The ultimate guide to Queenstown

Hidden away under the void deck of an unassuming HDB in Bukit Merah is the newly opened Rookie's Coffee Shop. First things first, space is really tight. We're talking about seating capacity for just under six exclusive guests. But if you manage to grab a seat for a quick morning sesh, this trendy alcove is plastered in muted colours contrasted with some brightly coloured furniture and lush green plant babies. Can't snag a seat indoors? Slug it out over the camper chairs and tables right outside to enjoy your cuppa – this laissez-faire seating arrangement seems to be the trend these days.

Here, coffee remains the focus as you can expect to find your standard pours served over the counter while the Aeropress option uses beans from Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya to offer a range of fruity to earthy flavour profiles. Come for the coffee, but stick around for the cool cred of finding a hidden café in Singapore.

Opened in 1974, ABC Brickworks has long been a favourite among Westies for hawker food. You’ll be spoilt for choice here, with nearly a hundred stalls offering everything from Hainanese chicken rice and Penang assam laksa to prawn noodles and oyster omelette. And if late-night hunger pangs kick in, this hawker centre makes a great supper spot as several stalls open past 11pm.

Opened by the chefs behind Mixsense Private Dining, Sin & Savage Bakehouse is a quaint little café situated within the Queenstown neighbourhood offering a great selection of sweet and savoury treats. Gather a group of friends so you can order more items to share and look forward to lounging the afternoon away over great food and conversations. While the menu offers classic brunch dishes like smoked salmon avo toast ($18), we recommend trying some of their pastas and mains like the smoked duck aglio olio ($20) and beef stew ($20). Don’t leave without trying some of their signature artisan donuts, sold in a box of six. Notable flavours include lemon meringue ($20 for a box of four) and hazel ganache ($27 for a box of six). 

This Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning stall constantly sees snaking queues for its piping hot bowls of laksa served in claypots. Claypots are used instead of plastic bowls to help maintain a warm temperature, while giving a distinctive smoky (wok hei) flavour. Don't expect the usual uniformly creamy gravy – the one here is split into a thicker coconutty layer and a thinner soup base.

Did you know that Colbar is short for ‘Colonial Bar’? This old-school kopitiam used to be a canteen for the British Army when it first opened in 1953, serving a selection of British beers and Asian-Western comfort food. Now, its menu has expanded to include curry, Chinese dishes, sweet treats and milkshakes. Regulars swear by its chicken curry rice and T-Bone steak with chips and peas.

While Keng Eng Kee manages the usual seafood fare with aplomb, the brand is more well-known for its range of zi char dishes. One of its homemade specialties is the prawn roll– crispy beancurd skin wrapped around minced meat, carrot and prawn, with diced water chestnuts added for a sweet crunch. It also offers a range of stir-fried venison dishes, for those who enjoy the rich, earthy taste of deer. Fish head is popular here, prepared in a variety of ways - deep-fried, marinated in black bean sauce, sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce.

This coffee joint has been roasting and brewing beans for over half a century and shows no signs of slowing down. Tiong Hoe offers beans and blends from all over the world. Ask for a brew from its rotational range of single-origin coffee beans roasted, ground and brewed in-house. Can’t get enough coffee? The team also hosts coffee appreciation workshops and sells roasted and raw beans.

Beat the heat and cool down with Carrara's homemade gelato and ice-cream, which comes in a variety of flavours like the classic chocolate, cookies and cream, Thai milk tea, sea salt gula melaka, salted egg yolk, and even smoked oolong. Believe it or not, there are over 100 different gelato flavours here, so you'll be spoilt for choice. The café also takes pride in handmade gelato that is rich in flavour and low in fat and sugar, with no artificial flavouring or gelatine included – a healthier dessert option, no less.

Plan a family day out with the kiddos and order comforting treats at this Aussie-inspired restaurant. Dig into stacks of pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup or French toast with honey for breakfast. Those looking for a heartier main can try the beef rendang rangu or battered fish and chips. By the way, kids eat free with every main course ordered on Mondays.

One of the oldest shopping complexes in Singapore, Queensway Shopping Centre is known to house many sports stores selling Nike, Adidas, Hoka and other brands at great discounts all year round. This shopping centre is also where you’ll find thrift stores such as Loose Threads and HonsiePonsie selling all things Y2K, from vintage sports jerseys to graphic t-shirts.   

Switch up your home essentials for new ones from the Swedish furniture giant. While you’re at it, check out the showrooms for ideas to jazz up your crib. If all that shopping worked up an appetite, stop by the restaurant for Swedish meatballs with mash and broccoli, or indulge in local dishes like mee siam, mee rebus or carrot cake.

As with wine, there's always a perfect cheese for everyone. And you'll find it here at The Cheese Ark. More than just artisanal cheese, the place specialises in rare (and authentic) cheese, sourced by the founder Ai Ming Syu who has travelled far and wide for cheese. Borrow her expertise in choosing the perfect one for you or opt to create your cheese platter (with help of course). The cheese selection changes weekly, depending on whatever is peaking.