New year, new eats – Invest your calories wisely this New Year by opting for only the most sought-after delicacies. Check out these new and anticipated foodie openings.
TEXT: TERESE TAY
Wu Pao Chun
This Taiwan bakery, famed for its founder’s innovative use of ingredients and fermentation methods in breadmaking, will open its first overseas outpost at Capitol Piazza this year. Popular items at its three outlets in Taiwan include the Taiwan Longan with Red Wine and Taiwan Litchi Rose Champion breads. As it will partner with homegrown bakery BreadTalk, customers can expect fresh creations using local ingredients such as durian and curry spices.
Where: Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road
Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam
Established in 1960 as a stall specialising in Hainanese chicken rice in Bangkok, Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam’s branch at NEX is the brand’s first overseas outlet. Though the version of chicken rice sold by this Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated eatery is similar to that sold here, some diners say that the rice is less oily. Its chilli sauce is also spiked with black vinegar for extra oomph! Besides the requisite chicken, you can also tuck into its signature braised pork dish.
Where: NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, #B1-0506
Riz Labo Kitchen
The Japanese soufflé pancake specialist has finally set up a permanent outlet in Singapore after operating a wildly popular pop-up stall at Wisma Atria. Hosted at innovative online-to-offline shopping and dining destination habitat by honestbee, Riz Labo Kitchen offers gluten-free rice flour pancakes topped with a variety of goodies, such as chocolate syrup, chocolate chips and banana; matcha cream and biscuits; and strawberry puree and jam. Download the Honestbee app for entry and to order.
Where: 34 Boon Leat Terrace #01-01
Shake Shack
Burger joints aplenty have launched in Singapore of late, but none have reached the international cult status that New York-born Shake Shack has. The burger specialist will finally open in Singapore with its maiden store at Changi Airport’s mega mall, Jewel. Must-tries include the ShackBurger, featuring 100 per cent Angus beef patties sandwiched between fluffy potato flour buns, and the super-sinful frozen custard ice cream.
Where: Jewel Changi Airport, 80 Airport Boulevard
BBR by Alain Ducasse
The highly anticipated arrival of acclaimed French master chef Alain Ducasse to our shores promises to be a relatively casual and convivial affair. His first Mediterranean sharing and grill concept will launch at Raffles Hotel’s 122-year-old Bar & Billiard Room, when it opens after renovations complete in the first quarter of the year. Featuring charcoal grills and wood-fired pizza ovens in the open kitchen alongside a lively bar, the venue will also host the popular Raffles Sunday Brunch.
Where: Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road
