Best food spots in JEM
JEM, located right by Jurong East MRT Station, is one of Singapore’s largest malls for Westies. It has everything you need under the sun, as well as tons of food spots to check out! Here’s our guide to the best food places in JEM to visit when you’re in the area.
1. Warabimochi Kamakura
Warabimochi Kamakura, a famous Japanese warabimochi chain, has made its mark in Singapore with several outlets dotted around the island, including their latest outlet at JEM. For the uninitiated, warabimochi differentiates itself from your usual mochi by being made out of bracken starch instead of glutinous rice flour—making it silkier and softer.
Customers seem to love their warabimochi-spiked drinks including the Strawberry Milk ($7.90/$9.90), Coffee Milk ($5.90/$9.90), and Tenku No Hojicha ($5.90/$7.90) among many other options. Else, savour these chewy treats in all its glory in a box on its own. These come in 5 pieces ($7.90) or 10 pieces ($14.90).
Check out our Warabimochi Kamakura feature!
Unit Number: B1-K25
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9:30pm
Website
Warabimochi Kamakura is not a halal-certified eatery.
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2. iSteaks
Image credit: iSteaks @ JEM
It’s safe to say that iSteaks has been one of the heavyweights in Singapore’s Western food scene for the past decade. They have an extensive menu of meats including pork, lamb and poultry, but they’re most known for their excellent steaks, with almost 10 varieties of cuts and breeds to choose from!
Image credit: iSteaks @ JEM
You can get a decent New Zealand Silver Fern char-grilled steak at $20++. Or go all out, and get more premium varieties such as the Australian Wagyu MS4/5 ($48++) and Australian T-Bone ($45++). If steaks aren’t your thing, the Pork Rack of Ribs ($20++) is also said to be exceptionally flavourful and cooked to perfection!
Unit Number: #01-08/09
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6285 8838
Website
iSteaks is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. Sen Sen Sushi
If there’s one thing Westies have that the rest of us don’t, it’s Sen Sen Sushi, a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant opened by the same crew behind Don Don Donki. That’s right, the popular Japanese supermarket chain has its own restaurant. They presently only have one outlet in JEM!
A popular item here would be their Oshi Sushi ($6.80++) which sees four different pieces of sushi: Salmon, Shrimp, Conger Eel, and Pickled Mackerel. This is not only an affordable option but a great one as well, since you get a good variety of sushi in one platter.
Another absolute must-get is their Seared Salmon with Mentaiko Mayo ($3.50++), which truly needs no introduction amongst frequent visitors of Don Don Donki’s sushi section.
Read our Sen Sen Sushi feature!
Unit Number: #03-27/29
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6334 0562
Website
Sen Sen Sushi is not a halal-certified eatery.
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4. Tsui Wah
Popular Hong Kong eatery Tsui Wah has an outlet at JEM! Established in 1967 in Hong Kong, Tsui Wah is one of the best places to enjoy authentic Hong Kong delicacies.
For a sweet breakfast, go for the classic Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk (price TBD) which sees two halves of a toasted, buttery bun drenched in a thick and sweet condensed milk, alongside their Milk Tea (price TBD).
But if you’re feeling more peckish, the Continental Breakfast ($13.80++) does the trick, with bacon, hash browns, toasted buns, sausage, baked beans, and a sunny side up.
For lunch or dinner plans, have the full spread of their Baked Fried Rice with Pork Chop in Tomato Puree (price TBD), BBQ Pork and Scrambled Egg Rice (price TBD) and King Prawns in XO Sauce with Tossed Noodles (price TBD) among other top dishes.
Unit Number: #01-38
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6250 9270
Website
Tsui Wah is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Eat 3 Bowls
If you take a particular liking towards Taiwanese food, go ahead and add Eat 3 Bowls to your list. The popular Taiwanese eatery has six outlets across the country, including one at JEM!
If you love a good ol’ bowl of lu rou fan AKA Braised Pork Rice ($5.30), this spot does it exceptionally well, with fatty bits of sliced pork belly coated in a savoury sauce over a warm bed of rice.
Else, if Oyster Mee Sua ($7.50) is more up your alley, they have that here too! Or if you’re having trouble settling on a single dish, go for the 3 Bowls Signature Trio Combo ($12.90) which gets you three small-sized bowls of both, plus their Shredded Chicken Rice ($5.90).
Read our Eat 3 Bowls review for more!
Unit Number: B1-40
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: 9828 2408
Website
Eat 3 Bowls is not a halal-certified eatery.
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6. Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
JEM is a treasure trove full of famous international joints, and one of them is the Michelin-approved Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice from Thailand!
Have a taste of their signature chicken rice by ordering a Single Portion for $5.20++, or upgrade it to a thigh piece for $6.20++. Although their standard chicken rice comes with poached chicken, you can also opt for the roasted version if that’s what you prefer.
The chicken is said to be uber tender and juicy, and the rice is fragrant and packed with flavour! Pair this with the fragrant chilli sauce on the side for a perfect bite. If that isn’t enough to satiate, get the Steamed Bass with Chilli Lime & Garlic ($28++) to share.
Unit Number: B1-08
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6694 1054
Website
Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice is a halal-certified eatery.
7. POCHA! Korean Street Dining
We can’t get enough of Korean restaurants so here’s another recommendation if you’re in JEM. Fashioned after an authentic Korean pojangmacha, POCHA! Korean Street Dining is a casual Korean restaurant serving up a variety of street food-inspired bites.
To start, add classics such as Gimbap ($8.90++), Tteokbokki ($10.90++) and Corndog ($6.90++) to your order. And don’t just stop at the snacks! The Budae Jjigae ($14.90++), a hearty stew of beef or pork with tofu, rice cakes, and kimchi, among other things is also a definitive must-have!
Check out our POCHA! Korean Street Dining feature.
Unit Number: #03-05/06
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 8321 1169
Website
POCHA! Korean Street Dining is not a halal-certified eatery.
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8. Seorae
With the sheer amount of good Korean BBQ restaurants here, it’s almost impossible to sift through the bunch and find the best ones. But one that’s well-loved is Seorae, which has outlets peppered all across the island, including one conveniently located at JEM.
What sets Seorae apart from the rest is their Galmaegisal. It’s a type of pork skirt that is almost impossible to find served at local K-BBQ joints. And if that doesn’t entice you enough, just know that they also call this cut the “Wagyu” of pork! You can get this at $33.90++ for 270g and $59.90++ for 500g.
Our team can confirm that it is one of the most succulent, juiciest, and sweetest pieces of meat you will possibly ever put in your mouth. Do yourself a favour and make a reservation to give it a try!
Read our Seorae review for more!
Unit Number: B1-10
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 9199 8729
Website
Seorae is not a halal-certified eatery.
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9. Kanada-Ya
Touted to be one of the best ramen restaurants from the Fukuoka prefecture in Japan, Kanada-Ya has a well-deserved spot on the Michelin Guide. They have several outlets all over the world, and three outlets locally: Marina Square, PLQ and JEM!
Like many ramen restaurants, their signature is their tonkotsu broth-based ramen, which comes in the form of the Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen Special ($14.90++). A bowl features their signature broth, pork belly chashu, wood ear fungus, spring onions, and nori.
It’s safe to say that their 18-hour pork bone broth is one of the best our team has tried, featuring a distinctive rich and creamy taste that puts many other ramen restaurants to shame.
If you prefer a little kick in your ramen, the Spicy Yuzu Ramen Basic ($16.90++) or the Mala Tonkotsu Ramen ($16.90++) does the job! The former comes with a heaping of yuzu chilli paste, adding both tang and spice, while the latter is enriched with the fiery flavours of mala.
Unit Number: #03-30
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6929 0505
Website
Kanada-Ya is not a halal-certified eatery
10. Aburi-En
Japanese donburi specialty restaurant Aburi-En needs no introduction. Their donburi AKA Japanese rice bowls come affordable and packed generously with an assortment of high-quality ingredients.
Crowd favourites include the Truffle Roast Wagyu Don ($19.90++) and Premium Bura Don ($16.90++). The former features Wagyu beef, while the latter features Iberico pork. For the vegetarian girlies, they also do a Plant-Based Karubi Don ($14.90++) that uses soybean protein!
However, the dish sitting at the top of the throne here is their Aburi Mentaiko Kaisen Bara Chirashi. This stars diced tuna, salmon, swordfish, ikura, caviar and tamago, loaded with a creamy mentaiko cheese sauce. The best part is that it is priced at just $19.90++—a super solid deal if you ask me!
Check out our Aburi En review!
Unit Number: #01-04
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6262 0238
Website
Aburi-En is not a halal-certified eatery.
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11. Sun With Moon Light
Sun With Moon Light is another Japanese eatery among many others in JEM, with their speciality being the lesser-seen Kamameshi (from $15++) aka kettle rice. For the uninitiated, this dish involves short-grain rice steeped in a bonito and kelp stock, and then cooked with ingredients such as chestnut, mushroom, konjak and more.
We recommend going for the Aburi Kaisen Bara Kamameshi ($22++) for a nice variety of ingredients, including salmon, unagi, scallop, egg, and salmon roe. To further substantiate your meal, add the Ika Siew Mai ($3.50++) on the side for an interesting spin on the traditional dim sum.
Check out our Sun With Moon Light review!
Unit Number: 04-13
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6334 1084
Website
Sun With Moon Light is not a halal-certified eatery.
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12. CHICHA San Chen
Image credit: @chichasanchen.sg
In my humble opinion, CHICHA San Chen deserves to be mentioned in conversations about the top bubble tea brands in Singapore. There’s something about the tea here that sets them apart from other chains, which isn’t too far-fetched of a claim considering how they use state-of-the-art tea brewing technology and leaves from their very own plantation.
Image credit: @chichasanchen.sg
Their Bubble Milk Tea ($5.30) is simple but one for the books, with an addictive creaminess and robust tea flavour that shines through exceptionally well. Alternatively, if you lean towards fruity concoctions, they also have the ultra-refreshing Iced Peach Tea ($6.50) and Mango Cream Pie ($6).
Unit Number: #01-17
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Website
CHICHA San Chen is not a halal-certified eatery.
13. Dian Xiao Er
Award-winning Chinese restaurant chain Dian Xiao Er is a pioneer in the roast duck department. The secret to their success is the use of Cherry Valley ducks, said to be one of the best breeds for roasting as they’re extra plump and juicy.
Choose from three types of roast duck: Duck Roasted with Ten Wonder Herbs (from $18.60++), Duck Roasted with Angelica Herb (from $17.90++), and Duck Roasted with Wild Ginseng (from $19.30++). Their signature is the Duck Roasted with Angelica Herb AKA dang gui!
They marinate the duck in a medley of herbs and spices before roasting and dressing the meat in their signature herbal gravy. Pair the duck with other zi char classics they have here for a substantial and hearty meal.
Read our Dian Xiao Er feature for more!
Unit Number: #03-08
Tel: 6734 0813
Website
Dian Xiao Er is not a halal-certified eatery.
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14. Paris Baguette
Image credit: Paris Baguette
Popular Korean bakery-cafe Paris Baguette has certainly made their mark in Singapore with over 20 outlets. They are most known for their large variety of cakes that are prepared fresh daily, making them a popular option for special celebrations.
Image credit: Belle
Their most popular flavour, which is also a mainstay item on their menu among many rotational offerings, is their Strawberry Yoghurt Cake ($10.60). This dessert stars sweet and tangy yoghurt cream and strawberry compote in between layers of soft sponge cake.
Another favourite is their famously creamy and rich Royal Pudding ($5.50), which many customers rush to purchase in cartons of six before they sell out for the day. On the brunch front, they also do tasty salads and sandwiches that are also prepared fresh daily, in-house.
Unit Number: #02-20/21
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6734 7765
Website
Paris Baguette is not a halal-certified eatery.
15. Tim Hortons
Canadian coffeehouse Tim Horton’s expansion into the Singaporean market has been a welcomed move. They first landed on our shores in end-2023, and within a year, have already opened over 10 more outlets.
Doughnuts and coffee are a match made in heaven, and here they have both! Their most popular flavours include the Classic Glaze Donut ($2.90), Maple Salted Caramel Donut ($3.50), and Boston Cream ($3.50). Other than the regular doughnuts, they are also known for their Timbits, which are the perfect size for popping into the mouth. These range from $1 to $1.50, or you can get them in a box of ten ($10).
Pair these with their range of beverage options such as their famous Iced Capps, which are essentially ice-blended drinks, perfect for conquering the heat! These come in flavours such as Maple French Vanilla ($7.50/$8.40/$9.30) and Belgian Chocolate Mocha ($7.50/$8.10/$8.70).
Check out our Tim Hortons VivoCity feature!
Unit Number: #01-47
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Tel: 6988 9526
Website
Tim Hortons is not a halal-certified eatery
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16. Twyst
Image credit: Twyst
When I first discovered Twyst as a broke student, it seemed like a godsend. Twyst allows you to customise your pasta however you like it, with six different sauces, your preferred pasta shape, as well as a choice of protein with options such as poached chicken, beef pepperoni, shrimp, and smoked duck. The best part is that their prices start at just $7.90 a bowl.
As for pastas, there’s the classic Aglio Olio ($7.90), Creamy Alfredo ($9.90), and Tomato Pomodoro ($8.90) as well as Asian-infused offerings: Laksa Olio ($9.90), Butternut Kombu ($9.90), and Miso Butter ($9.90). For a well-balanced meal, you can also add on toppings such as baby spinach, mushrooms, kale, and even sous vide egg to zhng it up!
Unit Number: B1-K14
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 9pm
Website
Twyst is a halal-certified eatery
17. Tonkatsu EN-biton
Crispy, juicy, savoury, and tender are all things a good piece of tonkatsu should be. And here’s an eatery that does the Japanese crispy-fried cutlet justice: Tonkatsu ENbiton. They use a breed that feeds on primarily yuzu, resulting in pork that is higher in nutritional value, as well as extra juicy and flavourful.
The Yuzu Hire Katsu Set ($23++) uses leaner cuts but manages to retain its tenderness. Pair this with the ground sesame seeds and tonkatsu sauce you get on the side for an additional layer of umami and tang. Other than tonkatsu, they also serve the beef version, gyukatsu, here. Go all out with the Miyazaki Gyukatsu ($39++), which uses premium A4/A5 Wagyu beef!
Check out our Tonkatsu ENbiton review!
Unit Number: #01-16
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6334 7633
Website
Tonkatsu ENBiton is not a halal-certified eatery.
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18. Tiong Bahru Bakery
Singapore’s pride and joy, Tiong Bahru Bakery, has over 20 outlets in Singapore. They even made an expansion into international markets!
Their Croissants ($4.20) are said to be one of the best in the game: crispy, soft, flaky, and buttery at once. But if you’re no plain jane, they also have a variety of other more interesting viennoiseries: Pain Au Chocolat ($4.50), Chocolate Kouign Aman ($7), Almond Croissant ($5.80) and more.
Don’t forget to order yourself a drink from their extensive beverage menu with the likes of Espresso ($5), Flat White ($6), Hojicha Latte ($6.50), Turmeric Latte ($6.50), and TBB Teh Tarik ($7) among many others.
Unit Number: #01-34/35
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: 6877 4812
Website
Tiong Bahru Bakery is not a halal-certified eatery
19. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
If you’re a bak kut teh aficionado, you’ve probably already tried the fare at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh which has even earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot. The business started in 1969, and has since amassed a cult following.
Finding a good bak kut teh that is both rich in flavour broth-wise and abundant in meat seems to be a scarcity these days—but thankfully Song Fa’s checks both boxes. Each serving of their Pork Ribs Soup ($8.80++) comes with meaty, tender pieces of pork ribs.
But the star of the show here is the broth which is brimming with the flavour of the pork bones and carries a really nice kick from the pepper. Additionally, don’t end your trip without getting the Braised Large Intestines ($9.30++) on the side, chewy and packed with flavour!
Read our Song Fa Bak Kut Teh review!
Unit Number: B1-09
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 11am to 9:30pm, Sat 10:30am to 9:30pm, Sun 10:30am to 9pm
Website
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh is not a halal-certified eatery.
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20. D’Penyetz
Image credits: Aida R
Ayam penyet is truly one of the dishes you can never go wrong with. Crispy fried chicken is pounded against stone to make it more tender, and then paired with a sweet and fiery sambal that takes it to the next level. If that strikes your fancy, look no further than D’Penyetz!
Image credit: Sheng
A favourite here has to be the D’Penyetz Smashed Chicken Set ($7.90++), which lets you opt between the thigh and breast piece. As for the sambal, you can customise it to your liking; there are five levels of spice from Mild to Shiok Spicy.
Unit Number: #05-02
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Tel: 8452 4060
Website
D’Penyetz is a halal-certified eatery.
What to eat in JEM
Whether you’re craving bubble tea, pastries, cheap pasta or Japanese food, JEM is one of the best malls in Singapore to get your dinner plans fixed, especially if you live in the West. For more food recommendations in the area, check out our Westgate food guide or Jurong Point food guide.
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The post JEM Food Guide: 20 Best Places for Warabimochi, Michelin-Approved BKT And More appeared first on EatBook.sg – Local Singapore Food Guide And Review Site.
