Image credit for top photo: Finbar Fallon
Everyone’s been buzzing about New Bahru, a vibrant lifestyle venue in River Valley. Built in 1941 as the Nan Chiau Teachers’ Training School, this scarlet building later became the Nan Chiau Girl’s High School, and then the Nan Chiau High School. The 20,156-square-metre compound was recently refurbished by The Lo & Behold Group and named New Bahru, which comprises eateries, boutiques, wellness facilities, kid-centric establishments and even service apartments.
Take your pick from rejuvenating treatments like gua sha, tui na, traditional massages and cold plunges at Hideaway, and discover stylish bedding and accessories when you visit Singaporean brand Sojao. You can even customise bespoke leather goods at Crafune, exercise with your kids in Mobilus, attend insightful crafting and upcycling workshops in Make by Ginlee, and get all your horticultural needs in Soilboy.
However, our favourite part of New Bahru is its cornucopia of food options. If you’re wondering where to begin your New Bahru epicurean adventure, here’s a quick overview.
1. Artichoke
Known for his rich and innovative cuisine, Singaporean celebrity chef Bjorn Shen has shuttered his iconic Middle Road restaurant, Artichoke, to open shop in New Bahru. Here, the cheerful and charismatic chef serves what he calls “new-school Middle Eastern food”, which comprises classics like baba ghanoush, falafel, hummus and shakshuka, but given a Bjorn Shen spin. You’ll love this creative chef’s Lamb Merguez, cold milk pudding and his recently introduced Black Sesame Hummus. An array of Artichoke merchandise is also available for purchase here.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-02
Website: bjornshen.com/artichoke
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00am to 3:00pm
2. Átipico | Room #15
You might have heard of private dining chef Matteo Pertoldi’s unmatched flair with pastries. The Italian-born chef, who also has a bakery in Clementi, just opened an outpost in New Bahru, where you can take your pick from a variety of brunch items.
Of course, the stars of Átipico | Room #15 are Chef Matteo’s freshly baked focaccias, sourdoughs and long milk buns. He also makes to-die-for dessert pastries, like pavlovas, French kisses, St. Honores and pain au chocolats. These gorgeously constructed pastries and Átipico | Room #15’s chic interior hint at Chef Matteo’s former life as an engineer and architect, which he left behind 10 years ago to pursue his baking dreams.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-15
Website: atipico.sg
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday - 9:00am to 6:00pm, Friday and Saturday - 9:00am to 10:00pm
3. Bar Bon Funk
It’s impossible to discuss Singaporeans’ booming interest in natural wine, without mentioning Le Bon Funk, a decorated establishment that has outposts in Club Street and Holland Village. It is also known for its tasteful selection of natural wines and ever-changing menu.
The latest addition to this restaurant group is Bar Bon Funk, a cocktail bar that treats diners to classic cocktails, and innovative signatures like A Glass of Milk, which comprises gin, cider brandy, fermented strawberry honey and “multiversal nut milk”. Among this institution’s myriad of cocktails, we found Peanut Butter Wine particularly memorable, which is an old Dutch-style gin called genever that has been flavoured with sourdough and peanut butter.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #02-01
Website: bonfunk.com
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 6:00pm to 11:30 pm
4. Dearborn
Beloved for its eclectic selection of granola, Dearborn has opened an outlet in New Bahru that treats diners to all-day breakfast items and baked goods from its microbakery like sourdough toast and madeleines. Founder and chef Christopher Kong originally envisioned an American-style supper club that sourced regional produce, greens, grains and sustainable seafood, but he pivoted Dearborn during the pandemic to sell artisanal granola that emphasises traceability and sustainability. Besides Dearborn’s unique granola bowls, we also recommend the Dearborn Breakfast Sandwich, which comprises homemade pork sausage, American cheddar, egg and spicy pepper relish.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #03-04
Website: dearborn.sg
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday - 9:00am to 3:00pm
5. Huevos River Valley
Having garnered a faithful following in North Bridge Road, Mexican establishment Huevos has opened a branch in New Bahru that focuses on grilling and smoking. If charred octopus tentacles, chorizo pork quesadillas, and chipotle glazed and smoked pork ribs make your mouth water, head to Huevos River Valley. It also serves tacos with stuffings like breaded baja fish, pork confit, slow-cooked barbacoa lamb, and tiger prawn. If you love oysters, they are S$1 each when you order a tequila shot.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-16
Website: newbahru.com/discover-huevos
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 11:00am to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 10:00pm
6. Kotuwa
The acclaimed Kotuwa has moved from Dickson Road to New Bahru. Serving modern Sri Lankan fare, Kotuwa is the brainchild of Michelin star-awarded chef Rishi Naleendra, who also founded award-winning establishments Cheek by Jowl and Cloudstreet. At the newly revamped Kotuwa, you can savour Chef Rishi’s specialties like lamb shank braised in Sri Lankan red curry, Jaffna duck cooked in light coconut gravy, Sri Lankan pork sausage, slow-roasted lamb Shoulder, spiced mutton crepe and fried beef cheek in sweet tamarind. The establishment is also famous for its namesake Kottu Rotti, which is Sri Lanka’s famous chopped up bread cooked with vegetables, eggs, and gravy. Kotuwa’s bar serves a wide range of cocktails, even cocktails using arrack and agave, along with a series of quirky cocktails themed on Sri Lanka’s cricket team.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-03
Website: kotuwa.com.sg
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday - 5:00pm to 11:00pm, Friday and Saturday - 12:00pm to 12:00am midnight, Sunday - 12:00pm to 11:00pm
7. Odem
For a truly memorable night out, head to Odem, which serves artisanal makkoli. If you are a fan of this cloudy Korean rice wine, you’ll love these small-batch makkolis, which have been brewed with love and the principle of ‘son-mat’ (“craftsman’s touch”). These painstakingly crafted beverages are complemented by Korean-style barbecued meats, pancakes, mandu dumplings and deep fried frog legs.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-17
Website: odem.sg
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday - 5:00pm to 12:00am midnight, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00pm to 12:00am midnight
8. One Fattened Calf Burgers
Having made a name for itself among Singapore’s burger lovers, One Fattened Calf Burgers has opened a branch in New Bahru. This burger restaurant is beloved for its grass-fed beef patties and homemade potato buns, and its popular menu items include its Butterburger (with thick slabs of butter), Goldburger (with pulled beef brisket, cheddar cheese, pickles, onions and special sauce), Impossibleburger (with vegan meat patty), truffle fries and cheese fries.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-11
Website: onefattenedcalf.com
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 11:00am to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
9. PPP Coffee
Coffee connoisseurs might be familiar with the name Papa Palheta, which has since been rebranded to PPP Coffee. PPP Coffee’s beans are sustainably sourced from countries like Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia, and lovingly roasted in small batches in order to yield rich and nuanced flavours. With the goal of elevating the PPP Coffee experience, this popular brand has opened a premium outlet in New Bahru, which boasts an extensive menu that includes all-day breakfast items, burgers, pastas, pizzas, desserts, cocktails and an assortment of tapas. PPP Coffee in New Bahru will also hold educational workshops and serve a variety of pastries by renowned pastry chef Sandra Lee.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-06
Website: pppcoffee.com/pages/new-bahru
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday - 7:30am to 10:00pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays - 8:30am to 10:00pm
10. The Coconut Club
Nasi lemak is a fragrant local rice dish that is cooked in pandan leaves and coconut milk, and served with sides like anchovies, patties, fried chicken wing, fried fish, and a sweet chilli sauce called sambal. The Coconut Club is famous for creating a gourmet version of nasi lemak and serving it in its chic restaurants. When you visit The Coconut Club River Valley, you’ll be treated to cocktails inspired by local culture and landmarks, and New Bahru exclusives like Signature Nasi Lemak with Quail Goreng Berempah, and Wagyu Beef Roti John. The Coconut Club’s dishes are created in collaboration with other sustainability-focused Singaporean businesses, and you can even nab exclusive Coconut Club merchandise from this restaurant.
Address: 46 Kim Yam Road, #01-14
Website: thecoconutclub.sg/river-valley
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday - 11:00am to 9:30pm
We hope you’ll enjoy visiting New Bahru, which is the hippest new addition to our island’s diverse culinary landscape. In fact, Singapore burgeons with enthralling treats for all types of foodies! If you’re a morning person, here are the tastiest eateries in and around Changi . And if you’re a night owl, these are our favourite late night hangout spots.
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