Singapore’s F&B industry remains volatile to say the least, but that hasn’t stopped new players from opening up shop. This September, look forward to welcoming a famed Hong Kong diner in town, Thai tea salon ChaTraMue’s latest flagship store, new fast food chain outlets and more. Trust us when we say there’s never a dull moment in our local dining scene.
Arabica Singapore
Famed Kyoto cafe Arabica that’s loved for its specially roasted house blend has officially begun welcoming patrons at its fourth outlet in Singapore situated within Jewel Changi Airport. It’s the coffee house’s first-ever branch located in an airport, and its interior is just as minimalist luxe as one would expect from the brand. So fans of Arabica’s coffee profile can take it to the East to enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa before visiting the HSBC Rain Vortex.
Butter Bean
Think Toast Box for the new age at Butter Bean, a budding concept by the BreadTalk Group which seeks to redefine the traditional Nanyang coffee and bread experience for the palate and lifestyle of the younger generation. Indulge in familiar, fluffy yet crisp toasts like the Say Cheese that offers shredded white cheddar atop a buttered toast or unique mains such as the Curry On Sunshine that utilises karaage-style chicken. As for beverages, go for the signature BBrulee Kopi Latte which combines fresh milk with Nanyang coffee plus a salted cream foam that’s torched for that Insta-worthy factor. Two newly-opened outlets reside in VivoCity and Funan mall.
ChaTraMue
Thai milk tea fiends, get excited about the debut of Thailand-hailing ChaTraMue’s official flagship store in Singapore at none other than nascent Eastside hub Paya Lebar Quarter. Besides boasting over 20 different tea varieties including the authentic Thai Milk Tea and fragrant Milk Green Tea, also try beverages from the signature milk series offering fresh milk options such as the Matcha Milk or Assam Red Tea, both of which supply fresh pearls in every sip. Finally, grab the Mix Soft Serve for an ice cream swirl of the two signature teas, as well as cartons of tea leaves for a proper brewing session at home.
Escape Restaurant & Lounge
Previously a full-fledged buffet restaurant known for its wide range of international and local eats, Escape Restaurant & Lounge at One Farrer Hotel has since begun focusing on ala carte meals instead. Now on the menu are delicious options such as crab cakes, truffle mushroom soup, lobster laksa and more. Even indulge in the mouth-watering Durian Kueh Salat that was a signature of the former buffet line-up to end off your dining experience at the accommodation hotspot on a sweet note.
Ippudo
Now open at Raffles City to offer their world-famous Hakata-style ramen, Ippudo has also created an array of Japanese-Western fusion plates to complement its signature ramen at the newest outlet. Introducing never-seen-before Teppan plates like Wagyu Beef Teppan Rice, Homemade Pumpkin Salad and Shaka Shaka Salted Egg Yolk Fries, also toast to a hearty meal with Sorah Japan’s premium sparkling sake, available exclusively at Ippudo Raffles City.
Joy Luck Teahouse
Having opened its doors just last Friday (Aug 28) to snaking queues at Ion Orchard, Joy Luck Teahouse that arrives directly from Hong Kong brings the best of three Cantonese classics to our shores. So tuck into pineapple buns, milk tea and egg tarts, with the latter being offered in two varieties, namely the Puff Pastry and Butter Cookie from Hoover Cake Shop. The buns and milk tea recipe also hails from Kam Kee Cafe, another stalwart in Hong Kong’s diner scene. Just brace yourselves for a lengthy wait as the much-lauded cafe seeks to satisfy everyone’s cravings for authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Little Caesars
The third largest American pizza chain has been quietly but aggressively expanding in Singapore, and their latest local outlet can be found at Holland Piazza after giving grilled chicken spot Oporto the boot. Affordable yet wallet-friendly options persist, just order some of the signature slices and get the Buffalo Ranch or Butter Garlic Caesar Dips to properly maximise your pizza crust.
Luke’s Lobster
Fancy some Maine-style lobster rolls? Then get your hands on these fluffy buns filled with lobster chunks at legendary New York joint Luke’s Lobster which is setting up shop in Shaw House along Orchard Road, opening on Sep 23. The sustainable seafood concept is expected to be a modest, 23-seater outlet housed right within the mall, so seats may be hard to come by. Apart from lobster rolls, crab and shrimp varieties will be on the menu as well.
