Cover A quick guide to the coolest restaurant openings that breathe new life into the sleepy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood (Photo: Casa Cicheti)
A quick guide to the coolest restaurant openings that breathe new life into the sleepy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood (Photo: Casa Cicheti)
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Our quick guide to the hottest restaurant openings that breathe new life into the sleepy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood
It’s official—Tiong Bahru is back on the cool list. The lead-up to 2025 sees a return of edgy restaurants and cafes to the storied enclave as did in the noughties. This period when Western coffee culture came to our shores, carrying a wave of hip cafes that turned into familiar stalwarts such as Tiong Bahru Bakery and Merci Marcel, reeled in those in search of the alternative and hipsters from all corners of Singapore. Today, this blossoming phenomenon is happening once more. From grungy natural wine bars to fine-casual dining experiences, Tiong Bahru bears witness to its very own revival—and we’re all here for it.
Of course, the iconic Tiong Bahru market sits at the heart of the darling neighbourhood and still revels foodies with affordably delicious eats today. But take note that the hawker centre will undergo renovation works from April 14 to July 13—a whopping three months. As one door closes (temporarily), another opens, birthing the perfect opportunity for you to check out these hot new tables.
Read more: The best Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore, according to local chefs
1. Magpie
Above The food at Magpie is unapologetically flavourful, and often times kissed by smoke (Photo: Magpie)
The food at Magpie is unapologetically flavourful, and often times kissed by smoke (Photo: Magpie)
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“Borderless soul food” is proudly served in Tiong Bahru’s freshest new entrant. Leaving Auckland behind and moving his family over to sunny Singapore, New Zealander chef-owner Eliot Thomas takes the leap of faith to helm the kitchen of Magpie. Don’t arrive expecting the ordinary; just like how Thomas wears his heart on his sleeves, every plate here is unapologetically flavourful, and often times kissed by smoke. His unique culinary resume is evident in his dishes too, marrying French techniques and Asian ingredients while embracing his Fijian heritage and global culinary influences from his time spent overseas.
Take for instance, the aguachile, a fresh, tangy, and spicy ceviche Mexican dish tossed with herbs and spices that feel all-too familiar, yet enchantingly novel. Or the smoky succulence of New Zealand lamb chops accompanied by Urfa chilli butter, a hearty dish inspired by his time in London and Turkey.
Magpie
Address: 57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-88, S(160057)
2. Casa Cicheti
Above Main dining hall of Casa Cicheti with views of quaint Seng Poh Road (Photo: Casa Cicheti)
Main dining hall of Casa Cicheti with views of quaint Seng Poh Road (Photo: Casa Cicheti)
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A homegrown household powerhouse in the local food scene, The Cicheti Group unveils Casa Cicheti in the thick of charming Tiong Bahru. Tastefully modelled after a rustic trattoria, the flagship restaurant blends modern comforts in a patina of nostalgic warmth. Co-founder and chef Aun presents unfussy and honest Italian fare but no less inventive. Think new hybrid Nea-Romana pizza, marrying the crisp, robust crust of Roman pizzas with the flavourful depth of Neapolitan dough; comforting pasta like Tajarin, a pecorino laced duck ragù number, or the Carbone classic of Rigatoni alla Vodka; and large sharing plates of the show-stopping 500-gram veal Milanese and the brown butter bathed whole branzino.
Resident wine expert and managing director Ronald Kamiyama rounds up a wine list of over 80 bottles sourced from small producers or lesser-known varietals, warranting an adventurous evening for those who wish to imbibe alongside views of quaint Seng Poh Road.
Casa Cicheti
Address: 78 Guan Chuan Street, #01-41, S(160078)
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3. Fiasco by Juice
Above Charred cabbage with lao gan ma infused labneh (Photo: Fiasco by Juice)
Above Proper burger with thrice cooked chips (Photo: Fiasco by Juice)
Charred cabbage with lao gan ma infused labneh (Photo: Fiasco by Juice)
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Well-kept secret no more, Fiasco by Juice is a day-to-night wine-led restaurant that is drawing its cult-like following to the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. Run by the same folks behind wine bar Juice and cocktail concept Foxtail, this unpretentious joint takes the pomp out of elevated fine cuisine. At the pass is young chef Haran Kumar, who boasts an impressive resume having clocked in at lauded Michelin-starred kitchens such as Singapore’s Nouri, London’s Da Terra and Restaurant Ikoyi. Food here reflects a playful approach to modern European and Asian fusion yet produce-driven: think Thai green curry butter, fleshy mussels, and herbaceous greens on a crispy flatbread to start; charred cabbage, drenched in lao gan ma infused labneh, nori butter and smoked kombu oil; and a mouth-watering 9-day dry-aged Japanese snapper, bathed in a citrusy chilli beurre blanc.
To wash down the grub, the rotating wine program stays inclusive where one can casually sip on a juicy putzsa libre from Austria or seriously indulge in unique grower champagnes such as Ulysse Colin.
Fiasco by Juice
Address: 21 Yong Siak Street, S(168651)
4. Hello Arigato Tiong Bahru
Above Hello Arigato teams up with local celebrity chef Bjorn Shen to create two new dishes (Photo: Hello Arigato)
Above Interiors of Hello Arigato Tiong Bahru (Photo: Hello Arigato)
Hello Arigato teams up with local celebrity chef Bjorn Shen to create two new dishes (Photo: Hello Arigato)
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No taking fives for the sando-loving team behind popular cafe Hello Arigato as they open their fifth location in Tiong Bahru on February 22. This time, they’ve teamed up with local celebrity chef Bjorn Shen for two exclusive dishes which will remain as limited-time outlet exclusives. Shen’s passion for vegetables birthed the Japanese-inspired “Veg Me Up” sando, where crispy broccolini and pickled apples come accompanied by tangy tartare and togarashi slaw while hugged between fluffy shokupan. For sweets, the “Strawberries and Cream” parfait is Shen’s cheeky homage to konbini-style desserts. Gems of fresh seasonal winter fruits such as strawberry, plum, and apple lay beneath a velvety blanket of umeshu cream, delivering pure bliss for both young and old. Otherwise, the modus operandi of signature fat-stacked sandos, specialty coffees, and matcha beverages remains reliable for any time of the day.
Hello Arigato Tiong Bahru
Address: 58 Seng Poh Road, #01-15, S(160058)
5. Dirty Supper
Above Angus rump cap (Photo: Dirty Supper)
Above Crispy chicken skin crowned with smoked mackerel (Photo: Dirty Supper)
Angus rump cap (Photo: Dirty Supper)
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Taking over evenings of the storied 90-year-old Hua Bee Restaurant, this supper club run by chef-owner Pete Smit—known for his whole-animal cooking style and open-fire grilling—is certainly enjoying its first mover advantage. While Smit frequently changes his menu, crowd pleasers of crispy chicken skin crowned with smoked mackerel, unctuous pig head nuggets, and pork-fat-doused barbecue squid, hold their reign in the lineup. Can’t decide? Take part in the all-encompassing Dirty Supper dinner experience where Smit smothers gourmands with the kitchen’s and season’s best.
For a nightcap, head behind to Dirty Sips, where a lean and mean cocktail menu presents kitchen-inspired tipples. Think boulevardier made silky with Wagyu fat-washed rye whiskey, a stiff martini brightened with pickled lemon and a downright dirty mezcal-based espresso martini.
Dirty Supper
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, S(162078)
