March is already shaping up to be a great month for eating out; there are tons of exciting newrestaurants,cafesandbarspopping up all over town. As you know, we’re on a never-ending quest to help you squeeze every last drop of awesomeness out of life in Singapore andbeyond, so this month we’ve picked out some hot up-and-comers that we reckon are worth checking out. From a cool Melbourne-inspired cafe to a modern Mexican eatery, a few healthy eating hotspots, and more. Here’s where you’ll find us hanging this month.
Alittle Tashi
Love Asian-fusion comfort food and eating with your hands? Then Alittle Tashi should be right up your alley. This quirky new spot in the Jalan Besar hood is just plain fun with an easy-going counter ordering system, artsy interiors, and interesting dishes jazzed up with homemade sauces. Definitely try the blood cockles with crispy bits of pork tossed in a tangy chilli jam and fish sauce caramel and the boozy popsicles in tasty tropical flavours.
Alittle Tashi, 39 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207538. p. +65 9757 3680. Open Tues – Sun 6 pm-midnight
Bearded Bella
Inspired by Melbourne’s cafe culture, Bearded Bella is a lovely light-filled cafe where good coffee, good food, and good convos are the mantra. Start with an espresso-based cuppa made with beans roasted in house, then dig into contemporary brekky offerings like confit mushrooms, hummus, and almond dukkah on toast, or the bearded eggs with slow-cooked pork jowl on a baguette with green hollandaise and pickled daikon.
Bearded Bella, 8 Craig Road, Singapore 089668. p. +65 9880 0775. Open daily 7:30am – 5pm
Caffe Fernet
Brought to us by the Jigger & Pony Group, Caffe Fernet is slated to be the next big Italian must-visit. Though don’t expect hearty homestyle dishes and hefty Tuscan wines, the focus here is on lighter fare with cosmopolitan influences and classic Italian cocktails with a twist. Think braised leeks with blue cheese or crispy chicken piccata washed down with a refreshing Campari spritz or frosé.
Caffe Fernet, 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House #01-05, Singapore 049323. p. +65 9178 1105
HRVST
We’ve already fallen head over heels for Kilter Avenue’s cafe, gym, and plant-filled rooftop bar, so we’re pretty sure we’re also going to love its new vegan dining concept. At HRVST, head chefs Addis Tan and Dylan Choong aim to squash the stigma that vegan cuisine is bland and boring. Instead, their goal is to make dishes so flavourful and fulfilling that even meat eaters won’t realise it’s vegan.
HRVST, 6A Shenton Way, OUE Downtown Gallery #05-01, Singapore 068815. p. +65 6920 7500
Lower East Side 45
Hidden Door Concepts is at it again with another innovative eatery, this one serving up fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine in a glass penthouse on the 45th floor of Singapore Land Tower. Everything about Lower East Side 45 is vibrant, from its colourful interiors and artisanal spirits to the enticing menu brimming with unconventional creations. Try the homemade hibiscus and cracked pepper dip, the lobster tacos with ginger mint mojo, and the 8-hour pulled pork burritos.
Lower East Side 45, 50 Raffles Place, Singapore Land Tower #45-03, Singapore 048623. p. +65 6221 9555. Open 11:30am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm
Ma Cuisine
Oenophiles this one’s for you. Ma Cuisine is the Singaporean branch of the flagship wine bistro of the same name in Beaune, France, and it’s giving other wine bars in town a run for their money with over 600 labels of vino to choose from. There are bottles to suit all budgets and tastes, but if you’re having trouble deciding, the friendly owners can offer suggestions and help you pair your selection with its rustic French fare.
Ma Cuisine, 38 Craig Road, Singapore 089676. p. +65 6224 1838. Open Mon-Sat 5pm – 12am
Verde Kitchen
Amp up your nutrient intake with a trip to Verde Garden, a cosy 32-seater spot committed to serving healthy, whole-food dishes made with locally grown organic ingredients. Vegetables are plucked from the hotel garden daily, meats are sustainable and certified free-range, and there are plenty of flavourful gluten-free, dairy-free, and raw food options.
Verde Kitchen, 581 Orchard Road, Hilton Singapore Level 2, Singapore 238883. p. +65 6730 3397. Open Mon-Sat 10:30am – 5:30pm
Xin Divine
Xin Divine flips traditional Chinese cooking on its head by taking familiar Asian flavours and marrying them with Western ingredients and cooking techniques. Sure we’ve all seen Asian-fusion before, but chef-owner Jolin Lee has a real talent for coming up with killer creations that go above and beyond your typical East-meets-West mash-up. Take our word for it – this is artistry on a plate and a sophisticated soiree on your taste buds.
Xin Divine, 10 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089594. p. +65 3100 0030. Open Mon – Sat 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm
