Exploring the brown line? We found the best food places where you can take a break and refuel.
Our public transport system has grown by leaps and bounds; nowadays, each neighbourhood is within walking distance of the MRT. With the new Thomson-East Coast Line, it’s easier than ever to visit hidden food spots that would’ve taken us a longer time previously. From the heartlands to the heart of the city, here are the best eateries you should visit along the brown line.
Singapore’s Thomson-East Coast Line food guide: Top restaurants and cafes
1. Fico
Nearest MRT station: Bayshore
A 30-minute walk under the sun may not be the best idea, but we promise it’s more than worth it once you’ve arrived at this seaside destination. Fico will immediately make you feel like you’re overseas, thanks to its sunny alfresco dining area, gorgeous decor and, of course, the food. Sink your teeth into the wonderful seasonal spread inspired by Cucina Povera, an Italian concept that’s all about making delicious food using quality ingredients.
Fico, 1300 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468964
2. Bangla Bondhu
Nearest MRT station: Siglap
Have you heard of Bengali cuisine? Well, this is your sign to try it. Bangla Bondhu in Siglap offers an authentic taste of Bengal by serving up snacks, hearty mains, and sweet treats. We’ve got our eye on the kosha mangsho, which is said to be Bengal’s most popular mutton dish. If you’re on a plant-based diet, there are plenty of veggie dishes to choose from. Don’t forget to order the galub jaamun to end your meal.
Bangla Bondhu, #13-71, Lobby S, Mandarin Gardens, 7 Siglap Road, Singapore 448909
3. The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie
Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Katong
This popular Jalan Besar bakery has opened an outlet in Katong, so east-siders don’t have to travel far to savour its baked goods. Pop by and get your hands on its bunny madeleines, croque madame, blueberry floret, crescent-shaped croissant, and more. Have you had the chance to sample the viral crookie? If the answer’s no, it’s your lucky day – you can try the fascinating creation here too.
The Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie, 350 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437116
4. Kontiki
Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Rhu
All aboard the Kontiki! This casual chic restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience, complete with stunning views of the Kallang River and Marina Bay city skyline. What’s on the menu? American comfort food like mac and cheese, cajun roast chicken, chilli con carne, and more. If you’re there on the weekend, you can feast on brekkie and brunch faves. It’s also pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind.
Kontiki, #01-02, Passion Wave @ Marina Bay, 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437440
5. Marguerite
Nearest MRT station: Gardens by the Bay
This Michelin-starred food spot is a little further away from the Thomson-East Coast Line, but we’d be remiss not to include it on our list. Marguerite resides within the Flower Dome, which means you can savour the best produce prepared using various cooking methods in a gorgeous, floral setting. Diners can choose between the omnivore and herbivore menus, and add on the wine, mixed, or temperance pairing. Prefer something more casual? Drop by the neighbouring Hortus, opened by Marguerite’s chef-owner Michael Wilson, for coffee and cake.
Marguerite, #01-09, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
6. Annalakshmi
Nearest MRT station: Shenton Way
Did you know there’s a vegetarian Indian restaurant in Shenton Way? Well, now you do. Annalakshmi operates as an altruistic model – diners can eat as much as they want, and when it comes to payment, they decide the amount. Proceeds will be channelled towards helping rural regions in India. A unique way to rack up good karma points, we say. You can get North and South Indian cuisine like fluffy basmati rice and crispy thosai here. Wash everything down with refreshing drinks such as juices and lassi.
Annalakshmi, #01-03, Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way, Singapore 068815
7. September Coffee
Nearest MRT station: Maxwell
It doesn’t matter which month we’re in – everyone is welcome at September Coffee, a stone’s throw away from Maxwell MRT station. Named after the founder’s birth month, this buzzy eatery is perpetually filled with cafe-hoppers, and we don’t blame them. This aesthetically pleasing space serves specialty udon, all-day brunch dishes, and small bites. Get the iced black sesame latte or burnt chocolate if you’re not peckish.
September Coffee, #01-01, 258 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058807
8. Folks & Stories
Nearest MRT station: Outram Park
Cookie monsters in Singapore should be familiar with this iconic Everton Park stalwart. This humble bakery uses only natural ingredients, which means no traces of nasties such as artificial colouring and flavouring in its cookies. We love the creative names the team comes up with for its creations. Care for a bag of Curious Merrymaker (cheesecake and dark chocolate soft baked cookie)? Or perhaps you’d prefer the savoury Funky Maker, which deftly combines miso and chopped pecan. If you’re undecided, go for the curated boxes. They’re also good as gifts for your loved ones.
Folks & Stories, #01-63, 3 Everton Park, Singapore 080003
9. Wildcard
Nearest MRT station: Havelock
The good folks behind Maxi Coffee Bar have done it again by establishing this dual-concept eatery. By day, Wildcard is a coffee bar serving the famous iced cereal milk latte and other innovative offerings such as oxtail doughnut, which is said to resemble pork steamed buns in dim sum restaurants. The space switches things up when the sun sets by serving tipples like sakes, wines, and negronis.
Wildcard, #01-03, Furama RiverFront, 405 Havelock Road, Singapore 169633
10. IndoChili
Nearest MRT station: Great World
If you’re in the mood for homely Indonesian food, this is the place to be. The chicken satay has earned rave reviews from foodies for its nicely grilled, substantial meat portions. Other recommended dishes include the oxtail soup, which has a robust flavour profile and tender meat that falls off the tailbone, and rendang sapi (beef rendang), which is slow-cooked and marinated to perfection. Came with an empty stomach? Order the tumpeng mini. The yellow rice, ayam bumbu rujak, and perkedel will fill you up.
IndoChili, 54 Zion Road, Singapore 247779
11. Tanglin Cookhouse
Nearest MRT station: Orchard Boulevard
Step back in time to Tanglin Cookhouse, where you can savour locally-inspired British cuisine. Head down for weekend brunch and feast on a full English fry-up containing locally farmed mushrooms, toasted sourdough and streaky bacon, fruit and granola acai bowls, or good ol’ steak and eggs. Its beverage menu runs the gamut from wellness and herbal teas to classic cocktails. Psst: if you’re planning to dine in on weekdays, be sure to check out the lunch and dinner set promotions.
Tanglin Cookhouse, #01-106, Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
12. Lad & Co
Nearest MRT station: Napier
On the hunt for a comforting plate of crispy fish and chips? Look no further than Lad & Co, a family-run casual joint taking up space at Singapore Post’s Tanglin branch. Its signature dish features Atlantic haddock in beer batter with your choice of side and chips. If you prefer to sink your teeth into something else, there are bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, and pigs in blankets on the menu. Happy hour runs from 12pm to 9pm, which sounds like a sweet deal if you ask us.
Lad & Co, #B1-02, Singapore Post – Tanglin Branch, 56 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247964
13. Al Borgo
Nearest MRT station: Stevens
There’s no lack of Italian restaurants in Singapore. But if you’re looking for authentic, home-style food, this establishment along the Thomson-East Coast Line hits the spot. Indulge in its signature Al Borgo pizza or fettuccine with slices of Kobe tenderloin and porcini mushrooms. The carefully curated wine list goes perfectly with your meal.
Al Borgo, #01-02, Alocassia Apartments, 383 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259727
14. Yi Jia Bakery House Cafe
Nearest MRT station: Upper Thomson
Upper Thomson is known as a food haven, with cool cafes, recommended restaurants, and supper spots dotting this enclave. If you have a soft spot for traditional bakeries, be sure to hit up this gem for a nostalgic blast from the past. Get your hands on an assortment of freshly baked buns, pastries, and no-frills coffee and tea. Oh, and don’t forget to order the pandan waffles. This cosy space can only accommodate a small number of customers, so it’s best to drop by after peak hours.
Yi Jia Bakery House Cafe, 229 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574361
15. Burp Kitchen & Bar
Nearest MRT station: Bright Hill
A day at a lush park is heaven on earth. But when the hunger pangs hit, you have a problem. Do you cut your nature fun short to find food, or do you stay hungry? If you’re at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, you don’t have to go far – just run over to Burp Kitchen & Bar to refuel. Wolf down spicy buffalo wings, garlic soy tofu burger, baja fish tacos, and salted fries before resuming your outdoor activities.
Burp Kitchen & Bar, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore 569983
16. Desert Dessert
Nearest MRT station: Mayflower
Try saying this name out loud a few times, just for fun. This sweet spot satisfies your late-night dessert cravings – it opens till 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. You can find Korean bingsu, croffles, sliced cakes, and of course, handcrafted ice cream here. Choose from flavours such as honeycomb, pistachio, and sea salt, and pair them with buttermilk waffles.
Desert Dessert, #01-424, Mayflower Shopping & Food Centre, 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Singapore 560163
17. Bing Tang Tang Shui
Nearest MRT station: Lentor
This unassuming food spot along the Thomson-East Coast line has gone all out with the retro theme, and we’re digging it. Foldable metal chairs, wooden office tables, cassette tapes, copies of vintage magazines, and even a typewriter are on display here. Have a seat, whip out your cameras, and pretend you’re an office worker in the bygone era. After that, order traditional desserts infused with florals, like tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) with osmanthus or orh nee (yam paste) with pearl chrysanthemum. Those looking for something savoury can nosh on chee cheong fun and chwee kueh.
Bing Tang Tang Shui, 15 Thomson Hills Drive, Singapore 574759
18. The Lowe’f Shack
Nearest MRT station: Springleaf
We’re all for hidden cafes in Singapore, and this one near the entrance of Springleaf Nature Park gets our top vote. Here’s where you can get half and whole sourdough and brioche loaves, grazing platters filled with smoked salmon, three types of cheese and bread, and a good cuppa. There’s limited seating here, so we recommend having everything to go and enjoying them on a picnic mat nearby.
The Lowe’f Shack, Springleaf Nature Park, 1230 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787129
Go ahead and relish all the good food you can find along the Thomson-East Coast Line in Singapore.
