The new Downtown Line 3 (DTL3) is finally up and running- with a total of 16 stations, the DTL3 is said to be the longest underground and driverless MRT line in Singapore.
What’s more, SMRT offered free rides along the entire DTL last weekend! We’re sure many of you took the chance to go on an exploratory trip.
Whether or not you’re familiar with the DTL stations already, there may be some dining choices around these stops that you’ve never known existed.
Fret not, we’ve got you covered with a list of cafés and eateries to stopover. The best part is – they are all within walking distances from the new DTL3 stations.
1. Giovanna L. & Seattle Pike Chowder (Fort Canning Station)
Originated from Germany, Giovanna L. prides itself in serving the finest artisanal gelato creations and has won the Gelato World Cup Championship twice. They have intriguing flavours such as Spiced Chai Tea, Mozart Melody with Pistachios and the award-winning Sicilian Pistachio.
Patrons also get to try a new flavour this month – Halloween Special! Next to it, sharing the shop space, is Seattle Pike Chowder. Do check out their award-winning New England Chowder.
Fort Canning Arts Centre, 5 Cox Terrace #01-01, Singapore 179620. (approx. 10 mins walking)
2. Crossings Café (Bencoolen Station)
Students from SMU and NAFA will be glad to know that the new Bencoolen Station is linked to these two campuses.
Bencoolen, already a popular hangout place for youths has several lovely cafes, which are now made easily accessible and convenient to meet at. One of which is Crossings Café which interestingly is also a social enterprise.
It serves mainly Western cuisines, pasta and mains, and a couple of new Asian additions such as Crossings Laksa and Braised Miso Beef Short. All profits goes to charity, so visit here to savour these dishes while doing a good deed.
#01-01, 55 Waterloo St, Singapore 187954 (approx. 3-5 mins walking)
3. Hang Out Café (Bencoolen Station)
Tucked in a cosy corner of NAFA campus, this café is probably one of the ‘hidden gems’ in the area.
Its signature dishes include the Hang Out Café Big Breakfast, Hang Out Egg Royale and Seafood Aglio Olio. Student meals are available on weekdays and there is also free WIFI in the café.
With such incentives, it’s a great place to have brunch and chill with your friends.
80 Bencoolen Street NAFA Campus 1 #01-15 Wing A, 189655 (approx. 3-5 mins walking)
4. Dim Sim Haus (Jalan Besar Station)
If you are craving for some good old dim sum – head over here to satisfy your cravings!
The specialties of the store are the highly-raved Charcoal Siew Mai and Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun. Other dishes to try would be their Xiao Long Bao, Crispy Mee Sua Kueh with Chinese Sausage, Japanese Dumplings. The best part is – most of them cost less than $5 per plate.
57 Jln Besar, Singapore 208809 (approx. 3 mins walking)
5. The Bravery Café (Bendemeer Station)
Looking for wholesome good coffee, brunch and free WIFI in Lavender? The Bravery Café is the place for you.
This halal café and offers all-day breakfast such as their signature Bagel Set and Pancake Stack. There are various mains to choose from too, such as Traditional Fish & Chips and Salmon Rice Bowl (Teriyaki Beef option is available too!). Also, their signature drink – Lavender Latte is a must-try when you visit!
The Café also calls itself ‘laptop-friendly’ as it is equipped with charging points and free WIFI. A warm ambience, aromatic coffee and delectable food plus free WIFI? Sounds like a great place to study or do some work at!
66 Horne Road, 209073 (approx. 10 mins walking)
6. The Ugly Cake Shop
Does the unusual shop name intrigue you? The shop owners believe in upholding the ‘inner beauty’ of their cakes, by ensuring that flavours are not overly sweet and using natural, healthier ingredients.
What’s more, part of their profits go towards a nutrition fund for a school in Timor-Leste. Whole cakes or cupcakes are available and some of the popular flavours are Sally (dark chocolate with peanut butter frosting) and Juliana (salted caramel cupcakes).
Try the new spooky flavour Mummy cupcakes, a special creation for Halloween!
535 Kallang Bahru, #01-06 GB Point, 339351 (approx. 2 mins walking)
7. Circuit Road Food Centre (Mattar Station)
Although not air-conditioned, this food centre is a must-visit for delicious hawker fare.
For instance, there is the famous Yuan Yang muah chee from Heavenly Snacks where you can get both white and black sesame. Other popular stalls are Char Kway Teow (#01-19), Xuan Miao Vegetarian (#01-78), Yong Lai Fa Ji Shu Shi (#01-66) for fish soup and CCK 190 Wanton Mee (#01-110).
The list goes on so gather your foodie-squad to try out the different stalls and have a feast!
79A Circuit Rd Singapore 371079 Circuit Rd, Singapore 371079 (approx. 5mins walking)
8. Open Crumb Café (Ubi Station)
Freshly baked artisanal breads is what is promised at the Open Crumb Café. Not only that, you can look forward to Double Baby Pancakes, Chocolate Ganache Tarts, Fruit Tarts.
Their best-sellers comprise of the Oaty Banana Muffin and Very Vanilla cupcakes which you can also take to go. Savory options are available too! The café offers special lunch sets at $10 for pastas and sandwiches so do check out this amazing deal if you are in the vicinity.
#01-931, 342 Ubi Ave 1, Block 342, 400342 (approx. 10 mins walking)
9. Simple Food Vegetarian Café (Kaki Bukit Station)
Here is an option for friends who are vegetarian – not limited to just Chinese cuisines, Simple Food Vegetarian Café serves a variety of international vegetarian cuisines such as Western, Thai and Japanese food.
You will find dishes like ‘bak kut teh’, tom yam hot pot, cheese baked rice and Japanese Udon among their long list of delicacies.
Their latest addition is called the Vegetarian KFC with Black Pepper Sauce!
50 Kaki Bukit Place 01-02, Jean Yip Building, East Singapore, Singapore, 415 926 (approx. 10 mins walking)
10. Compound Coffee Co. (Kaki Bukit Station)
Compound Coffee Co. is a boutique coffee roaster that promises premium coffee for every cup. The art of coffee making is serious business for them, including rigorous training for the baristas and conducting research and development.
The café is rather spacious – with its contemporary and industrial look, this could be the perfect hideout for coffee lovers.
31 Kaki Bukit Road 3, #01-02C, 417818 (approx. 7 mins walking)
11. Gomgom (Upper Changi Station)
A cosy café within the SUTD campus, Gomgom serves freshly handcrafted sandwiches, subs and desserts. The café was founded by three youths who believe that healthy food can taste delicious too!
Sometimes they get creative with their menu too – ever heard of their Indomee Wrap? That’s one of their special creations!
487372, 8 Somapah Rd, Building 1, Singapore 487372 (5 mins walking)