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When you think of Holland Village, what comes to mind? The word ‘atas’ aside, you probably know the area to be teeming with life. Above all, it’s a culinary treasure trove with hawker stalls, bars, cafes and restaurants aplenty. You name it, this foodie’s paradise has it.
Of course, with a plethora of options comes the dreaded dilemma of ‘what to eat?’. Here’s a curated guide to the 13 best food spots in Holland Village you should visit while you’re at this culinary gem. Hopefully, you won’t still be spoilt for choice.
1. Sushi Zanmai
If you’ve spent weekends frolicking in JB, chances are you’ve spotted or even dined in Sushi Zanmai. While this casual Japanese restaurant has 36 outlets throughout Malaysia, their outlet in Raffles Holland V Mall marks their first in Singapore.
Sushi Zanmai prides themselves on affordable Japanese fare that doesn’t compromise on quality. Their menu features fresh and delicious produce, including tuna that hails from Tokyo, scallops from Hokkaido and Kanpachi all the way from Kagoshima. Expect to leave with both your tummy and wallet satisfied.
My colleagues vehemently recommend the Spicy Japanese Pork Belly Nabe (S$15.80). The dish stars a delicious thick nabe broth that incorporates Sichuan elements that give it a mildly tongue-numbing character and a subtle spice. It comes packed with a medley of ingredients like tofu, enoki mushrooms, vermicelli and vegetables.
You’re also given a platter of pork belly slices to be dunked in the soup, each slice with just the right meat-to-fat ratio. Talk about a hearty meal!
To freshen your palate, splurge a little on the Oki Sashimi Moriawase (S$29.80), which features sashimi of every variety that Sushi Zanmai has to offer: salmon, tuna, Otoro, Ika (squid), Kanpachi and scallops.
Order Delivery: Deliveroo
118 Holland Avenue, Raffles Holland V Mall, #03-04, Singapore 278997
+65 6250 1383
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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2. Cha Cha Cha
If you’re looking to spice things up, Cha Cha Cha is just the place. This Mexican restaurant, one of Singapore’s oldest, first opened its doors in 1990 and has since cemented itself as a mainstay of the Holland Village.
Keep an eye out for its vibrant neon signage; the restaurant’s shopfront, donning washed-out tentage, may seem rather inconspicuous at first glance. Look past it and you’ll see that the restaurant itself exudes a cosy and inviting ambience perfect for get-togethers.
We recommend the Chimichangas with Pulled Pork (S$17). The crispy deep-fried tortilla wrap serves as a nice textural contrast to the tender pulled pork and melty cheese within, while the refreshing guacamole, salsa and tangy sour cream cut through the meatiness of the pulled pork. Trust us, you’ll devour it in no time.
Of course, what’s a Mexican feast without some tacos? Get the Flour Tortilla Tacos with Fish (S$18) — each soft taco is a flavour bomb, featuring tender, silky fish topped with piquant salsa, onions and a squeeze of lime.
End your meal on a sweet note with some fresh fried Churros (S$10), accompanied by a velvety dark chocolate sauce that pairs well with the crunchy sugar-topped dough sticks.
Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
32 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277690
+65 6462 1650
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12am
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3. Tai Cheong Bakery
Tai Cheong Bakery has got to be my favourite egg tart shop, hands down. This popular bakery from Hong Kong landed on our shores back in 2016 and has cemented itself as an ever-popular fixture with 12 outlets (and hopefully counting).
So, you’re probably wondering — what makes it worth a mention in this guide? Well, Tai Cheong’s outlet in Holland Village houses its only cha chaan teng in Singapore.
With old-timey flooring and tables displaying vintage paraphernalia, the cafe is quaint and cosy. You can expect to see a variety of Hong Kong cha chaan teng classics such as Scrambled Egg Toast with Chicken Chop (S$12.90) and Char Siu Bolo (S$3.30).
While it may seem simple and unassuming, I highly recommend the Macaroni Soup with Three Eggs & Ham (S$11.90). This comforting dish features silky macaroni, a triple-yolked egg and noodle-esque strips of ham, all bathed in a light yet robust chicken soup. You best believe that not a single drop will be left in that bowl.
Another dish that pleasantly surprised me was the Curry Chicken Rice (S$13.90). It had to be one of the most flavourful and fragrant chicken curries I’ve ever had, accompanied by fork-tender chicken and lightly-fried potatoes.
After your meal, don’t forget to stop by the counter at the shop’s front for your fix of Tai Cheong’s famed bakes. I mean, who could possibly walk off without a box of their Egg Tarts (S$2.40 each) and Pandan Tarts (S$2.60)? I’m usually team flaky where egg tarts are concerned, but I’d gladly make an exception for these cookie-crusted delights.
Order Delivery: foodpanda
31 Lorong Liput, Singapore 277742
+65 9828 1954
Mon to Thu: 10am – 8.30pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 9pm
Sun: 9am – 8.30pm
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4. Warabimochi Kamakura
No Holland Village listicle will be complete without Warabimochi Kamakura. This popular Japanese dessert chain took the nation by storm when it landed on our sunny shores in Feb 2024. I’m not kidding; it’s been a year since their flagship One Holland Village outlet opened, and they still sell out.
Their speciality lies in warabimochi, which is made with the starch of the warabi (bracken) plant and has a delicate and smooth gummy texture unlike any other.
The namesake Warabimochi (S$4.90 for 2 pieces) is delightfully chewy. Dusted in kinako (soybean flour) and drizzled in Okinawan black sugar syrup, it makes for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for Singapore’s eternal summers. You can pair the Warabimochi with Ice Cream for S$6.90, or get 10 pieces encased in a gorgeous Paulownia Wooden Box (S$19.90) to share with your loved ones.
Kamakura’s series of Warabimochi Drinks is also a crowd favourite. These drinks are akin to bubble tea, except loaded with cut-up pieces of flavoured warabimochi. Each is then topped off with a beautiful swirl of whipped cream.
My personal favourite is the Strawberry Milk/Yogurt (S$9.90/S$11.90). Loaded with candy-like strawberry warabimochi, it’s no wonder that it’s also the most popular option. I also enjoyed the Coffee Milk (S$6.90/S$8.90), which features milky Japanese coffee loaded with slurp-worthy black sugar warabimochi.
7 Holland Village Way, One Holland Village, #01-54, Singapore 275748
+65 8922 6151
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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5. La Nonna
Holland Village is home to many restaurants that serve authentic renditions of various cuisines, and La Nonna is a standout among them.
With its name translating to “the grandmother” in English, this Italian restaurant uses time-honoured recipes passed down from an Italian grandmother, and so aims to capture the essence of the cuisine at its most authentic. Because nothing quite compares to grandma’s cooking, am I right?
La Nonna serves up unpretentious Italian fare perfect for family dinners or date nights. Complete with warm tones and vintage paraphernalia, the restaurant’s homely ambience whisks you away to the Italian countryside.
If you love pizza, you’ll love their signature La Nonna (S$26). This heavenly creation features tomato sauce, parmesan, mozzarella, asparagus, egg and black truffle paste. It’s truly a decadent treat that’s worth all the calories.
Alternatively, go for a classic Margherita (S$23) which consists of just tomato, Buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, or the Burrata (S$28.50) which stars crowd-favourite fresh burrata cheese.
Pasta lovers, don’t miss out on the Fettuccine Al Spinaci (S$28) with pesto sauce, or the Pappardelle Coda Di Bue (S$30), in which homemade pappardelle pasta is served with a luscious oxtail ragout.
26/26B Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277685
+65 6468 1982
Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
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6. Sanpoutei Ramen
Search up “best ramen in Singapore” and you’ll see Sanpoutei Ramen in just about any guide you can find. Hailing from Niigata, this sophisticated ramen restaurant uses ingredients imported from the motherland and is all about attention to detail. I mean, they make their noodles fresh on the daily, and even use specially made bowls to keep your ramen piping hot down to the last drop.
If you can only try one thing, let it be the Niigata Shoyu Ramen (S$15). This speciality of theirs stars a flavour-packed shoyu broth simmered over 6 hours with a medley of vegetables, whole chicken, tonkotsu, Japanese dried sardines and more. Enjoyed with their springy, chewy noodles, this is heaven in a bowl.
Those with a penchant for heavier flavours can go for the creamy W Tonkotsu Ramen (S$17) or the Rich Tori x Nikumori Miso Ramen (S$17) featuring their robust house-made miso blend. Down for something a little different? Their Rich Dried Sardine Tsukemen (S$16) is a worthy shout as well.
253 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278982
+65 6463 7277
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
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7. HIP POT
The best way to romanticise a rainy day? Hotpot. If you find yourself gallivanting around Holland Village on one, let HIP POT be your wet weather plan. This hip Chinese joint in One Holland Village offers a plethora of fresh meats and delicious soup bases — and word is it can very well play among the big leagues with Haidilao.
Warm that belly up with a choice of 2 soup bases from a selection of 7, including their signature Mala (S$6.90) and collagen-packed Pork Ribs (S$6.90), along with classics like Tomato (S$6.90) and Mushroom (S$6.90).
Some must-tries from their expansive variety of fresh meats and seafood are the Prawn & Cuttlefish Paste with Roe (S$14.90) made with fresh black tiger prawns, as well as the Jumbo Platter (S$18.90) lined with Premium U.S. Beef and Iberico Black Pork for your dunking pleasure.
And finally, treat your sweet tooth to as many of HIP POT’s 9 types of complimentary desserts as you can.
7 Holland Village Way, One Holland Village, #02-34/35/36, Singapore 275748
+65 6592 5866
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
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8. Twirl Pasta
Easily one of Holland Village’s best-kept secrets, Twirl Pasta serves up restaurant-quality pasta at wallet-friendly prices from its nook in Holland Village Food Centre. Its owner, James, gets his chops from Chef Choo of hawker pasta mainstay Chef Choo Signature, so you know his fare’s pretty legit.
The stall has 7 pasta mains on offer, with hearty favourites like Spaghetti Alfredo with Bacon & Mushroom and Spaghetti with House-made Meatballs in Marinara (S$8). The Spaghetti Frutti di Mare (S$9.50) is another solid pick, the al dente pasta coated in tangy arrabiata and accompanied by a generous portion of fresh seafood.
If you’ve got a penny to spare, I recommend splurging on the Grilled Salmon + House-made Pesto Spaghetti (S$13). Spaghetti meets a nutty, herbaceous pesto sauce in this one, paired with a slab of salmon that’s seared to smoky perfection and crowned with an ultra-crispy skin. What’s not to love?
1 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village Market & Food Centre, #01-40, Singapore 277700
Tue to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm & 4pm – 7.30pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
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9. Chops! Grill & Sides
Fancy some Western food that doesn’t break the bank? With mains priced as low as S$5.90, Chops! Grill & Sides has you covered. This Halal-certified stall has an enticing menu of affordable fast-casual Western fare perfect for every taste bud.
Tucked away in the corner unit of a coffeeshop with just a small signboard, this Halal-certified stall might not catch your eye immediately. Spot a luminous “Fresh off the grill!” and you’re on the right track!
Now, you probably perked up at the mention of S$5.90 mains and yes, I wasn’t joking. I’m talking about the Chopburger Classic (S$5.90 Single, S$8.90 Double) that consists of a juicy beef patty, cheese, lettuce and their signature “chop” sauce sandwiched in a brioche bun. Complete your meal with a Fries & Drink (S$2.90) combo set, perhaps.
Their extensive menu also features classic Western grub such as the Signature Grilled Chop (S$9.90) and Australian Grass-fed Ribeye Steak (S$15.90) as well as the unique Ha Cheong Chicken (S$9.90 for 1, S$13.90 for 2). These mains all come with your choice of 2 sides such as fries, mac & cheese and potato salad.
There is also a range of pastas like Moonshine Carbonara (S$8.90) and Seafood Marinara (S$8.90). I got myself the hearty Chop Pasta (S$10.90), which consists of creamy tomato pink sauce pasta paired with their delectable rosemary-infused signature grilled chicken chop. It was pretty impressive and I definitely see myself returning for it.
If you’ve ever wanted to beast your way through the whole menu, look no further than the XXL Platter (S$64.90). Piled with one of every protein on the menu and 10 side dishes, it could easily feed 4 to 6 people.
Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
33 Lorong Liput, Singapore 277744
+65 8840 1540
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
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10. Jia Li Seafood Soup
Located in the same coffeeshop as Chops! Grill & Sides is Jia Li Seafood Soup, if you’re down for something simpler or need something comforting to savour on a chilly day.
Previously known as Sin Kee Seafood Soup, they’ve since rebranded and currently hold 4 outlets islandwide. Headed by a colourful signboard with mouthwatering images of their seafood soup, their Holland Village outlet is certainly eye-catching.
The menu is pretty self-explanatory, with 6 types of soup that brim with different types and combinations of high-quality seafood. If you’re feeling boujee, get the Crayfish Seafood Soup with Dory Fish (S$13.50), Batang Fish (S$15.50) or Red Grouper (S$18.50). Or else, simply relish in a bowl of Original Fish Soup (from S$6) like I did.
I paired my Dory Fish Soup (S$6) with Instant Noodles (S$0.70), and was pleasantly surprised how it punched way above its price point.
The soup was umami-rich, with sweet-savoury notes of seafood and pork. Despite its rich milky colour, it was pretty light and easy on the palate. It’s packed with hefty handmade meatballs and silky soft dory slices that almost melted in my mouth. I can’t go without raving about the noodles, too — springy and al dente, these were perfectly cooked. Hey, it’s an art, okay?
Order Delivery: foodpanda Deliveroo
33 Lorong Liput, Singapore 277744
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
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11. Thai Baang Bakery
If you love bread, it’s absolutely worth braving the hot sun to get to Thai Baang Bakery, a 5-min walk away from the main Holland Village area. Nestled under an HDB block at Holland Drive, this humble bakery churns out a variety of irresistible bread made with Thai-style dough.
Their most interesting offerings include their range of tin breads which are, well, bakes in special tins customised for bread-making. There are more than 20 types available, with the likes of Banana Kaya (S$2.40), Butter Sugar (S$2.20) and my personal favourite, Tomyum Chicken (S$2.40). I’m almost grateful that these are placed behind counters; if I had free rein, I’d have no self-control.
Naan (S$2.20) and Mochi Yam Floss (S$3.50), a fluffy bun that’s chock full of milky sweet yam paste, chicken floss and stretchy mochi. Their bread is truly the epitome of pillowy soft; it’s almost hard to believe that they don’t contain ANY preservatives and softeners.
Now, grabbing yourself a few buns is a given, but you absolutely must try their Banana Chocolate Cake (S$7.80). This decadent cake is fluffy yet moist, with a cocoa-rich chocolate cake base infused with the ripe sweetness of bananas. Trust me, you’ll be able to finish the whole loaf in one sitting.
Order Delivery: Deliveroo
43 Holland Drive, #01-41, Singapore 270043
+65 9722 1213
Daily: 8.30am – 8pm
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12. Lola’s
Holland Village stands out as a trendy neighbourhood with a vibrant line-up of hip speciality cafes. Of this array is Lola’s, which should be no stranger to any seasoned cafe-hopper. With this popular cafe’s second outlet now nestled in the heart of Holland Village, westies no longer need to trek to Kovan for a fix of their bites, brunch and brews.
I don’t quite know how to start describing Lola’s menu; they simply have everything, from brunch delights to pasta, grain bowls, appetisers and hearty mains perfect for dinner.
Start your morning right with something off the brunch menu, available from 10am to 3pm on weekdays and 9am to 3.30pm on weekends. How about an interesting Crab Cake Benedict (S$20) or Tsukune Sando (S$17)? Pair ‘em up with a White Coffee (S$6/S$6.50) with your choice between a house or seasonal blend.
Once the dinner menu takes over from 5.30pm, feast on some Pulled Pork Tacos (S$18), rich Tuscan Seafood Stew (S$23) or Spicy Crab Rigatoni (S$20).
48 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277699
+65 8863 6515
Tue to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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13. 2am: dessertbar
Craving for something sweet late at night? Swing by the late-night 2am: dessertbar for some out-of-the-box sweet treats. Helmed by the talented Chef Janice Wong, renowned as Asia’s Best Pastry Chef, it’s a classy spot that isn’t to be missed by those with sweet tooths.
2am: dessertbar prides itself on a menu of meticulously crafted desserts that are delectable as they are visually stunning.
We strongly recommend all chocolate lovers to try their signature Chocolate H2O (S$25). It’s a coral-inspired, light and aerated creation that’s made with chocolate water mousse, salted caramel, yuzu sorbet, chocolate soil and burnt caramel parfait. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like heaven to me.
21A Lorong Liput, Singapore 277733
+65 6291 9727
Tue to Sun: 6pm – 2am
Closed on Mon
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