The Best Gourmet Shops and Markets on the East Coast

Is the East Coast Singapore’s new foodie capital? With a spate of new bakeries and restaurants joining some longtime stalwarts, it’s a haven for gourmands!

We’ve long been fans of the food options along East Coast Road, Joo Chiat Road and surrounds, but it’s typically been local favourites like laksa, thunder tea rice and Peranakan staples that have tempted our palates. Now suddenly everywhere you look there’s a new artisan bakery or master butcher — not that we’re complaining! East Coast mamas: here’s a roundup of all the fab gourmet shops right in your backyard!

We’re kind of nerds about sustainable seafood, and this awesome seafood shop is one of the only places we know in Singapore where you can get yourself wild-caught salmon (for more about the benefits of wild vs. farmed salmon, click here). The shop is actually run by some former Alaskan fishermen (just like the guys on The Deadliest Catch!); you can also nab yourself fabulous King Crab, Cod, Halibut, Shrimp and other regional products.

The Alaska Guys, 201 Telok Kurau Road #01-05 Kurau Court, 423910, www.thealaskaguys.com

This chainlet (they’ve also got locations in Holland Village and River Valley) carries a topnotch range of organic and gluten-free meats, along with a nice selection of frozen seafood. Modelled after a traditional Aussie butchery, The Butcher naturally carries a wide array of Aussie and Kiwi sauces, condiments, and even beers. And their small but selective assortment of ready-to-go meals are a huge hit (we’re particularly partial to their yummy sausage rolls).

The Butcher, 80 Marine Parade Road, #B1-83B, Parkway Parade, 449269, www.thebutcher.com.sg

Our own Foodie Mama, gourmand Ghillie James, is a huge fan of The Cheese Shop’s wide selection of high-quality British Cheeses, along with their excellent party platters and the convenience of online orders! You’re totally sorted for entertaining with much more than just cheese, too: The Cheese Shop also sells wine, tea and coffee, charcuterie and patés, chips, jams and spreads, olives, and plenty of sweet treats!

The Cheese Shop, 267 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427521, www.cheeseshop.sg

Our in-house Dutchie, Carlijn, swears by this gourmet coffee shop, which serves up a wide range of quality coffee beans from around the world, all freshly roasted and brewed. How do we know they’re legit? They even have their own roasting academy!

Dutch Colony, 113 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458230 (also available in other locations), (+65) 6448 5852, www.dutchcolony.sg

This local artisan bakery specialises in handmade breads, pastries and cakes, with a special emphasis on authentic sourdough levain. Pastries are baked fresh and hand-rolled daily using only French sheet butter (ooh la la!), while cakes are made from scratch without any emulsifiers or stabilisers. In short: you won’t find any nasties here, mama, only some truly delicious treats!

Enjoué Bakery, 174 Joo Chiat Rd #01-01, Singapore 427445, www.facebook.com/enjouebakery

East Coast mamas rejoiced when this Tiong Bahru mainstay recently opened up a new outpost on Tanjong Katong. Now you, too, can stock up on high-quality frozen meats, veggies and other slightly less healthy frozen goods, along with delicious coffee, cheeses, ice creams, yogurts, and a variety of seasonings and condiments. Foodie Market Place is such a godsend for busy families looking to get their meals organised!

Foodie Market Place, 313 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437096, www.facebook.com/FoodieMarketPlace

As the name suggests, Meat Collective specializes in high-quality meats that are perfect for everything from barbecuing to shabu shabu. Their stuff is flown in from top spots around the world, including Australia, the USA, Argentina and Japan, and it’s only available in limited quantities. Savvy mamas know this is the spot to go when you want to feed your fam the best.

Meat Collective, 342 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437112, www.meatcollective.ecwid.com

Whether you’re looking for antibiotic-free meat or organic veggies fresh from Australia, hard-to-find gourmet cheeses, or just some super yummy sandwiches, swing by this spot co-owned by the four Oh sisters and you’re sure to come away satisfied, mama!

Oh Deli, 421 East Coast Road, Singapore 429008, Tel: (+65) 6440 4409, www.ohdeli.com.sg

A premium butchery and specialty grocery store that’s also Halal-certified, ZAC imports fresh quality meats primarily from Australia, New Zealand and South America while also producing their own in-house selection of hams, cold cuts and sausages, all under the watch of their German Master Butcher. We’re also big fans of their yummy breads and cheeses!

ZAC Butchery @ Siglap, 1B Figaro Street, Singapore 458322 (also available at other locations), Tel: (+65) 6636 0939, www.zacbutchery.com