It’s neither the biggest nor rowdiest of neighbourhoods, and it’s often mistaken for the other Eastside hip hubs of Katong and Joo Chiat. But there’s definitely a pristine, quaint quality that flows through the streets of Siglap – expat residents walking their dog; locals meeting up to adjourn to their fave footie-screening pub; foodies of all shapes and sizes getting their fill with this district’s cornucopia of restaurants and cafes. It’s casual and not a place where you need to dress to the nines; almost a home away from home where you can chill to your heart’s content. Sold on Siglap yet? We fill you in on what you can expect.
Restaurants
ETNA Italian Restaurant (Editor’s Pick)
Situated more on the outskirts of Siglap, ETNA is one cosy, sequestered ristorante that embraces its acronym-huddled philosophy: Every Table Needs Attention. Naturally, service is spick and span, and Italian dishes like carpaccio di manzo and linguine al granchio are served promptly. ETNA is also one fixture you can find consistently featured during Singapore Restaurant Week.
ETNA Italian Restaurant, 110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298, p. 6444 9530. Open 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.
Megumi (Editor’s Pick)
Probably one of the country’s best-kept secrets, this Japanese establishment has one of the most value-for-money chirashi-dons ($16.80) – where sashimi slices are fresh and slightly oversized (not that we’re complaining!). Megumi’s chefs also whip up decadent Sake Rainbow Maki – buttery salmon rolls stuffed with both flavour and fresh ingredients.
Megumi Japanese Restaurant, #01-03, 77 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455218, p. 6243 0700.
Lai Huat Sambal Fish Restaurant
If you’re gonna name your restaurant after a dish, you’d best nail it down to a fine art. Fortunately, this family business does just that, offering whole fried pomfrets – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – covered in a thick, spicy sambal belachan (we can never say no to shrimp paste) sauce that elevates this seafood staple.
Lai Huat Sambal Fish Restaurant, 17 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455208, p. 6448 9077. Open 11am-2.30pm, 5pm-11pm.
Indian Curry House
If spices don’t intimidate you, then this is one franchise of Indian comfort food that will welcome you with open arms. While it now has several branches in the city, this Siglap outlet is the brand’s original one, and it continues to serve wok-stirred curries and clay oven-cooked tandoor items like lamb shanks and Badshahi tandoor chicken. And remember… curry and rice, always curry and rice.
Indian Curry House, 27 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455211, p. 6442 0919. Open 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.
Mikawa Yakitori Bar
Probably the closest thing you’re gonna get to an izakaya in Siglap, Mikawa takes pride in its kushiyaki skewers – offering almost 50 assorted items like tori seseri (chicken neck) and hatsu (chicken heart), buta bara (pork belly with onion) and hotate bacon maki (scallop wrapped in bacon), and also gindara (cod fish) and Japanese sweet potatoes.
Mikawa Yakitori Bar, 53 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455214, p. 6444 8484. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-10.30pm, Fri 6pm-12am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-12am, closed Mon.
A slider with the ID of 450 doesn't exist.Mas-Ayu Restaurant
As a food-chaser who lives and grew up in the East, this writer can tell you that this homely haunt of Malaysian kampong cuisine has been here forever! Regulars always return for its signature fried calamari, and you can even ask for ridiculous yet sinful hybrid dishes like seafood kway teow goreng pattaya – think flat noodles mixed with fried seafood and wrapped in an omelette drenched in ketchup. Body says no… but appetite says YES!
Mas-Ayu Restaurant, 55 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455215, p. 6449 2844.
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
Who still remembers the TV jingle from this Italian restaurant’s old commercials? Though that may seem like an eon ago, this Italian chain continues to thrive with its dedication towards freshly-made pasta and heartfelt service. 27 years on, and Pasta Fresca stays fresh by constantly revamping its menu, with current mainstays including vongole alla pescatora (pasta with clams sautéed in olive oil), crespelle al funghi (Italian-style crepe baked with mushrooms, onions and parmesan), and risotto al frutti di mare (a popular seafood risotto).
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore, #01-01/02, 77 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455218, p. 6241 5560. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am-11pm, Sat 11.30am-3pm and 5pm-11pm, Sun 11.30am-11pm.
Perle Noire Oyster & Grill Bar
Being in a rather sophisticated neighbourhood, it’s no surprise to find a restaurant that serves freshly shucked oysters. Ranging from $24 to $34, you can order half a dozen oysters from Canada, New Zealand, Australia or France. And when you’re done slurping down these juicy, briny babies, hit the grill for some Australian Yorkshire pork rack or roasted chicken breast.
Perle Noire Oyster & Grill Bar, 85 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455222, p. 6448 1732. Open 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm.
Udders & Kook
A trip to Udders always promises an off-kilter ice cream expedition with boozily blissful flavours like Bailey’s & Bourbon, Orange Choc Bitters and Rum Rum Raisin *hic*. But at Siglap, you can complement that brain freeze with lunch and dinner selections from Kook; try cheekily-named burgers like the truffle mayo-layered Mario Mushroom Burger and the American-styled Angmoh Burger.
Udders & Kook, 81 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455220, p. 6448 8732. Open Sun-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am.
Mezza On Nine
A popular spot for both family bonding and bud mingling, this hospitable joint is perfect for catching up with beers and bites; the latter encompassing Western faves like fish & chips, pastas, tacos and pizzas. Sitting in the alfresco area and sipping a wine is probably the best way to enjoy the tranquil, breezy air that flows through Siglap.
Mezza On Nine, 9 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455203, p. 6884 6884. Open Mon-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 10am-1am.
A slider with the ID of 451 doesn't exist.Jin Wee Restaurant
Definitely the least fancy restaurant you’ll find in Siglap, but it’ll certainly feed you and your posse with a feast fit for a king. Specialising in Chinese zi char, Jin Wee serves home-cooked shareable dishes like marmite pork ribs, mango prawns, Hainanese pork chop, sambal kang kong and loads more. You’ll be easily spoilt for choice here.
Jin Wee Restaurant, 928 East Coast Road, Singapore 459117, p. 6441 0485. Open 11.30am-9.30pm.
FLAVA
So what kind of ‘flavas’ can you expect at this bistro and grill? Pretty much everything, so it seems! Helmed by Corporate Executive Chef, Vincent Kwek, FLAVA will tickle your palate with original renditions of popular Asian dishes – think tempura fish & chips, assam Atlantic cod, peking duck buns, Pinoy grilled chicken, ayam percik Kelantan and many more. FLAVA is also totally Halal, so you won’t have to leave out your Muslim pals!
FLAVA Contemporary Asian Bistro & Grill, 907 East Coast Road, Singapore 459107, p. 6702 0302. Open Tue-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 9am-10pm.
Kinara
Though isolated a distance away from the central Siglap restaurant area, Kinara doesn’t see any shortage of guests stopping by for an authentic taste of North Indian culture. Like any traditional Indian restaurant worth its salt, its kitchen has a tandoor serving chicken tikka, murgh peshawari (tandoori chicken), raan e dum kinara (lamb), and also seafood like ajwaini machli tikka (boneless fish cubes). And of course, there’s lots of naan to choose from – from garlic and mint, to naan stuffed with minced mutton and cheese.
Kinara, 164 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455265, p. 6446 5745. Open 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm.
Cafes/Stalls
Abbey Rd Bakery (Editor’s Pick)
A cakeshop that has a guilty infatuation with The Beatles (who doesn’t, right?), these fab bakers only just opened in January! Yet, they’re already making an impact with cakes named after famous Beatles hits. If you imagine it like Lennon, they probably have it. Choose from Maggie (red velvet with cream cheese), Penny (classic chocolate), Sadie (carrot cake with cream cheese), or Yoko (green tea with white chocolate). Their banofee tarts and cinnamon rolls also look (and smell) divine.
Abbey Rd Bakery, 914 East Coast Road, Singapore 459108, p. 6702 0500. Open Tue-Thu 8.30am-8.30pm, Fri-Sun 8.30am-9pm.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee (Editor’s Pick)
Where to get a potent cuppa Joe in Siglap? We point in the direction of these quaint coffee connoisseurs, huddled within a charming store filled with whimsical details like Danish pottery and nutcracker dolls. And once you’re done getting googly-eyed at the décor, order anything from hazelnut and butterscotch latte, to espresso and cortado – they’ll have it. Oh, and did we mention they’ve got white truffle buttermilk waffles? Sold.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee, #01-01 Siglap Village, 2 First Street, Singapore 458278, p. 9658 0769. Open Sun-Thu 8.30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 8.30am-10.30pm.
The Royals Café
All-day breakfast places aren’t all in the heart of town; there’s one right here too in Siglap! The Royals feeds you like royalty with deluxe French toast sets and big breakfasts (all Halal) ’til 9pm, and also offers Asian options like Nyonya mee siam and beef rendang. We’re also fans of the mini pies (their Shepherd’s pie hits the spot every time) and cakes that line the counter.
The Royals Café, 19 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455209, p. 6445 6457. Open Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-10.30pm.
Soy Eu Tua Coffeeshop
Another Siglap fixture that’s been in the neighbourhood for decades, Soy Eu Tua houses stalls that offer local hawker fare like chicken rice and mee pok. We went prowling around recently, and turns out, there’s even a new coconut steamboat offering! Sounds exotic, no?
Soy Eu Tua Coffeeshop, 15 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455207.
A slider with the ID of 452 doesn't exist.Killiney Kopitiam
Granted, there’s nothing fancy or novel about this local haunt. But if all you’re craving during your midday stroll is some crispy, creamy kaya toast and a hot, milky teh tarik, this is your spot. The mee siam here packs quite a tangy kick too!
Killiney Kopitiam, 11 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455205, p. 6443 7628. Open 7am-11pm.
LTN 936 food village
There aren’t any hawker centres in Siglap, but you do have lively, diverse food courts like this one. Complement your squid ink pasta with some popiah, or have some duck rice with pig’s organ soup or chilli crab. The possibilities are endless! And we’re not just talking about its famous cai png stall either.
LTN 936 Food Village, 936 East Coast Road, Singapore 459129, p. 9237 6650.
Xin Wang Hong Kong Café
If there’s one thing we love about Hong Kong, it’s the 24-hour eateries that seem to offer everything. Always satiating our cravings is Xin Wang; though only open ’til 2am, it features a menu packed with Nissin noodle variations, Western bites, dim sum, baked cheese rice and many more. Whatever we stuff our faces with, we always drink it down with an iced Yuanyang (or Yin Yang) – a mix between a teh and kopi bing.
Xin Wang Hong Kong Café, #01-03A Springvale, 907 East Coast Road, Singapore 459107, p. 6441 8802. Open Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2am.
Bars
Sidewalk Tavern (Editor’s Pick)
Given the huge sign that hangs proudly above the Siglap sidewalk, it’s pretty hard to miss this pub! Though run by Aussies, the menu remains accessibly cosmopolitan, fusing Western and Asian influences to serve hearty grub like beef lasagne, pad Thai, wiener schnitzel and seafood paella. And for drinks? Expect Archipelago brews like Summer Ale and Bohemian Lager, alongside bottled beers from Belgium and Mexico.
Sidewalk Tavern, 924 East Coast Road, Singapore 459115, p. 6448 5979. Open Mon-Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm.
The Dog And Bone Pub
Throw a dog a bone, and it’ll be chuffed for a day. Likewise, toss us a couple of pints of beer, and it’ll make our day too. A bustling waterhole – especially during sports events screenings – you can get half pints for as cheap as $7.50, and a glass of Jack for $10.50. If we had tails, we’d be wagging ’em too.
The Dog And Bone Pub, 106 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455296, p. 6445 4877. Open 4.30pm-12am.
A slider with the ID of 453 doesn't exist.Jag’s Gastropub
If we didn’t have to worry about hitting the hay early on workdays, we would probably be holed up in this English-style pub that serves bar nosh that goes the extra mile. Not just potato wedges here; Jag’s has got duck leg confit, duck fat fries and miso cod fillet amongst its vast menu – it’s all just begging to be washed down with a swig of ale!
Jag’s Gastropub, 922 East Coast Road, Singapore 459114, p. 6876 0060. Open 3pm-1am.
Vie Bar
Touted as “the place to be in the East”, Vie Bar is certainly one enticing pub option with over 60 labels of wines and spirits galore from bourbon to brandy. It’s also a suitable spot for rowdy footie nights with its widescreen telly, so don’t be afraid about making too much noise!
Vie Bar, 914 East Coast Road, Singapore 459108, p. 6245 0010. Open Sun-Fri 3.30pm-1am, Sat 3.30pm-2am.
Bar Room
Its fuss-free name is to the point, just like how we are when our thirsts are etching a trajectory towards the nearest bar. If you’re a Siglap resident, Bar Room might be your new fave go-to spot; with $5 per glass happy hours, football screenings and dart boards, you’ll never wanna leave… sober, at least.
Bar Room, 899 East Coast Road, Singapore 459100, p. 9225 0305.
Shops
Leyon Collections
Contrary to popular belief, IKEA isn’t the only place in the East to get furniture! In fact, the pieces stocked in Leyon are so exotic, you won’t find them in any average furniture mall. Leyon has specialised in Indonesian teak wood furniture since 1994, distributing everything from sukarto cabinets and cantik chairs, to fery glasstop coffee tables. Think your home is time for a makeover yet?
Leyon Collections, 57 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455216, p. 6441 1826. Open 12pm-9pm.
T3 Bicycle Gears
The last thing you want on your next bicycle excursion is your bike going haywire on you. Make sure your ride is in top-notch condition at T3; this trusty store offers bike parts, helmets, tyres and other accessories to ensure you get a smooth (and not bumpy) ride.
T3 Bicycle Gears, 79 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455219, p. 6441 6828. Open 11.30am-7pm.
Treknology 3
One of Singapore’s most established bicycle stores – with over 25 years in the bike biz – Treknology 3 can hook you up with a ride for all your needs. Road bikes, mountain bikes, triathlon bikes and even bikes for young’uns; Treknology 3 will have you covered. With over 15 brands in stock, the cycling buff in you will be like a kid in a candy store.
Treknology 3, #01-04 Springvale, 907 East Coast Road, Singapore 459107, p. 6448 8321. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7.30pm, Sun 11.30am-3pm.
A slider with the ID of 454 doesn't exist.Pooch’s Image Singapore
It’s not uncommon to bump into a couple of energetic pups and poodles in Siglap; lots of its residents are dog owners. Logically, you have a pooch-pampering salon that caters to their furry needs. This professional grooming services offers fur enhancement, pet styling, de-ticking and even doggy day-care; sounds like Shangri-La for your lil’ fur-kid!
Pooch’s Image Singapore, 119 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455244, p. 6344 4044. Open 11.30am-8.30pm.
The Straits Wine Company
Dubbed as Southeast Asia’s leading wine importer, retailer, and distributor, The Straits Wine Company stocks a slew of good wine brands from around the world, including uncommon areas like Japan, India, and Switzerland. And thankfully for vino-lovers, Siglap’s got one of its own too.
The Straits Wine Company, 930 East Coast Road, Singapore 459118, p. 6243 2833. Open 12pm-10.30pm.
Wine Connection
You’re probably already hitting up Wine Connection as your wine to-go. First opened in Bangkok back in 1998, the chic wine retailer and bar follows a vineyard-to-consumer business model and cuts out the middleman, which ultimately benefits your pockets.
Wine Connection, 914 East Coast Road, Singapore 459108, p. 64416883. Open 10am-10pm.
Movie Magic
Believe it or not, not everyone uses Netflix or ‘acquires’ films from the web. That’s why a resilient place like Movie Magic is heaven for DVD purists; offering new Blu-Ray releases and timeless classics for rental and purchase.
Movie Magic, 914 East Coast Road, Singapore 459108, p. 6446 1844. Open 10.30am-10pm.
Beauty/Wellness
Bodytec Studios
Unlike your run-of-the-mill gyms, there are neither weights nor treadmills at Bodytec’s airy and minimalist studios. Instead, you’ll see dedicated machines that deliver electrical impulse currents to specific muscle groups (and problem areas like arms, back, butt, and thighs) in your body through specially designed workout attire. And don’t worry; it’s painless!
Bodytec Studios, #01-01, 121 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455245, p. 6243 2497.
Art Of Yoga
Eating all that sinful grub in Siglap is bound to make you feel unhealthy, which is why this yoga studio is a sanctuary for folks who wanna get some ‘om’ after their nom. Art Of Yoga provides all sorts of therapeutic classes from traditional static-focused Hatha Yoga to Vinyasa ‘power yoga’, and even pre-natal yoga for mothers-to-be.
Art Of Yoga, #02-01, 121 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455245, p. 6449 4070. Open 6am-10pm.
A slider with the ID of 455 doesn't exist.JS Spa
Whenever Phuket feels too faraway, simply adjourn to this soothing Siglap spot for a good ol’ Thai massage. You’ll be stretched in places you never knew existed, and will feel brand new after – relaxed and rejuvenated! Also available are healing Ayurvedic treatments and body-beneficial Thai oil massages.
JS Spa, 33 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455293, p. 6242 4555. Open 10am-4am.
Salon 916
Need someone to caress your tresses and get them ready for the ball? Salon 916 in Siglap will get you prepped with hair styling and blowout services, or enhance that insipid hairdo with a perm or colouring sesh. They even do foot massages while you’re getting your hair done, making you feel like you’re the boss.
Salon 916, 916 East Coast Road, Singapore 459109, p. 6445 5649.
Feet Press
The ’hood of Siglap isn’t a particularly vast one to walk from end to end, but you’re still welcome to get a foot massage if you’d like! It’s $26 for a 30-min session, after which, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air.
Feet Press, 893 East Coast Road, Singapore 459096, p. 6225 6225. Open Mon-Fri 11am-11pm.
