Singapore Dreaming: The Best Food and Drink in the Lion City

Margaux Schreurs | Dec 11, 2016 1:00 pm | Add a comment | 2662 reads

Foodies looking to get out of Beijing need to look no further than Singapore, where the cuisines of India and Malaysia have merged with southern Chinese influences for a whole range of exquisite flavors. The following are our top recommendations for what to eat and drink during a stay in Singapore.

WHAT TO EAT

Old Chang Kee
Well-known for its curry puffs, spring rolls, fish balls, and other hot traditional snacks, Old Chang Kee has been around on the island for over 50 years now. If you’re visiting Singapore and considering leaving your hotel for even five seconds, it would be really hard to miss them, as their bright yellow-signposted branches are just about everywhere.
46 Pagoda Street, Singapore (+65 6221 8426)

Zam Zam
This landmark Indian-Muslim restaurant located directly across from the Sultan Mosque has been a must-go for murtabak and roti prata, amongst other dishes, for over 100 years now. We highly recommend the chicken or beef murtabak – crispy on the outside and generously filled, a small one of which is enough for one person.
697 North Bridge Road, Singapore (+65 6298 6320)

PeraMakan
PeraMakan specializes in Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine, which was brought to Singapore by the Peranakans, descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in and around Singapore and married local Malays. PeraMakan’s specialities include nasi ulam, an aromatic salad made with jasmine rice, dried scallops, dried shrimp, salted ikan kurau, steamed prawns, shredded fried fish, sliced egg omelette, and spices and herbs.
B1/F, Kiosk 13, Tangs at Tangs Plaza, 310 Orchard Road, Singapore (+65 6737 6562)

Spize
Serving a varied assortment of all types of cuisine popular in Singapore and some eastern/western fusion cuisine, Spize has multiple outlets throughout the city. Do try their roti prata and their roti john – an omelet sandwich that is a popular snack not only in Singapore but also in neighboring Malaysia and Brunei.
336 Bedok Road, Singapore (+65 6734 9194)

WHAT TO DRINK

1-Altitude
Perched on a rooftop 282 meters above sea level, 1-Altitude is the highest al fresco bar in the world, and is worth a visit just for that accolade alone, not to mention the spectacular 360-degree view of Singapore. Even if you’re not looking to spend the whole night up here (drinks aren’t cheap) you should definitely pop by for one.
1 Raffles Place (former OUB Center), Singapore (+65 6438 0410)

28Hong Kong Street
Located on the ground floor of an old shophouse home, 28Hong Kong Street did Singapore proud this year by being named Best Bar at Drinks International’s Asia 50 Best Bars Awards. The menu is built on spirits and American-style cocktails, and there are punches served in Shannon crystal bowls for larger groups.
28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore (+65 6533 2001)

Level 33
If you’re not really a cocktail person but are instead into craft beer, Level 33 provides brews with views over Marina Bay from, you guessed it, the 33rd floor. It also serves up decent modern food: expect European classics with a twist and items to pair with beer such as their charred corn fritters with cojita cheese, chipotle balsamic, and fresh lime.
33/F, 33-01, 8 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore (+65 6834 3133)

The Spiffy Dapper
This speakeasy, originally a mere hole in the wall, sits on Boat Quay and makes some of the best drinks you’ll find in the area. Due to its proximity we suggest combining a visit to the Spiffy Dapper with a cruise on the Singapore River.
2/F, Amoy Street, Singapore (+65 8233 9810)

WHERE TO STAY

Probably your best bet if you’re looking for impeccable service, the Shangri-la’s exclusive Valley Wing will turn your trip to Singapore into one of the most luxurious escapes you’ve ever experienced. In fact, we have to warn you in advance, you might not want to leave the hotel to explore Singapore at all.

The rooms are spacious and have a free mini bar (excluding alcoholic drinks and snacks), and you can enjoy free breakfast in the private summit room, which has menus designed by 2-Michelin starred chef Christophe Moret straight from Paris. In the afternoons, nip downstairs for complimentary afternoon tea, and in the evenings, enjoy champagne and cocktails in a tranquil setting.
22 Orange Grove, Singapore (+65 6213 4000, www.shangri-la.com/singapore)

This article first appeared in our November/December magazine. To read the entire issue online, please click here.