Singapore has always been known as a “food paradise”, but mostly associated with the extensive and delicious hawker fare. Now, with more and more celebrity chefs opening outlets and cooking up competition, the city has become a foodies' heaven that consistently brings something new to the table. Here are five recommendations:
The Disgruntled Chef
A modern European gastropub located in the lush Dempsey Hill area, this restaurant emphasises informal dining. A large selection of "small dishes" such as baked bone marrow with persillade and sourdough toast; and seared sea scallops with carrot tagliatelle and lemon soy glaze; and half a dozen "large dishes" such as seafood fideau (a noodle paella) are all ideal for sharing among a group. A wine list of 70 hand-picked labels complements the food. There is also a Sunday brunch menu.
Tel: +65 6476 5305
Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice Eating House
If you want a typical local meal in a low-key setting, Lim Seng Lee is the place to go. Located on South Buona Vista Road, this roadside café is hailed by locals as the place that serves the best braised duck rice in town.
Tel: +65 6475 9908
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FiftyThree
After working at several Michelin-star restaurants around the world, chef Michael Han launched FiftyThree, which serves food using unique cooking techniques and fresh, organic produce, including many edible shoots, stems and flowers. The restaurant serves set menus for lunch and dinner that highlight seasonal ingredients.
Tel: +65 6334 5535
Restaurant Andre
Chef Andre Chiang invented “Octaphilosophy,” which serves as the foundation of his namesake restaurant. The philosophy is based on his studies into how our memory banks influence our taste in food, therefore his dishes strive to provide a "holistic" experience by combining eight elements: Unique, Texture, Memory, Pure, Terroir, Salt, South and Artisan. Add to this elaborate cuisine concept a beautiful colonial setting and you have one of Asia’s most notable restaurants.
Tel: +65 6534 8880
Sky on 57
Perched atop the Marina Bay Sands, this restaurant – the brainchild of renowned Justin Quek who made a name for himself in Singapore with Les Amis – serves modern Asian cuisine against a bird’s eye view of the city. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper, offering both a set and a la carte menu.
Tel: +65 6688 8857
