If you didn’t look closely, you might walk right past THREE. by Garamika on Upper Thomson Road. It’s tucked near Springleaf MRT and right beside the leafy Springleaf Nature Park, a spot that makes you slow down the moment you step outside. But the moment you step in—or out into the breezy, pet-friendly alfresco area—you realise this isn’t just another café. The air feels fresher, the space is open, and the surrounding greenery makes it instantly calming.
We wandered over after a late afternoon walk through the park, and honestly, it felt like part of the experience. The shaded trails, gentle sounds of wildlife, and cool air put us in that perfect “relaxed mode” even before the first bite. By the time we got to THREE. by Garamika, we had worked up an appetite and were ready to eat!
A Family Legacy You Can Taste
THREE. by Garamika is run by three sisters, Gabrielle, Rachel, and Mikaela, each taking care of a different piece of the business puzzle. Gabby handles operations and finances while Rachel works on perfecting the flavours and cooking. Mikaela, the youngest, usually manages the marketing of the restaurants. Together, they carry forward recipes from their grandmother and mother, but with a modern, lighter twist that’s clean, healthy, and comforting.
Fun fact: Garamika is a portmanteau of the sister’s name. And the “THREE.” refers to the three sisters themselves, a nod to their family collaboration.
THREE. by Garamika’s first restaurant in Toa Payoh was such a hit that it encouraged the sisters to branch out to Springleaf, bringing their modern Indonesian dining closer to nature.
Rachel also mentioned that “while the restaurant is not yet halal-certified, all dishes contain no pork or lard, and the meats are sourced from halal meat suppliers.”
Eating That Feels Effortless
During the food tasting session, one thing struck us immediately: the tenderness of the meat. Whether it was the traditional oxtail soup, the grilled oxtail or the grilled chicken, the meat slipped off the bone with little effort. We didn’t use our hands—our fingers stayed clean the whole meal. A couple of nudges with the fork and spoon were all the dishes ever needed.
The grilled oxtail is the real star. First, it’s slow-braised so the seasoning is fully absorbed into the meat, then it’s coated with kecap manis and grilled to perfection. The result is smoky, sweet, rich, and deeply satisfying, with the meat falling tenderly off the bone. The grilled chicken shares a similar marinade style but tastes lighter, making it a great complementary dish. If you’re dining with a partner, ordering one oxtail and one chicken set will keep the meal balanced without feeling too heavy.
“The deep-fried chicken and deep-fried oxtail are intentionally lighter in flavour. We coated them with a light batter, and they are gently salted, so they are perfect for pairing with THREE. by Garamika’s three house-made sambals, with one being vegan,” shares Rachel. The sambals are punchy, fragrant with different taste profiles, making pairing the meat with the sambals an interesting experience.
We were served the broth of the Traditional Oxtail Soup on the day of the tasting. Collagen-rich, tender, and full of natural flavours, the slow-braised oxtail produces a broth that’s hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy.
During the interview with Rachel also shared one little secret with us. “The reason why our dishes are so flavourful is that we don’t blanch the meat. It goes straight from raw to being seasoned, braised and then grilled or fried. Not blanching the meats helps keep all the natural aroma and flavour intact,” that may be a small step skipped, but it sure makes a difference.
The weekday value lunch sets, which include a “lite” bowl and a drink, start from $11.90 for a Chicken set to $17.90 for a beef/oxtail set.
Beef Rendang: Light, Mild, and Distinct
The Beef Rendang is boneless and tender, cooked in the restaurant’s signature beef broth and a special rempah that gives it a subtle richness without weighing it down. Unlike the usual heavy, oily rendangs, this one is light in flavour, mild, and easy to enjoy while still delivering layers of aromatic spices.
The slow cooking allows the flavours to meld, producing a soft, fragrant texture with just the right hint of warmth. It’s a refined, everyday-friendly rendang that is perfect for those who want beef with a less fatty and gelatinous texture.
Gado Gado: A Quiet Star
The Gado Gado deserves its own moment. Many versions elsewhere are either too raw or overly crunchy, but THREE. by Garamika’s vegetables are steamed just right—still a little crisp, still fresh, but with no harsh raw bite.
The homemade peanut sauce is smooth, creamy, mildly spicy, and not overly sweet, letting the natural nuttiness and vegetable sweetness shine through.
Table is Plate! – A Playful Communal Feast
THREE. by Garamika introduces a playful dining style inspired by kampung gatherings and shared feasts. Meals are served directly on table liners and banana leaves, creating a casual, communal experience perfect for families and groups who enjoy a hands-on, no-frills meal. It’s nostalgic, interactive, and refreshingly freeing. After a late afternoon walk through Springleaf Nature Park, having worked up an appetite, this is the perfect way to gather around a shared spread, relax, and enjoy the company of friends or family.
Due to popular demand, the “Table is Plate!” experience has been extended to 31 December 2025 (previously scheduled until 25 November). The three sets cost $23.50 (chicken), $26.50 (beef & oxtail) and $29.90 (chicken, beef, oxtail). The prices are for one person, and there’s a minimum requirement of two diners to order. Buffet option is also available at $38.50 per pax (also requires a minimum of two pax per seating).
Christmas Treats Made With Love
THREE. by Garamika is also getting festive with its Christmas 2025 Specials, available for pre-order from now until 23 December 2025. The menu features the “Less Sugar” series, including Santa’s Baked Box ($55), Rudolph’s Assorted Cookies ($26), Snowman’s Brownie Box ($28), and the Elves’ Feasting Platter (from $70).
Every treat is handmade and freshly baked with care by the THREE. by Garamika team, making them perfect for gifting or enjoying with family and friends. The full festive menu is available on their socials @threebygaramika, and pre-orders can be placed via this link.
A Place You’ll Want to Return To
By the end of our visit, it was clear that THREE. by Garamika is more than just good food. It’s heritage recipes, thoughtful technique, and nature blending into a complete experience. From fall-off-the-bone meats to the perfectly cooked Gado Gado, the comforting oxtail soup, the light and aromatic beef rendang, and the playful Table is Plate! concept, everything feels intentional and satisfying.
Whether you’re there to unwind with your pet, take a break after a walk, or enjoy a family meal, THREE. by Garamika makes slowing down effortless and delicious.
Find THREE. by Garamika at the following outlets:
Springleaf (Cashless Payments Only):
● 1218 Upper Thomson Road, #01-02, Singapore 787136
● 7.30 am-11 am Breakfast | 11 am-2.30 pm Lunch | 5 pm-8.30 pm Dinner (Last order closes 30 mins before closing)
● CDC Vouchers accepted
Toa Payoh:
● 94 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, #01-22, Singapore 310094
● 11 am-3 pm Lunch | 5 pm-9 pm Dinner (Last order closes 30 mins before closing)
● CDC Vouchers accepted