Dawson is an absolute enthusiast for food and travel, especially when exploring different cultures and their cuisines. Calling Singapore home at the moment, he enjoys indulging in craft beer, cult films, trekking, beach-going or simply kickin' about in a game of footy. Whenever possible, he assumes the role of a part-time "vandal" painting captivating murals that are often larger than life around the community.

Dawson Tan

Dawson Tan

Food & Drink Writer

Articles (126)

The best craft beer bars in Singapore

The best craft beer bars in Singapore

As the saying goes, “Once you go craft, you can’t go back”, and that aptly sums up how we feel about craft beers. Typically made by small, independent producers using high-quality ingredients, craft beers come in many different styles, each varying in taste and appearance. Whether you are new to the world of craft beers or an avid hophead, there is always something new and exciting to discover about these small-batch brews. Read on to find out where to go for the freshest hop juice on the island. RECOMMENDED: The best new bars in Singapore to have a drink at in the city and the 50 best bars in Singapore

The best brunch spots in Singapore

The best brunch spots in Singapore

Brunch is an institution – as it should be. There's nothing better than waking up slightly later on the weekends and hunting down the perfect brunch spot where you can order both breakfast and lunch items. Whether it's regular eggs on toast, ricotta pancakes or a bowl of pasta, hit up these spots in Singapore to fuel your lazy weekend with late breakfast meals and a cup (or two) of coffee. RECOMMENDED: 7 most Instagrammable cafes in Singapore and The best minimalist cafés in Singapore 

The best steak restaurants in Singapore

The best steak restaurants in Singapore

Mediocre steak restaurants have you resigned to cooking up your own slabs at home? Well, don’t be blue. We know that finding the right steakhouse can make all the difference, which is why we’ve scoured the island to bring you a roundup of the best spots to sink your teeth into juicy, perfectly cooked hunks of beef. On this list, you'll find a good mix of joints that do the classics right and those that carry more unique cuts of meat, across varying price points depending on your budget and preferences. From sizzling ribeyes to tender filets, these steakhouses are where quality and technique meet. RECOMMENDED: The best burgers in Singapore and The best rooftop bars with views in Singapore

The best wine bars in Singapore

The best wine bars in Singapore

Whether you’re searching for a bottle of Old World or New, cheap and under $30 or biodynamic and natural, these wine bars in Singapore are making alcoholic grapes great again. These joints range from classy wine bars stocked with the world’s finest bottles for the most discerning of noses, to casual watering holes that welcome everyone from the wine novice to the seasoned connoisseur. Here are our favourite wine spots you'll have to try. RECOMMENDED: The best cocktail bars in Singapore and 50 best bars in Singapore you must try

The best Indian restaurants in Singapore

The best Indian restaurants in Singapore

Can you handle the heat? You have to if you're living in Singapore where almost every dish packs a little heat. One of our favourite go-to cuisine for something spicy is Indian food. You can never get enough of the array of curries, naans, chaats we have here. Spice up your life (and diet) by eating your way through these Indian restaurants in Singapore. Featuring north Indian cuisine to Bengali dishes, we scour the city to bring you a delicious roundup of the best Indian eateries and curry houses in town. Are you salivating yet? RECOMMENDED: The best Indonesian restaurants in Singapore and the best nasi padang restaurants in Singapore

The best Italian restaurants in Singapore

The best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Italian restaurants are in no short supply in Singapore. Craving wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta? We’ve covered good ground on that here. But there’s also more to the Italian dining scene than you might give Singapore credit for, including a Sicilian-centric restaurant, a buzzy gastro bar, contemporary Michelin-starred restaurants and even a neighbourhood joint that’s turning out lesser-known street snacks from the boot-shaped land. Now, we're gonna make you an offer you can't refuse – with a list of the best Italian joints in town.   RECOMMENDED: The best French, Spanish and Japanese restaurants in Singapore for more food recommendations.

The best quiet cafés with free Wi-Fi to do work or study

The best quiet cafés with free Wi-Fi to do work or study

Looking for a quiet place to do work but not a fan of the stuffy office or library environment? We don't blame you, being cooped up in a cubicle all day drives even the calmest among us crazy. We also understand that not everyone has an ideal work-from-home set-up. Venture beyond your friendly, neighbourhood Starbucks and settle down with free Wi-Fi, power points and a good cuppa to get your productivity game on at these cafés instead. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD

The best rooftop bars in Singapore

The best rooftop bars in Singapore

Nothing beats the feeling of the wind in your hair and a tipple in your hand at the city's best rooftop bars. After all, there's plenty of real estate in the city of skyscrapers for rooftop bars. Take drinking to the next level (literally) as you enjoy your favourite cocktail on cloud nine. There are institutions like Smoke & Mirrors, which offer an unrivalled view of the Padang and Marina Bay Sands or climb higher to LeveL33, the world's tallest urban micro-brewery for a fresh pint and great bites. At Mr Stork, you get a pretty neat view of our gorgeous city skyline from your teepee huts – we suggest heading up during sunsets – so whip out your phones to immortalise the moment on the 'gram. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and the most romantic bars in Singapore

The best supper spots in Singapore for late-night dining

The best supper spots in Singapore for late-night dining

Some folks are capable of heading to bed with an empty stomach, but seeing how you stumbled upon this article, you probably aren't one of them. Good news for us, because living in Singapore means we have no reason to go hungry ever, whether it's 1pm or 1am. If you're searching for places which serve up substantial and delicious grub to cure your late-night hunger pangs, look no further than this list of eateries that open deep into the night. These joints operate well past the usual 9.30pm or 10pm closing times, and some are even open for 24 hours. Whether it's a post OT-meal or a casual weekend supper with friends, saunter down to these joints and you won't walk away hangry.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore after dark and The best free things to do in Singapore at night

The best chilli crab in Singapore

The best chilli crab in Singapore

Chilli crab is Singapore's national dish — agree or disagree? Well, no matter the answer, there's no denying that it's an iconic dish loved by foreigners and locals alike. Spicy, sweet, starchy, and savoury, chilli crab never fails to hit the spot every time, especially when you dunk some steaming hot mantou (Chinese buns) into the pool of red, saucy goodness. The dish is said to have been invented in the 1950s when a woman called Cher Yam Tian added bottled chilli sauce instead of the usual tomato ketchup to her stir-fried crab dish. Shortly after, Cher opened Palm Beach Restaurant along East Coast Road and everyone went crazy for her creation.  Today, you can find chilli crab at just about every local seafood or zi char joint. But not everyone gets the sauce just right, or uses meaty crabs that are oh-so satisfying. Whether it's your first time trying the dish or the 100th, hit up these seafood joints for plates of chilli crab that don't disappoint. RECOMMENDED The best local food in Singapore and The best chicken rice in Singapore

The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore

The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore

Throw a stone and it'll most likely land at the doorstep of one of the many Chinese restaurants in Singapore. We've got traditional outlets like Beng Hiang that have been around since our grandparents' youth as well as modern digs like Yue Bai and Birds of a Feather by young chefs looking to reinterpret their culinary history. Here are our picks on the best Chinese restaurants to visit in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best traditional Chinese dialect restaurants in Singapore and the best modern Chinese restaurants in Singapore

The best fish and chips in Singapore

The best fish and chips in Singapore

It’s as classic as it gets: fish and chips, a quintessentially British takeaway that’s typically wrapped in yesterday’s papers. But unlike in the UK, we don’t really have casual chippy shops located ‘round the block. Instead, the best fish and chips on the island are found in an assortment of eateries, ranging from British pubs to classy restaurants. We’ve combed through the best fish and chips restaurants on the island for the next time you have a craving for some lightly battered fillets, mushy peas, and sinful triple-cooked chips on the side. RECOMMENDED: The best pubs in Singapore and The best bars in Singapore

Listings and reviews (295)

Orh Gao Taproom

Orh Gao Taproom

4 out of 5 stars

A nondescript Killiney Kopitiam by day; a craft beer bar by night. At Orh Gao Taproom, instead of having your kopi pulled by an uncle, have an ice-cold beer served to you by baristas in snazzy aprons. With steady flowing beer taps and a no-frills lineup of Asian fare to complement each session over the past 5 years, it is no surprise it became such a hit with craft beer lovers and nearby residents alike. Casting a spotlight on a mix of hyper-local Asian fare, we’ve picked out a few staples that you must order while you work your way pint after pint. Look around you and you’ll soon find that almost every table would have ordered the OG Sambal Curry Mussels ($12). Expect sweet black mussels swimming in a mildly spiced umami-ladened broth with bright hints of lemongrass and garlic. Served with slices of sourdough to act as a sponge for the leftover broth, we’d recommend you to order an extra serving of sourdough just to sop all that yum yum sauce up. Chicken lovers, look forward to the Shrimp Paste Chicken ($15) and the Rempah Fried Chicken ($15) but if you had to choose one, go with the latter. Crispy succulent thigh meat with a fragrant herb spice marinate that showcases distinct notes of turmeric and curry leaves. With 10 taps of rotating craft beers with occasional seasonal drops from exclusive international breweries, you can definitely waste the afternoon away imbibing on a range of refreshing Pale Ales, juicy New England India Pale Ales or even robust Stouts. Don’t worry

Brewerkz - Orchard Rendezvous Hotel

Brewerkz - Orchard Rendezvous Hotel

Brewerkz came a long way since it first began in 1997. Launching its fourth outpost in the rather antiquated part of bustling Orchard Road, the swanky 200-seater space caters to most occasions – from intimate group settings to just a casual session of people watching over a few refreshing swigs. Modern chic is without a doubt the chosen theme to go about. The space showcases tasteful touches such as light wood decor, Pollock-inspired distressed furniture, and a biophilic approach with greenery in almost every corner. But the highlight is the stunning bar which is adorned with handcrafted copper and custom tiles from Bali. After all, it houses 20 taps of award-winning craft beers and a seasonal selection which we reckon is definitely the soul of the restaurant. With the new look comes a new menu with a strong focus on local produce featuring a melting pot of modern European, classic American and Asian favourites.  Sourced locally from Ah Hua Kelong, the mangrove red snapper ($30) is pan-roasted till the skin is golden brown, paired with creamy umami seaweed butter and ikura. On the side comes a silky dashi butter-infused napa cabbage that delivers an elegant balance between light and rich flavours.   Notable highlights to try include the spicy chicken satay ($18), Sakura shrimp pasta ($25) and golden ale fish & chips ($26). But if you’re thinking meat, then go straight for the classic charcoal grilled Wagyu ribeye ($72). Think 300 grams of hefty melt-in-your-mouth meat perfect

SG Taps

SG Taps

4 out of 5 stars

Coming on to its sixth year anniversary, this quiet nook atop Duxton Hill is truly a diamond in the rough. Make no mistake, it’s a place for craft beer enthusiasts where fresh suds flow consistently out of 20 rotating taps. But what’s really special is their clear focus on pledging at least half their taps to local craft beer brewers on the daily which we thought was worthy of a shoutout.  Whether you’re people-watching while day drinking by the alfresco seats or escaping the heat indoors where you’ll find casual wooden furniture and walls plastered with beer posters, you’ll soon settle into the unpretentious space without much trouble. Owner Norihito Hirose is one of the biggest craft beer lovers around and he isn’t one to shy away from sharing about the very best that are in season. It’s a no brainer that good craft beers pair best with delicious food. Serving up a range of humble and comforting Japanese cuisine with a local twist, food here is seriously good. If your idea of good beer food pairings is typical fryer bar grub, you’re about to be blown away by the sheer attention to detail the team here puts behind the food – even for their bar snacks. The Pork Katsu Sticks and Chicken Karaage come highly recommended. The former has salt and pepper seasoned pork tenderloin strips with a light biscuity crust paired with a sweet-tangy tonkatsu sauce while the latter boasted true-to-style juicy chunks of ginger-soy marinated crispy chicken. The chicken satay and popcorn chicken

Limaa Café – Golden Landmark

Limaa Café – Golden Landmark

This quaint cafe along Haji Lane has got delicious acai bowls hidden amidst its brunch-focused menu. Swing by for a guilt-free frozen treat after exploring the buzzy stretch. Made for acai lovers, the acai smoothie bowl ($14) is a tasty blend of organic ingredients, frozen bananas, fresh fruits, homemade nut butter and chia seeds.

Moam

Moam

Being healthy isn't always necessarily a hassle. Here at Moam, also known as Men on a Mission, there is an emphasis on fresh produce, general well-being, and nutritious food. Things are kept simple and fuss-free to allow diners to grab a quick meal within the CBD during a busy day. The popular acai bowls ($11.90) are named after Brazilian states such as Ipanema, Sao Paulo and Rio. Each contains acai, cacao nibs and in-house salted gula melaka granola while toppings of fresh fruits and nut butter are customisable. There is also a zero-waste policy over here which means fresh ingredients arrive daily and hence there will be limited bowls available.

Peach Blossoms

Peach Blossoms

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

Shoukouwa Shinjidai

Shoukouwa Shinjidai

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.

Tentsuru

Tentsuru

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 $188 or pick and choose your favourites from the a la carte menu (minimum order of five items per person).

Florette

Florette

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

Born

Born

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

Iru Den

Iru Den

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

Kun

Kun

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

News (114)

Lau Pa Sat debuts more than 20 new hawker stalls in the iconic hawker centre

Lau Pa Sat debuts more than 20 new hawker stalls in the iconic hawker centre

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

Taiwanese cocktail concept Draft Land debuts in Singapore on October 12

Taiwanese cocktail concept Draft Land debuts in Singapore on October 12

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

Two Singapore hotels made rank on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list

Two Singapore hotels made rank on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list

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

Blancpain x Swatch drops in Singapore on September 9

Blancpain x Swatch drops in Singapore on September 9

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

Celebrated chef Josh Niland to open restaurant in The Singapore Edition in November 2023

Celebrated chef Josh Niland to open restaurant in The Singapore Edition in November 2023

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

Singapore’s first whisky makes handsome debut on 9 September

Singapore’s first whisky makes handsome debut on 9 September

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

Margaret Market transforms old wet market into urban marketplace for homegrown brands

Margaret Market transforms old wet market into urban marketplace for homegrown brands

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

This local microbrewery is giving out free beers on Thursdays

This local microbrewery is giving out free beers on Thursdays

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

Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023: 11 bars in Singapore made the top 50 list

Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023: 11 bars in Singapore made the top 50 list

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 

Enjoy 1-for-1 poke bowls at Poke Theory's new and largest outlet in the CBD

Enjoy 1-for-1 poke bowls at Poke Theory's new and largest outlet in the CBD

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

Michelin Guide Singapore 2023: The full list of Michelin-starred restaurants revealed

Michelin Guide Singapore 2023: The full list of Michelin-starred restaurants revealed

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

Odette wins the Best Restaurant in Asia at World's 50 Best 2023 Awards Ceremony

Odette wins the Best Restaurant in Asia at World's 50 Best 2023 Awards Ceremony

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