilled King Prawns ($15.90) — pasta coated with “slurpilicious” laksa gravy and two large prawns. If you are a little fickle (hah), the Fickle Burger ($18.90) with foie gras, premium beef patty and sweet potato fries should be an easy choice. This casual spot is good for a lunch treat (look out for their $16.90 set lunches) or an afterwork wind-down.

  
  

• 17. OPPA Chicken

  Tanjong Pagar

  
  Photo by Nicholas Tan

  For More Korean Fried Chicken
  As the Korean wave continues to rage on, a new fried chicken place has been spotted along South Bridge Road, all neon lights and Korean pop blaring. Oppa Chicken is no Girls Generation, with their fried chicken boasting flavours that pack a serious punch. If you're up for a challenge, order their Extra Flaming Yangnyum Wings ($13.90, small), which is technically off the menu. For something less killer, go for their best-selling Honey Garlic ($13.90, small) — think a sticky honey glaze topped with a generous heap of sauteed chopped garlic. You may even customize the level of spiciness here (levels 0-3), making it easy to come here in a group! Their tables are suitable for groups of 4-6 people.

  
  

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