Cafes and eateries in your neighbourhood accepting CDC Vouchers, beyond hawker centres
From Japanese restaurants to pizzerias — here’s where to spend your CDC vouchers when you get them in May
By By Nikki Low and Michelle Lee -
The second tranche of CDC vouchers was released in June 2024, and every Singaporean household can claim an additional $300, on top of the $500 worth of vouchers rolled out in January this year. While these vouchers are meant to defray the rising cost of living in Singapore, with many hawker stalls participating in the scheme, there are also many heartland restaurants and cafes included in the list. So go ahead and use them to give yourself and the fam a little treat! Check out these food places to splurge on with your CDC vouchers.
For the full list of hawkers and merchants to use your CDC vouchers, click here.
Central
1. Bag Me Up Bagel House
Bag Me Up Bagel House offers mainly bagels with a variety of options and premium ingredients that will leave you craving more. Its Signature Bagel comprises grilled unagi, ham, lettuce and a sweet and savoury sauce. Other options include the Fryday the 13th with fried chicken, a Brekkie bagel with scrambled eggs and bacon, and sweet options like cream cheese with Biscoff spread. Bagels aside, it also doles out rice bowls.
Bag Me Up Bagel House is at 2 Everton Park, #01-59B, Singapore 081002. Opens from Wed to Mon (8am to 3.30pm). Closed on Tuesdays. Visit its website for more information.
2. The Better Half
Ever had pastries so pretty you can’t bear to eat them? Well, The Better Half is known for its aesthetically pleasing pastries. Its Rose Raspberry cakes are embellished with delicate rose petals on the top, making each slice a delightful experience for the eyes. Other cakes such as the Gula Melaka, Carrot Walnut Tea Cake and Earl Grey Lemon Cake are equally stunning.
The Better Half is 1 Everton Park, #01-43, Singapore 081001. Opens daily (10am to 4pm), except Mondays. Visit its website for more information.
3. Goku Japanese Restaurant
Never tried motsunabe in Singapore? Here is one of the few places in Singapore where you can try this beloved Japanese hotpot speciality made with miso and offal. Using beef intestines, the soft innards are stewed in a broth to bring out their flavour and collagen. But if you’re not up for it, there are also other seafood dishes like the Stir-Fried Squid with Salted Fish and Hakata-Style Sesame Mackerel.
Japanese Restaurant Goku is at 33 Mohamed Sultan Rd #01-02/01, Singapore 238977. Opens Mon to Sat from 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm. Closed on Sunday. Visit Goku Japanese Restaurant’s website for more information
4. Clap Cafe
Looking for a quiet space to do your work or to unwind and relax? Clap Cafe serves up excellent coffee and baked goods to accompany you. The menu includes cakes like Maple Pecan Tart, Basque Cheesecake and an extensive selection of drinks which will satisfy your caffeine cravings.
Clap Cafe is at Waterloo St, #01-28 Blk 261, Singapore 180261. Open daily from 8.30am to 7pm. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
5. Kurasu Singapore
Located right beside Clap Cafe is Kurasu Singapore which specialises in coffee from Kyoto. This minimalist cafe with a clean white aesthetic is the perfect backdrop for pictures for the ‘gram. The cafe also serves up some delectable bakes produced in-house.
Kurasu Singapore is at 261 Waterloo St, #01-24, Singapore 180261. Opens daily from 10am to 6pm. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
6. Cafe Fufu
This newly opened Italian-Western-inspired cafe in the Redhill neighbourhood is where you can sink your teeth into wood-fired pizzas. Think classics like the magherita, salami and puttanesca. For a Singaporean take, try the Pizza Fufu, a fusion-style pie topped with tiger prawns, and coriander pesto. There are also pasta dishes on the menu, with options such as crabmeat, salmon and wood-fired grilled vegetable pasta.
Cafe Fufu is at 63B Lengkok Bahru, #01-362, Singapore 152063. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
7. Caruso Ristorante
Originating from Locorotondo, Italy, Caruso is famous for its unique lamb preparation methods, showcased in their dishes like the Pappardelle with Braised Lamb and Roasted Lamb Chop. It prides itself on authentic Puglian cuisine and uses locally sourced ingredients like fresh seafood and aromatic herbs. Its extensive menu also promises something from everyone, such as traditional orecchiette pasta, pizza, seafood and meat options.
Caruso Italian Restaurant is at 791 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-01, Singapore 269764. Opens daily from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 10.30pm. Visit its website for more information.
East
8. Little Island Brewing Co.
Dive into 15 hours slow-cooked beef brisket and mouth-watering pork belly while guzzling ice-cold craft beer’s a great way to deal with Singapore’s sweltering heat. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Enjoy the breeze and soak in the atmosphere of the place as you dig into signature grilled meats. With a rustic charm, this restaurant is unlike any other spot that you can find in Singapore! If you’re headed there for a family day out, there are mini Vespas and a bouncy castle the young ones will love.
CDC vouchers are only accepted at Little Island Brewing Co.’s Changi Village outlet.
Little Island Brewing Co is at 6 Changi Village Rd, #01-01/02, Singapore 509907. Opens Tues to Thurs (3pm to10pm) and Fri to Sat (12pm to 12am). For more information, visit here.
9. Buddy Bistro
Located in Bedok Reservoir, this cosy restaurant is definitely a hidden gem. The owners are an elderly couple who previously ran a successful pizza shop in their neighbourhood and were inspired to open Buddy Bistro after old customers expressed how much they missed their signature flavours. Specialising in pasta and pizza, the restaurant prides itself on being an affordable place that serves exceptional dishes. Try their best-selling pizzas – pork floss pizza and bak kwa pizza for a refreshing take on traditional pies.
Buddy Bistro is at 744 Bedok Reservoir Rd, #01-3043 Reservoir Village, Singapore 470744. Opens daily from 11am to 12am. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
10. Black Pearl Steakhouse
Voted one of the best steakhouses in Singapore, Black Pearl Steakhouse promises premium cuts of meat from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and America. Steaks aside, expect European-style mains including pasta, duck confit, grilled poussin, and red wine lamb shank. Plus, there is an extensive wine selection to go along with your meal.
Black Pearl Steakhouse is at 85 Upper E Coast Rd, Singapore 455222. Opens from 11.30am to 3pm, and 6pm to 11pm on Tues to Sun. Closed on Mon. Visit its website for more information.
11. Ba Shu Sichuan Restaurant
Savour the authentic flavours of Sichuan cuisine at Ba Shu Sichuan, which offers an extensive selection of dishes like Green Pepper Fish and Spicy Chicken. For those with an adventurous palate, give the Sliced Beef and Tripes in Chili Sauce a go. Prefer something milder? Its signature dishes, the Tomato Meatball Soup and Hot Plate Minced Pork Toufu are equally flavourful and comforting.
Ba Shu Sichuan Restaurant is at 219 Bedok Central, #01-122, Singapore 460219. Opens daily from 11am to 2.30 pm and 5pm to 10pm.
12. Al Forno (East Coast)
Established in 1995, Al Forno serves traditional Italian dishes including pasta, seafood dishes, and delectable desserts. This restaurant uses a wooden oven that gives its pizza a distinctive flavour and its ingredients are also directly imported from Italy. Among the wide variety of pizzas, some options include the Pizza Diavola, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, salami, and cheese and the Pizza Con Carne, that includes, ham, salami, sausage and minced beef.
Al Forno (East Coast) is at 400 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428996. Opens daily from 11.30am to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm, except Friday to Sunday, when dinner service starts at 5.30pm. Visit its website for more information.
13. Hundred Acre Creamery
Inspired by Winnie The Pooh, Hundred Acre Creamery aims to mirror the essence of this well-loved cartoon show and incorporate it into its menu. The menu offers handcrafted gelato, waffles and coffee with a wide range of flavours to try. For its best-selling flavours, try Honey Chrysanthemum, Roasted Pistachio or Rocher. Feeling adventurous? Get the Vietnamese egg coffee for a unique twist to regular coffee.
Hundred Acre Creamery has two outlets, at Tampines and at Clementi.
Hundred Acre Creamery is at Tampines Street 81, #01-24, Singapore 520824 and 109 Clementi Street 11, #01-37, Singapore 120109. Opens daily from 12pm to 11pm. Visit its website for more information.
14. Nom Bistro
This kid-friendly restaurant has an indoor play area with slides — perfect for the kids to expend their energy while you enjoy your meal. You can also bring your pets along to Nom Bistro as its outdoor seats are pet-friendly. With an extensive menu that ranges from hearty seafood stews to succulent honey bourbon ribs, Nom Bistro has something for everyone. There’s also an all-day breakfast menu that includes smoked salmon toast and the Nom Breakfast.
Nom Bistro is at 400 Paya Lebar Way, Level 1 MacPherson Community Club, Singapore 379131. Opens Wed to Fri, and Mon (12pm to 10pm), Sat (3pm to 10pm), and Sun (11am to 10pm). Closed on Tues. Visit its website for more information.
North-East
15. Brew & Co.
If you’re looking for an artisanal coffee joint in the Ang Mo Kio neighborhood, hit up Brew & Co. This quaint cafe prides itself on specially sourced high-quality beans for its brews, offering beverages like ice white, dirty matcha latte, cold brew, and orange espresso. There are some seats outside the cafe, where you can perch yourself to enjoy a cuppa, alongside a selection of bakes like croissants, scones and cakes.
Brew & Co is at 716 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, 01-4030, Singapore 560716.
16. Gusta Sourdough Pizza
Here’s another Pizza place steps away from Nex – Gusta Sourdough Pizza. This little pizzeria in the neighbourhood of Serangoon offers Neo-Napolitanos pizzas in a charming, industrial-chic space. Experience their sourdough dough, slow-fermented for up to 72 hours and baked in a 500°C Italian pizza oven.
Choose from classics, like the Margherita topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil, or the bold and modern pizzas, such as the Anchovies & Peruvian Chili Sambal which features house-made sambal and marinated anchovies.
Gusta Sourdough Pizza is at 326 Serangoon Ave 3, #01-378, Singapore 550326. Opens daily from 4.30pm to 9.30pm with additional hours from 11.30am to 3pm on weekends.
17. Sod Cafe
Sod Cafe is another affordable cafe which also offers an extensive selection with no service charge. Whether you are craving bubble tea, croissants, pasta or dessert Sod Cafe has it all. With power outlets available, this cafe is also work-friendly making it an ideal place for you to get some work done while enjoying delicious food.
CDAC vouchers are only available for use at the Ci Yuan Community Centre outlet.
Sod Cafe is at 51 Hougang Ave 9, #01-03 Ci Yuan Community Centre, Singapore 538776. Visit its website for more information.
18. Lickers
Looking for a late-night ice cream shop to satisfy your sweet cravings? You’ll be delighted to know that this neighbourhood ice cream shop opens till 2am, making it the perfect place to stop for a midnight treat. In addition to their signature ice cream flavours like Honey Comb, Speculoos and Cookie Monster there is also finger food, including Tater Tots, Cheese Sticks and Onion Rings.
Lickers is at 124 Hougang Avenue 1 Dbs Hougang Avenue 1,#01-1446, Singapore 530124 and has multiple locations. Opens from Tues to Sun, from 12/1pm – 2am. Closed on Monday. For more information, visit here.
19. Kreme Cafe
Head to Kreme Cafe for old-school nostalgic bakes! Located under an HDB flat, this place is indeed a hidden gem for people looking for old-school flavours with a modern touch. If you’re looking for something with a more local spin, try the signature ondeh-ondeh cake. Not a fan of cakes? Beat the heat with its gelatos, ranging from Yuzu Sorbet to Green Apple Yakult, Lychee Raspberry, and more.
Kreme Cafe is at 154 Serangoon North Avenue 1 #01-404, Singapore 55015. Open from Tues to Sun, 8.30am to 9.30pm. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
West
20. Burnt Cones
Burnt Cones was founded by two friends who shared a passion for gelatos. What sets it apart from other establishments are its signature ‘burnt’ cones that are intentionally caramelised for a balanced pairing with its gelatos. Other than gelatos and cones, Burnt Cones also offers carefully brewed coffee that is meant to pair with its signature desserts.
Burnt Cones is at 105 Clementi Street 12, #01-02, Singapore 120105. Opens Mon to Thur (11am to 10pm) and Fri to Sun (11am to 12am). For more information, visit here.
21. Choupinette
Opened since 2002, Choupinette is an intimate French cafe and bistro that serves freshly baked breads, pastries and as well as other French specialities. There are three menus, including a brunch and all-day menu with the likes of eggs Florentine, tartines, Croque Monsieurs, pies and sandwiches. For dinner (4pm to 9pm), you can expect escargot, bouillabaisse, roasted quail, duck confit and beef stew.
Choupinette is at 607 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269708. Opens Tues to Sat (8am to 9.30pm), Sun (8am to 4.30pm) and Monday (8am to 4pm).
22. Cuppafield
Nestled in the heart of a quiet neighbourhood, this European-inspired cafe boasts a cosy interior that is perfect for a leisurely brunch or casual dinners. The menu offers coffee, ice cream and mains such as pasta, pan-seared chicken chop, burgers and more. Ice cream-wise, expect unique flavours like Osmanthus Oolong, Milo Dino, Candy Bubblegum and Bourbon. For those on a budget, you’ll be glad to know that this place is also GST-free!
Cuppafield is at 446 Bt Batok West Ave 8 #01-01, Singapore 650446. Opens Tues to Sun from 11.30am to 8.30pm. Visit its Facebook page for more information.
23. Le Rida
Offering Mediterranean, French and Indian food, enjoy multiple cuisines at Le Rida. Each dish is prepared with fresh and authentic ingredients which brings out the authentic flavours from the Middle East, France and India. Popular dishes include Beef Shikaf Kebab and Mixed Seafood Grill. Don’t miss its signature dessert, baklava served with mixed nuts.
Le Rida is at 903 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 589620. Opens Sun to Thurs (11.30am to 11pm), and Fri and Sat (11.30am to 11.30pm). Visit its website for more information.
North
24. Moin Moin Gelato
If you’re in the North and after an icy treat, head to Moin Moin Gelato, where you can dive into Oriental-inspired gelato flavours like osmanthus lychee and tie guan yin with peach compote. For something more substantial, the cafe also serves bakes like waffles and brownies.
Moin Moin Gelato is at 930 Yishun Central 1, #01-125, Singapore 760930. Visit its Instagram page for more information.
25. Nicher
Craving some delicious pastries? Head down to Nicher to get your croissant and coffee fix. Opened by an ex-MBS chef, Nicher offers a wide selection of croissants, from the classic option to unique flavours like mango passionfruit, Biscoff and matcha white chocolate. The menu also offers kouign-amann, financiers, cheesecake and more!
Nicher is at 60 Springside Walk, The Brooks I, #01-08, Singapore 786020. Opens Mon to Sat from 8.30am to 5pm. Closed on Sun. For more information, visit here.
26. No Horse Run Cafe
No Horse Run Cafe’s quirky name might sound ring a bell if you are a Hokkien speaker. Its name is a direct translation of the Hokkien phrase “bo beh zao” which means being incomparable or in a league of its own. This cafe offers affordable all-day dining alongside gelatos with unique flavours such as muah chee, lemongrass panda and smoked milk with cacao nib. For a departure from the usual normal waffle and ice-cream pairings, try its Gula Melaka waffles!
Only selected outlets at Yishun and Ang Mo Kio are eligible for the use of CDAC vouchers. No Horse Run Cafe is located at 202 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-1682 (Central) and 160 Yishun Street 11, #01-216.
27. The Urban Hideout
Calling all coffee and gelato lovers, here is another pet-friendly place that you can bring your furkids to! The Urban Hideout has an extensive menu which includes their signature brunch, all-day mains, and a dinner menu. Whether you’re a fan of local flavours or classic Western cuisine, The Urban Hideout has got it all. For a more local touch, opt for the Nyonya curry chicken. Or if it’s a hearty roast, try the BBQ US Spare Ribs with mash and potato wedges. Afraid your furry friends might get hungry? Fret not, they get their own menu, too!
The Urban Hideout is at 60 Springside Walk #01-05, The Brooks 1, Singapore 786020. Opens Tues to Fri, 12pm to 10.30pm, Sat to Sun, 10.30am to 10.30pm. Closed on Tuesdays. For more information, visit here.
This article first appeared in Singapore Women’s Weekly.