Binge is Tiong Bahru’s new sandwich spot for big flavours and bigger bites

Tiong Bahru’s dining scene is already a tapestry of heritage eateries and chic cafes — yet Binge, along Seng Poh Lane, manages to stand out with its bold hues and laid-back charm. 

Its sunny yellow-and-blue frontage and cartoonish sandwich mascot are hard to miss, adding a playful pop to the otherwise calm neighbourhood.

Inside, the vibe is easy and unfussy — equal parts nostalgic deli and neighbourhood hangout. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely its appeal.

The mind behind the messy goodness

Behind the concept is Arfian Ishak, a hospitality professional whose career in F&B spans over a decade, the most recent as an F&B director at a wellness club.

After years of leading service teams, he decided it was time to create something of his own: A spot that reflected his personal love for community and casual dining.

When a friend offered him the opportunity to lease a space along Seng Poh Lane, the timing felt right. Drawing on lessons from a previous business attempt almost a decade prior, Arfian approached Binge with a new focus: Lean operations, bright branding, and a tight, flavour-driven menu.

The result is a Muslim-owned eatery that feels refreshingly down-to-earth. The concept is driven by his childhood love for bread and the belief that a good sandwich doesn’t need to be fussy — just made with love.

Opened in June, Binge has quickly become a friendly pit-stop for locals and brunch-seekers seeking satisfying hot sandwiches — the way Arfian intended.

Sandwiches with serious personality

For all its easy-going vibe, Binge takes its sandwiches seriously. The menu is compact — deliberately so — spotlighting a tight selection of sourdough sandwiches, burgers, and pastries. Each item feels intentional rather than overdesigned, with just enough creativity to pique your curiosity.

Take, for example, the crowd-favourite Grand Poobah (S$18). Its star is the eight-hour-braised beef brisket, based on the Arfian’s mother-in-law’s recipe and inspired by adobo — the Filipino comfort dish known for its savoury, vinegary depth.

With generous hits of Sarawakan black pepper for kick, this oozy sandwich is the kind of thing that quiets conversation mid-bite. If, like us, you’re the type to reach for extra pepper at every meal, this will win you over instantly.

Then there’s Sloppy Benny Binge (S$16) — the name alone hints at what’s coming. It’s a loaded burger layered with Cajun-spiced chicken, tomato, garlic toum (a punchy Lebanese garlic sauce), spiced fish skin, and provolone cheese.

It’s big, it’s bold, and unapologetically messy — think of it as Binge’s play on a Sloppy Joe, but with Southeast Asian swagger.

The combination of the fragrant toum and the well-seasoned chicken is deeply satisfying, even if it means grabbing a few extra napkins along the way.

Flavourful chaos seems to be a theme here, and the classic Double cheese (S$16) continues the streak.

It’s the sort of burger that feels familiar, but elevated — grain-fed minced beef topped with aged cheddar, caramelised onions, purple slaw, and a zingy Peri-Peri sauce.

The slaw, in particular, provides an addictive crunch that plays beautifully against the tender minced beef and molten cheese. It’s comfort food done right: Nostalgic, yet clearly crafted with care.

Just when we thought we’d reached peak indulgence, the Bangkok chicken (S$18) made its grand debut. A new addition to the menu, this sandwich easily rivals its predecessors for the top spot.

Marinated chicken, pickled onions, mango slaw, and housemade Thai chilli sauce come together in an explosive blend of sweet, sour, and just the slightest hint of spice.

The juicy chicken is balanced by the tartness of the mango slaw and the punch of fish sauce and coriander — flavours that feel unmistakably Thai, yet perfectly suited for Binge’s hearty sandwich style.

It’s the kind of creation that reminds you why experimentation in comfort food pays off.

Of course, no meal feels complete without something sweet, and at Binge, that means the banana caramel tiramisu (S$15.90). This isn’t your typical tiramisu; instead, it’s a decadent, layered dessert that hides chunks of caramelised banana between coffee-soaked sponge and cream.

The result is dangerously addictive — creamy, caramelly, and just indulgent enough to tempt even the fullest diner into one last bite.

And while most visitors will make a beeline for the sammies, Binge’s drinks deserve equal attention. The taro matcha (S$9) is the perfect example of how Arfian’s team balances creativity with restraint.

Subtly sweet and creamy, with earthy roasted notes from the matcha and a hint of nuttiness from the taro, it’s refreshing without being heavy.

It’s less of a sugar rush and more of a mellow pick-me-up — and a surprisingly good match for the savoury richness of the sandwiches.

Why Binge is worth the buzz

There’s an undeniable charm about Binge — one that goes beyond its cheeky branding and compact space. It’s the kind of spot that feels genuinely personal, where every sandwich tells a story and every flavour reflects its creator’s enthusiasm for the craft.

Between the generous portions, creative twists, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this little corner of Seng Poh Lane has been buzzing since it opened.

Whether you’re swinging by for a hearty lunch or a casual weekend indulgence, Binge delivers comfort in its most satisfying form — hearty, unpretentious, and made with plenty of heart.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, try the popular nasi ambeng at Coba Coba in Yishun, and also check out our Alexandra Village Food Centre guide.