It’s no secret that COVID-19 has hit us all in different ways; we are all affected by this pandemic. However, our local food businesses have been hit the hardest.
To support Singaporean businesses during this challenging time, we have come up with a list of 20 local businesses that have played a role in shaping our unique food tapestry today. Amidst the uncertainties of the outbreak and #Circuitbreaker, we can still show support to our local businesses, be it through delivery or takeaway! There are many ways to #LoveYourLocalSG, and you can find out how to get involved via LoveYourLocal.sg.
1. Candlenut
Home-grown Candlenut is a Peranakan icon of sorts; this one-Michelin star restaurant has made strides in the Peranakan food scene.
“Candlenut’s Chef-Owner Malcolm Lee has brought about a refined take of the Peranakan classics, modernised and taken to another level.”
“I like Chef Malcolm’s interpretation of this classic Peranakan Wing Bean Salad. Generous with prawns, caramelised crispy fish, refreshing pops of baby red radish, the subtle highlight of lemongrass, and casual mix of chilli flakes, cashew nuts, mint and coriander all mingled with the lime dressing and with the crunchy wing bean.”
With his innovative ‘Ah-ma-kase’, Chef Malcome Lee is one to watch in the local food scene.
Candlenut: Block 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676 | Tel: 1800 304 2288 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm -10pm (Sun to Thu), 12pm -3pm & 6pm – 11pm (Fri, Sat & PH) | Website| Tripadvisor
2. The Masses
Things at The Massesare never the same, and that’s the fun of it. Their menu changes every four months and right now, they are on their seventh iteration.
“The C&C&C&C + Sea Urchin Pasta (S$10.90 as a starter, S$15.90 as main, +S$6 for sea urchin) is an upgrade from their C&C Pasta, which originally only had caviar and crab meat. This decadent dish has now levelled up to include clams and chorizo, with the option of adding on sea urchin for those who want to simply be extra.
What I enjoyed about this was the lobster sauce, which was very close to bisque. The rich and savoury notes of both lobster and sea urchin, as well as caviar, really gave this pasta dish a bold flavour profile, overall.”
The Masses: 85 Beach Road, #01-02 Singapore 189694| Tel: +65 6266 0061 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon, Tue, Thu & Sun), 12pm – 12am (Wed, Fri & Sat) | Facebook | Tripadvisor
3. Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodles
Helmed by a father-daughter team, Ah Hua Teochew Noodles is local hawker food at its finest. These are a step above your average Teochew noodles and with handmade fishballs to boot.
“With crackly bits of fried lard, slippery noodles and piquant heat from the chillies, this was an exceptionally tantalising spoonful. There were even salty bits of dong cai (preserved cabbage) scattered throughout the noodles that made every morsel all the more scrumptious.”
“A play on textures and flavours, this was different and indeed unlike any Teochew fishball noodles I’ve tried before.”
Ah Hua Teochew Fishball Noodles: 415 Pandan Gardens, #01-117, Singapore 600415 | Tel:+65 8815 0716 | Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 3 pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun | Facebook | Instagram | Tripadvisor
4. Coffee Break
Coffee Break is your third-generation hawker that specialises in making old-school local drinks as well as more creative drinks such as the Pistachio Latte (S$4). Aside from the usual toasts, expect more modern flavours such as the Rum & Raisin Toast (S$3.50).
“They do not follow market trends but focus on setting trends with their flavours through trial and error. Some rather interesting flavours you’ll find are the Macadamia, Caramel Rum, Sea Salt Mintand many more.
Do not be fooled at how simple their drinks sound. They use quality ingredients to produce the drinks, like theirSea Salt Caramel Drink (from S$4) for instance. Using sea salt, paired with caramel syrup, the latte is made up of 75% Arabica beans and 25% local Nanyang beans, assuring you a drink that is not lacking in quality.”
Coffee Break: 7 Maxwell Road, Amoy Street Food Centre, #02-78, Singapore 069111 | Tel: +65 6264 5114 | Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon to Fri), Closed on Sat & Sun | Facebook| Tripadvisor
5. Wow Wow West
If you remember the love story that involved a Western food stall, Wow Wow West is the one you’re looking for. The couple is the that runs the stall made headlines with how they met, but their winning Western dishes should have been the ones that drew the crowds.
A taste of their Western dishes and you might find yourself in a little bit of a love affair.
“The price range of the food here at Wow Wow West is undeniably affordable. Although they have a comparably small kitchen, their ability to dish out scrumptious food with such quality is impressive.
I can definitely see myself returning to Wow Wow West again, especially for their deliciousFish & Chips. It’s simply a bonus that they’re so generous with their portions.”
Wow Wow West: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-133, ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, Singapore 150006 | Opening hours: 10.30am – 2.30pm & 4.30pm – 8.30pm (Tue to Sat), Closed on Mon & Sun | Facebook| Tripadvisor
6. Old Amoy Chendol
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With the sweltering heat, nothing would soothe like an icy bowl of chendol.With special attention paid to each element of the dish,Old Amoy Chendolwill put all otherchendolstalls to shame.
“Today, the stall is run by his grandson, Youning. A millennial determined to serve quality Chendol at an affordable price. He also shared that he decided to revive the business after returning overseas and was craving for that refreshing bowl chendol but couldn’t find one that was up to par.”
The coconut cream was light and fragrant, which complemented the smoky and syrupy gula melaka. Youning tells me that he tries to keep everything natural and homemade so that each bowl that goes out is top-notch.”
Old. Amoy Chendol: 335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, #02-008, Singapore 050335 | Tel: +65 8748 7590 | Opening Hours: 10.30am – 9pm (Daily) | Facebook | Instagram| Tripadvisor
7. Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry
Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastryharkens back to the good old days with old-school local desserts that are sure to get you all nostalgic for simpler times.
” [A] humble family-run bakery that has been in business since the 1970s. Currently helmed by their fourth-generation owners, the shop sells not only nonya kuehs, but also a wide variety of old-school pastries, cakes, and cookies that are all freshly made in-store.”
“Their kueh dadarstood out with its unique coconut filling what was snow-white in colour. Instead of flavouring the grated coconut withgula melakaor palm sugar, rock sugar was used to retain its original colour and provide a subtle sweetness that complemented the pandan’s fragrance of the softcrepe it was encased in.”
Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry: Tiong Bahru Road, Block 55, #01-39, Singapore 160055 | Tel:+65 6324 1686 | Opening Hours: 10 am – 8.30 pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon| Facebook| Tripadvisor
8. Shashlik Restaurant
Shashlik Restaurantis a special one. With a long and fascinating history as one of Singapore’s oldest and Russian-Hainanese restaurant, it’s a living piece of history in every bite.
“For the archetypal Hainanese dish, the Hainanese Pork Chop (S$16.80 with the lunch set)is a good bet. A thing to look out for in any Hainanese pork chop is that crust. Instead of normal breading, pounded up crackers are used instead, which gave it that unique toasty flavour.”
“While I will always be an advocate of our Singaporean hawker culture, something has to be said about preserving our home-grown restaurants, especially ones with such an important history.”
Shashlik Restaurant: 545 Orchard Road, Far East Shopping Centre, #06-19, Singapore 238882 | Tel: +65 6732 6401 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 2.15pm & 6pm – 9.15pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon | Facebook| Website | Tripadvisor
9. Butternut
Pizza doesn’t have to expensive to be good.Butternutis where you can find delicious thin crust pizza that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
“If you’ve never had butternut before, it’s sweet and nutty—like a milder version of butterscotch, if you will. That, together with the well-marinated chicken and the crisp thin crust pizza, is a recipe for a lovely meal. I wouldn’t want to share this!
ButterNut is a homely Western fusion stall that does pretty great thin crust pizza. If I happen to be in the area next time, I wouldn’t mind popping by for another taste of that ButterNut Chicken Pizza. I’d recommend bringing a friend or two along so that you can try more of the pizzas.”
Butternut: 3 Yung Sheng Road, Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre, #02-108, Singapore 618499 | Tel: +65 8200 0610 | Opening Hours :11am – 2pm (Wed to Sun), 6pm – 9pm (Wed, Thu & Sun), 6pm – 11pm (Fri & Sat) | Facebook | Website| Tripadvisor
10. White House Teochew Porridge 白家潮州糜
You’d think that porridge is the last thing you’ll want in our weather, but White House Teochew Porridge will prove otherwise. With a focus on fresh ingredients and an excellent hand behind the wok, you wouldn’t want for anything else.
“Just like the many patrons of White House Teochew Porridge, I would gladly have a serving of Teochew porridge amidst the afternoon heat, even more so if it’s pouring. The skill and heart that goes into preparing each dish at White House Teochew Porridge is evident from each spoonful. I just couldn’t get enough.
Clearly, Teochew porridge or any kind is more than just ‘sick people food’. It’s comforting, homely and would leave you rubbing your tummy, utterly content with the meal. If you’re still not convinced, I urge you to visit White House Teochew Porridge and see for yourself. “
White House Teochew Porridge: 1096 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328193 | Tel:+65 8815 0716 | Opening Hours: 10.30 am – 10.30 pm (Fri to Wed), Closed on Thu | Facebook| Tripadvisor
For all you visual creatures out there, we have also included 10 videos features of our local F&B scene for you to #LoveYourLocalSG.
1. Soulfood Catering
Soulfood Catering is your traditional Nasi Lemak with an Australian Barbeque twist. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Soulfood Catering: 13 Pahang Street, Singapore 198614 | Tel:+65 8767 8299 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon to Sat) Closed on Sun | Facebook |Tripadvisor
2. Mama’s Boy Bakes
Think Butter Chicken Mac & Cheese, and even kimchiwith this hearty classic. Yup, Mac & Cheese from Mama’s Boy Bakes will never taste the same again! You can read our article here to see our review of these new-fangled items.
Mama’s Boy Bakes: 7 Maxwell Road, Amoy Street Food Centre, #02-87, Singapore 069111 | Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm (Mon to Fri), Closed on Sat & Sun | Facebook| Instagram|Tripadvisor
3. Wild Olives
A husband and wife team helm Wild Olivesand serve restaurant-quality Western food. You just can’t say no to this!
Wild Olives: 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-19, Singapore 519641 |Tel: +65 9684 0689 | Opening Hours:12pm – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9pm (Wed & Thu), 12pm – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.30pm (Fri to Sun), Closed on Tue | Facebook | Tripadvisor
4.
With ever-comforting English Classics such as Banger And Mash (S$8) and Bacon & Chip Butty (S$4), you’ll think you’re in the U.K. when you chow down on food from this father-and-son duo.
Lad & Dad: 1 Kadayanallur Street, Maxwell Food Centre, Stall 79, Singapore 069184 | Tel: +65 9247 7385 | Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 9.30pm (Mon to Sat) | Facebook | Tripadvisor
5. Fu Zhou Poh Hwa Oyster Cake
https://www.facebook.com/sethluimarketing/videos/412178269614612/?q=SethLui.com%20oyster&epa=SEARCH_BOX
A traditional and rare traditional snack, these U.F.O. shaped, deep-fried discs are filled with plump oysters, peanuts and minced meat. Fu Zhou Poh Hwa Oyster Cakes are inexpensive and oh-so-satisfying, if you’ve never tried this, you’re missing out!
Fu Zhou Poh Hwa Oyster Cakes: 166 Jalan Besar, #02-34, Singapore 208877 | Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (Daily) | Facebook| Tripadvisor
6. Soon Soon Huat Curry Puffs
Crispy, flaky and a winning filling, Soon Soon Huat Curry Puffs is one of the best on the island. Practically an institution, this third-generation curry puff stall is worth every crunch in the gym. Read more about Soon Soon Huat Curry Puffs here.
Soon Soon Huat Curry Puffs: 220 East Coast Road, Singapore 428917 | Tel: +65 6841 5618| Opening Hours: 7.30am – 5pm, (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon | Facebook | Tripadvisor
7. Hajah Maimunah
Hajah Maimunah serves authentickampung-style Malay cuisine that is sure to hit the spot.
Hajah Maimunah: 20 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427357 | Tel: +65 6348 5457 | Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon | Website |Tripadvisor
8. Poh Cheu Kitchen
Perfectly round and with a variety of flavours, Poh Cheu Kitchenis a third-generation kitchen that specialises in the classic ang ku kueh. A true haven for ardent fans ofang ku kueh and even those that are kind of on the fence about it, Poh Cheu Kitchen’s myriad flavours might turn you into a convert.
Poh Cheu Kitchen: Block 127, Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-222, Singapore 150127 | Tel:+65 6276 2287 | Opening Hours: 11am – 4.30pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Tripadvisor
9. First Street Teochew Fish Soup
https://www.facebook.com/sethluimarketing/videos/140625720724381/
First Street Teochew Fish Soup perhaps needs no introduction—with hefty bantang fish slices and a moreish soup. This is a real hug in a soup form and maybe the kind of local food we all need a little of right now.
First Street Teochew Fish Soup: 1014 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534752 | Opening Hours: 8am – 3pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon| Facebook | Tripadvisor
10. King of Fried Rice
King of Fried Rice is giving all the chain restaurants a run for their money. Priced affordably and full of thatwok hei, King of Fried Rice offers comfort food like no other.
King of Fried Rice:6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower, #B1-56, Singapore 199589 | Tel: +65 9159 4902 | Opening Hours: 11.30am – 8.30pm (Mon to Fri) 12pm – 8.30pm (Sat), Closed on Sun | Facebook | Tripadvisor
This list is certainly not exhaustive, and there are many local hawkers and restaurants with a fantastic array of food that need our support. If you can, definitely try to order from your neighbourhood restaurants and hawkers, while keeping safe, of course!
We have always been a nation offoodiesand this no better time than to champion our local F&B businesses with #LoveYourLocalSG.
*This post is brought to you in partnership with Tripadvisor.
