There’s no denying that Jalan Besar is a hot ‘hood. Bars, cafes, bistros, dessert spots – you’ll find them all in Jalan Besar, a.k.a. a foodie’s paradise. Here are our top 10 picks for eating, drinking, and chilling in the hip and happening dining enclave.
The Refinery
You don’t just get type of experience here at The Refinery – you get three. The establishment is split into three levels; the first floor houses a yakitori restaurant, the second floor is home to a bespoke cocktail bar, and the third is where you’ll find a craft workshop. Love it.
The Refinery, 115 King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208561, p. 9111 1210.
Druggists
Everything about uber retro joint Druggists is old school, from the décor to the space (it shares the building space with the Singapore Chinese Druggists Association), and even the menu. Try items like the paper wrapped chicken and choose from over 20 types of beer available on tap.
Druggists, 119 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207547, p. 93851752.
Babette
Babette
Expect French-Japanese plates here at Babette, a casual eatery parked in the lobby level of Parc Sovereign Hotel. The menu highlights include the steak and foie gras donburi and the bacon tempura, but one must-try is the matcha lava cake. We promise you’ll fall in love with it even if you’re not a fan of green tea.
Babette, #01-03 Parc Sovereign Hotel, 165 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207569, p. 6341 7727.
Windowsill Pies
This dessert spot’s so whimsical and fairy tale-like that it just brings out the inner child in all of us (check out the giant toy tree when you’re in here). Décor aside, we can’t get enough of their sweet, sweet artisanal pies. Strawberry lemon, morello cherry, coconut lime vodka, pecan – take your pick.
Windowsill Pies, 78 Horne Road, Singapore 209078, p. 9004 7827.
Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant
Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant
Sure, it’s not new and shiny like the other contenders on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less noteworthy. Swee Choon Dim Sum is our go-to spot for amazing Cantonese delicacies like har kao and liu sha bao. Best of all: it’s open till 6 in the morning!
Swee Choon Dim Sum Restaurant, 191 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882, p. 6225 7788.
The Bravery Café
There are no signs and no proper indication of an entrance, but figure out how to get in (okay, we’ll make this easy for you, it’s the golden door) and you’ll be rewarded with awesome coffee and bites like poached eggs and avocado on corned beef begedil hash, and pancakes with ricotta cheese and bananas. In other words, it’s a really great all-day brunch spot.
The Bravery Café, 66 Horne Rd, Singapore 209073, p. 9452 4785.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
Another non-descript café that looks nothing like a proper dining spot, till you step in, that is. Housed in an Art Deco shophouse, Chye Seng Huat Hardware is a specialty coffee shop and houses Singapore’s first 360-degree coffee bar. Try the cold brew on tap for something a little different.
Chye Seng Huat Hardware, 150 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207563, p. 6396 0609.
Suprette
Suprette
Comfort food reigns supreme at Suprette. The cosy American-inspired eatery serves up creations like duck hash, a spicy buffalo chicken burger, and a braised lamb shank. All mains come with a side of salad and free flow fries… the latter is something we definitely won’t say no to.
Suprette, 383 Jalan Besar, Singapore 209001, p. 6298 8962.
The Tiramisu Hero
Moving from a dot com to a brick and mortar store proved to be a wise move for Aileen and Peggy, owners of this quirky dessert shop. Now, everyone can get a taste of the finest tiramisu in town. They come in flavours like original, Ovaltine, matcha, lemon lavender, and cinnamon – just to name a few.
The Tiramisu Hero, 121 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207548, p. 6292 5271.
Butter Studio
Butter Studio
This Halal-certified bakery specialises in cupcakes, buttercream-frosted cupcakes to be exact. We’re fans of the Nutella and lavender cupcakes. Not in the mood for the dainty little things? Order the red velvet cake or a macaron or two.
Butter Studio, 147 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208865, p. 6294 7115.
Top image: The Refinery (left) and The Tiramisu Hero (right)