Dearborn by Chef Christopher Kong: Renowned Granola Brand Opens With Delicious Breakfast Offerings in New Bahru

Over the weekend, we explored one of the trendiest spots in Singapore – New Bahru. This creative hub, housed in the former Nan Chiau High School at Kim Yam Road, spans five storeys and is poised to become a cultural hotspot. New Bahru is a vibrant cluster that features a variety of Singaporean brands, from F&B to designers and makers of all kinds, all under one roof. Although many shops are still undergoing renovation, with the official opening set for September, now is still a great time to visit the restaurants that have already opened.

First on my list was Dearborn, founded by Chef Christopher Kong. Dearborn began as a private supper club in 2018 before evolving into a small-batch granola bakery in 2020. With a stellar record at Michelin-starred restaurants Waku Ghin (2 Michelin Stars, Singapore) and The Nomad (1 Michelin Star, NYC), Chef Chris Kong decided to focus on his granola business, opening his first specialty store in Everton Park.

The second outlet in New Bahru is the flagship store, featuring a microbakery, shop, and all-day breakfast cafe. We were particularly excited about the all-day breakfast cafe, and it did not disappoint.

Our top favorite dish was the steel-cut oat congee. This savory dish features a base of steel-cut oats, cooked to a creamy perfection. Hidden at the bottom are succulent prawns and delicate scallop sashimi, adding a luxurious touch to the hearty oats. The congee is packed with umami and is incredibly satisfying.

We also indulged in a sweet potato roll with Dearborn butter. The rolls were exceptionally soft and pillowy, with a subtle sweetness of sweet potato. The creamy Dearborn butter added a rich, indulgent layer, making each bite heavenly.

Another standout was the seaweed madeleine. These petite morsels had a light, airy texture. The seaweed added a unique savory element that balanced out the sweetness of the madeleine. It’s an inventive twist on a classic pastry that’s worth trying.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without sampling Dearborn’s famous granola. The granola here is a celebration of flavours and textures, with a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that are roasted to a delightful crisp.

Dearborn’s all-day breakfast cafe is an amazing addition to this creative cluster, and I will definitely be back for another round of their delicious offerings.