This February, we are seeing a host of fresh new faces in the local dining scene. If you are tired of reunion dinners, pen cai, and yusheng, here are some new cafes to head to this month where you can indulge in global cuisines. Transport yourself to France, Australia, and even New York with this list of new establishments to visit — no passport needed.
99 Old Trees
Durian lovers rejoice! 99 Old Trees has opened in Outram Park, putting the spotlight on the King of Fruits. Boasting a novel durian cafe concept, its new outlet features mouthwatering durian delicacies, including D24 durian mousse, Teochew-style chendol with durian, and swiss roll with Mao Shan Wang cream. Not a fan of durian-flavoured treats? Opt for its boxed durian instead, featuring the soft and creamy fruit.
Aether House
This establishment boasts a chic interior and authentic French fare. Visit during lunch and opt for the le Parisien lunch set, which begins with a refreshing salad featuring a bed of fresh vegetables topped with grapefruit, avocado, and fennel. Then, indulge in the le paname sandwich, which consists of Paris ham, French comté, and cornichons between two slices of fluffy bread. Save room for dessert because its rich and decadent traditional chocolate éclair is well worth the calories .
Surrey Hills Grocer
Reimagine yourself in Australia at this alfresco café. Look forward to Aussie-style brunch fare among a luscious, garden-like setting. Highlights of its menu include Avo, which consists of fresh Australian avocado with whipped ricotta, and vegemite topped on warm and fluffy sourdough slices; as well as the crayfish benny, a spin on the classic eggs benedict. The latter is served with a fragrant crayfish reduction hollandaise.
Bloom Coffee
If you need a reason to visit the East, this is it. Taking over Stamping Ground Coffee is Bloom Cafe, a quaint spot specialising in coffee and sandwiches. A must-try is its tamagoyaki avocado bacon sanga, which consists of freshly toasted bread, layered with smashed avocado, grilled bacon, tamagoyaki, japanese mayo, and aromatic basil yogurt sauce. Complement your meal with a cup of coffee, which is always finished with beautiful latte art.
Sonny’s Pizzeria
Sonny’s Pizzeria is the latest pizzeria in town, boasting addictive slices of New York-style pizzas crafted by chef Son Pham. Sink your teeth into traditional and unique flavours such as nostalgic sausage, Saigon stunner (basil pesto and umami-filled fish sauce), and GM pizza (hollandaise sauce and bacon). A must try is the I’m Going Green, which consists of a medley of juicy mushrooms, bechamel sauce, and herbs.
Rosemead
Head to Rosemead this month and indulge in modern Californian fare, helmed by chef David Tang. Here, the seasoned chef serves up dishes inspired by his memories in California, simultaneously drawing on local and regional produce. While its menu changes regularly, anticipate delectable dishes such as roasted hand-dived scallops, 45-day dried Angus burger, and grass-fed wagyu tartare.
