Where Should You Go for a First Lunch Date in Singapore?
Best Lunch Date Singapore Spots: Why Typhoon Cafe's Buffet Is the Easy Choice for First Dates
Picking a lunch date spot in Singapore comes down to one question: casual or formal? For a relaxed first date where the goal is good conversation, not a production, Typhoon Cafe hits the mark — and for this year, its lunch buffet (from $19.90++ per person) is the easiest way to do it. No deciding who orders what, no awkward "you sure you don't want more?" — just a shared spread of Taiwanese comfort food and room to actually talk.
Casual or Formal? What to Consider on First Date.
Casual lunch dates are best for:
Early dates or low-pressure catch-ups
A relaxed, open vibe that makes conversation easy
Buffet or set menus, sharing plates
A typical spend of $20–$30 per person
Example: Typhoon Cafe
Formal lunch dates are best for:
Milestones, anniversaries, or special occasions
A polished, intentional atmosphere
Multi-course tasting menus, sometimes with wine pairing
A typical spend of $80 and up per person
Example: Michelin-starred fine dining
There's no wrong answer here — it depends on the occasion and how well you know your date. For a first date or a simple weekday lunch, casual almost always wins: less pressure, more time to actually connect.
Why Typhoon Cafe Works for a First Date
The setting — no private rooms, no stiff formality, just an open, warm space where you can talk and laugh without feeling watched
The price — high-quality Taiwanese dishes and desserts without the fine-dining bill
The location — Plaza Singapura, easy to reach and good for a lunch date before or after other plans
Highlight: The Lunch Buffet (New Top Pick for 2026)
If you want the simplest possible date-day decision, skip the menu-scanning altogether and go for the buffet. It's built exactly for this — a spread big enough that neither of you has to compromise on what to order.
Dining time is 80 minutes per seating. An additional $3++ per person applies Friday to Sunday, on public holidays, and on eves of special occasions.
Appetisers — Sweet & Sour Radish, Chuka Wakame, Black Fungus Salad, Mala Edamame
Chef's Picks — Three-Cup Chicken, Hong Shao Tofu
Steamed Dim Sum — Taiwanese Steamed Dumplings, Sichuan-style Spicy Wontons, Sweet Purple Potato Buns, Pork Xiao Long Bao
Rice & Noodles — Signature Taiwanese Oyster Mee Sua, Braised Pork Rice, Garlic Fried Rice, Spicy Scallion Oil Noodles
Fried Snacks — Salt & Pepper Chicken, Fish Tempura, Takoyaki, Deep Fried Sweet Potato Balls
Soups — Chicken and Goji Berry Soup, Wax Gourd and Clam Soup
Braised Snacks — Pork Intestines, Pork Skin, Kelp Knots, Radish, Beef Tendon, Marbled Tea Egg, Shiitake Mushrooms, Quail Egg
Dessert — Aiyu Jelly
Why it's a smart first-date pick: you both graze the same spread instead of committing to one dish each, which takes the "what if they don't like what I ordered" worry off the table entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the best lunch date spot in Singapore for a first date? Typhoon Cafe is a strong pick for a first date thanks to its casual, open setting and buffet-and-set-menu options that keep ordering simple and pressure-free.
How much is the Typhoon Cafe lunch buffet? The lunch buffet runs from $19.90++ per person during the early bird slot (11.30am–12.00pm) and $23.90++ per person from 12.00pm–2.00pm. Kids aged 5–10 pay $15.90++.
Is the buffet better than ordering à la carte for a date? For a first date, the buffet is often easier since both people can try a wide range of dishes without committing to a single order each. À la carte suits couples who already know what they like or want a longer, more paced meal.
Is there a weekend surcharge on the buffet? Yes, an additional $3++ per person applies Friday through Sunday, on public holidays, and on eves of special occasions.
Whether it's your first date or your fifth lunch together, Typhoon Cafe takes the guesswork out of it. Go for the buffet if you want zero decisions and maximum variety, or the lunch set if you know exactly what you're craving. Either way, book ahead and let the food do the talking.
Location: Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road #04-63/67 Singapore 238839