Given the wide variety of restaurants, hipster joints and hawker delights that pepper the streets of Katong/East Coast, it’s a bona fide foodie paradise. With so many great choices, you need a filtered list of the best places to grab some grub in Katong and East Coast.
I’m an Eastie who lives in the area so you’re in excellent hands. From German beer bars and floral-flavoured ice cream to wanton noodles and old-school cakes, here are 32 scrumptious spots in the Katong and East Coast area just waiting to be discovered.
1. Salt & Palm
Every time I assume that the Katong food scene is at its absolute zenith, along comes another stellar newcomer to prove me wrong. This time, the ‘culprit’ is Salt & Palm. While relatively new to our shores, it is a branch and namesake of an immensely popular Sydney resto-bar.
It’s rather innocuous, nestled away from the road adjacent to a car park, but the warm brown wood facade gives it away.
The warmth continues beyond the doors, welcoming you to a simple and intimate setting. The concept here is wine bar meets modern Asian cuisine. Proof of the former lines the walls on 2 levels. Salt & Palm takes a step away from the conventional wine bar mould with its emphasis on natural as well as conventional wines.
At the helm in the kitchen is Blue Waves Executive Chef Natasya Soetantyo. If that name rings a bell, it may be because Blue Waves also runs Rumours Beach Club at Sentosa, Kota88 Restaurant at Siglap and Baristart Coffee Singapore at Tras Street, Sentosa and Wisma Atria.
The first of her creations we dove into was the Fish Cake (2pcs for S$12). If you are missing Bali, a bite into one of these wonderful creations will transport you back to your beach getaway in a jiffy. Their bold and complex flavours juxtapose the mild sweetness of fish with the citrusy notes of chilli lemongrass shallot salsa, which are served alongside.
You know you’re not supposed to play with your food but the divine chicken skin tuille may be too seductive an enticement.
My recommendation is the Porchetta (S$32) with Australian pork belly getting the royal treatment, slow-roasted with a medley of herbs and spices. The result is a mesmerizingly succulent bite that oozes juices meant to be savoured with your eyes closed. It’s an enticing contrast of textures as the crispy crackling makes itself known.
Heavenly coconut and Balinese spices gravy add a riveting touch to the mix, creating an intoxicating aroma that will have your neighbours looking over. The chilli lemongrass shallot salsa makes a welcome return appearance, too.
Simply the sight of the Prawn Bisque Pasta (S$32) when it was served made me salivate, and the wafting fragrance teased me relentlessly. This dish is served with visually regal South Sumatran king prawns, a luxuriantly creamy prawn bisque, onsen egg, tobiko and chives.
As the sweet-briny flavour from the prawns reveals itself, the tobiko and onsen egg add peaks and troughs of texture and complexity. It’s a seafood-centric indulgence elevated by the aromatic acrobatics of the ingredients and garnishes.
We chose the Pandan Coconut Crème Brûlée (S$15) to finish… and what a finish it was. I think if there is one course where fusion flavours work best, it’s dessert. Here, the classic velvety crème brulee and traditional custardy sweetness of pandan and coconut milk complement each other like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
But it’s a bigger party than that, with young coconut meat, jackfruit, strawberry and blueberry all making an appearance. Saccharine sweetness, mild tang, a bit of bite and a whole lot of creamy smoothness make for the perfect close. To top it off, it’s vegan!
Salt & Palm has a different menu on weekends from 11am – 3pm, ideal for a lunchtime hangout. We think they are one of the most exciting entrants to the Katong scene in a long time and recommend making a reservation here before word gets out.
467 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427678
+65 8939 9617
Mon, Wed – Fri: 5pm till late
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm & 5pm till late
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2. Katong Mei Wei
One of Katong’s most precious gems is Katong Mei Wei. Hiding in the basement of Katong Shopping Centre is one of its best-kept secrets. With this chicken rice joint being one of the best in Singapore, there is no way that it wouldn’t be on this list.
I recommend the Roasted Chicken Rice (S$7), Steamed Chicken Rice (S$7) and a serving of Salted Fish Bean Sprouts (S$5.70 for Small). As an added bonus, these sets also come with a huge bowl of soup and achar completely free. Talk about truly getting bang for every buck!
The chicken is unbelievably silky and smooth while the skin still has a little texture to it. On the tender and flavourful side thanks to the sesame-oil base, it makes for an incredible accompaniment to the rice. With 25 years under its belt, Katong Mei Wei will definitely leave you more than satisfied.
865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-85/87, Singapore 437844
+65 9789 6073
Tues & Thu to Fri: 10.45am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 7pm
Closed on Mon & Wed
3. Etna Italian Restaurant
For something a little fancier for weekday dinners, Etna Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, complete with a Silician flair. With ingredients imported from Italy, this ristorante focuses on providing top-notch Italian fare.
The kitchen is helmed by Italian Executive Chef Anna Borrasi, whose fame partly stems from her founding of the renowned iO Italian Osteria. That bundle of experience shines through in the food here, too.
Truffle lovers will adore the Ciriole alla Norcina (S$28) with its housemade pasta laced with truffle paste and a load of mushrooms. However, many good things have been said about Etna’s pizzas, and their signature Etna Pizza (S$26) in particular.
For dessert, their Tiramisù al Pistacchio di Bronte (S$14) known for its unique twist on the classic Italian treat is the must-try. Made with authentic pistachio paste from Sicily, Italy, that nutty flavour blends perfectly with the mascarpone. Truly the best way to end off a meal!
110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298
+65 6444 9530
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
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4. Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe
Just opposite i12 Katong, Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe (formerly known as Ninethirty) is well-loved by all. It is famous for its wide selection of brunch and dinner items as well as their famous chocolate desserts. As their flagship store, this hardcore chocolate joint makes for an awfully great place for a catchup with friends!
Of course, the wow factor has to be this outlet’s live chocolate taps, with 3 different chocolate types available — 45% Dark Milk, 60% Dark Chocolate and 70% Dark Chocolate. Used in their hot drinks like Hot Chocolate (S$8) and Chocolate Espresso (S$8), the richness of the fresh cocoa is truly unbeatable!
On the other hand, this flagship store is also crowded during dinner time thanks to their affordable 2-course Dinner Set (S$25+). Among their 6 appetisers, the Braised Angus Mille-feuille really blew me away, with the wonderful contrasting flavour profiles. Besides acidity from the bits of garlic tomato and savoury beef brisket, there’s even cacao gravy to stay true to their chocolate origins.
131 East Coast Road, Singapore 428816
+65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 8am – 10pm
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5. Katong Yong Tau Foo
Another yong tau foo stall that is sure to leave you entirely satisfied is Katong Yong Tau Foo nestled in Katong Shopping Centre (which is also home to many of my faces like the previously mentioned Katong Mei Wei as well as Dona Manis Cake Shop).
They are widely known for their one-of-a-kind Laksa Yong Tau Foo (S$6.40 for 7 items) for all the good reasons. I could really taste the fragrant coconut milk and the nutty aftertaste from the laksa leaves, which are a fantastic combination of milky and spicy. Costing just an additional S$0.80, the broth is not to be missed during your visit!
There are other unique ingredients like handmade dumplings, boiled yam cubes, beancurd skin stuffed with handmade fish paste and carrot cubes, and more.
865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-85/87, Singapore 437844
Fri to Wed: 9.30am – 7.30pm
Closed on Thu
6. Beach Road Prawn Noodle House
How can we leave out the famous Beach Road Prawn Noodle House? Folks who recognise this place will remember it as “The Prawn Mee Place” opposite Caltex that is forever swarming with eager customers.
Using a recipe that’s nearly a century old, this prawn mee joint has established its presence as one of the forerunners of this Singaporean classic. Even I have to say that the queue is so worth it, since that sweet and full-bodied prawn broth is simply unforgettable.
Here, we have the Jumbo Prawn Mee (S$13.50) which comes with large meaty tiger prawns that have been conveniently halved and deveined.
With that flavourful, robust and thick broth, you’ll be licking the bowl clean. The soup is a lot sweeter than what you find elsewhere but still equally slurpable. Plus, the ngoh hiang next door is worth a visit as well.
370/372 East Coast Road, Singapore 428981
+65 6345 7196
Wed to Mon: 7am – 4pm
Closed on Tue
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7. Baker’s Well
Tracing its humble beginnings back to 2004, Baker’s Well started as a labour of love that produced homemade goods from their ovens for everyone to enjoy. Now, the owner’s niece and partner have pulled together their design and technical skills to rebrand and refurbish Baker’s Well.
What we see today is a beautiful shopfront with an artistic concept that encompasses the interior of the bakery cafe. Baker’s Well serves an array of delicious artisan bakes ranging from bread, cookies and muffins to pastries and cakes.
We tried the Almond Croissant (S$5) during my visit to the bakery cafe. It’s a lot less flaky than your usual croissant and with a thicker, starchier consistency that has a texture similar to the bread. Fragrant with the scent of almonds, each bite was sweet and delicate.
All I needed was a steaming cappuccino and we could call it a day.
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35 East Coast Road, Singapore 428754
+65 6348 6864
Daily: 8am – 9pm
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8. Al Forno
I have been frequenting Al Forno for as long as I can remember (since I was a little kid), and it never fails to impress each time. As one of the best Italian restaurants around, Al Forno is not a place you should miss out on, especially since you’re able to witness the whole pizza-making process there.
From kneading the dough to shoving the pizzas into the pizza oven, all the kitchen action makes for an experience to remember. Their method imparts a unique smoky flavour to their pizzas, and it is no wonder that their pizzas are a notch above the rest.
My all-time favourites include the Pizza Primavera (S$27), topped off with wild rocket and parma ham, and Spaghetti Al Nero Di Seppia (Squid Ink Pasta) (S$26). Even just a simple Pizza Margherita (S$23) will do wonders for your tastebuds.
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400 East Coast Road, Singapore 428996
+65 6348 8781
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2pm & 6pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm & 5.30pm – 10pm
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9. Zaffron Kitchen
A place for authentic North and South Indian cuisine, Zaffron Kitchen‘s fare is a testament to delicious Indian food. Having won many accolades, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand 5 times, this Indian restaurant is the place to go if you’re craving good old-fashioned favourites from the tandoor and zesty curries.
Many praise the Dahi Puri (S$8.50), which is a popular snack that originated from Mumbai, India. Stuffed with an assortment of chutneys and finished with a light topping of muruku, this filled puri shell makes for quite the flavour bomb!
Of course, the classic here is the Butter Chicken Curry (S$19.90). It is lighter compared to the other curries, thanks to its tomato, cashew nuts and butter gravy base. Along with charred chicken, this curry tastes divine with some naan. If you are feeling extra indulgent, get the Cheese Naan (S$8.30) for some of that cheese pull.
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137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428820
+65 6440 6786
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 9.30pm
Fri: 11.30am – 3pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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10. Baba Chews
With all the vibrant shophouses and Peranakan-tiled floors that the Katong/Joo Chiat area is known for, it would be remiss to not include iconic Baba Chews on this list.
As a modern Peranakan restaurant that aims to fuse their local dishes with well-known Western favourites, this eatery stands out from the traditional ones. With unique dishes like Otah You Tiao (S$16) and Char Siew Donburi (S$21), their menu is a series of interesting discoveries.
One such dish is the Chicken Lasagne (S$22). It’s a beautiful mess on a plate, and cut into it to reveal multiple layers of pasta sheets and minced chicken. The combination of aromatic rendang and savoury cheese works well, and the cheese helps to mellow the heat from the rendang.
Those who love a good mix of fusion dishes are sure to adore what Baba Chews has to offer. Even their Chendol (S$12) has a modern flair that you can look forward to!
86 East Coast Road, Katong Square, Singapore 428788
+65 6723 2025
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30pm
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11. Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen
A little down the road from Baba Chew lies Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen. A more traditional establishment, this is for those who tend to be more of a purist when it comes to Peranakan cuisine.
Situated amongst a stretch of Peranakan shophouses along Joo Chiat Road, Old Bibik’s is helmed by Mr Adrian who is Peranakan himself. Many of the recipes used in the restaurant were passed down from Mr Adrian’s late grandmother.
While Mr Adrian has faithfully followed his grandmother’s recipes, he has also added some twists to keep up with the times.
One such dish is their Buah Keluak Tofu (S$16), consisting of fried pieces of tofu with a creamy and smooth buah keluak sauce. A play on textures and deep complex flavours, this was a refreshing change to the usual ayam buah keluak.
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328 Joo Chiat Road, #01-02, Singapore 427585
+65 8450 7996
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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12. Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tart
When I saw the striking yellow signboard proclaiming that the stall offers ‘Original Portuguese Egg Tarts’, I knew I had to get myself a piece at Madeleine’s Original Portuguese Egg Tart. The fact that this egg tart business has been doing so well since it was founded in 1998 is a testament to how good their products are.
With their charred golden tops, these Portuguese Egg Tarts (S$2.50 for 1, S$15.30 for 6) look especially tempting to the walking passerby. These flaky round delights are not just pleasing to the eyes but the taste buds as well.
The delightful caramelised flavour pairs well with the tart’s warm and smooth custard filling, blending into a sweetness that sweet-tooth me wholeheartedly appreciates. Its flaky outer pastry is also one-of-a-kind, being this extra crispy shell that contrasted great with the soft custard. Before I even knew it, I was already reaching for my next one.
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198 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 436997
+65 6247 9363
Daily: 8am – 5pm
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13. Dona Manis Cake Shop
This was my mom’s secret place to get killer local treats like their famous Banana Pie and other old-school goodies. Don’t be fooled by the dingy exterior of Dona Manis Cake Shop because their items sell out like, well, hotcakes.
Having been around for over 30 years, this traditional cake shop has now garnered quite the reputation, thanks to the many stellar reviews it has received. Nowadays, you are extremely lucky to even get a slice after mid afternoon.
This delicate slice of Banana Pie (S$3.30 per slice, S$33 for a whole pie) is skillfully layered and packed with caramelised banana slices, then sprinkled with chopped nuts. It is on the less sweet side to cater to the older crowd. Personally, I am extra biased towards the crust’s light buttery taste.
Dona Manis Cake Shop also has other goodies like Butter Cakes in Plain (S$7), Chocolate (S$8) and Walnut (S$9). Be sure not to miss out on another one of their fan favourites, Chocolate Tarts (S$6 for a box of five).
865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-93, Singapore 437844
+65 6440 7688
Mon to Sat: 9am – 4.30pm
Closed on Sun
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14. Ponggol Nasi Lemak
No stranger to long, snaking queues, Ponggol Nasi Lemak has a reputation that speaks for itself. Known for their amazing juicy and crispy fried chicken as well as other nasi padang dishes, Ponggol Nasi Lemak is not a place you visit just once. They already have 3 specialty stores and the Tanjong Katong one is the most popular.
With their tried and tested recipe for nasi lemak, it’s no wonder that Ponggol Nasi Lemak is a favourite haunt for Easties. Their coconut rice will definitely appeal to the coconut lovers as it is extra fragrant. Particular about personalising your nasi lemak? No sweat, as this joint has over 20 side dishes to choose from!
However, Ponggol Nasi Lemak is especially famous for their delightfully crispy Chicken Wings (S$2 for 1). Who can deny that satisfying crunch of chicken skin? A word of advice would be to dip it into the sambal for some added kick.
238 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437026
+65 6287 0020
Fri to Wed: 4.30pm – 11.30pm
Closed on Thu
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15. Micro Bakery (The Red House)
Just like their Botanic Gardens outlet, Micro Bakery (The Red House) focuses on high-quality, naturally leavened homemade sourdough. Having moved into historical landmark The Red House, this bakery makes for a great place to have a tasty brunch and take a trip down memory lane, thanks to the building’s rich history.
What better way to enjoy sourdough than to get an Avocado Toast or, in this case, the Green Goddess Avocado Tartine (S$19)? With a hefty amount of smooth avocado paired with a topping of pistachio dukkah, the soft sourdough led my mouth to complete euphoria. Any bread connoisseur can tell that this sourdough is legit, with its perfect balance of acidity.
Besides their beautiful smorgasbord of sourdough loaves, brownies and muffins, their brunch menu is pretty much the same with the likes of the well-loved Grilled 4 Cheese Sandwich (S$16) gracing the menu.
63 East Coast Road, The Red House, #01-06, Singapore 428776
+65 8879 4890
Wed to Fri: 8.30am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 5pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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16. Bei-Ing Wanton Noodles (美樱云吞面)
Bei-Ing Wanton Noodles (美樱云吞面) is a good bet for any day you are in the East. Having been in operation since 1984, this wanton noodle shop promises good ol’ wanton noodles but with a modern twist.
You’ll notice right off the bat that Bei-ing serves Malaysia-style wanton mee, which comes with egg noodles in black sauce to give it a rich umami flavour. Their Char Siew Wanton Noodle (S$7/S$8) comes with thick slices of glistening barbecued pork alongside fried and steamed wantons.
The noodles are perfectly springy, coming apart easily with the gentlest bite. Despite their thickness, they are still able to soak up the sweet and savoury black sauce and its flavours. We love the char on the char siew which gives them an irresistible smoky flavour.
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50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, #01-64, Singapore 428769
+65 6440 9511
Daily: 11.30am – 4.30pm
396 East Coast Road, The Bullion Hawker Bar, Singapore 428994
+65 9046 7176
Sun to Wed & Fri: 11am – 7.30pm
Sat: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Closed on Thu
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17. Dragoncity Claypot Frog Porridge
Who doesn’t like a good frog leg porridge for supper? Dragoncity Claypot Frog Porridge in Joo Chiat is open till the wee hours of the morning, so if you’re feeling peckish after a late-night movie, you’ll know where to go. It’s known to be crowded after 6pm, so book ahead to not be disappointed.
Their longtime favourite of Dried Chilli Frog (S$14/S$20/S$26/S$33/S$38) continues to capture customers’ hearts, but this frog porridge joint is well-known for their other frog dishes, too. Another must-order would be the Frog Porridge (S$9/S$17/S$23) which is a lighter, less spicy version.
Mala fans will be elated to know that there are several options — Mala Sotong (S$18/S$26) and Mala Pork (S$16/S$22/S$28), both perfect for curbing cravings.
180 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427451
+65 9446 4666
Daily: 4pm – 2am
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18. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice
As the name suggests, this chicken rice specialist is top-notch and worth every star bestowed upon it. Five Star Kampung Chicken Rice is no stranger to long queues and attracts a huge crowd come dinner time. While there are now a couple of outlets around Singapore, folks still believe that this flagship outlet in Katong is the best.
With each portion of White Chicken Rice selling at S$9.84, it is undeniable that the price is on the higher side. However, it is oh so worth it, thanks to its high quality.
The chicken is nice and lean while the rice is fragrant without being overly greasy. It’s always contentious to dub any place as having the best chicken rice, so the jury is still out on that one. I guess you’ll have to head down to check it out yourself.
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191 East Coast Road, Singapore 428897
+65 6344 5911
Daily: 10am – 2am
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19. 326 Katong Laksa
Often raved about by laksa lovers all over Singapore, this particular 328 Katong Laksa stall is believed to be the original Katong Laksa. Still, if you are a real Katong-nite you’ll know that’s not entirely true.
This may also be known to many for being the laksa joint that beat famous chef Gordon Ramsay at the Singtel Hawker Heroes Challenge in 2013. Clearly, many Singaporeans’ curiosity was piqued after that exciting battle.
With a light and flavourful broth, each bowl of Laksa (S$7/S$9) does have an extremely well-balanced flavour profile. The broth easily hits savoury and salty notes to perfection with the inclusion of dried shrimp.
Some do say that this joint is a little over-commercialised but 328 Katong Laksa still serves up bowl after bowl of scrumptious laksa that’s well-loved by many.
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51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770
Daily: 9.30am – 9.30pm
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20. Jangguat Laksa, Roxy Square
A stone’s throw from 328 Katong Laksa is the highly underrated Janggut Laksa. With a history as rich as their laksa broth, it’s hard to resist a bowl. This store is said to be one of the first to sell this Singaporean classic, but that’s a huge claim that has sparked quite the debate on which is the OG stall.
The Janggut Laksa (S$5.50/S$6.50/S$7.50) is certainly different from other laksas that I’ve tried. The most significant difference is the gravy; instead of the usual thick gravy, the one served here is more of a soup, which is light and very easy to drink.
This broth has plenty for you to appreciate, thanks to the strong coconut flavour and rich umami. Spice-shy diners will be able to take this bowl of goodness without breaking a sweat, too. Similar to the 328 Katong Laksa version, the noodles here are cut short for easier slurping, which earns a brownie point from me!
50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
+65 9622 1045
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 4.30pm
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21. Brotzeit German Beer Bar & Restaurant
A homegrown brand conceived in 2006, Brotzeit German Beer Bar & Restaurant aims to introduce Singaporeans to authentic German cuisine and world-famous German beer in a chic and contemporary setting. Perfect for a catch-up with friends or family, this place provides a great combination of booze and grub.
Brotzeit currently operates 4 outlets across Singapore. One of them is housed in a row of conservation shophouses in the heart of Katong.
If you come as a big group, their platters are perfect for sharing. For a group of 4 to 6 people, the Signature Brotzeitplatte (S$138) contains classic German dishes like honey-glazed pork ribs and pork schnitzels as well as their premium sausage selection.
For smaller groups, dishes like their pork-cheese sausage Käsekrainer (S$18) or the pork knuckle burger Schweinshaxn Burger (S$21) are perfect. Some of the dishes even come with beer pairing recommendations; it would be a shame to miss out on them during your visit!
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126 East Coast Road, Singapore 428811
+65 6348 7050
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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22. The Humble Scoop
After making your rounds through the Katong/East Coast estate and stuffing your face silly, you’ll need some sweet treats to round out your time. The Humble Scoop in Katong Shopping Centre is another gem you can’t miss.
It was started by Yvonne, who previously worked as an air stewardess with Singapore Airlines. Yvonne decided to pursue her dream of opening an ice cream store right after leaving the high life.
Their Basic Flavours go at S$5 for one scoop and S$9 for two scoops. Premium Flavours are priced at S$6 for one scoop and S$10 for two scoops.
Besides an assortment of sorbets, The Humble Scoop also has unique flavours that are sure to suit the local palate. Cereal Killer is a flavour that’ll remind you of weekend mornings eating cereal and watching cartoons. It’s made with caramelised cereal infused into the milk overnight and comes with cereal bits atop the scoop.
Make sure to check the store’s Instagram feed for their flavours of the day since they are always rotating them.
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865 Mountbatten Road, Katong Shopping Centre, #B1-92, Singapore 437844
+65 8803 5981
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 8.30pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Mon
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23. Birds Of Paradise Gelato Boutique
You’ll smell Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique before you see it. The heady inviting aroma of their thyme-flavoured cone wafts through the air and has proved to draw in crowds from far and wide. Plus, there’s a pretty wall for all obligatory Instagram shots of your cone of the day.
Get a Single Scoop at S$5.50 and a Double at S$9 in more guilt-free ways than one – their cups are made from sugarcane pulp which is good news for the environment! The scoops in cones go at S$6.80 for Single and S$10.30 for Double.
Popular flavours include Strawberry Basil, Pandan and White Chrysanthemum.
The Strawberry Basil was delightfully light and not as sweet as I thought it would be while Pandan would satisfy anyone craving something full-bodied and local. My favourite, though, has to be White Chrysanthemum. I haven’t even mentioned Mango Sorbet, Pistachio, Basil and Lychee Raspberry which are just some of the crowd pleasers here.
63 East Coast Road, The Red House, #01-05, Singapore 428776
+65 9678 6092
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
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24. An Acai Affair
Although the acai craze has died down, many folks (including me) deem it a to-die-for snack. In a hipster neighbourhood such as Katong, An Acai Affair fits right in with the cluster of yoga and barre studios nearby.
Founded by SMU Business students Anna Ng and Isabel Lee, the franchise now has a whopping 15 branches, earning them the title of Singapore’s largest acai speciality cafe. With their pride in serving acai that’s completely organic and free of preservatives, it’s no wonder that this brand is so beloved on our sunny island.
With options like Mango Tango (S$7.30/S$10.50/S$15.90), these healthy bowls are set to give your body a treat, as well as sweeten up those Instagram feeds. Locked in with an array of fresh fruits, mango sorbet and a dollop of superfood acai, it’s the perfect bowl of goodness for any occasion.
There is even a Make Your Own Bowl (S$7.30/S$10.50/S$15.90) where you are free to customise to your heart’s content. This is definitely my go-to option every time I’m here to satisfy my fruity cravings.
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101 East Coast Road, Singapore 428796
Mon to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 10pm
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25. Jin Yu Man Tang Dessert Shop 金玉满堂
Tucked away on one side of The Flow @ East Coast, Jin Yu Man Tang 金玉满堂 is the place to find great Cantonese desserts. As much as we love our acai and fancy ice cream, nothing warms the soul quite like a comforting bowl of traditional dessert.
With a solid 95 menu options (yes, really), there are a boatload of different tastes to choose from. Be it a hot or cold dessert, sweet or salty, the possibilities of what to pick are truly mind-boggling.
From Signature Ginger Milk Pudding (S$4.70), Double Layered Milk Pudding + Red Bean (S$4.20) to Peach Gum + Milk + Mango (S$5.90), it’s delicious desserts galore.
We particularly relish the Ginger Milk Pudding, where special milk is poured into a ginger mixture and allowed to solidify. Every spoonful of the quivering pudding was silky-smooth bliss. It had a certain lightness to it, with a pleasant ginger fragrance that gradually built up, leaving me feeling all warm on the inside.
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66 East Coast Road, The Flow @ East Coast, #01-03, Singapore 428778
+65 6214 3380
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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26. Neptune
Billing itself as the place for food, coffee and natural wines, Neptune is one of my faves in the area. To add to that, the cafe is decked out in a calming sage green that is very in-vogue. The soft glowing orb lamps will make your pan for Instagram all the better.
As with any cafe, it’s always a hodge-podge of dishes that caters to the mercurial tastebuds of the Singaporean diner. Even so, there are always a few reliable dishes like the Shrimp Scampi (S$22.70) that comes with ribbons of tagliatelle dressed in garlic butter shrimp sauce with a crispy shallot panko sauce.
Desserts are undoubtedly my favourite part of the meal and Neptune does not disappoint in that regard. Between the Sticky Date Pudding (S$15) and Passionfruit Pie (S$8.10), I would urge you to go for the Sticky Date Pudding.
237 East Coast Road, Singapore 428930
+65 6970 7305
Tue to Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
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27. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery
It was to many people’s delight that Chin Mee Chin Confectionery returned to its OG home in Tanjong Katong in September 2021. Although the confectionery has partnered with Ebb & Flow Group which is famous for other successes such as Tigerlily Patisserie and The Dragon Chamber, rest assured that the classic traditional taste is not lost!
Their Kaya Toast (S$2.40) blew me away completely. We’re talking soft brioche toasted over a charcoal fire, upon which the velvetiest homemade kaya rests along with a perfect square of slightly melted butter. You might call me melodramatic, but if the toast asked me to elope in Las Vegas, I’d gladly accept.
However, there are also modern treats to try! Decadence was the Cheesecake Brownie’s (S$2.60) middle name. It gives you a perfect combination of creamy savoury and sweet flavours that just melt in your mouth. Peanut butter fans will adore the Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart (S$2.20), which comes with a crunchy tart shell along with some rich chocolate and peanut butter filling.
204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903
Tue to Sun: 8am – 4pm
Closed on Mon
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28. Cheeky Bee Hoon
One of the freshest entries on our list, Cheeky Bee Hoon works on quite an intriguing concept. Helmed by Chef Darwin Wong, this bee hoon joint sets expectations high with the entire kitchen crew made up of fine-dining chefs.
Cheeky Bee Hoon’s main dishes are bee hoon (obviously) in 3 different forms — Soup (S$8.80), Dry (S$8.80) and Braised Pork (S$8.80). While they are all priced the same, Chef recommends the Soup and Braised Pork, which involves 2 starkly different flavour profiles that will be worth your while.
Containing an extra heaty kick, the Braised Pork’s bee hoon is one-of-a-kind, best described as vermicelli’s curly twin. Extremely QQ and full of a savoury yet sharp spices, this bowl only lasted us a matter of minutes. Scared of it being jelak? Get the coriander sauce as an excellent refreshing dip and you will not regret it.
37 East Coast Road, Singapore 428755
+65 8644 2108
Daily: 10am – 9pm
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29. Two Men Bagel House
With a solid 31.7K followers on Instagram, it seems that the Two Men Bagel House chain has garnered quite a following. Selling chunky bagels packed full of hearty ingredients, this bagel joint has captured many folks’ hearts (and stomachs). They opened their Katong outlet just recently in Apr 2023.
With a totally Gen-Z motto — Artisanal without the bullshit — Two Men Bagel House truly puts it into practice by involving fancy ingredients like capers and camembert cheese sauce. Talk about bougie!
The definite must-orders here are the Joo Chiat-exclusive bagelwiches. There are a total of 6, including peculiar ones like the Asian-inspired Ponyo of the East (S$19) that contains edamame, gochujang and raw tuna. Sounds like a poke bowl, doesn’t it?
One of the exclusive hot favourites is the Fire Bird (S$18), that comes with a thicc piece of fried chicken, Brussels sprouts, garlic aioli, seaweed vinegar and maple. I think that the classic Personal Best (S$17) and LOX (S$20) bagels never fail.
Order Delivery: Deliveroo
465 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427677
+65 6241 3061
Daily: 9am – 3pm
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30. Wan Mei Dessert
Need an icy dessert to cool off from Singapore’s heat? Wan Mei Dessert has got you covered with their plethora of local shaved ice concoctions. Those who know Chinese may have chuckled at the humorous wordplay of the name, which originated from the phrase 完美 which means ‘perfect’ in English.
Wan Mei’s unique factor is that they give you the option to completely customise your shaved ice with their Shaved Ice Set (S$10.90). From the shaved ice flavour, syrup and toppings, the choice is completely yours!
There were lots of options to choose from, including wacky flavours like Milo Dinosaur and Matcha, and syrups such as Calpis and Gula Melaka. Don’t even get me started on the toppings like Mini Mochi and Pandan Sago, which definitely left me spoilt for choice.
For the folks who prefer more ‘normal’ fare, there are less adventurous options like Orh Nee (S$5.90) and Yuzu Ice Dessert (S$5.90) Less creative, yes, but still equally as delicious.
Order Delivery: Deliveroo
11 East Coast Road, The Odeon Katong, #01-14, Singapore 428722
+65 8884 9248
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Tue
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31. Forma
Up to this day, I have still been unable to get a reservation at upscale trattoria Forma for a bite of their handmade pasta. Helmed by pasta artisan Yumhwa Lee of private diner Ben Fatto, this place prides itself on its old-school pasta preparation methods.
Yes, you heard that right. Making pasta using methods that pre-date modern pasta-crafting technology, each strand or piece of noodle is shaped and crafted by a nimble set of hands.
Another wow factor is that the pasta menu changes every season, showcasing different pasta shapes in a variety of flavour profiles. Their current Spring season presents 8 unique pastas like citrusy Linguine al Limone (S$29) from the Mezzogiorno region; it entertains you with the tang of Amalfi lemons and the freshness of mint.
Another popular example is the Schiaffoni con Sugo di Polpo (S$36) which is adored by many seafood fans, thanks to its inclusion of octopus tentacles and shellfish stock. With each pasta coming with a historical background, who says that we couldn’t eat and learn at the same time?
128 Tembeling Road, Singapore 423638
+65 6513 2286
Tue to Thu: 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm
Closed on Mon
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32. Ambling Turtle
After all that savoury food, one needs a place to grab some peace and quiet. Ambling Turtle is just the place for that. I love to come here for a comforting cup of tea and some light snacks. As a French-Peranakan fusion cafe, they specialise in fusion tarts and dishes that are definitely not your usual Asian fare.
Local palates will gravitate towards fusion dishes like Laksa Mac and Cheese (S$15) and Pulled Beef Rendang Croissant Set (S$14). Who knew buttery laminated dough would go so well with saucy tender beef rendang?
Personally, I insist that you stay for dessert! Their Go Home Waffles (S$14) are almost like a deconstructed chendol, with its fresh coconut gelato, chendol jelly and red beans with gula jawa sauce drizzled all over. Tarts are up for grabs, too, with Ondeh Ondeh (S$8.50) being a superb classic.
Order Delivery: foodpanda
66 East Coast Road, The Flow @ East Coast, #01-01, Singapore 428778
Sun to Thu: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
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