The ultimate guide to Changi

Located off Changi Airport Terminal 2, lies a secret garden café that is hidden from plain sight. Hub and Spoke Cafe offers a tranquil escape to unwind and grab a bite – the glasshouse-looking space lets in oodles of natural sunlight, and the breezy alfresco veranda comes flanked by plenty of fauna. The menu here captures a colourful, multi-cultural variety – from steamed yam buns ($4.50) and kopi (from $1.30) to salmon Benedict ($11.90) and even bubble tea.

A new concept has rolled into town: a specialty cinnamon bun kiosk. Rrooll is dedicated to the humble cinnamon roll – served in ways both classic and novel. The classic cinnamon ($3.40) comes dusted with premium spice sourced from Korintje, Indonesia; while those with a sweet tooth can sample the fluffy bread topped with apple compote ($3.40), and cocoa with orange ($3.40). For something savoury, try the Japanese curry ($3.90) stuffed with chicken ham, garlic onion and cheese ($3.40), and Hawaiian ($3.90) that comes mixed with tomato sauce and pineapple chunks.

Much closer to Changi Point Ferry Terminal (the main transfer point to Pulau Ubin), this hawker haunt is popular among weekend fishermen and supper seekers in the east. There are more Malay-cuisine stalls here as compared to other hawker centres, and Changi Village Hawker Centre is hailed as a nasi lemak haven by most locals. Order a plate at International Muslim Food Stall Nasi Lemak (#01-03) known for their take on the famous rice dish ($3.50) which comes with crispy and juicy fried chicken, lemongrass-tinged pandan rice and chunky otah.

Located on the outskirts of Changi, this casual dining hotspot is a treasure trove of retro memorabilia. Think antique bicycles, vintage cameras and kerosene lamps. The restaurant itself is spacious and airy, flooded with natural light due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, while surrounding greenery provide ample opportunities for an outdoor shot. The menu includes sharing plates like har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken) ($16) and wagyu cubes ($24), while seafood selections like the grilled octopus ($31), sambal squid ($21) and drunken lala clams ($23) promise to be fresh and filling. 

Set against the backdrop of the Singapore Straits, this alfresco restaurant along Changi Coastal Walk welcomes all to wine and dine under the stars – or sun, if you're here for an afternoon munch. But trust us, it's most romantic during sunset. Snag the best seats on the boardwalk or under one of the shady Bali-style cabanas, and savour the flavour of its signature Western delights including the spaghetti marinara with prawn, scallop and mussel ($24), Hawaiian pizza with chunks of sweet pineapple and savoury ham ($19), and the creamy Tiramisu ($10).

For a bougie-er alternative, opt for London's Burger & Lobster's debut Singapore restaurant perched on Jewel Changi Airport's topmost floor. Crack into its signature lobster platters ($65) – steamed or grilled lobsters from Canada served with a side of fries and garden salad. Otherwise, grab a bite of its Nabraskan beef burgers ($25) finished with house-made pickles, onions and secret sauce, or buttery brioche lobster roll ($40). The restaurant also offers stunning views of the Shiseido Forest Valley and the HSBC Rain Vortex while you dine.

If there's anyone who knows how to dress up and elevate humble Peranakan cuisine, its Violet Oon. Besides a few dishes she’s kept exclusive to each restaurant, the menus share favourites like chicken buah keluak ($23), sweetened braised daging chabek beef cheek ($35) and Oon's invention of dry rice noodles, coated in a rich laksa sauce ($22). Elevate your experience at its Jewel outlet (the biggest) with the exclusive Nyonya Poh Piah Party ($58). Each platter comes with toppings such as bamboo shoot and jicama braised in our savoury prawn bisque, Chinese sausage, house-made chilli, dried sole fish, steamed prawns, and more. There are six skins you can gussy a roll up to your liking – figuring out how much you can stuff in there without breaking the skin is half the fun. Eating it like a burrito is the other half.

Yes, it’s ridiculously ulu. But trust us, a visit to this 400-seater microbrewery and smokehouse is well worth your Grab fare. Little Island Brewing Co occupies a warehouse-like space on the eastern reaches of Singapore, pouring out a range of ales, porters and stouts, as well as its very own craft beer. Bonus points for its laid-back vibe – the beach is just a stroll away – and the ’60s psychedelic-inspired beer labels.

This sports bar-slash-gastrobar in nostalgic Changi Village serves up pub grub such as the classic fish and chips ($18.90), lasagne ($15.90), and BYOB (build your own burger) burgers for you tuck into while you cheer on for your favourite football or rugby team on screen. Wash it all down with a specially shaken (or stirred) cocktail or a pint of your favourite brews including Tuas Brewing Co's Singapore Lager, Miller Genuine Draft, and Grolsch Premium Lager.

Changi City Point is home to many high-street fashion outlets. Pick up some everyday basic threads for cheap from Cotton On and Esprit or shop for comfy shoes from Bata, Aldo, or Clarks. While you’re at it, stock up on athleisure wear from Bods Bodynits and replace your old runners with a new pair of spiffy shoes from Royal Sporting House, Puma, or Adidas at a considerable discount.

Upping the street cred at Level 2 of Jewel Changi Airport is the new Converse flagship store. This is where you can pick up the latest and most exclusive collections from the iconic shoe brand – and get an eyeful of Converse's first indoor City Forest mural and two in-store wall murals designed and painted by the young Converse All-Stars team of creatives. And there's more than meets the eye. Whip out your phone and scan the QR code for a surprise – the jungle foliage comes alive with the magic of AR, revealing factoids about gender equality milestones in Singapore.

With pastel-coloured walls and high ceilings, what draws you in the store is how much it looks like a museum. The local label offers shoppers a retail experience beyond just clothes. The curated collection includes their womenswear, menswear, and children's wear which is known for its timeless silhouettes and quality fabrics; and also books, accessories, scented candles, and chocolates. Refuel with something sweet like a scoop of ice-cream from Birds of Paradise, which sets camp in the store. The ice-creamery is known for gelato created from herbs, spices, and botanical ingredients.

The first centre to open outside Japan, the Pokémon Center Singapore is a specialist store for all things Pokémon. Think plush toys, video games, trading cards, apparel and more. The centre looks just like the ones in Japan but the Jewel Changi Airport outlet also stocks Singapore-exclusive official merchandise so if you’re a huge fan, you’ll probably need to collect ‘em all.

Just another shoe store in town? Not quite. For the first time in Southeast Asia, Nike will feature its full product showcase across all sports and lifestyle categories, right here at the Jewel at Changi Airport store – which is why the store is also the largest one in Singapore. Both like a Nike museum and store, fans of the brand can browse through the huge collection of footwear, apparel and accessories for your running, cross-training, football, basketball and other sporting lifestyle needs.