There continues to be no shortage of options in Singapore’s diverse F&B scene. And having celebrated 2020’s most noteworthy restaurant openings, it’s time to try something new this year. To start off 2021 on the right foot, just head to the following new hotspots in town.
8ASH
This new addition to Ebb & Flow Group’s portfolio of restaurants resides along the hip Ann Siang Hill enclave in Chinatown and houses three distinct F&B brands under one roof. That means you’ll get to tuck into both American and Japanese cuisine thanks to Mirai Burgers, Hoshi Hill and the fully vegan Love Handle Burgers. Order across these concepts to indulge in the Yuzu Karaage Burger, Hokkaido scallop chilled somen, as well as vegan “Ramli”, Love Handle’s rendition of the ever-popular pasar malam snack. Fitted out in retro furnishings, 8ASH is a comfortable, diner-style spot for your everyday grub and perhaps even midday drinks.
For The People
Located at 11 Hamilton Road, minimalist cafe For The People easily distinguishes itself from the whole slew of coffee bars in Jalan Besar, including neighbourhood icon Chye Seng Huat Hardware, by being a welcoming space for conversations and eats. But that doesn’t mean the bites are any less than; with generous mains like the Fried Chicken & Waffles as well as Crab Meat Aglio Olio, the cafe menu is given a bistro-like spin, so diners are able to fill up on more than just coffee.
Masaaki
New omakase sushi restaurant Masaaki is one for local gourmands, avidly delivering feasts for the senses. Chef-owner Masaaki Sakashita’s personal quest for culinary excellence means you can expect traditional cooking techniques combined with premium ingredients at the fine dining establishment. Case in point: The open kitchen where the chef teases the flavours out of live crabs and other seasonal ingredients over the charcoal hearth.
So from bowls of hamaguri soup to meticulously crafted sushi platters, each dish here is a reflection of Masaaki’s spontaneous, intuitive cooking style. Simply book a table to experience its menus, which range from seven to nine courses for lunch, and eight to 10 courses for dinner.
The Parlour Mirage
A safe haven for both musicians and cerevisaphiles alike, The Parlour Mirage is established as a taproom dishing out modern Japanese and Mediterranean fare, and at the same time, tunes by local talents. Sample its delectable yakitori skewers best paired with pints from the 12 rotating beer taps available, plus Mediterranean appetisers like hummus and salads.
For now tunes are only played and not performed live, but when restrictions are lifted, you may very well find local crooners jazzing the space up every fortnight or so.
Picanhas
Seemingly modest dishes truly come alive at Picanhas, a new dining concept along Club Street that celebrates the eponymous Brazilian steak cut. With all their dishes priced affordably, have no qualms trying the Queen of Steaks for a serving of picanha steak slices drizzled with browned charcoal butter; or even the highly-recommended Picanha Don to enjoy picanha steak slices atop a bed of butterfly pea-infused rice.
Mocktails that readily complement the indulgent eats are available as well, and they include the refreshing and fruity Kyoho Sangria as well as the coconut water-based Lemongrass.
Pratunam Plus
This new concept by the same folks behind ever-popular spot Soi Thai Soi Nice will satisfy any cravings for comforting Thai street bites. In addition to the usual hearty noodles and rice dishes available, find an entire menu of Thai-style Grilled Skewers which includes popular eats like the Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, and Small Intestines. Try the Ham or Pork Belly Series too, featuring enoki mushroom, long beans and cocktail sausages wrapped with ham or pork belly slices. Delish.
Rappu
Proudly Singapore’s first handroll bar, Rappu is one of the newest additions to Singapore’s F&B scene and so happens to be run by the same folks behind pop-up-turned-restaurant The Feather Blade. The concept is a simple one: chow down freshly-made handrolls alongside its dedicated sake pairings; you’re recommended to order the platter of six each to have the best dining experience. Oh, and do consume each temaki sushi within four seconds to enjoy the optimal flavour and taste.
