While blue ribbons at horse shows and debating the virtues of riding "Western" versus "English" may not be top of mind for most Singaporeans, the old headquarters of the Bukit Timah Saddle Club seems to be more popular than ever before. Why? Word on the street (or shall we say "at the stables") is that first-time restaurateur Janice Yeo has converted the Bukit Timah Saddle Club's old clubhouse from an archaic and underappreciated relic of Singapore's colonial past to one of the most popular dining destinations in Singapore.

With a charmingly rustic ambience, the new clubhouse is cooled by beautiful ceiling fans and fresh air spilling through seemingly numerous windows along the wall. The al fresco area also affords the opportunity to enjoy a meal with a view of Bukit Timah’s lush greenery. If you’re lucky, you may even see a horse trotting by.

However, it’d be a mistake to just associate the Riders Café with its equestrian heritage. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Riders Café’s brunch. Best known for this lovely weekend meal, Riders Café is often regarded as the top brunch spot in Singapore. Brunch at Riders Café is so homey and rustic that you may just forget that you are in Singapore but instead, somewhere in the English countryside.

"In a country where children are prone to thinking that chickens grow in supermarkets, a trip out to Rider's Cafe where you can see horses, and have brunch at the same time is an ideal family brunch spot." -CNNGo.com

“Nestled among the greenery of the Saddle Club, this airy, laidback cafe in a classic black and white colonial building serves a menu of Western fare like eggs benedict, wasabi salmon salad and baked Chilean cod. If you’re lucky, you might see horses trotting by the window.” -InSing.com

“The best seats in the house are by the balcony overlooking the horses’ paddock and training circle. The small menu is imaginative and executed with such panache you have to wonder how long it will be before the chef is poached.” -Time Out Singapore

In our opinion, Riders Café deserves all the credit for being one of Singapore's best brunch spots. Have you ever had the feeling of wanting both savoury and sweet at brunch? Well, Riders has a resolution to this frequent foodie frustration: brioche French toast with burnt bananas & smoked bacon. We love not only the juxtaposition of sweet and savoury in a a single dish, but also the combination of textures – the pillowy softness of buttery brioche, the crunch of the caramelized glaze of the burnt bananas, and the crispness of the bacon doused in a generous pour of maple syrup left us drowning in endless gastronomic delight.

For those who are thinking that the French toast sounds like drowning in a caloric nightmare – well, we have a solution for you, too. We have a suggestion for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on satisfaction: bircher museli with nuts, fresh berries, & bush honey yogurt. The crunchy, wholesome muesli with a bit of sweetness from the honey yogurt, covered in a generous serving of fresh berries satisfies us without too much of a food comatose.

Enough about brunch. Yes, that might be Riders Café’s claim to fame, but we wouldn’t neglect the regular menu either. The Bacon Porkloin and Riders Burger are some of our favourites. Homemade apple chutney paired with the salty goodness of bacon, wrapped around a slice of Berkshire pork. This highly addictive dish is simply divine- sweet and savory tastes that complement so well, defining hearty comfort food.

As for the Riders Burger, we loved the soft brie, crisp bacon, tangy relish, and fresh peppery rocket garnishing a juicy, generously sized burger patty on a toasted bun served with a side of seasoned fries. For once, we might be speechless about food. Simply said, yum.

"The best seats in the house are by the balcony overlooking the horses’ paddock and training circle. The small menu is imaginative and executed with such panache you have to wonder how long it will be before the chef is poached. Thick, gooey buffalo wings and a firm round of Portobello topped with blue cheese set the stage for the best fish and chips in town. The chocolate cake is blanketed in a velvet chocolate sauce, while the deconstructed strawberry shortcake hums with cream so light it’s practically foam. Everything here shows up the inferiority of the neighbouring Mimolette." -Time Out Singapore