Excellent food finds in the West

Riders Café

(Update: Unfortunately, the last day of operation for Riders Café will be 19 Feb 2023)

For an unconventional dining environment, head to Riders Café, located in the middle of Bukit Timah Saddle Club. This gorgeous colonial-style café is casual yet effortlessly elegant.

Popular with families, Riders Café serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and light bites in between. Notable highlights include Crab Melt Sandwich, Kabocha & Kale and Conchiglie Beef Short Rib Ragu. It also has a small but highly raved about selection of desserts.

Unique to this location are the many horses trotting about in view from the café. It is definitely a surreal experience to be enjoying brunch around these majestic beasts. You do get the occasional whiff from the stables but it’s not a deal-breaker.  Plus, kids are always excited to watch the horses go about their day.

Address: 51 Fairways Dr, Singapore 286965

Suzuki Gourmet Coffee

The industrial area in Boon Lay is probably the last place you’d expect to find a Japanese teahouse. But here is where you will find Suzuki Gourmet Coffee. This beautiful and calming space will transport you to Japan and satisfy your wanderlust.

Unbeknownst to many, Suzuki Gourmet Coffee is one of Singapore’s oldest coffee roasteries and was first founded in 1979. Interestingly, the building it is housed in does not just comprise the cafe; it is a factory where they roast, grind and package gourmet coffee to a select clientele across Asia.

Its artisanal coffee uses single origin Arabica coffee beans and Hokkaido fresh milk for an absolutely divine caffeinated experience. Japanese Soy Milk is also available for non-dairy diners. Take the coffee experience up another notch with filer coffees, which is another of its signature item.

Not big on coffee? There are matcha and hojicha drinks to enjoy as well.

Note: There are no parking spots for customers within the factory but there are other parking facilities nearby.

Address: 8 Chin Bee Avenue, Singapore 619934

Joo Seng Teochew Porridge and Rice

The Westies’ go-to Teochew porridge stall, Joo Seng Teochew Porridge and Rice delivers in variety and taste.

With so many dishes to choose from, you might just want to get them all. To help you narrow it down, the tender boneless duck and boiled squid are highly recommended. The stall also serves braised sauce that you can scoop into your porridge for extra flavour and enjoyment!

Prices may be steeper than most Teochew porridge stalls but many would vouch that it is worth it.

Address: 14 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599738

Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak

Serving nasi lemak till late, this is one of the most popular supper hotspots in the West.

There are plenty of ingredients to choose from and nasi lemak sets if you prefer to keep it simple. A big focus of the stall is the fragrance of the coconut-infused rice. This  definitely comes through when you take the first bite of the rice. The chicken wings are also freshly fried and served crispy while the sweet-but-spicy sambal chilli pairs wonderfully with the whole meal.

As this is a supper spot, it is recommended to drive down before the late-night hours to avoid long queues.

Address: 221A/B Boon Lay Place, #01-106, Singapore 619332

Formosa Delights

Those who have studied at National University of Singapore will know the stretch of shophouses where Formosa Delights is situated.

The restaurant serves handmade noodles and a good selection of Chinese cuisines. Highly recommended dishes are all the braised pork rice or noodle dishes. Other favourite dishes include the stir-fried green beans with pickled mustard, the numbingly good fried chicken, and the green onion pancakes.

Portions are huge but prices are fortunately very reasonable.  Best enjoyed as a group so everyone can share the various dishes.

Address: 20 Clementi Rd, Singapore 129749

Carpenter and Cook

Located along the Lorong Kilat stretch in Bukit Timah, this bakery and café is a dream come true for lovers of all things vintage. Decorated with pre-loved collections of furniture, there is plenty to admire as you sip your coffee and tea.

Carpenter and Cook’s hand-crafted pastries and delectable cakes are especially impressive. They are made in-house by café owner, Shenn, who had trained at the prestigious Cordon Bleu in London. Be sure to try the Passionfruit Meringue Tart which offers a delicate balance of sweet and tangy!

Address: 19 Lorong Kilat, #01-06, Singapore 598120

Marina Bistro

Now this is really a place you need a car to get to – or a boat. Who knew that at the western-most part of Singapore is where you can treat yourself to good food and a gorgeous view?

Located within Raffles Marina, a country club near Tuas Checkpoint, Marina Bistro serves up local and Western fare such as seafood laksa, nasi goreng, lamb biryani and black Angus beef steak. Prices are fairly affordable, and if you are a member of the club, you enjoy a discounted rate.

It is a bit of a drive to get to but the stunning view makes for a great date night or a way to get the family away from the usual city lights for a while.

Address: 10 Tuas West Drive, Singapore 638404

Wine and dine in the West

Hungry for more? Explore the West on wheels and discover more food gems to bring your family and friends to.

Pro tip: The best finds are found when you are least expecting. So don’t be afraid to turn off the GPS and get a little lost. Afterall, what’s an adventure without a little detour here and there?

There are many more food gems to discover on the western side of Singapore so be sure to get a little more adventurous, keep your petrol tank full – or electric vehicle charged – and get exploring!

Main photo: Dobson Han