One of the few certainties in life is that when a new area is planned, built and developed in Singapore – especially one with the fanfare that Tampines North has – before the paint is even dry on the majority of homes, there will be a whole host of cafes and restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes from South East Asia and around the globe.
Tampines North isn’t quite at that stage yet however, but that’s nothing a five-minute cab ride to the north or south can’t fix. Here we concentrate on just two areas that offer completely different dining experiences but have one thing in common – first class cuisine and a wonderful dining experience.
Tampines Central – Tampines 1
Tampines 1, one of three malls within a stone’s throw of Tampines Central MRT is not just home to many high class high street fashion names, it is also where you will find some of the best makan places in the area.
MOF @ My Izakaya is the antithesis of a lot of the island’s food options. It also rails against many modern chefs’ and food writers’ opinions in what makes a good restaurant good. Namely it has a huge menu.
MOF
MOF has more than a hundred different dishes, but in a strike against conventional wisdom, it does every one of them (at least in our experience) pretty much spot on. The Japanese dishes however, as well as being delicious, have one eye firmly focused on good healthy living, so even if you order one too many – including the to die for desserts – there’s less guilt involved.
Sticking with the Japanese theme, but with a definite twist, Miam Miam located in the basement, presents itself as Japanese French, but the influences seem to be from all over Europe.
Miam Miam
One of its signature dishes for example – Miam Miam Spaghetti, features pasta and frankfurters, brought together (along with bacon, tomatoes and spinach) with shoyu and French butter.
If you are going to specialise in one thing, then you could do a lot worse than specialising in duck. Dian Xiao Er’s Ten Wonder Herbs Roast Duck not only comes with its own story and tastes amazing but it is also supposedly good for your mind and body.
Dian Xiao
It isn’t all about duck though, and this cosy restaurant, designed to resemble a traditional Chinese inn, also serves up some wonderful pork and seafood dishes from all over China and Mongolia.
Pasir Ris
At the other end of the spectrum from mall dining, Pasir Ris offers some delicious and chilled out park and seafront dining. First though it would be remiss to ignore Ban Heng Seafood Paradise, a traditional Teochew restaurant serving some wonderful dishes in its relaxed but intimate premises in the Aranda County Club, sandwiched between Pasir Ris Park and NTUC Downtown East.
Ban Heng
For one of the most relaxing dining experiences however, you should head to the fantastically named The Five Rabbits. This bistro/bar/pub serves good quality western fare, including steaks and seafood, from its enviable position in the tranquil confines of Pasir Ris Park.
The Five Rabbits
Its large free car park means it’s a hassle free option, and there are few places better for whiling away a few hours after work, or on a weekend, with the swaying trees your only company.
There are few greater pleasures in life than eating and drinking with the wind in your hair, the smell of the sea in your nostrils, and the sight of the sun setting over the sea. That is precisely why Georges @ The Cove is such a hit with locals and visitors alike.
George’s
Situated just yards from the beach, its ambience is second to none, and it’s hard not to close your eyes and believe you are on holiday. Food wise it doesn’t disappoint either with a good selection of Western and Asian dishes, as well as a good drinks menu and happy hour.
