2am:dessertbar
After the recent revamp of this late-night dessert haunt, expect an edgier and boozier space with plenty of boundary-pushing desserts. Chef-owner Janice Wong pushes out more edible art installations like chocolate tables and marshmallow walls and also has a complementary cocktail menu using pastry techniques. For those who want a taste of her desserts but don’t want to wait for a table, there’s also a takeaway bar downstairs with treats like churros and beignets.
The Black Swan
This swanky 1920s space in an equally stunning heritage building in the CBD pushes out hearty European bistro classics like fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, sliders and plates of meatballs and beef tartare. Although it may not be the cheapest supper place around, it’s certainly one of the better ones for finer nosh. If you’ve ever been for dinner, expect supper to be more of the same bistro cuisine with lots of cocktails and jazz music. Open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s hard to find a posher place for a meal and nightcap.
Boon Tong Kee
This popular chicken rice stall has tons of outlets islandwide and for good reason. They make legit white chicken rice on top of other Chinese-style dishes like oyster sauce kai lan and braised tofus. When you’re running low on sleep, stick to the basics by ordering a portion of chicken rice loaded with lots of ginger and chilli sauce. Although the original Balestier outlet is open the latest (they close at 4.30am), the River Valley one (425 River Valley Rd.) may be more convenient and is open until 4am.
Fordham & Grand
This place is a diamond in the rough for any serious foodie. They put out great European dishes and have an extensive wine list to keep the night going, as well as a cocktail bar boasting some of Singapore’s most accomplished bartenders. The blink-and-you-miss-it space on Craig Road is inspired by New York City and has food like striploin and wasabi, mushroom gnocchi and lots of great desserts. They’re also open until 3am so it’s your best bet for pseudo-fine dining in the wee hours.
Kko Kko Nara Korean Fried Chicken
Who can resist the call of Korean fried chicken late at night? Just think of those glazed and juicy morsels that come steaming hot to your table after a night out. Whether you choose the hot & spicy rendition (bool dak) or the sweet & spicy versions, there’s no going wrong. Plus, those who don’t want chicken wings can go for traditional ramyun noodles or bibimbap. They’re open daily until 4am making this a solid CBD bet.
Newton Food Centre (500 Clemenceau Avenue North)
One of Singapore’s most popular hawker centers is also a great option for late-night binge eating. With a dizzying array of stalls serving local food like satay, hokkien mee and sambal stingray, it’s easy to get greedy when all the stall uncles and aunties are waving their delicious-smelling food in your face. Open daily until 2am, make a beeline for the chilli crab, barbecued seafood and satay. If need be, wash it all down with some Tiger beer.
Old House
This old-style-grandma’s-cooking restaurant is known for their delicious Dinosaur prawn noodles. Whether you have it dry or with soup, between the huge prawns, pork bone and springy egg noodles, we simply can’t get enough of the rich broth. They’ve also got a pretty extensive zi char-style seafood menu with offerings like squid, prawns, clams and stingray cooked in a spicy paste, steamed or in one of their signature sauces. Plus, they’re open until 4am, which makes this a perfect foodie nightcap.
Señor Taco
After a heavy night of partying, sometimes all you want is to tuck in to a hearty meal. Luckily, the Mexicans have it all figured out when it comes to post-drink grub with piping-hot marinated meat tacos or a beer-battered fish tacos with chipotle-mayo sauce. As they typically close at 2am, should you want to continue drinking, they’ve got a Corona-rita, which is a mix of their popular exports – the margarita and Corona beer.
Spize
If you don’t know about Spize, there must be something missing in your night owl routines. Touted as the go to place for prata and mee goreng, all cuisines from Indian to Mediterranean to Western are pretty much covered. Don’t stray too far from their street food forte and opt for pratas, curries and mees. Not only is the place affordable, it’s also open until 6am (or 7am on Fridays and Saturdays). Just beware of drunken clubbers straying over from Zouk.
Swee Choon Dim Sum
Carrying both Hong Kong- and Shanghai-style dim sum, there’s an extensive menu of steamed favorites at this late-night jaunt. Open until 6am daily, except on Tuesdays, sink your teeth into classic dishes like siew mai, har kow and the famous Swee Choon big pau. On the Shanghainese front, they’ve got plenty of dumplings like chive pork dumplings and xiao long paus. If you fancy something heavier, there are also la mian and rice options.
Can’t get enough late night eat recommendations? Check out our story where we speak to Singapore’s bartenders on where they get their after-hours nosh.
