SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
Often labelled as South East Asia’s most modern and dynamic cities, Singapore is unlike any place in the world. It’s constantly evolving in every way: economically, culturally, socially and most importantly, gastronomically. The result of having such a culture mix is a genuine world class food scene as well as an unrivalled shopping experience. Over the years, Singapore has gone from being merely a convenient stopover to a one-way destination. It’s definitely on our top list of places for the urban traveler who’s after a fun and enriching experience.
We hope enjoy it,
K, R, D x
WHERE TO GO:
Yes it’s a cliché but it’s a shopper’s paradise too. This street is the street where you will find every store under the sun and even if you’re going with no intention to buy, be prepared to come out with your hands full and your pockets empty.
9 Raffles Place, 01-22 Republic Plaza (NB: Multiple Locations)
Every one of us hits a Starbucks in a new city at some point (guilty). TWG Teahouse is a luxury Teahouse from Singapore and has been popular since its inception in 1873. Sakura Tea Sorbet, Oud Night Tea and Rosebud Tea along with a selection of their macaroons are just what you need for a light tea break from shopping in Ion Mall. They also do a selection of scented candles after their aromatic tea blends. From their “Birthday Tea” to “Cocktail Hour Tea” and even “Weekend in Istanbul Tea”- they’ve got it all.
(Metro station: Chinatown)
A rhythmic bustle of tourists floods all of China Town at any given time of the day. For magnets, Feng Shui gifts, artisan Chinese handmade chopsticks and other precious little trinkets, China Town is your go to for a relaxed day of strolling around. This district is also home to the famous Sri Mariamman Temple and The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which we highly recommend visits to. We recommend Tak Po if you’re in the mood for a light Dim Sum brunch and Chinatown Seafood for an outdoor ambience of ice cold beer and messy chili crabs.
Flower Dome – Gardens By The Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
It’s the largest glass greenhouse in the world and it’s spectacular. It’s perpetually Spring in here and it will never cease to bring a smile to your face. Flower Dome showcases exotic plants from five continents which are displayed in nine different Gardens. It’s truly a vision which you must experience for yourself and is a hub for inspiration.
Midday strolls around Haji lane make for a great boutique shopping experience. Head to Shop Wonderland, - a quirky vintage store that sells homeware, candles and artsy lamps along with rails of vintage clothing. Bar Stories is quirky bar with no menu, definitely a place to check out and if you head here in the evening then you’d want to head over to Blu Jazz Cafe for great live jazz music and drinks.
WHERE TO STAY:
320 Havelock Road, 169628, Robertson Quay, Singapore 169628 | +65 6828 0000
This stunning converted colonial-era hotel is the perfect blend between minimal and modern with a strong focus on Singaporean culture and heritage in terms of architecture and finesse. The roof-top, glass-walled infinity pool overlooks the vibrant Singapore Quay – so you can safely bypass the stereotypical Marina Bay Sands pic. For a complete unwind, dine in Po, a modern kitchen inspired by the head chef’s grandmother’s recipes.
WHERE TO EAT:
48 Peck Seah St, 01-01A, Singapore 079317 | +65 9231 9316
It’s easy to forget you’re in Southeast Asia when you’re in this Middle Eastern Supper Club. Dubbed as the ‘sexiest place in Singapore’, this is a unique experience both with exceptional food and great ambience. It’s the perfect fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine with subtle hints of Asian flavour. Our favourites on the menu are the Hokkaido Scallops and the Sticky Pork.
78 Smith St, Singapore 058972 | +65 6272 2000
A Michelin star meal that costs under £5? Yes, you read right, £5. Probably the best surprise to come out of Hawker Chan is their Soya Sauce Chicken Noodles that cost only $2 (Singapore Dollars), AND they have a Michelin star! This little hawker hole-in-the-wall sometimes has a queue of up to two hours for their internationally recognised menu, so definitely plan ahead!
10 Dempsey Road, 01-23, Singapore 247700 |+65 9224 6611
This cosy cafe located in Dempsey Hill is perfect for an afternoon catch up with girlfriends or for quiet quality time with the family. The menu consists of elevated takes on Asian classic cafe foods and delightfully indulgent desserts that we can’t get enough of. We love the Poached Crab & Prawn Laksa, Suzy’s ‘Mee Goreng’, the Orange Duck Dumplings and crispy Lobster Wontons. For a unique dessert experience, try the Lychee Granita. Eat your heart out, you won’t regret it.
10A Upper Wilkie Rd, Singapore 228119 | +65 6339 9448
In the mood to dine in a hidden restaurant on a hill, far away from the bustle? Head to Wildrocket and order the Salmon Carpaccio and Soto Ayam soup for starters, Oxtail Rendang pasta (yup, rendang in a pasta is a serious game change) and Nori Spaghetti with king prawns. The almond brittle with peanut butter ice cream is the perfect end to your meal. You can thank us later.
1 Fullerton Road, 02-02A One Fullerton, Singapore 049213 | +65 6423 9939
Shoukouwa is one of the best Japanese spots in the city. Head here for a private and exclusive dining experience where you’ll be sharing a table with other guests (check website timings for the ‘last seating’ as the courses are served to all at once). We tried the Hana set of 7 courses which is specially curated for Japanese food aficionados. You will leave this place feeling very zen and satisfied.
WHERE TO PLAY:
1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, Regent, Singapore 249715 | +65 6725 3377
This romantic, dark speak-easy type atmosphere with velvet curtains and a glass ceiling is perfect unwinding for throwback cocktails with good company. Think 1920s Gatsby in the Far East. What’s special about this old-school glamorous baris their unique room with shelves up to the ceiling of pickle jars and preservatives to be used in cocktail experiments.
3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024 | +65 6337 3292
An umbrella of bars, restaurants, clubs and the famous Clarke Quay Bridge on which the youth pre-drink almost every night. You can never feel down in Clarke Quay with its bright lights and happy atmosphere on the Singapore River. Be sure to head to Iguana for chilled pints of beer, Shiraz for Belly dancing and sheesha, G-Max Reverse Bungee (If you’re daring enough to fly off the ground but make sure not to fall sick otherwise you’ll pay a hefty fine of SGD 500/-)
1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971 | +65 6508 2188
A Berry Bellini in one hand with the sun setting overlooking Marina Bay Sand’s infinity pool and Singapore’s 360 degree panoramic view from Ce La Vie is truly a breathtaking sight to soak in. We recommend arriving late evening to experience the sky’s transition from day to night. Also point noting, - a formal dress code is mandatory.
112 Amoy St, Singapore 069932 | +65 6221 7357
As their Instagram bio goes - “A legitimate place for illegitimate people”, this born in New York bar debuted its second location in Singapore giving the locals a game changer cocktail appreciation experience. It has been ranked the 4th best bar in the world by “The World’s 50 Best Bars” and continues to mark itself as the it-place for working professionals that seek a chaotic take on classic cocktails. The Eo Gimlet, Thunder in Paradise and if you’re craving something sweet then the Butterscotch and Mascarpone Cheesecake was definitely a winner.
600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778 | +65 6396 4466
This 1920s style bar is possibly one of the most elaborately decorated places we’ve ever been to. It truly is an architectural masterpiece. There has been so much attention to detail dedicated to every aspect of this place, that the only thing missing is Gatsby himself. Our favourite drink is the Condensa – a must try for all tequila lovers.