Celebrity-owned eateries packed with some star power
Being an actor is a side job these days for some celebrities. A handful of stars have turned into entrepreneurs to win Singaporeans over. Here are some restaurants and cafes you didn’t know were started by our very own celebrities!
1. MOJO – Shane Pow
Don’t be too surprised to see MediaCorp actor Shane Pow assembling a delicious protein bowl for you during lunch hours at the CBD area. MOJO recently opened in February 2017, and it’s the 26-year-old’s first time venturing into the F&B business. Started in partnership with Sin Lee Foods, MOJO has a bit of a split personality. The restaurant serves healthy Japanese-inspired bowls by day, and cocktails and yakitori by night. You can build your own bowl (from $14) for lunch, then indulge in a drinks session after work.
Check out other double-identity cafes that changes once night falls!
Address: 204 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068640
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm to 12am, Sat 5pm to 12am
Tel: 6220 0723
Website | Menus
2. Birders – Adam Chen
Birders was opened by Adam Chen early this year, and features a menu designed by Chef Makoto Deguchi, who was from Sola, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. This yakitori bar offers interesting skewers such as Bonjiri Chicken Tail ($4.00) and Liver Mousse ($16). Adam Chen is not new to the industry; he owns several other restaurants including PARK cafe, Ikki Izakaya, and Golden Bistro at The Projector.
Address: 55 Tras Street, Singapore 078994
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 6pm to 12am, Fri-Sat 6pm to 1am
Tel: 8748 4585
Website
3. Mr Wholly – Felicia Chin
Felicia Chin started Mr Wholly after opening The Mama Shop. The latter has since closed down, but the seafood stall at Satay by the Bay remains popular. This place serves Louisiana-style seafood boils, with quirky flavours such as Kung Pao, Marmite, and Creamy Cheese. Prices start at $28 for crab and $18 for mussels. Felicia also has another outlet, Wholly Crab, at The Bedok Marketplace.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-19, Satay by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Opening hours: Sun-Thur 3pm to 10pm, Fri-Sat 3pm to 12am
Tel: 9773 8849
Website
4. The Flying Squirrel – Jack and Rai
The Flying Squirrel, opened by musicians Jack and Rai, has been around for a few years but remains quite the hidden gem as it is tucked in a back alley on Amoy Street. The Japanese eatery has a cosy atmosphere thanks to its narrow space and brick walls. It serves Japanese classics such as Salmon and Ikura Chirashi ($13), as well as less conventional creations including Truffled Ebi Fry ($15) and Uni Shooters ($22) served with sake and yuzu ponzu.
Address: 92 Amoy Street, #01-02, Singapore 069911
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm, Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 6pm to 12am, Sat 12:30pm to 12am
Tel: 6226 2203
Website
5. Mischief – Michelle Chong, Cynthia Koh, and Daniel Ong
Actresses Michelle Chong and Cynthia Koh, as well as former DJ Daniel Ong, teamed up to form Mischief, an American street food bar at Esplanade Mall. The joint, opened last year, serves American classics such as BBQ Baby Back Ribs ($32). For those who prefer something more interesting, try their Belly Sliders ($16) with hoisin glaze. Michelle is not involved in daily operations but some say Cynthia pops by on weekends depending on her schedule.
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #01-12, Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 5pm to 1am, Fri-Sat 5pm to 3am, Sun 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6532 0106
Website
6. Slappy Cakes – Dick Lee
Singer-songwriter Dick Lee co-owns Dancing Crab as well as Slappy Cakes with the Tung Lok Group. The pancake restaurant is an all-day breakfast spot, with built-in griddles on tables for diners to have some fun designing their own food. Choose from an assortment of batters ($8.50 per bottle) including chocolate, peanut butter, and zucchini, and add a few more dollars for toppings such blueberries and sausages.
Address: 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-29, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 9:30pm
Tel: 6795 0779
Website
Menu
7. 3O1 Bar & Kitchen – Pierre Png
A relatively low-profile restaurant is 3O1 Bar & Kitchen by Pierre Png. This Western bistro serves burgers, pasta, and beer, and offers live football telecasts as well. Located at HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse, the bistro is rather quiet and makes a great late-night hangout spot.
Address: 301 Canberra Road, Block C, HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse, Singapore 759774
Opening hours: Tue-Thur 5pm to 1am, Fri-Sat 5pm to 2am, Sun 5pm to 12am
Tel: 9059 6081
Website
8. Ninja Cut – Darren Wee
Ninja Cut soared to popularity late last year for their Instagram-worthy Marvellous Matcha ($16), which features a thick matcha hotcake with matcha lava inside. It is owned by former radio DJ Darren Wee, who is also the boss of sister cafe Ninja Bowl and Chillax Cafe. Another unique dish at Ninja Cut is their Sweet Potato Fries ($10), which is topped with mentaiko cream, torched marshmallows, bacon bits and melted cheese.
Check out our full review of Ninja Cut!
Address: 32 Seah Street, Singapore 188388
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Tel: 6264 7727
Website
9. FRY Rooftop Bistro & Bar – Irene Ang
CEO and founder of artiste management company FLY Entertainment, Irene Ang, has another item on her resume – FRY Bistro. Don’t miss their signature Aunty Ang’s Chicken Wings ($16) that’s made from a recipe created by Irene Ang’s mother. You can do star-spotting in two different ways at this rooftop bistro: spot FLY Entertainment artistes hanging out if you’re lucky, or enjoy the beautiful night sky with your mates.
Address: 96B Club Street, Singapore 069464
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5:30pm to 1pm, Thur 5:30pm to 2am, Fri-Sat 5:30pm to 3am
Tel: 8418 5995
Website
Celebrities turned entrepreneurs
By now, the phenomenon of celebs opening restaurants is neither new or unusual. Dine at these celebrity-owned restaurants for some star power, or simply sample their delicious food!
Feature image adapted from Instagram.
