8 New Cafes & Restaurants In Lavender & Jalan Besar To Hit Up
From a gelato bar to a conveyor belt hot pot restaurant
By Michelle Lee SM -
The Lavender and Jalan Besar area is a treasure trove with fab dining spots at every corner. But if you think you've explored them all, there have been yet more cafes and restaurants opening their doors, from a contemporary Thai restaurant to chic cafes to while away a lazy afternoon. Here's where to have on your radar.
With its name stemming from the Thai word for “hunger”, the newly opened Hue serves up Thai fare with a modern spin, amidst equally contemporary and chic interiors.
The Char Moo ($15++), its version of the Thai-style moo ping, Niu Yolk (beef tartare with fresh herbs, $25++), and Not a Tom Yum ($19++) are all worth ordering. The latter is a spicy prawn-based soup with juicy prawns and squid, and a side of crispy egg floss.
The Three Musseleers ($35++), a mountain of sauteed mussels sitting in a light but flavourful coconut broth is also a winner.
Hue is at 123 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207549. WhatsApp 90180992 for reservations.
The vintage-inspired Victorian-style interiors of this halal cafe draw on the owners’ travel experiences to Australian cafes, including a hand-painted Victorian arch mural that beckons visitors at the entrance.
If you're hankering for grilled cheese, make a stop here. Its menu includes a Missus Melt ($17.90++) that houses four cheeses, a Brisket Melt ($23.90++) with slow-smoked brisket, and a Slumdog Grillionaire that sandwiches masala potato, coriander pesto and tomato chutney.
Still hungry? End off with tempting desserts like Baked Ketaifi Cheese ($14++), Chocolate Tart with Exotic Mousse ($16.90++) and a Medjool Date Pudding ($13.90++).
Missus is at 16 Hamilton Road, 01-05 Singapore 209186.
Kitchener Complex is home to 99 Coffee & Gelato, a stylish cafe that's the brainchild of the people behind The Glasshouse at CHIJMES and luxury art collectible group XM Studios.
The cafe is part of a concept that includes a retail space, as well as art collectibles gallery. Settle into one of the plush seats within minimalist interiors, and sink your teeth into a scoop of artisanal gelato or two with unique options. Classic flavours ($6+) include Espresso (Seasonal Beans), Mango Tajin, Coconut Pineapple, 70% Guanaja Chocolate, and Premium Flavours ($7+) see the likes of Baileys and Cacao Nibs, Ricotta & Lime Curd, Ceylon Tea & Peach Liqueur and Caramelised Sicilian Pistachio.
Enjoy the frozen treats with a waffle cone ($1.50+), or Waffles ($7+). There are also pastries and coffee (roasted by The Glasshouse) available.
99 Specialty Coffee And Gelato Bar is at Level 3, Kitchener Complex, 809 French Rd, Singapore 200809.
With two outlets at Woodlands and NTU, conveyor hot pot restaurant Ma Ma Spin Pot has opened a third outlet at Jalan Besar. While its first was a garden-themed affair, its Jalan Besar space beckons with bright neon signs and coloured tiles.
Prices for the hotpot ingredients on the conveyor belt start from $1.99 to $5.99. If you're in the mood for a fancier meal, there are premium la carte options like Australian wagyu beef and US beef short ribs. Otherwise, you can order cooked items like the signature grilled fish, and barbequed sticks that run the gamut from fish and seafood, to beef and lamb, mushrooms, sausages and vegetables.
And if you're looking for a late-night supper spot, this place opens till 5am.
Ma Ma Spin Pot is at 100 Tyrwhitt Road, Jln Besar, #01-05 Sports Centre, Singapore 207542.
This cosy space bills itself as a Scandinavian cafe, though this seems to refer to its minimalist interiors with foliage hanging from above. Its menu, instead, is a mix of brunch fare and mains like Egg Ben Salmon ($16++), Mac & Cheese Gratin ($15++), a D'Vine Breakfast platter ($19++), Lobster Crab Scrambled ($19++), and Confit Chicken Bowl ($14++).
Its beverage list is interesting too, with creations like Osmanthus Latte ($6.50++), Sweet Potato Purple Cocoa (amp;++), and various botanical-flavoured ice teas.
D’Vine Cafe is at 149 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207562.
Helmed by Chan Wing Kin, a former executive chef of Crystal Jade Culinary Concept Holdings, Chef Kin HK Wanton Noodle original Yishun hawker stall has been known to draw snaking queues. It's since then rapidly expanded, and most recently made its way to Jalan Besar, with the eighth outlet located at French Road.
You can look forward to the same HK Braised Brisket Noodle ($6.50), HK Shrimp Wanton Noodle ($5), and HK Shrimp Dumpling Noodle ($5), all with springy noodles and a deep savoury soup stock. If you're hungry for more, get the spicy and tangy HK Wantons with Black Vinegar & Chilli Oil ($4.50) or additional servings of the crispy Fried Shrimp Wanton ($4).
Chef Kin HK Wanton Noodle is at 808 French Road, Singapore
Kaeden, which is the Danish word for "chain", was inspired by the owners’ passion for cycling as well as their hopes of "linking up" friends and family with good food and vibes.
The spacious cafe, flecked with wooden furnishings and white walls. On the menu, you'll find a mix of Asian, French and Spanish influences. Think Grilled Mentaiko Prawns ($5 a piece), Chicken Karaage ($14++) tossed with spicy chilli crisps, and Salmon Tartare ($16++) seasoned with calamansi and Sansho dressing.
There's a brunch menu that includes Avocado Toast ($15) and Chicken & Waffles ($19++), and mains like Fried Chicken Burger ($22++), Shashuka ($22++) and Wagyu Cheeseburger ($23++).
Kaeden is at #01-25, Aperia Mall, 12 Kallang Avenue, Singapore 339511.
La Levain opened its doors at the end of last year, and has already made a buzz in the local bakery cafe scene.
It's headed by executive chef Wythe Ng, formerly of Keong Saik Bakery and Bakery Brera, and boasts a cosy space that sports industrial-like grey interiors with rustic wooden furniture and warm lighting.
Nibble on viennoiseries that run the gamut from classics to ones with global influences or given a local twist. Think Kouign Amann, Pain Au Chocolat, Burnt Cheese Croissant, Bo Bo Cha Cha Croissant, Hojicha Mochi Croissant ($6.80+), and his signature Cruffins (from $4.60+).
If you’re there for brunch (8.30am to 2pm), check out menu mainstays like Avocado Tartine with Egg ($14+), Peanut Butter Tarine ($8+), or the Big Breakfast ($19.80+) loaded with eggs, sausage, mushrooms, pickled cucumbers, and sourdough bread.
La Levain is at 23 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209193. Visit its website for more info.