Nice Bites: 10 Restaurants in Tanjong Pagar worth the hype

Angela Goh 22 Aug 2016 updated the Monday, August 22, 2016

1/10
Jing Hua Xiao Chi (京华小吃)
This little eatery, born from the hard work of native Singaporeans Mr. and Mrs. Han, now has three branches across the country and has also, quite admirably, expanded to Japan and Italy. The original shophouse along Neil Road, now refurbished, still serves the same recipes from a menu unchanged for over two decades. Crowd favourites include their delicious Little Juicy Steamed Pork Dumplings, and their gloriously flavourful Pan-Fried Mixed Seafood & Pork Dumplings.
21 Neil Road
Photo: Jing Hua Xiao Chi (京华小吃) Facebook
2/10
Kite
One of our favourite restaurants not only in Tanjong Pagar but in all of Singapore, Kite is a must visit for any foodie. Head chef Dannel Krishnan effortlessly unites the sentimentality of our favourite childhood comfort foods with modern, unique ingredients and progressive cooking. The reimagined bak kut teh, for example, joyfully plays on your expectations with a dreamily velvety you tiao veloute alongside traditional bak kut teh spices. Bar manager Samuel Sim keeps the booze side of things equally as fresh with creations like the ‘Who Moved My Kueh?’, a divine blend of passionfruit, lime, and pandan-infused vodka. If you’re looking for an easy night out with close friends, look no further than Kite.
53 Craig Road #01-01
Photo: Kite Facebook
3/10
Two Blur Guys
Two Blur Guys, while mostly a hole-in-a-wall kind of joint with a reputation for drawing up a super casual vibe, makes it on this list for two reasons. One, their gourmet burgers are mind-blowing, and two, the casual, laid-back vibe definitely works. If you’re on the hunt for something greasy and satisfying to the palate, you’ll want to pop by Two Blur Guys for the ultimate pick-me-up that packs a powerful flavour punch. Need a little something sweet? Don’t worry, these burger guys do some great western desserts too.
1 Tras Link, Orchid Hotel #01-13
Photo: Two Blur Guys Facebook
4/10
Bar-Roque Grill
If you’re a total meat lover, make your way down to Bar-Roque Grill. Here, they strive to deliver their customers the ultimate experience in grilled meats. With a dinner menu that will impress any carnivore, expect to salivate over choices like Crispy Iberico Pork Shoulder Served with Sauerkraut and Mustard, and Beef Wellington with Pan Seared Foie Gras, Mushroom & Spinach. They do some pretty mean seafood dishes too, so even the pescatarians get to enjoy themselves!
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Photo: Bar-Roque Grill Facebook
5/10
Kko Kko Na Ra
Yes, we’ve mentioned Kko Kko Na Ra before, and we’ve raved about their Korean fried chicken - but this place also serves up a whole bunch of other Korean delights like their Jjim Dak, a flavourful braised chicken stew in a soy sauce base, as well as a whole selection of Korean pancakes, oven-baked chicken dishes, and spicy soups. If you’re a fan of K-food, this is one place not to be missed.
68 Tanjong Pagar Road
Photo: Kko Kko Na Ra
6/10
O’bean Organic Soya Store 噢宾
Can’t quite stomach Kway Chap? O’bean does a really good vegetarian version of this traditional Teochew dish. With a soup base made of soybean, the typical braised pig offal is substituted with mock braised meat and intestines made from beancurd skin. You’ll be surprised just how similar the texture is to the real thing. Really, O’bean caters to the vegan and vegetarian community, providing organic soya-based comfort food and high quality soya drinks to the young and old. If you’ve got vegan friends, you should definitely tell them about this intriguing eatery!
30 Tanjong Pagar Road

Photo: O'bean Organic Soya Store 噢宾 Facebook
7/10
Twins
Crazy about Korean fried chicken? Yeah, us too! And casual Korean restaurant Twins, found along Craig Road, is the place to be to get your fix of lip-smacking chicken goodness. We’re completely in love with their Twins Dakgangjung - boneless fried chicken in sweet and spicy sauce mixed with chewy Korean rice cakes. It is the perfect dish to wash down with some refreshing ice cream beer, another specialty of theirs.
7 Craig Road
Photo: Twins Facebook
8/10
Menya Sanji
Though Tanjong Pagar is home to a surprising number of ramen joints, the rich, creamy soup base of Menya Sanji’s signature Kagoshima style Sanji Ramen is leagues ahead of its competitors. Pork bones and pig head are simmered for several hours with a secret blend of vegetables, resulting in an opaque, creamy soup with an unbelievably complex flavour. Topped with their melt-in-your-mouth chashu, soft boiled egg, pickled bamboo shoots, and kikurage (edible fungi), and you’ve got yourself the perfect ramen.
1 Tras Link, Orchid Hotel, #01-14
Photo: Menya Sanji Facebook
9/10
Shinkansen
Owned by the the folks behind the ever-popular standing sushi bar in Bras Basah, Shinkansen offers simple, unpretentious, and healthy Japanese food. A favourite lunch amongst busy office workers, Shinkansen goes by the motto “Eat Strong, Eat Healthy, Eat Zen”, with their artfully crafted signature bowls of wholesome bases, tasty proteins, and nutritious toppings. Our go-to dish is the Omega 3 Donburi, a heaped serving of mixed grain rice topped with salmon sashimi, maple and genmicha.
100 AM Mall, 100 Tras Street, #03-22
Photo: Shinkansen
10/10
The Public Izakaya
A definite favourite amongst the after-work crowd, The Public Izakaya (and its creatively named sister outlet, The Public Izakaya 2, just 80 metres away) is possibly one of the best and most authentic izakaya experiences outside of Japan. Serving simple and scrumptious traditional izakaya fare such as kushiyaki, karaage, and their mouthwatering buta kakuni alongside a great selection of drinks, The Public Izakaya is the perfect chill out spot for the typical Singapore salary man and woman!
100 AM Mall, 100 Tras Street, #01-09
Photo: Hachi Group

If food is your passion and the Singapore CBD is where you hang out, this list is for you.

Madly in love with the food scene in Singapore but running out of restaurant options? Perhaps a few of these haven’t made your acquaintance yet. The Tanjong Pagar area is chock-full of fantastic food joints, late-night bars, high-end restaurants, and casual eateries, so there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy. If you’ve already ventured through Duxton Hill, you’ll know that the area and its surrounds are pretty happening as of late.

Head up to the gallery to check out our top 10 picks of restaurants in the Tanjong Pagar area that we reckon are well worth the hype. You’ll find gourmet burgers, grilled meats and mouthwatering Korean fried chicken (KFC) in the mix. Get ready to make some reservations!

Angela Goh

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