Eccentric Eats: 10 Best places for reinvented local food in Singapore

Lim Han 18 May 2018

1/10
Labyrinth
Think of the most avant-garde Singaporean-inspired dishes possible - you'll find all of that and more at Labyrinth. Spearheaded by Han Liguang, this one-star Michelin restaurant has been accoladed with countless awards for its sheer innovation. You'll never guess the kind of dishes they serve up here. I mean, Chili Crab Ice Cream and "Nasi Lemak" Cheong Fun? You'll seriously be blown away.

8 Raffles Ave, 02-23, Singapore 039802

Photo: Labyrinth Facebook
2/10
Candlenut
The world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut serves up Peranakan cuisine that isn't just catered to nyonyas and babas. Their devotion to innovation sees them constantly churning up new ideas for elevated Peranakan dishes. With only the freshest seasonal produce used, their dishes brag of the highest quality. Whether you opt for their "Ahmakase" or a-la-carte dishes, you'll be swept away by the magnificence of their food, such as the Buah Keluak Fried Rice and the Buah Keluak Ice Cream.

17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676

Photo: Candlenut Facebook
3/10
Non Entree Desserts Facebook
Non Entree Desserts is the best place to take your friend to on April Fool's Day. She thought what was digging into was Nasi Lemak? Watch her face change as she takes a bite of the unassuming boiled egg and realises that it's actually yoghurt mango. That's right, Non Entree Desserts will blow your mind with their phenomenal replication of local dishes, dessert-style. Their signature Bak Chor Mee is concocted with passionfruit "noodles", a coconut parfait "fishball" and gula melaka crumble. You'll never look at local dishes the same way again.

204 Rangoon Rd, Hong Building, Singapore 218451

Photo: Non Entree Desserts Facebook
4/10
BAOBAO
Seated with the masses of takeaway kiosks at the basement of Bugis Junction, BAOBAO will catch your attention with its vibrantly coloured stall and photos of mouthwatering Kong Bak Paos plastered across their signboard. But, wait a minute - take a closer look and you'll realise that they aren't serving up the classic Chinese pork buns. Instead, they've given this Chinese delicacy a modern twist by creating a myriad of flavours that range from Pulled Pork to Fish Tempura. If you're famished, you might want to opt for their heartier rice bowls to fill your tummy up.

200 Victoria Street, #B1-K10 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021

Photo: BAOBAO Facebook
5/10
Sinpopo Brand
If you've ever explored the Katong area, you may have seen Sinpopo Brand before. After all, it's hard not to notice their obnoxiously large signboard enthroned at the top of their entrance. What started out as a humble ode to Katong and its heritage has now developed into a reputable establishment renowned for its innovative dishes and luscious desserts. With mains like Frisée Salad with Crispy Muah Chee and Har Jeong Kai Burger, how could this eatery possibly stay under the radar? We haven't even got to their desserts yet, which boasts of luscious cakes infused with local flavours such as their bestselling Kueh Dadar Mille Crepe Cake.

458 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427671

Photo: Sinpopo Brand Facebook
6/10
Redpan
Run by the same people behind GRUB, Redpan serves up their own unique take of modern dishes with an emphasis on local produce and familiar flavours. In terms of their name, "red" pays tribute to Singapore's passion and design heritage while "pan" alludes to the experimental element involved in their culinary vision. Their menu aims to impress with the selection of groundbreaking fusion dishes such as Crispy Fish 'Otah' Burger and Steak & 'Chinchalok'. Their desserts are no letdown either, with bestsellers such as Banana Donuts 'Milo Dinosaur' and Durian Alaska.

6 Raffles Blvd, 02-03/04, Singapore 039594

Photo: Redpan Facebook
7/10
Ding Dong
This modern Southeast Asian restaurant brings to the table Southeast-Asian-inspired cuisine moulded by modern gastronomy that will will bring you on an unforgettable journey of culinary amazement. Witness the exploration of modern yet nostalgic flavours, paired with artisanal cocktails and boutique wines. The culinary expertise of the chefs takes them from delicate yam rings to hearty lamb rump rendang. The presentation of the dishes is simply breathtaking - you'll have to see it to believe it.

115 Amoy Street, #01-02, Singapore 069935

Photo: Ding Dong Facebook
8/10
Loof
Good news - we no longer have to wait for the appearance of seasonal 'pasar malams' to get our fix of our favourite Ramly Burger. This snazzy rooftop bar serves up a solid juicy Ramly Burger, amongst other delicious mains. Their vibrant menu features whimsical offerings such as Bak Chor Mee Grilled Cheese and their signature Chilli Crab Waffle Fries. After all that greasy grub, you'd want to wash them down with some of their drinks, such as the Kopi Cat or the Kaya Lumpur.

331 North Bridge Road, #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore 188720

Photo: Loof Facebook
9/10
Wild Rocket
Coining the term "Mod-Sin", short for "modern Singaporean", Chef Willin Low is the man behind Wild Rocket, a fine-dining restaurant housing a comfy warm-lit interior. This establishment dishes out groundbreaking creations that have become batons in the world of mod-sin cuisine. Whet your appetite with his Gado Gado Cooked Salad with Spiced Peanut Ice Cream before tucking into his Buah Keluak Beef Ravioli chockfull of tender succulent meat. For a truly indulgent dessert, their Orh Nee Yam Paste with Pumpkin Persimmon Ice Cream & Candied Lard will not let you down.

10A Upper Wilkie Rd, Singapore 228119

Photo: Wild Rocket
10/10
Coffee Break
We hate to break it to you, but that isn't kaya toast. You'll never guess what it is - Matcha Coconut toast. The best part? That's not the only flavour of toast on Coffee Break's menu. This humble stall in Amoy Street Food Centre has got a variety of flavours up its sleeves when it comes to revamping the traditional kaya toast, from Rum & Raisin to Pistachio. If you're sick of the usual Kopi-O and Kopi-C, why not try something different and opt for their Black Sesame Latte or Taro Vanilla?

Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, #02-78, 069111

Photo: @coffeebreak_sg

Think Nasi Lemak can only be a savoury main? Think again.

If you’ve lived in Singapore long enough, you’re sure to be familiar with all our local staple dishes. Nasi lemak, carrot cake, kaya toast… you know the works. But, let’s be real, after eating Singaporean cuisine all our life, it can get a little mundane.

Wait a second. Did we just hear someone say “chilli crab ice cream” and “‘bak chor mee’ grilled cheese”? Well, as insane as this sounds, they do exist. Talented chefs all across Singapore have unleashed their culinary expertise and conjured up mind-blowing creations of reinvented local dishes. Some of their masterpieces are so incredible you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.

Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or a soft spot for all things savoury, we’ve got just the place for you. Check out Sinpopo Brand for an eclectic array of fusion dishes and desserts that’s sure to take your breath away. For an extraordinary dining experience that will mess with your mind and tastebuds, hit up Non-Entree Desserts. Their illusory desserts vow to confuse your mind and indulge your tastebuds at the same time.

Alright, enough talking. It’s time to dig into our gallery where a plethora of groundbreaking cafes and restaurants await! We promise you’ll never look at our local cuisine the same way again.

Lim Han

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