With the arrival of Potato Head Folk, plus a couple of rebranded restaurants popping up along the street, the formerly sleazy Keong Saik is buzzing. We took a walk down the street to check out the hip new residents who have been drawing the city’s scenesters in droves.
Potato Head Folk
There’s no doubt that PTT Family’s latest venture in Singapore has taken Keong Saik by storm. Offering an awesome four-in-one dining concept, choose to dig into gourmet burgers at Three Buns (level one and two), lounge at reservation-only bar Studio 1939, or hit the rooftop garden and soak up the sights and sounds of Chinatown over a cocktail. Head down early or risk being put on a lengthy waiting list.
Potato Head Folk, 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143, p. 6327 1939. Open Tue-Sun 11am – Midnight.
The Study
Jason Atherton’s famed Keong Saik Snacks has been renamed The Study, but fret not – sister speakeasy The Library (see below) is still open for business. The new menu, designed to read like a book, blends local and classic British fare, with dishes like English ale snapper fish and chips (mushy peas and tartar sauce included) and house-cuts of duck fat chips. Drinks are impressive: there’s a great selection of craft beers, wines, and intriguing cocktails (all at $23 a pop) such as the Float like a Butterfly, which features The Library’s tequila soda with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Every detail in the restaurant is well thought-out; you won’t even miss the old space.
The Study, 49 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089153, p. 6221 8338. Open 12-230pm, 6-10pm daily.
Muchachos
Known for dishing out some of the best burritos on the island, here’s one place that all the Mex lovers need to jot down in their black books. Build your dream burrito from a selection of proteins, like grilled chicken, pork, beef, and lamb, and toppings like assorted greens, guacamole, and Monterey Jack cheese, and chase it down with a bottle of craft beer.
Muchachos, 22 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089129. Open Mon-Thu 12-4pm & 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am.
31 Bar & Kitchen
31 Bar & Kitchen
Recently rebranded from Provence Le Restaurant to 31 Bar & Kitchen, this quaint French bistro has been steadily winning over diners with its menu of contemporary European small bites and a well-curated wine list. We hear even the folks from Potato Head Folk head over here to unwind!
31 Bar & Kitchen, 31 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089138, p. 6224 9141. Open Mon-Thu 330pm-12am, Fri-Sat 330pm-1am.
The Library
Leading the new wave of hidden watering holes in Singapore, The Library is about as secretive as it gets – only folks who know the password of the week are allowed past the secret doors which are disguised as a large bookshelf. Psst… you can cheat and get the password from neighbouring British-style bistro, The Study.
The Library, 47 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089151. Open p. 6221 8338. Open daily 6pm-1am.
Taratata Bistrot
Taratata Bistrot
For a dose of authentic French fare, and some of the most value-for-money set lunches in town, Taratata Bistrot is your answer. Chef-owners Bertrand Raguin and Philippe Nouzillat and restaurant manager/sommelier Marie-Agnes Labopin work hard at dishing out classic French dishes complemented with top-class hospitality.
Taratata Bistrot, 35A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142, p. 6221 4506. Open Tue 530—1030pm, Wed-Thu 1130am-230pm & 530-1030pm, Fri 1130am-1030pm, Sat 530-1030pm, Sun 1030am-1030pm.
Covo
Trust the Japanese to know a thing or two about beauty fixes. This specialist salon from the Land of the Rising Sun that has been drawing a loyal crowd with its impressive range of services that includes colouring, curling, straightening, and even eye lash extensions, and its friendly service. Mention Honeycombers and get a Wash & Blow Dry for $28 (u.p. $35) – perfect pit stop before hitting the cool bars and restaurants in the area!
Covo, 43 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089147, p. 6221 4585. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm.
Afterglow
Vegan-friendly deli by day, cool bar by night, Afterglow is Keong Saik’s newest spot for the health conscious. Pop by in the day for nutritious grub like deconstructed sushi bowls and mango coconut, and chia seed puddings, or head down after work for innovative cocktails concocted with fresh juices, herbs, flowers, and all things healthy.
Afterglow, 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089131, p. 6224 8921. Open Mon-Thu 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am.
The Buckhouse Refinery
The Buckhouse Refinery
Get your hands on some stylish new threads at multi-label boutique, The Buckhouse Refinery,. which houses an extensive collection of international labels, ranging from iconic Aussie label, Mink Pink, to edgy Thai export, Lalalove London. Gents, check out the collection of stylish kicks from SomeAreTheives and other cool labels like AMH and Era Ora.
The Buckhouse Refinery, 18 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089125. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm.
Naumi Liora
The Hind Group’s second four-star boutique hotel, housed in a 1920s Peranakan-style building, is the very picture of heritage chic with its traditional-modern design aesthetic. There are 79 guest rooms, plus facilities like a complimentary 24-hour self-service snack bar and a 24-hour gym fitted with top-of-the-line equipment and TV-fronted cardiovascular machines.
Naumi Liora, 55 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089158, p. 6922 9000.
Top Image: Potato Head Folk