14 New Cafes & Restaurants In Jan 2022 - Bakehouse w/ Picnic Lawn, 90-cent Jap Skewers, Korean Pool Bar

By Rachel Yohannan on 05 Jan 2022

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

We know that a lot of you have “get fit” as part of your New Year’s resolutions, but c’mon, don’t let that stop you from having a good time! Either way, we all still have to eat, so instead of sticking to the same old favourites, we might as well make the calories count by spending them on these new cafes & restaurants in January 2022 in Singapore.

While you’re here, check out our compilation of 19 new things to do in January 2022 for fun times with your friends.

Read on for 14 new cafes and restaurants in Singapore for January 2022!

#1: Tigress - Korean gastrobar with billiards and pool

Photo from Tigress

Remember game cafe Kommune, which we wrote about in our previous round-up of things to do in Singapore? Their umbrella company, 82Soho, has opened an adjacent Korean-fusion gastrobar called Tigress, with a separate section for Korean four-ball pool.

Photo from Tigress Soho82

Photo from Tigress

We’re huge fans of their burgers, especially the Japanese Wagyu Fat-Infused Beef Burgers - their speciality. Extremely juicy with good bite, these include variations like Classic Cheese ($22), the rich Burrata Foie Gras ($24), and The Tigress ($24), comprising an Australian wagyu patty with parma ham, caramelised onion, and blue cheese for an extra kick of flavour.

All burgers are served with fries and an additional side. While the onion rings are crispy and addictive, we suggest going for truffle enoki or homemade kimchi if you don’t want a carbohydrate overload.

Photo from Tigress

During the day, the cafe has a chill ambience with rattan Bali-style hanging lamps and leafy vines twined around the ceiling beams. This is made extra pleasant thanks to natural light coming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Come night, it takes on a slightly grungier appearance as it transforms into a billiards bar. A private dining room with a view is available for those who wish to hold their own functions here.

Photo from Tigress

We had a taste of their booze and boy, is it strong. Our cocktail of choice? White Lady ($18), a citrusy concoction that’s on the sweet side, but not overly so. If you’re feeling peckish during your drink session, go for their tapas like Grilled Octopus ($18) and Burrata & Truffle Mushrooms ($16) or cheese platters (from $26).

Address: 277 Orchard Road, #03-18 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858
Opening hours: 11.30am - 11pm
Telephone: 8112 0480
Website

#2: Flourish Bakehouse - with outdoor picnic lawn made of artificial grass

Photo from @bleu_and_bee via Instagram

Other than being located in a quiet spot at Tanglin, Flourish Bakehouse is the first cafe in Singapore that has its own outdoor picnic lawn. You don’t have to worry about soil and creepy crawlies getting into your food either, as the grass is made of artificial turf.

Photo from @nikki.pompom via Instagram

As there are limited garden benches and umbrella tables, we would recommend bringing along your own foldable mat to lay out on the ground for dining amidst nature. They’re pet-friendly too - your furkids are sure to love running around on the spacious lawn!

Photo from @oursummersojourn via Instagram

Fresh bakes up for grabs here include both sweet and savoury options like large soft cookies ($5.50), Lemon Polenta Cake ($7), and Sage Pumpkin Quiche. We heard that everything gets snapped up pretty quickly, so it’ll be best to rise early and visit for breakfast!

Photo from Flourish Bakehouse

Address: 318 Tanglin Road, Block A, The Guild International College, Singapore 247979
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 8.30am - 2pm (Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
Website

#3: Bearded Bella Hillcrest - vibrant pink walls and unicorn decor

Photo from @iris.nihao via Instagram

If you haven’t already gotten acquainted with Bearded Bella and their hearty brunch fare, their newest outlet at Bukit Timah might just be the motivation you need to give them a try. Unlike their Tanjong Pagar branch which has standard-looking interiors in neutral tones, this one has a vibrant splash of pink both on the facade and within, along with unicorn-themed decor and a quirky tufted wall piece.

Photo from @iris.nihao via Instagram

Items to try include the Grilled Cheese and Prosciutto Sandwich ($20), Scallop & Cold Pasta ($22), and No BS Brekkie ($24), a filling platter of Australian grass-fed ribeye with kombu, scrambled eggs, arugula, parmesan cheese, and potato crisps served on English muffin buns.

Photo from Bearded Bella

Address: 73 Hillcrest Road, Singapore 288945
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 7.30am - 5pm | Saturday & Sunday: 7.30am - 6pm (Closed on Monday)
Telephone: 8201 2312
Website

#4: Ya Ge - modern Chinese restaurant

Photo from Ya Ge

With its oriental koi decor, calming feature wall that brings to mind the ocean, and chic blue-green armchairs to match, one would immediately assume modern Chinese restaurant Ya Ge to be a pricey one. Surprisingly, that’s not the case - their 5-course set meals start from just $28.80, comprising dishes like Golden Pumpkin Seafood Soup and Stir-fried Kurobuta Pork Collar with Smoked BBQ Sauce.

Photo from Ya Ge

If you haven’t already picked a spot for a Chinese New Year reunion dinner, this is one you can consider as it’ll likely please all generations - even fussy grandparents who are sticklers to tradition. Their CNY menu is already out, with 6-course sets at $68.80 per person.

Photo from Ya Ge

Address: 1 Tras Link, Level 3 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Opening hours: 11.30am - 9.30pm daily
Telephone: 6818 6831
Website

#5: LUNA Diner + Bar - pet-friendly tropical-themed eatery

Photo from LUNA Diner + Bar

Not to be confused with the Amoy Street patisserie of the same name, LUNA at Turf Club is a pet-friendly diner and bar with a tropical theme that’ll make you miss your Bali adventures. Other than botanical-patterned wallpaper, the entire cafe is also full of indoor plants that further add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Photo from LUNA Diner + Bar

You’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide range of dishes like pasta (from $12.90), sandos and burgers (from $8.90), donburi (from $15.90), and brunch fare (from $10.90). Meat lovers can go for the Australian Pork Chop ($18.90) or Argentina Ribeye ($22.90).

Photo from LUNA Diner + Bar

Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-06, Singapore 287994
Opening hours: 9am - 8.30pm
Telephone: 9819 0019
Website

#6: Under Der Linden - romantic garden cafe that allows furkids

Photo from @may_6reen via Instagram

Cafe de Nicole’s Flower is quite on a roll, for they’ve just opened their third F&B establishment, Under Der Linden. Like its other two sister outlets, this cafe is also pet-friendly, and filled with pretty florals. It’s a tad out of the way at Portsdown Road, with the nearest MRT station about 20 minutes away by foot, but the journey there will definitely be worth it.

Photo from @zilingzzl via Instagram

No surprise at all that it’s super aesthetically-pleasing, both inside and out. It even has its own garden courtyard with flower arches! Step in and you’ll see a feature wall full of cursive text, spelling out the medieval German poem that the cafe was named after. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t manage to snag inside, for the al fresco zone is equally lovely!

Photo from @zilingzzl via Instagram

Photo from @archie_thepomsky via Instagram

On the menu are European mains like Galician Octopus ($30), Iberico Pork Secreto ($34), and Sustainable-Farmed Barramundi ($30), along with dainty desserts like Coral Chamomile Mango Roll Cake plated with utmost care.

Photo from Under Der Linden

Address: 5B Portsdown Road, Singapore 139311
Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday: 9am - 9pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am - 10pm
Telephone: 9838 2977
Website

#7: Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar at GR.ID - 90-cent Japanese skewers on a rooftop

Photo from Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar

Al fresco dining on a rooftop? 90-cent Japanese skewers? Heck yeah, we’re sold. Other than its convenient central location at Dhoby Ghaut, Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar at new shopping mall GR.ID is full of vibes with its strings of overhead fairy lights and a bright coat of red. From certain angles, the shelter beams here are almost reminiscent of torii gates in Japan.

Photo from Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar

There are at least 17 options for $0.90 skewers here including Chicken Thigh, Shishamo, Pork Belly, various vegetables, and more. Premium skewers like Quail Egg with Bacon Wrap, Fresh Prawn, and Beef Slice go for $1.90 - still a reasonable price.

Photo from Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar

If small bites aren’t enough for your big appetite, go for full mains like Kastudon ($9.90 - $10.90), Curry Rice ($11.90), and Udon ($12.90 - $13.90). Love novelty presentation? Try their Ferries Wheel Fries ($15.90) that’s perfect for sharing, with 5 flavours: Cheese, Mala, Wasabi, Salted Egg, and Seaweed.

Photo from Kamikaze Asian Tapas Bar

Of course, drinks here are a must! Get a 2L Soju Yakult Tower at just $59.90 and 3L beer towers from just $68.90.

Address: 1 Selegie Road, #03-02 GR.iD, Singapore 188306
Opening hours: 6677 3393
Telephone: 5pm - 2am daily
Website

#8: Glean Cafe - kids eat for free with every adult main ordered

Photo from Glean

Airy and bright, the spacious Glean Cafe is a casual bistro that makes it the perfect setting for sitting and chatting with loved ones. They’re kid-friendly too - children under the age of 7 get a free kids meal with purchase of any adult main.

Photo from Glean Cafe

Enjoy all-day brunch dishes including Smoked Pork Scotch Egg ($24) and House-made Norwegian Salmon Crepe ($22), comfort sandwiches like the Triple Decker Ham & Cheese Toastie ($19), and pastas from $18.

Photo from Glean

Address: 351 Braddell Road, #01-01, Singapore 579713
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 11am - 9pm | Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Telephone: 8282 0351
Website

#9: Kei Hachi - omakase with ingredients direct from Japan’s fish markets

Photo from Kei Hachi

With fresh ingredients directly imported from fish markets in Japan, omakase at Kei Hachi is the real deal. The intimate 15-seater bar counter setting gives you a good glimpse of what goes on behind the counter, so you can see exactly how your food is being prepared by the skilled chefs.

Photo from Kei Hachi

Lunch omakase starts from $68, and dinner from $128. Every set comes with soup and dessert. Expect premium nigiri sushi, seasonal premium sashimi, and a variety of cooked dishes. Alternatively, those who are too lazy to leave their homes can opt for delivery of Hachi Boxes such as the A5 Wagyu Uni Truffle ($138) pictured below, and Kagoshima Kurobuta Char Siew ($58).

Photo from Kei Hachi

Address: 8 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089116
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 11am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Telephone: 6518 4755
Website

#10: Found - minimalistic monochrome cafe

Photo from Found

It’s a bit of a hide-and-seek game with this one - Found is actually located within The Editor’s Market’s new flagship store at Ngee Ann City, so don’t go around in circles looking for a standalone storefront! Now here’s one spot your boyfriend can sit and wait for you without complaints as you go about picking out clothes.

Photo from Found

Walk past the rows of chic apparel to find yourself in a minimalistic monochrome nook, with a pastry counter of over 20 artisanal varieties including Black Truffle Pie ($9.50), Lemon Loaf ($5.50), and Coffee Knot ($3.50).

Photo from Found

Speaking of coffee, they do serve up solid brews from $4.50 to $7.50, along with unconventional specialty beverages like Coconut Blue Pea Dirty ($7) and Sparkling Matcha ($7).

Photo from Found

Address: 391 Orchard Road, B1-16 to 24, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening hours: 10am - 9.30pm daily
Website

#11: Lit Bar - chic lounge with river views and tropical decor

Photo from Lit Bar

Things are about to get lit for those making a trip to Lit Bar, a stylish lounge and bar with tropical interior decor. Located in a refurbished conservation shophouse, this scenic establishment has various seating zones, including indoor bar stools and an al fresco area by the river.

Photo from @suivezcheryl via Instagram

Just because it’s a bar doesn’t mean it’s only good for after sundown. Head over in the afternoon, grab a spot facing the waters, order some bubbly, and soak in the tranquil views. With a row of colonial buildings on the opposite side of the river, it almost feels like you’re dining in Venice, if you use a little imagination.

Photo from Lit Bar

A wide range of pastas and pizzas await, starting from $21 and $28 respectively. Don’t forget to leave some space for their Angel’s Breath Tiramisu ($15), made using kahlua mascarpone.

Photo from Lit Bar

Address: 65 Boat Quay, Singapore 049853
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 4pm - 10.30pm (Closed on Sunday)
Telephone: 9424 8258
Website

#12: Dearborn Granola - specialises in granola bowls

Photo from Dearborn

If eating healthy is part of your resolutions for 2022, then you have to give Dearborn Granola a visit for their granola bowls ($8 - $9) with chocolate- and fruit-based options. Flavours rotate every week, with new ones launched on Mondays; Some of these include Cranberry Maple Pecan, Lemon & Pistachio, and Dark Chocolate & Macadamia - all best eaten with a dollop of Raglan Coconut Vanilla Bean Yogurt or Chobani Greek Yogurt!

Photo from Dearborn

All the granola is lovingly produced fresh in-store.Sourdough loaves, and beverages like Seasonal Black Cold Brew ($6) and the refreshing Yuzu and Citrus Soda ($7) are also part of the menu. On weekends, they also sell provisions like seaweed madeleines and country loaves.

Photo from Dearborn

The cafe’s story is quite an unexpected one. After working in top restaurants all over the world, including NoMad in New York, chef Chris Kong found himself in Singapore where he dabbled in private dining. However, during the circuit breaker and other restrictions, he was unable to operate his supper club, and thus decided to switch to granola delivery with his own brand - which eventually sold out within 2 minutes!

Now, Dearborn finally has a physical space to call their own. It’s an unconventional move for sure, but judging from how popular they are, they must be doing something right.

Address: 1 Everton Park, #01-29, Singapore 081001
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm | Saturday: 9am - 3pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website

#13: Atmosphere Thai Bistro - $5 beer, pizza, and rainbow tea at East Coast Park

Photo from Atmosphere Thai Bistro

The 3 elements of what makes Atmosphere Thai Bistro great is proudly displayed on their wall in neon lights: Thai food, all-day $5 beer, and a pet-friendly al fresco setting within the scenic East Coast Park. Sounds promising already!

Photo from Atmosphere Thai Bistro

Goes without saying that familiar Thai favourites like Seafood Tom Yum Soup ($16.80) and Green Curry Chicken ($16.80) are part of the selection. Pictured above is the Signature Tom Yum Mama ($48.80) that’s good for two.

The breezy eatery also has Western fusion mains like Mentaiko Pulled Pork Burger ($18.80), Tom Yum Seafood Pizza ($19.80), and Truffle Bacon & Mushroom Pizza ($21.80), among other items like pasta and skewers.

Photo from Atmosphere Thai Bistro

The icing on the cake? $5 Heineken or Sapporo beer, whichever tickles your fancy. There’s also some ‘gram-worthy Rainbow Tea With Alcohol ($15), which you can customise by picking your fruit tea base to have with your choice of rum, gin, vodka, or tequila.

Photo from Atmosphere Thai Bistro

Address: 920 East Coast Park, #01-25/26/27 Parkland Green, Singapore 449875
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 4pm - 11pm | Saturday & Sunday: 10.30am - 11pm | Monday: 12pm - 2.30pm
Telephone: 6440 9705
Website

#14: Oaks Coffee Co - coffee bar at Thomson

Photo from Oaks Coffee Co

There’s a new kid on the block at Upper Thomson, and it’s yet another coffee bar. Unlike other such joints which often close early, this one’s open till 10pm, so night owls who need some caffeine to fuel them in the wee hours can easily get their fix here without having to rush.

Photo from Oaks Coffee Co

Aside from the Big Breakfast at $28, brunch here does not exceed $24, with Truffle Mushroom Pasta ($19) and Hokkaido Pork Sandwich ($22) as some examples. There’s a separate menu for dinner, which includes Ginger Sake Clams Linguini ($14) and Truffle & Crab Risotto ($28). Love spice? Give the Mala Hokkaido Pork Dumplings ($18) a try!