Siglap isn’t the biggest or rowdiest of neighbourhoods, and it’s often overlooked for other hip eastside hubs like Katong and Joo Chiat. But there’s a pristine, quaint quality that flows through its streets, from charming cafes and restaurants to cool bars and local eateries. It’s casual, it’s not a place where you need to dress to the nines, and it’s almost a home away from home where you can chill to your heart’s content. Sold on Siglap yet? We fill you in on what to expect.
Guide to Siglap: Restaurants, cafes and bars
1. Penny University
This cosy little cafe on East Coast Road champions the “made in Singapore” concept. It sources coffee beans from local roasters, serves fresh, house-baked bread daily, and often collaborates with local bakers on new creations. All that said, you can’t go wrong with an order of French toast or cakes.
Penny University, 402 East Coast Road, Singapore 428997
2. House of Peranakan Cuisine
Previously located at the former Negara Hotel along Claymore Road, the cosy Peranakan restaurant keeps it grand at its Siglap spot with gorgeous interiors. Let’s not forget smashing favourites like babi assam (braised pork in tangy tamarind sauce), itek tim (salted vegetable duck soup), and gula melaka sago pudding. Uncomplicated, honest and comforting – just the way we like it. Psst: some of the guests this place has seen include past presidents and even some Thai royalty.
House of Peranakan Cuisine, 103 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458225
3. Georges Madbar & Grill
Dubbed as “your friendly neighbourhood bar”, this place is the OG of Georges. It’s a family restaurant and sports bar where you can get a variety of ice cold beers. Plus, a menu of Western grill faves such as the Georges burger (beef, bacon and melted cheese), beer-battered fish and chips, and black pepper ribeye steak. Whether you’re catching a live sports screening or having a go at the pool table, there’s no denying a little wind-down sesh at this Siglap spot is the cherry on top of a long day or week.
Georges Madbar & Grill, 687 East Coast Road, Singapore 459055
4. Plank Pizza Sourdough
In the wise words of Meghan Trainor, the menu is all about that (sourdough) base. Unlike the dense crust of mass pizza chains or the thin, brittle ones from Italian pizzerias, Plank’s sourdough base is pillowy soft in the middle, perfectly crisp on the outside and exudes a subtle, tangy flavour. It’s made from a combination of flours and fermented for 48 hours with natural, wild yeast. Don’t think we can argue with that!
Plank Pizza Sourdough, 1 Swan Lake Avenue, Singapore 455700
5. Lai Huat Sambal Fish Restaurant
If you’re gonna name your restaurant after a dish, you’d best nail it down to a fine art. Fortunately, this family business does just that, offering whole fried pomfrets – crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – covered in thick, spicy sambal belachan (we can never say no to shrimp paste) that elevates this seafood staple.
Lai Huat Sambal Fish Restaurant, 17 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455208
6. Indian Curry House
If spices don’t intimidate you, then this Indian restaurant will welcome you with open arms. Tuck into wok-stirred curries and clay oven-cooked tandoor items like lamb shank and Badshahi tandoor chicken. And remember: get the curry with rice.
Indian Curry House, 27 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455211
7. Etna Italian Restaurant
Situated on the outskirts of Siglap, Etna is one cosy restaurant that embraces its acronym-huddled philosophy: Every Table Needs Attention. Naturally, service is spick and span, and Italian dishes like Angus beef carpaccio and linguine with fresh flower crab are served promptly.
Etna Italian Restaurant, 110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298
8. Mikawa Yakitori Bar
Probably the closest thing you’re gonna get to an izakaya in Siglap, Mikawa takes pride in its kushiyaki skewers. The joint offers over 30 assorted items like tori seseri (chicken neck), hatsu (chicken heart), buta bara (pork belly with onion), hotate bacon maki (scallop wrapped in bacon), gindara (cod fish) and Japanese sweet potatoes.
Mikawa Yakitori Bar, 81 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455220
9. Bar Room
Its fuss-free name is to the point, just like how we are when our thirsts are etching a trajectory towards the nearest bar. If you’re a Siglap resident, Bar Room might be your new go-to spot. With happy hour at $6 per glass, plus football screenings and dartboards, you’ll never wanna leave… sober, at least.
Bar Room, 899 East Coast Road, Singapore 459102
10. Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore
Who still remembers the TV jingle from this Italian restaurant’s old commercials? Though that may seem like ages ago, the Italian chain continues to thrive with its dedication to freshly-made pasta and heartfelt service. Decades on, Pasta Fresca stays fresh by constantly revamping its menu, with current mainstays including alle vongole (pasta with clams sauteed in olive oil) and risotto al frutti di mare (a popular seafood risotto).
Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore, #01-01, 9 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455203
11. Kota 88
Originating from Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown), Kota 88 specialises in Chinese-Indonesian cuisine. The style of cooking is similar to its Chinese counterpart, but it sees the addition of chilli, coconut milk and traditional Indonesian spices and seasoning. Highlights include the signature nasi campur babi. It’s a delicious pork rice platter that features char siew, roast pork, sweet pork satay, braised pig ear and ngoh hiang (five-spice pork roll).
Kota 88, 907 East Coast Road, Singapore 459107
12. Jin Wee Restaurant
Probably the least fancy restaurant you’ll find in Siglap, Jin Wee will feed you and your posse with a feast fit for a king. Specialising in Chinese zi char, the eatery serves home-cooked dishes like marmite pork ribs, cereal prawns, Hainanese pork chop, stir-fried kai lan and loads more. You’ll be easily spoilt for choice.
Jin Wee Restaurant, 928 East Coast Road, Singapore 459117
13. Kinara
Though located a distance away from the central Siglap restaurant area, Kinara doesn’t see any shortage of guests stopping by for an authentic taste of North Indian culture. Like any traditional Indian restaurant worth its salt, its kitchen has a tandoor serving chicken tikka, murgh peshawari (tandoori chicken), and seafood like ajwaini machli tikka (boneless fish cubes). Of course, there’s lots of naan to choose from – from garlic and mint to ones stuffed with minced mutton and cheese.
Kinara, 164 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455265
14. Craftsmen Specialty Coffee
Where to get a potent cuppa joe in Siglap? We point you in the direction of these quaint coffee connoisseurs, huddled within a charming store filled with whimsical details like Danish pottery and nutcracker dolls. Once you’re done getting googly-eyed at the decor, order your beverage of choice. From hazelnut and butterscotch lattes to espresso and cortado drinks, Craftsmen Specialty Coffee has it all. Oh, and did we mention the menu has s’mores waffles? We’re sold.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee, #01-01, Siglap Village, 2 First Street, Singapore 458278
15. ThaiPan
You know ThaiPan is affordable when its tables are filled at all times. Just down the road from Diamond Kitchen sits this Chinese-Thai zi char restaurant in Mandarin Gardens. Famous for its addictive butter squid (the sauce packs a buttery punch with a hint of spiciness), jade tofu with crab meat, and olive fried rice, the eatery always lures us back for more.
ThaiPan, Mandarin Gardens, 13 Siglap Road, Singapore 448911
16. The Royals Cafe
All-day breakfast places aren’t all crammed in the heart of town. There’s one right here in Siglap! The Royals feeds you like royalty with hearty turkey pastrami and cheese sammies, and shepherd’s pie (they’re all halal). For something local, try the mee siam or nasi lemak. Got a party? Get the best-selling hazelnut crunch cake.
The Royals Cafe, 19 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455209
17. Stamping Ground Coffee
This cafe has nothing but good vibes only. Stamping Ground Coffee serves a variety of coffee blends, but we say get its signature cold brew for your caffeine fix. Nosh-wise, expect dishes such as avo toast, Belgian waffles and umami egg toastie on its all-day menu.
Stamping Ground Coffee, 87 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455223
18. Springleaf Prata Place
Serving over 20 renditions of prata, this place is synonymous with the crispy Indian flatbread. Be sure to come hungry and try unique creations like the prata alfredo special, Plaster Blaster (eggs benedict-inspired prata), salted egg prawn prata and Umami-50 (packed with mozzarella, luncheon meat, chicken floss and egg).
Springleaf Prata Place, 57B Jln Tua Kong, Singapore 457253
19. Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
This coffee house serves a mean cuppa with specialty beans and divine brunch selections. Sip its signature espresso flights, enjoy a plate of French toast or tuck into a bowl of yoghurt chia pudding – it’s the ideal brunch trip. Together with its great ambience and interior design (look, glass ceiling roofs!), this is our go-to spot for a date with our books.
Dutch Colony Coffee Co., 113 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458230
20. LTN 936 Food Village
There aren’t any hawker centres in Siglap, but you do have lively, diverse food courts like this one. Get the famous beef kway teow, have some duck rice or dig into the spicy mala xiang guo. The possibilities are endless! And we’re not just talking about its famous cai png stall either.
LTN 936 Food Village, 936 East Coast Road, Singapore 459129
21. Soy Eu Tua Coffeeshop
Here’s another Siglap fixture that’s been in the neighbourhood for decades. Soy Eu Tua houses stalls that offer local hawker fare like chicken rice, mee pok, roasted meats and nasi padang.
Soy Eu Tua Coffeeshop, 15 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455207
22. Jag’s Gastropub @ Siglap
If we didn’t have to worry about hitting the hay early on workdays, we’d probably be holed up in this English-style pub that serves bar nosh. Jag’s has got roasted pork belly, duck fat fries and BBQ baby back ribs on its vast menu – it’s all just begging to be washed down with a swig of ale!
Jag’s Gastropub @ Siglap, 922 East Coast Road, Singapore 459114
23. Next Door Spanish Cafe
Don’t be deceived by its name; it’s not a cafe per se. Instead, the cosy tavern dishes out stellar tapas such pulpo a la gallega (grilled octopus), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and cochifrito (crispy fried suckling pig). Wash it all down with its selection of beers, vinos, cocktails and spirits.
Next Door Spanish Cafe, 699 East Coast Road Singapore, Singapore 459061
24. Baker & Cook
If you love bread, this artisanal bakery is for you. From sourdough and baguette to challah and focaccia, Baker & Cook has it all. But it’s not just about carbs. Graze on amazing brunch fare such as Spanish omelette, chia seed bowl, French toast and eggs benedict. Oh, and depending on your choice of poison, you can fuel up on coffee or wine.
Baker & Cook, 1 Swan Lake Avenue, Opera Estate, Singapore 455700
Guide to Siglap: Shop, get pampered and more
25. Coast Cycles
This industrial-chic bike repair workshop, showroom and cafe in the east houses some of the most arresting bikes we’ve seen in the city. Designed by ex-national cyclist, Jansen Tan, the Coastliner line is great for commuting around the city, while the Juggernaut is a sturdy bike that’s suited for rough terrain. Prefer a specific Pantone shade? Just get yours customised at the fancy workshop.
Coast Cycles, 54 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456176
26. Leyon Collections
Contrary to popular belief, Ikea isn’t the only place in the east to get furniture! In fact, the pieces stocked in Leyon are so exotic, you won’t find them in any average furniture mall. Leyon has specialised in Indonesian teak wood furniture since 1994, distributing everything from sukarto cabinets to cantik chairs. Perhaps a makeover for your home?
Leyon Collections, 57 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455216
27. T3 Bicycle Gears
The last thing you want on your next bicycle excursion is your bike going haywire on you. So make sure your ride is in top-notch condition at T3. This trusty store offers bike parts, helmets, tyres and other accessories to ensure you get a smooth (and not bumpy) ride.
T3 Bicycle Gears, 1K Figaro Street, Singapore 458322
28. Art Of Yoga
Wanna work off all that food you just ate? This yoga studio is a sanctuary for folks to get some ‘om’ after their nom. Art Of Yoga provides all sorts of therapeutic classes from traditional static-focused Hatha Yoga to Vinyasa ‘power yoga’, and even pre-natal yoga for mothers-to-be.
Art Of Yoga, #02-01, 121 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455245
29. Treknology 3
One of Singapore’s most established bicycle stores – with decades in the bike biz – Treknology 3 can hook you up with a ride for all your needs. Road bikes, mountain bikes, triathlon bikes and even bikes for young’uns – Treknology 3 has you covered. With over 15 brands in stock, the cycling buff in you will be as happy as a kid in a candy store.
Treknology 3, Siglap Shopping Centre, 903 East Coast Road, Singapore 459106
30. Higher Ground Fitness
If there’s one thing that has the fitness-obsessed coming back for more, it’s Higher Ground’s Hybrid Training. It may be a tad longer than other exercises, but it delivers incredible results. Don’t expect your workouts to be stagnant, as it depends on the program of the day and frequently combines a variety including power plate training and TRX suspension. Your body will constantly be working hard and stimulated with this well-balanced fitness regime.
Higher Ground Fitness, 695C East Coast Road, Singapore 459059
31. Pooch’s Image Singapore
It’s not uncommon to bump into a couple of energetic pups and poodles in Siglap. Lots of its residents are dog owners. That’s why this pooch-pampering salon caters to their furry needs. From full grooming service to fur enhancement and even luxurious spa treatments, this place is like Shangri-La for your lil’ fur-kid!
Pooch’s Image Singapore, 119 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 45524
32. Jin Sin Spa
Whenever Phuket feels too far away, simply adjourn to this soothing Siglap spot for a relaxing Thai massage. You’ll be stretched in places you never knew existed, and you’ll feel brand new after – all relaxed and rejuvenated!
Jin Sin Spa, 33 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455293
33. Salon 916
Need someone to treat your tresses and get them ready for the ball? Salon 916 will get you prepped with hair styling and blowout services. Or you can breathe new life into your hairdo with a perm or colouring sesh. The salon even does foot massages while you’re getting your hair done, making you feel like you’re the boss.
Salon 916, 916 East Coast Road, Singapore 459109
Now you’ve got plenty of reasons to visit Siglap!
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