You may think that with the size and connectivity of our food haven, good grub is all within easy reach.
But sometimes, fortune favours the brave, and likewise, splendid food favours the adventurous. Great eateries can be found hidden amongst lush foliage or tucked away in the shadows behind unassuming shopfronts.
We hit the roads less traversed to bring you some of the most obscure and outlying hasheries that appeal to foodies with an "ain't no mountain high enough" spirit.
Riders' Cafe
Stashed away amidst stables and galloping pens, Riders' Cafe remains one of the most charming yet inaccessible cafes.
It is a distance from the main road, which itself is a distance from civilisation. But a scrumptious brunch or afternoon tea on the patio overlooking greenery makes it all worthwhile. There is nothing quite as soothing as tucking into a runny Eggs Benedict while catching the rays of the sun on your face and watching children trot by on horseback.
51 Fairways Dr, 286965. Tel: 6466 9819
The Coastal Settlement
Would anyone be deranged enough to drive all the way to a forsaken corner of Changi for a meal? If it is to The Coastal Settlement, then yes.
This quaint restaurant, cafe and bar retains its relative mystery thanks to its secluded location, and has been quietly purveying its delicious food for five years. One dish in particular that keeps drawing customers back is their wagyu cubes salad, which comes with perfectly cooked beef glazed with a delectable Japanese dressing.
With a menu this good, this joint won't be remaining a secret for long.
200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529. Tel: 6475 0200
New Ubin Seafood
Located in the industrial estate of Sin Ming lies New Ubin Seafood.
This eatery is not your run-of-the-mill tze char place, having recently been awarded its first Michelin star. On the outside, it looks the part of a laidback, kampong-style coffee shop. But a look at the menu (and the tables around you) and you will see beautifully grilled ribeye steak cubes served on wooden boards.
These delicious morsels of charcoal grilled beef alone are enough to make you come back again and again.
Block 27 Sin Ming Road, Sin Ming Industrial Estate Sector A #01-174, 575680. Tel: 6466 9558
Beaulieu House
Amongst the many colonial residences-turn-eateries in Singapore, the Beaulieu House is one of the lesser known outlets, in part due to its sequestered address on the edge of Sembawang Park.
This stately building dates back to 1910, and has been serving Western and local delights since the 1980s. The historical place also provides an atypical venue for wedding banquets and events, with a vast expanse of greenery and Sembawang beach a stone's throw away.
117 Beaulieu Rd, 759837. Tel: 6257 9234
Alkaff Mansion Ristorante
There has to be a reason why Alkaff Mansion Ristorante keeps finding its name on lists of noteworthy eateries (like this one) despite its location. Unless you are a nature trekker or a lost and famished resident of Telok Blangah, there are few reasons for one to find himself at this isolated colonial bungalow for a fancy meal.
But Alkaff Mansion is one of the few Italian joints here which serves authentic Sardinian cuisine worth every cent and drop of petrol you've used to get there.
10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178. Tel: 6510 3068
Wimbly Lu
Those with a sweet tooth will know that there is no letting up when the craving for desserts strike. If you happen to be in the East and in need of chocolate therapy, head down to Wimbly Lu, a whimsical cafe specialising in all things chocolate.
The atmosphere is snug, perfect for a cosy tête-à-tête, while the wide range of desserts is the main draw, with the Blackout Cake, waffles with ice cream and Root Beer Cake all standing out as clear winners.
152 Jalan Riang, 358987. Tel: 6289 1489
Bincho
Humble meepok stall by day, trendy underground yakitori and cocktail bar by night; Bincho's Jerkyll and Hyde act and inconspicuous locale has further added to its legend.
Drop by for one of their signature lunch sets, which include beef tongue donburi and uni cream udon, or simply unwind with a playful Japanese cocktail from the bar. This is one yakitori bar worth going the distance for.
#01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, 162078. Tel: 6438 4567
We can safely say that these places are so worth travelling to! Plus, everything feels better if you have to work for it. So hop on a car, a bike, a cab or even put your running shoes on beacause we're going on a trip!
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