If you want to feel like you’re in Bali while dining on Japanese food, then Jypsy is the perfect mix of the two. This casual Japanese joint is by PS. Cafe so you can trust that the menu will live up to its aesthetics. From classic maki rolls to unagi fried rice, their menu is filled with Japanese classics while their decor of wooded beams, wicker lanterns, and tropical plants harken to an elegant Bali restaurant.

#01-02 38A Martin Road; tel: 6708-9288

A lifestyle cafe that specialises in sustainable hand-crafted pieces and nourishing food, there’s no denying that Knots Cafe And Living feels just like a nook in Bali. Their menu ranges from brunch classics like Parma Ham Benedict to western signatures like Carbonara and their signature Knots Beef burger. It is also a furniture store where everything is for sale. From blooms around the shop to the decor around the cafe.

#01-07 160 Paya Lebar Rd; tel: 6817-0383

Nestled within Botanic Gardens, Botanico is a bistro-concept that uses fresh produce depending on the season. Its clean modern look is matched with the old charm of its original rafters and window shutters. There’s even an outdoor hidden bar you can visit. The menu is a mix of fusion items that don’t hesitate to highlight fresh produce. Be sure to try out the Wing Bean Salad, the Corn Panipuri and the Ondeh Ondeh.

50 Cluny Park Road, Level 2 Singapore Botanic Gardens; tel: 9831-1106

While Botanico is located on the second floor, its counterpart, Bee’s Knees is a cafe-concept open on the first floor. A dog-friendly alfresco cafe, Bee’s Knees is a must for couples and even families. You can choose to sit in their exterior garden seating or inside. Its vibrant and tropical wallpaper together with the wooden chairs feels just like Bali and we love the intimate experience here.

50 Cluny Park Road, Level 1 Singapore Botanic Gardens; tel: 9815-3213

Another notable in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Halia is located right within the Ginger Garden. You can have your pick of indoor or outdoor dining – we love the latter because the combination of wooden decor and being right in the middle of nature really takes you to Bali. But we’d recommend sticking on a mosquito patch or bringing a spray to keep them away. Their Paperbag Oven-Baked Halibut Fillet and Singapore-Style Chili Crab Spaghettini are their greatest hits on the menu and if you plan on visiting, we suggest you add them to your orders.

1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens; tel: 8444-1148

PS. Cafe has many locations but their Palais Renaissance one, in particular, takes us to Bali. Its cosy interior is hidden within a Projectshop clothing store and its understated charm is what we love most. The menu is true to savoury cafe classics like their famous truffle shoestring fries as well as indulgent desserts. The lush surrounding is sure to give you a break from the city.

#02-09A Palais Renaissance; tel: 6708-9288

With tropical wallpaper on one side of the cafe and oval mirrors laid out across a pink brick wall on the other, it’s hard not to feel like you’re outside of Singapore when you step into Kara Cafe and Dessert Bar. This vegetarian-friendly and pet-friendly cafe serve up comforting foods with robust flavours. While dishes are kept nutrition-forward like Tofu Kale Salad and Coco Cashew Grainbowl, desserts are another question. Their specialty warm skillet cookie is served in a hot pan and makes it the perfect indulgent dish to share.

617 Bukit Timah Rd; tel: 6468-8940

Take your seating outdoors if you want to gram (or simply dine) near the curtain of tropicals they have. Perfect for a classic brunch – we love their Earl Grey Pancakes and Poached Eggs With Avocado On Sourdough.

32 N Canal Rd; tel: 8398-4300

Plastered in pink, we love the fun and cute decor that Sugarfin has set for themselves. Sugarfin is an extension of Singapore’s homegrown cold-pressed juice brand, A Juicery. Aside from its known classics of healthy juices, they also have all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and even sweet treats like Acai Smoothie Bowl or Coconut Smoothie Bowl that’ll take you right to a Bali cafe.

21 Lor Telok; tel: 6533-1301

The Summerhouse Garden Domes is an immersive dining experience amidst their lush edible garden. And though it’s not necessarily paddy fields, being surrounded by nature and dining in the heart of it certainly makes for a pretty good alternative. For romantic or celebratory events, the garden dome is a perfect place to dine with loved ones. We recommend going at night to dine under the stars. Using only the best ingredients sourced sustainably from The Summerhouse Farms, their set menu has beautiful highlights. Keep in mind that there is a minimum spending of $350++ for two guests on Wednesday to Thursday, $380++ for two guests from Friday to Sunday, and an additional $120++ per person for the third to eighth guests.

3 Park Ln; tel: 8809-5840 

Tucked in the lush landscape of flora and fauna, Wildseed Cafe at The Alkaff Mansion stands on the gentle hill of Telok Blangah, This is a pet-friendly floral café and patisserie. Dine inside their unique garden conservatory, and feel immediately transported to another place.

Level 1 The Alkaff Mansion; tel: 8126-8484

The vibrant and colourful decor at Don Ho Social Kitchen and Bar is a dedication to its Hawaiian inspirations, but we think it’s just as suited for a short “visit” to Bali. Whichever the place, the medley of greenery, pink, and wooden accents is sure to make you feel like you’re on an island. There’s an open concept kitchen so you can watch the chefs in action, and we’ve heard that the dish to try is the Crispy Eggplant. Drop by at night for cocktails and indulgent treats.

1 Keong Saik Road; tel: 6223-5001

Easily one of the most Instagrammable cafes, The Glasshouse is well-loved for its natural light flooding through its tall glass windows. From the plethora of plants hanging around the cafe to the wood-accented furniture, it’s hard not to feel immediately at ease when you step into this cafe. Their menu is simple and their focus is on artisanal sourdough bread. We highly recommend the Avocado & Dukkah toast, the seasoning is impeccable and filling enough for breakfast or snack.

#01-03 Chijmes; tel: 6900-3237

This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly