Desley Maidment, one half of style-savvy travel brand State of Escape, has recently spent eight months getting to know Singapore – from it’s high-brow restaurants to its casual street hawker stands. Here, she shares her top tips for enjoying Singapore like a (temporary) local:

Singapore has a multitude of layers beyond the knowledge of most travellers who venture through here – generally only as a part of a quick stopover on the way to other far-flung destinations.

There is a seriously vast array of incredible places to dine and drink across this diverse culinary landscape.  You can discover everything from a $4 meal at a Hawker Central to a $400 degustation at one of the many Michelin-Starred establishments. Of course, this depends on your tastes and budget. Mind you, the $4 meals are some of the best and most authentic cuisine who will find in Singapore.

The choice can be quite overwhelming at times when trying to decide where to take visitors, or just go out for a bite to eat on a Friday night after work.

Having only recently relocated to Singapore for a relatively short period of time (just over 8 months) I’ve experienced a whirlwind foray into the dining scene and a serious education process – locals take their food seriously here and appear to eat all day long….

Here are a few of my favourites Singapore hotspots:

Chinatown

Ding Dong: located in the super popular Amoy Street.  It is a fun, vibrant spot that celebrates South East Asian flavours with a more progressive modern twist.  Great for dining with a group of friends.

@dingdongsg

Right next door to Ding Dong is the gorgeous and unpretentious bar called Employees Only – originating from NY, this bar serves legendary cocktails… the perfect pre or post Ding Dong spot to extend the nights adventures. employeesonlysg.com

Dempsey Hill

The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar – Modern European and a much-loved institution here amongst expats.  A real ladies lunch place (the interiors are divine), and in the evenings the scene turns a little less chatty and embraces couples and intimate dinners with friends.  Superb menu offering enticing Euro Asian specialities.  Elevated dining with an open kitchen concept ensuring a relaxed yet special experience.

@thedempseycookhouseandbar.sg

Duxton Hill & Keon Saik Road – a heritage area lined with traditional shophouses

Yellow Pot – located inside the Six Senses Hotel is a more refined Chinese restaurant with a contemporary feel. The decor is a very grown up and distinguished Black & Gold setting. Intense flavours and exquisite presentation make this a truly worthwhile experience.

Lucha Loco – just up the road is a very relaxed and super happening Mexican.  Very popular with the after work crowd, Lucha Loco offers both inside and outside dining – outside is my preference – great ambience and lighting. Solid mix of traditional Mexican staples with a few Asian flavours blended in.  Ideal with friends, date night or even a quick early one with the family.  Its sister restaurants at Robertson Quay & Customs House known as Super Loco are also worth a visit and on the water. Dinner much better though, particularly Customs House as you can view the laser show from Marina Bay Sands – on every night around 7:30pm.

Butcher Boy – has a superb grill-based menu where East meets West. The Pork Bao are out of this world! Cosy, pretty noisy and great for a night out with friends.

Potato Head – of the famed Bali Potato Head, this three-storey building is smack-bang in the middle of this buzzing area. Great burgers and a fabulous roof top bar – only after dark. Great DJ and skyline views.

Tiong Bahru

This area is famed for its old-school housing developments, which are now catering to a more diverse group of Singaporeans – known as a bit of a creative hub, it is full of character and charm.

Tiong Bahru Bakery – perfect place for a caffeine fix and exquisite pastries.  The French are one of the largest expat communities here in Singapore, hence there are an abundance of fabulous bakeries and French patisseries.

@tiongbahrubakery

Books Actually is an Independent book store with a mesmerising number of unique stories and titles.  A must if in the area.

@booksactually

Other notable bars in Singapore include: 28HongKong Street, Smoke & Mirrors and The Manhattan (located on The Regent) reminiscent of a Grand Hotel bar and noted as one of the best bars in the world.

More of my favourite restaurants include: Merci Marcel (Club St), Neon Pigeon, , La Pau Sat Hawker Market (eat after 7pm when they close the road and you dine in the streets), and Newton Hawker Market (Crazy Rich Asians was filmed there).

To Do

Take a walk through Fort Canning Park – one of the city’s most historic areas.  Beautiful and leafy, a quiet place to escape the bustling city. Perfect for an early morning walk or run.

Equally, the cycling tracks are plentiful here and they are a fantastic way to get around and see the city.  Plenty of bike hire places to secure yourself a bike and head out and enjoy the very green city that has been evolving here over the years.