Daruma Tavern is a fusion bistro in Singapore where tradition meets innovation, blending local and Western flavours across a menu that spans Asian noodle and rice dishes, Angus steaks, burgers and craft beer-friendly bar food. Established in 2020, the bistro opened its doors in 2021 despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, gained public recognition in 2022, and by 2023 had grown enough demand to plan expansion — opening a second outlet in Punggol in 2024 alongside its original Springside location.
At its core, Daruma Tavern describes itself as more than a bistro: a place where communities come together, built around a shared passion for culinary experimentation and craft beer. The kitchen moves fluidly between traditional dishes and fusion creations, while the bar programme leans into a curated rotation of craft beers on tap, bottled craft beer from local and international brewers, IPA blends for hop enthusiasts, and a Soju selection for those wanting a taste of Korean spirits.
The bistro's food and atmosphere have drawn attention from Singapore media outlets 8 Days and Eatbook, with critics highlighting dishes like the KL Dai Lok Mee alongside the bistro's daring fusion creations.
Daruma Tavern opens with a simple mission statement: a bistro where tradition meets innovation. Rather than sticking to one cuisine, the kitchen moves freely between Asian and Western influences — pulling together noodle dishes, Japanese-style rice bowls, Angus steaks, burgers and pasta under one fusion-driven menu. The name itself carries a nod to hospitality, with the Chinese characters 客棧 (meaning something close to "tavern" or "inn") featured alongside the English name throughout the site.
Daruma Tavern's story began in 2020, during a planning stage the bistro describes as "the seeds of innovation" — location scouting and culinary experimentation that laid the groundwork for what would come next. The bistro actually opened its doors in 2021, right into the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, a launch the team describes as a test of resilience and commitment.
Things turned a corner in 2022, when the bistro began gaining recognition from the public. By 2023, that support had grown enough that Daruma Tavern made the decision to expand, and in 2024 it opened a second outlet in Punggol — a milestone the team credits directly to the loyalty of its customers.
The menu reflects that spirit of experimentation from day one. Diners can go the Asian route with dishes like KL Dai Lok Mee, Fried Hokkien Mee, Thai Wanton Mee, Oyakodon, Tonkatsu Don, and a Mentai Salmon Don, or head Western with Angus Ribeye and Striploin steaks, Creamy Carbonara, Fish & Chips, and a Daruma Porky Burger. Fusion touches run throughout — Prawn and Mushroom Aglio Olio, a Teriyaki Salmon served with soba wheat noodles, and a Tom Yum-flavoured instant noodle dish (Tom Yum Mama) that bridges comfort food with bold, spicy flavour.
Smaller plates and starters round things out, including Mushroom Soup, Wanton Soup, Fried Wanton, and a Skinny Salad for lighter appetites, while breakfast-leaning items like a Breakfast Platter, Scrambled Egg Croissant and Tuna Croissant suggest a menu built to work across different times of day.
Craft beer is as central to Daruma Tavern's identity as the food. The bistro runs a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, spanning hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, alongside a curated bottle collection pulling in both local gems and international favourites. For hop enthusiasts specifically, there's a dedicated IPA selection exploring different hop varieties and flavour profiles. Rounding out the bar, Daruma Tavern also offers a Soju selection, bringing a taste of Korean spirits into its otherwise fusion-heavy drinks list.
Daruma Tavern's approach has caught the attention of Singapore's food media, with features from 8 Days and Eatbook singling out both the bistro's ambiance and its signature dishes — the KL Dai Lok Mee in particular gets called out for its "soulful notes," alongside praise for the bistro's more daring fusion creations.
Daruma Tavern now operates from two locations: the original outlet at 25 Springside Green, #01-14, The Brooks II, Singapore 786015, and a second outlet at 654A Punggol Drive, #01-10, Singapore 821654. Both outlets keep the same hours — Monday to Friday from 11am to midnight, Saturday from 9am to midnight, and Sunday from 9am to 10.30pm — making it a flexible option for lunch, dinner, or a late bite with a beer. Tables can be booked directly via WhatsApp or by phone at 97343484, and the bistro keeps in touch with regulars through Facebook and Instagram.