New Bites: May 2015 | OpenRice Singapore

This month, we explore new restaurant openings from Taiwanese celebrity dessert café brought over by a 21-year-old, to Singapore's first authentic Portugese restaurant found near Duxton.

1. Snowman Desserts

Sharing the same space as newly opened Ssiksin Chicken at Ministry of Food at NEX, Snowman Desserts is strategically located for people who want a refreshing or sweet end to their meal after having some Korean fried Chicken. Try this – Melon Bingsu ($12.50), melon balls and soft serve ice cream crown a bed of fine milk ice and served in a halved and carved-out melon. This is a perfect treat for all Singaporeans as a respite from our relentlessly humid weather. Snowman Desserts, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central #02-04/06, Singapore 556083 (Image: Snowman Dessert’s Facebook page)

2. Crown Bakery & Café

Bread fans will fall in love with Crown Bakery’s café impressive list of 45 different breads, viennoiseries and snacks. Inspired by French bistros and Marie Antoinette, brand manager Tracy Chua decided to model the café after classic French café interiors with a golden royal touch. Signatures – The Crown Bread ($12.80) is shaped like a laurel with 4 different flavours, meant for sharing. The Hainanese Chicken Bread ($4.50) is Crown’s take on our local specialty and is best eaten in-house with their chilli sauce. If you prefer softer textures, the Kaori Ciabatta ($4) will be perfect for you. Must try – Crown Breakfast ($29; pictured top left) is a feast for 1-2 pax. This mouth-watering platter includes oxtail that has been braised in stew until so tender that it falls off the bone, light, flaky and buttery puff pastry to complement the runny egg yolk and various other breakfast/brunch favourites such as grilled Canadian bacon and chicken cheese sausage. Crown Bakery & Café, Crown Centre, 557 Bukit Timah Road #01-03, Singapore 269694 (Images: Writer’s own)

3. Oka Sushi – Bar

Another conveniently located restaurant near the Central Business District, Oka Sushi – Bar meets the demand of Japanese food-lovers who crave for a tasty and also affordable lunch sets. Bento, sushi, salads and hand rolls are served here alongside a range of Japanese craft beers and sake. A plate of fresh assorted sashimi will set you back no more than $15 here. The dinner menu also features grilled Kushiyaki items such as chicken and Hotate (scallop) skewers. Oka Sushi – Bar, Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-108, Singapore 081007 (Image: Oka Sushi – Bar’s Facebook Page)

4. Dazzling Café

Popular Taiwanese Café chain, Dazzling Café has been brought over by 21-year old Serene Tan and and it has kept social media abuzz with drool-worthy dessert photos ever since it opened for soft launch early this April. We can vouch for the quality of food here as most of their menu items (especially the sweet desserts) taste as good, if not better, than they look. Try their Strawberry Ice Cream Waffle with mochi ($16.90), one of their signature desserts. The mochi is evenly spread out inside the waffle and crisp on the outside. Dazzling Café, Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Road #01-85, Singapore 178906 (Images: Writer’s own)

5. Brothers Ramen

Previously located at a coffee shop bearing a different name, the Cai brothers return bigger and stronger with their own Ramen restaurant, Brothers Ramen. Now relocated to International Plaza with a new and improved menu, they have also adopted a ‘vending machine’ ordering system that is popular in Japan. Try their classic Brothers Ramen ($12.90), a safe choice but we promise you its good! If you’re feeling ravenous, dive straight into their Supermen ($16.90) that comes with extra slices of Chashu. Brothers Ramen, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road #01-20, Singapore 079903 (Image: Brother’s Ramen Facebook page)

6. Sum Yi Tai

Sum Yi Tai is a relatively new added to the trendy Boon Tat Street, bearing a Cantonese name that directly translates to ‘third wife’. Serving traditional Cantonese fare in the day and Asian tapas with alcoholic drinks at night, Sum Yi Tai caters to the working adult as it is situated not far from the Central Business District. Try the XO Carrot Cake ($12) or the restaurant's specialty assorted roast meats (pictured) as they are the restaurants specialty. If you head down at night, have a go at their range of cocktails and tapas such as the Crispy Fish Skins. Sum Yi Tai truly is the best of both worlds. Sum Yi Tai, 25 Boon Tat St, Singapore 069622 (Image: Sum Yi tai’s Facebook page)

7. Boca

Possibly the most authentic Portugese food we can get in Singapore, Boca’s kitchen is led by Chef Luca and Chef Xico who both hail from Portugal itself. Incorportaing flavours from their homeland, the chefs have used their expertise to dish out a menu of delectable offerings. Try their Coffee steak & Almond Rice (pictured), an interesting twist to the conventional. And be sure to try their very limited egg tarts, which they only make in small batches of 20 to 30 a day due to its complicated making process that requires a significant amount of time to ace. Boca, 6 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089820 (Image: Boca’s Facebook page)

8. O’ma Spoon Korean Dessert Café

Starting off with two outlets might be risky business for O’ma Spoon but only time will tell whether this Korean Bingsu joint will be a hot favourite here in Singapore. Offering a range of bingsu (Korean shaved ice) made from milk; you can find O’ma Spoon in both Marina Square and 313 @ Somerset. Try their classic Patbingsu ($11.90), nicely portioned out for two people to share. Mixed Berry and Mango Berry Cheesecake flavours of bingsu are also available on the menu. O’ma Spoon Korean Dessert Café, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road #04 , Singapore 238895 (Image: O’ma Spoon’s Facebook page)

9. Neon Pigeon

A fusion Izakaya restaurant, Neon Pigeon, opened recently along the coined ‘hipster’ food haven, Keong Saik Road. They serve a wide range of small plates or tapas-sized food that is meant for sharing. Some must-try items on the menu include the Slow-cooked Octopus and Miso Black Cod, both served in bigger portions. For small plates, try the Marinated Hamachi that is served with ume somen noodles, shizo and ponzu. Neon Pigeon, 1A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109 (Image: Neon Pigeon’s Facebook page)

10. Haha Thai

One of many new F&B outlets to pop up in Ngee Ann City, Haha Thai moves from Foch Road to the heart of Orchard Road to serve the same unpretentious, albeit conventional, Thai fare. From the standard Phad Thai ($10.80) to Bak Mee ($10.80), their simple thai-fare will steal your heart with its authenticity. Try their gorgeously-plated Mango Sticky Rice with Ice Cream ($11.80, pictured). Sweet mangoes paired up with sticky rice will always be a perfect combination. The cold ice cream is a great pairing to the warm rice and fresh fruit. Haha Thai, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road #05-29, Singapore 238873 (Image: Haha Thai’s Facebook page)

11. Rise & Grind Coffee Co.

Trust us when we say Rise & Grind is not your average hipster coffee house. If you’re a coffee fanatic, their house blend coffee is made from beans from Colombia and Sumatra, a smooth and not overly-acidic choice. They also have a range of other coffees for you to choose from. Try their Ocean's Thirteen ($17, pictured), poached eggs that come with a side of unique beetroot yogurt and yuzu hollandaise sauce. Rise & Grind Coffee Co., Bukit Timah Plaza, 1 Jalan Anak Bukit #L1-CA1, Singapore 588996 (Image: Rise & Grind’s Facebook page) See Also: Find the best restaurants in Singapore Check out the eateries nearby you

Written by Cheryl Chong