WHERE TO EAT IN TANJONG PAGAR & FAR EAST SQUARE
If you’re in the Tanjong Pagar and Raffles Place area and wondering where to eat, we’ve got you covered! No one knows Icon Village and Far East Square the way we do, so in this edition of the Official Foodie Guide to Far East Malls, we’ll share our top picks, from the buzziest restaurants to the area’s best-kept secrets.
Icon Village, just a stone’s throw from Tanjong Pagar MRT station, is a cosmopolitan dining haven with trendy restaurants and authentic eats while Far East Square, located near the neighbouring Raffles Place MRT station, is a charming gastro-destination with fusion treats and cosy dining haunts. Between the two, you’ll never be short of F&B choices — just remember to bring your appetite!
OUR TOP PICKS: EXCELLENT ASIAN
For Fantastic Fusion: Miss G's Grill and Bar
Conveniently located along Far East Square’s Pekin Street, Miss G’s Grill and Bar is an unpretentious watering hole that serves up terrific Asian-fusion comfort food, bar grub and Happy Hour deals that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Pop by during lunch hour for hearty, Japanese-inspired meals like the best-selling Truffle Beef Yakiniku on Rice with Onsen Egg ($16.90). Come dusk, Miss G invites you to unwind with an extensive range of beer towers, sakes, cocktails, accompanied by mouth-watering bar grub like the California Maki Dip with Wanton Skin ($12). There’s also a full dinner menu, headlined by the delectable Bincho Grilled Wagyu Rump Cap with Potato Gratin and Rocket Salad ($32). Visit Miss G’s Grill and Bar at Far East Square, 44/45 Pekin Street, #01-01.
For Zi Char: Lai Huat Signatures
You wouldn’t typically think of local ‘zi char’ fare when you’re surrounded by skyscrapers, which is probably why Lai Huat Signatures is one of the area’s hidden gems. Nestled along Far East Square’s China Street, the restaurant offers an affordable all-you-can-eat zi char buffet ($29.90/adult, $17.90/child) that’s a great introduction to their six signature dishes including the Lai Huat Sambal Fish, Poached Prawns and Crayfish with Chilli or Black Pepper Sauce. These signature dishes are limited to one serving per person but, if you find it hard to stop, you can order more off the ala carte menu. Visit Lai Huat Signatures at Far East Square, 23/24 China Street, #01-01.
For Indonesian Fare: Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant
There are plenty of Indonesian restaurants around but Pagi Sore is practically an institution to those familiar with the Tanjong Pagar and Far East Square area. From its humble beginnings as a nasi padang store at Duxton Road in the 1980s, the Halal-certified restaurant has been feeding Far East Square patrons since 2004. It continues to be helmed by Chef Liyana Kwan and her son, Chef Park, who share their 30-year-old recipes with customers of all walks of life. Their repertoire of signature dishes is too long to list — when in doubt, go for the set meals or opt for the ala carte buffet ($32/adult, $18/child)! Pagi Sore also offers corporate bento boxes. Pair these with a conveniently bottled traditional beverage like Chendol, Pulut Taro or Fresh Soursop, for a convenient and delicious meal. Visit Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant at Far East Square, 88/90 Telok Ayer Street, #01-01.
OUR TOP PICKS: BEST OF THE WEST
For Bagels: Two Men Bagel House
If the fiercely loyal following of Two Men Bagel House is anything to go by, bagels are clearly gaining popularity in Singapore. Originally considered a breakfast or brunch food, Two Men Bagel House makes theirs so delicious and substantial that it’s always time for a bagel! All their bagels are packed to the brim If you’re new to bagels, check out the classic and hearty Pearl Harbour ($12). It’s layered with cured spam, cheesy eggs and the right amount of greens, which makes it an ideal lunch treat. For something sweet, go for the PBJ ($5) or Nutella Pistachio ($5). You can also ‘build your own bagel’ by telling them exactly what to pack into your choice of an oven-baked, hand-rolled bagel. Pure bliss! Visit Two Men Bagel House at Icon Village, #01-12.
For Gourmet Burgers: Sid Burger & Craft Beer
While burgers are undoubtedly Western, Sid Burger & Craft Beer is Korean in origin — more specifically, one of the highest rated burgers among Seoul’s burger loving elite! Their outpost at Icon Villages places their deliciously hand-made burgers and a decent range of distinctive Korean craft brews right in your hands. The beef patties are a melt-in-your-mouth blend of Wagyu and Angus and everything from burger buns to onions are hand-crafted! Fancy a hearty, zesty burger with a Mexican twist? Try the Nacho Libre Burger ($15). Vegan? Opt for the Signature Sid Burger ($15) with Impossible MeatTM (+$3). There’s something for everyone — and they are all equally delectable. Visit Sid Burger & Craft Beer at Icon Village, #01-45.
OUR TOP PICKS: HEALTHIER CHOICES
For Gluten- and Guilt-Free: Genius Central
The food at Genius Central is less about cuisine type and more about health. It may do double duty as a cafe and community space but it certainly takes its food seriously. It’s easy to eat healthily here, given the extensive and delicious vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free menu. Wherever possible, Genius Central uses organic and whole foods to produce popular picks like its grain bowls, pastas and mains. It also offers an all-day ‘raw bar’ of guilt-free desserts like Raw Beetroot Cake and Organic Peanut Butter Slice ($8/slice). Visit Genius Central at Far East Square, 7-13 Amoy Street, #01-01.
For Healthier Bakes: Nick Vina Artisan Bakery
The Nick Vina Artisan Bakery is a well-known healthy bakery endorsed by the Health Promotion Board. Helmed by Chef Nick Chua and pastry Chef Vina Wang, the bakery insists on using only GMO-free winter wheat from Germany's Hildesheim Börde area. While the bakery has a strong following for its excellent and extremely inexpensive Sourdough bread ($6.50), all its bakes are equally tempting. Try the Volkornbrot ($6), a traditional German bread that’s made from Einkorn grain, and Pistachio Choco Berry ($7.50). Nick Vina Artisan Bakery also offers delicious sandwiches made with its fresh and wholesome bread. Visit Nick Vina Artisan Bakery at Icon Village, #01-54.
OUR TOP PICKS: QUICK BITES
For Traditional Rice Rolls: Yin Ji
When a store specialises in everyday dim sum items like rice rolls and porridge, you know they have to be good. Yin Ji originated from Guangzhou, China and has set up its Singapore outpost at Far East Square, along Amoy Street. It’s a simple and fuss-free joint with an extensive menu dedicated to traditional rice rolls. Here, the humble rice rolls are elevated with a wide variety of fillings. Go for the simple yet delicious Tender Pork Roll ($5.50), which is stuffed with vegetables and flavourful pork slices, or get the Egg Roll ($4.50) to enjoy the freshly-steamed rice rolls. The restaurant’s congee, which is bite after bite of comforting goodness, shares the spotlight with its rice rolls. The individual portions, similar to those served in dim sum restaurants, are portioned just right so you can enjoy it along with other dishes too. Visit Yin Ji at Far East Square, 133 Amoy St #01-01.
For Bite-Size Snacks: Break & Bake
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day and, judging by this bakery’s name, they agree! Break & Bake puts out fresh confectionery every single day but what caught our attention is something a little more unusual for a bakery. It offers sugar-free bite-size treats made from freeze-dried fruits! The Strawberry Yogurt Snowflake Crisp ($10.50) is a nutritious snack made with freeze-dried strawberries, milk powder and almond. If you’re a matcha lover, definitely try the Matcha Snowflake Crisp ($8). Break & Bake also caters to traditionalists with its excellent take on classic bakes. Our vote goes to the Almond Biscotti ($7), twice-baked for an exception bite. Visit Break & Bake at Far East Square, 1 Amoy Street #01-01.
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* Information is correct at time of publication. Individual store operations may be affected by government guidelines around safe management measures. Please check the respective websites for the latest updates. Please note that deals and/or rewards listed in the article are time sensitive. The management reserves the right to change the terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.