The Coastal Settlement

The Coastal Settlement is a homegrown restaurant, café and bar at 200 Netheravon Road in Changi, in the far east of Singapore. It serves local comfort food next to Western favourites, from crayfish laksa to baby back ribs. The venue is managed by Urban Group, which also runs Coolies' Union in Duxton and Long Zhuang in Changi Village.

The building has a long past. It was once Block 20 of Changi Camp, part of the old British military base at Changi. It housed the Royal Air Force's fault control centre and telephone exchange, run by the 19 Signal Regiment.

What to order

The all-day menu moves easily between Singapore dishes and Western plates. Local picks include:

• TCS Crayfish Laksa: thick rice noodles in laksa broth with crayfish, scallops, fish cake and tau pok (fried beancurd puffs).
• Hokkien mee: fried yellow and rice noodles with prawns, squid and clams, cooked in pork and prawn stock.
• TCS Nasi Lemak: coconut rice with sambal prawns, fried chicken and baked otak-otak.
• TCS Assam Fish Curry: a whole snapper in a sour tamarind curry with okra and eggplant.
• Har cheong gai: chicken wings fried in a prawn paste batter.

On the Western side, there are thin-crust pizzas, fish and chips, lamb chops, an Angus ribeye with mac and cheese, and a large Fisherman's Boat seafood platter to share. Desserts include homemade tiramisu, Basque burnt cheesecake and an ondeh ondeh cake made with pandan and gula melaka. Whole cakes and family-sized tiramisu can be pre-ordered to take home.

At weekends and on public holidays, a brunch menu takes over until late afternoon. It adds egg dishes, a big breakfast plate, a chicken croffle and a vegan breakfast, and keeps local dishes such as the laksa and nasi lemak. Vegetarian dishes are marked on the menus, and some other dishes can be made vegetarian on request.

The setting

The old military building sits among trees and lawns, away from the city crowds. Inside, the rooms are packed with antique furniture, old television sets, vintage signs and other finds from past decades. It is meant to feel like old Singapore, a place where families and friends can take their time over a meal. The bar pours cocktails such as the Singapore Sling, plus draught beer, whisky and wine.

Good to know before you go

• Booking: reserve online through TableCheck from the official website, or call the restaurant.
• Private events: the venue hosts gatherings, which you can arrange through the event form on its website or by email.
• Driving: there is a private car park, and a free public car park on Turnhouse Road.
• Travel time: the restaurant is in a quiet part of Changi, so allow extra time if you are coming from the city centre.

Nearby

Pair a meal with a walk at Changi Beach Park, or take a bumboat from Changi Village to Pulau Ubin. For cheaper local food, Changi Village Hawker Centre is a short drive away. If you want to stay in the area, look at Changi Cove. Browse more cafés and brunch spots in Singapore, all restaurants in Changi and the airport area, or our East Coast and Changi guide. Current menus are on The Coastal Settlement website.