Who says Outram Park isn’t a food hotspot? We’ll prove ‘em wrong with our favourite cafes and restaurants in this neighbourhood.
After spending hours exploring Outram Park, we’ve realised just how interconnected it is. As a gateway to districts like Duxton, Keong Saik, Neil Road, and Chinatown, it’s one of the best starting points for a full day of exploration. While combing the streets, there were so many nooks and crannies that our legs almost gave up before our curiosity did. Before you plan your next outing to the neighbourhood, have a look at everything we spotted and tried.
1. 99 Old Trees: Desserts made with real durian
Wanna sample the King of Fruits but haven’t worked up the courage for the real thing yet? We’d recommend the multitude of durian-flavoured desserts at 99 Old Trees, one of our go-to durian spots. Sweets like cream puffs, rolls cakes, and chendol are made with real durian flesh here. All of them are packed full of flavour, perfect for durian lovers or anyone who wants to try durian for the first time. The roll cake is our favourite – it’s pillowy, sweet, and chock-full of durian mousse.
However, we had to wait for seats after dinner on a weekend night, so if you’re pressed for time, consider doing takeaway instead. If you manage to find seats, get the ones near the fans, because phew, it’s hot out there. P.S. the best way to cool down is with a bowl of durian mousse.
Must-tries: Roll cake, stinky bowl, cream puffs
Price: Fresh durians from $59, roll cake slice from $6.90, cream puff from $2.40
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 10pm
Address: 99 Old Trees, 1 Teo Hong Road, Singapore 088321
2. Maxwell Food Centre: Best for early breakfast crowds or those on a budget
When it comes to Outram Park’s food, locals will know Maxwell Food Centre is the hawker centre to be at when it comes to local fare with flair. The crowds at lunchtime are a testament to its popularity. You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the stalls available, but our favourites are Jin Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon for a milky bowl of fish soup and Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice for that fragrant chilli hit. Get your plate of chicken rice with sugarcane juice – it’s an elite combination.
Our top tip: come before or after the lunch crowd because it can get busy. Take it from us, jostling around elbow to elbow with other people sours the experience.
Must-tries: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Zhen Zhen Porridge, Jin Hua Sliced Fish Bee Hoon
Price: Various prices
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 10pm
Address: Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
3. Caracara: Stylish cafe with a unique coffee option
A cross between a cafe and a lifestyle space, Caracara is stylish and sleek in design without any of the snobbery. We visited in the afternoon and loved how the whole place was bathed in sunlight. If you come in a big group, dine at the large wooden table in the centre of the cafe, which is spotlighted by sunrays thanks to the skylight. It’s super dreamy!
On the menu, you’ll find Japanese-inspired fare, but the true standout for us is the Aurora coffee. The folks describe it as a grape and rum flavour, and indeed, the grape notes are incredibly distinct. It was one of the most unique coffees we’ve had in our cafe-hopping career. A definite must-try for anyone who visits!
Must-tries: Aurora coffee, Shibuya toast, wagyu sando
Price: Coffee starts from $5, mains start from $18
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 10.30pm; closed on Tuesdays
Address: Caracara, 77 Neil Road, Singapore 088903
4. Man Man Unagi Restaurant: Eel rice bowls galore
We almost missed out on this specialty restaurant in a corner at the back of the bustling Keong Saik Road when we were exploring, but slowed down enough to spot it just in time for lunch. We were greeted with the smell of freshly grilled eels the moment we walked in – what a way to whet the appetite! Portions are generous, so come hungry because we practically rolled out the door. The hitsumabushi set is a fan favourite, as you can enjoy the eel in multiple forms, all delicious.
Must-tries: Hitsumabushi set
Price: Bentos start from $24.50
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 11.30am – 2.25pm & 6pm – 9.25pm
Address: Man Man Unagi Restaurant, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
5. Baker’s Bench Bakery: 100% sourdough bakes
A 100% sourdough bakery? A dream, if you ask us. A short chat with owners Joey and Vera revealed that, after stints in Tasmania and the UK, they found themselves back in Singapore with a desire to create a community through freshly baked goods. Now, the Outram Park food scene is blessed with their bread. We spotted a range of baked goods in sweet and savoury varieties – perfect for a cosy breakfast catch-up or a grab-and-go for those on their way to work (like us).
Must-tries: Croque monsieur, tuna melt, sticky bun
Price: Bakes start from $3.50
Opening hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 8.30am – 5pm; Sunday, 8.30am – 4pm
Address: Baker’s Bench Bakery, 6 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089820
6. Big Wine Freaks: Extra vibey wine bar
Looking to impress that special someone with a date at a cool wine spot? Big Wine Freaks is our usual haunt whenever we’re around the Bukit Pasoh area and feeling a little bougie. It’s hip, vibey, and has everything you need for a stylish night out.
This wine bar is known for offering the most attentive service and serving delectable plates like grilled octopus with confit potatoes and lamb shoulder. Of course, the wine selection is sublime. We’ve always found something we loved here. Psst: be prepared to spend a pretty penny because prices are steeper than your average restaurant.
Must-tries: Muscovado tart, beef short ribs, octopus
Price: Set menus start from $98, a la carte mains start from $39
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 12am
Address: Big Wine Freaks, 44 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089857
7. Glasshouse: All-day casual brunch
Glasshouse is a tried and true favourite for Singapore’s cafe-hoppers. Not only is the location beautiful, but we left full and energised thanks to the hearty dishes. The coffee is perfect for anyone who prefers it on the slightly acidic side (like us), and pairs amazingly with a sweet treat. Brunch-wise, it’s practically an all-day affair with a brunch menu available till 5pm. There’s even a build-your-own-breakfast option where you can pick all your faves, and a range of lunch options like pasta, burgers, and more.
Must-tries: Grilled cheese toasties, carbonara, smoked salmon tartine
Price: Mains start from $18
Opening hours: Daily, 8am – 6pm
Address: Glasshouse, 136 Neil Road, Singapore 088865
8. Nitty Gritty: Grits made with Singapore flair
American cuisine meets comforting Singaporean flavours in this soul food establishment created by Matt and Wanyu Lee Bradley. It might be the only restaurant in the city specialising in grits — a dish made with coarsely ground corn. That’s reason enough to visit if you’re curious. We highly recommend trying the grits – they’re smooth and creamy, and served with well-seasoned proteins like bacon, frog legs, Hainanese-style chicken, and more!
If that’s not quite what you’re craving, go for classic American fare like fried chicken, pancakes, or waffles. P.S. portions are a little small, so you might want to order a little more if you’re a big eater.
Must-tries: Shrimp and grits, duck waffles, frog leg grits
Price: Mains start from $19
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 11am – 9pm; Sunday, 12pm – 9pm; closed on Tuesdays
Address: Nitty Gritty, 21 Teo Hong Road, Singapore 088331
9. The Populus: A strong contender for ‘Best Cafe in Outram Park’
With Outram Park’s abundance of good food and cafes, this one stands out as a must-visit whenever we’re in the area. Situated in the corner of Neil and Cantonment Road, The Populus is an “it girl” cafe in the ‘hood. (We’ve spotted lines stretching around the building on weekends.) Tip: have your phone ready when you order coffee because this spot is known for its talented latte artists who’ll whip up drawings of chameleons, deer, seahorses, and more in your drink!
Try the buckwheat pancakes, which are thick with a cake-like texture and great for anyone who enjoys a sweet breakfast. Or get The Popular scramble, which is our go-to for a savoury start to the day.
Must-tries: Buckwheat pancakes, roasted halibut soba, The Populus scramble
Price: Mains start from $23
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 6.30pm
Address: The Populus, 146 Neil Road, Singapore 088875
Outram Park may be full of foodie hot spots, but these are the handful we love the most!
