If there’s one thing Singaporeans can all agree on, it’s that food and travel are two of our greatest passions. But with leisure travel still just a hopeful bubble at the moment, why not traverse the far reaches of Singapore for nosh that’s out of this world? And now that dining in is allowed, bring along a friend for a cosy chat!
The Forage Cafe
Many late-night supper fiends are familiar with the Simpang Bedok district, but did you know that just a stone’s throw away is Singapore’s first honey-themed cafe? Inspired by how honeybees forage for the best nectar, The Forage Cafe by 13 Honey aspires to be where you’ll find both sweet and savoury dishes infused with the resulting liquid gold. Its remote location along Sungei Bedok also seems ideal for a romantic meal with your honey!
The signature Grilled Waffle Sandwich comes with your choice of fillings, from Smoked Salmon with Egg Mayo to Jalapeno Beef Ragu. It’s served with honey you can dip into or drizzle over for the perfect finish. The St Louis Pork Ribs that’s marinated with house-made apple-vinegar honey barbecue sauce is another hot favourite. Refresh your palate with one of the signature honey-based drinks, such as the Multi-floral Honey Citrus Jasmine Tea with Yuzu Blossom Jelly and Passionfruit Burst.
SAFRA members enjoy 10% off all pastries with any Main or Grilled Waffle Sandwich order. Check here for more information.
30 Jalan Pari Burong
theforagecafe.sg
NDO Cafe
There’s more to Changi Village than nasi lemak and ferries to Pulau Ubin. Take, for instance, this charming cafe with its bright yellow storefront that’s hidden in plain sight on the main strip. Once a quirky shop that curated artisanal wares from accessories to furniture, NDO Cafe now specialises in serving sweet and savoury crepes, waffles and gelato definitely worth trudging out to the far east for.
Besides being pet-friendly, it feels a little like visiting a friend’s cosy home, if your friend also makes excellent fluffy waffles, that is. There’s a wide range of gelato and sorbet options to top it off – try bestsellers like Pistachio and 85% Dark Chocolate, or pick from seasonal flavours of the day. For something savoury, you can’t go wrong with the French-style buckwheat galette with free-range egg, Emmental cheese and turkey ham.
#01-2004, Blk 1 Changi Village
ndo.com.sg
Suzuki Factory Cafe
On the opposite end of the island is a Japanese teahouse-inspired cafe tucked away in a Boon Lay industrial estate. Founded in 1979, Suzuki Gourmet Coffee is Singapore’s oldest coffee roastery. Its recently revamped in-house cafe, complete with mini zen garden, is an excellent escape for coffee connoisseurs who are also Nipponophiles sorely missing visits to the land of the rising sun.
Single-origin Arabica beans freshly roasted next door form the foundation for all your favourite espresso-based drinks, which are well-balanced with the richness of Hokkaido milk. Hokkaido soy milk is offered as a dairy-free alternative at no extra cost. Want to soak in the atmosphere but don’t drink coffee? Go for the Matcha Latte with Anmitsu – sweet Hokkaido red bean makes the perfect foil for bittersweet matcha powder from Uji, Kyoto.
8 Chin Bee Avenue
suzukicoffee.com.sg
The Kins’
This unassuming cafe is located in the ground-floor mall at Bijou, a condominium building across from the Pasir Panjang wharves. With minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics and botanical accents indoors flowing out to the al fresco seating area, The Kins’ boasts a distinct laid-back atmosphere that attracts both the weekday lunch crowd and friends and families relaxing over a spot of weekend brunch.
Must-tries on the menu include Lobster Mac & Cheese and brunch favourite Avocado on Toast. For something a little heartier, the Guinness Beef Stew will hit the spot – complete with slices of crusty toast to soak up all that gravy goodness. The beverage menu ranges from speciality coffees to artisanal teas. Can’t decide? Try The Dirty Earl, which pairs espresso with Earl Grey tea-infused milk. Oh, and definitely leave space for Kins’ Burnt Cheesecake!
#01-08/09 Bijou, 2 Jalan Mat Jambol
thekinscafe.com
Jing Si Books & Cafe
This particular housing estate in the north of Singapore may have a bit of a chaotic reputation, but Jing Si Books & Cafe is bringing a touch of calm and serenity to the Yishun heartlands. Located within the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre overlooking Yishun Pond, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a teahouse in Taiwan. The vista through the floor-to-ceiling glass is just as idyllic.
Designed to complement the tranquil atmosphere and books on spiritual development, the menu at the cafe features mainly teas. De-stress over a pot of Rose Black Tea, Lavender or Oolong, or enjoy a refreshing iced Roselle Tea. They also serve a range of healthy grain-based drinks. If you do get peckish, simply pop over to Slow Bakes for their Adzuki or Cheese Poro buns, or contemporary vegetarian meal at Real Food, both of which are just next door.
30A Yishun Central 1
tzuchi.org.sg
Hangar66 Cafe
A fair number of trendy restaurants and watering holes scattered around the secluded Seletar Aerospace enclave have gained quite a following in recent years, thanks in part to their Instagrammability. Up and coming on this list is Hangar66 Cafe, an aviation-themed diner that’s literally hidden inside a real hangar. Imagine sitting next to a parked gyrocopter at a table made from airplane parts, with views of actual planes on a runway!
When you get a moment between photo ops – and retrieving your kid from the chopper for the umpteenth time – tuck into popular mains such as Downwind Wagyu Beef Burger and Takeoff Grilled Chicken. Appetiser platters feature must-tries Hangar66 Wings and Walkaround Calamari, and there are meals for the kiddos too. Feel like dessert? The Happy Landing Apple Cheesecake washed down with Sapporo draft beers – or smoothies – will do the trick.
Level 1, WOA Aviation Hangar66, 66 Seletar Aerospace View
facebook.com/hangar66cafe
Share your favourite cafe hideaway with us at magnsman@sph.com.sg!
