We’ve got the lowdown on all the new restaurants and menus in Singapore for 2025. Bookmark this page for regular updates on the hottest openings!
Everyone knows our tiny island is a highly-revered culinary paradise, thanks to the smorgasbord of cuisines available. From Asian favourites like Korean and Thai fare to international flavours such as Italian and Spanish, you can get them all here. In 2025, we continue to expand our palates with new restaurants and menus in Singapore. Here are the hot new tables you should take note of.
New restaurants and menus in Singapore: March 2025
New restaurant: Casa Cicheti
Walking into Casa Cicheti feels like stepping into a charming Italian home – warm, inviting, and effortlessly chic. Nestled in Tiong Bahru, this trattoria from The Cicheti Group is all about “hearty, unfussy” Italian fare that hits the spot.
We started with antipasti, where familiar classics like carpaccio ($23) and salumi ($24/$38) sit alongside bold, creative bites. The burratina ($25) stole the show – creamy Pugliese cheese paired with a fiery chilli crunch, served with slices of seeded country bread that begged to be dipped. The salad, insalata verde ($19), was a pleasant surprise, bringing together a vibrant mix of greens, burnt miso dressing, shallots, and pine nuts for that perfect balance of savoury and nutty.
Then came the Nea-Romana pizza: a genius mash-up of Roman crispiness and a Neapolitan chew, bringing the best of both worlds to every bite. Pasta lovers won’t be disappointed either, with comforting plates like the cappellacci ($31) and the spicy, indulgent rigatoni alla Vodka ($29).
And just when we thought we were done, dessert arrived. We couldn’t pick a favourite between the tiramisu ($16), budino ($15), or profiterole ($15).
Star picks: Gnocco Fritto; Rigatoni Alla Vodka; Cinque Formaggi; Branzino
Price check: food from $13; drinks from $18
Doors open: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order: 2.00pm); 5.30pm to 10.30pm (last order: 9.30pm)
Casa Cicheti, 78 Guan Chuan Street, #01-41, Singapore 160078
New restaurant: Chen’s Kitchen
Now, we know that dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant isn’t exactly an everyday indulgence. But here’s the next best thing: fans of Shisen Hanten can now get their fix of bold Chuka Ryori flavours at Chef Chen Kentaro’s new casual tze char concept, Chen’s Kitchen. Blending Szechwan heat with Japanese finesse, he’s crafted a menu that delivers refined, perfectly balanced flavours.
Chef Kentaro’s signature mapo tofu (from $16.90) is a rich, umami-packed dish featuring silky tofu that melts in your mouth, a bold Szechwan sauce that brings the heat, and a mala buzz that leaves a lingering, addictive tingle on your tongue. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s the star of the show. Even better, there are four variations, including a lighter white rendition with prawns and scallops that we loved ($28.90).
Round out your meal with the XXL Szechwan la zi ji ($17.90), a next-level take on Chen’s popular Sichuan popcorn chicken, or the poached fish fillet in golden broth ($24.90), where delicate poached fish fillets bathe in a Japanese pumpkin broth. And of course, enjoy it all with the Szechwan spiced chahan with sakura shrimp ($13.90). But when it comes to mapo tofu, nothing beats having it with a simple bowl of fluffy white rice.
Star picks: Red mapo tofu; mango pudding; XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji
Price check: from $10
Doors open: 11am – 9.30pm daily
Chen’s Kitchen, #B1-43, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
New restaurant: Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar
You know what hits different on a hot day in Singapore? An ice-cold frozen margarita. And that’s exactly how Tomatillo, the city’s newest Mexican gem, welcomed us. Perched along Esplanade’s breezy waterfront, this taquería from the brilliant minds behind Canchita and Tinto (Chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez), serves up next-level tacos, killer cocktails, and a vibe so fun, we didn’t want to leave. Plus, it’s pet-friendly too!
We kicked things off with a light and crispy Mexican pizza (we call it an inside-out quesadilla). The chicken option, pollo morcho ($22), was flavourful and great for sharing. Then came the smokey, meaty taco al pastor ($14), where marinated pork meets tangy pineapple salsa. One bite, and we were sold (don’t forget to have it with the hot sauce, served tableside).
Of course, we had to wash it all down with classic margaritas ($16) and mojitos ($16). And just when we thought we were done, the crepas chidas ($12) appeared, and well… let’s just say we found room for dessert.
Star picks: Ceviche Tomatillo; Taco de Jaiba; Pollo Morcho
Price check: food from $14, drinks from $16
Doors open: Wednesday to Friday, 5.00pm to 10.30pm (last order: 10.00pm), Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 10.30pm
Tomatillo Mexican Food & Bar, #01-11 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802
New restaurant: Modu
It’s perfectly understandable to associate health food with bland, boring dishes. That’s why Modu wants to change this perception with the first samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurant in Singapore. The specially prepared offerings will nourish and soothe your soul, which is perfect for those who have been having a hard time (yes, we’re talking about us here).
There are six flavours to choose from, each with a liner denoting which soup is suitable for which individual. Are you a firstborn child or suffering from eldest daughter syndrome? The black chicken samgyetang ($37), with ginseng root, glutinous rice, leeks, and jujubes, is especially for you. Ladies who want to remain forever young are recommended to slurp up the Beauty soup ($37), while imbibers can down the Hangover samgyetang ($37) to rejuvenate their senses after a late night out.
Beyond herbal soups, diners can also indulge in starters, mains, and sides. Skip the standard carbs and go for the potato pancakes ($18 for three pieces) if you want to get filled up fast. Alternatively, tuck into the minari pancakes ($18 for three pieces) made with bori shrimps and served with a special dipping sauce. Still feeling peckish? Get the enoki mushroom fries served with homemade shichimi (spicy Japanese condiment sprinkle).
Modu takes the health and wellness theme seriously by extending it into the physical space. You can dig into your chosen samgyetang and accompanying dishes in a tranquil setting, done up with plenty of wooden fixtures and soft backlight. While you might be tempted to break out into yoga poses throughout your meal, we advise you not to do that. Just sit quietly, sip on your samgytang, and concentrate on your breathing.
Star picks: Black chicken and Hangover samgyetangs; potato pancakes; enoki mushroom fries
Price check: From $37
Doors open: Varies by day
Modu, #02-37, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
New restaurant: KeonBae
Korean food, Japanese cuisine, and vibes. Mix them together and you get this fun and vivacious new spot on Pekin Street. Named after the Korean toast “cheers”, Kanpai Group’s latest venture is a winning combination of fascinating flavours and electric dynamics. Can we have a moment to appreciate the interior? Reds, blues, and contrasting lighting make the space lively and fun.
The menu is a mish-mash of Korean and Japanese offerings that’ll have you salivating. You gotta add the Korokke nuggets ($13) to your order sheet. These deliciously crispy goodness contain minced beef, pork, and duck, and go swimmingly with the creme fraiche and truffle katsu sauce. The dakgalbi nachos ($16) is a fun fusion of east and west cuisines. Sweet and spicy marinated chicken, melted camembert cheese, parmesan rice paper crisps… heavenly.
You can’t dine at a Korean food spot and not have fried chicken. KeonBae’s rendition ($13 for three pieces, $24 for six) comes in four flavours (original, spicy, yangnyeom, and garlic soy) that have been marinated for 24 hours. Sink your teeth into the fried birds and take the time to savour every ounce of flavour. While you’re at it, go on and have the army stew ($28.80), which can feed up to three mouths.
Wash everything down with beverages like highballs, crafted cocktails, beers, and wines. If you’re up for a fun drink, the Me, You, Breakfast? ($15) blends French toast, maple syrup, decaf espresso, and vodka into a heady concoction. It’s like having brekkie but in liquid form and at any time of the day.
Star picks: Korokke nuggets; KeonBae’s fried chicken; dakgalbi nachos
Price check: Food from $8; drinks from $6.80
Doors open: Mondays to Thursdays, 3pm to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays, 3pm to 2am
KeonBae, #01-01, 38 Pekin Street, Singapore 048768
New restaurant: Nampla
Now that the Thomson-East Coast Line’s second phase is up and running, you have no excuse to not make your way to Marine Parade. The charming sleepy town is a treasure chest of undiscovered gems, including this new Thai restaurant. Nampla, which means fish sauce in Thai, is a twin-concept offering day and night Thai street food minus the sweltering heat and humidity.
You know the saying “good things take time”? Over here, many dishes require at least four hours of preparation, which means you’re getting a whole lotta love poured into the food. The result is authentic offerings that truly captured Thailand’s vibrant flavours. One major highlight is the melt-in-your-mouth pig trotters – you’ll immediately be transported to the Land of Smiles after the first bite!
Of course, you can expect other familiar dishes here. The tom yum goong ($16.90) is a hit with our table, though the kanom jean (Thai laksa) is a worthy contender fighting for our attention. If you can’t decide what to order, you can’t go wrong with the phad kra pow crispy omelette ($18.90). Who can hate on fried rice, egg, and a generous serving of basil pork?
Desserts are a must, and if you’re not feeling the mango sticky rice or red ruby, consider getting the kanom krok (mini flower-shaped pandan and coconut Thai pancakes) if they’re available. Otherwise, switch things up and finish off with the fried mini spring rolls ($10.40 for eight pieces).
Star picks: Phad kra pow crispy omelette; fried winglets
Price check: A la carte from $8
Doors open: Daily, 11am to 3pm & 4.30pm to 9.30pm
Nampla, #01-590, 83 Marine Parade Central, Singapore 440083
New restaurant: Sensu
Ah, Keong Saik. There may be plenty of culinary establishments in this enclave, but if you have the feels for European cuisine with Japanese flavours, Sensu warmly welcomes you with open arms. Chef Shang Jhi cut his teeth working at Michelin-starred restaurants like Les Amis and Jaan by Kirk Westaway, so you’re in very safe hands.
What’s on the menu? Firstly, you can look forward to a la carte dishes like uni and sakura ebi capellini ($32++) and Alaskan king crab tart ($48++). One a la carte item that has our hearts is the seafood paella (from $58++). Picture Carabinero prawn, baby squid, and chorizo in a bed of premium Koshihikari rice – heavenly! If seafood isn’t your preferred protein of choice, can we interest you in the black truffles chicken wings ($18++)? The everyday dish is elevated thanks to the fungi and stuffed with sticky rice.
You can also keep decision making to a minimum by going for the lunch set ($98++) or tasting menus ($228++). The former is a four-course spectacle starting with Japanese sweet corn soup and crispy prawn egg, before you end off with a refreshing bowl of passion fruit sorbet with mandarin jelly and basil. Sensu’s tasting menu brings together the best of its offerings, with Carabinero prawn, seasonal fish, lamb rack, and burrata ice cream thrown in the mix. You’ll need a minute to let everything settle in your stomach before you take your leave!
One thing that we’re still obsessing over is the interior design – the sakura kumiko screen, in particular. We’re told it’s made without any nails, and now we want it for our homes. Breathtaking? Definitely.
Star picks: Sakura ebi fritter; seafood paella; Myriad of Citrus
Price check: Lunch set at $98++; tasting menu from $228++
Doors open: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12pm to 2.30pm & 6pm to 10.30pm
Sensu, 27 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089134
New menu: Odem
Confession (even though it’s probably pretty obvious): we love going to New Bahru. Sure, it’s a little inconvenient to get to if you’re going by public transport, but once you’re there, you wouldn’t want to leave. There’s always something new to discover, and during our recent visit, we finally had the chance to hit up Odem and sample its new lunch and brunch menus.
Those who prefer noodles to rice (we’re a marginalised group) must order the duck guksu. We love the al dente buckwheat noodles, which mops up the perilla seed sauce and pair well with the cucumber kimchi. The duck slices are perfectly barbequed, eliminating the gamey texture for a smoky, tender finish. Another must-try is the fig and jujube salad. The sweetness from the fruit and candied walnuts nicely contrasts the burrata’s savouriness.
Another carb we love? Bread (yup, still not rice), and the kalbi sando is one brunch item we’re definitely going to sing praises for. Close your eyes and picture a juicy, hefty slab of beef short-rib patty, with aged cheddar, perilla pickles, and two sauces in between toasted bread pieces. There’s a good crunch when we bite into the sando; the aioli and house-made sando sauce play well together, giving the sandwich a moreish, savoury kick.
Odem gave the hwachae a modern twist, transforming it from a soupy favourite to an ice sorbet, swapping the milk with rosé tea. Each spoonful leaves an alcoholic taste in your mouth – not too much till you’ll get drunk, but just nice enough to have you leave the restaurant on a lifted high when you’re done.
Star picks: Duck guksu; kalbi sando; hwachae
Price check: A la carte from $14
Doors open: Lunch and brunch available on Tuesdays to Sundays, 11.30am to 2pm
Odem, #01-17, New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239351
New restaurants and menus in Singapore: February 2025
New restaurant: Magpie
Tiong Bahru is already brimming with culinary institutions, but that shouldn’t stop more from popping up in the ‘hood. Everyone, say hello to Magpie, the brainchild of Eliot Thomas (founder of Kafe Utu and Tamba) and Kurt Wagner. The menu celebrates bold flavours by letting the best ingredients take centre stage in shared plates and cocktail classics.
A must-try dish is the Market Haul with Zanzibar sauce ($72), which Kurt raved about after chef-owner Eliot cooked it for him once. If you’re into Mexican food, the tangy and spicy aguachile ceviche ($26) will be your new favourite from this spot. Be sure to add the lamb T-bone ($52) to your order sheet. The New Zealand meat comes with yoghurt, burnt aubergine, and Urfa chilli butter. Delicious.
Star picks: Market Haul with Zanzibar sauce; lamb T-bone
Price check: Food from $12; drinks from $7 (menu changes regularly)
Doors open: Varies by day
Magpie, 57 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160057
New restaurant: Latido
Have you ever had Colombian food? If the answer is no, Latido is a stellar introduction to the cuisine. To set the scene, the space is warm and inviting, with counter seats by the open kitchen that you should snag to watch all the flaming action. And of course, chef Fernando Arevalo, whose name you might have heard in the kitchens of Artemis, Preludio and Bacata, is no stranger to creating excellent Latin American food.
We arrived right as the place opened for dinner service, but by 7pm, it was packed and buzzing with excited diners. After taking our first bite of the pan de la casa ($8), chef’s signature rye bread from his Preludio days, it was clear that the dining experience would be exceptional. If you haven’t tried this starter, don’t scoff at it. Topped with fermented mushroom glaze and bacon fat, and served with onion butter, it will change the way you look at bread.
From the snack side of the menu, the pincho de corazones ($22) is another must-order. These aren’t your ordinary grilled skewers of chicken hearts. They’re impeccably done and served with a red wine and egg yolk sauce, along with potatoes fried in duck fat.
But hands down, our favourite of the night was the arepa de chocolo y huevo ($20), an impossibly fluffy corn cake packed with juicy pork jowl and egg with an oozing yolk. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savoury, and we could eat five more of these stunners.
If you’re game to try braised rabbit meat, the arepan conejo ($38) envelops the tender meat in a soft cassava wrap stuffed with bacon and parmesan. As for the mains, you’ve got choices like blue cod, grilled sea bass, suckling pig and lobster in potato soup – but honestly, we’d come back just for the snacks and appetisers.
Star picks: Pincho de corazones, arepa de chocolo y huevo, and arepan conejo
Price check: From $8 for snacks, from $12 for appetisers, from $38 for mains
Doors open: Lunch 12pm to 3pm; dinner 6pm to 12am
Latido, 40 Tras Street, Singapore 078979
New restaurant: Vino Tinto
Tapas from $6 and wines from $14 per glass? Say less! We made it to the launch of Vino Tinto, the city’s newest Spanish hangout, and it was a relaxed spot to unwind after work. Helmed by chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez, the couple behind Canchita Peruvian Cuisine and Tinto Spanish Restaurant at Dempsey Hill, this casual eatery doesn’t disappoint with its food, though the ambience isn’t as vibey as we’d like (CBD woes, perhaps).
Pop by for a cup of coffee and Spanish sandwiches in the morning, lounge indoors at lunch, or take a seat in the alfresco area and grab a drink after work. You’ll find more than 30 tapas dishes on the menu, alongside Spanish wines and sangrias.
For us non-octopus lovers, the pulpo al brasa ($28) delivered a pleasant surprise with its tender meat slathered in smoked chilli mayo for a lick of heat, complemented by sweet grapes and toasted migas. Oh, and the paella here comes in a small pan with a serving size that’s just right for two. But we preferred the fideua de cerdo and padrones ($32). This noodle version of paella, tossed nicely with Iberico pork, Padron peppers, chestnuts and saffron aioli, was the perfect carb to round off the meal.
Star picks: Pulpo a la brasa and fideua de cerdo & padrones
Price check: Tapas from $6
Doors open: Breakfast 8am to 11am; lunch 11.30am to 2.30pm; happy hour 5pm to 7pm; dinner 6pm to 9.30pm
Vino Tinto, #01-10/K1, South Tower, 1 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048583
New restaurant: Yakiniku Gyubei
Who doesn’t love Japanese cuisine? If you adore yakiniku, listen up: Japan’s first head-to-tail yakiniku restaurant debuts its first overseas outpost in Tanjong Pagar. Yakiniku Gyubei utilises every part of the cow, a top-tier breed from Kyushu, and transforms it into a mindblowing dining experience that challenges your understanding of meat.
Choose from the sirloin, shoulder loin, chuck, rump, and thigh as part of your omakase BBQ course. The lunch set for two ($100) comprises six kinds of wagyu matched with salad, side dishes, and your choice of hot main. Dinner is a different menu altogether, where you’ll be spoilt for choice with wagyu sushi ($9.90) and sashimi (from $26.90) alongside tantalising off cuts like beef tongue ($25.90), beef first stomach ($21), and beef large bowel ($19).
Star picks: Signature Gyubei lunch; beef skirt lunch; top wagyu sushi and sashimi
Price check: Lunch menu from $12.90; a la carte dinner menu from $7.50
Doors open: Daily, 11am to 3pm & 6pm to 10pm
Yakiniku Gyubei, #03-10/11, 100am Mall, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
New restaurant: Camp Caribbean
Oh, what we’d give to be in the Caribbean right now. But it’s only the start of 2025, so we make do with the next best thing: this new restaurant in Singapore. Camp Caribbean serves an authentic taste of the subregion right at our doorstep. Heading the kitchen is chef Ricardo Allen, a true-blue Jamaican who can’t wait to have you devour his cuisine.
Of course, it ain’t Caribbean without the signature jerk chicken ($18). Chef Ricardo’s rendition doesn’t hold back on the smokiness, which comes generously doused with various spices like allspice and cinnamon. You can swap out the chicken for BBQ pork rib ($34, ½ rack) if you prefer a different meat option. Be sure to add the Jamaican patties to your order. A staple street food in the Caribbean, the flaky golden pastry is filled with spiced beef ($16) or vegetables ($15).
Star picks: Jerk chicken; oxtail with spinners; Jamaican patties; sorrelade punch
Price check: A la carte menu from $5
Doors open: Varies by day
Camp Caribbean, 66 Kampong Bugis, Singapore 338987
New menu: Restaurant Espoir
Hands up if you love Spanish food! Muslim-owned Restaurant Espoir invites you to its “bottomless” tapas buffet ($98++) with local flavours. Diners can expect up to 17 assorted small plates served on trolleys. Pro tip: come to the buffet on an empty stomach. There’s a lot of food, and not gonna lie, it pains us that we were unable to polish our plates.
Among the extensive menu, we love the patatas bravas, which comes with three condiments: curry bravas sauce, sambal ijo, and saffron aioli dip. Our only minor gripe is the sauces are too little! The tortillas de patatas, topped with aioli and free-range eggs, is a distant second. We think of it as an elevated bagedil. Between the two paellas, we recommend going for the chicken option. It comes with salted egg chicken crackling, chicken broth, and crispy bottom rice.
Two sweet treats are wheeled out to signal the end of the buffet. Espoir’s churros come in plain and pandan flavours, with a generous dusting of sugar. We can’t choose between the chocolate coffee and toffee sauces – there was plenty of double dipping action going on at our table! The Basque cheesecake is great too, although at this point we were feeling overstuffed. Skip the compote and eat the cake as it is.
Star picks: Patatas bravas with three sauces; tortillas de patatas; paella con pollo; Basque cheesecake
Price check: $98++ per adult and $15++ per child (six to 12 years old)
Doors open: Tapas buffet available on Fridays, 6.30pm; Saturdays, 11am, 1.30pm and 6.30pm; Sundays, 11am and 1.30pm
Restaurant Espoir, 70 Amoy Street, Singapore 069889
New menu: Na Oh
It may not exactly be winter right now in Singapore (despite the monsoon surge), but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the season’s delights. Na Oh’s winter seasonal menu ($78) continues its modus operandi of merging authentic flavours with contemporary touches. The result? A delightful four-course meal that’s a testament to why it’s one of our favourite restaurants.
The menu kicks off with mainstay starters of homemade tofu with aged soy sauce, and buckwheat and mugunji pancake with freshly harvested greens from Hyundai’s smart farm. We thoroughly enjoyed the chilled noodles in fermented kimchi broth. The chewy hand-pulled strands complement the braised octopus and beef tendon.
Diners can choose between three jinjitsang options for mains. We opted for the charcoal-grilled Hanbang-style beef short ribs, which come with sotbap (rice with chestnuts and thistle), preserved unfermented kimchi, and three sides. There’s also beef broth served in a hot stone pot. We have no notes for the meat: it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly absorbs the aged soy sauce. The broth is very suitable for Singapore’s current inclement weather.
The dessert reimagines the viral hwachae into a fruit punch and sorbet form, made with Jeju citrus, Naju pear, and pomegranate. It’s a refreshing treat to cap off the meal. We found it interesting that the restaurant serves this (along with the noodles) cold – perhaps as a nod to the Korean tradition of eating cold dishes during winter. But overall, Na Oh did it (right) again.
Star picks: Chilled hand-pulled somyeon in lightly fermented kimchi broth, braised octopus and beef tendon; winter hwachae
Price check: Lunch and dinner set menus at $78 per pax
Doors open: Wednesdays to Sundays, 11.30am to 3.30pm & 6pm to 10pm
Na Oh, Level 3, Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, 2 Bulim Avenue, Singapore 649674
New restaurants and menus in Singapore: January 2025
New restaurant: Lo Hey HK Seafood
Why travel to Hong Kong for food when you can have a taste of it at One Holland Village? This new restaurant in Singapore presents a lethal combination of fresh seafood and nostalgic charm that’ll bring you back to the fragrant harbour’s golden era. We have to admit, when we stepped into the place, it felt like we were in one of Jackie Chan’s old films. There’s a lovely alfresco dining area that’s also pet-friendly. Yes, four-legged friends can experience old-world Hong Kong too.
The gorgeous handwritten menus boast delectable Chinese dishes including traditional soya sauce duck (from $30), hami melon sea conch chicken soup ($58), and “typhoon shelter” style stir-fried fried crab (from $9.80 per 100g). Don’t pass up on the sauteed watercress with dried shrimp ($14.80), which offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Oh, and try the housemade almond paste with sweet potato ($6.80) to cleanse your palate.
Star picks: Traditional soya sauce duck, sauteed watercress with dried shrimp; housemade almond paste with sweet potato
Price check: A la carte menu from $9.70
Doors open: Daily, 11.30am to 3pm & 5.30pm to 10pm
Lo Hey HK Seafood, #03-22/23/24, One Holland Village, 7 Holland Village Way, Singapore 275748
New restaurant: Gamtan
Telok Ayer is one of the best places to enjoy all kinds of cuisines in Singapore. Joining the buzzy enclave is this Korean restaurant specialising in sotbap, aka Korea’s version of traditional claypot rice. Choose from various types of sotbap including steak ($34.80), pork ($26.80), mushroom ($23.80), and abalone ($28.80). Those with adventurous palates can try the eel sotbap ($28.80), one of the restaurant’s most popular offerings.
Pro tip: here are a few steps you should follow to fully enjoy the dish. First, scoop the sotbap and sauce into a separate bowl and mix them well. Pour in the barley tea that’s just casually hanging around on the side and cover it for a few minutes. This is eaten best with the scorched rice left at the bottom of the bowl.
When evening comes around, Gamtan transforms into a barbeque joint serving premium beef and pork cuts. The king galbi cut is a fave among diners, so set aside some stomach space for that.
Star picks: Steak sotbap; eel sotbap
Price check: From $14.80
Doors open: Daily, 11.30am to 3pm & 5pm to 10pm
Gamtan, 132 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068599
New restaurant: Bhoomi by Milind Sovani
Attention, Indian food lovers: you’re gonna want to sit up for this. Fine dining restaurant Bhoomi has taken root in Singapore and can’t wait to welcome you to its physical space in Orchard. Diners can enjoy India’s rich flavours and culinary heritage through dishes from age-old family traditions and regional specialities. Everything is made with ingredients handpicked from trusted suppliers, so you’re getting the best of what the country has to offer.
What’s good to kick off your feast? The “incredible” pani puri ($15), which is chef Milind’s favourite dish. Of course, the tulsi malai paneer tikka ($22) deserves a place on your table. Another obvious choice is the curry (from $26): choose between veggie options or the standards like chicken tikka masala ($26), which you can eat with steamed basmati rice ($8). The Indians make a mean sweet treat, and you can’t leave the restaurant without trying the gulab jamun ($12), made with reduced milk and rose.
Star picks: Pani puri; tulsi malai paneer tikka; gulab jamun
Price check: Set lunch menu at $29.90++ per pax; a la carte menu from $6
Doors open: Tuesdays to Sundays, 12pm to 3pm & 6pm to 10.30pm
Bhoomi by Milind Sovani, #01-05, 1 Claymore Drive, Singapore 229594
New restaurant: Vitis Wine Bar and Bistro
We’re all familiar with wines from countries like France, Italy and Australia. But what about Asian winemakers? This sleek new spot in Bugis wants to spotlight these oft-overlooked producers for wine lovers, and we’re loving it. Expect to see bottles from China, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan on the list, including standout names like Long Dai Cabernet Blend 2019 from Shandong and Fratelli Vitae Chardonnay 2016 from India.
As for the food, Asian classics get a contemporary spin to pair with the wine selection. Think familiar and comforting, yet fresh and new. We enjoyed the deep-fried pig’s tail ($16) that’s melt-in-your-mouth crisp, though the grilled sumi ika ($28) stuffed with glutinous rice was a tad chewy and overcooked. But the zesty Thai-style eggplant salad ($18) with ajitama and green chilli sauce delivers a punchy kick that’s refreshing.
For mains, the assam glazed pork ribs with rojak salad ($26) was perfectly tender, sticky and sweet, while the lamb shoulder ($38) was a little on the tough side, though beautifully served with cumin parsnip puree and a herb salad. If you’re a fan of noodles, you’ll gleefully take your pick from options like dan dan ($18), oxtail lu rou ($28), and abalone kolo mee ($38) – basically elevated versions of what you know and love.
Star picks: Deep-fried pig’s tail; eggplant salad; assam glazed pork ribs with rojak salad; abalone kolo mee
Price check: Set menu at $58; a la carte menu from $8
Doors open: Mondays to Fridays, 12pm to 2.15pm & 5pm to 10.15pm and Saturdays, 5pm to 10.15pm
Vitis Wine Bar and Bistro, #01-46/47, Duo Galleria, 7 Fraser Street, Singapore 189356
New outlet: Kok Sen Restaurant
This name needs no further introduction. Renowned zi char establishment Kok Sen has finally opened a second outlet at City Square Mall. Yes, you don’t have to travel all the way to Keong Saik to enjoy the brand’s delicious offerings.
Fans can expect familiar faces, from the signature big prawn hor fun (from $19) and roasted pork with black sauce (from $18) to comforting claypot yong tau foo (from $18). Tip: order the outlet-exclusive crispy smoked tea duck (from $25), which requires hours of marinating, air-drying, smoking, and deep-drying. It sounds intensive, but the final product is divine.
Star picks: Big prawn hor fun; claypot yong tau foo; crispy smoked tea duck
Price check: A la carte menu from $7.50
Doors open: Daily, 11am to 9pm
Kok Sen Restaurant, #04-31/32, City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
New menu: Soup Restaurant
Guess who’s back after a month-long renovation? Soup Restaurant Nex reopens its doors with a brand new look and a refreshed menu. We’re in awe of the new colour scheme! The light teak wood with gold accents makes the space brighter and more spacious; we also noticed the chairs and lampshades bear a ginger flower design, which is a nice nod to the restaurant’s signature ginger sauce.
The collagen soup with fish maw ($15.90 per pax) makes a triumphant return to the menu. Will this help delay the signs of ageing? We don’t have the answer for that, but it’s a good broth to slurp. Another item that’s making a comeback is the individual meal set, featuring a bowl of steamed rice, a pot of boiled soup, and desserts. A simple yet satisfying meal for all types of diners.
Star picks: Collagen soup with fish maw; samsui ginger chicken
Price check: A la carte menu from $14.90
Doors open: Daily, 11.30am to 10pm (Nex outlet)
Soup Restaurant, #02-15/16, Nex, 23 Serangoon Central Singapore 556083
New menu: Amo
There’s no stopping the rise of Italian dining in Singapore, and we’re here for it. Amo beckons you to visit its sprawling space with a revamped menu perfect for a cosy meal with friends or a lively celebration with colleagues. Expect vibrant antipasti (from $18), crisp salads, hearty sides, and of course, signature pizzas (from $26). The whole butter roasted spring chicken ($45) is a delicious indulgence accompanied by spinach and truffle jus. If you prefer a different protein, then sink your teeth into the charcoal grilled wagyu beef ($42), which comes with truffle mash.
P.S. Amo is also introducing an ever-changing weekly set lunch. For $28, diners can get two courses: a rotating selection of appetisers followed by gourmet pasta or meat for mains. What a sweet deal!
Star picks: Whole butter roasted spring chicken; charcoal grilled wagyu beef
Price check: Two-course set lunch at $28++ per pax; a la carte menu from $10
Doors open: Daily, 12pm to 2.30pm & 6pm to 11pm
Amo, 33 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059672
Savour the best of 2025 with these new restaurants and menus in Singapore!
