14 New Cafes & Restaurants In March 2021: MUJI Vibes, $17.50 High Tea, & IG-Worthy Private KBBQ

By Rachel Yohannan on 05 Mar 2021

Senior Digital Editor

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

Valentine’s Day may be over, but we’re sure that’s not going to be the end of your foodie dates! A couple who feasts together, stays together, for there’s nothing more lovely than having a good heart-to-heart talk with your partner (or bestie!) over a shared meal. Besides, trying out new spots always adds some fresh excitement to the relationship, so here’s our list of new cafes & restaurants in Singapore to visit in March 2021.

While you’re here, check out our list of 16 things to do in March 2021 for outing ideas.

#1: Madame Ooze - boho-chic dessert cafe with Bali vibes

Photo from Madame Ooze

Missing Bali? Pretend you’re in the island of sun, sand, and scrumptious cafe nosh at Madame Ooze, a bohemian chic dessert joint at Chinatown with eclectic furniture from all over the world, thrown together with a dash of leafy tropicals.

Photo from Madame Ooze

Their star item is the Crocream (from $8.70) - a buttery croissant with 2 scoops of ice cream and toppings like raspberry, pistachio, and salted butterscotch sauce. Some ice cream flavours you can choose include New York Blueberry Cheesecake, Kyoto Houjicha, and Toasted Marshmallows.

Photo from Madame Ooze

Pair that with a coffee, tea, or mocktail, and if you’ve got calorie allowance to spare, you could even convert any iced drink into a float with a scoop of ice cream .

Read our full article on Madame Ooze here.

#2: Equate Coffee - minimalistic all-white coffeehouse

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

CBD office slaves who rely on a jolt of caffeine to function each day now have a new haunt. Equate Coffee at Tanjong Pagar, which opens at 8.30am on weekdays, is where you can drop by for a quick cuppa with your equally tired colleagues and hopefully refresh yourself in their minimalistic space.

Photo from @kazmirova.m via Instagram

Save for a quirky grey stone archway that looks like the entrance of a cave, the entire cafe is all white, allowing you to clear your mind and get in the right headspace before tackling the work day.

Photo from @equatecoffee via Instagram

Despite its town location, Equate Coffee’s prices are pretty reasonable. Local Kopi starts from just $2, while White costs $5, with a mere $0.50 top-up for the Tall size. Iced Chocolate ($6.50) is available for those who want to stay away from caffeine jitters.

Photo from @equatecoffee via Instagram

For an extra sugar rush that will get you awake, try their canelés ($4) which are small enough such that they won’t pack on too many excess calories.

Address: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-25, Singapore 082001
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 5.30pm | Saturday: 8am - 3pm (Closed on Sunday)
Website

#3: Hanjip - Korean BBQ with premium meat and private dining rooms

Photo from Hanjip

When it comes to Korean barbecue restaurants, many Singaporeans tend to make a beeline to affordable buffet options to get the best value for money while eating to their heart’s content. But if you’re seeking a more luxurious experience with premium meat and a classier ambience than regular Korean BBQ joints, Hanjip at Clarke Quay is where you want to be.

Photo from @shennyyang via Instagram

Don’t expect an all-you-can-eat feast here, for their KBBQ ingredients and dishes are sold individually for maintenance of standards. Beef here ranges from $32 to $68, with options like Wagyu Striploin, USDA Prime Ribeye, and Marinated Boneless Short Rib. You could also go all out with the Hanjip Platter ($158), with 2 types of beef and 2 types of pork for variety.

Photo from Hanjip

Planning an intimate soiree? Book one of their private rooms which come with oriental-style botanical decor and luxe black and gold furniture. Otherwise, their regular seating is also pleasing to the eye, where tradition meets grunge with a touch of swankiness.

Photo from Hanjip

Read our full article on Hanjip here.

#4: Teahouse 1973 - affordable afternoon tea at $17.50

Housed at the foot of a HDB block at Aljunied, Teahouse 1973 serves what they call modern versions of traditional Malaysian dishes like Sambal Prawn Nasi Lemak ($13.80) and Curry Chicken Roti Prata ($8.80). And yes, we know that there’s been a never ending debate between Singapore and our lovely neighbour over the claim of such dishes - but does it matter when they’re so beautifully plated?

Photo from @miss_foodbaby via Instagram

If you’re not up for kopitiam food at cafe prices, opt for Western mains like Honey Chicken ($13.80), Sous Vide Pork Chop ($10.80), and Beer Fried Fish Steak ($13.80).

Or, live the tai tai life on a budget with an afternoon tea set for 2 at just $35 ($17.50 per person), served with a complimentary pot of fruit tea. Do note that afternoon tea is only available from Tuesdays to Fridays from 2pm to 5pm, and the cakes differ daily so you’ll get a surprise each time.

Photo from @teahouse1973_ via Instagram

Address: Blk 53 Sims Place, Singapore 380053
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am - 8pm (Closed on Monday)
Website

#5: Sumikkogurashi Cafe - character-themed food at Somerset

Photo from Kumoya

After more than half a year, the Rilakkuma Cafe at Orchard Central is shedding its adorable cartoon bear theme - but don’t despair, because the characters from Sumikkogurashi are soon to take over this month from 12 March onwards. Operated by Kumoya, this new Sumikkogurashi Cafe is also a pop-up with an unspecified end date.

Photo from Kumoya

The cafe’s wooden furnishing is reminiscent of that found in a Japanese teahouse, but with a colourful modern twist of pastel prints featuring Shirokuma, Neko, Penguin?, and the rest of the crew. There’s even a private room with tatami seating for special occasions like birthdays!

Photo from Kumoya

Almost too cute to eat are their character-themed dishes like Gone fishing Tokage Salmon Croquette Cream Rice ($25.90) with mushroom sauce, creatively-plated desserts like the Yama and Friends Blueberry Chiffon Cake ($22.90), and 13 types of drinks including Lattes (from $11.90) with cute latte art.

Photo from Kumoya

Read our full article on Kumoya’s Sumikkogurashi Cafe here.

#6: At3 - Nordic cafe

Photo from @popwator via Instagram

If IKEA’s meatballs are your only impression of Nordic/Scandinavian cuisine, expand your horizons with At3, a Nordic-style cafe. This description applies to both their interior and their food.

Photo from @devypribadi via Instagram

Mains include the Smoked Salmon Sandwich ($20), Avo Shrimp Sandwich ($24), and Viking Breakfast ($21). And while green tea may not be something you’d expect to find at a Scandinavian eatery, we hear their Matcha ($5.50) drink is pretty darn solid.

Photo from @xp11 via Instagram

Those who love Daim chocolates should not miss out on the Daim Cake, which is surprisingly affordable at just $4.

Photo from @saltyaaron via Instagram

Address: 63 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169369
Opening hours: Monday & Thursday: 9am - 3pm | Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 9am - 2pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Website

#7: CAF Clickafood - multi-concept pastel eatery with 5 types of cuisine

Photo from CAF Clickafood

Problem: Everyone in your squad wants to eat something different
Problem 2: Everyone is dressed up nicely so no one wants to go to a food court
Solution: CAF Clikafood, a 5-in-1 concept cafe with pastel decor at Paya Lebar.

Photo from CAF Clickafood

Serving an extensive menu of Korean, Thai, local, and Western dishes, along with whole pizzas, CAF Clikafood is perfect for the fussy and fickle-minded. Prices are reasonable too - you can expect to spend an average of $10 to $12 per person, with Jajangmyeon at $9.90, Thaitanium Fried Rice at $12.90, and Army Stew for 2 at just $19.90.

Photo from CAF Clickafood

We love how pastel plates and cutlery are used, to match the faded retro-esque turquoise and pink furnishing of the outlet. Sit on the steps by the bar counter for a good photo op - no need to be shy!

Photo from @may_6reen via Instagram

Read our full article on CAF Clickafood here.

#8: House Downstairs - an airy MUJI-esque space in the heartlands

Photo from @1ian.hin via Instagram

Despite its name, House Downstairs isn’t located at a void deck, but it is right in the heartlands at Ulu Pandan CC. Dining here is a homely MUJI-esque experience, with flat Japanese-style cushions on built-in wooden seats, and an overall airy feel thanks to the ample natural lighting and light colour palette.

Photo from @g27erald via Instagram

Those who like to people-watch can grab a seat by the window counter, with open blinds that look out to the carpark and greenery outside.

Photo from @maine.stream via Instagram

Food served here is a mix of different cuisines - there’s Laksa Goreng ($16), Korean Riceballs ($9), and House Signature Craygee ($18) - pao fan with crayfish, clams, and Thai prawns. Brunch traditionalists can opt for classic Western-style dishes like the Bacon, Egg & Cheese croissant sandwich ($10).

Photo from @housedownstairs via Instagram

Address: 170 Ghim Moh Road, #01-03 Ulu Pandan CC, Singapore 279621
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm | Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 6pm
Website

#9: Mocchi - adorable bear-themed pastries and drinks

Photo from Mocchi

The hot weather has been unforgiving lately and we’ve got just the thing to help you cool down: The beary adorbz lattes from Japanese-inspired patisserie, Mocchi. In flavours of Matcha and Hojicha, each one is respectively topped with matcha and cream cheese-flavoured soft serve, moulded to look like teddy bears!

Photo from Mocchi

Another icy treat is the Strawberry Kuma, a strawberry cream cheese parfait with strawberry jelly, compote, and crumble. Other bear-themed creations here include the Kuro Kuma, a brownie with chocolate mousse, and Shiroi Kuma, a pound cake with yoghurt mousse ($9.80 each).

Photo from Mocchi

Have a massive sweet craving? Indulge in the Mocchi Bundle ($41.80), with 5 of their signature petit gâteaus, namely: Chestnut Blackcurrant Cake, Crepe Matcha, Strawberry Short, Soft Cheese Cake, and Royaltime - a chocolate sponge cake with mousse and popping candy.

Photo from Mocchi

True to its name, this hidden cafe at Chinatown also serves Warabi Mochi at $10.80 for 18 pieces ($0.60 per piece).

Address: 37 Smith Street, Singapore 058950
Opening hours: 12pm - 9pm daily
Website

#10: Cornercove - acai with unlimited toppings at fixed prices

Photo from @doggaebi via Instagram

Don’t you wish you could just pick every single topping available when ordering an acai bowl, instead of being limited to just a few options because of price? Health nuts, your dream has just come true because Cornercove at Beach Road lets you pick unlimited toppings at a fixed price - no strings attached.

Photo from @cornercove via Instagram

Choose from $9.80 or $14.80 bowl sizes, mix and match your preferred bases including Acai, Pitaya, Coconut, and Matcha, and go on to select your fruits, nut butters, and sprinkles. You can have as much variety as you fancy - so long as everything fits into the bowl!

Photo from @cornercove via Instagram

Cornercove’s all-white space decorated with framed prints of surfers and shores really packs on those vacay vibes, making us think of those smoothie shacks by Australia’s beaches!

Photo from @doggaebi via Instagram

Read our full article on Cornercove here.

#11: Grain Alley - pet-friendly Orchard joint that opens till 12am

Photo from @grainalley via Instagram

If you’re ravenous after a day out at town, Grain Alley will be open till as late as 12am for you to sate your hunger pangs. And your furkids can come along too, ‘cause their al fresco area is pet-friendly.

Photo from @bumlikeu via Instagram

For a hearty breakfast, try the Big Bad Oeuf ($19) which comes with eggs, brioche, bratwurst, an array of greens, and even orange juice. Also worth trying is the Duck Confit with Mash, said to be extremely tender and flavourful with little hint of gameyness.

Photo from @jennylikestoeat via Instagram

The cafe sports a tropical theme with lush botanical wallpaper, as well as fixtures like old-timey hanging lamps, textured tables, gold accents and marbled surfaces. With comfy sofa seats and potted trees, their indoor space is equally aesthetically pleasing as the exterior.

Photo from @kryptonianonplanetearth via Instagram

Address: 181 Orchard Road, #01-10 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday: 9am - 11pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am - 12am
Website

#12: Yakiniku-GO - smoke-free Japanese BBQ

Photo from @yakinikugo.sg via Instagram

Tuck into high quality Japanese BBQ meat on a budget at Yakiniku-GO. Starting from an affordable $9.80, their set meals are served with rice, miso soup, kimchi and sauces. As the grills are small in size, they’re perfect for sharing with a date or lone dining.

Don’t worry about walking out smelling like a piece of meat, because this place uses only electric grills, which means it’s smoke-free.

Address: 33 Sengkang West Avenue, #01-49/50/51/52/53 The Seletar Mall, Singapore 797653
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm daily
Website

#13: Cookie & Cuddle - new dog petting cafe with cookie dough brownies

Photo from Cookie & Cuddle

By now you’ve heard of Chow Cute, a dog cafe at Seletar, but if travelling to that end of the country is too much of a hassle for you - even with the promise of getting to pet cute puppers - then perhaps Cookie & Cuddle might be more accessible for you. Located an easy 5-minute walk from both Farrer Park and Boon Keng MRT stations, this new dog petting cafe has 3 resident Chi-Poos (Chihuahua x Toy Poodle) who love to play!

Photo from Cookie & Cuddle

True to its name, the cafe serves cookies as well as other small bakes, including their specialty Doggyakis ($12) - a French bulldog-shaped taiyaki served with 2 scoops of ice cream and a chocolate bone.

Photo from @onericeplease

Also not to be missed out on is their decadent Cookie Dough Brownie ($5.50).

Read our full article on Cookie & Cuddle here.

#14: Molang Cafe - Korean bunny-themed cafe

Photo from Kumoya

You may not have heard of Molang, a fat bunny character from Korea. Even so, you’ll want to pay a visit to the new Molang Cafe pop-up at Kumoya’s Bugis outlet because it’s simply too cute to resist! Now with a sweet new coat of pink, the cafe sports candy-coloured wall decals featuring the round bunny and its best friend, Piu Piu the chick, along with plenty of whimsical motifs like rainbows, floating balloons, and cupcakes in the sky.

Photo from Kumoya

One of the most aesthetically-pleasing main dishes on the menu is the Nighty-Nite Sleep Tight Chicken Katsu Curry Rice ($25.90), which has rice moulded to resemble the rabbit character underneath a blanket of egg.

Photo from Kumoya