20 best brunch places in Singapore
PUBLISHED ONMay 28, 2015 10:45 PM
Start your weekend right! From the ever-familiar kaya toast and eggs to Mexican burritos to Jewish deli food, this is the ultimate guide to brunching.
This article was originally published on burpple.com.
Photo by Mandy Lynn
For A Jewish Deli Brunch
If what you're after is the taste of a classic Jewish deli, Sacha & Sons is the place to be. Start your day right with their Latkes (potato and onion pancakes) with Gravlax and Creme Fraiche ($16), it is everything you'd want for brunch. Share a plate of their delightful Pastrami Knishes ($12) - three warm, buttery puff pastry rolls stuffed with pastrami and potatoes, served with a black pepper pastrami sauce. Craving for bagels? Choose from their Eggs with Toasted Bagels selection. For another classic, go for the Grilled Rueben Sandwich ($18), the combination of corned beef with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing is sublime. The prices here are slightly on the steep side, but you do get what you pay for!
Photo by Elphin Yeo
For Picturesque Fusion Brunch
Sprucing up the dining scene in the Buona Vista area is Paddy Hills, a beautiful space that should be high up on your list of places to visit. The menu is diverse and refreshing, with a fusion of several cuisines. A feast for the eyes, the Berry Ricotta Hotcake ($19) is served with mascarpone, blueberry sugar and fresh berries, inspired by Melbourne's Top Paddock. A crisp exterior gives in to a fluffy interior tinged with maple syrup - a must-order dish that tastes a lot more cake-like than the usual hotcakes. The Japanese-inspired Squid Ink Tagliatalle ($23) features tobiko, ikura, mentaiko, puffed rice, and seared scallops. Also order the Cauliflower Fritters ($12) served with masala yogurt, and the Toasted Spicy Rice Cakes ($15) with gochujang mayo to snack on. Besides the usual coffee and tea, they have cocktails, ciders and wines as well.
Photo by Rachel Xie
For Mexican Breakfast
Slightly under the radar for brunch is Super Loco, Lucha Loco's sister outlet. It makes perfect sense to enjoy your weekends here. Just imagine a tequila or mezcal cocktail in hand, washing down a table of Mexican food while enjoying the picturesque Roberston Quay. Start with the Esquites ($8) - grilled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, cotija cheese and chilli - a typical Mexican street food. The Breakfast Burrito ($18) is stuffed with steak, scrambled eggs, Mexican beans and caramelised onions, and is perfect for ravenous people. They also have tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and more common dishes like avocado toast and pancakes. Go for the guava and blood orange margarita ($16) if you can't decide on a drink!
4. Cocotte (Communal-Restaurant-Bar)
Photo by Baobao Lee
For Indulgent French Brunch
Every weekend, Cocotte rolls out their brunch trolley full of savoury dishes and homemade desserts, sort of like a French version of dim sum trolleys, such a clever and novel idea, don't you think? It's $59++ for a free flow brunch, or $99++ with Prosecco. Make sure you go for their signature Poulet Roti, it's exceedingly moist, tender and flavourful. The Croque Monsieur will satisfy those who want something more breakfast-y, and the melt-in-your-mouth Roast Pork Collar is sure to please meat-lovers. Save some space to end your meal off with some decadent treats like the Banana Bread with Chantilly Cream, or the Creme Brulee that's torched tableside!
Photo by Alain licious
For Nordic Plates
Gaest's weekend brunch is always solid, refreshing, and completely satisfying. Their brunch plates are truly unique and wholesome, made distinct with their remarkably good homemade sourdough and Danish rye bread. Go for Brunch Plate 1 ($20), which features a fluffy Danish omelette that's stuffed with potatoes, covered with bacon and is just oh-so-darn-good, alongside sourdough, rhubarb compote, brie, cream cheese, and homemade caramel. If decadence is what you're after, order their Pork Sandwich ($14) - chock full of pork, crispy crackling, a red cabbage slaw, red apple and mustard mayonnaise. For something dead-simple, there's always the delightful option of Bread with Mascarpone and Strawberries for just $7.
Photo by Alain licious
For Melbourne-esque Grub
Opened by an ex co-owner of Sarnies, The Hangar is a seriously chill spot with good, honest food. Their menu is focused on sandwiches and salads, with brunch offerings like Smashed Feta and Avocado on Toast ($8), and The Hangover ($20) - a massive plate of eggs, sausages, mushrooms, beans, and toast. Albeit humble-looking, the sarnies here pack a load of flavour, and everything is made from scratch. Look out for their unique sandwiches such as Lotus Croqueroots (lotus root croquettes, $10), and the Lemongrass Steak ($12). Of course, no brunch is complete without coffee. Note that they roast their beans in-house!
Photo by Alain licious
For Imaginative Plates
You're not going to find your typical eggs ben for brunch here. Instead, expect to be surprised by unusual combinations like their Salted Egg Sweet Potato Fries ($12), which are great for sharing. Probably the most surprising is the Aburi Broccoli Salad ($12), a truly inspired dish of torched broccoli topped with shaved parmesan, cracked pappadum and coconut sugar. You wouldn't expect it to work, but it just does. For a hearty main, don't hesitate to order the Beef and Grains ($24), a Japanese-inspired dish that is all umami and super hearty. Finish off with the Banana Beignets, and if you'd like to go all out, have their Malted Pie Crust Shake ($9) as well ;)
Photo by Shawn Loh
For a Classic Meal
Don't be alarmed if you find tiny, beautiful, edible flowers on your plate - it's Bridge Cafe's way of aesthetically sprucing up their dishes, and they taste pretty good too. Wildly popular is the Truffle Honey French Toast ($13): crisp on the outside, fluffy and eggy on the inside, and accompanied by vanilla creme fraiche, berries and truffle honey. Opt for the Eggs Benedict ($16) if you gotta have your eggs for brunch! Bridge adds a twist to this classic by using champagne hollandaise. The coffee here is pretty solid as well.
Photo by Mike Lee
For The Quintessential Singaporean Breakfast
Sometimes all you need is a good cup of kopi and kaya toast to satisfy the Singaporean in you, and that's when you head to Tong Ah. They've been serving butter kopi even before adding butter to coffee became a fad in the diet world. Make sure you don't miss the super crispy kaya toast that they have here (yes, you have to request for your toast to be crispy), and the soft pile of French toast. The kaya here is chunkier than what you're used to, but it adds that rustic feel and is still as good. For the quintessential local breakfast, add a couple of soft-boiled eggs. You'll have a breakfast of champions - and at a fraction of what you pay for at cafes!
Photo by Huixuan Tan
For Sweet & Savoury Pastries
Carpenter and Cook needs no introduction. Boasting excellently executed pastries, it is not hard to see why they are a solid establishment in the F&B scene. There are so many good pastries to choose from, but what you should try are the Passionfruit Meringue Tart ($6.50), Quiche ($7), Savoury Brioche ($6.50) and Croissants (from $2.50) (heh, still a lot). The passionfruit tart has just the right amount of tanginess, complemented by the slight sweetness of the meringue, and the tart shell is perfectly crunchy. They also do one of the best quiches in town: it is eggy and custardy without being overly rich, and has a buttery, flaky crust. Furnished with quaint vintage items from around the world, this space is very welcoming for spending an afternoon at!
Photo by Alain licious
For a South American Luxury
For something a little different and for a pinch of Argentinean feel, head to boCHINche, located right above Common Man Coffee Roasters. Start off with the Provoleta ($17), a sizzling dish of salty, gooey cheese balanced out with glorious honey and topped with almonds to provide crunch. With Pan and Manceta (Peurto Rican breads, $7) to go along, this is a winning dish that should be shared. The classic pairing of Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs ($24) is elevated here by dill cream cheese slathered beneath. End on a sweet note with their popular Milk Cake ($14) - made with three types of milk and also soaked in milk, it is a dessert so delicate on the palate, and pairs excellently with passionfruit sorbet.
Photo by meilan chen
For The Best Eggs Ben
Known for having very good eggs ben/royale, Choupinette is a cosy French restaurant tucked in Bukit Timah. It is hard to get eggs ben right, as simple a dish as it seems, but they always nail it here. The hollandaise sauce is perfectly executed and it's safe to say that you'll definitely get some of that #yolkporn you're dying to capture. Brunch here usually comes in sets, which includes coffee/tea and juice. Finish off with a slice of pear tart topped with ice cream, or the millefeuille framboise. If you can't get enough, get some viennoiserie, brioche, or chouchous to go! Prices here are steep ($25+ for Eggs Ben, $26+ for Eggs Royale), so be prepared.
13. Sin Ming Roti Prata (Faisal & Aziz Curry Muslim Food)
Photo by Marilyn L
For Kickass Prata & Curry
Because the prata here is so darn good, this humble stall commands a queue, especially on weekends. Everything is made from scratch using fresh, good quality ingredients, which is, sadly, not easy to find at prata stalls these days. Freshly made and fried, the prata here is crispy on the outside, chewy, buttery, very slightly sweet and most of all, not greasy. The kosong is good, but even better is their Coin Prata (essentially prata nuggets, 6 pieces for $3.50) - thicker, crispier, chewier, fluffier. Paired with curry that's spicier than the norm, this is one kickass breakfast. Besides prata, they also have nasi briyani, mee goreng, and the like.
Photo by Marilyn L
For Fantastic New Experiences
Expect a long waiting time if you don't make reservations at Artichoke, set in the compound of the beautiful Sculpture Square. If you're unfamiliar with Middle Eastern flavours, Artichoke is a great place to start. A constant delight is their Mezze Platter ($26), it's the best way to start and share a meal with your friends, alongside a hearty Lamb Shakshuka ($26). Also go for the Feta Burrata ($23) if you love all things creamy and cheesy, and do not miss out on the Bacon Chop ($10) -- a mammoth-sized slab of maple-glazed bacon! For dessert, get the delightfully sweet Baklava Sampler. There are so many outstanding dishes, so grab your family or friends because you'll want to regret nothing by trying everything.
Photo by Jacq Ong
For a Calm Brunch
Situated within Phoenix Park in the Tanglin area, Boufe (the word a portmanteau of "boutique" and "cafe") Boutique Cafe shares a space with Ohvola boutique. The usual brunch fare such as Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast and Croque Madame are served, but you should really try Boufe's Big Breakfast or "Triple B" ($21). Creamy scrambled eggs, sauteed mushrooms, bacon, sausages and a freshly baked buttery croissant - not a bad way to start your day at all.They serve fantastic pastries as well, of which the Strawberry Shortcake ($8) and Citron Tart ($5.50) stand out. Given the quality of the food and the killer combination of spaciousness, chic decor and warm ambience, this place will only become more popular with time.
Photo by Kenneth Loy
For Laidback Parisian Mornings
This French cafe is a hidden gem along the rows of shophouses on Tras Street, perfect for starting your weekend at. With its beautiful, airy, light-filled interior, you're bound to feel like you're being transported to a Parisian cafe. Particularly good is the Croque Madame ($18), a classic French ham and cheese sandwich layered with bechamel and topped with a fried egg. The viennoiserie (croissant, pain au chocolat) are good as well, especially when paired with French butter and jams. Their menu is not extensive, which allows them to deliver quality - ultimately what makes food satisfying.
17. Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters Singapore
Photo by Eleoration
For Brunch In a Gorgeous Space
Housed in a stunning light-filled space, Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is the venture between Thailand's Pacamara Coffee and Oz Specialty Coffee, so you can expect both good coffee and brunch fare. Extremely popular is the Truffle Benedict ($18): truffle hollandaise sauce blankets poached eggs, smoked ham and wilted spinach, all set atop brioche toast. The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast ($16) is another winner, think eggy, fluffy French toast doused in salted caramel sauce. Other popular dishes include the Eggs Royale ($18) and Red Velvet Pancakes ($16).
Photo by Geraldine Tay
For American Diner Brunches
Seasons Bistro is great choice for brunch if you're in Orchard, serving photogenic American-style brunch dishes. The Buttermilk Pancake Stack ($18) is sure to please those who prefer sweet brunch plates, while those who prefer savoury dishes should go for the Montreal & Lox ($21), featuring smoked salmon, tomatoes, capers and a good, chewy bagel with cream cheese. If you can't decide between savoury and sweet, go for the Lumberjack ($26) - eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries on top a pancake, with maple syrup alongside. The reasonable prices and good food here keep people coming back for more!
Photo by Cassandra Tan
For Chilled Out Brunch
Known for its dark, hipster interior and good food, Symmetry commands a queue on weekends, making reservations a must. Start off with the Crispy Baby Squid ($14) or the Truffle Fries ($15), a crowd favourite with its heady truffle aroma in a seemingly bottomless bucket. Go for the Truffle Eggs Mushroom ($22) - scrambled eggs drizzled with truffle oil, sauteed mushrooms, a slice of toast and hashbrown - or the Big Breakfast ($24) for its insanely good blueberry butter. Finally, finish off by sharing their epic waffles ($16), it is a beautiful mess of bananas, strawberries, peanut butter, hazelnut chocolate, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream. The coffee here is excellent, sure to please all you coffee fiends; they use the Slayer!
Photo by Kimberly Long
For Manhattan Vibes
Club Street Social mimics an upscale Manhattan bar - tastefully decorated, high ceilings, and a wall full of spirits. The brunch menu includes a good number of items, from breakfast fare like eggs and toast, to mains like gnocchi and risotto. They do pretty good Scrambled Eggs with fontina ($12), creamy without being overly rich, and just the right amount undercooked. If you like truffle and seriously runny yolks, go for the Truffled Toast ($14). The food here is quite simple and may not blow your mind, but the ambience and concise menu hits the spot when you're feeling like a laid back Manhattan morning with an old friend.