Telok Ayer has been The Honeycombers’ hood for quite some time and, to be honest, we’ve come to dig it here. What’s there not to like? Food? Check! Shopping? Double check. Staying fit and healthy? Hell yeah, check! Places to pamper yourself? You know the drill! Since we totally love this vicinity, we thought we’d give you the low-down on what’s buzzing in our cool but busy neighbourhood. Check out our top five favourite spots in the area, in our video below, before carrying on to discover the rest of the amazing Telok Ayer, Singapore.
EAT
Burlamacco
Arguably one of the best Italian restaurants in Singapore. Chef Gabriele dishes out modern-classic Tuscan cuisine, with highlights like the traditional black squid ink risotto with gold leaf and the seafood stew with garlic bruschetta. Prices (for a la carte plates and the degustation menu) are on the high side, so pop in during lunch hour for a value-for-money three-course set lunch ($30). If you have room for dessert, the semi-fredo is worth the extra calories.
Burlamacco, 77A Amoy Street, Singapore 069896, p. 6220 1763. Open Mon – Fri 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-11.30pm; Sat 6pm-11.30pm; Sun 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-11.30pm.
Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen
Who’d ever guess that you could fuse hipsters and Yong Tau Fu together? At this trendy Yong Tau Fu spot, they serve delicious crispy Yong Tofu, served with minced chicken and mushroom broth and springy noodles. And guess what? When the sun goes down, this place turns into a stylish tapas bar!
Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen, 127 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068596, p. 64230311. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10 am-3pm.
Gaest
Pronounced “guest”, this modern Danish deli/café located on the ground floor of the Clift condo draws a huge crowd of CBD folks at lunchtime, who come for their homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. The pulled-pork sandwich sells out fast and the coffee is pretty good too. These guys also make their own fresh bread daily, and if you don’t have time to stop and eat, you can always get your order to go.
Gaest, 21 McCallum Street, Singapore 069047, p. 6634 0922. Open Mon-Sat 7.30am-7.30pm. Closed on Sun.
MeatSmith
This lively modern smokehouse specialises in thrillingly tender, juicy meats prepared on-site using smokers specially flown in from the States. Its beef brisket ($25) hits the spot with just enough charred and fatty bits, while the fried chicken ($22 for half, $40 for whole) is battered to perfection. If you’re going in a group, load up on comforting sides like rich, piping-hot bacon mac and cheese ($8) and mustard potato salad ($5). Drinks-wise, sip down a range of craft beers, classic cocktails and bourbon; we encourage you to down the famous pickleback (a whisky shot chased with pickle brine) at least once.
MeatSmith, 167 & 169 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068620, p. 6221 2262. Open daily 11.45am-2pm & 5.30pm-11pm.
A slider with the ID of 226 doesn't exist.Moosehead Kitchen Bar
Nestled in a pre-war shop in Telok Ayer Street, Moosehead Kitchen Bar features an array of palate-teasing Mediterranean food in a fun and laid-back ambiance. Be pleased by a non-mainstream menu such as pork scratching with beef tartare, beetroot pomegranate and ricotta and the likes. The bar offers a smorgasbord of fine beverages from new world wines to those of boutique labels.
Moosehead Kitchen Bar, 10 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068579, p. 66368055. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-10.30pm; Sat 6pm-10.30pm. Closed on Sun.
Napoleon
The impressive range of wine available at this underrated bar and French bistro should very well please vino lovers. Sampling the South European labels by the glass is easy on the pocket too, with $8, $12, $18 and premium options to taste. On the menu are, not surprisingly, rich European plates like lamb shank parma tier and squid ink linguine. Set lunches go for $25 for two courses and $35 for three courses – perfect for business meetings.
Napoleon, 206 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068641, p. 6221 9282. Open Mon-Fri 11.45am-12pm; Sat 6pm-12pm. Closed on Sun.
SPRMRKT
Rebooted with a new look, the supermarket-restaurant hybrid offers simple yet satisfying eats like eggs benedict (yes all-day breakfast!), grilled Atlantic salmon and truffle fries with kelp and parmesan, as well as inspiring local artwork, kitchenware and groceries. Everything here is as fresh as it comes and the space doubles up as a gallery – pick up an artwork or simply enjoy the view over a coffee.
SPRMRKT, 2 McCallum Street, Singapore 069043, p. 6221 2105. Open Mon & Tue 8am-9pm; Wed-Fri 8am-11pm; Sat & Sun 9am-6pm.
Zott’s
The first and probably only restaurant in the city serving traditional and contemporary Alpine cuisine, Zott’s is a polished space with a hint of eeriness, thanks to the surrealist art pieces and taxidermy that decorate the space. Food-wise, go for the kaiserschmarrn, a souffléd pancake that you can order sweet or savoury, and the schnitzel, then wash it down with a glass of European wine.
Zott’s, 97 Amoy Street, Singapore 069917, p. 6223 0913. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2.30pm & 6pm-11pm; Sat 6pm-11pm. Closed on Sun.
The Market Grill
This snazzy, industrial-chic restaurant has us salivating with its sizzling meats and naturally flavourful seafood. The buttery chargrilled lobster is a top choice, as is its sinful burgers – for a unique take, try the Bleu Cheese ($25 for 150g, $34 for 200g). The complex beef patty burger comes with bleu cheese, sweet burnt onion marmalade, and bacon sandwiched in a walnut raisin bun.
The Market Grill, 208 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642, p. 6221 3323. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm & 6pm-10pm. Closed on Sun.
The Muffinry
Yes – the muffins here are terrific stuff. Perhaps it’s ‘cos they’re handmade! But what’s a morning muffin without some strong coffee? This tiny store has created its own “Malabar blend” that uses beans from Brazil, Sumatra, and Guatemala. We love the nuanced notes: spicy, sweet, and robust.
The Muffinry, 112 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068581, p. 6509 6462. Open Mon 8am-6pm; Tue-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 11am-4pm. Closed on public holidays.
SHOP
Q Menswear
Want to dress to impress? Then Q Menswear is the way the go. The menswear label, which was founded just four years ago, offers ready-to-wear casual apparel, accessories, and grooming tools. But if you’re looking for something more unique, they do bespoke too. No doubt, the gents will appreciate Q Menswear’s selection of spiffy fabrics (such as paisley and batik) and other finishing touches to add some modernity to traditional, dapper menswear.
Q Menswear, 116A Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068585, p. 6636 6939. Open Mon-Fri 11am-730pm, Sat 11am-3pm.
Willow and Huxley
Okay, so this is not exactly part of the Telok Ayer area, but if you have something for obscure, hard-to-find cult labels, this is the place to visit. Willow and Huxley carries a limited number of pieces from Australian, American and European designers such as Finders Keepers, Twenty8twelve and T Atelier, so you (probably) won’t be caught dead wearing the same piece as someone else.
Willow and Huxley, 20 Amoy Street, Singapore 069855, p. 6220 1745. Open Mon – Fri 9am-8pm; Sat 11am-3pm. Closed on Sun & public holidays.
WORK OUT
7Cycle
It looks and sounds like a club, but it’s actually an ultra-cool cycling studio that puts a unique spin (no pun intended) on indoor cycling. Try the Signature 7Cycle class for a full body workout on a bike, a 7Cycle class for off-the-bike endurance training, or, if you’re brave enough, the 7Cycle Bootcamp. This 35-minute high-intensity interval training class combines training on the bike with weights and exercises on the floor. The studio also has locker and shower facilities, as well as an organic juice bar to re-hydrate post-workout.
7Cycle, 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 068623, p. 6222 877. See website for more details.
Level Gym
Aside from being a beautiful place to work out and in the oh-so-convenient location of Telok Ayer Street, Level keeps fitness interesting, with a huge variety of original, high-end equipment that’s used to create a different, dynamic and fresh routine every time you visit – there’s not a running machine in sight! The trainers at Level are both very personable and specialise in different fitness techniques, whether you’re looking for boxing, weight-lifting, toning, cardio, or a bit of everything. It’s a nice, calming gym, with personal training only (and one – two classes a day that anyone can attend), so it never feels hectic or rushed (and there’s never a queue for the lovely facilities).
Level Gym, 137 Telok Ayer Street #01-03, Singapore 068602. p. 6222 4766. See website for more details.
SLAP Dance Studio
Don’t let the svelte frames twirling around the poles fool you; pole dancing is as much a feat of strength as it is an exercise in grace. While this might seem intimidating, SLAP Dance Studio’s veteran team of dance instructors will get you into pole position, even if you’ve got no dance experience at all. If you’re an experienced dancer who wants to learn more tricky acrobatic techniques, the school offers more advanced courses as well.
SLAP Dance Studio, 155A/157A Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068611. p. 6636 4622. See website for more details.
PAMPER
The Glamourous Factory
Tucked away on the ground floor of the Clift condo, this nail bar and spa is great for a lunchtime mani-pedi away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. On the menu are waxing, facials and express treatments. There’s even a small in-house boutique selling cute dresses and bags. Note: Book ahead as this place gets busy.
The Glamourous Factory, 21 McCallum Street, Singapore 069047, p. 6636 8236.
Renaza Wellness
Claiming itself as the new renaissance in the wellness spa industry, this beauty sanctuary offers guaranteed perk-me-up sessions. Having nine centres across Singapore, the outlet at Telok Ayer Street provides hair services & nails treatment. Psst…do give them a call before heading over.
Renaza Wellness, 151 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068609, p. 6222 0601. Open Mon-Fri 11am-8.30pm; Sat 10am-6pm. Closed on Sun.
Jermyn Street
Just a stone’s throw away, whether you’re a chap in search for a handsome haircut, or a lady looking for a cool boys’ gift, this spiffy barbershop has it all. Apart from getting a haircut, beard grooming or even mani-pedis, you can also find the Daimon Barber #1 pomade or Layrite Super Hold pomade here.
Jermyn Street, 108 Amoy Street, Singapore 069928, p. 62204010. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-8pm. Closed on Sun.
