15 New Cafes & Restaurants In Oct 2020: Matcha Toast, $1.80 Donuts & Japan’s Famous Tempura
As dining restrictions ease, we not only get to visit our favourite eateries once again, we also get to enjoy a whole other range of options with the brand new establishments that have been waiting to open since the Circuit Breaker. The wait has paid off and here are 15 new cafes and restaurants to visit in October 2020 - including aesthetically-pleasing brunch spots, a popular tempura chain from Japan, and the famous Luke’s Lobster.
While you’re at it, check out our article on 19 new events and activities in October 2020.
Read on to find out more about these new cafes & restaurants in October 2020 in Singapore!
#1: Singapore Coffee - artisan brews amidst royal decor
With a name like Singapore Coffee, you’d half expect it to have humble kopitiam-inspired decor, but this artisan coffee joint is a 180 from that. While it does have some rustic elements in the form of rattan-legged chairs, this place is dripping in grandiose with shimmery gilded walls and gold lamps hanging from the ceiling.
Located at the resplendent Raffles Hotel, Singapore Coffee serves up their fine brews in martini glasses so you’ll feel extra fancy as you’re getting your shot of caffeine. The coffee beans are all sourced from artisanal farmers who grow them sustainably and hand-roasted in Singapore. Prices start from $6 for an Iced Kopi O and go up to $12 for an Iced Chico.
If you’re thinking that this place is reminiscent of TWG, well, it’s not a coincidence. The founder is also the co-founder of the luxury tea label, and he’s known to have a penchant for royal-looking interiors like this.
#2: Bloom Artisan - handmade gelato and sourdough waffles
Northies now have another dessert hangout with Bloom Artisan, a cosy ice cream cafe at Yishun. Single scoops of their handmade gelato start from the affordable price of $3.50, while more premium flavours like Hojicha and Whisky Crancherry cost $4.20.
You can choose to have your icy cold treat by itself, in a crispy cone, or with a sourdough waffle dusted with icing sugar.
There are also drinks like Iced Earl Grey Lavender Tea and lattes complete with swirly foam art.
#3: Kream & Kensho - minimalistic Japanese-style cafe with matcha toast
Kream & Kensho is a minimalistic cafe with affordable Japanese-inspired all-day brunch fare. Matcha lovers can go for the highly-raved Ricotta & Lavender Matcha Toast ($12) which comes topped with grapes and crushed pistachios in an interesting never-seen-before combination.
If that’s not enough matcha for you, wash it down with their Yuzu Matcha drink, which packs both bitterness and a zesty flavour to perk you up.
Other dishes include Sakura Ebi Capellini ($13) with shio kombu, Steak and Broccolini ($20), and Brunch Tacos ($16).
#4: Matsumoto - izakaya with private seating suitable for dates
Hankering for an authentic Japanese dining experience, down to the ambience and service? Book a spot at Matsumoto, an izakaya with private dining rooms which come at no extra charge. All the rooms are sectioned off with either curtains or a Japanese-style wooden screen door, making them perfect for intimate dates with your significant other.
They specialise in sashimi, with fresh fish shipped directly from Japan to Singapore twice a week. Salmon platters cost $29.80 while an assorted platter of 6 types of sashimi costs $49.9 - still fairly reasonable given the portions and quality.
Those who aren’t a fan of seafood needn’t feel left out, as they also have meaty teppanyaki dishes (from $39.90) that come with vegetables on the side. The pork served is kurobuta while the beef is Kagoshima wagyu, so you’re only getting the very best.
#5: LR Boulangerie - rabbit and bear-shaped financiers
If there’s one reason you should pop by LR Boulangerie, it’s their Financiers ($3). Made to look like bears and rabbits, they’ll probably prove difficult to devour - only because they’re just too cute.
Other wholesome baked goods worth checking out here include Croissants, Mini Bagels ($2.50), and Whole Wheat Figs ($6).
#6: Bar Milano - romantic Italian bistro-bar with fried pizza
Nestled within a little Keong Saik shophouse is Bar Milano, a romantic Italian bistro and cocktail bar perfect for wining and dining at during your next anniversary date.
Their day menu includes lighter meals like salads and sandwiches, while their night menu boasts a selection of cheeses, cold cuts, and Pizza Fritta - their specialty fried pizzas. Pizza flavours include Truffle Mushroom ($24), which comes with ricotta and fried egg, and Mortadella ($20), a delightfully cheesy choice with pistachio pesto and stracciatella.
Say cheers to their wide selection of cocktails ranging from $16 for an espresso-infused Cafe Coretto, to $23 for a Gin Martini.
#7: Tempura Tendon Tenya - popular tempura chain from Japan
With 226 stores in Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, Japanese eatery Tempura Tendon Tenya will soon be opening in Singapore at Orchard Central on 15 October 2020. No prizes for guessing what they’re best loved for.
Their signature Tenya Tendon (S$8.50) is a balanced mix of red fish, a black tiger prawn, squid, pumpkin, and french beans. For more seafood goodness, go for the Seafood Tendon (S$12.90) which comes with a tiger prawn, scallop, and anago (saltwater eel).
Marine fare ain’t up your alley? There’s also the Mushroom Vegetables Tendon ($7.90) with a heaping of veg including 3 types of mushrooms, sweet potato, and pumpkin. They also have cold soba noodles served alongside various tempura.
#8: Gather - cafe-boutique with French toast and crepes
Also located at Raffles Hotel is Gather, a cafe cum boutique that specialises in French brunch treats. With wide windows, there’s plenty of natural light streaming in, making for an open, happy vibe suitable for casual dates.
A hot favourite here is the Brioche French Toast ($18), which comes with braised green apples, oven-grilled pancetta, and hazelnut butter - a perfect mix of sweet and savoury.
Don’t leave without trying their crepes! Fans of runny egg yolk will want to go for the Chicken Galette ($18), which comes with gherkins, dijon mustard, gruyere cheese, and cheddar.
Once you’re done eating, have a quick shop around their retail space which displays chic, minimalist clothes along with scents from Japanese label, Apotheke Fragrance.
#9: Joy Luck Teahouse - HK egg tarts and bolo buns
Have a taste of Hong Kong with Joy Luck Teahouse, a cha chaan teng cafe with all the favourites: Egg tarts, pineapple buns (bolo buns), milk tea, and more. Their bolo buns come stuffed with filings like butter, kaya, and even luncheon meat, but you can also get the original version if you’d like to savour the crumbly pastry with no other distractions.
There will also be refreshing drinks like the Eight Treasure Tea (ba bao cha) that’s said to be good for the skin, as well as Hot Lemon Ginger Coke - a concoction you won’t be able to find anywhere else in Singapore.
#10: TRYna Cafe - paint while munching on pastries
TRYna Cafe is the brainchild of 3 friends who conceptualised and built the entire cafe in the crazy timeframe of just 10 days - say what?!
Looking at its airy, eye-pleasing ambience, no one would have guessed that the whole thing was put together in such a short period of time, but perhaps the stellar aesthetics can be attributed to the fact that one of their founders, Alexis, is an interior designer with her own company - at just 26 years old, no less.
On the menu are pastries like Tartlets ($6.50), croissants, and Matcha Crepe Cakes ($8). Spend a minimum amount of $20 and you’ll receive a free canvas and paintbrush for a mini in-cafe art jamming session.
TRYna Cafe is designed to be a pop-up and the end date is still unconfirmed - though they hope to become a full-fledged outlet eventually.
#11: City Donut - unique donut flavours from $1.80
Unless you purchase them from HDB bakeries, donuts don’t exactly come cheap, but the newly-opened City Donut has surprisingly affordable ones starting from just $1.80 - despite being located at a prime CBD spot near Tanjong Pagar MRT.
There are 9 flavours for your choosing, including Coffee ($1.80), Milo Dinosaur ($2.20), Citrus Yuzu ($2.50), and Pandan Ondeh Ondeh ($2.80). Busy office folk can just grab and go before heading to work, but there’s also a small seating area if you’d like to rest your bum.
How to know if the outlet is open? Simply look out for the donut sign outside - if it’s up, they’re ready to welcome you! Be quick though, their donuts usually sell out before afternoon, so it’s best to head down in the morning if you’re able to.
#12: Rilakkuma Cafe - affordable character-themed eatery by Kumoya
After a series of successful character cafe pop-ups, Kumoya has opened a second outlet at Orchard Central with an adorable Rilakkuma theme, in a year-long collaboration with San-X. As expected, the cafe has themed decor plastered with images of the relaxed bear, with dishes expertly styled to match.
They have everything from mains to desserts and drinks, and there’s also a merchandise corner for you to purchase plushies, stationery, and other souvenirs. Every drink comes with a coaster and there are special menu items that allow you to bring home a snack bucket or cup with a top-up.
Read our full article on the Rilakkuma Cafe here to find out more.
#13: Luke’s Lobster - famous lobster rolls from New York
Originally hailing from New York, Luke’s Lobster is a famous seafood restaurant that specialises in fresh and relatively affordable Maine lobster rolls. They’ve since set up shop at Isetan Scotts, Orchard, in a cosy corner that’s decked out in rustic wooden furnishing to mimic a classic seafood shack.
Though their Signature Lobster Rolls ($25.50) are not to be missed, it’s also worth giving their Crab Roll ($23.50) and Shrimp Roll ($21.50) a try.
Other scrumptious seafood offerings here include Lobster Bisque ($12.90) and Clam Chowder ($11.50), both with fresh bits of the actual thing.
Read our full article on Luke’s Lobster here, with more menu prices included.
#14: Beyond Coffee - unique coffee with cheese, tomato, and seaweed
Beverages at a regular coffee cafe are pretty standard as they get, but the brews at Beyond Coffee are anything but typical. Created with the intention of giving the palate a party, the coffee concoctions here come infused with bizarre-sounding ingredients such as cheese and tomato.
With a unique savoury flavour is Tomato Tango ($7.50) with muddled sweet cherry tomatoes, topped with seaweed and fresh mint. Another eyebrow-raising pick is Something about Mary ($7.50), which has passion fruit and apple juice accompanied by torched rosemary sprigs for a smokey, herby flavour.
If you’re not the adventurous sort, fret not as they have other less unconventional drinks which are just as novel. Go Bananas ($7.50) is said to be “a cross between a cold brew and banana milk”, topped with torched banana cheese foam. Tea-lovers can try Momotaro ($7.90), a fruity blend of strawberries, peaches, and jasmine tea.
#15: Kreams Krafthouse - Autumn-themed Korean cafe with scones and coffee
Transport yourself to a K-drama set at Kreams Krafthouse, a Korean coffee cafe at Maxwell fully decked out in autumnal decor. As you bite into scones ($4 to $5.50) in special flavours like Sweet Potato, Dalgona, and Chocolate Cream, gaze up at the orange and gold leaves above and you’ll almost forget you’re in Singapore.
Some of their best-selling brews include the Dalgona Latte ($8) with crunchy toffee biscuit toppings and the Dry Cappuccino ($7), with extra dense foam and Valrhona cocoa.
Read our full article on Kreams Krafthouse here to find out more.
Check out our other articles on new food, snacks, and drinks to try in Singapore:
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
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