There’s been an uptick in the halal dining scene and we’ve sussed out some of the chicest joints that’ll make for fodder for your feed. Whether you’re Muslim or dining with Muslim friends, you won’t be stumped when it comes to finding a stylish halal cafe to while away the afternoon or hang out for a relaxing brunch.
After closing its Fort Canning venue due to Covid-19, The Fabulous Baker Boy has reopened its doors with a new 70-seater space at Aliwal Arts Centre.
And along with that, it’s also announced that it is in the midst of applying to be Halal-certified as it takes awhile to be approved, and uses only 100 per cent halal ingredients, including its cakes, which contain no form of alcohol.
It’s best known for its repertoire of artisanal cakes, including the signature Blueberry Lemon Yoghurt, and also does a mean rendition of waffles and chicken. But there are new additions to the menu, too, like sourdough bread, Hasselback potatoes, and ravioli.
The Fabulous Baker Boy is at 28 Aliwal St, #01-01, Singapore 199918.
With its first cafe located in Tampines, Three’s A Crowd has opened a new outlet in the Little India area. All raw concrete walls and industrial-minimalist vibes, the ice cream cafe is a cool dessert spot for freshly churned handcrafted ice cream, homemade waffles (like its ondeh waffles with coconut ice-cream), and acai and coffee.
For the ice cream flavours, tantalise your tastebuds with scrumptious treats like Dark Gianduja, Speculoos, Espresso, Oreo Mint, Mango Passion and Coconut.
Three’s A Crowd is at 50 Race Course Road, Singapore 218562.
This Western fusion cafe certainly dishes up, as its name and neon sign proclaims, good bites and good vibes. Just check out its pretty gram-worthy decor, which sees neon-lit green wall, strings of lights that illuminate its outdoor space, a retro electric toy car, and retro lounge chairs and booth seats.
Sink your teeth into the likes of the popular Egg-ploding Burger, with crispy chicken thigh and egg nacho mayo, Laksa Pasta, and Baked Salmon, all at affordable prices. If you’re after a sweet treat, order the molten chocolate lava cake,and waffles with ice cream.
Good Bites is at 5 Bishan Street 14, Bishan Sports Hall, #03-01, Singapore 579783.
While not new, The Bravery Cafe has relocated from its original Lavender Street home to Amoy Street. Its new premise boasts a chic contemporary aesthetic of brass, rattan, and wood to offer a respite from the busy CBD area.
Tuck into the hearty Big Brekkie or Steak N Eggs, or the tempting Pancake Stack or caramelised brioche toast if you’re craving something sweet. There’s also a Keto Bowl, pasta, and other mains.
Feeling peckish in the afternoon? Treat yourself to its burnt cheesecake or brownies and order a cup of its signature Lavender Latte or Matcha Latte to go along.
The Bravery Cafe is at 50 Amoy St, Singapore 069876.
If you’re hankering for French cuisine, make a beeline for The White Label, a new halal French restaurant located at Beach Road. Here, you’ll find French-Malayan fusion cuisine, with halal dishes infused with a local flavour.
Expect to dine on French classics like Short Ribs Bourguignon and Herb Crusted Lamb Rack, as well as fusion fare like Squid Ink Spaghetti (made with ‘sotong masak hitam’ sauce), and Ondeh-Ondeh gateau.
Its interiors are gorgeous, too, with elegant light fixtures, green velvet seats and gold-toned accents.
The White Label is at 734 North Bridge Rd, #01-01, Singapore 198702.
Doused in pink and dark mint hues, neon signs and string lights, this ice cream cafe is a hidden gem in Choa Chu Kang that’ll get you snap-happy.
Its lip-smacking ice-cream flavours include Bubblegum, Cookie Monster, Chocolate Rocky Road and Strawberry Cheesecake. Definitely order the waffles to go along with your icy treat, or the brownie.
Hey Sugar is at 818 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1, #01-06 Singapore 680818.
Often translated as “taking a break, and with coffee especially, and with a baked good, the Swedish concept of Fika gave this double-storey cafe its name. Owned by a Swedish and Singaporean couple, its interiors of white and wood are reminiscent of the minimalist Scandi aesthetic.
Here, you’ll find Swedish fare including pytt i panna, Toast Skagen (toast and shrimp), meatballs, lamb stew, and a herring platter. You don’t want to miss its desserts too, including Swedish pancakes and Kladdkaka (chocolate cake).
Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro is at 257 Beach Road, Singapore
Easties will definitely know of Penny University, which has been in the local cafe scene for a long while. You’ll find unique takes on usual brunch suspects at this cosy cafe, like Baked Moroccan Eggs with beef chorizo, Full English shakshuka, Turkish Eggs with Greek yoghurt and spicy Moroccan harissa, as well as Chicken Karage Waffles.
The coffee here is top-notch with specialty beans sourced from local roasters, and you don’t want to pass up its fresh bakes and artisanal cakes as well.
The ambience here is cosy, with dimly-lit interiors, red-bricked walls, and black and wood furnishings.
Penny University is at 402 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428997.
If pasta is your carb of choice, this two-year-old pasta joint is the place for you. This cosy cafe with plenty of wooden accents and muted hues makes for a perfect spot to enjoy a quiet afternoon lunch. Plus, it makes its pasta in-house and from scratch, too.
It also offers customisable options so you can create your own winning combination. But if you don’t trust yourself, there are cafe specialities like Seafood Pomodoro, Prawn Aglio and Creamy Chicken Mushroom to get your pasta fix.
Tipo Pasta Bar is at 785 North Bridge Road Singapore 198753.
You’ll likely know of the Tenderfresh group, which has several brands under its name like Tenderfresh Classic, Hawkerman and Good Chance Restaurant. There’s also Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop, which doles out what it bills ‘nostalgic tuckshop’ fare amidst casual-chic surroundings.
There are two outlets at Woodlands and Jalan Kayu, and both are equally stylish, with the latter being the newer outlet. The food here’s pocket-friendly too, and includes Western classics like spring chicken, burgers, chicken cutlets and grilled fish, as well as Asian fusion pastas.
Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop is at 246 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799470, and No.39 #01-68, Mega @ Woodlands, Singapore 737856.
