14 New Cafes & Restaurants In Jan 2021: Puffy Soufflé Omelettes, $3 Artisan Coffee, & Mochi Donuts

By Rachel Yohannan on 05 Jan 2021

Senior Digital Editor

The festive season might be over, but the feasting never stops. In fact, eating is one of the best ways to celebrate a new year - I’m sure you foodies will agree! With a new year comes new cafes and restaurants in Singapore, so let’s kick off January 2021 with a bang - starting with award-winning roasted coffee, affordable soft serve egglet waffles at Ang Mo Kio, and the reopening of Brotherbird Coffeehouse, an old favourite that we dearly miss.

While you’re here, check out our article on 19 new events and activities in January 2021.

Read on for our list of new cafes & restaurants in January 2021 in Singapore!

#1: Anther - hidden cafe at Tan Boon Liat with pastries & coffee

Photo from @anthersg via Instagram

Tan Boon Liat Building, an old industrial building full of furniture stores, is probably the last place you’d expect to find a trendy cafe. That’s where Anther is - well, not exactly within the building itself, but atop the little kopitiam at the carpark.

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Sharing its space with Angie’s Oyster Bar, this cosy joint by the same folks behind Glasshouse at CHIJMES only serves pastries and coffee. Their bakes sell out pretty quickly, so head down early! You can also order some mains from Angie’s should you want something heavier.

Photo from @karenjyy via Instagram

If the weather is good, opt for an outdoor seat for some fresh air and chill views.

Location: Outram
Website

#2: AM:PM Cafe - affordable soft serve on egglet waffles, open till 12am

Photo from @eatwithfelz via Instagram

Ang Mo Kio has sadly lost crepe cafe Galettes, but in its space gained a new cafe, AM:PM Cafe. This heartland joint specialising in soft serve on egglet waffles is the perfect spot for an indulgent late-night supper, since they open till 12am on some days!

Their soft serve flavours aren’t your standard ones either - ready your tastebuds for unconventional combinations like Blue Vanilla with Earl Grey and Grapefruit with Matcha. If waffles are too heavy on the carbs for you, you can have your ice cream in a cup or their handmade cones which are created in-house.

Photo from @iam.sohungry via Instagram

Prices are affordable too - an egglet with soft serve, 3 toppings, and 1 sauce will only set you back $9. Top up $2 for coffee or tea to complement your dessert!

Location: Ang Mo Kio
Website

#3: Cafe Bakeaholic - opened by HK actor Benz Hui’s daughter

Photo from @bakeaholic_sg via Instagram

It is not uncommon to see celebrities embarking on their own cafe ventures - one example includes House of MU by locally-based Chinese actor Ian Fang. Now, there’s another new cafe with ties to showbiz royalty - Cafe Bakeaholic - and you might just spot Hong Kong veteran actor Benz Hui there.

Photo from @bakeaholic_sg via Instagram

Helmed by Charmaine Hui, Benz Hui’s daughter, this minimalistic space in between Yishun and Thomson serves up all sorts of bakes like Madeleines, Donuts, and Banana Walnut Loaves. Savoury items like Pizza and Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bagels are also part of the menu.

Photo from @bakeaholic_sg via Instagram

Read our full article on Cafe Bakeaholic here.

#4: Hungry Bear Cafe - overflowing burgers and indulgent milkshakes

Photo from @hungrybearcafesg via Instagram

Sink your teeth into the hearty burgers at Hungry Bear Cafe and relish the explosion of textures and flavours with each meaty bite. Their Signature Bear Burger ($26.90) pictured above is a stacked wonder of double beef patties, mixed mushrooms, streaky bacon, veg, and of course, gooey melted cheddar.

Other less extravagant options include the Fluffy Egg Burger ($12.50), Hainanese Chicken Burger ($14.90), and vegan-friendly Tofu Shrooms Burger ($12.90).

Photo from @hungrybearcafesg via Instagram

In true American style, milkshakes and burgers go hand in hand, so wash that down with an indulgent Classic Gelato Shake ($7.90), a ChocoNana Shake ($8.90), or a Fruity Shake ($8.90).

Photo from @hungrybearcafesg via Instagram

If you’re not in the mood for burgers, at least don’t miss out on their creamy Shroom Carbonara ($12.50).

Location: Tanjong Katong (KINEX)
Website

#5: Cupping Room Coffee Roasters - award-winning roastery from Hong Kong

Photo from @cuppingroomsg via Instagram

Hailing from Hong Kong, the award-winning Cupping Room Coffee Roasters is now in Singapore at a corner of Ngee Ann City with their flavourful brews and pastries. While its HK counterpart has a darker, moodier interior, Singapore’s version comes in neutral tones of nude, dusty pink, and hints of brown - inspired by the mixing of milk and coffee.

Photo from @nkdheart via Instagram

Their Matcha Latte, which comes served in an exquisite ceramic cup, seems to be a real hit, as do their cold brews. Many would also recommend their Avocado Toast, topped with a runny egg and served with a lemon slice on the side.

Photo from @hellusharmie via Instagram

Location: Orchard
Website

#6: Izakaya Hikari - authentic Japanese skewers and sashimi with no GST

Photo from @maharishh via Instagram

When strolling along the streets of the Bencoolen/Bugis area, you’re unlikely to give the seemingly run-down Fortune Centre a second look. But kept out of sight on the third floor is Izakaya Hikari, an authentic Japanese gem that’s waiting for you with skewers, sashimi, soba, fried chicken, and more - all without GST or service charge.

Photo from @izakaya_hikari via Instagram

The interior is very much like that of a bar in Japan, with coloured flags, vintage posters, and rows of alcohol bottles lining the shelves. Grab a seat over at the bar counter to watch the skilled chefs in action!

Photo from @izakaya_hikari via Instagram

Needless to say, sake options are aplenty here. Kanpai!

Location: Middle Road (near Bugis)
Website

#7: Brotherbird Coffeehouse - mochi donuts and croissants

Photo from @isiminnn via Instagram

Fans of Brotherbird Coffeehouse went into mourning when their dine-in cafe closed earlier on in 2020, and it didn’t help that their sister outlet, Stateland Coffeehouse also shuttered its doors permanently a year prior. But now, Brotherbird is making a comeback with a bigger and better space - hooray!

Photo from @02_cher via Instagram

Their industrial chic vibe remains, with the decor switched up a little. Not to worry, as their famous mochi croissants, mochi donuts, and perfect swirls of soft serve have not left the menu.

Photo from @brotherbird_bakehouse via Instagram

Read our full article on Brotherbird Coffeehouse’s reopening here.

#8: 1-Atico - fancy triple-concept space on the 55th floor

Photo from 1-Group

Earlier in 2020, we bade goodbye to Salt Grill & Sky Bar on the 55th floor of ION Orchard - seems like they were an unfortunate victim of the pandemic-induced downturn. For a temporary period of time, their vacant space hosted the Jurassic World Cafe, but now, that has since made way for 1-Atico - a fancy shmancy, triple-concept, “penthouse-style” dining establishment that’s here to stay, hopefully for a long time to come.

Photo from 1-Group

1-Atico comprises the following:

FLNT - Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei gastrobar
FIRE - Argentinian cuisine
ATICO Lounge - upscale bar (to be opened soon)

Photo from 1-Atico

The swanky ambience and amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows - especially during sunset - make this place perfect for an anniversary date and even a wedding.

Location: Orchard
Website

#9: Simple Cafe - minimalist Taiwanese-style cafe

Photo from @doggaebi via Instagram

Simple Cafe (簡單) is as its name suggests - a minimalist establishment. Co-owned by a trio of friends, this fuss-free nook at West Coast was born when the owners noticed the lack of cafes in Singapore that are reminiscent of the chill ones in Taiwan, and thus set out to create their own.

Photo from @jobychin via Instagram

Only furnished with the bare essential - mainly wooden tables, chairs, and a coffee bar counter - Simple Cafe is a breath of fresh air with its uncomplicated design. The menu is by no means bare, with a whole slew of cakes and pastries including Mont Blanc, Cherry Pistachio Tarts, and Flans as some examples.

Photo from @simple.cafesg via Instagram

Prices are affordable, ranging from $4 to $10. Read our full article on Simple Cafe here.

#10: Runes - coffee in town from $3

Photo from @dorimingo813 via Instagram

Lau Pa Sat hawker centre has since been rebranded to become Food Folks, a more modern version of its former self, and with it comes a handful of exciting new openings like Runes, a coffeehouse run by the same people behind Glyph.

Photo from @chrisfoodies via Instagram

You won’t be getting kopitiam prices here, but your wallet can rest easy for their coffees aren’t the priciest either. Batch costs just $3, White costs $4, while Matcha, Mocha, and Chocolate all cost $5 each. The most expensive item on the menu is a $7 Yuzu Soda.

Photo from @runescoffee via Instagram

Location: Raffles Quay
Website

#11: Sweetea Caffe - glam ‘60s Hong Kong vibes

Photo from @zippyzipeng via Instagram

Amidst all the old medicine shops, souvenir stores, and bakeries selling traditional snacks at Chinatown is Sweetea Caffe, a lesser-known eatery on the second and third floor of a shophouse unit. The entrance to the cafe is quite concealed, so you’ll have to have your eagle eyes on! Hint: Look out for the neon signage.

Photo from @sharonachia via Instagram

With glamorous ‘60s Hong Kong vibes, this cafe serves afternoon tea and brunch dishes. Try to snag a balcony seat for the best views and photo opportunities!

Photo from @zippyzipeng via Instagram

Read our full article on Sweetea Caffe here.

#12: September Toast 玖月 - puffy soufflé omelettes

Photo from @icepangrizz via Instagram

Despite their name, September Toast (玖月) seems to be more known for their Puffy Soufflé Omelette ($9.90) - an eggy dish with a gooey centre that’s said to taste similar to a Japanese soufflé pancake. It’s just $1 more to have it served with yogurt and berries, so you might as well go all out for the full experience.

Photo from @september_toast via Instagram

Kopi and Teh here cost just $1.50 per cup, while more premium cafe-style beverages like flavoured teas cost around $5.90.

Photo from @mehmehfoodventure via Instagram

Another hot pick here is their Bobo Cup Cake ($4.90), am affordable strawberry shortcake that’s great for eating on the go. They also sell whole cakes suitable for birthdays, with customisation options available.

Location: Bukit Timah
Website

#13: Anouska’s - swanky cocktail bar

Photo from @anouskasbar via Instagram

Anouska’s is a bar that’s an ode to Anouska Hempel, a Bond girl turned interior designer. Put on your heels and have a classy night out harking back to the past, with disco era-inspired cocktails ($24) and an old-timey interior that’ll take you back to the 70’s and 80’s.

Photo from @anouskasbar via Instagram

A showstopper is the Martini Triad, which comes with 3 variations of the classic martini served in traditional oriental-style cups. Hong Long Choc is chocolate liqueur mixed with Lapsang Souchong tea, while Date is a fresh date-infused brandy with citrus, sugar, and cava. Definitely not your standard bar concoctions here.

Photo from @anouskasbar via Instagram

While there, you’ll also be able to order some bar bites from Yellow Pot, a modern Chinese restaurant that’s right next door.

Location: Duxton
Website

#14: Porcelain Cafe - smoothie bowls with unicorn, galaxy, and beach paradise themes

Photo from Gratefood Co.

Hidden from plain sight at Paragon shopping mall is Porcelain Cafe by Gratefood Co., a plant-based cafe that’s part of Porcelain Origins Spa. Even if you are not a customer of the spa, you can drop by the cafe for some of their delicious smoothie bowls which come with unicorn, galaxy, and beach paradise themes.