Plan your annual get-togethers or catch-up sessions? City News brings you recommendations of affordably-priced meals for big groups.
It’s the festive season again, and you probably have a large group of friends looking for a nice place to celebrate. Don’t worry—we’ve done your homework for you. Here are some of the best places to hit both in town and in the heartlands for that year-end cell group gathering or Thanksgiving dinner.
FIKA (257 Beach Road Singapore 199539, Tel: 6396 9096)
On the Menu: Its signature Swedish Homemade Meatballs (S$19.50) and other Swedish fare. While the fare is similar to that at the other Swedish eatery otherwise known as Ikea, this authentic restaurant serves generous helpings and tastes like the real deal. Try the Langedrag (S$16.50), a cold shrimp salad with a mustard based dressing. The cozy, relaxing atmosphere is a definite plus point.
Pricing: $20 – $30
Vintage Delicafé (66 Bussorah Street, 199479 Tel: 6297 9591)
On the Menu: A good variety ranging from meat dishes such as the Fish and Chips (S$11.90) served with a salad on the side and mango tartar sauce and Rib Eye Beef Steak (S$18.90) to over 20 pasta dishes averaging $12.
Pricing: Under $20
Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro (#01-19/20 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, 237995 Tel: 6235 5466)
On the Menu: Tapas ($5), Sirloin Steak ($18) and other Western dishes. A meat platter (S$45) with steak, lamb and pork is great for sharing, but the real star of the show is their extensive wine collection (from S$8 a glass)!
Pricing: $20 – $40
P.S. There are three other Wine Connection outlets there, so head to the right one! It also gets pretty crowded with residential expatriates so be sure to make a reservation. With its hip and happening location at Robertson Quay, you’ll have no problem working up the festive buzz.
Grub Bistro (510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 569983, Tel: 6459 5743)
On the Menu: Basic brunch fare and great burgers. A breakfast set starts at S$15 and a must try is their slow-roasted pork belly (S$15).
Pricing: Under S$20
P.S. They don’t take reservations at the moment but be patient and aim for the alfresco dining area. You get a great view of the park and a nice place for a relaxing brunch!
Spize (336 Bedok Road, 469512, Tel: 6445 3211)
On the Menu: Check out their Western fare like Seafood Aglio Olio and Chicken Shwarama (S$5.90) for a quick snack. Their accompanying tapioca chips are addictive. If you’re in the mood for some prata (S$1.20), you’ve got the full range, from Roti John to a Thosai. Other local favorites include Mee Goreng, Nasi Lemak and Nasi Goreng.
Pricing: Under S$20
P.S. It’s the veritable supper hang-out of every person living in the east because aside from Spize, there are several other eateries along the same stretch. Be wary of crowds, but more often then not you’ll get your space for a quick, informal get-together.
Crab In Da Bag (Block D, #01-25 902 East Coast Parkway, Big Splash 449874, Tel: 6440 0083)
On the Menu: Louisiana-style seafood boil. It’s a small menu with just your basic shellfish, a few accompanying snacks (try the Crispy Cauliflower and their fried Silverfish) and great desserts like the Bananamisu. All shellfish is served from a bucket and dumped onto mahjong paper on your table. Put on your bib and dig into your shellfish with your bare hands. Try their Caboodle sauce and Garlic butter sauce.
Pricing: S$30 – $50
P.S. The real fun in having dinner here is sharing food straight off the table and getting down and dirty. For a big group of people, get their Caboodle Boil ($299), big enough to be shared by six to eight people. It has all the shellfish and accompanying potatoes and sweet corn.
Slappy Cakes (#01-20/21, The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road Singapore 287994, Tel: 6466 3303)
On the Menu: Pancakes. But these are no ordinary pancakes served to you on a pretty platter. You purchase a bottle of your selected batter (S$8) and you get to “play” with your food. It’s a DIY concept where each table is equipped with a griddle large enough for four people. Make your own pancakes and top it off with toppings (from S$1.50) from savories like bacon to sweet treats like blueberries and bananas.
Pricing: Under S$20
P.S. A fun activity for a big group to do together—don’t worry about it not being enough. By the time you’ve used a bottle of batter for a few art pieces you’ll be stuffed with too much pancakes. It’s very kid-friendly too!
