Singapore is a diverse and vibrant dining scene. With borders open, hotels which opened just prior to the pandemic and newer ones are in full swing. Eating is a national pastime and, invariably, that means eating out, whether at a humble hawker stall or at one of the eye wateringly expensive fine dining restaurants.

10 BEST FOOD EXPERIENCES AND RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE

1. National Kitchen by Violet Oon

A culinary icon with several restaurants, Violet Oon is Nyonya or Peranakan, a descendant of early Chinese migrants intermarried with local Malays and a fine exemplar of their cuisine. Located in what was once the Historic City Hall, the dark wood and floral-printed Straits Chinese décor is as good as the authentic food.

2. Thevar

Thevar offers a creative contemporary take on Indian food, with sublime service which has seen it now awarded two Michelin stars. The flavours and names like Chettinad chicken roti may be familiar but the presentation is elegant, a degustation of complex flavours, fresh produce and integrated spicing in perfect-sized portions.

3. Burnt Ends

Burnt Ends has moved to Dempsey Hill, with both a Michelin star and ranking in World’s 50 Best Restaurants.  Perth-born Dave Pynt directs the modern Aussie style BBQ with relaxed service, chefs often bringing out dishes and discussing them. The menu changes daily and it’s not all about fabulous meat as fish, crab and vegetables are also given the wood-fire magic.

4. Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda

Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda has reopened after 2 years’ extensive renovations, retaining two Michelin stars. Walk in to eat informally at The Bar with Japanese-style cocktails, sake and wine or go all out at the 10-seater Chef’s Table for an incredible omakase experience of the best produce and seasonal specials. Who else would serve cold Capellini Pasta with Winter black Truffle and Oscietra Caviar?

5. Coconut Club

Coconut Club serves upmarket Nasi Lemak (hawker coconut rice). The owner was so obsessed with this dish that he hunted down the best coconuts from Malaysia, finding the perfect breed to perfect his Nasi Lemak. He makes several of the condiments and accompanying side dishes from scratch. Their coconut based desserts are also a true winner.

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6. Hawker Centres

Hawker Centres are vibrant all over Singapore. Amoy Street Food Centre is great for Ah Ter Teochew Fish Ball Noodles; Ho Kee Bak Chang (traditional Hokkien rice dumplings, and salted egg yolk version), Famous Curry Puff; Good Day for beef hor fun (thick rice noodles in gravy), A Noodle Story for “Singapore-style ramen” and Coffee Break – third-generation hawkers serving traditional coffee or Da Mai – Hakka thunder tea rice.

7. Asador

Asador opened in 2021 in Joo Chiat, a modern, stylish Spanish restaurant with a Basque parilla grill using different wood for different flavours. No cooking of the dry-aged beef tartare with smoked bone marrow but delicate handling of grilled baby corn, harissa mayo & sweetcorn. Cochinillo or roast suckling pig is a must.

8. Huber’s Butchery

Huber’s Butchery, Dempsey Road, is a must if you have the opportunity to cook, though there are pre-prepared foods too. A family-run high-end butchery it manufactures and processes top quality meat products and also supplies cheese, wine, seafood and all manner of pantry and deli items as well as equipment. It is a foodies’ wonderland.

9. Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck

Peking Duck is all over Singapore but is superb at Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck in Paragon, Orchard Road. This is the real deal, prepared in the traditional method, the skin carved tableside with pancakes, green onions, celery and hoisin sauce, with various options for the meat in a second course.  Order in advance.

10. A DayAway

There’s more than food on offer if you escape for a DayAway in Singapore which offers exclusive daytime experiences in prestigious hotels you might not otherwise see. This could be a pool, cabana and dining experience at the Dusit Thani Laguna or InterContinental Hotel which also offers High Tea in the luxurious Presidential suite; cocktails, duck and dessert at The Duxton Reserve or Swim & Savour Kaiseki at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

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5 BEST NEW HOTELS IN SINGAPORE

1. Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Hotel is an historical icon, its second major restoration maintaining the golden age luxury, charm and service. Every detail is taken care of: amazing accommodation, cocktails at the Writer’s Bar, history tours, High Tea in the Grand Lobby or special dining at La Dame de Pic, recently awarded a Michelin Star.

2. Hilton Singapore Orchard

Hilton Singapore Orchard (formerly Meritus Mandarin Orchard) is the largest hotel in the Asia Pacific. Right on Orchard Road it nevertheless has a strong botanical influence in its interiors and eco-friendly focus. The design manages not to make it feel huge though this also allows five different dining options including Osteria Mozza by Nancy Silverton, all-day multi-cuisine dining in Estate and Shisen Hanten with two Michelin stars.

3. Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore has direct access to two championship golf courses and three beautiful swimming pools.  With its own brand of Thai hospitality, it also focusses on wellness with an Eat Well, Sleep Well programme. There are a range of dining options including Thai, Yue (Guangdong), Nikkei, Punjab Tandoor and Mediterranean.

4. Oasia Resort Sentosa

Oasia Resort Sentosa is a new addition to the resort offerings on Sentosa, designed to relax, recharge and refuel the mind. Offering several luxury wellness activities, the property boasts an infinity pool, gym and all day dining facilities featuring fresh produce grown in the hotel’s own garden.

5. The Clan Hotel

The Clan Hotel in the CBD takes its name from the clan associations that dotted the neighbourhood, as Singapore’s forefathers helped Chinese settlers make the land their own. It offers a different take on Singaporean hospitality. There’s a free precinct tour led by The Clan Keeper including the history of Amoy Street, Telok Ayer Street and Chinatown. 30 stories high there is a Sky Pool, Gym and Terrace.

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