Adira Chow

Chilli crab is Singapore's national dish – agree or disagree? 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 always hits the spot, especially when accompanied with steaming hot mantou, dunked into that pool of red, saucy goodness. The dish is said to have been invented in the 1950s when a lady 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 wild over her invention.  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 or 100th time trying the dish, here are all the seafood joints serving up plates of chilli crab that don't disappoint. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore and The best hawker centres in Singapore

Looking to shake up your usual workspace? If your home office isn't sparking creativity or you're tired of reserving seats on the National Library Board application, it might be time for a change of scenery. Skip the packed café chains (you know which we're talking about), and try out these alternative spots instead. These welcoming cafés offer Wi-Fi, power outlets for your devices and quality coffee to keep you energised and productive as you tackle your to-do list.  February 2026: We've added spots like Elephant Grounds and Postboy Coffee to the list – both great options depending on whether you prefer a more central location or a quieter neighbourhood to work at. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and The best cafés in the CBD

A year on, Kada has found its footing as one of Singapore's most distinctive and interesting lifestyle enclaves. Located right next to the bustling Maxwell Food Centre, this four-storey building boasts plenty of dining options as well as health and wellness experiences. Think New Bahru, but smaller in scale and also at a more accessible location – just a three-minute walk from Maxwell MRT Station. The all-in-one enclave is housed within a conserved 101-year-old building, which was formerly home to St Andrew’s Mission Hospital.  There’s plenty to explore here, so let us break it down for you. The first floor caters to all the caffeine addicts and foodies, with several homegrown coffee brands and restaurants to pick from. Level Two is a dedicated space for health and fitness enthusiasts, with studios offering everything from pilates and personal training to hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. The co-living space Habyt occupies the third floor, providing a one-of-a-kind stay with access to the wellness facilities on the second floor. And finally, the fourth floor houses a private dining concept, rooftop bakery and art jamming studio.  RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visit and 101 best things to do 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. February 2026: New names to know include BOP, a vibrant new bar dedicated to Korean drinking culture, while older favourites like Nutmeg & Clove and Last Word continue to prove their lasting power with refreshed menus that lean strongly into Singapore's heritage and classic cocktails. Check out Singapore's most exciting new bars here and here. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

For our Muslim friends, Ramadan is a special month of reflection, self-reflection and togetherness. After a day of fasting, there's nothing better than gathering with friends and family over a hearty meal that warms the soul and belly. Singapore is home to plenty of halal-friendly spots, and these restaurants curate some of the best iftar feasts each year, heaving with everything from quintessential Ramadan dishes, to roasted meats, premium seafood selections, delectable sweets and nourishing soups to replenish your energy. In recent years, these iftar buffet spreads have gotten creative as well, whether it's incorporating East Asian flavours, doing a Balinese culinary deep-dive, or showcasing some of the finest varieties of dates. Here are the best places in Singapore to gather and break fast after the sun sets. And hey, you don't have to be observing Ramadan to join in – there's always room at the table for friends who just want to share some love during the season. RECOMMENDED: Your guide to Ramadan in Singapore and The best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore

Chinese New Year is synonymous with the vibrant ritual of lo hei, the joyous tossing of yu sheng that ushers in prosperity, abundance, and good fortune for the year ahead. This year, Singapore’s top restaurants are taking the tradition to new levels with inventive, opulent interpretations. From premium sashimi like amberjack to indulgent caviar and sculptural, Instagram-worthy presentations, yu sheng has transformed into a feast for both the eyes and the palate, with chefs putting bold, inventive twists on this beloved tradition. Each platter is a carefully crafted celebration of colour, flavour, and festivity, perfect for both intimate family reunions and grand corporate gatherings. Here’s where to find some of the city’s most luxurious and delectable yu sheng this festive season. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year reunion dinner menus in Singapore and The best Chinese New Year takeaways in Singapore

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. Our Hotel Editor's picks for the best hotels in Singapore: Best boutique stay: QT SingaporeBest hotel for families: Mandarin Oriental SingaporeBest luxury hotel: Raffles Hotel SingaporeBest beachside stay: Capella Singapore RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of

Singapore is notorious for its temperamental weather that can go from scorching hot to torrential rain in minutes. But when you manage to catch the sweet spot between golden hour and dusk, where the evening breeze is at its prime, the feeling is simply divine. In those moments, there’s nothing quite like hitting up a rooftop bar with friends and kicking back with drinks in hand. In this list, we've got institutions like Level33, the world's tallest urban microbrewery for a fresh pint and great bites, or Mr. Stork, where you get a pretty neat view of the city from the comfort of the bar's cosy teepee huts. Take drinking to the next level (literally) as you enjoy your favourite cocktail at these stunning rooftops in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and The most romantic bars 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

Singapore is home to some of the best bars in the region, and our coffee scene is starting to take flight in Asia too. But there's a certain category of drinking den or coffee bar that remains popular, even as plenty of new ones emerge: listening lounges. As analogue continues its steady comeback across the globe, these sonic sanctuaries are changing the way we experience music, coffee culture, and nightlife. They offer a sophisticated escape, where curated tunes meet craft coffee and cocktails. Unlike the pulsating dance floors of nightclubs or the constant cacophony of a coffee shop, listening bars and cafés bring together two simple pleasures: the tactile warmth of vinyl, and a refined cuppa or tipple. From tropical havens in sunset hues to vintage hideaways with record-lined walls, these intimate bars and cafés are a blend of artistry, ambience and impeccable taste. Here’s a guide to the best ones to check out. February 2026: We've noted closures of old favourites like Vertigo 26 and Simply Analog by Tin Box, while expanding our previous bars-only list to include cafés like Slow Boat and Swee Lee Clarke Quay. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and The best record stores in Singapore

Chinese New Year is soon approaching, and things are about to get hectic. Between running errands like spring cleaning, packing ang baos and procuring snacks and decorations, the last thing you'll want to worry about is having to cook and host a large group of guests. This Year of the Horse, make things a little easier for yourself by forgoing that labourious reunion dinner cookout. Instead, you and your loved ones can make merry as you tuck into one of these delicious takeaways and delivery sets recommended below. It's the perfect way to ring in the Lunar New Year – from the comfort of your own home. Read on to find out where you can enjoy auspicious dishes prepared in the kitchens of some of Singapore's finest Chinese restaurants, fuss-free hot pot deliveries, and more.  RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year reunion dinners in Singapore 2026 and The best pineapple tarts in Singapore for Chinese New Year 2026

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

For over 25 years now, foodies have been flocking to Seoul Restaurant in Conrad Singapore Orchard for value-for-money Korean barbecue buffets that include premium meats like A5 wagyu and Iberico pork. The family-run institution has been in operation since 1997, when it first opened in Amara Hotel's food court, and has been a mainstay at its current location since 2014 during the days of Regent Hotel. Most recently, it was also recognised as one of the outstanding Korean restaurants in Singapore by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.  This year, Seoul Restaurant is embarking on a new chapter with the opening of a sister restaurant, Seoul & So, at the National Gallery Singapore. The new venue, slated to open on March 15, 2026, will be a modern Korean steakhouse located on the fifth floor, set amongst the Gallery's historic architecture. Its launch is also part of the museum's ongoing refresh of its F&B offerings, which recently included additions like Gilmore & Damian D'Silva and other cafés. Like Seoul Restaurant, Seoul & So is still, at its core, a Korean barbecue restaurant. However, the Rhee siblings, who inherited the business from their parents, have decided to do away with the buffet format in favour of à la carte menus and tasting sets meant for sharing. Premium meats are definitely part of the rotation. Think Japanese and Australian wagyu, USDA Prime, Iberico pork, and even the most recently approved-for-import Hanwoo and Handon – Korean beef an

Amoy Street has its fair share of speakeasy-style bars – think Stay Gold Flamingo and Employees Only, both tucked behind thick drapes and hidden from unknowing eyes. Recently, a new one has joined the fray. Slip behind the grab-and-go sandwich counter of Mamma Mia Focaccia and you'll find The Champagnery, a sleek, champagne-first lounge dedicated to all things bubbly. You enter through the deli, brushing past trays of focaccia and the coffee machine, before meeting with a crimson red door. Behind it lies a lowly-lit lounge decked out with statement checkered floors, gold details and LED screens. You can tell it's a space meant for partying, with the DJ booth positioned in the centre, flashy pink light strips around the bar counter and rows of low tables by the sides.  Here's everyone's really here for: the Wednesday Soirée. It's The Champagnery's take on ladies' night, running from 8pm to 11pm every Wednesday with unlimited pours of bubbly for women. At a time when ladies' nights are increasingly watered down or accompanied by token discounts, this feels almost too good to be true. Right now, this three-hour free-flow format might just be the only of its kind in Singapore. Photograph: The Champagnery But what exactly is in your flute? That depends. On some Wednesdays, it's the house pour of Jacques Picard Brut Iconique NV, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. On others, expect a rotating selection of sparkling wine, most commonly Prosecco. We'll save those c

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 word 'osteria' might conjure images of a cosy, rustic eatery in a small Italian town. Well, the newly opened Medusa Italian Osteria Romana 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 de

If your weekends typically revolve around café-hopping and retail therapy, here's a new spot that lets you do both, and support a good cause while at it. First, head to Enabling Village in Redhill, which recently gained internet buzz for cafés like Mad Roaster Slow Bar and Bailey & Patch Pet Café. Venture further into the compound and you'll find the i'mable Collective Space, a bright and welcoming community hub that puts inclusivity front and centre.  The 800-square-foot space run by local creative agency weareSuper spans five key areas: a café, open studios for creative residencies, Singapore's largest inclusive gift store with over 30 brands, art galleries, and design studios. Pleasing pastels, soft colours and sensory design ensure that visitors are calm rather than overstimulated, and the building is furnished with thoughtful details such as calm rooms and automated, wheelchair-friendly toilets. At the heart of it, the space spotlights the talents of artists with disabilities, giving them a platform for training and employment – an initiative led by SG Enable.  Photograph: weareSuper Start with the retail zone, where over 30 local brands like JOJOMAMA, Journey and Singapore Fashion Runway are represented. You'll find everything from gorgeous handmade ceramic pieces to art prints, paper goods, textiles and various gifting ideas, all created or co-created by artists with disabilities. These are pieces you would happily pick up at a design fair or boutique, and many are d

Soaring 55 floors above the ground, Marina Bay Sands' first Chinese fine-dining venue sets out to make a statement. While it's tempting to pigeonhole Jin Ting Wan as just another restaurant trading its kitchen prowess for skyline views, our visit proves otherwise – the 162-seater brings serious culinary and cultural heft to the table, with the views playing second fiddle.  It starts with a promising trio: Guangxi-born Executive Chef Albert Li brings decades worth of Michelin and Black Pearl-recognised experience; wine sommelier Joe Yang from Guangdong curates one of Singapore's largest and most varied repertoire of Chinese wines; and Head Tea Master Jacky Zhao Gang brings his 20 years of knowledge on Chinese tea artistry to the fore with the restaurant's dedicated tea programme.  The space Photograph: Jin Ting Wan | Art Lounge Jin Ting Wan's setting does much of the talking. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a sweeping panorama of the city skyline and sea. By day, the restaurant is swathed in natural light; by night, it glows softly against the glittering bay. We are told the interiors are inspired by Song Dynasty architecture, represented by deep blues and gilded accents. But one unmissable aesthetic detail is the numerous dragonfly motifs peppered across the hallways – Jin Ting Wan literally translates to 'Golden Dragonfly Bay' after all.  Photograph: Jin Ting Wan | Private dining room The space is segmented into a main dining hall, two private dining rooms, private dining

If you've ever queued at Nuldam Space in Scape to pen a letter to yourself, here's a new spot offering the same experience, but for a good cause. Located a short walk from Redhill MRT, Postboy Coffee sits on the second floor of i'mable Collective Space, a recently added block within the Enabling Village compound. Here, you can pick up postcards ($4 each) at the counter, designed by local artists with disabilities, write a letter to your future self and slip it into one of the letterboxes, which are labelled by month. Your postcard will reach you on a random day within the month you've selected. It's a fun activity to do on a date, with friends or even on a solo day out.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore First impressions: the space is clean, modern and inviting, with light wood panels, generous daylight and a cheeky pop of cobalt blue splashed across the merch corner and mailboxes. It's still relatively under-the-radar, so you're likely to find a peaceful corner to sip and type away if you so need – there are a couple of power sockets scattered around for a quick work sesh. Though you might want to steer clear of the cushioned booth seats, as they're slightly shallow and uncomfortable. Photograph: Postboy Coffee The beverage menu is pretty wide. You've got your classic espresso-based options, with an Americano and latte starting from $4.50 and $6 respectively. Other variations include the Spanish latte ($7) which has condensed milk added, white chocolate mocha ($7) and the

From the creators of Jigger & Pony comes a cocktail bar that's all about the art and style of drinking in Korea. And what better place to open a bar dedicated to Korean drinking culture than in the heart of Singapore's very own 'Korea Town', Tanjong Pagar? The new BOP (Bartenders of Pony) is Uno Jang unplugged – yes, Uno, Creative Director of the Jigger & Pony Group and the world's favourite bartender of 2025. It's his first and most personal bar to date, and he's bringing everyone along on the ride.  “After ten years in Singapore, I wanted to create something that felt closer to how I actually grew up drinking,” he says. “In Korea, drinking is never just about the drink. It’s about the people, what’s on the table, the spontaneous toasts and moments that unfold between rounds. With BOP, the idea is to bring that drinking culture with everything I’ve learned about craft over the years." Photograph: BOP Which is why the first thing you might sense when you walk into BOP is that this might be the group's most accessible concept to date. Not just in terms of the price point, where somaek goes for $16 and cocktails start at $23, but everything else. The way the menu is constructed ditches the iconic Jigger 'menuzine' and one-page overview. The open-concept space flows from the bar counter to a vinyl-clad area (Uno's own collection) with benches for crowding around, allowing movement to be more fluid and energetic. And of course, the cocktails themselves aren't hyperfixated on pr

We've seen chicken rice in the $20 range, but would you double that and pay $46 for a plate of our national dish, served in a Japanese restaurant no less? At Barrel: Story of Hibiki, that isn't a hypothetical question, it's reality. Read on to find out more. What is Barrel: Story of Hibiki? In a city awash with casual yakitori joints and sake bars, Barrel arrives with a different proposition: What if the humble izakaya went couture? Backed by Suntory and said to be the first Hibiki-focused concept outside of Japan, this new restaurant on Cecil Street elevates the after-work drinking experience, adding polish and style beyond the usual beers and fries. At Barrel, the sauces are layered and sometimes whisky-infused – with Hibiki, of course – while the dishes, though still casual and snackable, are dressed up a notch. The space Photograph: Barrel | Terrace Barrel occupies a space that once housed notable F&B concepts like The Black Swan and Rosemead. Guests familiar with those restaurants will recognise the high ceilings, now complemented by reclaimed cask wood panels from Suntory's distilleries – a unique touch you won't find elsewhere. The main dining area is clad in dark wood and textured stone for a sleek, moody look, with well-positioned tables and semi-private dining areas for extra comfort. While the ambience is more composed and elegant than raucous izakayas where diners are packed back-to-back, it's still casual enough to feel like you don't have to put on airs or spe

Fans of Sugarhall raised one last toast when the rum bar closed on July 26 this year. Word was that its parent company Jigger & Pony would, in collaboration with House of Suntory, transform the former speakeasy into a vibrant cocktail bar with Japanese influences. Enter Pop City X Pony.  Seasoned barflies and Sugarhall regulars will know their way around Cecil Street. But if it’s your first time, here’s a tip: skirt around the back of the restaurant Barrel: Story of Hibiki to reach a narrow back alley, spot the neon-pink signboard and head up to the second floor and through the unmarked black door.  Photograph: Pop City X Pony Design buffs will marvel at the details that embellish the space, from couches fitted with textured kimono fabric to walls and ceilings lined with Japan’s iconic ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern.  The room is intentionally – though not quite discernibly – divided into four zones, subtly altering your experience depending on where you plant yourself for the evening. Get close to the action and interact with the team at the bar counter, where an intricate hand-stitched byōbu (Japanese folding screen) serves as the backdrop. The Tasting Commons and After Hours Salon are ideal for group gatherings, with modular, interchangeable furniture that allows for flexible seating.  Bars within bars are becoming increasingly commonplace these days. At Pop City X Pony, you can book out a private session at the sectioned-off Bar Mixtape, a cosy nook fitted with its o

Spanish cuisine, while not as overwhelmingly popular as Italian or Japanese food in Singapore, still has its own dedicated group of diehard fans who'll never turn down a tapas dinner or a pan of paella. Recognising that the demand isn't going anywhere, two F&B industry veterans have decided to set out on their own to offer their interpretation of the cuisine to adventurous diners. Head Chef Yu Wang Leung and hospitality maverick Azad Sharma met during their stints at Olivia and Noa Lounge by Olivia, and now, they're doing their own thing with Amor.  Photograph: Amor The restaurant joins the company of other buzzy outlets on Amoy Street, including another Spanish bistro along the same stretch – Kulto. But while Kulto retains its classic, rustic charm, Amor positions itself as a more charismatic, vibrant spot, ideal for date nights and lively gatherings. It also happens to offer a wallet-friendly $38 lunch set that includes four tapas, a main and a dessert. Spot the colourful mosaic sliding door outside before heading in. You're first greeted by a trencadís mosaic bar at the entrance, before the decor gives way to bold backsplashes inspired by Catalan design and the works of iconic artist-architect Antoni Gaudí. Expect traditional Spanish dishes to be given a creative twist and dressed up several notches. We like how the juicy barbecued oysters ($10 each) glide smoothly, with a deeply savoury escabeche sauce masking their usual brininess – a very different but surprisingly pl

This one's for the K-drama fans and fast food enthusiasts: A new Korean burger chain has landed in Singapore. Lotteria, known for its Korean-style burgers and snacks, has officially opened in Jewel Changi. The 60-seater is parked right next to the mall's iconic Rain Vortex in Basement 1, beside other F&B outlets like McDonald's, Hoshino Coffee and more. As for the menu, it's a snapshot of Lotteria's signature offerings, leaning heavily Korean – think bulgogi seasoning, kimchi and even Korean-style fried chicken. But you can also expect unique menu items, like a mozzarella tomato basil burger and even a Singapore-exclusive burger. Here's everything we tried and how it fared. Photograph: Time Out Singapore Shake Shake Fries ($5.20): 4/5 Thin, well-seasoned and straight-out-of-the-fryer crisp, these are dangerously snackable. The portion size isn't huge considering the $5.20 price tag, but the texture is on point. You can pick between three shaker seasonings: Mexican chilli, onion and cheese. Our favourite is the Mexican chilli powder, which is highly addictive and slightly spicy, while the others are on the milder side. Still, a strong start.  Long cheese stick ($2.80): 4/5 Still slightly juicy with an impressive cheese pull, even after it's cooled down a bit. Everything you want from a fried mozzarella stick. No further notes.  Kimchi bulgogi burger ($7.80 à la carte, $11.20 set): 3/5 This is the Singapore-exclusive burger we were all looking forward to. Out of all the stack