Yes, Your CDC Vouchers Can Be Used For Steak, Dim Sum & Brunch At Hip Cafes

1. Black Pearl Steakhouse

A family-friendly steakhouse along East Coast Road serving air-flown beef for nearly two decades. Black Pearl offers a range of premium yet good-value cuts such as the Argentinean Rib-eye (from $43 for 250g), Australian Wagyu Rib-eye (from $68 for 200g), and USDA Barley-Fed T-Bone Steak ($78 for 450g). More pocket-friendly options include three-course set lunches (from $28.80 per pax). Mains for the set lunch include choices of a Beef Stroganoff or Chicken Cordon Bleu. Non-beef eaters also have alternatives such as the Fresh Barramundi Fish and Chips ($30). Note that the CDC vouchers are not applicable for alcohol, in case you plan to pair your steak with wine. 

Black Pearl Steakhouse is at 85 Upp East Coast Rd, S455222. Tel: 6448 1732. More info via their website. 

2. Hello Arigato (Everton Outlet)

Hello Arigato is a minimalist chic hipster cafe chain with four outlets. However, CDC vouchers can only be redeemed at their Everton Park branch. Tucked in the heart of the neighbourhood’s HDB enclave, the cafe serves speciality coffee (from $5) and Japanese-influenced grub, like IG-worthy Tamago Sando ($14), Pork Katsu Sando ($25), and Wagyu Hamburg Gyu Sando ($28). Craving for more carbs? Order the Mentaiko Pasta ($22).

Hello Arigato is at #01-42, 4 Everton Park, S080004. Tel: 8308 0103. More info via their website.

3. Marie's Lapis Cafe

A cosy family-run eatery in Bedok offering home-stye Peranakan dishes and desserts. Marie's Lapis Cafe’s list of faves include the Mee Siam ($14), Nasi Ayam Buah Keluak ($16), and Beef Rendang ($18), all prepared using 81-year-old Marie’s uniquely concocted spice blends. For sweets, order the fragrant, lemak Lapis Beras and Kueh Salat (both $2.40 per piece) instead of the ironically middling Kueh Lapis ($3 per piece).

Marie's Lapis Cafe is at #01-575, 537 Bedok North St 3, S460537. Tel: 6970 8556. More info via their website.

4. Gig Cafe

This photogenic cafe in Tampines is known for its pink interior and aesthetic floral decor. Quite Korean-inspired, we think. Gig's other outlet at Toa Payoh also accepts CDC vouchers. The menu features Asian and Western plates. Choose from Korean Wings ($13.90), Wagyu Beef Striploin ($25.90) or a Breakfast Waffle ($16.90) laden with scrambled eggs, chicken garlic sausage, fresh fruit and maple syrup. Wash it all down with a sugar-free Longan Flower Tea ($6.90).

Gig Cafe is at #01-104, Blk 419 Tampines St 41, S520419 and #01-436, Blk 186 Toa Payoh Central, S310186. Tel: 6588 5688. More info via their website.

5. Yan Palace Restaurant (Hong Lim outlet)

It’s not often that you see a traditional Chinese restaurant (which has been in business for over four decades) on the CDC-approved list of participating merchants. Located at the foot of an old block of flats at Hong Lim, the eatery with garish red-black-and-yellow carpeting and maroon tablecloths has strong retro vibes.  

The a la carte menu includes their signature Pi Pa Duck ($44) and Roasted Pork Belly ($16), while dim sum fans can choose from morsels such as Mini Egg Tarts, Siew Mai and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, from $5. Note that the CDC vouchers are only available at Yan Palace Restaurant’s Hong Lim outlet (not their other branch in Choa Chu Kang).

Yan Palace Restaurant is at #01-49, Blk 531 Upp Cross St, Hong Lim Complex, S050531. Tel: 6222 2516. More info via website.

6. SteakGrill 

Another CDC voucher-friendly steak joint. This bistro in Ang Mo Kio serves affordable Western fare for lunch, such as Cajun Chicken ($10), assorted Brioche Burgers (from $14), and New Zealand Rib-eye Steak (from $24 for 250g). For dinner, there’s a pricier menu with a larger variety of both beef and pork steaks – more than 10 different cuts to choose from, including Canadian Pork Rib-eye Cap ($28 for 200g) and Argentinean Las Pampas Rib-eye ($39 for 300g). 

SteakGrill is at #01-783, 408 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, S560408. Tel: 8766 1412. More info via their website.

7. Cafe Wabi Sabi

Yep, you can use your vouchers to indulge in sashimi and chirashi too. Well, at least at Japanese-style Cafe Wabi Sabi in Everton Park. Expect ten types of donburi, from Salmon Chirashi Don ($22.90), to Pork Katsu Don ($14.90). These rice bowls come with miso soup and you have the option to make your meal a set (supplement $5), with salad and either gyoza or karaage chicken. The cafe also serves sides to share, such as Fried Oysters ($9.90 for four pcs). 

Cafe Wabi Sabi is at #01-79, 3 Everton Park, S080003. Tel: 6909 5431. More info via their Instagram.

8. Flock Cafe 

Strategically sitting in yet another hipster neighbourhood is Flock Cafe, a family-run biz established since 2012. This popular brunch spot in Tiong Bahru serves pastas, salads, burgers and all-day breakfast plates, such their Big Breakfast ($20.80), which comes with poached eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, potatoes and sourdough toast. Also popular here is the Striploin Steak ($21.80 for 200g). The dish comes with a choice of mushroom or black pepper sauce, and is served with crumbled broccoli, butter sauteed vegetables, plus mashed potatoes.

Flock Cafe is at #01-25, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, S162078. Tel: 6536 3938. More info via their website. 

9. The Larder Cafe 

Located a five-minute walk from Toa Payoh Public Library, this chill joint serves Thin Crust Pizzas from $15.90, 10 types of burgers, like the Black Mama Pork Burger ($16.50) with a charcoal bun, and over 20 varieties of pasta. If you’re craving something heartier, there’s Oxtail Stew ($20) and an interesting-sounding Guinness Pork Ribs ($22). Eating clean? Sample their Chicken Avocado Wrap ($13).

The Larder Cafe is at #01-124, Blk 177 Toa Payoh Central, S310177. Tel: 6253 8382. More info via their website.

10. Time Table Cafe 

Homely plates of pasta, baked rice and pizza, such as Beef Salami Pizza ($11.90) are sold at this simple cafe in Jurong, along with more substantial options like Grilled Lamb Chops ($26.90). Time Table Cafe also has an interesting variety of thirst-quenchers, from Mango Frappuccinos ($7.20), to Yam Milk Tea ($4.20), and Blue Curacao Pineapple Sodas ($5.60).

Time Table Cafe is at #01-726, Blk 456 Jurong West St 41, S640456. Tel: 6566 5088. More info via their website.

To claim your CDC vouchers, one representative of the household must log in to go.gov.sg/cdcv with their Singpass account. Flash voucher QR codes at participating merchants upon payment. Valid till Dec 31, 2024.