Indocafé – The White House
This well-mannered place on the Scott’s Road prizes comfort and attentiveness over new wave faddishness and keeps everyone happy with its prices, not least the bank manager. The Nonya cooking is both tasty and consistent.
35 Scotts Road, 228227
True Blue Cuisine
Authentic Peranakan dishes strut their stuff alongside cultural nik naks that never descend into cliché at this warm and inviting eaterie. But the lasting impression is made by the food which includes braised duck, beef rendang, satay chicken and meat rolls.
47/49 Armenian Street, 179937
Bar-Roque Grill
Candles, attractive lighting, bare brick walls may seem a touch déjà vu but these Bar-Roque calling cards are a welcome addition in this neighboughood and the terrace a delight. However, the real action is in the kitchen where expertly wrought bistro classics include spring chicken, charcuterie and black angus ribeye, all delivered with passion and expertise.
165 Tanjong Pagar Road #01–00, 088539
Hoo Kee Bak Chang
Age will not weary this old-time street hawker that tipped up in the Amoy Street Food Centre in the 80s and has been doing roaring trade ever since. Their Hokkien Bak Changs (rice dumplings) are legendary.
Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road #01–18, 069111
The Blue Ginger
Nonya is the name of the game at the family-run Blue Ginger, where the kitchen has been flipping the pans for over two decades. Take your fill of delicious, and cheap soups, tangy duck salads, or pork done every which way. Utilitarian decor works fine while keeping the attention firmly on the plate.
97 Tanjong Pagar Road, 088518
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road)
Founder Mr Yeo Eng Song started his journey serving bowls of this traditional peppery pork soup off the back of a pushcart, and despite plusher premises these days, he’s never looked back. Check out the meatier pork dishes and salted veg, too.
11 New Bridge Road #01–01, 059383
Yhingthai Palace
This beacon on Purvis Street is all about the Thai and Thai Chinese cooking – from spring rolls and grilled beef salad to fried chicken with lemongrass and Thai herbs or the signature steamed grouper. Graceful service and an affordable price tag completes the very likeable picture.
36 Purvis Street #01–04, 188613