VivoCity is Singapore’s largest mall and with all that space come an equally large number of places to eat. How do you choose from so many fine dining and casual dining options, so many different types of cuisine, and such a wide range of specialty foods? Well, we did it!
Here’s our super-curated organic list of 12 must-try restaurants, cafes and kiosks at VivoCity.
1. Jelebu Dry Laksa (#02-48)
A uniquely 2020s success story, Jelebu Dry Laksa was one of the rare F&B businesses that flourished during the pandemic. From a home-based operation to one of Singapore’s most prestigious malls, Chef Renee Tang’s journey is nothing short of spectacular… and so is her food.
A perennial fan favourite, the charred-to-perfection Dry Laksa with Tiger Prawns (S$18) should be on your list. The Scallop & Otah Pillow (S$18 for 3 pieces) features delicious, pop-in-your-mouth creations of Hokkaido scallops, crunchy nori cracker and Otah mousse. Larb Moo (S$18 for 3 pieces), the popular Thai street food is reinvented here and served on a perilla leaf. It’s combo of Thai pork crackling, pickled cherry and shallots is a dose of delicious chaos!
+65 9721 6560
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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2. Hokkaido-Ya (#02-153)
You can tell from the name Hokkaido-Ya that this fast and casual eatery is the place to get authentic Hokkaido fare but they serve a wide range of Japanese classics as well.
I usually begin with the Salmon Natto (S$6.80) served with fermented beans here. If rolls are your thing, the Rainbow Rolls (S$15.80) gives you 6 meticulously-assembled masterpieces brimming with eel, cucumber & avocado, with yellow-tail, tuna and swordfish.
There is a section of Kagoshima Specialities, a reference to Kagoshima Prefecture renowned for its fine pork and wagyu beef. The Kagoshima Pork Katsu (S$14.80) served with cucumber, tomato and salad greens is simple, healthy and affordable.
+65 6376 9591
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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3. Gram Cafe & Pancakes (#02-110)
There aren’t very many pancake chains bigger than Gram Cafe & Pancakes, and they got there by creating some of the most heavenly, cotton wool-soft pancakes you’ll ever have the privilege of sinking your teeth into!
The Premium Smile Pancake (S$22.90) is their flagship dish and you’ll understand exactly why once you’ve had a taste. The stack of 3 pancakes is accompanied by a dollop of butter and a mini pitcher of syrup, as well as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi and mango.
It’s a bit on the pricey side but if you have the urge to splurge…
+65 8666 6277
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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4. Cafe Q Classified (#B1-02)
You might as well own up: you were more attracted by the beautiful purple decor than the food or uniQue name. Join the club! Cafe Q Classified is a serenely-decorated cafe at VivoCity that stands out from virtually every other store at Vivo City and attracts a ton of diners for just that reason.
Enjoy the all-day breakfast menu that features Asian-Western fusion favourites, Dutch pancakes and Korean croffles. We were recommended the Khong Bah Pheng (S$26). That may seem a bit pricey but the portions of braised pork belly, mushrooms and rice are huge. You also get an onsen egg and a side of miso soup.
Now, bringing your attention to their Cinnamon Bun (S$4.80)— this is a fluffy and light dessert with a generous serving of decadent chocolate sauce and almond flakes. Definitely stop by here if you’re in need of a sugar fix.
+65 6252 2788
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
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5. Eggstop (#B2-K19)
Rather nondescript and almost miss-able because of its location in the centre section sandwiched between similar stalls, Eggstop at VivoCity is definitely not miss-able in terms of its tasty fare.
As you may gather from the name, Eggstop specialises in egg dishes in an all-day breakfast concept. I particularly like the Fried Chicken Sando (S$6.90), which I ordered this time round. Conveniently served in an open box holder perfect for holding the sandwich and its contents together, this is one of the best options if you like to eat as you shop (like me!) The creamy cheese is especially wonderful.
Daily: 11am – 9pm
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6. Burgs By Project Warung (#B2-29)
From a hawker stall to several outlets in malls across the island, Burgs by Project Warung certainly seems to be doing something right. It offers classic Western burgers and fries but with an atas twist— you get a burger for slightly more than the price of a regular fast-food meal.
At the centre of the Burgs Classic Cheese Burger (S$6.90 for a single patty, S$9.90 for a double patty) is a handcrafted beef patty, dressed up with Burgs’s signature sauce, pickled green chilli, shallots, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Huge.
If you have the space, you can upgrade to a fries and soft drink Meal (S$4.90).
+65 9666 6041
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
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7. Black Society (#02-156)
Fancy modern Cantonese to get fuelled up for more shopping? Black Society is the delicious— and picturesque— answer. Dine beneath a veritable forest of hanging plants as you enjoy a creative full meal or indulge in a dose of high tea.
They themselves highly recommend the crispy aromatic duck and suggest that you balance it with lightly-blanched kailan served with wasabi, soy sauce and shaved ice. I’d try it just for curiosity’s sake!
From their dim sum menu, traditionalists should go for the Mala Xiao Long Bao (S$7) while the adventurous may enjoy the Signature Custard Lava Bun (S$7). If you’re in VivoCity for a day of shopping, remember to take a break and indulge in these delicious dishes (for a refuel).
+65 6376 9740
Sun to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat: 11am – 9.45pm
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8. Le Shrimp Ramen (#B2-25)
Japanese ramen broth meets Chinese la mian at Le Shrimp Ramen. Diners will fall into 2 categories here: fans of the tonkotsu broth and fans of the shrimp broth.
The former is rich and creamy from hours upon hours of simmering pork bones, which results in a collagen-rich bowl. The orange-coloured shrimp broth is made for the seafood lover in you and contains fresh sea prawns, pork bones and a range of Chinese spices.
Want a spicy kick? The Le Signature Trio Shrimp Dry Ramen (S$16.90) will likely give you the infusion of heat you crave.
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30 – 10pm
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9. CRYSTAL JADE Jiang Nan (#01-52)
Take a culinary journey southwards from China’s Yangtze River with authentic dishes from the Jiangnan region. This gives you an introduction to 4 of the country’s 8 culinary traditions: Sichuan, Jiangsu, Hunan and Zhejiang.
Remember, when you eat at CRYSTAL JADE Jiang Nan, you are partaking in a brand that has earned itself a Michelin star and several Michelin Bib Gourmand awards across its 100 worldwide outlets.
This is another of the more expensive places to dine when you are at Vivo City. On the other hand, it is well-designed and offers some quiet and comfortable respite from the throngs outside.
My favourites here include: Chilled Sliced Pork with Minced Garlic & Chilli Oil (S$12.80), Pan-fried Shanghai Pork Bun (S$8.80 for 3 pieces), and La Mian with Szechuan Hot & Sour Soup (S$13.80).
+65 6221 1830
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 9.30pm
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10. Ayam Penyet President (#B2-23F)
Well, they get a prize for the name, regardless. Ayam Penyet President is a homegrown chain of restaurants that focuses on Indonesian cuisine. It maintains its authentic taste and character by sourcing ingredients directly from Indonesia. It’s strange to be recommending something that’s not a dish on its own but you MUST try their sambal!
Their most basic dish is the one that I like best: the Smashed Fried Chicken (Ayam Penyet) (S$7.50). It features their signature smashed fried chicken, crispy on the outside but tender on the inside! It comes with with tofu, tempeh, crispy bits, and the sambal.
+65 6266 3886
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
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11. Alijiang (#03-11)
Its camel logo may be the giveaway but Alijiang is inspired by the journeys on the Silk Road that countless unnamed tradesmen plied for centuries. The fare here takes the best of the culinary traditions of its vast path and presents it in a sophisticated, elegant restaurant.
It’s easy to overspend at Alijiang but there are some scrumptious affordable dishes, too. The Braised Chicken in Pita (S$5.30) stand out for its simplicity but amazing flavour. Dining in a pair? The LaMIan Set (S$19.90) gets you 2 bowls of LaMian for an economical price.
+65 6252 4979
Daily: 11am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
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12. Tapas Club (#01-99)
A taste of the continent among the rather narrow cuisine options, Tapas Club is a pleasant introduction to light Spanish fare.
Start with Classic Tapas (S$16) platters, and my recommendations are the Garlic Prawn and Mushroom Croquette. If you’d rather take the health-conscious option, the 7 selections on the Salads & Greens (S$16) menu include Grilled Asparagus with Romesco and Avocado on Toast. Add some rice with Paella (S$34). Here the Pork & Mushroom Paella and Chorizo and Artichoke Paella lead the way.
If you’ve got space for dessert, treat yourself to the Basque Cheesecake (S$11) but traditionalists may prefer the Classic Churros (S$11).
+65 6284 4680
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
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VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
