Photo: Embun
Hungry for something familiar yet fresh? These recently opened eateries are putting bold spins on the Singapore flavours you love.
OLD-SCHOOL DELIGHTS IN THE NORTH
Photo: Kopi Siew Dai
True to its name, Kopi Siew Dai delivers that comforting kopitiam vibe — but with the air-conditioned chill of a modern café. Newly opened at HomeTeamNS Khatib, this retro-style coffee spot offers wallet-friendly, no-frills meals all day, with everything priced under $10.
Go classic with kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a steaming cup of kopi or teh. Or try a hearty plate of nasi lemak, with pandan-scented basmati rice and crispy chicken cutlet. For something more adventurous, order the chilli crab sauce noodles — a fun spin on the iconic dish, full of sweet, spicy flavour, and perfect for slurping. No pork, no lard.
FROZEN TAKES ON LOCAL TREATS
Photo: HomeTeamNS
Just steps from Kopi Siew Dai at HomeTeamNS Khatib is CHURN, a Muslim-owned playful dessert parlour reimagining Singapore flavours. Think ondeh-ondeh and bandung turned into creamy gelato, or indulgent twists like matcha affogato and turmeric latte. With over 100 rotating flavours, there’s always something new to try.
This concept by Melvados — renowned for its Halal-certified ready-to-eat Western-style meals and desserts — brings the same quality to every frozen treat. Kids will love the free-flow toppings at the dessert bar, while adults can sample an “ice cream flight” of five scoops paired with crispy waffle chips.
In the mood for something savoury? Try the chicken and waffles — served with sriracha mayo and a unique pesto drizzle.
HERITAGE FLAVOURS BY THE WATERFRONT
Photo: Mamanda
A beloved name in fine-dining Malay cuisine, Mamanda has found a picturesque new home at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir — and it’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Known as Mamanda – The Tablespread, this waterfront venue continues the brand’s legacy of heartfelt, heritage-rich cooking. Signature dishes like nasi ambeng, slow-cooked beef rendang and refreshing fruit rojak are prepared with finesse, ideal for family gatherings, birthdays, office functions and, yes, even weddings.
The elegant setting elevates every meal into a celebration — whether you’re tucking in with loved ones or introducing international guests to authentic Malay flavours.
A CREATIVE CELEBRATION OF SINGAPORE’S CULINARY ROOTS
Photo: Belimbing
Named after the humble yet flavour-packed belimbing (a native fruit from the starfruit family), this stylish eatery by premium nasi lemak restaurant The Coconut Club celebrates Singapore’s local bounty with flair.
At Belimbing in 269A Beach Road, Peranakan chef Marcus Leow creates bold reinterpretations of heritage dishes — from wok-fired nasi ulam to the crowd-favourite corn salat. For dessert, the rich and chewy pumpkin bingka offers a comforting finish.
Don’t miss its local-inspired cocktails — such as the Pandan Colada, the Tomato, and the Sambal Marg (a spicy riff on the margarita using house-made chilli relish). Each dish and drink here is a love letter to the everyday ingredients found in our markets — and the culinary creativity they inspire. Not Halal-certified.
RISE TO THE OCCASION WITH INSPIRED BAKES
Photo: Rise Bakehouse
A familiar name in the Singapore dessert scene, Rise Bakehouse has taken its nostalgic-meets-modern vibes to Chinatown with a new outlet — Rise Bakehouse Heritage. Housed in a conserved shophouse, the café is decked out with retro Singaporean touches — vintage TVs, kopitiam chairs, and “Good Morning” towels.
But it’s not just the decor that hits close to home — the bakes do, too. Celebrate National Day with its signature kaya-pistachio cake, generously layered with house-made pandan coconut custard. Other must-tries include orh nee yam cake, black sesame kinako cake, and a creamy kaya gelato.
Pair your sweet treats with unique concoctions like the black sesame peanut butter latte, or tuck into savoury plates like curry mayo fish and chips for a heartier bite.
A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF OLD AND NEW
In Cantonese, the term “yuen yeung” refers to the pairing of two distinct elements — like the familiar mix of tea and coffee. At dessert café Yuen Yeung in Neil Road, that same spirit of fusion shines through in traditional desserts with modern tastes, such as its signature nut paste made with pistachio.
You’ll also find familar favourites like double-layer milk pudding scented with osmanthus, strawberry, or durian, as well as fermented rice and handcrafted mochi with milk custard. Classics such as sesame paste and red bean soup perfumed with orange peel round out the comforting menu.
A NOSTALGIC ODE TO THE MALAYAN COFFEE SHOP
Photo: Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe
Step into Great Nanyang Heritage Café at GENEO, and you’re instantly transported to the charm of yesteryear. Located at Singapore Science Park near Kent Ridge MRT, this retro-inspired eatery is packed with vintage touches — think faux shophouse staircases, a classic snacks van, and décor from a bygone era.
From the breezy alfresco seats, take in the soaring timber architecture of GENEO while tucking into comfort foods that recall simpler times. Highlights include steamed buns filled with creamy mashed taro, and the lesser-seen Penang white curry noodles — a nod to the region’s shared culinary heritage. Not Halal-certified.
CHARCOAL-GRILLED KAMPUNG FAVOURITES
Photo: Embun
For a meal that recalls Singapore’s fishing village roots, head to Embun at Singapore Aerospace Park. This family-friendly, Muslim-owned eatery specialises in ikan bakar — seafood grilled over charcoal to smoky perfection. With its focus on traditional open-flame cooking, the restaurant brings rustic flavours and kampung spirit to the modern table.
Choose from a selection of wild-caught fish, then pair it with their signature house-made sauces like original sambal or belado merah for that authentic kick. You’ll also find wok-fried crowd-pleasers like seafood nasi goreng with fish roe, salted egg prawn, and Singapore-style chilli crab.
End your meal with a modern twist on local desserts —cempedak crème brûlée or a nostalgic Milo Dinosaur gelato milkshake.
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