What to eat along the new Thomson-East Coast Line stations in the east

The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will officially open seven new MRT stations on Sunday (Jun 23): Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap and Bayshore. And commuters can even have a preview and travel along these for free on Friday, from 10am to 9pm.

In Singapore, this is always big news – not just because it promises better real estate prospects in the East or shorter times to the airport (eventually), but because for a nation of foodies, it unlocks new dining spots that were previously less accessible via public transport.

From hawker centres and waterfront dining to heritage brands dating back to the 1920s, these new stations are your ticket to discovering what you’ve been missing out on. And as every Eastie knows, these are just a sample.

1. KONTIKI

Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Rhu

Founded by the folks behind the motorcycle-themed Handlebar, this casual American diner swaps out Harleys for vintage aviation and nautical decor here. Imagine dining on cassette-tape tables, lounging on old aeroplane seats, or marvelling at a hand-built maple wood canoe, all while soaking in views of the waterfront.

Under a breezy, canopy-shaded patio, dive into American comfort classics like smoky BBQ ribs, flame-grilled steaks, and old-fashioned pecan pie. Don't miss their Cocaine Wings, ready to challenge your spice tolerance at three heat levels, and wash them down with a lineup of cocktails, beers, and wines.

Located at 11 Rhu Cross, #01-02, Singapore 437440. Check out their menu.

2. BLACK GOAT

Nearest MRT station: Katong Park

Having worked in Michelin-starred kitchens like Burnt Ends and Zen, the young and talented Fikri Rohaimi started Black Goat to sell burgers and charcoal-grilled delights. Befitting of its location in Jalan Batu Hawker Centre, they occasionally incorporate local flair, serving dishes like wagyu steak with galangal rempah or laksa leaf.

Each dish is meticulously calibrated to achieve the perfect doneness, but it’s their ever-changing menu that really piques curiosity. Each week’s offerings are announced on Instagram, ensuring only the freshest, seasonally available ingredients make the cut. Dessert lovers aren’t forgotten either, with a rotating selection from affogato to panna cotta promising a sweet finale.

Located at 14A Jln Batu, #01-05, Singapore 432004. Check out their Instagram.

3. THE LUNAR RABBIT BOULANGERIE

Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Katong

After leaving her corporate job, the founder of Lunar Rabbit Boulangerie dove into Le Cordon Bleu’s boulangerie course and emerged with a passion for viennoiserie – a fusion of patisserie and French bread. Here, croissants, danishes, and brioches take centre stage, with standout offerings like The Lunar, a crescent-shaped masterpiece filled with Mascarpone mousse and luscious Valrhona Manjari dark chocolate ganache.

If you’ve ever left their Hamilton outlet clutching a takeaway bag, slightly disappointed at not nabbing a seat, you’ll be thrilled to find that this spacious location offers ample seating. It’s the perfect spot to dig into hot dishes like the hearty Croque Madame or indulge in refreshing desserts such as the Belgian Waffle Soft Serve –a classic enhanced by the richness of French butter.

Located at 16 Hamilton Rd, #01-02, Singapore 209186. Check out their website.

4. KATONG MEI WEI

Nearest MRT station: Marine Parade

Katong Mei Wei ranks as one of Singapore’s top, albeit lesser-known, chicken rice haunts. And even if you don’t stay in the East, you would have heard of the legendary stall, renowned for drawing crowds to the remote mall.

Though discerning diners have said that it deviates from the traditional Hainanese rendition, they willingly overlook it for the complimentary soup. Unlike the bland broths found elsewhere, each bowl is a double-boiled Cantonese delight, whether it’s the lotus root and pork rib soup or the peppery chicken feet soup. The main event, though, is a generous serving of steamed or roasted chicken, sumptuously dressed in a sesame oil-infused sauce and adorned with crispy fried garlic.

Located at 865 Mountbatten Rd, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore 437844. Check out their menu.

5. DONA MANIS CAKE SHOP

Nearest MRT station: Marine Parade

Your visit to Katong Shopping Centre will not be complete without stopping by Dona Manis Cake Shop for dessert. Since 1992, the bakery has been making treats like chocolate tarts and buttercream cones. The true piece de resistance, however, is their banana pie, featuring a luscious banana paste encased in a buttery crust. It sells out early, so you might want to call ahead if you're eyeing a whole pie.

Recently, there’s been some drama that might give you an extra reason to visit Dona Manis. The banana pie, once an “exclusive” treat of Dona Manis, now has competition from Aunty Peng Banana Pie, a neighbouring stall apparently started by a former employee. But which one is better? The only way to know for sure is to try both.

Located at 865 Mountbatten Rd, B1 93, Singapore 437844. Check out their Instagram.

6. JYPSY PARKLAND GREEN

Nearest MRT station: Marine Parade

Did you know the group behind the iconic PS Cafe also has a Japanese gem up its sleeve? Enter Jypsy Parkland Green, and no, we aren’t talking about the one at Fullerton. While river views have their appeal, nothing offers an escape from the weekday grind like ocean vistas.

The restaurant’s interior rivals that of PS Cafe at East Coast, with deep blue hues and natural wooden textures reflecting its seaside setting, complete with a pet-friendly outdoor terrace for alfresco dining (for those driving, that is).

Signature items include tacos with a choice of salmon, hamachi, or tuna; and the Nest of Fries, sprinkled with truffle oil, wasabi mayonnaise, and teriyaki sauce. For those with a larger appetite, try the Jypsy Pan Roasts – a delectable combination of prawn, crab, and squid in a creamy tomato dashi stew – or the Wagyu Beef Dripping Fried Rice, which pairs grilled wagyu with kombu butter fried rice.

Located at 920 East Coast Park, #01-25/26/27, Singapore 449875. Check out their menu.

7. SIN HENG CLAYPOT BAK KUT TEH

Nearest MRT station: Marine Parade

With a history of over four decades, Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh whisks diners back to the 1980s with its nostalgic ambience. No need to decide between peppery or herbal here; Sin Heng offers both the fiery Teochew-style bak kut teh and the aromatic, herb-laden Hokkien version, ensuring all palates are catered to without crossing the Causeway.

The restaurant is celebrated for its claypot masterpieces, particularly the Claypot Prawn with Vermicelli and Innards Soup, and zi char offerings like the spicy sambal brinjal and aromatic sesame oil chicken. And let's not overlook the classics: prawn paste chicken and the Fuyong Omelette, both ideal companions to a steaming bowl of rice.

Located at 439 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427652.

8. CHIN MEE CHIN CONFECTIONERY

Nearest MRT station: Marine Parade (10-minute walk)

After a three-year hiatus, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery, a beloved establishment since 1925, joyfully reopened its doors in 2021, thrilling the old souls among us. Stepping inside, you are welcomed by an ambiance that stays true to its Hainanese kopitiam roots, with green mosaic tiles, marble-top tables, and vintage ceiling fans.

You can’t go wrong with a traditional breakfast of fluffy buns topped with velvety kaya, freshly prepared by slow-stirring each morning. But don’t miss their sugee cakes and cream horns either. After all, the name "Chin Mee Chin" means “genuine, beautiful treasures,” aptly reflecting the cakes and pastries inspired by the Peranakan, Serani, and Western communities that once thrived in Joo Chiat.

Located at 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903. Check out their menu.

9. BEACH ROAD PRAWN NOODLES

Nearest MRT station: Marine Terrace

Originally a makeshift stall along Blanco Court in the 1920s, Beach Road Prawn Noodles has grown significantly and now occupies two shop spaces. Despite being somewhat off the beaten path for train commuters, it remains a bustling hotspot. And with the new Marine Terrace station on the way, even more people are bound to crowd in for a taste.

Prawns are thoughtfully sliced in half for ease of eating, and each table is equipped with a metal bowl for discarding shells. The highlight, Special Big Prawn Mee – also known as Jumbo Prawn Mee – comes packed with hefty tiger prawns and is offered in both soup and dry versions. Equally enticing is the array of brightly displayed ngoh hiang, perfect when dipped in classic chilli or sweet pink sauce.

Located at 370/372 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428981.

10. ETNA ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Nearest MRT station: Siglap

Etna Italian Restaurant on the East Coast serves up Mediterranean-influenced dishes in a more relaxed setting compared to its Duxton counterpart. The restaurant can get quite snug on weekends, so it's wise to make a reservation or visit on a weekday to enjoy a 3-course set lunch for S$27.80. This includes a choice of soup or salad, a main course, and a dessert, with options ranging from pasta and pizza to meats and seafood.

Crowd-pleasers include the salt-baked sea bass, notable not just for its flavor but also for the chef’s entertaining preparation, turning one diner’s mealtime into a show for the entire restaurant. Be sure to ask about the weekend specials when you visit – there's always something new and exciting on the menu. And save space for the Tiramisu al Pistacchio di Bronte.

Located at 110 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455298. Check out their menu.

11. LA SAIGON

Nearest MRT station: Siglap

La Saigon boasts a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 500 Google reviews, and it’s easy to see why. This eatery takes pride in preparing food daily with fresh ingredients and traditional herbs, adding a surprising modern twist. A standout is their Fluffy Egg Banh Mi, a sourdough baguette that rivals a hearty bagel. Filled with scrambled eggs, kombucha pickles, greens, and mayo, it even comes in a smaller portion for those who prefer a lighter meal.

In the mood for coffee? Their unique blends of Arabica and Robusta beans, sourced directly from Vietnam's volcanic regions, also feature in the dessert menu. The La Saigon Tiramisu, for instance, is a decadent layering of velvety mascarpone infused with Vietnamese coffee, chocolate, and Cuban rum, offering a rich and complex flavour profile that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Located at 914 East Coast Road, #01-04 The Domain, Singapore 459108. Check out their website.

12. THE SUNDOWNER

Nearest MRT station: Siglap

Who said farms are only found up north? The Sundowner, a rooftop farm in the East Coast, bills itself as a nature experience centre for all ages. Kids will love getting hands-on with honeybees, earthworms, and ants, and creating their own terrariums or mini treehouses in craft workshops.

Meanwhile, adults who are feeling brave can plunge into an ice bath filled with 10°C water, with a refreshing dram of mead waiting for them as a reward.

While most farm-to-table dining stops at foraging for your own salad greens, The Sundowner takes it to the next level. Beyond learning to whip up pizzas and pastas from scratch, you’ll also get to roast your own coffee and make fresh sugarcane juice. To end the evening on a sweet note, join a masterclass on making honey ice cream or dessert cocktails, and then kick back with a movie screening.

Located at 705A East Coast Road, No. 705, Singapore 459062. Check out their website here.

13. HUA YU WEE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Nearest MRT station: Bayshore

Hua Yu Wee Seafood Restaurant, a beloved establishment since the 1950s, operates out of a colonial bungalow that once graced the seaside before land reclamation. Stepping inside feels like attending an eighties wedding banquet, complete with pink tablecloths and nostalgic dishes. This is the perfect spot to bring your parents or in-laws for some old-school zi char and score major brownie points.

Their signature dishes include Chilli Crab, featuring a thick, eggy gravy that's spicier than most but bursting with flavour, and Feng Sha Chicken, de-boned, flattened, and fried into crispy strips, served with a zesty green chilli dip. For a unique twist, try the tender Coffee Pork Ribs – a rare find at zi char stalls – offering a delightful sweet and savoury combo. And don’t miss the Orh Nee, a sweet, silky yam paste enriched with lard and pandan that is always a hit with elders.

Located at 462 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466508. Check out their menu.

14. FICO

Nearest MRT station: Bayshore

This one's a bit of a wild card because it entails quite a walk from the station and across the ECP (and it might even make more sense to Grab there). But Fico by the Lo & Behold Group needs little introduction, as it has become a social media sensation for its idyllic location and lengthy waitlist (reservations open 60 days in advance). What many might not know is that this picturesque white house is inspired by a masseria, or farmhouse, in Puglia, the homeland of Chef-Partner Mirko Febbrile.

Formerly of Michelin-starred Braci, Chef Febbrile brings his Southern Italian roots to life with a seasonal menu that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients, perfect for sharing. Must-try dishes include focaccina – a delightful fusion of focaccia and pizza – and handmade pasta. The pecorino cheese wheel pasta, a crowd favourite, requires a minimum order of two portions but is well worth it.

Pro tip: Can't get a table? Check out their kiosk menu for exclusive treats and curated picnic bundles, with baskets and mats for rent.

Located at 1300 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Park Area F, Singapore 468964. Check out their menu. Check out their website.