All you shisha-lovin’ folks have circled these streets countless times in search of a good spot for a toke. But there’s more to this place than cherryflavored smokes. Aside from the many boutiques in the area, you probably already know about Moroccan eatery Mosi Café, Eqyptian joint Altazzag, and halal Swedish bistro, Fika. We hone in on where else to chow down in between puffs.
Le Bistro Parisien
Just six weeks old, this halal French bistro serves up classics such as traditional French onion soup ($12), baked escargots Bourguignon on a bed of green pea puree ($18) and French cut rack of lamb with rosemary sauce and French beans ($35). They also bake their own goods, including pain au chocolat ($3.50), baguette ($6) and quiche Lorraine ($5.50).
My Fat Lady
Less than a month old at their new digs, this cute little cake shop recently relocated from Bukit Ho Swee. Specializing in homemade cupcakes, pick from a range of flavors including cookies & cream, sticky date and peanut butter. Try the simply delish red velvet cupcake ($3 inclusive of two toppings, such as marshmallows and crushed Oreo cookies). They also do fancy whole cakes for weddings and celebrations ($100 upwards).
The Ice Cream Man
If there’s a never-before-made ice-cream flavor you’re craving, simply give the folks here a call and tell them what it is you want. Two days later, pop by for their concoction of your desire. They’ve created flavors like Red Bull, tom yam and Marmite (all $3.50 a scoop), and for the booze hounds, there’s Kahlua, Tiger Beer and Whisky Coke (all $4.50 a scoop). The stuff here’s free of artificial coloring and flavoring, too. They’ve even got card and board games, like Monopoly Deal, Pictureka! and old school Snakes & Ladders.
Pluck
This is one cool store. Within it resides the Style Emporium that carries cool clothes, fashion accessories and homeware, but it’s the fabulous ice cream parlor that’s got us hooked. Popular flavors with the crowd include avocado with a hint of gula melaka, Kirsch cherry and cheesecake with strawberry chunks and cookie bits (all $3.30/scoop, $11/pint). 31/33 Haji Lane, 6396-4048.
Piedra Negra
You can’t miss this cozy, and crazy colorful joint, opened by the owners of Blu Jaz just a minute away, which has been dishing out Mexican delights since December. Kick things off with a cactus salad ($12.90) and a fruity guacamole rendition, with mangoes and grapes ($9.90), then fill up on tamarind-glazed pork ribs ($17.90) and crisp chicken or beef flautas—deep-fried tortilla flutes ($11.90). Wash it all down with pineapple margaritas or some spicy Sangria (both $13/glass, $55/jug). If you’re in the mood to get jiggy, head up to the second floor, where DJs spin a mix of Latin and house music late into the night.
Bar Stories
This classy and laidback bar serves up impeccably-mixed cocktails using top-shelf booze and fresh ingredients—just the way you want it. Sip on bespoke cocktails ($20-25) such as Rosemary Tales—a rosemary-infused drink with a good glug of vodka, gin and a dash of lemon juice, while you munch on some pizza ($15 upwards). It’s also a furniture store. So if you just so happen to fancy something you’re sitting on, you can also bring it home with you.
