Guzzling bubble tea, queuing up for discounted items, and dining out at restaurants. These are the three pastimes that Singaporeans love more than most of their relatives, and these pastimes were taken away from us during the circuit breaker.
Reader: And Phase 1.
And Phase 1, yes.
Now that the country has shifted to the second phase of its safe reopening, residents can finally dine out with their friends and family at some of their favourite F&B establishments – or so we thought.
Sadly, many of our beloved eateries have crumbled beneath the weight of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Just so you don’t have to make a wasted trip to one of these establishments only to have your heart broken, here’s a list of F&B outlets that have closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Chi Kinjo
On 28 March, Chi Kinjo, a ‘modern sushi bar and highball den’, announced they would be closing due to the impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
Patrons will miss their mini-chirashi bowl, freshly sliced sashimi, and cheap highballs.
Breko Cafe
Breko Cafe is known for its gorgeous looking meals and relaxed atmosphere. The Holland Village establishment announced that it would be taking its last order on 31 March 2020. Yes, that’s even before Circuit Breaker kicked in.
They have been around for almost 20 years.
Isetan Japan Food Town @ Wisma Atria
You probably already know about this one, but if you don’t, make sure there are some tissues nearby.
Japan Food Town, the cluster of Japanese restaurants on the fourth floor of the Isetan department store at Wisma Atria, shuttered on 29 Feb, to the dismay of food lovers all over the country.
Isetan issued a notice to quit to the Japan Food Town Development for non-payment of certain sums.
Japan Food Town’s website posted a notice to say it’s closed and thanked customers for their support over the years.
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Spice World Hot Pot
This popular hot pot restaurant along River Valley road has also folded due to the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Vulcan Post.
Even if you’ve never been to Spice World, you’ve probably heard of their Barbie Doll In Wagyu Beef meal, where they literally drape a barbie doll in thin strips of wagyu beef.
It was weird, but it looked stunning.
Kushin-Bo
Singaporeans love buffets and Japanese cuisine, so when they found both at Kushin-Bo, it felt like striking the lottery.
The eatery was famous for its Zuwaigani (snow crabs) and wide array of sushi and desserts.
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Kushin-Bo confirmed in a Facebook post in April that it would be closing its doors for good.
7th Mile Seafood
Popular Zi Char restaurant 7th Mile Seafood announced in April that they’d be ceasing operations because they faced “too many operational problems”.
Customers will miss savouring their famous Red Mediterranean Prawns the most.
Hifumi Singapore
This one is a tough one to take.
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Hifumi, one of the most affordable buffet places in Singapore, announced that it will be shuttering on on 8 July 2020.
In case you don’t know, diners at Hifumi were treated to a free-flow “appetizer buffet” with the purchase of a main dish (usually below $20).
That’s a pretty good deal.
Hifumi thanked customers for their support and urged them to stay safe and healthy.
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Teafolia
The closure of a bubble tea store brings an immeasurable amount of pain to Singaporeans, especially one as beloved as Teafolia.
The boba establishment announced on 1 June that it would be ceasing operations.
Netizens bemoaned the loss of their Signature Fruit Tea and urged them to come back.
You can bring it back because they were allegedly selling their business.
Starker Group
Starker Group, a group that owns seven bar and bistros across the country, announced that it too would be closing for good.
If you’ve never tried their lychee beer and truffle fries, you’ve really missed out. Beer has never been so…unique before.
Plentyfull
No one makes french toast quite like Millenia Walk restaurant Plentyfull.
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The eatery served its last meal on 14 June 2020, after four years of good food and beautiful memories.
DC Super Heroes Cafe Marina Bay Sands
Who wouldn’t want to dine with their favourite superhero?
Sure, it’s not exactly Batman in the flesh, but the superhero-themed decor and menu was still a hit among lovers of good food and DC comics alike.
The cafe announced on 17 June that its Marina Bay Sands outlet will cease operations after five years of service because its lease had come to an end.
It’s unclear if their other outlet in Takashimaya would reopen. Some say they might change their concept entirely. Maybe to Marvel. Who knows.
Vianney Massot
Even one-Michelin-starred restaurants are not immune to the economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Vianney Massot, a french restaurant at Hongkong St, confirmed last month that they have shuttered for good.
They are, however, looking for a new address, so they might just make a comeback in the future.
Boufe Boutique Cafe
If you’re one of those people who can’t have a meal outside without taking a picture of it for the gram first, you might be familiar with Boufe Boutique Cafe.
The cafe closed for good on 30 June, according to its website.
Antoinette
Antoinette, a French patisserie and cafe, closed its Penhas Road outlet at the end of June. The establishment was known for its delicious pastries and buns, like the Milo Dinosaur Snowball.
There’s good news for its loyal customers though – its chef said he will be opening a foodcourt stall selling Hakka noodles towards the end of July.
SG Pho House
SG Pho House, a restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese food, also closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Customers will no longer be able to savour their signature Beef Pho Soup, sadly.
Oxwell & Co.
After seven years of serving British fare at its iconic Ann Siang Hill outlet, Oxwell & Co announced it would be ceasing operations on Saturday (18 July).
It’s unclear if the restaurant is closing due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, but the company said that it hoped the closure would not be permanent.
It’s certainly sad to see so many of our beloved eateries closing down in such a short span of time. Hopefully, with more residents dining out, businesses will pick up for some struggling establishments before they too have to shutter.
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