From Bolo Buns to Bistros: 6 Singapore's Food Spots For You Tastebud To Explore

Every opportunity I get to visit my home in Singapore involves exploring its ever-changing food landscape, from cafes to restaurants. Despite this variety, 90% of my food exploration focuses on hawker centers because as a Singapore that's the best place for comfort food. The food there is much cheaper than restaurants or cafes, offering a completely different type of cuisine and dining experience. So if you're visiting —here are 6 Singapore's food spots for your tastebud to explore.

Great Nanyang

Great Nanyang serves a variety of Nanyang-style foods in Singapore! They offer Singaporean street food favorites in a traditional kopitiam (coffee shop) setting. With outlets in Tanjong Pagar and 111 Somerset (city center, Orchard Road), they bring authentic flavors to diners. Nanyang refers to the Chinese term for the warm, fertile regions along China's southern coast and beyond—also known as the "South Sea" or Southeast Asia.

What we had here?

• Nasi Lemak

• Mee Siam

• French Toast

• Garlic Bread

• Bolo Bun

• Soft Boil Eggs

• Hainan Coffee

• Coconut Coffee

Location City Center

Tanjong Pagar 7:30am - 8:30am [map] Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

101 Somerset 8:00am - 8:30am [map] Nearest MRT: Somerset

Champion Bolo

Champion Bolo Bun is the world's first bolo bun concept store. A bolo bun, also known as a pineapple bun in Cantonese, is a sweet, fluffy milk bread bun topped with a crispy, crackly cookie topping that resembles a pineapple's texture, not flavor. Pair it with their premium selections of hot or cold tea.

What we had here?

• Bolo Bun

• Hot & Cold brew of Oolong Tea

Location

Tanjong Pagar

Mon - Fri [11:00am to 7:00pm] [Closed on Wednesday] / Sat - Sun 8:30am - 7:00pm [map] Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

The Marmalade Pantry

The Marmalade Pantry is a Singapore homegrown bistro established in 1999. It serves modern bistro cuisine with a local twist and is known for its luxurious pasta, exquisite cupcakes, and refined tea accompaniments. The bistro has four outlets, with its most central location at Ion Orchard.

What we had here?

• Sticky Date Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Crea,

• Carrot Cake

• Limonata Cupcake

Location - City Center

Tanjong Pagar Monday - Sunday 11:00am - 10:00pm [map] Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

ION Orchard Monday - Sunday 10:00am - 10:00pm [map] Nearest MRT: Orchard

Tiong Bahru Bakery

Tiong Bahru Bakery at Fort Canning Foothill. This French bakery and pastry shop is located at the foot of Fort Canning. It's an ideal spot to begin your day before hiking the trail up the hill to explore Singapore's landmarks and history, or a perfect stop for a break with fresh pastries and coffee.

What I had here?

• Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Capers Sandwich

• Iced Latte

Location

Fort Canning Park Mon - Fri 7:30am - 7:00pm/ Sat - Sun 8:00am - 7:00pm [map] Nearest MRT: Fort Canning Park

Lou Shang by Mama Diam

Lou Shang [means upstair) by Mamadiam which is a speakeasy bar and eatery. Their menu puts a modern twist on iconic local favorites, complemented by an outdoor dining space inspired by Singapore's 1980s and '90s HDB flats. Mama Diam refers to a convenience store in Singapore that is often located under a HDB block, widely found in 1980s and '90s.

**take note they always change their menu - good to check their socials and website

What I had here?

• Rainbow Roti With Strawberry and Pandan Dip

• Soft Boil Eggs

• Iced Pandan Coffee Latte

• Chilli Crab Ravioli

• Earl Grey Mousse Gem Cake

Location

Prinsep St Tuesday - Sunday / PH 11:30am -9:30pm [close on Monday] [map] Nearest MRT: Bencoolen MRT / Dhoby Ghaut MRT

Slow Bakes

This is away from the city center but if you want to wander off into the suburb of Singapore that you might be interested to drop by Slow Bakes. A quaint little café in Yishun, which actually just a 5-minute walk from my home, serving fresh handmade bakes. Its open-air concept facing the reservoir pond offers a cooling atmosphere when the breeze blows by. Sourdoughs, soft breads, and daily bakes are regular on the menu, and they love experimenting with flavors—perfect with a cup of Nanyang coffee or tea.

What i had here?

• Pumpkin Sourdough with Almond Peanut Butter

• Iced Hainan Coffee with Sweet Milk

Location

Yishun Central inside Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre

Monday - Sunday 7:00am - 2:00pm [map] Nearest MRT: Yishun

From traditional to modern, Singapore narrates its own tale of rich food heritage and its continually evolving culinary future. I will explore more like a curious foodie tourist when I have the opportunity on my next visit home.