New openings in Singapore: April 2025

Singapore is home to a thriving culinary scene and there’s no shortage of food options and new openings here each month. 

As we start the year off, we say hello to some hot new F&B brands in town, some completely new and some well-known names from overseas: Popular Japanese curry brand Maji Curry opens a second outlet in the ever-convenient Funan, and there’s also TianTai Hotpot, a hidden Chongqing-style hotpot restaurant, and many more!

So, if you’re a self-professed foodie — just like us — and love exploring new openings in Singapore, you’ll want to save this guide for our monthly updates on the newest F&B openings on our shore.

New openings in Singapore: April 2025

1. Maggie’s

Maggie’s is a new charismatic restaurant at Keong Saik that takes pride in its “almost Chinese” identity. It’s easy to see why when you take a look at its menu — there, you’ll find classic Chinese ingredients, but with an almost playful touch.

For instance, the golden prawn Croque Madame (S$25) seems like a jazzed up version of the Korean-Chinese dish menbosha (shrimp toast with minced shrimp filling). There’s also the Maggie’s Southern Dirty Rice (S$35) with duck liver sausage, monkfish liver parfait, drizzled with some aged yellow wine — it reminds us of a cross between a claypot rice and a risotto, in a good way. 

Maggie’s serves up some dangerously good cocktails, too: The red date dew (S$22) is an interesting concoction of rum, red dates, and winter melon that’s served in a Chinese porcelain teacup. 

Check out what we loved at Maggie’s.

2. Mare Hachikyo

If you’re crazy for ikura, you have to check out the new Mare Hachikyo from Hokkaido that has made its first international debut, right in Orchard.  

In case you didn’t know, the brand is also the ones behind the famous “overflowing ikura” bowls where ikura is heaped over rice till you say stop. As with any fine-dining restaurant, all of its premium ingredients are freshly sourced, with most, in fact, flown directly from Hokkaido. 

The cherry on top? Mare Hachikyo’s menu is not overly pricey, lunch starts from S$68, while the signature nine-course omakase dinner goes for S$228. For quality ingredients and the immaculate experience, we’d say it’s well worth the splurge. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Mare Hachikyo. 

3. Tempura Ensei

Omakase lovers, if you’re after something a tad different from regular omakase, make a beeline for Tempura Ensei, which specialises in Edo-style tempura. 

Helmed by Japanese native-chef Naruki Takeshima, who honed his skills at Tokyo’s 120-year-old tempura institution Tekane, Tempura Ensei serves up delicious tempura treats using fresh and premium ingredients. 

The menu is short and sweet, with three options available: Lunch En menu (S$128), dinner Sei menu (S$188), as well as the omakase menu (S$288). 

Here’s what we tried at Tempura Ensei.

4. Sapoto

Latest to the ever-growing list of omakase spots in Singapore is Sapoto at Amara Hotel. Founded by chefs Shyong and Desmond Fong (who also helms Sushi Yujo), Sapoto is a new restaurant that specialises in binchotan-grilled yakitori.

Here, Sakura chicken — that’s known for being raised in a clean and controlled setting using Japanese lactobacillus techniques — is used for its yakitori cuts, ensuring that every skewer served is tender. 

Sapoto only offers set menus for its dinner for now. Take your pick from the Shinrai (S$98, 15 courses), Sapoto (S$148, 16 courses), or Yujo (S$198, 18 courses). If you’re looking for lunch options, you might just want to hold your horses for a tad longer until mid-2025.

Check out what we had at Sapoto.

5. Kopitiam — Parkway Parade

Those living in the east or near Parkway Parade, take heart. Following the closure of Food Republic at Parkway Parade’s basement comes a newly revamped Kopitiam with an all-new chic look, complete with colourful Pernakan floral motifs and other Pernakan-inspired designs. 

There’s a grand total of 32 food stalls to choose from. Not only can you find familiar comfort food, such as salt-baked boneless thigh noodles (S$7.90) from Lam’s Noodle and Chicken, there’s other offerings that we don’t often see served in food courts, such as kamquat mojito (S$14) and oyster set (S$11.80 for three pieces).

Here’s our take on Kopitiam at Parkway Parade.

6. Jeonpo Meat Shop

Jeonpo Meat Shop at Telok Ayer is a breath of fresh air, compared to other Korean barbecue outlets in Singapore, with its old-school charm and one-of-a-kind flower-shaped meat cuts.

Brought to you by Gold Moon restaurant group — which also has Seoul Noodle Shop, Tonshou, and Janchi under its belt — Jeonpo Meat Shop is as close as it gets to what you can expect to find in Korea. It has already opened seven branches in Hong Kong, and the Telok Ayer outlet marks its first in Singapore.

Go straight for the flower-cut pork belly (S$28) or flower-cut pork collar (S$28) that are all freshly sliced upon order. If you’re feeling peckish, feel free to add on the classic fried rice (S$14) or spicy buckwheat noodles (S$16) for something hearty.

We visited Jeonpo Meat Shop, and here’s what we thought.

7. Lao Ma Ban Mian

Westside noodle lovers, you’re in luck with West Mall’s newest Taiwanese noodle restaurant — Lao Ma Ban Mian, a concept that has earned the compliments of Taiwanese celebrities, such as A-Lin and Hebe Tien, has just opened here.

Don’t miss its signature guan miao mian, a special wavy-shaped noodle that’s made traditionally in Tainan — we’d recommend trying it by ordering the chilli oil preserved egg and meat sauce noodles (S$12.50).

There are also other solid Taiwanese carb dishes, such as dried scallop huadiao chicken noodles soup (S$16.50), and fried egg braised pork rice (S$5.50), if you want more variety.

Here’s what to expect at Lao Ma Ban Mian. 

8. Gochiya

Aside from Lao Ma Ban Mian, West Mall has another new Japanese teppanyaki restaurant Gochiya, by the team behind familiar Japanese restaurant chains such as Gochi-So Shokudo. 

But this is not your regular teppanyaki experience — Gochiya cooks the food to 80% doneness before serving it to diners, so that you have the flexibility to cook the meat to your preferred doneness.

Get a little of everything with the signature hamburg combo (S$22.90) that brings together hamburg, Iberico pork jowl and Iberico secreto (special cut) topped with mozzarella cheese. Other protein choices include the salmon and chicken (S$18.80), as well as tonkatsu sets.

Here’s our take on Gochiya.

9. Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa

With more than 90 years of expertise, Japan’s Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa has finally made its way to Singapore, with the help of the Le Amis Group. This unagi specialist has more than 30 outlets around the world, and takes its binchotan-grilled unagi with its time-honoured glazing sauce very seriously. It’s Michelin selected, after all. 

Thankfully, prices here are pretty reasonable, and you can get a basic eel rice bowl for S$32 — for that price, you’ll get a grilled half eel on rice, pickles and soup. If you’re here to indulge, the Ippon hitsumabushi set (S$50) with a whole eel over rice and unagi liver soup, is an enticing option, too. 

This is what we had at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa. 

10. Station by Kotuwa

Station by Kotuwa is the sister concept of well-loved Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa at New Bahru. It’s conveniently located in Telok Ayer, allowing more accessibility to those who have been longing to try Sri Lankan fare. 

What stands out at Station by Kotuwa is its high-energy ambience and menu that features bold Sri Lankan flavours with an innovative twist. The menu might be compact, but every plate delivers on flavour. 

There’s the chilled rasam with yoghurt and tomatoes (a tamarind-rich Southern Indian soup, S$14), as well as the kaliya chicken liver and egg roti (S$14). Coupled with its one-of-a-kind cocktails, such as the podi menike (its take on the espresso martini, S$22), a meal here will be one that you remember for sure.

11. Gangnam Ok

If you love jumping on all things trendy, consider this your sign to grab your chingus (or “friend” in Korean) to check out Gangnam Ok — a concept by Gangnam BBQ — that serves up chadol gujeolpan, the grand-looking popular beef brisket dish first popularised in Korea. 

For the uninitiated, the dish features beef brisket and eight other accompaniments, including various sorts of vegetables and egg. These nine elements are then cooked together on the spot on a pan tableside. 

Diners can opt to share the Platter of Nine Delicacies (medium) set (S$129), which comes with chadol gujeolpan, wagyu chadol sushi, steamed egg, and a soybean paste pot of rice. As with any legitimate K-BBQ spot, don’t be afraid to leave the cooking to the staff and sit back to enjoy the oh-so-tender wagyu cuts here.

We got first dibs at Gangnam Ok and here’s how it went.

12. La Terrace

If you’re looking for an enchanting date spot with immaculate vibes and French countryside-like scenery, La Terrace at Dempsey is the place to be at. It’s a brand-new casual concept by modern French restaurant Claudine, helmed by chef Julien Royer of three-Michelin-starred Odette. 

To sweeten the deal, you’ll be glad to know that most prices at La Terrace are below S$30 (yes, affordable prices and stunning views at Dempsey, you heard that right). The menu is best for sharing, with smaller bites dominating the pages — you can expect French dishes such as the tapioca fritters (S$12) and the half roasted chicken (S$58, sufficient for three). 

In true “apero” (drinking before a full-fledged meal) spirit, you can also choose from a selection of 25 types of gin and tonics for a well-rounded meal. 

We took a first look at La Terrace, and this is what we had.

13. Violet Oon Singapore — Dempsey

Whether you’re a newbie or regular at Violet Oon Singapore, you’d want to check out the all-new picturesque Dempsey Hill outlet, to savour its authentic Peranakan fare, alongside other outlet-exclusives that you may not be able to find elsewhere.  

Said to be Violet Oon Singapore’s largest outlet so far, this Dempsey Hill space even comes with an edible garden where you can touch and smell the herbs used in its dishes. 

Interesting outlet-exclusives include the fu yong hai (S$24), a take on the fu yong omelette with crab chunks, bamboo shoots and char siew, as well as the hati babi bungkus (spiced pork liver balls, S$24) that’s known to be eaten at extravagant Nyonya occasions. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Violet Oon Singapore at Dempsey Hill.

14. Blue Bottle Coffee

Coffee aficionados, you’ll be glad to know that Blue Bottle Coffee has opened its first permanent cafe at Raffles City. It first opened as a temporary outpost in August last year, but is now in Singapore for good, sharing the same space as Japanese fashion lifestyle boutique Lumine. 

Its well-lit and cosy interior makes a great spot to sit down and relax with a cuppa in hand. Its selection of beverages includes signatures such as the Gibraltar (known as “short, strong latte”, S$7.50) and the well-loved Nola (brewed with roasted chicory, S$8). 

Peckish? There are also Singapore-exclusive pastries, such as the coconut kouign-amaan (S$8) and pandan canele with kaya (S$6).

We visited Blue Bottle Coffee at Raffles City, and here’s our take.

15. Amacha

If you’re in the Chinatown area, don’t miss out on Amacha, which is located right beside Chinatown Heritage Centre — a new herbal milk tea concept that focuses on delivering nostalgic and nourishing concoctions. 

It’s started by the 34-year-old Sebastian Ang, the man behind the old-school-style “hidden” concepts that have a knack for social media virality, such as Synthesis, Mama Diam, and Lou Shang.

Taking inspiration from his grandmother’s recipes, Amacha’s menu sports a series of herbal tea and milk tea brews that features a special blend of fresh medicinal herbs in each drink. For example, Grandma’s Remedy (from S$5.90) is a comforting but milkier jia jia liang teh-like beverage, while the Warm Embrace (from S$7.90) brings together red dates, dried longan, angelica roots, and osmanthus jelly is said to favourable for women as it promotes blood circulation.

16. Guilt Free Food

Those seeking a sweet treat sans the guilt can check out Guilt Free Food, which serves up “healthier” cinnamon rolls. The concept has finally opened its first grab-and-go space in Telok Kurau.

Opened by passionate home baker Joyce, Guilt Free Food serves up healthier variations of cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats that still offer satisfaction without compromising on flavour. There’s vegan, keto and even diabetic-friendly items, such as the reduced sugar quad-flavoured cinnamon roll cake (comes with the four best-selling flavours, S$36 for 7-inch, S$46 for 10-inch).

New openings in Singapore: March 2025

1. Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar

Chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez, the power couple behind Tinto Spanish Restaurant and newly opened Vino Tinto are behind this brand-new Mexican speciality concept — Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar. 

What sets it apart from the duo’s earlier two ventures is the spot’s outdoor terrace overlooking the picturesque Singapore city skyline, and its offerings of classic Mexican food, served in a no-frills manner. 

Expect dishes such as queso fundido (Mexican melted cheese, S$12), and taco al pastor (tacos with marinated pork, S$14), best paired with a glass of refreshing margarita (S$16), there.

Here’s our take on Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar.

2. Maji Curry — Funan

Heard of Maji Curry but find travelling to its first branch at Novena quite a hassle? Fret not because Maji Curry has now opened its second outlet at a much more central location in Funan. 

The award-winning Japanese brand takes its thick, decadent curry gravy — made from chicken bouillon, no less — seriously. It’s easy to see why its diners are so hooked on this mildly spiced concoction. 

You can opt to have your curry rice with a myraid of proteins: Tonkatsu (S$12.50), triple meat (pork cutlet, hamburg steak, beef shabu, S$20.50), and eggplant (S$11.50) among others, as well as choose interesting add-ons, such as cheese sauce (extra S$1.80). 

Here’s everything you need to know about Maji Curry at Funan. 

3. Merci Marcel — Robertson Quay

Always looking for new date spots? Then try Merci Marcel’s latest branch at Robertson Quay, which sits along the stretch of Singapore River — it’s a romantic and intimate dinner spot you can’t go wrong with. 

Here, you’ll find a well-crafted menu by reputable French chef Bruno Menard, starring dishes such as the chilli crab-inspired crab croquettes (S$15 for three pieces), and grilled ribeye steak (S$69 for 300g). Aside from having decades of experience, Chef Menard was also the former executive chef of three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Osier in Tokyo, so you know you’re in good hands at this new outlet.

We visited Merci Marcel at Robertson Quay, and here’s what we had.

4. Nomada

Located on Keong Saik Road, taking over where fusion restaurant Don Ho once stood, Nomada is the latest dining concept by chef Gonzalo Landin who used to helm the kitchen at Binomio and also founded the now-defunct Set of Six bar.

At Nomada, chef Gonzalo aims to showcase the journey of a Spanish nomad, incorporating elements of his globetrotting experiences, as well as adventurous spirit. 

Expect an inventive take on Spanish fare, with standout dishes such as a hearty iberico pluma rice (S$68) and grilled oyster with spicy sobrasada (oyster with Spanish cured sausage, two pieces for S$16), among others.

5. Bonjour by Ma Cuisine

This one’s for the seasoned cafe-hoppers who are looking for a new concept out of the ordinary: Bonjour by Ma Cuisine is a new weekday-only brunch concept by  Ma Cuisine, a Michelin-starred French restaurant in Tanjong Pagar. 

It serves up a vast selection of comforting French dishes at a more wallet-friendly price than its sister concept, with a decent spread of both classic and unique brunch-friendly dishes such as the croque madame truffle (S$28.80) and quenelle de brochet sauce nantua (S$20.80), a Lyonnaise dumpling delicacy made from fish and flour. 

Check out what we loved at Bonjour by Ma Cuisine.

6. Bukit Batok West Hawker Centre

Westies, say hello to Bukit Batok’s first-ever hawker centre in its neighbourhood — Bukit Batok West Hawker Centre.

Spanning over 400 tables and 80 seats, the centre houses more than 20 food stalls, with most having meals that start from just S$3.20. As with any good hawker centre, there’s a sizeable range of cuisines, such as Chinese, Indian, and even Vietnamese fare.

Find out more about Bukit Batok West Hawker Centre here.

7. Tiantai Hotpot

If you’re all about discovering hidden gems, then save Chongqing-style hotpot restaurant Tiantai Hotpot for your next food adventure! It’s nestled on the rooftop of People’s Park Complex, an off-the-radar location that is well worth the effort to seek out. 

Though there’s only three soup bases to choose from, there’s still a good selection of ingredients for a well-rounded hotpot experience, such as the premium shrimp paste (S$16) and cheese tofu (S$6). 

For those who love innards, you will be delighted to find that Tiantai serves up Chongqing specialities such as pork aorta (S$9), house marinated pork intestine (S$9), and fresh beef tripe (S$9). 

8. Domo Restaurant Singapore

Japanese spots abound in Singapore, but there aren’t many robatayaki places, yet. Thankfully the newly opened Domo Restaurant at Fairmont Singapore is another addition to the list, serving up quality smoky grilled meats that’ll leave you wanting more. 

Aside from a focus on robatayaki dishes, the menu is a blend of Japanese and European influences, owing to its owner’s culinary experiences and inspirations. 

Expect dishes such as rack of lamb with gochujang miso (S$30), as well as non-grilled crowd-friendly dishes as the tuna, avocado and feta sashimi taco (S$18 for two pieces), and beef tataki with onion salsa and garlic chip (S$24).

We took a first look at Domo Restaurant Singapore and here’s what to expect.

9. Madam Flod Creperie

Sailing all the way from Sweden, Madam Flod is a food boat whose concept has now permanently docked Boat Quay! Helmed by a husband-wife duo, Madam Flod Creperie Boat, which serves up French crepes, first began its journey in 2018. 

This being the creperie’s first-ever outpost overseas, it has brought along an impressive assortment of crepes and galettes with both sweet and savoury toppings. Favourites for us include the reliable salmon galette (S$20.50), as well as the Singapore-exclusive pandan kaya crepe (S$14). 

Find out more about Madam Flod Singapore here.

10. To:You Cafe

To:You in Kembangan is opened by the 28-year-old Laura and a co-founder, both of whom believe in providing warm hospitality and an inviting ambience — you’ll feel it right when you step into the cafe’s deep green-themed space. 

To:You serves up an array of hearty Japanese-inspired brunch staples, such as the comforting To:You breakfast (S$20) that comes with eggs, butter croissant, potato puffs, and chicken sausage. It also has eyecatching and yummy desserts such as its matcha lava cake (S$13) and pistachio cold brew (S$8). 

Here’s everything we tried at To:You Cafe.

11. Koki Bakery & Brew Bar

Scrambled egg sandwich enthusiasts, make a beeline for Koki Bakery & Brew Bar at Duxton Road. This new concept, which shares a space with pan-Asian restaurant Equatorial, churns out the fluffiest scrambled eggs sandwiched between two equally fluffy thick toasts of your choice — the dish, the breakfast toast (S$16) may cost a pretty penny but it’s well worth the price.  

Koki also has a riff off the cult-favourite sweet-and-savoury sandwich from McDonald’s — Mc Riddles (S$18), that comes with creamy eggs and sausage patty served with brioche slices, just like its original inspiration.

We visited Koki Bakery & Brew Bar, and here’s what we thought.

12. Golden Seed

If you’re looking for a teahouse with a difference, beyond the rustic teahouses in Chinatown — the new Golden Seed is the spot to be at! This modern teahouse is situated on the ground floor of Millenia Walk and comes decked in a modern minimalist aesthetic with plenty of greenery to boot. 

Golden Seed serves up high-quality Chinese tea, with only two tea experiences on its menu — the individual tea journey awakening (S$38 per diner) and grand tea experience (S$88) that can be shared with up to four diners (or more at an additional cost of S$48 per diner). These sets are accompanied with some light snacks, such as nuts and fruits, to nibble on. 

Find out more about Golden Seed here.

New openings in Singapore: February 2025

1. Scarpetta

If you’re looking for a pasta spot that won’t break your bank, you have got to check out Scarpetta at Amoy Street, as nothing is above S$30 here!

Not only will you find classics such as the cacio e pepe with crispy guanciale (S$20), but it also serves up interesting pasta options, such as the bolognese ravioli (S$24) with beef cheek filling, and comforting sides, too. 

Here’s our take on Scarpetta at Amoy. 

2. Bon Broth

Hotpot lovers, if you’re looking for a hotpot experience like nothing you’ve ever had, make a beeline for Bon Broth, the hottest new spot on block that takes pride in its flavourful broths. 

Helmed by Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang, this all-new hotpot concept spices things up with a broth bar that has a broth “sommelier” to assist diners in selecting their broth for their hotpots, as well as luxurious, generously portioned sets that start from S$110. 

We visited Bon Broth at Raffles City, and here’s what we thought.

3. Cavern Restaurant

You’ve probably seen clips of this new cave interior restaurant at Mandai Wildlife Reserve on your socials. Helmed by Tunglok Group, Cavern Restaurant is a manmade cave-themed space that is modelled after the Mulu caves in Sarawak.

Here, the menu comprises mostly western mains, with a relatively comprehensive menu of starters, sides and desserts to complement. Prices here are not too steep, too (by attraction park standards), with mains starting from S$20. 

But hold your horses for a week or two, as Cavern Restaurant is only opening its doors to the public on March 12, and is walk-in only. 

We took a first look at Cavern Restaurant and here’s what to expect.

4. Tina’s Cafe

Started by the same people behind Edith Patisserie, Tina’s Cafe is a touching tribute that honours co-founder Shaun Ong’s late mother, Tina, and her love for her kaya toast, her go-to morning staple 

The menu sports comforting and nostalgia-inducing dishes, such as classic kaya toast sets, breakfast platters, and nasi lemak. For Edith Pattiserie’s fans, you’ll be happy to know that its well-loved cakes are available there, too. 

Check out what we loved at Tina’s Cafe.

5. 1030 Breakfast Shop

If you’re missing your Taiwan travels, reminisce by having breakfast at the new 1030 Breakfast Shop in Chinatown. Run by a pair of sisters, this humble hawker store dishes out Taiwanese breakfast-style items, starting from just S$2.

Not only are its prices wallet-friendly, but with nothing above S$6.50, you can have your fill of Taiwanese fare here and still have spare change. Psst, definitely get the highly recommended signature toast (S$6.50), which comes loaded with yummy ingredients such as pork chop, egg and luncheon meat. 

We visited 1030 Breakfast Shop and here’s what we’d recommend.

6. Alani

There’s a new spot at the rooftop of Kada at Maxwell that has finally opened officially, after being in its soft-launch phase for two months. 

Alani is a Mediterranean bakery by chef Alberto Simillides, who also runs Proud Potato Peeler just next door. Choose between dining in its quaint “living room” space, or opt for its spacious open-air rooftop seating. Either way, we’re sure you’ll enjoy its menu of signature sourdoughs, open-fire bakes, and creative brunch items. 

Here’s our take on Alani.

7. Eg Coffee

Good news for Queenstown residents: There’s a new homely neighbourhood coffee spot in the form of Eg Coffee, which also serves up fresh bakes, at Alexis Condominium. This quaint but cosy space is the ideal spot to catch up with friends or people-watch.

Don’t be deceived by its unassuming small space though — Eg Coffee serves up a good selection of sweet and savoury bakes, gelato, and housemade beverages, which are perfect to beat the heat. 

Find out more about Eg Coffee here. 

8. Tous Les Jours — Bukit Pasoh Road

Fans of French-inspired Korean bakery Tous Les Jours who might have been reluctant to travel all the way down to its first store at Yishun, good news! It has now opened its second outlet at Bukit Pasoh, bringing with it its popular signatures such as goguma Mammoth bread (sweet potato bread, S$5.50), peanut crumble bread (S$2.50), and more new creations.

Besides its well-loved cream cheese walnut bread (S$4.80) and 32-layered tissue bread (S$5), there’s also a few outlet-exclusive items, such as BELT sandwich (S$8), and twisted donut (S$2.50). 

Here’s everything you need to know about Tous Les Jours’ second outlet.

9. Average Service

You probably would have seen Average Service cafe on your social media feeds. It’s a new stylish lifestyle dining concept that operates until midnight, at Jalan Besar.  

Founded by serial entrepreneur Jerls Su, who already has ChaTraMue and Potato Head under his belt, Average Service is all about turning simple daily moments into something memorable. 

On its menu, you’ll find all-day fare, such as sourdough toasts and savory croissants, but the one to really get is its showstopping thick slab bacon (S$26), a maple-glazed bacon with creamy folded eggs on a sourdough brioche bread.

Here’s everything we tried at Average Service. 

10. Chia Puddies

Chia Puddies is Singapore’s first chia pudding speciality store at Clarke Quay that serves up six different chia seed pudding variants, inclusive of vegan and matcha-flavoured options. 

If you’ve never had a chia seed pudding bowl, the base sports a rich mixture of chia seeds and milk. It is then topped with fruits, granola and butter. Chia puddies bowls start from S$10.50, but for something less filling, opt for its smoothies (S$9.80 each).

Check what we loved about Chia Puddies.

11. Bao Bao

Opened by the folks behind Australian-style cafe Surrey Hills Grocer, Bao Bao is a new takeaway concept serving up handcrafted baos at Ion Orchard.

What sets Bao Bao apart is its use of a time-tested recipe from a retiring local bao expert, who has close to 50 years of experience. You best believe these buns are quality buns, indeed! Bao lovers, be prepared for an assortment of sweet and savoury flavours here, with prices starting from S$1.20 for a lotus seed bao.

Here’s what we tried at Bao Bao at Ion Orchard.

12. Kebuke — Sembawang Shopping Centre

Popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand Kebuke has opened its first dine-in cafe in the north. It previously opened its first outlet here at Taste Orchard in June last year. While simple and quaint, it makes for a ‘gram-worthy pitstop, especially if you’re a bubble tea lover. 

Here, you can expect Kebuke’s freshly made selection of teas, alongside an all-new lineup of housemade tea-inspired pastries. For the best of both worlds, you can also get its outlet-exclusive high tea set for two (S$28.80), which comes with two drinks, and a tiered dessert tray of two sliced cakes, four cream puffs, and six cookies. 

New openings in Singapore: January 2025

1. Yakiniku Gyubei

A pioneer of the head-to-tail yakiniku concept in Japan, Yakiniku Gyubei has opened its first overseas store right here in Singapore and is the perfect spot to be for those who love their beef and yakiniku. 

Expect as many as 24 wagyu cuts, from classics (such as short ribs and tenderloin) to lesser-seen intriguing cuts, such as ichibo (rump cap) and uchimono (inner thigh). 

Its sister concept Shabu Shabu Sumire-An — an all-you-can-eat concept with free-flow meats and vegetables — has also opened next to Yakiniku Gyubei’s 100AM store, so you have options if you want something more soupy! 

Here’s what you should try at Yakiniku Gyubei and Shabu Shabu Sumire-An.

2. Vino Tinto

Looking for a vibey wine and tapas spot to loosen up after clocking off work? Vino Tinto is a new Spanish concept at the lobby of One Raffles Quay that serves up delectable Spanish fare as well as plenty of — you guessed it — vino or wine. 

Helmed by the husband-wife duo behind Canchita Peruvian Cuisine and Tinto Spanish Restaurant at Dempsey, Vino Tinto’s menu sports more than 30 tapas plates. There, you’ll find Tinto’s well-loved tostas ramona (“crystal” bread with burrata and anchovies, S$24), its hearty paellas, as well as plenty of new items, together with a wide selection of wine and drinks.

Here’s our take on the new Vino Tinto.

3. Claypot Daddy

The next time you’re at Changi Airport looking for something hearty, make a beeline for Claypot Daddy at Terminal 2. This claypot specialist serves up a tantalising selection of over 30 claypot dishes from just S$6.90 nett.

An all-new concept by Shawn Lim, restaurateur and executive director of Penang Culture, Claypot Daddy is inspired by his young daughter who enjoys non-spicy food. Great for families and non-spice lovers, Claypot Daddy’s menu features a plethora of family-friendly claypot and hotplate dishes that’ll go down well with everyone. 

Here’s what we tried at Claypot Daddy.

4. Bee Hoe Coffee

If you’re someone who enjoys seeking out quaint, under-the-radar, cafes, then Bee Hoe Coffee at Joo Chiat might just be the place for you. It’s a new back-alley cafe serving not just espresso-based drinks, but speciality Vietnamese egg coffee, too. 

Its coffee is brewed with coffee beans from the co-owner’s family farm in Vietnam, so it’s nothing short of authentic. 

Check out Bee Hoe Coffee’s space and menu.

5. Lavi Tapas Bar

Many of us would have heard the buzz about Kada at Maxwell, but have you heard of its new tapas spot Lavi Tapas Bar, a vibey Mexican tapas spot located right next to the building’s entrance?

Started by the same folks behind Lavi Taco at Chinatown, Lavi Tapas Bar pays homage to the founder Edmund’s love for Mexican fare and fusion cuisine. On its menu you’ll see tacos, as well as unique tapas dishes with a touch of contemporary flair. 

Don’t miss out on its delectable gram-worthy tapas and big plates, such as the eye-catching tomato stracciatella (S$21), as well as Lavi’s famous birria tacos. 

We visited Lavi Tapas Bar, and these are what we tried.

6. SugarBelly

Starting out as a pop-up shop in 2023, SugarBelly has now opened its first-ever physical store at Jewel Changi Airport. 

Founded by 22-year-old Alexan Tang, SugarBelly’s savoury mochi doughnuts and matcha on tap has been all over social media — a testament to Alexan’s hard work and grit over the past two years. 

Here’s everything you need to know about SugarBelly and Alexan’s journey.

7. 2050 Coffee

It’s clear matcha’s all the rage now, on tap or not. For those who love their fuss-free conveniences, there’s a new kid on the block that serves up matcha and coffee on tap: 2050 Coffee at Beach Road, next to Haji Lane.

Hailing from Tokyo, 2050 Coffee is the latest brainchild by Kurasu, Japan’s renowned speciality coffee brand. With its futuristic sleek interior, automated taps and sustainable sourcing methods, 2050 Coffee is said to be the future of coffee — you’ll need to visit to see what’s all that hype about!

We checked out 2050 Coffee and here’s what to get there.

8. Modu

This might just be the spot to warm the cockles of your heart on a rainy day — Modu is a new Korean ginseng chicken soup speciality restaurant at Mandarin Gallery that serves up not just one, but six different types of ginseng chicken soups. 

It’s started by the folks behind another Korean spot in the same mall — Drim Korean Steak House, which is also well-known for its authentic dishes as well as handmade buckwheat noodles, so you can be sure of the quality here, too. 

Check what we loved about Modu Singapore here.