Big Eats: 10 Restaurants & cafes in Paya Lebar you ought to try

Angela Goh 06 Sep 2016 updated the Tuesday, September 6, 2016

1/10
NOM – No Other Meaning
NOM started off as a dessert cafe back in their early days (under the previous moniker of Yesterdae), selling homemade ice cream and quality pastries. When the decision to expand operations came about, the folks behind the cafe decided to rebrand themselves and serve more than just the usual sweet treats. Thus, NOM was born. Dedicated to bringing simple, homemade fare to the table, the bistro-cum-cafe has also made it their mission to be a social enterprise, providing employment opportunities to the disadvantaged. We love the light and airy feel of the cafe, as well as the unpretentious food options they offer on the menu, from their quesadillas to their sweet and savoury waffles.
400 Kallang-Paya Lebar Way, Macpherson Community Club, Level 1
Photo: @noothermeaning
2/10
Ramen Keisuke Tonkotsu King
The famous ramen chain from Tokyo has set up shop in Singapore, bringing to the island a great number of Keisuke outlets. Of course, one of them can be found in Paya Lebar Square, and the Tonkotsu King concept is sure to please even the pickiest of palates, with rich soup flavours and delicious toppings. With decently huge serving sizes, you are sure to enjoy your bowl of piping hot favourites like the Black Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen with Japanese Seaweed and the hearty Tonkotsu Ramen Special. Make sure to add some extra garnishing to your lip-smacking meal before slurping it all up!
60 Paya Lebar Road, #01/04 Paya Lebar Square
Photo: Keisuke Ramen
3/10
The Boiler
The Boiler prides itself on its mouthwatering Louisiana-style seafood and beer. It has accumulated various awards, including a 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, and we can see why. Here, you get to dig into fresh and absolutely delicious seafood without the need to worry about the mess you make. Got a big group with you? We recommend indulging in their Bombdiggity Bag, which boasts a collection of lip-smacking goodies like dungeness/seasonal crab, prawns, mussels, clams, sausages, sweet pearl corn and buns. Those who want something a little smaller can opt for The Boiler’s Signature Fish & Chips, or perhaps a side of Handmade Louisiana Jumbo Crab Cakes. Whatever the case, you’ll be giving your taste buds a real treat here.
18 Howard Road, #01-06, Novelty Bizcentre
Photo: The Boiler
4/10
Vegtiffin
For those of you in the mood for some healthy Indian food, Vegtiffin has got you covered. With their talented group of home-makers with a penchant for cooking, the folks here will definitely take good care of your stomach. From vegetarian specialties to non-vegetarian options, flavourful curries to freshly made parantha, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy at Vegtiffin. And for those who require deliveries or catering services, they’ll be more than happy to oblige!
133 Upper Paya Lebar Rd
Photo: Vegtiffin
5/10
Yu Cun Curry Fish Head
If you’re looking for a true explosion of flavour with every bite, you’ll definitely love the dishes at Yu Cun Curry Fish Head. Their thick and creamy curry accompanies their superbly fresh fish heads to form their signature Red Sea Bream Curry Fish Head dish, but they also have a whole menu full of other delights that will tantalise your taste buds - from their Claypot Prawns with Herbs to their Mongolian Pork Ribs. This is one place where you’ll want to order a large range of dishes to get the full experience, so bring along the whole family and fill up that table!
147 Upper Paya Lebar Rd
Photo: Yu Cun Curry Fish Head
6/10
23 Jumpin
Serving specialty coffee and brunch, this cool cafe, conveniently located near Tai Seng MRT Station, serves up some gloriously hearty comfort food, from meaty burgers to loaded fries, saucy pastas to their best-selling Honey Paprika Wings. Make 23 Jumpin your next brunch spot this weekend - we guarantee doing so will make your tummy very happy.
#01-25 The Commerze, 1 Irving Place
Photo: 23 Jumpin Facebook
7/10
Saturday House
Touted as a true “neighbourhood hangout place with good food, cheap beer”, there’s probably no other food spot or watering hole in the area you’ll want to hang out at on a Saturday evening with your close friends. For the ultimate belly busters, you’ll want in on their Crispy Sio Bak and Marmite Chicken Wings to get the grand taste explosion experience. If you’re in the mood for some heavier mains, try their pastas - we’re sure the Spaghetti Vongole will be to your liking. There are also plenty of char-grilled items for those who have a penchant for the smoky BBQ flavour.
339 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Photo: Saturday House Facebook
8/10
Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro
Serving up authentic Swedish cuisine using the freshest ingredients available, the dishes at Fika are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed by the end of your meal. Embracing the true Swedish “fika” way of life - which means to take a break from your work day - this is one cafe that strives to bring you healthy and hearty meals to keep you going. Expect colourful salads and wholesome sandwiches, Swedish mains and tasty desserts. And yes, before you ask, they do serve Swedish meatballs!
11 Tanjong Katong Road, OneKM
Photo: Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro
9/10
ParaThai
The ParaThai concept by Paradise Group offers some signature Thai food dishes in a casual dining setting that will appeal to those looking for an easy, laid-back spot to indulge in their favourite seafood tom yum and spicy fish cakes. With an elaborate menu of over 80 dishes, and their promise to use only the freshest herbs and spices, ParaThai guarantees a food experience that is as authentic as it is enjoyable.
11 Tanjong Katong Road #02-23 One KM
Photo: ParaThai via Chope
10/10
Blocs Inc. Specialty Coffee
This is one place where you can playfully (and ingeniously) construct your own blends and brews - via their engraved wooden blocks! At Blocs Inc., they encourage you to build the coffee you love so that the experience of ordering your own beverage is an interactive one. Of course, other than the coffee they offer, there are other drinks like teas and milkshakes to indulge in, as well as some quick and easy food options like toasted sandwiches and an assortment of sweet treats. Blocs Inc. makes for a laid-back place to just unwind for a few moments during your work days, or to grab a quick little pick-me-up.
60 Paya Lebar Road, Paya Lebar Square #01-71
Photo: Blocs Inc. Facebook

All it takes is a little searching and you’ll be able to get a great feed in Paya Lebar.

The Paya Lebar area might not seem like the best place to indulge your taste buds in anything overly exciting, but we beg to differ. Food spots may not be too readily accessible or, indeed, too visible, but with a bit of exploration and perhaps a bit of research, you will find that there actually are plenty of worthy cafes and restaurants. Sure, Paya Lebar might not be like the food haven of Tanjong Pagar, but if you’re looking for some of the best seafood dishes and some of the most laid-back cafes, you’ll be able to find them here.

Need to find some grub in Paya Lebar? Head up to the gallery above to check out our top 10 restaurant and cafe picks in the area that we think are worth giving a shot. Who knows? You might find your next ultimate favourite.

Angela Goh

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Big Eats: 10 Restaurants & cafes in Paya Lebar you ought to try

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