Ever feel like you just cannot catch a break? Maybe you need a mini retreat? Well, you’re in luck. The lesser known prized possessions of Singapore are definitely the hidden heartland cafes away from the hullabaloo of everyday city life where you can just sit back without a care in the world while taking in wafts of fresh air.
If you’ve had a long week with a difficult coworker, exhaustion from trying hard to meet deadlines or if you’re merely not a people person and want a little bit of alone time, this list compiled by Expat Choice is for you.
Be it Joo Chiat, Punggol or the residential town of Bedok, these restaurants promise you three things: mouth watering food, a relaxing and refreshing vibe and a slight hiatus from the chaos of everyday life. Image Credit: Thus Coffee Facebook Page
The Coastal Settlement
It is a blast from the past at The Coastal Settlement. A museum filled with souvenirs, antique vehicles, paintings and furniture welcomes you, taking you on a trip down the memory lane. Located very close to the Old Changi Hospital, this food joint has an exceptionally calming vibe owing to the lush greenery which surrounds it. This serves perfectly well for those looking to take the day off for a change. While the interiors talk about everything vintage, the menu card tells a different story. The people at TCS have put a lot of thought into crafting the menu to be a balanced combination of local flavours and a contemporary twist. Loads of mouth watering mains like Wagyu Cheese Burger, Mushroom Burger and Grilled Lamb Chops are readily available. Moreover, there’s an all day breakfast menu too- yay for all the breakfast buffs. Besides, there is ample variety of rice and noodles and the desserts are simply to die for.
Psst. Did we mention that the place is dog friendly? Get your pets along. Image Credit: The Coastal Settlement Facebook Page
a. 200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529
w. www.thecoastalsettlement.com/
South Union Park
Full tables and empty dishes are the true hallmark of a good restaurant. Well, that is exactly how it is at South Union Park, and we can expect nothing less when the kitchen is helmed by Chef/Owner Terence Chuah. The menu card here includes delectable European dishes like the duck confit tagliatelle, sorel salmon or pork chop with pommery mustard. Make sure you don’t hog away till you feel bloated. The chocolate brownie comes with a dollop of salted caramel ice cream and it will leave you craving for more. Image Credit: South Union Park Facebook Page
a. 101 Jln Kembangan, Singapore 419139
British Hainan
Try visiting the website of British Hainan and you’ll realise that the list of food items they serve here is never ending. We’re talking appetizing starters like Mushroom soup, Truffle fries, Tofu with Sambal and Hainanese Chap Chye, hefty portions of main course dishes like Braised Oxtail Stew, Braised Lambshank and succulent baby back ribs, and perfectly cooked pasta which comes in red and white gravy with an assortment of toppings as per your choice. You can even call for refreshing beverages, starting from the usual tea and coffee to Hainan Refresh and Kickapoo. Surely you’d feel heavy just reading about this, wouldn’t you? But wait, there’s more. The light and fluffy carrot cake, rich and creamy ondeh ondeh and the decadent belgium chocolate cake have been deemed notorious for spiking sugar levels. Image Credit: British Hainan Facebook Page
a. 158 Kallang Way, #01-06, Singapore 349245
The Garden Slug
Here’s another one for the pet peeps out there! Located off Still Road in the vicinity of the colourful shops of Joo Chiat, TGS has been on the map of Singapore since the last 15 years. It is a small place which serves large food portions, and it has a knack of taking customers by surprise because of its constantly changing menu. An all day breakfast menu is available for a reasonable $20. Apart from that, there are beautifully rich and fluffy coconut pancakes, crispy golden calamari rings, the signature zesty salad which comes with options of chicken/smoked salmon as add ons, and some hearty main course dishes you can dig into and boast about in front of your friends. Don’t forget to check the list of fresh juices at least for the puns even if you’re not planning on ordering them. Flavours like Legenberry, Karrot-oke and Die Die Must Chai are sure to tickle your bones. Image Credit: The Garden Slug Facebook Page
a. 55 Lor L Telok Kurau, #01-59/61, Singapore 425500
Grub
Grub spelled reverse would be Burg, and that’s what they specialize in. Burgers! With the variety of burgers that Grub serves, you will end up eating more than you’ll be able to digest. Choose from classic flavours like the spicy mala burger or go green with the vegetarian portobello burger. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for some chunky meat, by all means call for the beefy cheeseburger. Other signature dishes include chicken and waffles- another classic- with a lump of prawn paste on the side, ribeye steak and the sakura ebi pasta. Image Credit: Grub Burger Bistro Facebook Page
a. 510 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569983
Two Bakers
Two Bakers has two outlets, one in Jalan Besar and the other one along Teck Chye Terrace in Serangoon. Specializing in Asian flavours with a modern spin on them, it has a delightfully delectable brunch menu with healthy offerings of miso French Toast with unemboshi compote and chilli crab omelette. Moving on, we have the Japanese jig for lunch and dinner. Dishes like teriyaki chicken don, spicy tuna soba and ponzu steak are preferred by tourists and locals alike. Don’t be deceived by the disparity between the name and the menu though. They live up to their name and are famous for serving rich, creamy desserts like the strawberry hibiscus shortcake- a hibiscus infused strawberry compote with vanilla sponge and mascarpone and the Choko- a decadent chocolate cake made with 66% Valrhona chocolate mousse, hazelnut cremeux, chocolate sponge and hazelnut chantilly with crunchy roasted hazelnuts. Image Credit: Two Bakers Facebook Page
a. 88 Horne Rd, Singapore 209083
Refuel
Defuel your pockets and refuel your tummies at Refuel. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to eat as much as you please. They take immense pride in serving lip smacking food, and prices here are modest. So tuck into your classic breakfast dishes like the Eggs Benedict or devour mouthfuls of fluffy pancakes for a more than reasonable price of $15. Either that or just call for The Full Tank which includes bacon, smoked salmon, sausage, mushroom, scrambled eggs, tomato and toast for a meagre $15.90. It seriously doesn’t get cheaper than that! Image Credit: Refuel Cafe Facebook Page
a. 744 Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-3029, Singapore 470744
Thus Coffee
Do we ever need a reason to have coffee? A quiet cafe situated innocently in the calm locality of Jalan Kuras, Thus Coffee roasts its beans in the house itself. You can opt for a more traditional approach with white, black or filter coffee or choose to go on a caffeine trip with the ever so potent piccolo. If you’re in the mood for tea, the ginger latte is exceptional, especially if you choose to gulp it down with some tasty toasties from the brunch menu available throughout the day. Image Credit: Thus Coffee Facebook Page
a. 4 Jln Kuras, Singapore 577723
Whisk and Paddle
Bright and airy views and satisfying and tasty foods are what Whisk and Paddle are all about. You can titillate your senses first thing in the morning with their splendid coffee and the all day breakfast menu which includes eggs done your way, an entire bread basket, delicious and perfectly buttery croissants with scrambled eggs, and your choice between french toast or waffles. That’s not all though. The menu also includes the all time favourite macaroni and cheese, eggs benedict with smoked salmon sitting on waffles, and my personal favourite: pizzas! Come by during the day to take in tranquil vibes by the riverside or pay a visit at night and gaze at the stars in the company of a cold beer. Image Credit: Whisk and Paddle Cafe Facebook Page
a. 10 Tebing Lane, #01-01 828836
