EAT
Ban Heng Restaurant
The original branch of this legendary Teochew restaurant serves up classics like Cold Crab and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. It recently underwent a renovation but has retained its signature dishes. They also do set menus for large groups.
Boon Keng Food Centre
There are some pretty great options here like the chee cheong fun or carrot cake from Yong Xiang stall. It gets pretty crowded during the weekdays when working-types congregate for lunch, but otherwise it’s a pretty idyllic place to get breakfast during the weekends.
L’Etoile Cafe
Inspired by the indie cafes of Japan, this quaint, off-the-beaten-track hangout features brunch staples like eggs benedict ($5.90) and banana nutella toast ($5.90), all at unbelievably affordable prices. We also like the vintage furniture adorning the space.
The French Stall Bistrot
This quaint, unassuming cross between a restaurant and a kopitiam serves no-frills a la carte and set meals. We’re fans of the grilled beef entrecote with black pepper sauce and tasty stir-fried potato wedges.
Jewel Cafe and Bar
Jewel Cafe and Bar
The second and larger branch of Jewel Coffee puts out drinks like the Portland ($7) ice coffee and white peach s angria ($16). Get the Praise the Lard ($18) burger, topped with bacon jam and apple slices or just a yogurt bowl with fruits and homemade granola ($9).
L.E. Cafe Confectionery and Pastry
You’ll find yummy traditional pastries here, such as pineapple tarts, rum balls and moon pies. The beancurd tarts are by far our favorite—they’re an ambrosial combination of silky beancurd custard and crunchy pie crust.
Liberty Coffee
It’s a wholesale business most days, but around once a month, they open to the public. The coffee is amazing enough to stalk their Facebook page and figure out when they’ll be open next.
Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup Eating House
This popular stall has specialized in Teochew style bak kut teh since 1988. The soup base here is very peppery—just the way we like it. The tender ribs are served with various accompaniments like braised peanuts, fried dough fritters, kidneys and intestines.
Suprette
Suprette
Located in a charming boutique hotel, Suprette does American farelike chicken pot pie ($14) and the Suprette burger (from $19). They also do a mean brunch with ricotta pancakes with honey butter ($14) as well as corned beef hash ($14).
Tian Wai Tian Fishhead Steamboat
Started in the Serangoon neighborhood, this steamboat now has several branches around the island. Don’t miss the har cheong gai, or fried chicken with prawn paste while you’re here. They are fried to perfection.
DO
The 1925 Microbrewery
We’re intrigued by this new restaurant and microbrewery, with its industrial steel vats and its peeling paint job. Check out the family-recipe pilsners and more brews in the coming weeks.
515 Space
Thinking of learning a new skill? This studio space offers classes like ballet, yoga, hip hop, piano and even make-up. You can also rent the studio for your private practice.
City Square Mall
Singapore’s first eco-mall has brands like Charles & Keith (#01-34/35) and Uniqlo (#02-41/49). To eat, there’s Pat’s Oven (#B1-K7), Paddington House of Pancakes (#02-35/36) for halal pancake creations and Makeshake (#02-K2/K11) custom milkshakes.
Climb Asia Climbing Centre
Sign up to learn the movement, safety and belaying basics at this climbing center, with both indoor and outdoor walls and two bouldering rooms. It’s $7 for non-members to do their own thing, and one-hour starter classes range from $35-40. They have other walls at Guillemard Road and Kallang Wave, too.
Farrer Park Swimming Complex
This facility was built in 1957 and was supposedly Singapore’s first 50m lap pool. Admission is $6.40 and the pool is open Tuesday to Sunday noon-2pm.
Farrer Park Tennis Centre
This tennis center is surrounded by greenery and is home to eight courts and two practice walls. It’s also pretty convenient, walking distance from Farrer Park and Little India MRT stations.
Shitoryu Karate Association
This is the place to learn snazzy karate moves. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never hurt a fly or are a seasoned veteran breaking through brick blocks, this place caters to all levels. All the instructors have real Japanese training.
SEE
Central Sikh Gurdwara
Established in 1912, this pink granite and marble structure has become the main place of worship for around 15,000 Sikhs with its 13-meter high dome flecked in white, gold and grey mosaics. In the Sikh community, it is known as the Big Temple.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
One of the city’s oldest religious sites, dating back to 1855, with statues of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi, Andal and Garuda. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1978.
