There were so many fab new openings in 2017 that it was hard to narrow down the best of the best, but these are a few that really stood out for us.
Buzzy Bites
Butcher Boy| Asian flavours are the game at Butcher Boy, a buzzing new spot by Andy Walsh, who also owns Cure just a few doors down. Start at the island bar for exotic cocktails made with lychee, plum or Thai milk tea, then move over to one of the green leather sofas for a spread of smoky grilled veggies and meats amped up with punchy spices and sauces. Faves here include the crispy Fried Chicken in a fluffy Bao bun with yuzu kosho and Kewpie mayo, the Duck Banh Mi and the Cauliflower Steak with tangy teriyaki sauce and burnt apple.
Where:31 Keong Saik Road
Tel:+65 6221 6833
Comfort Brunch
Fynn’s| Everything about Fynn’s screams brunch from the lovely terrace with tables built into planter boxes, the chic indoor setting with loads of marble and wicker chairs, and of course the menu, which features a superb selection of sweet and savoury brunch dishes. Think Chia Seed Pudding with pineapple and granola, fluffy Vanilla Hotcakes with coconut butter and berry compote, and a Truffle-Infused Omelet with gruyere and garlic hollandaise sauce. The fact that they serve Common Man Coffee Roasters coffee just sweetens the deal.
26 Beach Road #B1-21
Tel:+65 6384 1878
Specialty Coffee
Omotesando Koffee| Tokyo’s popular artisan coffee pop-up Omotesando Koffee has arrived in Singapore and caffeine junkies couldn’t be happier. The set-up is just a small take-away kiosk in Downtown Gallery, but as the line-ups suggest, this is coffee that is definitely worth waiting for. Each espresso-based drink is hand-poured using specific steps meant to enhance the flavours of the selected blends. Try an espresso on its own to really experience the intense aroma and taste, or go for one of their foamy cappuccinos or creamy iced lattes for something a bit lighter.
Where:6 Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery #04-09
Late Night Dining
Kilo Merienda| Designed with the weekend party crew in mind, Kilo Merienda is a late-night food stall just outside Kilo Lounge that is open every Friday and Saturday night from 11pm until an hour after the bar inside closes. If you’re in the mood for some post-party noshing, make your way here for comfort food eats like Pulled Pork Tacos made with succulent pork roasted at Camp Kilo Charcoal Club, Ang Mo Bak Chor Mee noodles, New York style beef hotdogs and baskets of fries. Wash it all down with a cold cider or one of their pre-made cocktails.
Where:21 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel:+65 9824 9747
Healthy Eats
Wholesome Savour| For those days when you really want to amp up your nutrient intake, Wholesome Savour is there for you with an all-vegan menu of healthy cold-pressed juices and flavour-packed eats. You won’t find any dairy, gluten, trans fats or additives here, only hand-picked ingredients meticulously prepared to retain the maximum level of vitamins and minerals. Order a zippy Green Field juice made with wheatgrass and granny smith apples, then move on to a colourful smoothie bowl, Kimchi Spider Roll or a slice of their raw Dark Chocolate Raspberry cake.
Where:390 Orchard Road
Tel:+65 6736 0288
Asian
Violet Oon Satay Bar
Violet Oon is the queen of Peranakan cuisine, so it should come as no surprise that her latest venture at Clarke Quay celebrates Singaporean food in all its glory. Step inside Violet Oon Satay Bar and you’ll find a polished space with a kitchen behind glass where patrons can watch the chefs grill up all manner of smoky treats. The satays are the stars here with options like chicken, tripe, Angus beef and Hainan style pork served with spice-laden gravies. Also on offer are local favourites like Garam Assam Barramundi and Beef Rendeng
Where:3B River Valley Road, Clarke Quay #01-18
Tel:+65 9834 9935
