Bras Basah, which means “wet rice” in Malay, used to be a lagoon where rice from cargo boats were dried on the banks. The Bras Basah area today is home to colonial landmarks, plenty of schools and arts centres, and most importantly, many food spots. Here is a list of Bras Basah food places to check out the next time you’re in the area!
Opened by the brains behind Tanuki Raw and Standing Sushi Bar, Sumo Bar Happy is a ramen restaurant and sake bar, offering a variety of interesting and unique Japanese dishes. Their giant Bone-In Short Rib Ramen ($42++) sits in well with the hype for XXL food portions. The sheer size and tenderness of the meat will be sure to leave your mouth agape. Their Char Siew Taiyaki Sliders ($14++) are also not to be missed; the savoury, fatty char siew went well with the sweet, fluffy taiyaki pancake.
Other interesting sides that are worth a try include Pork Trotter Korokke ($12++) and Yuzu Pepper Chicken Skin Chips ($10++).
Address: 261 Waterloo Street, #01-24, Waterloo Centre, Singapore 180261
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 5:30pm to 10pm, Thur-Fri 12pm to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 12pm to 10pm
Website
Mexican food is always a yes. Here at Papi’s Tacos, two popular taco dishes are the Tacos De Asada ($13++ for two, $19++ for three) – a chunky steak taco topped with housemade salsa, red onion, and coriander – and Tacos De Pescado ($13++ for two, $19++ for three) – grilled white dory taco with crunchy cabbage and smoked chipotle aioli.
Apart from tacos, Papi’s Tacos also serves other Mexican delights such as quesadillas and tortillas. Another popular dish is the Mushroom Quesadilla ($12++). It is served with salsa and sour cream that cuts through the rich cheesiness in the dish.
Address: 39 Seah Street, Singapore 188395
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm to 12am
Website
Menu
Image credit: @artichoke_sg
Artichoke is a Middle Eastern restaurant, but their menu offers more variety than you’d expect. Mezze is basically small plates for sharing and is often thought of as an appetiser. Serving four of the week’s best mezze and toast, the Mezze Platter ($24++) is good for those who are interested in trying everything on the menu without breaking the bank.
For pizza fans, order their nine-inch Cheese Supreme ($23++) that features four types of cheese with garlic butter and rocket. The cheese-pull here is definitely one to save as #Instaworthy. The Chocolate Salty Pie ($6++) is a must-try dessert that has been likened to a rich, salty-sweet version of hum chee peng.
Address: 161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 6:30pm to 10:30pm, Sat 11:30am to 3:30pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm, Sun 11:30am to 3:30pm
Tel: 6336 6949
Website
Menu
Ninja Cut is the sister cafe of Ninja Bowl, and serves value-for-money Japanese-inspired dishes. Here, healthy and hearty bases like soba noodles and quinoa are paired with a range of meat and seafood. Moana Love ($18) from the new poké series and What’s Your Beef? ($18) featuring roast ribeye are the more popular orders here.
From their brunch menu, get their Marvellous Matcha ($16) if you’re craving something sweet. This matcha hotcake comes with a crusty exterior and oozy, bittersweet molten lava inside.
Address: 32 Seah Street, Singapore 188388
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Tel: 6264 7727
Website
Image credit: @greedypigfoodguide
Head to Hong Seng Curry Rice Express for affordable rice bowls that are convenient for takeaway. Available only during breakfast, their Nasi Lemak ($3) set comes with a serving of fluffy coconut rice, chicken wing, and their signature house-made ikan bilis and sambal.
Priced at $5.50, the Pork Cutlet Curry Rice is a popular order here. The rice is drenched in curry sauce, and has a good amount of heat that is balanced out with the creamy egg. If you’re a student of SMU, you can get this at just $5!
Address: 90 Stamford Road, #01-73, School of Economics and Social Science, Singapore 178903
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 8pm
Website
District Sushi is a humble joint at Sunshine Plaza serving classic Japanese dishes. Here, seemingly typical Japanese fare is made special because of its quality. They offer a range of sashimi, nigiri sushi, and donburi.
In most eateries, a typical bara chirashi don can easily burn a hole in your wallet, so the Bara Chirashi Don here, going at $10, is understandably a crowd-favourite. Another popular order is the Salmon Mentaiyaki ($10), raved for its thick and creamy mentaiko sauce layered generously over a thick slab of salmon.
Address: 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-15, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 2pm, 6pm to 8:30pm
Website
Image credit: @thebigcheesesg
The Big Cheese is a Muslim-owned eatery that offers build-your-own mac and cheese starting from $6. From the choice of pasta to the topping, you can customise your mac to create your perfect mac and cheese. For those who have difficulty concocting the perfect mac and cheese combination, pre-designed signature favourites like Big Cheese and All American go at $8 for small and $10 for regular.
If you prefer a meat-free option, the Four Cheese and Truffles Mushroom are popular orders, priced at $5.50 for small and $7 for regular.
Address: 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-59, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 9pm
Tel: 8147 0485
Website
Image credit: @theboyfriendduties
Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant brings a taste of an authentic New York city brunch experience to Singapore in its small and cozy restaurant setting. A popular item on the menu is the Chicken & Waffles ($21++), which is loved for its perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. If you prefer something more traditional, go for the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (19++).
Alcoholic drinks like Salted Caramel Milkshake ($10++) that comes with a shot of Bourbon ($5++) is also available.
Address: 31 Purvis Street, Singapore 188608
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri-Sat 8am to 10pm, Sun 8am to 8pm
Tel: 6684 4845
Website
There are many food places in Bras Basah to keep you coming back for more. Their slew of aesthetic and affordable eateries with good food leaves both our tummies and wallets happy. Let us know if we missed out some of your favourites!
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