What's good in Siglap? This bustling suburb along Upper East Coast Road has it all!
Siglap isn’t the biggest or rowdiest of neighbourhoods, and it’s often overlooked for other hip eastside hubs like Katong and Joo Chiat which are famous for their food. But there’s a pristine, quaint quality that flows through its streets, from charming cafes and restaurants to cool bars and local eateries. It’s casual, it’s not a place where you need to dress to the nines, and it’s 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 to expect.
Siglap food guide: Best restaurants, cafes and bars
1. The Coconut Club
Why go all the way to Bugis or River Valley for elevated nasi lemak when you can get it in Siglap? Taste The Coconut Club’s popular signatures while taking in the neighbourhood’s quaint kampung vibes. If you’re not up for rice, get the seafood laksa or soto ayam. Be sure to add the ayam goreng berempah and sambal goreng to your order – we hear they’re crowd faves.
The Coconut Club, 97 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458222
2. Buzzed Coffee Bar
This location was home to two popular cafes: Stamping Ground Coffee and Bloom Coffee. Now, it’s occupied by Siglap’s newest coffee bar. Early risers can drop by at 8am for their first cuppa joe. While you’re here, grab a few croissant sandwiches or all-day sides and make the best of your morning. Swing by in the evening and load up on alcoholic bevs like craft beers and cider.
Buzzed Coffee Bar, Goodwill Court, 87 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455223
3. Blu Kouzina
Say what – Mediterranean food in Siglap? That’s right, and you can get your fill at this restaurant. Blu Kouzina is founded by a husband-and-wife duo who want to bring the most authentic Greek cuisine to the little red dot. Start by dunking your pita into the spicy feta dip before moving on to dishes like beef soutzoukakia, chicken bifteki and lavraki carpaccio. Don’t forget to pair your meal with Greek wines!
Blu Kouzina, #01-01, 907 East Coast Road, Singapore 459107
4. 6 Letter Brunch
“Brunch is always a good idea,” and that’s how this six-letter cafe got started. It may not look much from the outside, but once you step in, it feels like you’ve just found your new hideout. Diners are spoilt with all-day brunch options like scrambled egg croissants, crispy wings and waffles, smoked duck rosti and more. Have a pear crumble to end your meal on a sweet note, and wash everything down with a charcoal cafe latte.
6 Letter Brunch, 103 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458225
5. Georges Madbar & Grill
Dubbed as “your friendly neighbourhood bar”, this place is the OG of Georges. It’s a family restaurant and sports bar in Siglap where you can get a variety of ice cold beers. Plus, a menu of Western grill faves such as the Georges burger (beef, bacon and melted cheese), beer-battered fish and chips, and black pepper ribeye steak. Whether you’re catching a live sports screening or having a go at the pool table, there’s no denying a little wind-down sesh at this spot is the cherry on top of a long day or week.
Georges Madbar & Grill, 687 East Coast Road, Singapore 459055
6. Plank Pizza Sourdough
In the wise words of Meghan Trainor, the menu is all about that (sourdough) base. Unlike the dense crust of mass pizza chains or the thin, brittle ones from Italian pizzerias, Plank’s sourdough base is pillowy soft in the middle, perfectly crisp on the outside and exudes a subtle, tangy flavour. It’s made from a combination of flours and fermented for 48 hours with natural, wild yeast. Don’t think we can argue with that!
Plank Pizza Sourdough, 1 Swan Lake Avenue, Singapore 455700
7. Lai Huat Signatures
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 thick, spicy sambal belachan (we can never say no to shrimp paste) that elevates this seafood staple.
Lai Huat Signatures, 17 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455208
8. Biryani Concepts
If spices don’t intimidate you, this Indian restaurant in Siglap will welcome you with open arms. Tuck into delectable curries and delicious starters like lamb sheek kebab, paneer tikka and butter naan. Of course, you must get the chicken dhum biryani.
Biryani Concepts, 27 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455211
9. Etna Italian Restaurant
Situated on the outskirts of Siglap, Etna is one cosy restaurant that embraces its acronym-huddled philosophy: Every Table Needs Attention. Naturally, service is spick and span, and Italian dishes like Angus beef carpaccio and linguine with fresh flower crab are served promptly.
Etna Italian Restaurant, 110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298
10. Mikawa Yakitori Bar
Probably the closest thing you’re gonna get to an izakaya in Siglap, Mikawa takes pride in its kushiyaki skewers. The joint offers over 100 assorted items like bonjiri (chicken tail), hatsu (chicken heart), buta bara (pork belly with onion), hotate bacon maki (scallop wrapped in bacon), gindara (cod fish) and Japanese sweet potatoes.
Mikawa Yakitori Bar, 81 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455220
11. 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 go-to spot. With happy hour at $10 per pint, plus football screenings and dartboards, you’ll never wanna leave… sober, at least.
Bar Room, 899 East Coast Road, Singapore 459102
12. Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
Who still remembers the TV jingle from this Italian restaurant’s old commercials? Though that may seem like ages ago, the Italian chain continues to thrive with its dedication to freshly-made pasta and heartfelt service. Decades on, Pasta Fresca stays fresh by constantly revamping its menu, with current mainstays including alle vongole (pasta with clams sauteed in olive oil) and risotto al frutti di mare (a popular seafood risotto).
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore, #01-01, 9 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455203
13. Kinara
Though located 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), and seafood like ajwaini machli tikka (boneless fish cubes). Of course, there’s lots of naan to choose from – from garlic and mint to ones stuffed with minced mutton and cheese.
Kinara, 164 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455265
14. Jin Wee Restaurant
Probably the least fancy restaurant you’ll find in Siglap, Jin Wee will feed you and your posse with a feast fit for a king. Specialising in Chinese zi char, the eatery serves home-cooked dishes like marmite pork ribs, cereal prawns, Hainanese pork chop, stir-fried kai lan and loads more. You’ll be easily spoilt for choice.
Jin Wee Restaurant, 928 East Coast Road, Singapore 459117
15. Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
Where to get a potent cup of coffee in Siglap? We point you in the direction of these quaint coffee connoisseurs, huddled within a charming store filled with whimsical details like Danish pottery and nutcracker dolls. Once you’re done getting googly-eyed at the decor, order your beverage of choice. From hazelnut and butterscotch lattes to espresso and cortado drinks, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee has it all. Oh, and did we mention the menu has s’mores waffles? We’re sold.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee, #01-01, Siglap Village, 2 First Street, Singapore 458278
16. The Royals Cafe
All-day breakfast places aren’t all crammed in the heart of town. There’s one right here in Siglap! The Royals feeds you like royalty with crabcake burgers, cheese sammies, and shepherd’s pie (they’re all halal). For something local, try the signature mee siam or the classic nasi lemak. Got a party? Get the best-selling hazelnut crunch cake.
The Royals Cafe, 19 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455209
17. Springleaf Prata Place
Serving over 20 renditions of prata, this place is synonymous with the crispy Indian flatbread. Be sure to come hungry and try unique creations like the prata alfredo special, Plaster Blaster (eggs benedict-inspired prata), salted egg prawn prata and Umami 50 (packed with mozzarella, luncheon meat, chicken floss and egg).
Springleaf Prata Place, 57B Jln Tua Kong, Singapore 457253
18. Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
This coffee house serves a mean cuppa with specialty beans and divine brunch selections. Sip its signature espresso flights, enjoy a plate of French toast or tuck into a bowl of yoghurt chia pudding – it’s the ideal brunch trip. Together with its great ambience and interior design (look, glass ceiling roofs!), this is our go-to spot for a date with our books.
Dutch Colony Coffee Co., 113 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458230
19. Siglap 936 Food House
There aren’t any hawker centres in Siglap, but you do have lively, diverse food courts like this one. Get the famous beef kway teow, have some duck rice or dig into the spicy mala xiang guo. The possibilities are endless! And we’re not just talking about its famous cai png stall either.
Siglap 936 Food House, 936 East Coast Road, Singapore 459129
20. Soy Eu Tua Coffeeshop
Here’s another Siglap fixture that’s been in the neighbourhood for decades. Soy Eu Tua houses stalls that offer local hawker fare like chicken rice, mee pok, roasted meats and nasi padang.
Soy Eu Tua Coffeeshop, 15 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455207
21. Jag’s @ Siglap
If we didn’t have to worry about hitting the hay early on workdays, we’d probably be holed up in this English-style pub that serves bar nosh. Jag’s has got grilled pork chop, duck fat fries and BBQ baby back ribs on its vast menu – it’s all just begging to be washed down with a swig of ale!
Jag’s @ Siglap, 922 East Coast Road, Singapore 459114
22. Next Door Spanish Cafe
Don’t be deceived by its name; it’s not a cafe per se. Instead, the cosy tavern dishes out stellar tapas such pulpo a la gallega (grilled octopus), gambas al pil-pil (garlic prawns) and cochifrito (crispy fried suckling pig). Wash it all down with its selection of beers, vinos, cocktails and spirits.
Next Door Spanish Cafe, 699 East Coast Road, Singapore 459061
23. Baker & Cook
If you love bread, this artisanal bakery is for you. From sourdough and baguette to challah and focaccia, Baker & Cook has it all. But it’s not just about carbs. Graze on amazing brunch fare such as mushroom omelette, chia seed bowl, French toast and eggs Benedict. Oh, and depending on your choice of poison, you can fuel up on coffee or wine.
Baker & Cook, 1 Swan Lake Avenue, Singapore 455700
Siglap guide: Shops, spas and more
24. The AuraChakra Company
If you’re not into theurgy, continue reading. Oh, you’re still here? Cool, you’re probably curious about your aura. You’re in good hands with co-founder Selina Seah, who’s been doing this for almost two decades. She’ll explain in detail what your colour means, the seven chakras, and how you can improve your overall energies. Need more convincing? Our writer experienced it himself, and here are his thoughts.
The AuraChakra Company, #02-21, Siglap Centre, 55 Siglap Road, Singapore 455871
25. Coast Cycles
This industrial-chic bike repair workshop, showroom and cafe in the east houses some of the most arresting bikes we’ve seen in the city. Designed by ex-national cyclist Jansen Tan, the Coastliner line is great for commuting around the city, while the Juggernaut is a sturdy bike suited for rough terrain. Prefer a specific Pantone shade? Just get yours customised at the fancy workshop.
Coast Cycles, 54 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456176
26. 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 to cantik chairs. Perhaps a makeover for your home?
Leyon Collections, 57 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455216
27. T3 Bicycle Gears
The last thing you want on your next bicycle excursion is your bike going haywire on you. So 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, 1K Figaro Street, Singapore 458322
28. Pooch’s Image
It’s common to bump into a couple of energetic pups and poodles in Siglap. Lots of its residents are dog owners. That’s why this pooch-pampering salon caters to their furry needs. From full grooming service to fur enhancement and even luxurious spa treatments, this place is like Shangri-La for your lil’ fur-kid!
Pooch’s Image, 119 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 45524
29. Jin Sin Spa
Whenever Phuket feels too far away, simply adjourn to this soothing Siglap spot for a relaxing Thai massage. You’ll be stretched in places you never knew existed, and you’ll feel brand new after – all relaxed and rejuvenated!
Jin Sin Spa, 33 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455293
30. Salon 916
Need someone to treat your tresses and get them ready for the ball? Salon 916 will get you prepped with hair styling and blowout services. Or you can breathe new life into your hairdo with a perm or colouring sesh. The salon even does 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
Now you’ve got plenty of reasons to visit Siglap!
