August brings 31 days and five Mondays—but for Singapore’s food lovers, the real draw is the lineup of exciting new restaurant openings. With the National Day long weekend approaching, now is the perfect time to explore everything from wallet-friendly nasi padang in Kampong Glam to affordable Peranakan classics under $10 in the CBD, a promising Italian tasting menu starting at $58, and a renowned Tokyo sushiya that just debuted a sister branch at City Hall. Here are five fresh spots to bookmark and feast through the month.
Sederhana Singapore: A Nasi Padang Legacy Returns to North Bridge Road
Indonesia’s iconic nasi padang chain has landed in Singapore, opening its first outlet at 738 North Bridge Road—a location rich with culinary history. The address was once home to Warong Nasi Pariaman, the beloved local chain that shuttered earlier this year after a 78-year run. Founded in 1972, Sederhana now operates more than 200 outlets across Indonesia, with additional locations in Malaysia and Melbourne. Expect authentic Minangkabau flavours from West Sumatra, including beef rendang ($6), telur barendo (deep-fried omelette, $2), and ayam pop (chicken cooked in coconut water and curry, $6). Don’t miss the gulai tunjang (beef tendon, $3.50), known for its rich, creamy coconut sauce and satisfyingly chewy texture. Pro tip: eat with your hands for the full experience.
Address: 738 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198706
Hours: Daily, 8am–5:30pm
Nyonya Next Door: Peranakan Classics Under $10 in the CBD
Fans of modern Peranakan cuisine will remember Cherki at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Now, the same team has launched Nyonya Next Door, a fast-casual spot in the CBD serving affordable classics below $10. The menu centres on three signature bases: lemongrass blue pea coconut rice, kerabu beehoon, or rich Nyonya black curry rice. Top them with mains (from $8.90) like eight-hour braised beef brisket rendang, assam pedas barramundi, or coconut chicken kapitan. A trio of house-made sambals—original, sambal matah, and sambal ijo—adds punch. Sides like otah ($2), chicken ngoh hiang ($1.70), and fried bergedil ($1.20) round out the meal, while coffee and tea start at just $1.80.
Address: 1 Shenton Way, One Shenton, #01-06, Singapore 068803
Hours: Mon–Fri, 11am–2:30pm & 5pm–7:30pm; Sat, 11am–3pm
Assaggi: Michelin-Starred Italian Dining at a Fraction of the Price
Chef Denis Lucchi, the force behind one-Michelin-starred Buona Terra and Locando, opens Assaggi on Neil Road this August 10. This contemporary Italian degustation restaurant prioritises flavour over form, offering a three-course lunch menu starting at $58 per person. For a fuller experience, choose The Signature Journey or The Pasta Journey ($88 per person), both served with welcome snacks and housemade bread. The butter alone is a showstopper: a mountain of whipped Beppino Occelli butter paired with honey-glazed brioche, balsamic reduction, and duck fat. Cocktails, curated by Japanese speakeasy Bar Kakure, are priced at $18 each and include the Assaggi Negroni, Paloma, and Sicilian Spritz.
Address: 77A Neil Road, Singapore 088903
Hours: Tue–Sat, noon–3pm & 6pm–10:30pm
Sushi Ryujiro: Tokyo’s Michelin Star Comes to Capitol Kempinski
A new omakase counter has arrived at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, and this one demands attention. Sushi Ryujiro marks the Singapore debut of Michelin-starred chef Ryujiro Nakamura, whose Tokyo restaurant earned its first star in 2021. The snug 10-seater sushiya flies in seasonal seafood from Japan four times weekly, but its real edge lies in Nakamura’s personal ties with independent suppliers—allowing direct sourcing from fishermen rather than wholesale markets like Toyosu. Choose from three omakase menus: Nigiri Lunch ($228), Lunch Omakase ($298), and Dinner Omakase ($428). Standout dishes include chawanmushi with rare konoko (sea cucumber) and a trio of tuna featuring chutoro, akami, and ootoro.
Address: 15 Stamford Road, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, #01-88, Singapore 178906
Hours: Tue–Sun, noon–2:30pm & 7pm–10pm
Casa Mori: Asian-Spanish Fusion in a Restored Barrack
Set inside a restored barrack at Dempsey, Casa Mori evokes a sun-dappled Spanish courtyard with high ceilings, terracotta hues, and earthy tones. The menu is a collaboration between Chef Willin Low (formerly of Wild Rocket, pioneer of Mod-Sin cuisine) and Kulto’s José Alonso, blending Singaporean and Asian flavours with Spanish techniques. The standout dish is the kalipoquetas ($16)—part curry puff (colloquially “kalipok”), part Spanish croqueta, filled with chicken and potato curry atop a curry aioli sauce. The garlic huajiao prawns ($32) offer a natural Chinese-Spanish crossover, combining huajiao wine and Sichuan pepper with an oily confit garlic base. A $35 weekday lunch set makes it accessible for a midday escape.
Address: 11 Dempsey Road, #01-17, Singapore 249673
Hours: Tue–Fri, 11:30am–2:30pm & 5:30pm–10:30pm; Sat–Sun, 11am–10:30pm
What’s Next for Singapore’s Dining Scene
These openings reflect a broader trend: Singapore’s F&B landscape continues to evolve with a mix of international imports and homegrown creativity. From budget-friendly heritage dishes to Michelin-calibre omakase, there’s something for every palate and pocket this August. As the National Day long weekend approaches, consider planning a mini food crawl through Kampong Glam, the CBD, or Dempsey. For more inspiration, check out our guides to the latest Michelin-star additions and Bib Gourmand spots—or explore new openings from previous months to keep your dining list fresh year-round.