Crypto food payment with digital assets is a small but exciting movement that is increasingly trendy in Singapore.
Despite the government restrictions over digital currency in Singapore, restaurants have gotten a lot more creative in offering crypto food-related benefits!
Some crypto cafes and restaurants allow using digital currencies as payment. Meanwhile, others have also started to host events for networking and even accept digital tokens known as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in exchange for unique dishes or drinks.
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What are NFTs?
For the layman, think of NFTs as a piece of digital asset that is stored on the blockchain once you own it. This asset can take the form of an artwork, a photograph, or even a piece of music. The owner can trade the NFT if they want more value from it.
An additional benefit that NFTs holders can get is to link their NFTs to real-world objects. For example, you can use the token as digital proof of authenticity to access food and drinks at a crypto cafe or cryptocurrency restaurant.
This trend is due to the popularity of NFTs, which have generated a fair following in Singapore.
How do restaurants in Singapore use NFTs?
Many artists and creators embrace the digital opportunities provided by NFTs. Since building a community for their creations is especially important, what better to form one than to serve food and drink with a great company?
NFTs become an exclusive invite to the latest events at some of these cryptocurrency restaurants.
Besides, in Singapore, eating out is a whole event. It's about being in the know and showing up on the scene.
So, tapping into the digital currency trend is an attractive marketing incentive for restaurants. With that, we see the rise in the direction of crypto food payments. If you are curious about how it works, continue reading about these places that utilise this digital currency.
Maison Ikkoku
Maison Ikkoku is a hip Japanese cryptocurrency restaurant in the trendy neighbourhood of Kampong Glam. It's housed in the lobby of a stately looking five-foot way shophouse with elegantly etched wall panels on the front door. Inside, the bare walls with bold paintings create a sense of mystery, perfect for a night of cocktails and good food.
The restaurant is a dedicated crypto food hub. Apart from accepting cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum for payment, it also holds regular mixers.
Investors, tech people and artists who may be interested in networking come to share more about their projects. These events are advertised on their website and also serve food.
That aside, the restaurant also promises a handcrafted menu with the freshest ingredients. So if you are here, try the 12 course omakase, which comes with a cocktail selection. They also serve exotic starters such as escargots (baked French snails) and a sexy-sounding seafood platter. The platter includes live Oyster, Salmon Roe, Sea Urchin, and Caviar in one piece.
You can choose from their extensive drinks list for those who prefer to have an alcoholic night. The bartenders can whip up bespoke cocktails if you are indecisive too. You're in for a good night with scandalous shot names like 'Cum Deep Shot'. It's a mix of Organic Anejo Tequila and Lemon Espum!
Maison Ikoku
20 Kandahar St, #02- 01, Singapore 198885
Joo Bar
Another cryptocurrency restaurant is the Korean restaurant Joo Bar. A cosy, dim bar in the heart of the city area, Joo Bar's vibe is laid back and relaxed. Nestled in the crook of a 3-storey shophouse, it feels like you stumbled upon a hidden getaway. Sturdy oak tables and anime drawings on the wall make this place feels like a dress down hang with friends.
Over here, crypto food payments are accepted, and patrons get discounts when they use digital currency. There is also a cashback system in place for using Bitcoin. They also host networking events for crypto holders here.
Lest you're wondering if that's the unique thing about Joo Bar, it's not. Instead, the menu is authentically Korean, with staples like seafood pancake, cheesy Tteokbokkki, Japchae, Grilled Pork Belly with house-made Kimchi and Sesame Dressing.
But it's their makgeolli, a milky Korean rice wine, that gets diners raving. In addition, they have launched local flavours like a thirst-quenching Coconut Makkeogli, which sounds like a perfect cool drink on a hot day.
Joo Bar
5 Tan Quee Lan St, Singapore 188094
Parlour Mirage
As this cryptocurrency restaurant's name suggests, Parlour Mirage is a spacious place with smooth white walls, overhanging plants, and picnic tables, resembling an oasis of peace in the tranquil row of shophouses along Owen Park.
Over here, while they do not accept crypto food payments, the restaurant has collaborated and hosted numerous NFT projects. In addition, they have also teamed with different tasks to offer their food and drinks as a form of utility for token holders.
But their food has also got people sitting up as well. The place serves Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. So expect delicious yakitori sticks like the tender Meltique Beef Skewers. Their yakitori sticks come layered with a specially crafted yakitori sauce.
The place positions itself as the first crypto food bar in Singapore, so alcohol is one of their specialities here. The servers are on hand to point out craft beers to throw back with the food, so don't be shy to ask for recommendations. The Furikake-Loaded Fries topped with Japanese mayo also deserve attention, especially if you come in a large group and want to share food!
Parlour Mirage
140 Owen Rd, Singapore 218940
Kopitech
This food court is not a cryptocurrency restaurant, but it’s worth mentioning. The ubiquitous 'Kopitiam' or food centre in Hokkien is everywhere in Singapore. So when you want an affordable, quick meal, you can head to a food centre and get your fix of local delights. Local food court operator Kopitiam which has a chain of air-conditioned food courts found in multiple malls around Singapore, is probably a tourist attraction in its own right.
But what makes the food court at downtown mall Funan unique is that although it still serves your favourite hawker food delights, the place has a contactless ordering and payment system. Patrons can order food and pay for it at the self-service kiosk or on Facebook Messenger.
Now, patrons can use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Creatanium to pay for their food. The foodcourt operator assists vendors in converting their crypto to real cash. This method makes it a modern crypto cafe, perhaps a glimpse of the future when other foodcourts follow suit.
Since it's a food court, if you want to get local food such as a plate of Hainanese Chicken or desserts like cendol, it's an excellent place to dine and try out Singapore's novel crypto food payment concept! Oh, and there's also air conditioning to make it a pleasant experience.
KopiTech
107 North Bridge Road, Funan Digital Lifestyle Mall, #B2-24, Singapore 179105
Sarnies Cafe
Sarnies is an Australian-owned cafe that delivers Melbourne's casual sunny chic to busy Singapore. They're no newcomer to the scene and have a strong following. What's new is that they now embrace the future of crypto food by accepting digital payments in-store. This is not just Bitcoin or Etherium, but even lesser-known currencies such as Dogecoin and Binance Coin.
Step into the British colonial-era shophouse where Sarnies is, and settle at their picnic tables. A fire engine red coffee bar and marble tiles give the familiar Melbourne feel. But familiarity aside, with the innovative payment approach, Sarnies appears ready to become a fully fledge cryptocurrency restaurant.
What's good here? The coffee goes through a micro-roastery process. So get a cuppa with some lovely latte art if you are here for the caffeine fix. Else, Sarnies is British slang for sandwiches. The menu is pared down and brunch-friendly, with avocado toast on sourdough bread as a star favourite. You can also go for the Smoked Salmon sandwich or classic Bacon and Egg Wrap.
It's also dog and bicycle-friendly. So you can expect to see furry friends and cyclists hanging around on the weekend. For those who want to find a crypto cafe which also accepts pets, you might want to get a sandwich and coffee here at Sarnies.
Sarnies Cafe
136 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068601. Nearest Station: Telok Ayer
Wicked Good
Wicked Good is an exciting crypto cafe that serves western grub. What makes them unique is the owners have their own NFT projects. Holders of their tokens get vouchers to visit the place and goodie bags. On social media, the cryptocurrency restaurant states that its goal is to offer a physical space for its token holders to hang out.
However, you can check out their wall with other Singapore art-related NFT projects proudly framed. While the place does not offer crypto food payments, they offer plenty of networking opportunities for influencers and creators. If you purchase their NFT tokens, you will have more access to these events.
The food here is wholesome and hearty. Beers and burgers are their themes, perfect for kicking it back. If you like spam, go for the Spam-kin' Good Sandwich. It has a drool-worthy list of ingredients: Spam, chipotle aioli, soft scrambled eggs, melty smoked American Cheddar and a dash of spring onions housed in brioche buns. You can add a combo of fries and a soft drink or beer to round off your meal.
Wicked Good
456 Balestier Rd, #01-02 Ascent, Singapore 329832
Cryptocurrency restaurants in Singapore
Here’s a list of the crypto food spots (restaurants, cafes, bars etc.) in Singapore.
Did we miss any good Crypto or NFT food spots in Singapore? Help us expand this list further by sharing with us your recommendations via email at contact@honestfoodtalks.com.
Why should you visit Singapore's crypto food spots?
Many investors see it as an alternative investment vehicle. As a result, crypto food startups have gotten more creative in marketing their tokens apart from the monetary benefits.
Whether you are an investor or perhaps curious about how it all works, you can head down to some of these cryptocurrency restaurants to take a look.
Many of these places hold networking events for different groups to come together and share ideas. So you might meet a digital artist who is passionate about their pieces or a tech evangelist looking to share their latest tech ideas. Throw some sexy-sounding cocktails, hearty food and live music, and you've got a recipe for a fun night out.
If you've enjoyed this article about crypto food cafes and restaurants, check out our list of great coffee places in Singapore to keep your crypto conversations going!
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