Dawson Tan

Japanese food is hands-down the most popular cuisine in Singapore – even on a busy weekend night, there's no lack of options. While some lean towards an omakase experience with a Japanese chef while others are perfectly satiated with a piping hot bowl of ramen, Singapore has got it all. Here are our top picks for when you're craving some mighty solid Japanese cuisine. RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore  

In Singapore, hot new restaurants and cafés open on the regular and diners are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out where to eat. While we all have an opinion of what the best restaurants and best cafes are, these fresh new dining concepts aren't going to eat themselves. Now here's a concise list that perhaps even helps you save – or splurge – a buck or two. In this list, there is a pocket-friendly casual steakhouse, an exciting new contemporary Vietnamese restaurant that isn't just serving up street food classics, Singapore's first omakase-style Sichuan restaurant that seeks to light up your tastebuds and more. Stay tuned (or save this tab) as we refresh this page every month with what's new and noteworthy in Singapore's dynamic dining scene. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try and the 50 best bars in Singapore

One of Singapore's oldest residential estates, Everton Park was constructed in 1965 and housed the Singapore Harbour Board staff until its renovation in 1979. It's separated into two rows of flats, blocks 1-3 and 4-6. Today, Everton Park has transformed into an area with a charm of its own – and the home of 2022's coolest street. The estate and the surrounding Spottiswoode area is brimming with character – with cafes, spas, boutiques, pottery studios and art galleries calling the area home. Not to mention the heritage street murals that can be found around every street corner.   RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Katong and Joo Chiat

Singapore's bar scene has blossomed tremendously in the past couple of years. Not only do we have some of the best bars in Asia, but we also have plenty of local talent flying our flag high and big overseas names landing on our shores with exciting new concepts. We take a look at some of the exciting new bar openings in town, along with refreshed menus at familiar joints. And as we edge closer to the final quarter of 2023, let us raise a toast at the hottest new bar openings in the city. RECOMMENDED: The best arcade and games bars in Singapore

It doesn't have to be a special occasion to treat your partner to a romantic meal. There's a time to dine with big groups and there's a time to eat on a budget but when you're planning an anniversary or a special date night out and about town, it's best to take it up a notch with a proper sit-down dinner with all the trimmings. Here are our picks of the best value-for-money, romantically lit restaurants to wine and dine in Singapore. Let's get in the mood for love.  RECOMMENDED: Best sustainable-dining restaurants in Singapore and the best rooftop bars in Singapore

Antonio Miscellaneo is said to make the best pizza in town right now. His rustic abode, La Bottega Enoteca, clinched the 19th spot in the 50 Top Pizza awards in the Asia Pacific region back in June this year – the go-to Italian authority for pizza ratings across the globe. And most recently, he even went on to snag a spot in the Top 100 Best Pizza Chef awards, coming in at the 57th spot, with pizza godfather Franco Pepe leading the pack. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg) While Singapore is often regarded as an epicurean’s playground, the Little Red Dot isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind when most people think about pizza. But with Miscellaneo clinching these accolades, things are starting to change and pizza purveyors are paying close attention. Born and raised in the city of Belluno in Northern Italy, Miscellaneo is one who has always kept in touch with his motherland, visiting and living in different parts of it like Bologna, Umbria, Rome, Napoli, and Sicily. Prior to settling down in Singapore with his wife and kids, he also spent a few years living in London and Milan. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he too played the role of a good host to his friends over the weekends in his apartment in Katong. This almost always involves Miscellaneo whipping up true-to-style Italian cooking. Besides pizzas, he served up comforting dishes that were made from scratch – well-loved signatures include egg

Ever wonder what sorts of whimsical alchemy goes into making some of the world’s most popular spirits? Well, if you’re reading this, we suppose you do. Join us as we embark on a spirited journey to two world-class distilleries in the United Kingdom where time-honoured traditions and contemporary innovations distil into storied sips for passionate imbibers around the world. And no, it won’t be one of those stale visits to a dusty old factory. Our curation promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience across the rolling hills of Scotland and into one of the world’s most beautiful distilleries. Whether you’re a budding spirits enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, these distillery tours guarantee an exclusive insider look into what goes on behind the scenes and into our glasses. Love gin? Tick the world’s most beautiful distillery off your bucket list The Bombay Sapphire is iconic for its sapphire blue crystal bottle but it also contends to be one of the world’s most beautiful distilleries open to the public. Opened in 2014, the pristine grounds of the Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England, is just an hour’s car ride away from London. From the comprehensive Laverstoke Mill tour and cocktail masterclasses to even a boozy cinema experience, there are a variety of tours tailored to each guest’s desired experience. Photograph: Bombay Sapphire DistilleryBombay Sapphire Distillery - Entrance Boasting two hectares, the property houses all facilities required to produce the signature gin,

In the heart of Chinatown, hawkers are hustling every day at Hong Lim Food Centre. Household name Tang Kay Kee Fish Head Bee Hoon has been at it since 1946, serving zi char fare including their famed fish head bee hoon – but only for dinner. This was the modus operandi for the longest time until the daunting issue of the lack of manpower caught up with the veteran. So much so that it prompted the idea of selling the business back in 2016. When Debbie Yam (whose great-grandfather was the original founder of the stall) heard about the troubles, she felt a great sense of loss. The business graduate then decided to leave her job in marketing to lend her grandaunt a hand. Most of her family members warned her about the tough working conditions of hawkering but her grandaunt remained extremely supportive. Photograph: Tang Kay Kee Fishhead Beehoon via Facebook by liuying.photosHawkers Kamen Tang, Debbie Yam and grandaunt Tang Yock Cheng After all, Yam was no babe in the woods. “My cousins and I grew up in the hawker centre as our families were very much involved in the daily operations of the stall. So much so that it became our playground growing up,” shares Yam. While getting familiar with the business, Yam recognised the potential of the stall’s location right in the heart of the CBD. And since lunch in the CBD is kind of a big deal, the fourth-generation hawker decided to launch a modern zi char concept to cater to the time-crunched folks around the area. But tackling the lunc

Now that we're back in the office, it's back to packed schedules and more work obligations – including entertaining clients and catching up with colleagues over a meal. For those of us based in the CBD, we’re lucky: there’s no shortage of good restaurants and cafes. Closing deals with prospects, breaking bread with colleagues or just looking to take the pressure off, we've got restaurants catered to every budget – excluding taxes. Here's where you can get the best business lunch sets in the CBD for your next work thing. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

No one knows you quite like… you. And that’s precisely why solo dining is great: it allows you to satisfy your cravings without dissent, save yourself from awkward mealtime conversations, and simply dine at your own pace. So for days when you just want to tune in and dine out, here’s a handy guide for restaurants and cafés to visit when you feel like taking yourself out for a meal. RECOMMENDED: Hot new restaurants and cafés to dine at this month and the best cheap eats in Singapore

Peranakan cuisine is getting increasingly hard to find. Thankfully, there are a handful of restaurants that are keeping the culinary tradition alive – from comforting, traditional dishes to Nonya-inspired modern creations. In some cases, you'll actually be dining at someone's home – it doesn't get more authentic than that.  RECOMMENDED The best Malay restaurants in Singapore and the best private home dining experiences in Singapore  

Everyone knows the best food for lazy, stay-in days and also for sharing with friends is pizza. It's a step up from the guilty-pleasure fast food takeaway and a nice break from the usual suspects at the neighbourhood hawker centre. Stuffed crust, with or without pineapples, crisp thin crust, pizza margherita or topped with pepperoni and extra cheese, we love pizza in all its forms.  RECOMMENDED: The best American restaurants in Singapore and the best cheap eats in Singapore

Jointly created by culinary heavyweights Emmanuel Stroobant and Kazumine Nishida, the two Michelin-starred chefs of Saint Pierre and Shoukouwa respectively, Shoukuwa Shinjidai strays far from being a traditional Japanese restaurant. Leave all formalities out the door cause punk rock is definitely in the house. Think bold flavour combinations weaved into a Kaiseki-inspired meal (from $250) where each course takes after the name of famed hits: Madonna’s Like a Virgin arrives as a series of succulent sashimi with unconventional toppings; Guns N' Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine features the indulgent kegani (hairy crab) in crab roe sauce and pickled watermelon radish; and Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb delivers a soothing risotto-inspired rice dish, reminiscent of the forest floor, and redolent of aromatic black winter truffles and earthy wild mushrooms.

One of the finer tempura restaurants in Singapore, Tentsuru is helmed by master chef Daiki Kawaguchi who presents omakase-style tempura for lunch and dinner. In this tempura temple, light and clean crunch is only achieved with a special three-flour blend specially sourced from Hokkaido. Chef Kawaguchi also prides himself in handpicking featured ingredients across various Japanese prefectures. And depending on the season, expect tempura of heady sakura shrimp, tiger prawns, whitling fish and some red-eye snapper. A series of condiments is meticulously paired with each tempura course – plum sauce, yuzu pepper, curry salt, sea salt, lemon juice and tendashi. TRY Go with the curated set menus with lunch starting from $120 or pick and choose your favourites from the a la carte menu (minimum order of five items per person).

From being a novice who couldn't even fry up a decent egg to spearheading his unique vision for modern Chinese cuisine, chef Edward Chong has ground it out in many award-winning kitchens over the past two decades. Now, he helms Peach Blossoms as executive chef and he is certainly one to watch. His goal? To keep the complex heritage of Chinese cuisine alive for the next wave of gastronomes. Photograph: Peach BlossomsPeach Blossoms - Executive Chef Edward Chong And that very culinary philosophy pushes the envelope with modern touches without straying far away from tradition. Chong is also one who draws influence from his travels around the world, weaving never-before-used ingredients in traditional Chinese cuisine into his modern takes. While the restaurant has a curated a la carte programme, Chong’s inventive dishes are best experienced through two refined set menus: the six-course Artisan ($188) or the encompassing Gastronomic ($208). For regular diners with specific dining preferences, Chong doesn't shy away from flexing his skills, delivering an off-menu course ($218) with an extensive repertoire of over 300 recipes. Photograph: Peach BlossomsPeach Blossoms - Signature Cigar Roll It is customary to kick things off with the signature cigar roll that arrives cheekily presented in a cigar box. The indulgent crispy roll is stuffed with freshly peeled snow crab and prawn mousse while enhanced with foie gras and black truffle paste. Nourishing double-boiled soup comes with Je

Secreted high above the bustle of Orchard Road and within the ethereal garden on the 11th floor of Pan Pacific Orchard, is Florette. The destination bar is where to make a beeline for fine champagne, plump oysters, and craft cocktails. Photograph: Marc TanFlorette Named after the Roman goddess of flowers, the chic space brims with character and charm – headlined by an alluring chandelier adorned with floral petals that hover above the long bar counter. Cosy up in one of the many plush leather seats slicked in pleasing shades of jade green and pale grey, or simply lounge out in the breezy alfresco garden amidst lush greenery. From legendary Champagne houses such as Barons De Rothschild and Louis Roederer to lesser-known gems, the ever-changing bottle list is curated to please even the most seasoned of oenophiles. But who said bubbly has to be all exclusive? Florette offers at least five sparkling options that go by the glass so even budding enthusiasts can have a taste without having to commit to a bottle. Photograph: FloretteFlorette – Guava & Prickly Pear The list of libations doesn’t just end there – it extends to wines, celebratory sakes and non-alcoholic specialties too. The craft cocktails (from $22) draw inspiration from botanical elements surrounding the property. For a lively start, the Prickly Pear ($26) offers delicate notes of juniper, vanilla, and citrus with a splash of champagne. We also particularly favour the Guava ($24) for its juicy, smoky and savoury ex

Within a year of opening, contemporary fine-dining restaurant Born has made it on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 and even earned its first Michelin star. The young chef at the helm is Zor Tan – former co-executive chef of RAW in Taipei and executive chef of two-Michelin-starred Sichuan Moon in Macau – who continues to plate up his own unique brand of contemporary cuisines. Now, Tan unveils a second menu ($368) guided by his personal memories flavoured by time and experience. Inspired by gastronomic epiphanies, a series of five snacks kickstart the experience. From enjoying his first taste of Pekan Nanas canned pineapples which turned into his favourite childhood snack, to dipping potato fries into ice cream, Tan finds sophistication in everyday simplicities.  Think roasted Sawarak pineapples infused with the vibrance of chilli padi and dried liquorice root, a crisp rolled potato pipette with potato vanilla creme anglaise and oscietra caviar, and fried chicken wing stuffed with chunks of pig stomach and pepper gel. The standout, however, is the elevated tribute to Taiwan’s peculiar beef-tongue-shaped biscuit. It stars a five-spice tartlet filled with char-grilled beef tongue balanced with pickled daikon. Photograph: BornBorn – Foie Gras, Custard, Espardenyes In the fourth course, Tan puts out a masterclass in layering of flavours and textures. Drawing inspiration from his travels to Spain and Macau, where he tried Espardenyes and Portugese egg tarts respectively

A well-kept secret among Singapore’s epicureans, Iru Den is a contemporary restaurant hidden in a black and white colonial house along Scotts Road. Helming the kitchen is Chef Javier Low, an unassuming trailblazer in the local food scene who has cut his teeth in the revered Iggy’s since the tender age of 17. Later, he ventured to Kyoto, Japan where he worked at Michelin-starred Cenci for two years, during which he developed his own unique style of cuisine largely influenced by Japanese cuisine and modern European sensibilities. Now, together with his young team of local chefs, they plate up an inventive multi-course menu (from $188) that celebrates the best seasonal produce from Japan and Taiwan. Highlights include: a comforting steamed egg custard layered with an intensely rich poultry jus with woody Nameko mushrooms; crispy sweetfish (ayu) served with charred spring onion and a moreish vegetable jus; and the flavoursome seafood donabe bejewelled with snow crab and sakura ebi. Photograph: Iru DenIru Den - Uni Somen Iru Den’s signature, however, is the uni somen that has garnered a cult following for Low. Silk-like strands of wheat noodles are surrounded by a mouthwatering sauce made from uni, fermented wasabi leaves, sake and mirin. It is then topped with more seasonal uni and Taiwanese red prawns to finish. Each slurp brings out rich savoury flavours of the ocean and rounds off faintly sweet. For imbibers, consider the approachable wine pairing option (from $80, four glas

Sake Matsuri returns from November 3 to 5 at the Outdoor Plaza of Paya Lebar Quarter as the largest edition in its five-year history. And there will be more than just free-flow sake this year. For the first time ever, the festival will feature a pop-up $5 sake bar to kick off the first day and there will even be a chance to win the grand prize of a guided tour in Japan (worth $4,400) inclusive of two sake brewery visits: see both the famous Konohanano Brewery in Tokyo and Funasaka Brewery in Takayama, Gifu. Held over three days, Sake Matsuri promises a grand showcase of over 200 labels of sake represented by both Japanese breweries and local distributors. These will include 52 sake debuting in Singapore, as well as award-winning names and seasonal releases. On day one, the festival is entry-free for all while sake coupons are available for sale. Consider the Sake Passport (worth $50) that ensures a completion of ten sake samples, which instantly guarantees your chance at the lucky draw for the grand prize. Photograph: Sake Matsuri SingaporeShimanto Junmao Daijingo Days two and three will resume with the highly anticipated free-flow sake format with three sessions happening each day. Some sake highlights you’ll find during the sessions include: the Kanadel Junmai Daiginjo, a light and slightly sake brewed by Obata’s second brewery Gakkogura; the Shinsei Junmai Ginjo, a brewery that is one to watch hailing from Shinano Omachi; and the luxurious Shimanto Junmao Daijingo, made

Sichuanese cuisine is often associated with its robust flavours and tongue-numbing spice but the 16th century-old cuisine is more than just that. And Kun, Singapore’s first omakase-style Sichuan restaurant, shows you exactly how with a finely orchestrated menu that tickles the tastebuds. Witness the clever weave of modern sensibilities into familiar favourites, masterful blends of varying intensities, and revived recipes that honour precious culinary art forms. These will arrive in the form of comforting soups, elegant cold and warm starters, hearty stir-fries and poached mains. Think cypress-wood smoked beef inspired by the Jiangnan region, poached grouper laced with prized tribute pepper, and the festival snack of steamed glutinous rice dumplings with spring onion dressing. Depending on the season, the chefs will also pepper in surprises presented as hidden courses. For an eye-opening introduction to Sichuanese cuisine in a refined contemporary setting, consider Kun. The 12-course omakase starts from $268

Vietnamese cuisine is more than just its popular street food. Lộ Quậy invites gastronomes to have a taste of what New Vietnamese cuisine is all about with chef Quỳnh Brown at the helm. Distilling her childhood memories in Saigon and two decades of cooking in renowned kitchens including Nobu and Zuma, the 38-year-old presents inventive plates that journey the senses within the vibey 54-seater mid-century contemporary space. Think familiar flavours of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter and funky expertly interwoven with modern techniques and artfully plated. For instance,  the humble Pho is reimagined as a collagen-rich broth influenced by the South. It is then adorned with accompaniments of Wagyu beef brisket, honeycomb tripe and crispy puffed beef tendons. Vietnamese coffee stars in the Cafe Phin Parfait where espresso-soaked sponge, Kahlua coffee liqueur and condensed milk are layered in harmony. Libations are not an afterthought too. The wine list features over 60 producers from across the globe including lively sparkling wines to biodynamic bottles. Alternatively, there are 26 sake brews and craft cocktails designed to go along with the bold flavours.

The National Museum of Singapore turns 136 years old this year and they are celebrating that by handing out free scoops of sorbet in a mystery flavour by local vegan ice cream brand, Kind Kones. Hint: the refreshing dairy-free treat will tease a flavour derived from one of the plants in the prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. And if you’re one of the lucky five who successfully guess the correct flavour of the sorbet, you’ll receive a bonus $20 gift card courtesy of Kind Kones. On top of that, don’t miss the ongoing exhibition of the food and beverage section that inspired the campaign – Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800s – 2000s. There will be travel-themed pop-up rooms and an immersive audio tour to unveil deeper insights into Singapore's rise to becoming an iconic tourist attraction and rich history.  Mark your calendars – the first-come-first-serve giveaway will happen on October 7 and 8 at National Gallery Singapore, Level 2 Glass Atrium, from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm. 

The World’s 50 Best Bars Awards heads to Asia for the first time to Singapore and it debuts a new concept: 50 Best Signature Sessions, which garnered much success from the 50 Best Restaurants programme. From October 14 to 18, six unique bar events will feature 15 exciting bars from across Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.  Unlike typical guest shifts, the ticket-only sessions are designed to introduce Singaporeans as well as travellers from across the world to the elite bartending talent who will be gracing the Lion City with the awards. From exclusive cocktail recipes to showcases of global cocktail techniques, knowledge and skills, these bespoke gatherings promise plenty of action.  Jigger & Pony, best known as The Best Bar in Asia in The World’s 50 Best Bars, kicks off with a Whisky Night in collaboration with Tjoget from Stockholm on October 14. Expect six globetrotting drinks that fuse flavours from the likes of Michter’s, Nikka and Naked Malt. Manhattan, together with Vancouver’s Botanist Bar, will be joining hands to bring guests a one-of-a-kind bottomless brunch on October 15. Expect exemplary service as these two former winners of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award pair up to bring you decadent dark spirits cocktails from the likes of Torres Brandy, Matusalem Rum and Rémy Martin Cognac.  At the gin temple of Atlas, White Spirits Night will be in session on the evening of October 15. Together with invitees of 50 Best high-flier Little Red Door from Pa

At this reservations-only Japanese cocktail lounge, one will require a passcode just to enter. And helming it is bartender Kazuhiro Chii, a Yokohama native with over 20 years of cocktail-making experience spanning Japan and Singapore.  The 10-seater bar epitomises quiet luxury, furnished with dark wood tones, brass accents and timber windows offering lush views of the vicinity. As soft jazz fills the atmosphere, plant yourself onto one of the leather high chairs by the bar where Chii-san awaits. From his revered three-point shake to the intricate recipes and discreet hospitality, no detail is overlooked in personalising the Kakure experience for each guest. It almost reminds one of Japanese tea ceremonies. While Chii-san’s metier remains rooted in the classics, it is no surprise that he is equally adept at serving up modern reimaginations. Photograph: The Bar KakureThe Bar Kakure - Kazuhiro Chii Every gesture is motivated by intent and meaning, even down to the finishing touches. Take the alluring Black Storm Highball ($28) for instance, where he infuses bamboo charcoal powder and pepper to introduce subtle layers of spice and smoke. And to maintain the perfect effervescence of the highball, he carefully pours soda along the rim of the glass and avoids bouncing off the surface of the ice. Photograph: The Bar KakureThe Bar Kakure - Drunken Pooh Martini Most drinks are presented in understated glassware sourced exclusively from Kagami Crystal and Kimura Glass – enough to im

Built back in 1894, Lau Pa Sat is no doubt a cultural icon to many and has become an inextricable part of Singapore’s heritage. But with the Lion City’s ever-evolving culinary landscape, the market-turned-food-centre cannot rest on its laurels. And as part of its rejuvenation plans, the 52,000 square feet space welcomes over 20 brand new hawker stalls, adding to its already-massive repertoire of existing vendors to attract local gourmands and tourists. Photograph: Daniel IskandarNasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang Foodies can expect a familiar showing of Michelin-decorated hawkers such as Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, Old Airport Road’s Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow and LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles. The saucy lineup includes well-established hawkers like Kallang Airport Wanton Noodle, known for their thick-cut char siew, and the ultra-popular mala haven Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo. There are also new and exciting hawkerpreneurs making their debut in the hawker scene. Those looking for the viral Chinese grilled fish, head to Lu Bian Grilled Fish. The stall dishes out oceanic delights paired with a plethora of flavours and toppings. Think numbing Sichuan chillies, piquant Chinese sauerkraut, and of course, aromatic garlic. Flames, another newcomer, is helmed by a local chef who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants. Aside from the customisable bowls and small bites, it dishes out seafood platters featuring heaps of smoke-kissed King prawns, mussels and lobster. There are also Italian wines

Award-winning Taiwanese cocktail bar Draft Land opens its doors in Singapore on October 12. Best known as a pioneer in serving crafted cocktails on tap in Asia, the beverage collective was founded by renowned bartender Angus Zou when he first opened Draft Land in Zhong Xiao, Taiwan. Now, his eclectic portfolio (three in Taiwan and one in Hong Kong) welcomes Singapore as the fifth outpost. The forthcoming launch is in collaboration with Nutmeg & Clove, an award-winning Singapore-centric establishment that currently sits at the No.7 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. Nutmeg’s General Manager Shelley Tai will also front the Singapore venture together with Zou as they nest in a shophouse on Purvis Street. In every Draft Land, there are draft tenders instead of bartenders. From introducing the tap cocktail concept and offering tasting samples to helping the curious identify a new favourite cocktail, these fun-loving folks, essentially brand ambassadors, deliver an industry-pioneering service named the Sample Service. Photograph: Draft Land SingaporeDraft tenders in action The Singaporean outpost is set to debut with 20 cocktails on tap, priced from $18 onwards. In the month of October, the line-up will include six special tipples crafted by renowned mixologists around the world exclusively in line with commemorating the upcoming World's 50 Best Bar Awards taking place in Singapore. There will also be a nifty menu of Taiwanese delights to go along with the libations. Think ar

Flying the Singaporean flag high at the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony that took place in London are two of our very own hotels on this Little Red Dot. And that honour goes to the emblematic Raffles Singapore, coming in hot at the #17 spot, as well as the plush Capella Singapore at Sentosa placing at #28. Reigning at the very top is Passalacqua (#1), a family-owned luxury boutique hotel on the idyllic shores of Lake Como, Moltrasio, Italy. For the uninitiated, the exclusive 24-room property sits on the grounds of an 18th-century villa and is best known for its spectacular terraced gardens running down to the water. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The World’s 50 Best Hotels (@50best_hotels) While the European continent outclassed with a grand total of 21 properties listed, it was Asia that came through with a dazzling report card. Out of the 18 properties listed, four made it into the top five placings: clinching second spot and winner of the best hotel in Asia award is Rosewood Hong Kong (#2); Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (#3); The Upper House (#4) in Hong Kong; and Japan’s Aman Tokyo (#5). The winners of the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list were decided from the votes of 580 well-travelled industry experts – all of them within the hotel and travel industry, handpicked by the Academy Chair across nine regions internationally. Maintaining a 50/50 gender balance, this year’s electorate is mainly comprised of

The internet-breaking Swatch collaborations are back following a viral launch of the Omega MoonSwatch back in March 2022. Now, it is back with yet another smashing sequel with Swiss luxury watch maker Blancpain, unveiling a Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms in five models. The collaboration is set to honour the Blancpain icon of the legendary Fifty Fathoms, a true diving watch that was born 70 years ago for French combat divers who required reliable watches that function underwater. Fun fact: the popular Rolex Submariner was developed in the same year with the same philosophy but only made it to market a year later than the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Anyway, here's everything you need to know about them and of course, where to get your hands on them in Singapore. When will the Blancpain x Swatch collection drop? The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms drops worldwide on September 9, according to Swatch's Instagram on September 7. The account first teased the collaboration on September 4 with a poster featuring the world map and the relevant hashtags. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swatch (@swatch) What will the Blancpain x Swatch collection look like? Watch enthusiasts can expect five new models that resemble the iconic design of the revolutionary watch but not without a bit of playfulness from Swatch's DNA. Each model will be named after the world’s five oceans while featuring different bright colourways – the Atlantic Ocean in blue, the Arctic Ocean

Acclaimed restaurateur and award-winning chef Josh Niland will star at the helm of the signature restaurant at The Singapore Edition hotel which will later open in November 2023. As Niland’s first restaurant outside of Australia, the yet-to-be-named establishment will be centred around a “fish steakhouse” concept with ethically sourced seafood. From cut-to-order fish to crown roasts and cutlets, the restaurant will offer gastronomes an opportunity to experience Niland’s “fin-to-scale” philosophy – one that shot the seafood specialist to fame back in 2016 – while tapping into the finest ingredients from world-class producers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Niland (@mrniland) For the uninitiated, Niland’s resume is impressive. He clocked in at some of Sydney’s best restaurants and even the legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant The Fat Duck by chef Heston Blumenthal in London. In 2016, he and his wife Julie Niland – who's also his business partner – went on to open their first restaurant, Saint Peter, which is now considered one of Australia’s finest dining establishments. The couple also opened their second restaurant, Petermen, right on Sydney’s Northern Shores earlier this year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Niland (@saintpeterpaddo) As for the Singaporean outpost, diners can expect plates that aren’t far from the signature Saint Peter DNA. It will certainly showcase Niland's unorthod

History is in the making as Brass Lion Distillery launches Singapore’s first-ever whisky that is distilled, barrelled and aged entirely in the Little Red Dot. Back in 2019, the homegrown distillery worked with local beer brewery The General Brewing Co. to tailor a wash that accommodates Singapore’s high humidity and equatorial climate. Now, it is ready to be unveiled after three years – adhering to international whisky standards and regulations – of maturing in an ex-bourbon barrel. Photograph: Brass Lion DistilleryBrass Lion Distillery Founder Jamie Koh draws from the barrel Jamie Koh, the founder of Brass Lion Distillery, is all about experimentation and has made the conscious decision not to control the environmental temperature to mimic the conditions of the Scottish highlands. Instead, she chose to allow Singapore’s natural climate to do its job and shape the whisky. The local tropical conditions, together with its high humidity and temperature, speed up the ageing process due to the accelerated contact between air, cask and spirit.  The result? Mature whisky in a shorter time frame with depth and nuance comparable to whiskies aged longer in temperate climates. The team tastes the spirit every six months. In the first year, the particular single malt whisky develops malty flavours and fruity notes, coupled with biscuity aromas. With time, it is later enhanced by tannins and oak notes from the cask where complex wood-kissed notes of vanilla and dried apricots are balan

What was once the Commonwealth Avenue Wet Market & Food Centre is now Margaret Market at Queenstown. The first-of-its-kind market is now a revamped indoor space that features local brands and old trade that relocated from Tanglin Halt. Today, it remains the only building in Singapore built by the Singapore Improvement Trust. The Urban Development Authority-led conservation project is set to be the jewel of Singapore’s first satellite town of Queenstown. Locality is an important tenet considered during the early stages of development. Instead of engaging with big conglomerates and chain brands, Margaret Market has sought out a diverse range of committed boutique traders and passionate food makers to showcase their unique offerings. “We hope that the market will be able to put local brands in the spotlight by providing a platform and a voice to local brands, giving them an opportunity to showcase their unique products and services and collectively help them reach a broader audience,” says Dr Stephen Tong, chief-executive of Bethesda Medical and founder of Margaret Market. Photograph: Margaret MarketVariety of food from Margaret Market vendors Occupying the communal grounds are curated homegrown vendors that offer wholesome produce and foods. They include the likes of Urban Folks with their Aussie-inspired jaffles and acai bowls, Homme Baker with artisanal cakes and Margie with its bistro bar concept serving up localised tacos and local craft beers. “We also hope to create a s

We can all agree that drinking is a rather expensive habit to have in Singapore. But what if you could quaff for free? At Lion Brewery on 36 Club Street, you can during Pressure Hour, which happens every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm – quite possibly the most unusual promotion you'll come across on the island. And there's not really a catch: all you have to do is show up, hear the gong, try to hold your bladder or not leave the bar, and you'll get to chug down however much beer as you like in that hour for absolutely nothing. Basically, the free beers stop flowing once someone gets up to pee or leaves. Whether you're out to game the system or just want some refreshing suds to go along with your dinner, it sounds like Thursday evenings are going to be rather eventful. That's not all, at least for the ladies, as the gastropub also runs a weekly Wednesday ladies' night programme that is too attractive not to share. First off, each lucky lady will start with two Lion Brewery cocktails and complimentary tapas that run from 7pm to 8pm. Afterwards, two hours of free-flowing seasonal beers, house wines, prosecco rose, and selected cocktails only require a top-up of just $25. And if it is your birthday month, you won't have to fork out a single cent for the liquid buffet plus a complimentary serve of the Flaming Lambo – so get in loser, we're going ladies' night. READ MORE:The cheapest happy hours in SingaporeThe best new bars in Singapore to have a drink in the citySingapore to host Worl

11 bars in Singapore made Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023. Jigger and Pony is crowned Asia's second-best, maintaining its reign as Singapore's best bar after placing second behind Coa for a third consecutive year.  This year, Sago House climbed the ranks to reach No.10 and is the recipient of the prestigious Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. Voted by 260 academy members, this award category rewards the bar that has provided the single-best hospitality experience over the past 18-month window. "Good hospitality has always been our top priority from day one, so being recognised with this award means everything to us. We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel welcome and comfortable; this goes for our regulars and even those who come in for their first visit," says Desiree Jane, co-founder of Sago House. Those who made the final 50 include Native (No.42), new entrant Stay Gold Flamingo (#32), Employees Only (#30), 28 Hongkong Street (No.24), Manhattan (No.21), Republic (No.16), Analogue (No.15) who also brought home the Ketel One Sustainability Award, and Nutmeg & Clove (No.7). Huge congratulations also go to Night Hawk who also clinched the Campari One to Watch award as they made rank at No.73 this year. The 51-100 list is followed by Last Word (No. 61), a hidden cocktail bar on Purvis Street conceptualised by the same folks behind Nutmeg & Clove, which itself features on both Asia and The World's 50 Best Bars lists. We also have three new entrants to the list, namely 

July 17, save the date! Poke Theory, a well-loved poké bowl brand, comes home to Telok Ayer where it first sprouted in 2016. The opening day has got plenty of treats as free poke bowls will be given out to the first 50 patrons. But don't worry if you miss out, Poke Theory will also honour an exclusive one-for-one deal for all its (already affordable) poke bowls.  Now, with 14 outlets islandwide, this is also the largest ever outlet by the homegrown brand. It sits along the buzzy Telok Ayer Road, boasting 104 seats, taking over the space of the now-defunct Park Bench Deli. While the popular raw fish and rice combination still headlines the value-for-money offerings (from $9.90), this new outlet will debut inventive flavours (from $11.90) that riff on beloved local dishes such as Samsui ginger chicken and vegan tempeh. It will also feature a sauce bar that allows diners to enjoy a free-flowing range of complimentary sauces. For the uninitiated, Poke Theory allows you to customise your own bowl of raw fish with rice in two sizes: small (five toppings) or regular (seven toppings) – and lets you choose between tuna or salmon over sushi rice, brown rice, lemon herb quinoa or romaine lettuce. And if you’re still new to this Hawaiian dish then try its original shoyu tuna – its cubes of tuna seasoned lightly in Japanese soy sauce and sesame. Then, jazz up your bowl with over 18 different toppings including furikake, pineapple, cherry tomato and nori flakes. Or drop a couple more doll

The seventh edition of the red guidebook has crowned the best eateries the island has to offer. When it comes to the highest echelon of dining, nothing has changed in the sphere of restaurants awarded three Michelin stars – fronted by the same winners as last year’s list, Les Amis, Odette, and Zén. In the arena of Michelin-starred restaurants with two stars, last year's first-timers Cloudstreet along Amoy Street and Indian-inspired Thevar stand firm among Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Saint Pierre, Shoukouwa, and Waku Ghin. With Shisen Hanten relegated to the one Michelin star list, this brings the total number of two-star restaurants from seven to six. For the highly contested one Michelin star category, things liven up with five new restaurants receiving the one Michelin star for the first time. Congratulations to the contemporary fine-dining restaurant Born, modern Nordic restaurant Poise, Hong Kong Street's Willow, Japanese omakase restaurant Sushi Sakuta, and modern Southeast Asian restaurant Seroja.  It's also a treble win for Seroja this year; the restaurant debuts on the one-star list, it's very own chef Kevin Wong clinches the Michelin Guide 2023 Young Chef Award (recognising rising talents in the industry) and the first-ever Michelin Green Star award (recognising restaurants that operate at the forefront of sustainability). So what else changed since Michelin Guide Singapore 2022? Unfortunately, the list has since bid adieu to old favourites like the now-defunct Basque Ki

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list was revealed on June 21 in Valencia, Spain and only one restaurant in Singapore made rank. Once again, it is Odette at the National Gallery Singapore. Climbing from #36 on the 2022 list to #14 this year, the three Michelin-starred French restaurant reclaims the title of the highest ranked in Asia. Photograph: OdetteOdette - Chef-Owner Julien Royer Odette’s chef-owner Julien Royer also earned the prestigious chef’s choice award. It is the only peer-voted award category which solidifies him as a dynamic figure in the global chef community. First place goes to Central, a Peruvian fine-dining restaurant in Lima helmed by culinary power couple Virgilio Martínez and Pía León. The tasting menu whisks gastronomes on a journey through Peru, from its vast biodiverse ecosystems to indigenous cultures, featuring produce from different altitudes. It is also the best restaurant in South America in 2023. Restaurants in the Spanish contingent also scored high in this year’s report card. At a close second and third spot are Barcelona’s Disfrutar and Madrid’s Diverxo while the legendary Asador Etxebarri claims fourth spot. In the Asia region, Japan clinched three spots in the top 50 list with modern Kaiseki restaurant Den (#21), French restaurant Florilege (#27), and Tokyo-based Sezanne (#37). Two restaurants from Bangkok, Thailand also made the list, they are Le Du (#15) and Gaggan Anand (#17). Since 2019, the rules state that the first-ranking rest