15 Dhoby Ghaut Food Gems, Including DIY Mac and Cheese, Affordable Omakase And More

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Dhoby Ghaut food guide

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I used to frequent Plaza Singapura at Dhoby Ghaut regularly as a kid. My family and I would catch a movie, and walk around Spotlight and Marks & Spencer, before getting a meal at a restaurant or the food court. However, I eventually realised that Dhoby Ghaut doesn’t just consist of Plaza Singapura; there are so many more places to explore in the area. Here are a handful for those who are in search of good food at Dhoby Ghaut.

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1. The Big Cheese 

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Image credit: thebigcheese via Instagram

Customise your mac and cheese at The Big Cheese at $5.90! If you can’t decide what to get, try their signature The Big Cheese ($7.90) – a mixture of truffle mac and cheese and pulled beef, topped with gruyere. Another must-try would be their All American ($7.90). Topped off with a runny sunny side up, the dish is made up of classic mac and cheese, crispy bacon and sausage. 

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The Big Cheese is a Muslim-owned eatery.

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2. Thai Gold Food

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Image credit: cassandrachong_ via Instagram

Thai Gold Food is often packed with students due to its affordable prices. Many have sung praises about their Basil Pork Rice ($6.50), but don’t limit yourself to that. They offer many classic Thai dishes, including Tom Yum Goong ($13) and Pad Thai ($6), as well as more interesting dishes such as Fried Green Curry Chicken Rice ($6). Wash it all down with their Thai Iced Milk Tea that’s priced at $2!

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Thai Gold Food is not a halal-certified eatery.

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3. I’m Kim Korean BBQ

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You’d often see I’m Kim Korean BBQ bustling with people, especially during lunch, due to their affordable prices. At $18.90++ for a weekday buffet lunch, you get to help yourself with the array of meat and side dishes. Don’t miss out on their spicy volcano chicken and kimchi pancake; many will be fighting for them, so don’t snooze or you’ll lose. The buffet goes at $28.90++ for dinner every Monday to Thursday, $18.90++ for weekend lunches, and $29.90++ for dinner every Friday to Sunday.

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I’m Kim Korean BBQ is not a halal-certified eatery.

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4. Mama Diam

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Here’s a place for nostalgia seekers: Mama Diam is a speakeasy decorated to look like a mama store, a small provision store in our neighbourhoods that has become an important part of the millennial zeitgeist. Even better, the bar offers familiar local cuisines with a fun and trendy twist. Our favourite was the Chilli Soft Shell Crab Bao ($23++) as the well-seasoned house-made chilli crab sauce was incredibly delicious. We recommend pairing your meal with their specially curated cocktails, such as The OG Kopi ($20++), which features a whisky base combined with a Nanyang traditional coffee.

From our Mama Diam review: “Offset against a lettuce leaf, each bite was a sweet and savoury delight. Considering how hefty and filling the [Chilli Soft Shell Crab Bao] was, I think you’re getting bang for your buck at $5 a pop.”

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Mama Diam is not a halal-certified eatery.

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5. Freshio Gelato 

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Image credit: PR DV via Google Maps

Freshio Gelato is Dhoby Ghaut’s most well-kept secret, serving more than 30 flavours of gelato, bingsu, and more. Each pint of gelato is churned by a special machine daily, to achieve its perfectly creamy and dense texture. Popular flavours include Black Sesame, MSW Durian, Bourbon Chocolate, Pancake, Turkish Hazelnut, and Sicilian Pistachio. If you’re not one to eat your ice cream on its own, there are multiple pairings you can enjoy here. This includes cone, waffle, croffle, crepe, and even panini bread. Else, a cup is priced at $4.20 for classic and $5 for premium flavours. 

Check out our Freshio Gelato feature.

Address: 91 Bencoolen Street, 01-60, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 12pm to 10pm
Tel: 6970 0358
Website
Freshio Gelato is not a halal-certified eatery. 

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6. LaJiangShan Hotpot

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Enjoy me-time at LaJiangShan Hotpot, where each diner has its own mini hotpot and grill! The restaurant offers a cheap weekday lunch buffet at $18.80++ only, with free-flow ingredients such as Lobster Balls, and King Oyster Mushrooms, along with marinated meats such as their Secret Spicy Chicken. The dinner buffet is also relatively affordable at $28.80++ with premium ingredients such as Flower Crab, Fish Ball With Fish Roe, and American Beef. FYI, the restaurant opens till 6am, which makes them a great supper spot!

From our LaJiangShan Hotpot review: “The pork belly was paper-thin and delightfully fragile. A quick swish was all it took to cook completely and melt apart in my mouth.”

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LaJiangShan Hotpot is not a halal-certified eatery.

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7. Rochor Original Beancurd

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Image credit: Darren Sim via Google Maps 

For a late-night dessert spot, Rochor Original Beancurd is here to serve till 12:30am during the weekends! The eatery has been serving since 1955, so you know their offerings are legit. Get their famous Hot/Cold Beancurd ($2), Hot/Cold Soya bean Milk ($1.50), and Cold Grass Jelly ($2.50). Else, they are also known for snacks such as the Egg Tart ($2.50), Salted Bun ($1.50), and You Tiao ($1.50).

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Rochor Original Beancurd is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

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8. Pi Food

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Image credit: Pi Food via Google Maps 

Led by an ex-restaurant chef, this modern cha chaan teng has over 100 items on the menu. Out of the many dishes available, their must-tries include the Iberico Pork Chop served with Shallot Oil and Rice ($16.00++) and Feng Cheng Shrimp Dumpling Noodle ($10.80++). Many customers love their dishes for the prominent taste of wok hei in each dish! Also, Pi Food makes for a great lunch spot for those working or studying around the area as it’s located near the MRT Station.

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Pi Food is not a halal-certified eatery.

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9. Ganko Sushi

 

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Omakase tends to be pricey in Singapore, but Ganko Sushi proves otherwise with their Chef’s Value Omakase priced at $98++ per person only! You can sit in front of the chef for more action, as he flame-torches the fish right by the bar! However, if you would rather order the dishes individually, they cost a bit more as the signature Sashimi Platter 8 Types costs $122++. This Japanese restaurant is also great for important corporate lunches, or simply to impress your date! 

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Ganko Sushi is not a halal-certified eatery.

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10. Lilac Oak

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Image credit: lilac.oak via Instagram 

This one is for those who love their greens: Lilac Oak is a vegetarian-friendly cafe that serves wholesome brunches! Their signatures include the House-Special Bibimbap with Sweet Potato Rice ($16.90+) and Gochujang Rose Penne ($16.90+). Another crowd favourite is the Mushroom Knife-cute Noodles Stir-fry ($16.90+), which features noodles made from yam that’s mixed with their secret sauce along with a variety of vegetables. Fun fact: the cafe is allium-free as well, making it a great brunch option for Buddhists. 

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Lilac Oak is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

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11. Kim Dae Mun

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This one’s for all Korean food lovers: Kim Dae Mun is one for the books as they offer cheap and authentic Korean fare. Their Kimchi Soup With Pork ($10.50) is a crowd favourite; this comforting dish comprises a mildly spicy soup with pork, tofu, and kimchi. We recommend paying an additional $1.50 for their Red Bean Rice to make your meal even more substantial. It is no wonder this place is always crowded with students and office workers during lunchtime!

From our Kim Dae Mun review: “As you can tell from the vibrant shade of red, the stew was flavourful and mildly spicy. Also, there was a prominent note of sesame oil, which I thought added more dimension to the refreshing soup.”

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Kim Dae Mun is not a halal-certified eatery.

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12. Co Chung

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Co Chung is said to offer some of the most authentic and affordable Vietnamese dishes in Dhoby Ghaut. Their Pho Beef Noodle Soup ($14.90+) is the most popular item—this tastes best when paired with side dishes such as Water Fern Cake ($9.90+), which comprises five pieces of steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, and drenched in scallion oil with a special sweet fish sauce.  For those who love variety in their food, there’s the Vietnamese Rolls Platter ($19.90+) featuring an assortment of fresh spring rolls, crispy spring rolls, a Pho Beef Roll, and a Nem Nuong Roll, which features grilled pork sausage.

From our Co Chung review: “Beef bone broth tends to be oily, yet this broth was clear and had no greasy aftertaste. A strong beefy flavour was balanced with the freshness of cilantro and a hint of sweetness for a hearty and comforting bowl.”

Website
Co Chung is not a halal-certified eatery.

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13. Cajun On Wheels

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This one’s for the seafood lovers: Cajun On Wheels has customisable seafood buckets (from $34++), where you can choose from a variety of seafood such as crabs, lobsters, prawns, clams, and blue mussels. If you’re not up for the messy experience, we recommend the Charcoal Grill Squid ($24.50++) which comes with corn and cauliflower. 

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Cajun On Wheels is a halal-certified eatery.

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14. Nanjing Impressions

 

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Image credit: Sammi Ng via Google Maps 

For family gatherings or corporate lunches, Nanjing Impressions makes for an ideal restaurant to visit. Their signature dish is the Jinling Roast Duck at $18.80++ per portion, which comes with a sweet and savoury sauce. You also get to enjoy eating traditional Chinese cuisine such as Steamed Glutinous Rice With Pork ($12.80++) and Honey-Glazed Stuffed Lotus Root ($12.80++). The former comprises well-marinated glutinous rice with pork belly slices, while the latter is stuffed with glutinous rice, and glazed with pear and honey syrup.

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Nanjing Impressions is not a halal-certified eatery.

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15. Arteastiq DePatio

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Image credit: Shirley Odelia via Google Maps 

Frequent visitors of Dhoby Ghaut would be familiar with Arteastiq DePatio and their vibey decor! This restaurant used to be known for their atas high tea, but now they are better known for pizzas. Their 72-hour aged pizza dough is what makes their pizza so tasty—the crust is said to be light and crispy. Many love their Parma Ham Margherita Pizza ($34++), but you can also treat yourself by trying their signature Boston Lobster Pizza at $59++. 

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Arteastiq DePatio is not a halal-certified eatery.

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Best Dhoby Ghaut food places

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Dhoby Ghaut is home to plenty of restaurants, and you’ll be able to find somewhere to fill your tummy no matter your budget. 

For more food places to check out around the area, read our Orchard Central food guide, GR.ID Mall food guide and SMU food guide. 

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Feature image adapted from @ganko.sushi_sg and Pi Food.