Adira Chow

Now that we’re neck-deep into February, the year-end festivities seem a far distance away. Thankfully, the Chinese New Year break is soon upon us – cue all the 2026 Year of the Horse puns. As always, the hallmark of each Lunar New Year, and the main event that kickstarts the festivities, is, without a doubt, the reunion dinner. This once-a-year affair is where loved ones gather over a lavish spread to usher in another year of prosperity and abundance. Once again, Singapore’s best Chinese restaurants have brought their A-game, with show-stopping set menus, creative yu sheng displays, and plenty of luxurious ingredients worth ditching that diet for. Here are our picks of the best Chinese New Year reunion dinners in Singapore for 2026 – book early, dress up and get ready to feast. Singapore's best CNY set menus at a glance: ⭐ Best overall: Madame Fan ✨ Best ambience: Jin Ting Wan 💰 Best value: The Black Pearl 🥢 Best yu sheng: Cherry Garden by Chef Fei RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year takeaways in Singapore for 2026 and The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore

Hot pot is not just a meal. In Singapore and many parts of Asia, it's a social experience. There's nothing quite like gathering 'round a bubbling pot of soup with family and friends — though it's perfectly fine to have an individual serving all for yourself too (we'll show you where in a minute). Not only do steamboats offer an inexplicable sense of community, but restaurants now have plenty of broth flavours to choose from, plus an extensive range of ingredients and side dishes to leave you stuffed and satisfied. Some places even come with top-notch service, so you're sure to have a good time. Let our list of the best hot pot places in Singapore show you where to go. RECOMMENDED: The best supper spots in Singapore and The best seafood restaurants in Singapore  

Valentine's Day couldn't come at a better time this year. With February 14 falling on a Saturday, you and your partner have Friday evening and the whole weekend to celebrate, before the Chinese New Year festivities kick in the next week. To help you with your planning, we've sussed out the best Valentine's Day menus and restaurants for a one-of-a-kind date night. From floral-themed settings and sizzling steakhouses, to restaurants where you can skip off on a romantic walk in the park after dinner, these are the places to be making those reservations at this year. Watch this space for fresh updates on the best places to wine and dine this Valentine's Day. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic restaurants in Singapore and The most romantic bars in Singapore

Gone are the days when vegetarian and vegan dining in Singapore meant uninspiring salads or basic grain bowls. Today, the city’s best plant-based restaurants are bold, inventive, and downright delish. Whether you’re a full-time herbivore, or just looking to eat clean for a change, Singapore’s green scene is a cut above many others in the region, and promises a great variety of meatless options at all price points. This list isn’t just meant for our vegan and vegetarian friends – it’s about celebrating flavour-first cooking that just happens to be meat-free (read: no compromising on taste). Some of these spots even offer clever, innovative dishes, from plant-based caviar to spins on hawker staples like orh lua and duck rice. There are also plenty of cuisines to choose from, from Japanese and Peranakan, to Thai and Korean. And yes, we’ve also included some classic vegetarian institutions, tried and tested by us and also the hordes of locals who swear by it. Ready to eat your greens? Here are the best plant-based joints in Singapore right now – places that prove going meat-free doesn’t mean missing out. January 2026: Since our last update, we’ve swapped out several spots, including old haunts which have sadly closed (like Joie Restaurant), to make space for some of our recent obsessions like Ahimsa Sanctuary and Arunchala Bhavan. We’ve also added in some of our longtime favourites like vegetarian bee hoon stall Ruyi Yuan and others. Find out more about how Time Out makes recomm

Singapore's got a soft spot for Japanese food and it's easy to see why. The choices are endless: elegant kaiseki spots that deliver multi-course feasts, yakiniku joints to grill melt-in-the-mouth wagyu, or bustling izakayas where the yakitori never stops sizzling. Some of the city’s best Japanese restaurants are all about tradition, with fresh seafood flown in straight from Toyosu Market, while others shake things up with modern twists.  No matter the mood or budget, they all have a knack for great Japanese food and will tempt you to linger a little longer. Whether you're slipping into a stylish dining room for a delicate kaiseki dinner, or sharing smoky skewers and sake with friends at a spot that feels straight out of Tokyo’s back alleys, you’re in for a good time.  This list rounds up some of our favourite Japanese restaurants in Singapore – from intimate omakase counters to lively ramen joints – all worth booking ahead for. Hungry yet? Itadakiamsu! RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Indian cuisine in Singapore has evolved far beyond the usual go-to biryanis and ghee-laden curries, though these are droolworthy on their own too. Today’s top Indian restaurants in Singapore offer a thrilling range of flavours, concepts, and experiences, from creative tasting menus and Michelin-starred plates to time-honoured dishes that stay true to regional traditions.  This list is all about highlighting kitchens that are the best at what they do, whether it’s mastering the use of the tandoor oven and delivering lip-smacking, smoky dishes, or perfecting a simple meal of thosai and filter coffee. Expect everything from vibrant South Indian breakfasts to progressive North Indian dishes, and even Indian-inspired cocktails that surprise and delight.  We’ve scoured the city to bring you these top picks. Some are stalwarts that have stood the test of time; others are humble, delicious spots that are well worth a repeat visit. June 2025: Since our last roundup, we’ve refreshed the list with worthy additions like The Elephant Room while keeping trusted favourites like Shahi Maharani and thosai institution MTR Singapore that continue to deliver the goods. RECOMMENDED: The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Singapore and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. November 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Pralet, as well as well-deserved inclusions like Elijah Pies and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, while bidding farewell to a few that have shuttered or slipped in standards.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Great cafés in Singapore are everywhere – buried in shophouses, lined along bustling streets, perched on rooftops. Some draw in crowds with viral pastries and picture-perfect drinks, while others stay under the radar while still serving up quality brunch and brews. But what makes a café hidden? It’s not about being completely unknown (face it, that’s nearly impossible these days thanks to social media). Instead, it’s the thrill of discovery – finding a sleek coffee bar inside an old office building, or a café nestled within another business.  And yet, the phrase “hidden gem” is on the verge of being banned from the internet. Overused and stretched beyond meaning, it’s often used to describe spots that are about to become anything but secret. So let’s ditch the clichés. This list isn’t about cafés nobody knows, but those that require just that little extra effort to track down. Maybe they’re mysteriously located behind a nondescript door, buried deep in a quiet neighbourhood, or overshadowed by a bigger establishment. If you love the chase as much as the coffee, these are the best hidden cafés in Singapore to visit right now. July 2025: Since our last update in July 2024, we’ve swapped out several spots, including Kyuukei Coffee and Rookie’s Coffee Shop in Queenstown, which are a little more well-known now, with new finds like Bee Hoe Coffee in Joo Chiat. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

As we know all too well, not everything that tastes good is good for you. Thankfully, healthy eating in Singapore is no longer just about sad salads and dry chicken breast. Singapore offers plenty of wholesome eateries that serve up everything from vibrant grain bowls to flavour-packed dishes that dial back on the nasties. If you're after a clean post-workout refuel or a mindful midday meal, these are the places that you need to be adding to your 'saved' tab. In this carefully curated list, we've included CBD favourites like The Daily Cut and Grain Traders as well as breezy brunch spots like Carrotsticks and Cravings and The Butcher's Wife, which carry tons of gluten-free options.  January 2026: Since our last update, we've made a few reshuffles to reflect Singapore's ever-evolving healthy dining scene. We also say goodbye to several old favourites which have since shuttered – spots like Aloha Poké and Bamboo Bowls.  RECOMMENDED: The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Singapore and The best vegetarian local food in Singapore

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. January 2026: New names to know include Pop City X Pony, a new CBD hideout inspired by Japanese city pop. Old favourites like Native and Nutmeg & Clove continue to prove their staying power, while Side Door, Offtrack and Fura keep things fun, fresh and future-facing.  Check out Singapore's most exciting new bars here and here. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

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

Need a change of scenery from your usual work setup? Whether your home office is less than inspiring or you just can’t stand another hour in a stuffy library, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the usual crowded coffee chains and check out these alternative spots instead. These cosy cafés offer free Wi-Fi, ample power points to charge your devices, and of course, great coffee to keep you fueled while you power through your to-do list.  RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD

Real ones will remember Korio's early days in Far East Square. The popular sandwich shop reopened in December 2024 at IOI Central Boulevard Towers, and now, it has a second outlet in Guoco Midtown II. All-time favourites like the gruyère, cheddar and mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich ($15) and the sausage and egg sandwich ($13) remain available. But on top of that, diners can also try outlet-exclusive items like the brisket sandwich ($18.50) featuring slow-cooked grass-fed beef brisket with pickled onions and horseradish sauce.  It’s not just the sammies that fans go ham for – Korio also doles out freshly-baked brioche doughnuts each day. Each batch undergoes an 18-hour fermentation process before it's fried and coated in house-made glazes. The signature honey sea salt doughnut ($5.50), which has been around since day one, is a classic, but our favourite is the cinnamon sugar doughnut with a dollop of maple butter. Wash down the grease with drinks like sparkling orange espresso ($7) and a range of iced lemonades, homemade iced teas, or the signature honey sea salt latte ($6.50) The vibeFuss-free and casual. There's a small dine-in area with a couple of tables, though you're better off getting your sammies to-go and avoiding the lunchtime madness. The foodHefty sourdough sandwiches and brioche doughnuts are the main highlights here, with outlet-exclusive picks to choose from. Sweet treats are a must, too – the cinnamon sugar doughnut with maple butter is not to be missed.  T

Orchard Road has gotten quite the glow-up recently, with several new properties joining the belt, from trendy boutique hotel The Standard to The Singapore Edition, a symbol of modern luxury. Then there’s the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, sitting on the fringe of Orchard and away from the buzz. This five-star establishment turns 31 this year but somehow remains an enduring favourite among business folks and vacationers alike.  Don’t be fooled by its age; the interiors carry a touch of old-school grandeur without feeling dated or old-fashioned. And while its most recent major refresh was in 2018, the upkeep since then has been excellent. But appearances aside, things are constantly evolving at Four Seasons to keep up with the times. Case in point: a new modern Asian direction at the hotel’s day-to-night dining spot One-Ninety, and a wellness slant that includes new pickleball courts, a gorgeous gym and even a longevity clinic. Here’s the full lowdown on what it’s like staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore in 2025. Why stay at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore? Photograph: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore The real win is the location. Despite being just a short stroll from the chaos of Orchard Road, the hotel feels wonderfully private, likely thanks to the thick ring of foliage surrounding the building, which helps dampen noise from the main road. The space is another huge plus. One of the perks of staying in an older building is the generous room sizes;

At our peak, we've been here thrice in two weeks. All for one thing: the Lean & Rich morning platter ($11), a simple but golden combination of some of the best sourdough we've had, together with a soft-boiled egg, cheese, whipped butter, fig jam and a teaspoon of Maldon sea salt. It's one spread that'll have you thinking you could do with an extra slice of sourdough. Do note that this tends to run out before noon, so make sure to get there after 8.30am to avoid disappointment.  Otherwise, the gorgonzola and pecan ($8) is our second pick, with a creamy spread of the blue cheese – not as pungent as you might imagine – with sweet, caramelised pecans, encased in shatteringly-crisp and fluffy ciabatta slices. We'd skip the caponata and burrata ($21) and apple and brie croissant ($12) as the former can be a tad unseasoned on off-days, while the croissant simply isn't as good as the other fresh bakes. Complete your brunch with the supergrain latte ($7.50), a take on the traditional Korean mitsugaru drink, a healthy blend of roasted and ground grains and beans with a nutty and malty flavour. Lean & Rich's co-founder, Hong Ui Chang, was formerly the head baker at the popular café Tartine in Hannam-dong, Seoul, before moving to Singapore to start his own bakery.

This crêperie along South Bridge Road has one of the unlikeliest of beginnings. And by unlikely, we mean it started in 2018 as a crêperie boat which sailed along the Swedish Archipelago. Well, Madam Flod has finally landed on shore – Singapore's shores – last year, and it now serves its French-style savoury galettes and sweet crêpes to anyone curious enough to give them a try. The buckwheat galettes come in eight mouthwatering flavours. Our picks are the complète ($20), which is a fail-proof medley of egg, ham, emmental cheese, salad and vinaigrette, as well as the ratatouille ($21), layered with grilled vegetables, egg, chorizo sausages and Bellota Iberico.  No visit to Madam Flod is complete without ordering a dessert crêpe, and our recommendation is the sugar, butter and lemon ($11), which is equal parts sweet and tangy. And to complete the experience, order a bottle of traditional French apple cider from Bretagne (from $33 for sweet and $35 for dry) to share – you'll thank us later.     

The stars align once again: Capella Singapore and Capella Bangkok present the second edition of Constellation of Cocktails this November, a series of bar crossovers. This time, Stella Bar from Bangkok will be taking over The Pineapple Room at Capella Singapore for two nights on November 7 and 8. On the menu? Stella Bar's latest cocktail series, Journey into the New Siam, featuring creative drinks that embody both elements of Thai royal heritage and contemporary Bangkok. Sip on signature creations ($28 each) like Siam 5.0, Bangkok Noir, Prathet Thai and the Umami Martini. And don't miss the Capella Sling, exclusively crafted by The Pineapple Room for this pop-up. The cocktail is the bar's take on – you guessed it – the iconic Singapore Sling, and will be available throughout November. 

Submerge yourself in the rich culture of the Fujian community at this educational festival in Telok Ayer. The Singapore Hokkien Festival is returning for its eighth edition from November 7 to 9 at Telok Ayer Street, at the plaza opposite Thian Hock Keng Temple. The vibrant three-day celebration will be jam-packed with cultural performances, a Hokkien street food galore and plenty of family-friendly activities. Enjoy traditional Chinese music and opera performances – and even a singalong on Sunday afternoon – ancient poetry recitals in Hokkien, puppetry and tea ceremony demonstrations. A special exhibition featuring 12 rubbings of stone steles will be set up at the Level 2 Exhibition Hall in Chong Wen Ge, and it's completely free to visit. For those who don't mind getting their hands dirty, sign up for festival workshops ($23 per person or $23 per parent-child pair) like ang ku kueh and huat kueh making, or have a go at the ancient art of stone rubbing.  And what better way to learn about a culture than through its food? Go on a Hokkien food crawl at the festival ($20 per food coupon), with authentic Hokkien fare prepared by 15 Fujian clan associations. Think fried red yeast duck and red glutinous rice wine chicken, as well as Fuzhou egg noodles and stir-fried Xinghua vermicelli. Register for workshops here and pre-order food coupons here. Find out more about the festival here.

MOGĀ, the Japanese Prohibition-inspired izakaya-bar at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, turns two this year, and it sure knows how to throw a party – or five. The bar will be hosting 10 guest shifts across five days in November, featuring some of Asia's most popular bars. The month-long revelry kicks off with Kuala Lumpur's Penrose and Reka:Bar on November 1, followed by a spotlight on rising stars in Indonesia on November 5 and 10, with bars like BlowJams and Naaga joining the fray. It's then Hong Kong's time to shine, with The Old Man and Quinary stopping by on November 17. The party concludes with Seoul heavy-hitters Villa Records and Soko on November 24. Adding to the excitement, MOGĀ will be offering one-for-one cocktails off its new menu, Kiyoko's Journey, available all month till November 29.  Make a reservation here.

To get to Aniba, you’ll first need to locate its inconspicuous entrance by the Singapore River and head up a private elevator. From there, follow the dimly-lit, cavernous entrance and it’ll take you to the modern Middle Eastern restaurant, fitted with a bustling chef’s kitchen, stunning riverfront views, and a cocktail bar with unique glowing orbs that come alive every now and then. The vibe From casual catch-ups to celebratory nights out, Aniba knows how to set the scene. Mood lighting, lively chatter, and a playlist that keeps the energy just right make it impossible not to linger. The food Aniba’s menu is all about versatility: small bites, hearty sharing plates, or a full-on feast. The latest seasonal menu is built around three categories: Dine, Bites, and Breads. Highlights include fresh hamachi tartare with green gazpacho ($28), fish kebab on Moroccan couscous ($54), and eggplant carpaccio with tahini and pistachios ($31). Plus house-baked breads from Kubaneh ($14) and Jerusalem bagel ($14) go perfectly with rich dips like hummus, labaneh, spicy schug, and harissa. Every dish showcases high-quality ingredients and carefully curated Middle Eastern spices. The drink Aniba's centrepiece is a glowing counter under a dramatic tree lamp, where the bartenders shake up cocktails ($25) infused with elements of storytelling and surprise. If you've got an adventurous palates, sip on the bold Coffee, the herbaceous Okra, or the subtly spiced Tea and Sesame cocktails – each one a

Calling all sake lovers: Singapore’s largest sake festival returns for its 11th edition at a brand new location: Jewel Changi Airport. Held at the Changi Experience Studio from October 31 to November 2, Sake Matsuri 2025 will feature over 150 sake breweries and more than 400 labels from across Japan and beyond – its biggest line-up to date. The cherry on top? Views of Jewel's iconic rain vortex as you sip and savour. There will be a total of nine sessions held throughout the festival weekend. During each two or three-hour window, festival-goers will get to enjoy free-flow samples of sake and receive a complimentary Sake Matsuri tasting glass to bring home. You’ll also get to purchase bottles of your favourite sake and spirits at exclusive festival prices.  The grand showcase will feature plenty of award-winning names and rare labels, including the premium Junmai Daiginjo, which is brewed with highly polished rice to give a light, complex and fragrant flavour; as well as Namazakes or unpasteurised sake. Also look out for rare sake made with traditional methods like Bodaimoto and Kimoto, one-of-a-kind Doburoku brews, as well as a range of shochu and Japanese spirits at the festival.  There are also all-day VIP passes on Friday and Saturday for enthusiasts who want more bang for their buck. With the pass, guests can participate in two unlimited tasting sessions of two hours each and one three-hour session – that's seven hours in total. You'll also have VIP access to a lounge are

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

Popular homegrown sandwich shop Korio reopened last December in IOI Central Boulevard Towers with much fanfare, after closing for a year from 2023 to 2024. Now, you’ll still catch snaking lines outside its tiny shopfront during lunch hours in the CBD, with customers eager to sink their teeth into hearty sourdough sammies and brioche doughnuts. Thanks to its overwhelming popularity, the brand has decided to open a second outlet in town, located at the new Guoco Midtown II development in Bugis. Similar to the first shop, the Bugis outlet mostly does takeaway orders, though a small dine-in space is available for those who’d like to savour their sandwiches on the spot. Photograph: Korio All-time favourites like the gruyère, cheddar and mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich ($15) and the sausage and egg sandwich ($13) will be available. But on top of that, diners can also expect outlet-exclusive items like the brisket sandwich ($18.50) featuring slow-cooked grass-fed beef brisket with pickled onions and horseradish sauce. Another newly launched item is the BLT sandwich ($16.50) with crispy bacon, avocado, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, jalapenõ ranch and a sunny-side-up egg, encased in fluffy potato buns. Photograph: Korio | Brisket sandwich It’s not just the sammies that fans go ham for – Korio also doles out freshly-baked brioche doughnuts each day. Each batch undergoes an 18-hour fermentation process before they’re fried and coated in house-made glazes. The signature honey s

Between restaurant visits and churning out reviews for Time Out’s Food & Drink column, I like to embark on the occasional side quest, especially when it involves forgotten places in Singapore. Last year, that meant checking out a vacant infectious disease hospital along Moulmein Road, a once shunned and heavily stigmatised institution. This time, I’m starting 2026 strong with a very different kind of adventure: wandering through a defunct oil blending plant from the 1960s, alongside other fascinating spots buried deep inside Woodlands. Photograph: Time Out Singapore I first spotted these mysterious green tanks on social media. Looming behind an old HDB estate and just across the Causeway to Johor Bahru, they looked peculiar and almost out of place. Turns out, these belong to the former Shell Woodlands North Lubricant Oil Blending Plant, a restricted site that played a key role in Singapore’s industrialisation. These days, the only way in is with Hidden Heritage’s Industrial Relics and Wartime Secrets tour ($98 per person), which is also redeemable with SG Culture Pass credits.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore The feeling hits almost immediately when I step into the compound. There’s something slightly eerie about entering a place previously bustling with hundreds of workers a day, now completely silent on a Sunday morning at 9am. Imagine being an HDB resident here years ago, peering out the window at this massive industrial complex of pipes, tanks and steel, humming day an

I ask a friend what he thinks the new chef's table concept within Artichoke is all about. Without batting an eyelid, he says, "Just Bjorn Shen doing something wacky again". And our visit to Jellyfish Sushi proves true enough. The Artichoke founder and former MasterChef Singapore judge is indeed up to something wacky – and wonderful – again. And that's after overhauling his headlining Mediterranean restaurant, turning it into a pizza parlour last year, and after reinstating his first chef's table concept, Small's, at New Bahru in 2024.  His newest F&B venture is Jellyfish Sushi, another restaurant-in-a-restaurant that sits within Artichoke and beside Small's. What's the difference between this and Small's? Think of Small's as Shen's original experimental R&D playground of sorts, ingredient-led and often diving into his recent hyperfixations, spinning them into fixed dinner courses priced at around $138 per guest. This month's iteration: a Korean Duck Feast featuring the 'wagyu of duck' from Silver Hill Farm in Ireland. Now, Jellyfish Sushi carries the same curiosity-driven ethos and fluidity (hence 'Jellyfish'), but with a sharper focus on sushi-like creations and raw or lightly treated ingredients, particularly seafood.  Photograph: Jellyfish Sushi At launch, the intimate 10-seater is serving a 12-course 'doughmakase' ($165 per person), or in other words, a bread sushi omakase. Instead of the usual shari (vinegared rice) in traditional Japanese Edomae-style omakase, it's br

Summer has arrived – in Chef Julien Royer’s Odette, that is. Gone are the spring-coded pastel pink hues and cool-toned details that once spoke of restrained, quiet elegance. The restaurant's interiors have subtly evolved, now embracing warmer, earthier shades of ember, still largely anchored by the familiar soft beige palette and occasional pink accents.  The refreshed dining room is lofty and airy, with tables well spaced out so you get to enjoy some privacy without losing that sense of openness. "Every seat is the best seat", our host tells us. Returning guests will notice that the long, double-layered tablecloths have been replaced with shorter single layers. It’s a small but telling shift, from stuffy fine-dining constraints to something more self-assured and relaxed. After all, this is Odette’s 10th year in the game.  Now look towards the centre of the restaurant. You’ll spot a new marble-topped wine counter, intentionally positioned there so almost every aspect of the wine experience is visible, right down to the opening of bottles. Then look up, and you’ll see the artificial skylight, bathing the room in sun-drenched comfort by day and a moonlit ambience by night. Or look around, to catch sight of those partitions that double up as sound-absorbing panels to keep noise at bay, alongside intricate paper sculptures by artist Dawn Ng, inspired by Chef Julien’s cooking. Photograph: Odette | Hokkaido Botan Ebi We could go on about the aesthetics, but that’s not all that ha

February always passes in a flurry, and this year, it's bound to fly by exceptionally fast, with the Chinese New Year holidays smack dab in the middle of the month. In between reunion dinners and Valentine's Day reservations, there's only so much time left to explore a new restaurant with friends or plan that long-overdue catch-up. But do it anyway. Here's where you can start: Book a table at the all-red Medusa for a celebratory dinner, or an unconventional dining experience at Bjorn Shen's experimental bread sushi counter within Artichoke. Keep it classy with an omakase dinner at Ginza Sushi Arai, or feast on comforting East-Asian flavours at Patchwork Kitchen. Finally, you can't go wrong with Spanish, and the latest to open in Singapore is Amor, along the trusty Amoy Street. Here are the best new places to dine at this month.  Explore Singapore's restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in January 2026 New restaurants in December 2025 New restaurants in November 2025 New restaurants in October 2025  New restaurants in September 2025 New restaurants in August 2025 Discover Singapore's best new restaurants here.  1. Medusa Photograph: Medusa The word 'osteria' might conjure images of a cosy, rustic eatery in a small Italian town. Well, the newly opened Medusa is anything but. Think big night out energy. Every wall is splashed in crimson. The walk-in area has LED lights, mirrors and plenty of photo ops for the 'gram. Looks aside, there's another reason why Medusa is

January blues? Don't know her. Especially not with all the exciting new restaurants in Singapore's F&B scene giving us plenty of reasons to head out and have a good time. Just like December, this month is flooded with restaurant openings, timed perfectly for the upcoming Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year season. But instead of inundating you with options, here are five that we think might be worth the reservation.  Leading the charge is Barrel, a moody Hibiki whisky-forward izakaya in the CBD – a stellar recommendation for whisky lovers. Then there's Loca Niru, breathing new life into a 140-year-old restored Teochew Mansion in Singapore with its elegant French-Japanese tasting menu. For something different, nourish your belly with Korean chicken soup from Bomul Samgyetang, or pop by MyX's unique lending library and vinyl station after feasting on a Latin American spread. And finally, take the kids out for a treat at Moutarde and the adjacent Sundae Royale for nostalgic, colourful sundae towers in 10 different flavours.  Explore Singapore's restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in December 2025 New restaurants in November 2025 New restaurants in October 2025  New restaurants in September 2025 New restaurants in August 2025 New restaurants in July 2025 Discover Singapore's best new restaurants here.  1. Barrel Story of Hibiki Photograph: Barrel Story of Hibiki Barrel Story of Hibiki is a new whisky-forward restaurant and bar spearheaded by the Japanese spirits bra

The word 'osteria' might conjure images of a cosy, rustic eatery in a small Italian town. Well, the newly opened Medusa is anything but. Think big night out energy. Every wall is splashed in crimson. The walk-in area has LED lights, mirrors and plenty of photo ops for the 'gram. Not one, but a cluster of shimmering disco balls lines the ceiling. Checkered floors and red settees channel a bit of that American diner aesthetic, though the overall design leans decidedly more towards luxury vintage and 1960s Rome. Looks aside, there's another reason why Medusa is one of the hottest dining tickets in town this month. The restaurant is a Fortuna Group concept – yes, the same F&B company that runs Fortuna and its sister brunch spot Fortuna Terrazza along Craig Road. And this bold 76-seater is a tribute to founder Egon Marzaioli's wife, who happens to be from Rome. Photograph: Medusa Naturally, there will be high expectations when it comes to food, given the popularity of Fortuna and Fortuna Terrazza. At Medusa, the menu is largely inspired by Roman cuisine and iconic dishes from that region in Italy, from Supplì al Telefono (traditional deep-fried arborio rice ball) and porchetta, to thin-crust pizzas and pastas like carbonara and cacio e pepe. Here's everything we tried, and how we'd rate it.  Burrata Fritta: 4/5 An easy sharing starter, the burrata fritta ($26) has a crunchy, breaded shell encasing a generous ball of creamy cheese. The parcel pulls apart delightfully, with black

It's 5.30pm on a Tuesday. I overhear one of the girls beside me at the bar counter say to her friend, "My mood today is 'Alamak'". She proceeds to order said Alamak from the menu. The drink arrives tall, clarified and fizzy, with a magenta-pink foam crown and a kitsch Singapore flag garnish to top it all off. That seems to be what the Nutmeg & Clove team is going for with their newly launched 2026 menu, a fun spread of creations inspired by iconic Singlish expressions, with one for every mood of the day. Titled Singapura, Oh Singapura after the national song of the same name, the menu consists of 12 cocktails ($26 each) ranging from Heng Ong Huat – very fitting for the upcoming Chinese New Year season – to Jialat and Die Die Must Try. Alongside them are 12 drinks ($26 each) from previous menus, dubbed the Hall of Fame. Here's where crowd-favourites like the namesake Nutmeg & Clove, a creamy rum-based number with gula Melaka, lemon and ginger beer, are found. The menu opens up like a comic book, with illustrations accompanying each of the tipples, full of funny anecdotes and quips that liven up the whole experience. Photograph: Nutmeg & Clove | Alamak Head Bartender Yung (formerly the Senior Bartender at sister bar Last Word upstairs) starts me off with Alamak as well, which is apparently his take on a Singapore Sling. "It's basically what you say when you get the bill at Long Bar," he explains. Thankfully, you don't have to fork out over $40 for this version of our national

Dry January's out, cocktails are in. Or wine. Or champagne. And you can sip on a bit of everything at these hottest bar openings in Singapore. Fans of Japanese aesthetics should definitely check out the newly opened Pop City X Pony, which has been packed out each week since launching last December. Those who love their bubbly – and champagne in particular – now have an alternative spot to hit up aside from the tried and tested Convivial. Hint: It's located behind a sandwich deli along Amoy Street. For a romantic hideaway with cocktails set against a gorgeous city backdrop, no one does it better than Abode, which most will recognise as the rooftop café Pout in the day. Meanwhile, riverside views, a vibrant neighbourhood setting and wine go hand in hand at Barely Aged, located along the Robertson Quay. And finally, for unfussy cocktails at reasonable prices in the CBD, we recommend heading to Confession Room along Boon Tat Street for your next weekday tipple. Here are five new bars to have your eyes on this year.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and 5 cool new bars in Singapore to visit right now 1. Pop City X Pony  Photograph: Pop City X Pony | After Hours Salon Design, music and drinks blend seamlessly at the new Pop City X Pony on Cecil Street. The Japanese city-pop-inspired bar takes over the second-floor rum den that was once Sugarhall, and is operated by the same award-winning Jigger & Pony Group. It’s a collaboration with House of Suntory, but the branding s

The opening of Italian deli Mamma Mia Focaccia last October was met with snaking queues and plenty of online hype. It is, after all, Singapore's first focaccia-led sandwich parlour, with a prominent location along Amoy Street. The shop drew attention for its bright red facade, fuss-free grab-and-go concept, strong Italian coffee, and of course, its focaccia sandwiches stuffed with fresh deli fillings. In 2026, Mamma Mia Focaccia is introducing a bunch of upgrades in response to feedback from guests – think half sandwich portions, new menu items and extended opening hours.  First up, the deli's 10 signature sandwiches (from $13) are now available in half sizes. Yes, you're now able to mix and match everything from the namesake Mamma Mia with mortadella, stracciatella and pistachio, to the spicy Salame sandwich. This caters to folks who prefer a smaller, lighter lunch as opposed to a hefty stack, those who want the chance to try out different flavour combinations, or those who simply don't want to splash more than $15 on a sandwich. The priciest items are the San Daniele and Coppa ($14 for half, $24 for full), while wallet-friendly options include the spicy tuna-stuffed Tonno, Vegetariano and Nutella ($9 for half, $14 for full). Photograph: Time Out Singapore | Porchetta On top of that, the store has also expanded its beverage menu, from previously only serving punchy Italian espresso-based drinks, to now offering matcha and hojicha. And more menu upgrades are in the works. A

A new Italian deli is setting up shop along Amoy Street, and it’s all about focaccia by day and champagne by night. Mamma Mia Focaccia officially opens its doors on October 21 with a four-day launch promotion till October 24, where the first 50 sandwiches daily (from 11am to noon) are completely free. After that, they’re yours at $10 each, which is still quite the steal.  The grab-and-go joint is run by the same folks behind popular F&B concepts like Asador and Next Door Spanish Cafe, and is open on weekdays only. We see it quickly becoming a go-to lunch spot for those working around the CBD or along Amoy Street, especially if you’re not feeling the heat and queues at Amoy Street Food Centre that day. There are no seats here, just standing counters.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore Mamma Mia Focaccia’s house-made focaccia is long-fermented and baked fresh daily, then toasted again before serving so it reaches you warm and with a crunchy exterior. The golden, pillowy slices come plain instead of seasoned with herbs, tomatoes or olives like you might expect, to let the spotlight shine on the fresh deli fillings. Pick from 10 sandwiches on the menu, stuffed with anything from San Daniele ham ($24) and 'nduja ($22), to stacks layered with spicy salami ($18) and coppa ($24).  Photograph: Mamma Mia Focaccia Prices start from $14 for the vegetarian option with grilled vegetables, red pesto, pickled onions and mascarpone – a surprising banger with the grilled artichokes standing o

Singaporeans are serial travellers and serious foodies, perpetually seeking out our next vacation or favourite dining destination. Put those two together, and it's no surprise that we rank among the world's top countries that foodie travellers hail from. According to Trip.com's Why Travel? Report in August 2025, Google searches for "food travel" and "Michelin guide" jumped 18 percent and 22 percent respectively, while food-related bookings on the site rose by 43 percent.  Later in December 2025, Trip.com also released more insights from its Trip.Best Southeast Asia Travel Trends Unpacked event, where it shared that 70 percent of Singaporean travellers rank "Local Food & Dining Experiences" among their top three factors when choosing a travel destination. Food isn't just a side quest on holidays anymore – for many, it's the main event.  And among cities known for food, the site highlights five in particular that foodies should be keeping an eye on. First up is Chengdu, China, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Chinese cities have been enjoying a renaissance lately, with Trip.com reporting a 315 percent growth for Chengdu on the website's Trip.Best Global Rankings. A YouGov study in December 2025 also identified China as an increasingly popular value-for-money holiday destination.  Photograph: René DeAnda | Unsplash Within East Asia, other foodie destinations include Jeju Island, South Korea, for its bountiful seafood spreads and black pork barbecue, and Fukuoka, Japan, for its atm