Since the café’s opening, Tampines residents and those nearby have been flocking to show support. It was my second visit, and this time we went for brunch, ordering the Crab Cake Benedict, Lola’s Breakfast, and shared the Nacho Cheese Tater Tots.
The handmade crab and prawn cake was nicely seasoned, paired with perfectly poached eggs and miso hollandaise. The breakfast combo? Huge portion and satisfying. As for the tater tots, they’re basically bite-sized hash browns to me—the perfect potato snack, especially with that generous nacho cheese sauce. The food was great, and while the service was a bit off that day, it was likely just a one-off. We’ll definitely be back!
Your favorite Thai spot from Golden Mile Complex has a new home and name at Aperia Mall: Im-Em Thai Kitchen. While the look may be new, the food remains just as flavorful! If it’s your first visit, start with the must-try classics like Tom Yum Seafood, Garlic Pork, Minced Meat Omelette, Shrimp Cake, and Steamed Fish. Authentic Thai flavors in every bite, just like before!
When we first discovered Yat Ka Yan, we were thrilled to find a dessert spot with a chendol that can rival the best, both locally and overseas. Top it with a scoop of durian for the ultimate indulgence. 😋 Another gem? Their chee cheong fun—elevated from the usual sweet sauce-chilli combo to a delicious version topped with cai po and fried shallots. Truly a must-visit!
Singapore’s obsession with Hainanese food has sparked the rise of various Hainanese café concepts across the island. Leading the charge is The Hainan Story, which just opened a new outlet at bustling Tampines Mall. While I’m a fan of their gula melaka kaya butter toast and curry rice, their modern Hainanese western fare is worth a try too! The standout? Hae Bee Hiam Spaghetti with an onsen egg and grilled chicken chop. The spicy hae bee hiam adds a delicious umami kick that you won’t want to miss!
For a limited time, Paradise Dynasty is offering three new dishes, including the Chongqing Beef with Sour Broth—a spicy-tangy broth filled with enoki mushrooms, celtuce, and tender beef slices. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice. And of course, you can’t visit Paradise Dynasty without trying their famous xiao long bao—they’re called the “Legend of Xiao Long Bao” for a reason! Don’t miss out!
Raffles Courtyard’s final regional hawker showcase of the year features Gudeng, a slow-cooked young jackfruit stew from Bandung, Indonesia. From 2 to 8 October, Mr. Jeffrey Hie will be serving this specialty. The mildly sweet Gudeng, simmered for hours with over 25 spices, is served with jasmine rice, boiled egg, beef skin puffs, tofu, and a braised-then-fried chicken that takes 2 days to prepare. A true Javanese delicacy you won’t want to miss!
1. Kaya Butter Toast: Crispy toasted bread with cold butter slabs and a generous spread of homemade kaya—worth the trip alone!
2. Hokkien Mee: Bursting with wok hei, this slurp-worthy, wetter version of Hokkien mee is a quick crowd-pleaser.
3. Braised Bee Hoon: A new favorite, packed with flavors and perfectly paired with fried egg and luncheon meat.
If you haven’t tried Yat Ka Yan, this is your sign to go! Known for their delicious local desserts and snacks, their chendol is an absolute must-try. The finely shaved ice, paired with chendol jelly, red bean, gula melaka syrup, and a splash of coconut milk, creates the perfect sweet, refreshing combination. Don’t miss out!
Riverside Grilled Fish has rebranded its VivoCity outlet to Canton Claypot Cuisine, and it’s all about bold flavors in traditional claypot dishes. You have to try their Claypot Grilled Qing Jiang Fish in green pepper sauce—it packs a spicy, numbing punch! Another must-try is the comforting Claypot Beef Brisket with Potato & Radish, perfect with a bowl of rice. For sides, don’t miss the Shredded Chicken with Sesame Dressing and the refreshing Osmanthus-infused Tomatoes. A new dining experience awaits!
Did you know there’s a café in the National Gallery serving traditional dishes with a modern twist? The Hainanese Curry Chicken Noodle comes with a rich, lemak broth that’s sure to satisfy, while the Dry Horfun is absolutely slurp-worthy. For something comforting, the Sliced Fish Soup hits the spot with its flavorful broth. Don’t forget to end your meal with the decadent Durian Pengat, topped off with a touch of gula melaka for that perfect sweet finish!
Top 1 Home Made Noodle absolutely lives up to its name. After years of hearing about it, I finally got to try their dry noodles, mixed with dark sauce and chili. The noodles were perfectly al dente, and the sauce combo? A match made in heaven. 🙌
We went with the dry version, which came with a side of soup—a sneak peek of the flavors you’d get in the soup version. If this stall were closer to me, I’d be eating it weekly, no question!
Have you tried their noodles? Which version do you prefer—dry or soup?
You’ve probably seen that viral pic of ex-Prime Minister Lee lining up for Eng Kee Chicken Wings—and honestly, I can see why! He’s clearly a true foodie at heart. 🍴 The fried bee hoon is perfectly cooked, not too greasy, but the real star of the show? Those juicy, well-marinated chicken wings that pack flavor all the way down to the bone. 🔥 Totally worth the hype!
