Adira Chow

Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 falls on October 6, and with it comes a glowing celebration of lanterns, full moons and of course, indulgent mooncakes. Across Singapore, hotels, bakeries and restaurants are rolling out their most exquisite mooncake collections yet, blending classic flavours like lotus paste and egg yolk with interesting ones like chendol, yuzu and more. Whether you're buying a box of traditional baked mooncakes for family celebrations or sending over a luxe snowskin set to a client, this year's selection won't disappoint. We've done all the tasting and rounded up the best mooncakes in Singapore for 2025, so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.  RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore and The best things to do in Singapore this month  

There’s a reason Singapore remains one of the cocktail capitals of Asia, if not the world. Yes, we have to acknowledge that the F&B industry is feeling the squeeze with rising rents, manpower shortages and inflation pushing the average cocktail north of $25. But the Singapore drinker has a refined palate, and the drinks here are absolutely world-class and well worth the pretty penny. Throw that penny in almost any direction and you’ll land at a solid bar. But since you’re here on Time Out, let us help. This is our constantly updated list of the best bars in Singapore right now – the places we’re drinking at, talking about, and recommending to our friends. You’ll find classy cocktail bars with excellent drinks (and food), trendy listening lounges, natural wine hangouts and divey beer joints. September 2025: New names to know include Hup San Social Club, a Club Street hideaway where Korean flavours meet creative cocktails and Bar Somma, which has one of Singapore’s best dirty martinis (with free tripe paninis, no less). Old favourites like Jigger & Pony and Native continue to prove their staying power, while Side Door, Offtrack and Fura keep things fresh, fun and future-facing. Now go forth and drink. For more bar recommendations, check out these wine bars stocked with quality vino, speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors, whisky dens, craft beer breweries and many more.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Orchard Road isn’t just about retail therapy and five-star hotels, it’s also home to some of Singapore’s most stylish and inventive drinking dens. Whether you’re craving a perfectly stirred martini, an avant-garde cocktail inspired by Japanese flavours, or a speakeasy experience tucked discreetly behind sliding doors, you’ll find it all along Singapore’s most famous shopping belt. Many of the city’s top hotels house destination bars that rival the best in the world, and you’ll also find indie concepts pushing boundaries with bold ideas and eccentric charm. This guide highlights the places worth dressing up for, from sleek hotel bars dripping with old-world glamour to cosy Japanese-inspired hideaways where omotenashi is at the heart of every pour. And if you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed evening, you’re just a short stroll or cab ride away from New Bahru in River Valley – a buzzing lifestyle enclave where natural wines, craft cocktails, and quirky concepts are the order of the night. Updated August 2025: Orchard’s drinking scene keeps evolving. This month, we’ve spotlighted a mix of stalwart institutions like Manhattan and Origin Bar alongside new-wave favourites at New Bahru. Whether you’re after barrel-aged classics, manga-inspired highballs, or immersive theatrical drinking, Orchard offers more than enough to keep your nights out exciting. Find out how we curate and review at Time Out

August 2025: The dining scene in Singapore is always buzzing, and at Time Out, we're dedicated to uncovering the very best of it – right here, right now. This updated list brings together fresh, exciting dining concepts that have debuted in 2025, alongside beloved F&B classics and underrated spots we swear by. Welcome to the Time Out Eat List, a compilation of the 50 finest restaurants in Singapore, carefully handpicked and curated by our expert local editors. From innovative restaurants by acclaimed chefs to humble local haunts that deserve way more love, these are the dining destinations in Singapore that you’ve got to visit at least once in your life.  RECOMMENDED: Narrowing down the 50 best restaurants in Singapore is by no means an easy feat, which is why we also have separate lists for the best Japanese, Italian, Chinese and restaurants on the island – among many others. Also check out these roundups of our favourite hawker centres and cheap eats if you’re after a wallet-friendly meal. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Brunch has earned its place as a weekend ritual we all look forward to. There’s nothing quite like clocking in a few more hours of sleep and then waking up to enjoy a leisurely meal that combines the best of breakfast and lunch. Whether you’re craving classic eggs on toast, indulgent ricotta pancakes, a gourmet sandwich, or a vibrant plant-based bowl, our diverse brunch scene has something to satisfy every craving and diet.  What makes brunch in Singapore so special? It’s the way local and international influences find themselves blended effortlessly into menus, and how there are tons of options depending on the occasion – from elegant restaurants in the city to casual neighbourhood digs. In this list, we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites, including recent haunts and places we’ve been loyal fans of for years. Expect freshly baked goods, solid coffee, and dishes that go beyond the ordinary.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Singapore and The best brunch buffets in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Chinese cuisine in Singapore is rooted in centuries of tradition and shaped by local tastes, regional dialects, and global techniques. Whether it’s a sumptuous Cantonese feast at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a heritage Hakka meal in a family-run eatery, there’s a depth of flavour and cultural history to be found in every bowl and bite. We’ve handpicked these spots for their consistency, creativity, and commitment to tradition, with menus that span refined creations to deeply comforting classics. Expect seafood-rich claypot stews, expertly roasted meats, impressive abalone dishes, and some of the best dim sum in town. July 2025: This latest refresh includes new seasonal menus at Summer Palace and Man Fu Yuan, a deeper spotlight on heritage at Plum Village and Spring Court, and the elegant return of Teochew cuisine at Tien Court. Whether you’re craving luxury or looking for soulful, nostalgic fare, these picks represent the very best of Chinese dining in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best traditional Chinese dialect restaurants in Singapore and The best modern Chinese restaurants in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Grilled meats, salads, flatbreads, spices, hummus, grains and legumes. These are quintessential elements of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. And while it's often hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins, we can all concur that you can't ever go wrong with either. If you're craving the vibrancy and textures that these cuisines have to offer, here's our guide on where to dine for outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best Peruvian restaurants in Singapore and The best Greek restaurants in Singapore

Singapore’s dining scene moves at breakneck speed – some 300 or so new restaurants open each month. That’s nearly 10 a day. Let that sink in for a bit. Even for a city that’s already one of the world’s best for food, that number is still on all accounts, quite staggering.  With so many new spots popping up, we’re on a mission to track down the tastiest, most innovative, and value-for-money spots in town. Whether it’s your favourite chef making waves with a fresh concept, or a new but undiscovered restaurant that deserves some time in the spotlight, our nifty list has got it all. Without further ado, here are the best new restaurants in Singapore to visit this year – all tried, tested, and approved by the Time Out team. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try  Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Punggol just got a lot cooler with a brand new hawker centre to its name. Punggol Coast Hawker Centre is the latest addition to Singapore's ever-growing hawker scene, and it's already drawing a steady crowd. The 600-seater food centre is breezy and spacious, and not to mention, parked right next to the new Punggol Coast Mall and MRT. It's also conveniently connected to Punggol Digital District, making it a no-brainer for quick and easy lunches around the area. To its credit, it's got plenty of food stalls – 40 to be exact – that warrant a trip down to the far North-East too. Think Michelin-studded names, old-school favourites, and even stalls by young hawkers selling creative takes on traditional snacks like curry puff and min jiang kueh. Here are 10 must-try stalls to check out on your next visit. RECOMMENDED: The best hawker centres in Singapore View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg)

Sure, home-cooked dinners are great but if you've got an upcoming party for ten and more, leave it to the pros and get some catering pronto. There's no mess, your guests are happy, and you get to enjoy the food in peace. From pretty charcuterie and cheese platters to laksa live stations, here's who to call for your next big bash.  RECOMMENDED: The best communal dining restaurants for big groups and the best buffets in Singapore

Good Peranakan food is notoriously difficult to find in Singapore, even with a food scene that’s as dense and history-rich as ours. On the bright side, we are recently seeing a mini resurgence in the cuisine, especially with local drama programmes like The Little Nyonya and Emerald Hill helping to spark interest and curiosity in Peranakan food once again. Fun fact: Did you know that Singapore is home to the world’s first and currently only Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant?  So yes, there are stll a handful of restaurants keeping the Peranakan culture alive, and they range from old-school eateries serving traditional and honest-to-goodness Nyonya delicacies, to modern restaurants putting out inventive takes on classic dishes. You’ll come across both in this nifty list that we’ve put together. In some cases, you might even find yourself dining in someone’s home – it doesn’t get more authentic than that. Here are the best places in Singapore to feast on a Peranakan spread, where you’ll be leaving with your bellies – and hearts – full. August 2025: Since our last roundup, we’ve reordered some of our favourites, bumping restaurants like Pangium and Bonding Kitchen up to top spots. We’ve also added in two unique private dining experiences to the list, namely Butterfly Table and Lynnette’s Kitchen. RECOMMENDED: The best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore and The best private home dining experiences in Singapore Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and re

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 Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

There's plenty to look forward to at the IKEA Family Fest 2025, including the launch of IKEA's cutest merch yet – a limited-edition meatball plush keychain. These mini-sized plushies are being given out for free, but only to IKEA Family members who spend a minimum of $50 on home furnishing items in-store. All you have to do is flash your IKEA Family card and the receipt of your in-store purchases at the redemption booths from noon to 4pm daily. On top of that, there are plenty more family-friendly activities, discounts on home essentials and dining deals to get excited for. On September 6 and 7, pair up with your child in a race to assemble a 14-piece kitchen toy set and win a fun prize, and on September 13 and 14, let the young ones participate in a customisable keychain-making workshop. Other activities include a teddy bear mascot meet-and-greet, a terrarium workshop and more. IKEA Family members will also score 20 percent off home furnishing items, with discounts applied to different categories throughout the Family Fest, such as bedroom essentials, storage solutions and kitchenware. And even if you’re just visiting for a meal, there are attractive dining deals to look out for as well, including 40 Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes in a bucket for $18.90 (usually priced at $27) and more.

Hidden on the second floor of a restored 1930s shophouse, Gibson has always been a little off the radar, and that’s part of its charm. To find the bar, you’ll first have to spot the seafood restaurant Humpback along Bukit Pasoh Road, enter through a door on the side, walk past another cocktail bar (Live Twice) and climb up a flight of stairs. Upon entering, you’ll first notice a gorgeous green marble table, lit by the gentle glow radiating from stained-glass windows. If you’ve been to Gibson any time in the last 10 years, you might remember the bar team’s unlikely get-up: tailored suits and bow ties paired with – you guessed it – bermudas. To mark its 10th year, the suit-and-shorts combo has been swapped for relaxed green overshirt jackets and comfy slacks. But attire aside, it’s the dusty pink 10th anniversary menu, called Timeless, that truly signals a new era for the bar.  Yes, the namesake Gibson cocktail ($28) remains – how could it not? The bar’s rendition of the classic dry martini is served at a chilling -15 degrees celsius, featuring Roku gin, house-made ginjo sake-vermouth and a pickled pearl onion garnish, accompanied by condiments of pickled pomelo, sliced pickled onion and smoked quail egg.  But that’s not what we’re here for. Instead, it’s the team’s shiny new creation, the MF Martini ($28), that comes highly recommended in this latest refresh. MF, short for “made for fries”, tells you everything you need to know about how this drink should be enjoyed. The stiff

If you’re looking for somebody to match your freak, this silly, goose-themed drinking hole at Stanley Road might just fit the bill. It’s duck-everything here, from the nondescript red door plastered with a goose sticker, to the duck-ified posters of pop-culture references on the walls, and adorable duck lamps that line each table.  Volume 2 of Silly Goose’s menu is a wacky departure from its debut menu, which was a tribute to hip-hop. This round, the bar shakes up 12 cocktails inspired by episodes of their favourite childhood cartoons – think iconic series like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly OddParents. Each drink is named after the actual title of the episode it’s crafted based on. For starters, sip on Operation Flavor ($24), where Discarded Rum, cacao-infused stout cream and vanilla strawberry margarine shine in this sweet number inspired by Codename: Kids Next Door. The milkshake-like concoction might come with a freakish goose straw, but flavour-wise, no fowl play detected. We want so badly to love The Green Tea Ceremony ($24) – named after Iroh’s (from Avatar: The Legend of Aang) favourite drink – but the herbal notes brought out by the blend of Glenfiddich 12, lychee tea and ginger beer might just not be everyone’s cup of tea.  Cereal Killers ($24) is our pick of the night, and this Rugrats-inspired cocktail served in a wine glass also turns out to be owner Stanley’s favourite on the current menu. Stranger & Sons gin, acidified orange juice and orange liqueur fo

EG Coffee is a new café located below Alexis Condominium, which is an eight-minute walk from Queenstown MRT. The setup is simple – white and light-wood tones with four small tables indoors, and foldable camping chairs outdoors, where pets are welcome. The interiors are peppered with quirky knick-knacks, including a mini Sudoku corner where you can have a go at a puzzle while waiting. A friendly couple, Esther and Gavin (after whom the café is named), run the place. For a small neighbourhood café, EG Coffee offers a surprisingly extensive drinks menu. It’s got the usual roster of espresso-based drinks (a latte starts at $6.50, which is not the cheapest), filter coffee (from $9) and cold brews ($9). The proprietary Icons Blend is a medium-to-dark roast Guatemala and Uganda blend which is smooth and chocolatey with hints of caramel. You can also opt for Geisha and Yirgacheffe beans at a top-up, or ask the barista for the origin of the day. There are also interesting options like the dried orange latte ($6.90), mint coconut latte ($7.90), black sesame latte ($6.50), osmanthus latte ($6.90), as well as strawberry matcha ($9.50) and hojicha ($7.90). The black sesame latte ($7.50) is one of the most ordered items here, with a thick, velvety consistency, and a toasty, slightly savoury flavour. To beat the heat, EG also has refreshing soda-based coolers like the Strawberry Bliss ($6.50), Apple Tree ($7.50), Orange Sea ($7.50) and yuzu matcha ($8.90), as well as iced teas (from $5.90)

It felt like it wasn’t too long ago when we celebrated the debut of Singapore’s first contemporary Indian restaurant. Chef Manogren Thevar’s eponymous restaurant opened its doors in 2018 on Keong Saik Road, and after picking up two Michelin Stars, three Knives from The Best Chef awards and a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants along the way, he’s now ready for something new. Enter Thevar 2.0 – a well-rebooted version of the original, now located at Mohamed Sultan Road. It’s twice as big for one, seating 28 guests in the main dining hall, two to three at a cushy chef’s table and up to 10 in the private dining room (which is fitted with its own kitchen, restroom and private entrance). The minimalistic, sanctuary-like space is a subtle callback to Chef Mano’s childhood home in Penang, with terracotta walls and Chettinad-inspired motifs embedded in its pillars and rugs.  While the design of the restaurant is muted, the menu and flavours are anything but. Yes, it’s the same signature items that greet you in the $298 tasting menu (and new sharing dishes are on the way), but if you’ve got a real penchant for South Indian cuisine like us, and even if you don’t, a meal at Thevar is not to be passed up. Expect nothing less than spot-on seasoning, complex spice blends and stellar presentation. Chef Mano brings his classical French training to the table – his creations are never so vibrant that they overwhelm, nor so restrained that they feel pared back. My meal kicks off with a flavour-

Ready to feel good, inside and out? Glow Festival is lighting up Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza for nine days from July 5 to 13 with a jam-packed lineup of all things wellness. Think sunrise yoga sessions with a stunning view, high-energy barre and HIIT classes, soothing sound baths, craft workshops and even ice baths if you’re daring enough to take the plunge.  Back for its fourth edition, this year’s Glow Festival is bigger than ever, with over 70 experiences curated by 26 wellness partners and 64 hosts, including folks like running queen Ling Er Choo, acclaimed yogi Dylan Werner and Australian sprinter Olivia May.  Run club addicts, there’s also a 60km ultra marathon if you’re up for a challenge. The Noble Ultra SG60 kicks off on July 13 in support of mental health causes, and you can grab tickets to join the 21km and 8km legs of the route. Not a self-professed fitness buff? There are plenty of other sessions to get involved in, from coffee pop-ups to yin yoga and breathwork classes, as well as workshops that teach you how to slay your motherhood journey or craft your own macramé keychains and marble coasters.  Check out the Glow Festival website and event schedule to find out about ticket prices for individual classes. Or, purchase packages which entitle you to curate your own festival experience, whether you’re keen on studio, workshop, or run sessions. 

If the brief is ‘client meeting in the CBD’, The Spot is where many flock to for a fail-proof option. This all-day dining restaurant and bar is wedged in the heart of Marina One, and despite its semi-casual appearance, don’t expect the standard bistro fare here. The menu is pegged as contemporary European, but there’s a distinct Asian feel in the use of ingredients. Expect plenty of finesse and creativity, without anything being too far-reaching for a casual lunch appointment.  A must-order to start? The salmon nachos – a snackable, shareable tower of crispy gyoza skin with tartare, bonito mayo and wasabi guac. Another safe choice is the pork belly ‘char siu’, which is thoughtfully topped with pickled cucumbers, mustard and apple purée to cut through those fatty, melty layers.  Other table favourites include stuffed chicken wings packed with truffle chicken mousse and a hint of Sichuan peppercorn; hay-smoked hamachi with a trio of condiments – yuzu kosho, pickles and wasabi ponzu; and one of Chef’s signatures – the chilli crab pancake. The crispy dashi-infused egg layer comes with chunks of blue crab and is crowned with a heaping load of coriander – diabolical, but perfect if coriander is your thing.  Fill up on mains like a tamarind-glazed toothfish donabe, which is cleverly mixed with rice pops for extra texture, or gnaw on a heaving rack of Iberico pork ribs, grilled over binchotan and finished with a kicap manis glaze. Round off with desserts like the Chocolate Tart 2.0,

Helmed by industry veteran June Baek, this tiny 12-seater bar is one of 2025’s most exciting openings. After winning competitions and honing her craft across South Korea and Vietnam, Baek brings her playful yet refined cocktails back to Singapore, where she previously bartended at Madame Fan and MO Bar. Now, in her very own space, she experiments with flavours from her Korean heritage, local Singaporean flavours, and other delightfully nostalgic concoctions.  HSSC’s debut menu Do What Brings You Joy is a two-pager spread of 14 cocktails, with interesting savoury concoctions like Cold Soup ($26), Achar ($25), and The French Fries 2.0 ($26). The Cold Soup is a take on a Ulsan summer quick-fix dish: oi naengguk or cold cucumber soup. The incredibly zingy yet potent blend consists of Tokki Soju with kelp dashi, sesame, cucumber, and apple vinegar.  Baek recommends the Camellia ($25) for those who love sour flavour profiles. The rum, galangal, and rose blend is one that’s close to her heart, having first debuted as a competition cocktail. Meanwhile, The French Fries 2.0 is as irreverent as it gets, featuring Monkey Shoulder whisky infused with fries, Heinz ketchup, tomato, chilli, and salt.  The vibeA pocket-sized, dark, underground den that's perpetually packed. It's quite the squeeze, but just right for intimate date nights. The food Before descending into Hup San Social Club, line your stomach with Club Street Laundry's menu of modern Australian plates — our favourite's got to

The new Club Street Laundry is anything but a laundromat, but the restaurant does pay homage to its past life as Hup San Laundry, frequented by second-generation immigrants nearly a century ago. The “Hup San” name also lives on in Hup San Social Club, the cocktail bar in the basement, inspired by the many Chinese social clubs that once lined the street in the early 1900s. If you’re looking for a place to people-watch, Club Street Laundry fits the bill perfectly. The breezy, open-concept bistro has high tables perched along walkways, staring out at the charming shophouses around the neighbourhood. You’ll quickly spot the happy hour board splashed out with $15 house wines, tap cocktails, and full-pint Peronis from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. The menu is positioned as modern-Australian, but really, Chef Justin Hammond (previously from Neon Pigeon and Underdog Inn) works his way around any and every flavour profile just fine, with dishes based off his travels around the world. We have no qualms devouring the flame-grilled beef cheeks which sit atop a bed of buttery mash ($33). Cooked overnight in a master-stock of dashi, orange peel, star anise and other spices, the beef comes out fork-tender without even a need for chewing, and the ahi verde (a type of South American pesto) adds pleasant acidity to each bite.   Despite our biases against the usual beurre blanc, fennel, dill and fish combination, the charcoal-grilled sea bream ($31) turns out excellently executed. Pickled fennel grac

Some might scoff at the idea of a meatless omakase, but the opening of Ki Su is a big win for vegetarians and veggie lovers alike who now have the opportunity to savour the art and experience of omakase without any restrictions.  Inspired by shojin ryori, which is a traditional style of cooking practised by Buddhist monks in Japan, Ki Su’s plant-based menus feature both refreshing and rich flavours as well as diverse textures to keep things interesting. Look out for the Air Flown Tonburi Caviar which is spotlighted in the appetiser if it's available – it's a vegan delicacy consumed in Japan’s Akita Prefecture which is reminiscent of fish caviar. The lunch ($98) and dinner ($168) sets come with eight and ten courses respectively, all with a strong focus on dishes that are healthy and nourishing.

Think Korean barbecue and thick strips of samgyeopsal (pork belly) or slabs of galbi (beef ribs) might come to mind. Song Gye Ok offers something entirely new to Singapore’s K-BBQ scene – grilled chicken over charcoal. Hailing straight from Seoul, the chain commands hour-long queues in the Korean capital, with even celebrities and TV food programs singing praises.  Its Singapore outlet is wedged in the buzzing Telok Ayer area, joining the company of other popular Korean barbecue outlets, so it must be doing something right to be earning snaking queues despite only offering one kind of protein on its menu. The restaurant manages to replicate the look and feel of its Korean counterparts, with dark-wooden tones, rustic design elements, and Hanok-inspired interiors. For a more immersive dining experience, snag a seat along the raised counter tables under makeshift huts to watch the staff grill up your meal right before you. If you’re dining in a big group, regular table seats are available too. Song Gye Ok’s claim to fame is its SGO signature grill platter (720 grams, $98) with six chicken cuts including rare parts like boneless chicken neck fillets, gizzards, hearts, and chicken breast softbone. The standard grill platter (470 grams, $68) does away with the boneless neck fillets, and both platters also include chicken thigh and tenders.  A word of caution: dining here isn’t for the fainthearted, especially those who might find chicken innards (gizzard) or hearts a tad grisly to

Are things finally looking up in Singapore’s fine dining world? Amidst a dry spell in the F&B scene where closures outpace exciting new openings, the debut of mod-Spanish restaurant Sugarra offers a welcome glimmer of hope.  For those familiar with Basque Kitchen, Sugarra is the reincarnation of the Michelin-starred restaurant which shuttered in 2023, dressed up several notches. The mastermind behind both concepts is Chef Aitor Jeronimo Orive. But in his absence – the chef is mostly based in Melbourne – it’s his trusted Chef de Cuisine Aitor Gonzalez who takes charge of the kitchen. Northern Spain and the Basque Country are Chef Aitor Jeronimo’s main sources of inspiration, but his dishes also tap into the wider culinary landscape of the region, with sprinkles of personal memories here and there.  Perhaps understanding that the vast majority of diners might not know Spanish cuisine beyond paella and gambas, he chooses to start the meal with the tapitas, a show-stopping spread of eight bite-sized tapas representing different regions of Spain. Look out for signatures like the green spinach tart with pine nuts and crispy garlic, as well as the 45-day aged Galician beef tartare and egg confit sandwiched between flatbread.  Next, the traditional Spanish omelette is reimagined as layers of confit potato, sabayon and potato ‘espuma’ in the Tortilla de Patatas. Topped with luxurious shavings of black truffle, this comforting dish is an easy favourite. The bread course impresses as w

Your friends want a glass of red, you’re craving a tropical cocktail. For nights when you can’t decide between both, Temper, a new hotspot on Duxton Hill, isn’t asking you to choose. Opened by local F&B heavyweight Ebb & Flow Group – the same people behind wildly popular concepts like Casa Vostra, Carlitos and Chin Mee Chin Confectionery – this 4000 square feet, two-level space wears many hats: part wine bar, cocktail lounge and music venue.  Temper is split between two distinct areas: a snazzy wine room upstairs fit for quieter conversations and clinking glasses, and a buzzier cocktail lounge below, complete with a stellar music line-up curated by nightlife veteran Joshia Pillai (ex-Cé La Vi and Mandala Club). The interiors are moody and cinematic with Bauhaus charm – think arched portals, raw textures and sultry lighting.  Photograph: Temper Photograph: Temper | Wine lounge But before all that, it’s the impressive custom-built cellar at the entrance that greets you first. Over 2100 bottles and 1200 labels are housed here, with more than 30 countries represented. Forget staring blankly at a 20-page wine list, though. Temper’s wine programme caters to both connoisseurs and the curious, and you’ll find over 250 labels available by the glass – great for getting experimental without having to commit to a bottle.  The man behind Temper’s sprawling collection is Roberto Duran, former head sommelier of the private members’ wine club 67 Pall Mall. His approach leans more towards

Here’s something both millennials and Gen Zs can get behind: frozen yoghurt. Ever since Australian dessert chain Yo-Chi hit our shores, froyo has become our latest obsession. Hour-long queues? No problem. So when we heard that another yoghurt brand has opened at Scape, just walking distance from Yo-Chi at Orchard Central, we had to check it out.  Yoajung is a popular South Korean yoghurt chain which has around 350 outlets across Korea, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sydney. If you’re plugged into K-culture, you’ll notice its multiple celebrity endorsements and occasional appearances in variety shows. But the big question: is it better than Yo-Chi? Here’s the lowdown.  The experience: We visited on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, and there was practically no queue. Meanwhile, you can expect a waiting time of at least 30 minutes on any given day at Yo-Chi. Do note that there is only one self-ordering kiosk at Yoajung and no sitting areas. Don’t come expecting a DIY experience either. While cups at Yo-Chi are charged by weight, Yoajung uses a standard pricing model with fixed prices for its yoghurt and toppings – more similar to what we’re used to at joints like Llao Llao and Yolé.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore The variety: There’s just frozen yoghurt or acai to decide between at Yoajung. Unlike the outlets in Korea, which offer signature yoghurt ice cream, a low-sugar version and Greek yoghurt, the Singapore store only serves the signature yoghurt. There are also no fixed combinations

Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel has been a reliable favourite for decades, serving up its unique brand of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine since 1982. This month, it’s switching things up a little in celebration of the hotel’s 125th anniversary. Expect new a la carte additions on the menu inspired by Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee’s recent travels to Shanghai, available for a limited time only until October 31.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore Start with a cold appetiser of fresh beancurd skin with scallions ($16). Silky smooth sheets of beancurd are doused in a light scallion sauce, with crunchy Chinese long beans underneath waiting to be unearthed. The marinated shrimp with rice wine-preserved plum ($38) is excellent, with prawns so fresh the shells slip off effortlessly. This cold dish is a unique spin on drunken prawns, using rice wine infused with preserved plum for a tangier, sweeter flavour. Photograph: Time Out Singapore Chef Chan’s crab roe bisque ($28 per person) is a nod to the xie huang (crab roe) trend currently taking over Shanghai’s food scene. His version is a hearty alternative, featuring the same Shanghainese hairy crab roe with generous shreds of crabmeat and potato cubes. It might be tempting to add vinegar, but the soup is best enjoyed on its own to taste the freshness of the crab. Photograph: Time Out Singapore The Shanghainese smoked pomfret fish ($148) is our favourite from this special menu, with chunks of smoked pomfret fried to a light crisp. The nugg

With the recent wave of Michelin-starred restaurant closures casting a shadow over Singapore’s F&B scene, the 10th anniversary of Jaan by Kirk Westaway feels especially worth celebrating. Making it to a decade in Singapore’s cutthroat fine dining industry is no small feat. Yet Jaan continues to stand tall – literally, 70 floors above ground at Swissôtel The Stamford – and be at the top of its game.  With its latest summer menu (from $198 for lunch and $388 for dinner), available until October 11, it’s clear that Chef Kirk isn’t cruising. He’s still experimenting and evolving, and still deeply nostalgic about his childhood in Devon, which forms the crux of the inspiration behind everything at the restaurant.  British food has long been dragged through the mud, labelled bland, repetitive, even uninspiring. So Jaan’s brand of modern British cuisine might raise some eyebrows. But don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore | Baby tomato tart, Goose Mousse The menu opens with a quartet of snacks. The baby tomato tart balances freshness with a slightly creamy base of house-made ketchup sauce and marjoram. Goose mousse with celeriac, which is our favourite, is a sweet-savoury combination of goose and chicken liver pâté with a hint of jamminess. While not officially part of the tasting menu, a cheeky nod to fish and chips also makes an appearance in the form of the crispiest mini rosti slice topped with caviar.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore | 'Fish and c

Remember that one sushiya in Funan that blew up in January this year for its value-for-money sashimi and handrolls? Sushi Zushi offers a unique, omakase-inspired dining experience where chefs prepare your food right before your eyes – except everything is ordered a la carte through a digital system, and, not to mention, at a fraction of the price at an omakase restaurant. Even months after opening, the sushi bar is still drawing long queues daily. Well, Westies need not travel all the way to town to enjoy premium sushi at affordable prices anymore, because Sushi Zushi has just opened a second outlet in Jurong East – a bigger and better one, no less. The restaurant, located on level 3 of Westgate, will sport a larger dining area and a new dining highlight: a genshi yaki charcoal grill.  Photograph: Sushi Zushi Genshi yaki is a traditional Japanese cooking method where seafood is skewered and grilled vertically over a sandpit using binchotan charcoal – something not commonly seen in Singapore. The grill is stationed quite prominently in the restaurant, so you’ll definitely get to watch the spectacle while you enjoy freshly grilled seasonal items like sea bream, miso cod and saba fish, or seafood like tiger prawns and scallops.  There’s also an expanded beverage menu at the Westgate outlet. Tapping on the expertise of its sister brand Omu Nomu Craft Sake & Raw Bar, the restaurant will feature a wider selection of sake, like the Daiginjo from Konohanano Brewery in Tokyo, and Re

Tucked away on the second floor of a restored 1930s shophouse, Gibson has always been a little off the radar, and that’s part of its charm. To find the bar, you’ll first have to spot the seafood restaurant Humpback along Bukit Pasoh Road, enter through a door on the side, walk past another cocktail bar (Live Twice) and climb up a flight of stairs. Upon entering, you’ll first notice a gorgeous green marble table, lit by the gentle glow radiating from stained-glass windows. Photograph: Gibson If you’ve been to Gibson any time in the last 10 years, you might remember the bar team’s unlikely get-up: tailored suits and bow ties paired with – you guessed it – bermudas. To mark its 10th year, the suit-and-shorts combo has been swapped for relaxed green overshirt jackets and comfy slacks. But attire aside, it’s the dusty pink 10th anniversary menu, called Timeless, that truly signals a new era for the bar.  Yes, the namesake Gibson cocktail ($28) remains – how could it not? The bar’s rendition of the classic dry martini is served at a chilling -15 degrees celsius, featuring Roku gin, house-made ginjo sake-vermouth and a pickled pearl onion garnish, accompanied by condiments of pickled pomelo, sliced pickled onion and smoked quail egg.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore | MF Martini and fries But that’s not what we’re here for. Instead, it’s the team’s shiny new creation, the MF Martini ($28), that comes highly recommended in this latest refresh. MF, short for “made for fries”, tells

It’s the middle of the Hungry Ghost Festival, and I’m standing in front of a vacant hospital in Novena that once treated some of Singapore’s deadliest infectious diseases – Smallpox, Cholera, the Bubonic Plague, Malaria, HIV, even SARS. I’m also keenly aware that in about 30 minutes, I’ll be setting foot into a morgue. I’m not superstitious, but still, sorry Mum. It’s just that I couldn’t pass up this rare opportunity to visit one of the most stigmatised yet fascinating places in Singapore’s history.  The yellowing buildings of the CDC – no, not the vouchers, but Singapore’s former Communicable Disease Centre – stand solemn beside Tan Tock Seng Hospital, long shuttered to the public and whispered about in hushed conversations with old taxi drivers, who refer to it as “Or Sai”, or the “Black Lion”. Ominous? Maybe a little. But as Stanley and Amanda, our tour organisers, tell us, the moniker has a practical origin: “communicable” was a mouthful for many in our parents’ generation, and the hospital’s emblem happened to be a black lion.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore | Black lion emblem at the gates of the CDC Hidden Heritage, a local company known for its tours of undiscovered spots like the Marsiling tunnels, Sembawang war bunkers and Singapore’s first airbase in Seletar, is now offering an exclusive tour of the CDC. And for the first time in years, members of the public are allowed to step into a place that was once heavily restricted and reserved for frontline healthcare w

When contemporary Korean restaurant Naeum debuted in 2021, chef-owner Louis Han began the ambitious and gruelling journey of serving episodic menus. That meant fully reinventing the wheel every few months with a brand new concept and new dishes each round. Nine menus, over a hundred dishes and a Michelin star later, it seemed about time that the restaurant and Chef Louis himself stepped into a new era. Enter Naeum 2.0. While many fine dining establishments in Singapore are opening casual offshoots or dialling back on the formalities to cater to shifting customer tastes, Naeum seems to be going the opposite direction. What started as a more casual, homely space with traditional hanok interior elements has gotten a facelift. The restaurant now presents as an elegant 24-seater inspired by the sinhanok, or modern hanok. This update reflects diners’ rising expectations of Chef Louis and his team, especially after their big one-Michelin-star win in 2022.   Photograph: Naeum     And no, the latest menu isn’t episode 10, but rather, Season 2, which Chef titles Moments. Think of it as a culmination of his work at Naeum over the last four years and an expression of where his cooking now stands – that is, borderless and globally influenced but firmly rooted in Korean flavours. While the previous episodes dove deep into themes like hwagyo (Korean-Chinese cuisine) or reimagining the classic frontyard barbecue, Moments will show more breadth, and present, well, significant moments of Che

Bag charms are all the rage these days, and if you’re looking to expand your collection, here’s one that you should have your eye on. IKEA Singapore just dropped its cutest merch of the year, and it’s a limited-edition plush keychain of one of its greatest cafeteria hits – Swedish meatballs.  As part of the IKEA Family Fest 2025 happening from September 4 to 14, these mini-sized plushies are being given out for free, but only to IKEA Family members who spend a minimum of $50 on home furnishing items in-store. So if you’re in dire need of new home office supplies, linens, or whatever it may be, now’s a good time to run those errands and score a freebie while at it. And in case you’re not an IKEA Family member, it’s completely free to apply. To redeem the meatball plushie, all you have to do is flash your IKEA Family card and the receipt of your in-store purchases at the redemption booths from noon to 4pm daily. Move fast, though – only 300 pieces are available per day at each IKEA store. Photograph: IKEA Taiwan / Instagram The keychain giveaway is just one highlight of the IKEA Family Fest. There’s lots more to look forward to, including activities for the little ones, as well as discounts on home essentials and food items.  On September 6 and 7, pair up with your child in a race to assemble a 14-piece kitchen toy set and win a fun prize, and on September 13 and 14, let the young ones participate in a customisable keychain-making workshop. Other activities include a teddy be

We're well into the second half of the year, but Singapore's food scene isn't showing any signs of slowing down. September is shaping up to be a good month for diners who like a bit of variety on their plate. We've got everything, from a heritage Korean nooodle restaurant with a 70-year legacy, to unique farm-to-table concepts like a seafood-focused grill house and a promising fine-dining restaurant nestled within the lush forests of Mandai. Over at breezy Holland Village, a cosy new bistro serves up comfort Australian-European fare with a solid cocktail menu to boot, while busy Amoy Street welcomes a sleek new steakhouse with prime cuts worth drooling over. Here are the hottest tables worth snagging a reservation at this month. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in August New restaurants in July New restaurants in June New restaurants in May New restaurants in April New restaurants in March New restaurants in February New restaurants in January Find out which are the best new restaurants in Singapore this year. 1. Gwanghwamun Mijin Photograph: Gwanghwamun Mijin Naengmyeon (cold noodles) is arguably Korea’s most iconic summer food after bingsu, so it’s not hard to see why it makes perfect sense in Singapore’s endless heat. Gwanghwamun Mijin is a noodle restaurant from Korea which has been around since 1954, serving freshly made buckwheat noodles milled in an in-house factory in its basement. Its original branch in Seoul has been listed

One thing I love about Singapore’s café scene right now is how the tides are shifting – from buzzy destination cafés in town with long queues, to quieter neighbourhood spots that serve the local community. Sure, many of these smaller specialty joints still stick to the usual line-up of espresso-based drinks and pastries, but that’s not a bad thing if it means a solid cuppa is just a 10-minute walk away. That said, some still manage to stand out by going beyond the basics, whether it's with inventive bakes or just sheer dedication to perfecting your brew. Here are five new neighbourhood cafés in Singapore worth checking out now. For more recommendations, check out Time Out's guide to the 50 best cafés in Singapore.  1. Beth Photograph: Beth Helmed by ex-MasterChef Singapore contestant Amanda and her partner Alex, Beth is a cosy addition to the Upper Thomson neighbourhood. But no, it's not located along the prominent Upper Thomson café stretch that's home to Hello Arigato, Oaks Coffee Co. and the like, but rather, further up north and nearer to the entrance of Lower Peirce Reservoir. On weekends, crowds pack the place after their morning hike for a taste of Amanda and Alex's Italian-European fare – think hearty, refined creations that go beyond your typical café food. The pistachio and mortadella sandwich ($18) is a bestseller, with generous fillings of ham and a creamy layer of cheese, but if you like a sweet-and-savoury combo, it's the signature hotcake with homemade jam ($

Singapore’s bar scene is always buzzing, and if you’re on the hunt for your next go-to drinking spot, then these are all the fresh openings to have on your watchlist. These latest additions range from under-the-radar bars which have quietly sprung up in the heartlands, to new destination cocktail bars that are all about the glitz and glam. Temper is where wine and cocktails come together seamlessly, while Bar.ter offers an astounding range of spirits that are available for sampling. Then there’s Casper, keeping the energy high at Duxton Hill, while in Balestier, Ignite Bistro & Bar flips the script on Chinese flavours with its bold, punchy cocktails. And finally, if you love whiskey with a dash of theatrics, Horatio at Resorts World Sentosa is one to add to the list. For more bar recommendations, check out Time Out Singapore’s 2025 Bar Guide.  1. Temper Photograph: Temper Can’t choose between wine or cocktails on a night out? Have the best of both worlds at Temper, a new bar opening on September 1 next to the snazzy Mondrian Singapore Duxton hotel. Temper is the latest addition to the Ebb & Flow Group’s F&B line-up, which currently includes wildly popular concepts like Casa Vostra, Carlitos, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery and more. And you’re in good hands, because this 4000 square feet space is helmed by a star-studded team. Former 67 Pall Mall head sommelier Roberto Duran leads the wine programme with more than 1200 labels and 2100 bottles from over 30 countries; award-winni