After a two-year renovation, The Cathay has reopened with a refreshed lineup of food and beverage outlets that cater to diverse tastes and budgets. Located just steps from Dhoby Ghaut MRT, this iconic mall has transformed into a compelling dining destination, particularly for students, office workers, and city shoppers. The addition of communal seating areas and a striking digital multimedia display tower creates a modern, vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.
The Student-Friendly Advantage
One of The Cathay’s strongest appeals is its commitment to affordability, especially for students. Several outlets offer significant student discounts, making it an attractive spot for young diners on a budget. This strategic positioning fills a genuine need in the Dhoby Ghaut area, where affordable yet quality dining options can be limited.
Level 1: International Flavors & Café Culture
Starbucks
What it offers: The full Starbucks experience—coffee, frappuccinos, teas, and light bites
The verdict: Starbucks remains at its familiar location, offering reliability and consistency. While not particularly exciting for adventurous diners, it serves an important function as a meeting point and dependable caffeine source. The outlet’s positioning on Level 1 makes it convenient for quick grab-and-go orders.
Best for: Coffee meetings, casual catch-ups, anyone seeking familiar territory
Yakiniku Like
What it offers: Single-person Japanese BBQ with premium meats including Wagyu
The standout: This concept is genuinely innovative for Singapore. The individual yakiniku setup allows solo diners to enjoy quality barbecue without the awkwardness of dining alone or the pressure to order for a group. The all-day student deal sweetens the proposition considerably.
The verdict: This is one of The Cathay’s most compelling additions. The quality-to-price ratio is excellent, and the single-diner format addresses a real gap in the market. Whether you’re a student taking advantage of the discount or a professional seeking a quick, satisfying lunch, Yakiniku Like delivers.
Best for: Solo diners, meat lovers, students, anyone who wants quality yakiniku without committing to a full group meal
Tsui Wah (翠華)
What it offers: Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng classics—barbecued pork with scrambled eggs, crispy buns with condensed milk, traditional milk tea
The verdict: Tsui Wah brings authentic Hong Kong flavors to The Cathay. For those craving the comfort of cha chaan teng cuisine, this is a solid choice. The blend of Cantonese-Western fusion dishes offers something familiar yet distinctive. Expect hearty portions and the kind of no-frills satisfaction that defines good cha chaan teng dining.
Best for: Hong Kong cuisine enthusiasts, groups seeking variety, comfort food cravings
Saboten Express
What it offers: Japanese tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlets) with a focus on quality
The verdict: Saboten is a reliable choice for those seeking crispy, well-executed tonkatsu. The “Express” format suggests quicker service, making it suitable for time-pressed diners. While tonkatsu specialists are common in Singapore, Saboten’s established reputation means you know what you’re getting—consistent quality without surprises.
Best for: Tonkatsu lovers, quick lunches, Japanese comfort food enthusiasts
Fore Coffee
What it offers: Modern Indonesian coffee with signature blends and creative lattes
The verdict: Fore Coffee injects something different into The Cathay’s café scene. For those tired of the usual coffee chains, this Indonesian brand offers intriguing alternatives. The space is designed for both quick takeaways and relaxed sessions, providing flexibility based on your needs.
Best for: Coffee explorers, those seeking alternatives to mainstream chains, Instagram-worthy drinks
Kebuke
What it offers: Taiwanese bubble tea with classic tea bases and rich flavors
The verdict: Kebuke distinguishes itself in Singapore’s crowded bubble tea market through its focus on tea quality rather than gimmicks. The stylish seating area is a bonus—not all bubble tea outlets provide comfortable spaces to actually sit and enjoy your drink. This makes it suitable for both takeaway and dine-in experiences.
Best for: Bubble tea aficionados, post-meal drinks, casual hangouts
Level 2: Spicy Adventures
热辣滚烫 One Pot
What it offers: Ma La Tang and Ma La Ban with local influences
The standout: The 59% student discount during the opening promotion is extraordinary and positions this as one of the best-value options in the entire mall.
The verdict: As a new concept from Shi Li Fang Hot Pot, One Pot brings customizable spice-forward dining to The Cathay. Ma La Tang’s DIY nature—choosing your ingredients and spice level—appeals to diners who want control over their meal. The local twist suggests adaptation to Singaporean palates, which could mean moderated heat levels or familiar ingredient options.
Best for: Spice lovers, students (especially with the discount), customizable meal seekers
Basement Level: Diverse Dining Options
Wingstop
What it offers: Chicken wings, boneless options, and tenders in nine flavors including Singapore-exclusive Kecap Manis
The verdict: Wingstop fills the American-style wing cravings admirably. The made-to-order approach ensures freshness, and the Singapore-exclusive Kecap Manis flavor shows thoughtful localization. The sides, including seasoned chips and breaded mushroom fritters, round out a satisfying meal. This is indulgent, flavor-packed dining that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is—delicious junk food done well.
Best for: Group meals, casual gatherings, wing enthusiasts, sharing platters
Yoshinoya
What it offers: Japanese beef bowls (gyudon) and other quick Japanese rice bowl options
The standout: The student meal deal makes this one of the most affordable options for young diners.
The verdict: With around 3,000 branches worldwide, Yoshinoya’s formula is proven—affordable, quick, and tasty. This isn’t haute cuisine, but it delivers exactly what it promises: satisfying Japanese comfort food at prices that won’t hurt your wallet. The speed of service makes it ideal for rushed lunch breaks.
Best for: Quick meals, budget dining, Japanese comfort food, students
Saizeriya
What it offers: Reasonably priced Italian food—pasta, pizza, and Italian classics
The verdict: Saizeriya has earned its reputation as a student favorite through sheer value. While purists might quibble about authenticity, the restaurant succeeds in making Italian food accessible. The broad menu accommodates different tastes and dietary preferences, making it suitable for groups with varied preferences. The comfortable setting encourages lingering, unlike some quick-service establishments.
Best for: Budget Italian cravings, student groups, family meals, value seekers
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
What it offers: Authentic local breakfast—kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, kopi, and teh
The verdict: Ya Kun represents Singapore’s kopitiam heritage in a clean, air-conditioned setting. For those who appreciate traditional local breakfast but prefer comfort over hawker center authenticity, this hits the spot. The kaya toast remains a reliable choice, and the beverages capture that essential local coffee shop flavor.
Best for: Traditional local breakfast, coffee breaks, nostalgic comfort food
Food Avenue Food Court
What it offers: Diverse local food stalls including Hainanese chicken rice, pork ribs noodles, nasi padang, Teochew porridge, and wok-style dishes
The verdict: This is where The Cathay’s dining scene gets genuinely democratic. Food courts are Singapore’s great equalizer, and Food Avenue delivers variety at accessible prices. The presence of hawker-style favorites like chicken rice and Teochew porridge means you can get authentic local flavors without leaving the mall. The inclusion of a wok-style stall suggests fresh, made-to-order options rather than pre-cooked fare.
Best for: Local food cravings, maximum variety, budget dining, solo diners wanting choice
The Verdict: Who Should Eat at The Cathay?
Students: This is arguably the best demographic fit. Multiple student discounts and generally affordable options make The Cathay a smart choice for young diners. The modern ambiance with digital displays and communal areas creates an environment where students will actually want to spend time.
Office Workers: The proximity to Dhoby Ghaut MRT and the variety of quick-service options (Yoshinoya, Saboten Express, Food Avenue) make this suitable for lunch breaks. The range of price points accommodates both budget lunches and slightly more indulgent meals.
Families: Options like Saizeriya, Tsui Wah, and the food court provide family-friendly environments with diverse menus that can satisfy both adults and children.
Solo Diners: Yakiniku Like’s single-person BBQ concept and the food court’s individual stall options make The Cathay more solo-diner-friendly than many malls.
Food Explorers: While The Cathay leans toward familiar, established brands rather than cutting-edge culinary concepts, outlets like Fore Coffee, Kebuke, and One Pot offer enough novelty to keep things interesting.
What’s Missing?
The current lineup is heavily weighted toward Asian cuisine and quick-service formats. Notably absent are:
- Fine dining or upscale casual options
- Vegetarian/vegan-specific restaurants (though many outlets offer plant-based items)
- Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine
- Dessert specialists beyond what’s available at cafés
The article notes that additional F&B outlets will open progressively, so these gaps may be filled over time.
Practical Considerations
Location: Steps from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24/NE6/CC1) makes access effortless
Parking: Available via Handy Road entrance with reasonable rates—particularly good value during weekday evenings and weekends ($1.60-$1.80 per hour during daytime)
Atmosphere: The communal areas and digital tower create a contemporary vibe that elevates The Cathay beyond a typical suburban mall food court experience
Final Thoughts
The renovated Cathay has successfully positioned itself as a practical, value-oriented dining destination rather than a luxury food hall. The emphasis on student discounts and affordable options shows strategic awareness of the surrounding demographic—schools, offices, and residential areas filled with cost-conscious diners.
The mix of established chains (Starbucks, Yoshinoya, Ya Kun) with newer concepts (Yakiniku Like, Fore Coffee, One Pot) strikes a reasonable balance between reliability and novelty. While culinary adventurers seeking cutting-edge dining might find the selection safe, the target audience—students, office workers, and practical diners—will find exactly what they need.
The renovated spaces with digital displays and communal seating transform what could have been just another food court collection into an environment where people might actually want to spend time beyond their meal. This matters in an era where dining is as much about the experience and environment as the food itself.
Rating by Category:
- Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Exceptional, especially for students
- Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Good range, but gaps remain
- Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Consistently reliable across outlets
- Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Modern and inviting
- Convenience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Excellent MRT access
Overall: The Cathay delivers exactly what it promises—accessible, affordable dining in a modern setting. It won’t revolutionize Singapore’s food scene, but it doesn’t need to. For its target audience, it’s a welcome addition to the Dhoby Ghaut area.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
Maxthon
In an age where the digital world is in constant flux and our interactions online are ever-evolving, the importance of prioritizing individuals as they navigate the expansive internet cannot be overstated. The myriad of elements that shape our online experiences calls for a thoughtful approach to selecting web browsers—one that places a premium on security and user privacy. Amidst the multitude of browsers vying for users’ loyalty, Maxthon emerges as a standout choice, providing a trustworthy solution to these pressing concerns, all without any cost to the user.
Maxthon, with its advanced features, boasts a comprehensive suite of built-in tools designed to enhance your online privacy. Among these tools are a highly effective ad blocker and a range of anti-tracking mechanisms, each meticulously crafted to fortify your digital sanctuary. This browser has carved out a niche for itself, particularly with its seamless compatibility with Windows 11, further solidifying its reputation in an increasingly competitive market.
In a crowded landscape of web browsers, Maxthon has forged a distinct identity through its unwavering dedication to offering a secure and private browsing experience. Fully aware of the myriad threats lurking in the vast expanse of cyberspace, Maxthon works tirelessly to safeguard your personal information. Utilizing state-of-the-art encryption technology, it ensures that your sensitive data remains protected and confidential throughout your online adventures.
What truly sets Maxthon apart is its commitment to enhancing user privacy during every moment spent online. Each feature of this browser has been meticulously designed with the user’s privacy in mind. Its powerful ad-blocking capabilities work diligently to eliminate unwanted advertisements, while its comprehensive anti-tracking measures effectively reduce the presence of invasive scripts that could disrupt your browsing enjoyment. As a result, users can traverse the web with newfound confidence and safety.
Moreover, Maxthon’s incognito mode provides an extra layer of security, granting users enhanced anonymity while engaging in their online pursuits. This specialized mode not only conceals your browsing habits but also ensures that your digital footprint remains minimal, allowing for an unobtrusive and liberating internet experience. With Maxthon as your ally in the digital realm, you can explore the vastness of the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your privacy is being prioritized every step of the way.