Adira Chow

Ready to make the most of your week? Singapore’s buzzing with things to do – from smooth jazz and glowing art to festivals that’ll have you dancing under the stars. Head to Esplanade for Jazz in July, where live performances set the mood all month long. Or turn up the heat at Glow Festival, a wellness event at Marina Bay. And if you’re craving a full-on music and culture fix, Skechers Sundown Festival is turning Haw Par Villa into a wild, wonderful, eco-friendly rave. Let the good times roll. RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and New attractions in Singapore in 2025

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. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reser

For some, nothing quite beats ending the day with cocktails and good conversations with friends. Thankfully, Singapore is home to some of the best bars in Asia and even in the world. Some of these establishments might even be hidden in plain sight right next to your workplace. Whether it’s a classic martini or a completely customised drink you’re after, we’ve got just the spots that can shake up a quality tipple to your liking. From reliable all-time favourites, to secret cocktail dens, speakeasy and bespoke joints, these are the hottest cocktail bars you should be hitting up once the day dims. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and The best wine bars in Singapore

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

February 2025 The food scene in Singapore is always buzzing, and at Time Out, we're dedicated to uncovering the very best of it – right here, right now. This updated list brings together fresh, exciting dining concepts alongside beloved F&B classics and a few underrated spots we swear by. Welcome to the Time Out Eat List, where we've handpicked the finest spots in Singapore’s food scene, curated by our expert local editors. From innovative restaurants by acclaimed chefs to humble local haunts that won’t break the bank, we've got it all. Picking the 50 top places to eat is no easy task, which is why we’ve also crafted separate lists for the best Japanese, Spanish, and hawker spots, among many others. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Not everyone has the willpower to go to bed with an empty stomach, and if you’re here, chances are you don’t either. Lucky for us, Singapore’s food scene never really sleeps. Whether it’s a post-drinks refuel, hunger pangs after a late-night work grind, or just a case of the midnight munchies, there’s always a spot to hit up. From old-school hawker classics to round-the-clock diners and even bubbling hotpot joints that stay open till sunrise, these supper spots will keep you well-fed way past bedtime. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Singapore after dark and The best free things to do in Singapore at night Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

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. May 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Caffe 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. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. En

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. April 2025: Since our last update in May 2024, 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 ma

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. April 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. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of

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

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

Finding great halal food in Singapore has never been easier. Gone are the days of sticking to just nasi padang and biryani—though, don’t worry, we’ve still got some legendary picks on this list. These days, the city is buzzing with Muslim-friendly spots dishing out everything from smoky American barbecue and fiery Xinjiang noodles to Cajun seafood boils and classic Italian fare. And whether you’re after a laid-back café, a lively group dining spot, or an upscale restaurant for a special night out, there’s something for every budget and occasion. So, grab your makan buddies and dive into our ultimate guide to the best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best halal Japanese restaurants in Singapore and The best halal restaurants in Orchard Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Coconut Club welcomes a sister restaurant above its Beach Road digs – and no, it’s not plates of ayam goreng berampah it’s selling, but a whole new concept: ‘new-gen’ Singaporean cuisine. The term might invite some initial scepticism, but Chef Marcus Leow (formerly of Naked Finn and Magic Square) and his team are quick to quell it. Simply come wide-eyed and open-minded, and don’t expect to see jazzed-up laksa, glorified chicken rice, or anything of the sort.  Instead, the kitchen works with disparate flavours, obscure and long-forgotten ingredients, and a whole lot of creativity to whip up dishes that are noticeably Singaporean, yet delightfully foreign. We like the grilled firefly squid salad, where the iconic pairing of dark soy sauce and jambu in rojak is enhanced with briny – if slightly funky – firefly squid, strawberries, and kailan. The usually viscous hae gor (prawn paste) is also reworked into a golden, syrupy caramel that’s lighter on the palate. For dinner (four courses, $88 per person), a sharing course of crispy meesua is served among a spread of other oddball condiments. You’ve got the doughy pancakes, heavily deep-fried, and to pair: a heap of batang otah paste, fermented soy sauce with gula melaka, and a zesty salad with gado-gado and pineapple dressing. Whether you’re dining in for lunch (two courses, $58 per person) or dinner, you’re due to make the same tough decision on the main course: nasi ulam with grilled seasonal fish, or beef short rib satay wit

If you spot a long queue near Redhill Food Centre in the morning, especially on the first and 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar, then it's probably temple-goers queueing up for Ruyi Yuan — or one of its diehard fans waiting on a plate of vegetarian bee hoon.  We’ve been patronising this humble stall at Redhill since the 2000s – yes, back when a plate would only set you back $1.50. Now priced at $4, you get the same standard mix of toppings above your noodles. Mushrooms, cabbage, fried soy pieces resembling chicken chop, sweet ‘char siew’ slices, and tofu come together to add different textures and flavours to the mix. As with any plate of vegetarian bee hoon, it's mandatory to add a serving of zai er (crispy soy skin) on top for the extra crunch. Noodle customisations are also available, with options like hor fun, bee hoon, or yellow noodles — all of which have a faint and pleasant wok hei aroma.  The cherry on top is the sweet sambal served on the side, similar to nasi lemak chilli. Granted, this isn't the healthiest plate of vegetarian food around, but with how well all the components go together, you might even forget that it's meatless while you're busy wolfing it down.  If it’s your first time visiting, the queue system is pretty systematic: order on the right, then proceed to the left side to pay and collect your food. The usual wait is around 15 minutes, but do note that the first and 15th day of the lunar month, as well as special occasions like Qing Ming Festiva

There are plenty of vegetarian gems in Fortune Centre, but we like New Green Pasture Café for its clean, homely environment, friendly service, and meals that are light and refreshing on the palate. Tucked away on the fourth floor of the establishment, this eatery has been around for over 26 years, and is patronised by both elderly regulars and the younger crowd. You’ll notice shelves lined with health foods, organic biscuits, and more. The thunder tea rice ($12.50) here is a must-try. Brown rice is the only option, but it adds to the myriad of textures in the bowl – think peanuts, crunchy and savoury cai pu, gluten (to mimic fried scrambled eggs), dried tofu skin for umami, and three kinds of veggies. The slightly minty, green gruel is also just the right consistency. Ladle as much of it as you like over your rice, but leave just enough to have on its own for a satisfying end to your meal. And unless you don’t mind leaving absolutely stuffed, we recommend asking for a half portion of rice for the lei cha – believe us, it’s more than enough to fill you up. Order a side of the stuffed tau pok to share ($10.50). Four pockets of baked or air-fried tau pok (either way, they're certainly not deep-fried, seeing that they're perfectly crisp without the slightest trace of oil) come stuffed to the brim with crunchy veggies like alfalfa, beetroot, carrots, and radishes. But the reason why folks love this might be the special house sauce that's drizzled over it. We can't quite put a fin

This South Indian vegetarian joint in Little India is where to go for curry-drenched banana leaf plates with free-flow servings of rice and toppings — all below $10. The dishes and condiments at Arunchala are reminiscent of home-cooked meals — warm, hearty, nicely balanced, and not overly oily or cloying. The wallet-friendly price point of $9.90 for the basic rice meal is all you need to fill you up for the rest of the day. You get endless rice top-ups, rasam (a South Indian soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, spices, and herbs), vadai, papadum, three kinds of vegetables, and of course, dahl. The best way to enjoy this glorious mess? With your hands, and a mandatory side of teh halia (ginger tea). The dosai here is great stuff too — there are over 18 variations, which all come with the mandatory accompaniments of coconut chutney and the like. The plain starts at $3, but our favourite is the onion masala ($6), which is stuffed with a punchy potatoey filling and diced onions for extra crunch. Order a cup of filter coffee to complete the experience.  

Calling all sake lovers: Singapore’s largest independent sake festival returns bigger and better for its 10th edition this year.  Held at a larger event space (level three of the F1 Pit Building) from May 16 to 18, Sake Matsuri 2025 will feature over 100 sake breweries and more than 300 labels from across Japan – that’s 100 more than its last run in November last year. The new venue is also air-conditioned this time for maximum comfort, and those looking to grab a bite can do so at a dedicated food space at the Garage on level one.  There will be various three-hour sessions held throughout the festival. During each window, festival-goers will get to enjoy free-flow samples of sake and receive a complimentary Sake Matsuri tasting glass to bring home. The cherry on top is that 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 Japanese spirits at the festival.  For the first time this year, Sake Matsuri is introducing an All-Day VIP pass on weekends for enthusiasts who want more bang for their buck. With the pass, guests can participate in a six-ho

Singapore’s drinking scene is as exciting as ever, and we’ve just made it easier for you to explore it. Introducing the very first Time Out Singapore Bar Guide, your essential bar-hopping companion for 2025.  We’re thrilled to launch this inaugural publication – a pocket-sized but info-packed guidebook spotlighting the city’s most buzzworthy bars, from sleek rooftop lounges and speakeasies to trailblazing cocktail joints and laid-back gems. Photograph: Daniel Iskandar for Time Out Singapore For this debut edition, we’ve handpicked 50 of the most outstanding bars across the island and organised them by neighbourhood so you can explore each area like a pro. Hop through bar-dense Tanjong Pagar, soak up skyline views at Marina Bay, or take a little booze break in the middle of an Orchard Road shopping spree. You’ll also find nifty neighbourhood maps, detailed spider graph ratings of each bar (which we’re incredibly proud of), and even profiles of bartenders to watch, as well as insights on trending drinks. Photograph: Daniel Iskandar for Time Out Singapore Whether you’re a seasoned barfly or just getting acquainted with the bar scene, this guide will be your go-to. Best of all? It’s completely free. Grab your copy starting July 1 at the selected hotels and bars in Singapore listed below. Limited copies are available while stocks last, so don’t wait too long. Where to get a copy of Time Out Singapore’s 2025 Bar Guide: BarsBar SommaBrooklyn BarCat Bite ClubEmployees Only FuraKa

In a city brimming with sleek cocktail joints, Bar Somma holds its own, with sharp drinks, slurp-worthy pastas and a refreshing sense of style. Tucked within a reimagined school library space, this Italian cocktail and pasta bar in New Bahru has become one of the newest darlings of Singapore’s drinking scene.  Expect modern classics executed with intention and flair, like a freezing-cold dirty martini that arrives at your table at negative five degrees Celsius; a bolognese-inspired cocktail with mirepoix flavours; and a deceptively simple Campari Seltz, made with a rare high-pressure soda siphon imported straight from Italy.   Photograph: Daniel Iskandar for Time Out Singapore We sit down with Bar Manager Mel John Chavez to chat about underrated drinks, cocktail trends and the Journey song that best captures the spirit of Bar Somma. Scroll on for our five quick-fire questions – and don’t forget to check out more of Singapore’s best bars in the Time Out Singapore 2025 Bar Guide, out now and available for free here. Photograph: Daniel Iskandar for Time Out Singapore If Bar Somma had a theme song, what would it be? I’m a fan of the eighties band Journey. There’s one song of theirs I really like – Don’t Stop Believin’. When you play it in the bar on a busy night, it hypes everyone up. The song also resonates with me as a bartender – we have to believe in what we’re doing and make sure it works out.  Photograph: Lisa Cohen, Bar Somma / Instagram What is a must-try cocktail a

Tranquil by day, buzzy by night – Ann Siang Hill and Club Street are home to some of the best-kept secrets of Singapore’s food and drink scene. This year, the trendy locale welcomes an Australian bistro and hidden underground bar, taking over the corner unit at the famous three-way intersection beside Ann Siang Hill Park. The new Club Street Laundry is anything but a laundromat, but the restaurant does pay homage to its past life as Hup San Laundry, frequented by second-generation immigrants nearly a century ago. The “Hup San” name also lives on in Hup San Social Club, a cocktail bar inspired by the many Chinese social clubs that once lined the street in the early 1900s. If you’re looking for a place to people-watch, Club Street Laundry fits the bill perfectly. The breezy, open-concept bistro has high tables perched along walkways, staring out at the charming shophouses around the neighbourhood. You’ll quickly spot the happy hour board splashed out with $15 house wines, tap cocktails, and full-pint Peronis from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @clubstreetlaundry The menu is positioned as modern-Australian, but really, Chef Justin Hammond (previously from Neon Pigeon and Underdog Inn) works his way around any and every flavour profile just fine, with dishes based off his travels around the world. We have no qualms devouring the flame-grilled beef cheeks which sit atop a bed of buttery mash ($33). Cooked overnight in a maste

When it comes to top-quality macarons, there are two pastry shops from Paris in the big leagues: Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. While the former used to occupy a store at Orchard Road which shut in 2020, most Singaporeans would not have had a chance to try Pierre Hermé’s famous confectionery yet. The French patissier is known by several names – the best pastry chef in the world and the ‘Picasso of Pastry’ are some – and this year, he will debut his first Singapore store in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). Set to open on August 1, 2025, this two-storey boutique will offer Hermé’s iconic macarons, 15 flavours of ice cream, a variety of brioches, coffee, and bubble tea for an Asian touch.  Most of the attention will be on the macarons, which are known for their delicate, flaky outer shells encasing generous fillings of velvety ganache. The two signature flavours are the Isaphan (rose, lychee, and raspberry), as well as Mogador (milk chocolate and passionfruit).  In Paris, the patisserie offers other unique flavours like kinako (soy powder), cherry blossom, and chocolate white miso, as well as dual-toned macarons that combine flavours like black sesame with caramel, or yoghurt and pistachio with raspberry.  Pierre Hermé Singapore will be part of Weave, an up-and-coming lifestyle destination in RWS, which will house even more global brands making their debut in Singapore. Watch this space for updates.  Find out more about Pierre Hermé here. HAVE YOU HEARD:Blue Bottle Coffee's first Singapo

Say it isn’t so – two of Holland Village’s longtime tenants are packing up after more than two decades in the neighbourhood.  Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, the popular casual Chinese dining spot at a corner unit of Holland Avenue, will be serving its final bowls of noodles and baskets of dumplings on June 30. Meanwhile, live music pub Wala Wala Café Bar – a regular haunt for crisp beers and after-hours fun – is also slated to shutter before the year ends.  Their exits add to the growing list of F&B closures in Singapore’s F&B landscape this year. Just yesterday, ramen chain Kanada-Ya announced the closure of all three of its Singapore outlets. And earlier this year, we also said goodbye to international chains like Burger & Lobster and Eggslut, as well as other popular F&B brands like Flor Patisserie, 1939 Singapore, and Fluff Stack. While this double blow in Holland Village might raise flags about the neighbourhood’s dwindling popularity, it’s possible that the buzz has simply shifted. One Holland Village (OHV) – a newly developed, pet-friendly mall just a stone’s throw away – has been drawing the weekend crowds with its breezy layout and mix of cafés and restaurants.  Photograph: Far East Malls | One Holland Village Not to mention, it’s mostly shaded, offering some respite from the scorching heat. You’ll find plenty of folks chilling out with dogs in tow, sipping iced coffee at one of the many free seating areas. In fact, you’ll still be able to dine at Crystal Jade

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

Local seafood restaurant Jumbo is most known for being the place to enjoy Singapore’s national dish, chilli crab. But this year, the group is expanding and dipping its hands into more pots, starting with a new Peking duck concept in Singapore.  Jumbo will be bringing Beijing’s famous Peking duck chain, Siji Minfu, to Resorts World Sentosa. While an official opening date has not been confirmed, this announcement follows a slew of news regarding exciting launches in Sentosa this year, including international F&B brands like Pierre Herme and Standard Bread at Resorts World Sentosa, as well as the new luxury hotel Raffles Sentosa Singapore.  Siji Minfu’s claim to fame is its Beijing roast duck, which is carved tableside. But aside from the signature dish, the chain also doles out plates of traditional Northern Chinese cuisine, including zhajiang mian (noodles with stir-fried pork and soybean paste) and luzhu huoshao (pork innard soup served with flatbread). Photograph: Siji Minfu / Weibo | Northern Chinese delicacies served at Sij Minfu This partnership brings together two prominent F&B brands. Not many might know, but homegrown restaurant Jumbo also has seven outlets across China, including in Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan.  Meanwhile, Siji Minfu has been operating since 2008 and now has over 20 outlets across China’s major cities. Some of its more prominent locations include Wangfujing Street – a renowned shopping street in Dongcheng, Beijing – and Qianmen Street, which is sou

Zouk Group is going French with its latest culinary venture, The Plump Frenchman, set to open on June 16 in Bugis this year. This 70-seater brasserie in Guoco Midtown marks the nightlife brand’s first foray into French cuisine – it has previously helmed other F&B concepts like Korio, Here Kitty Kitty, RedTail, and others. The new bistro is headed by acclaimed chef Lorenz Hoja, who is most known for his stint as Executive Chef at the now-defunct L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Singapore. In his time there, Hoja led the restaurant to clinch two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017.  With The Plump Frenchman, he’s flipping the script on French dining, moving away from fine to fun French comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. “We’re bringing back the joy of slow meals, shared plates, and dishes made with real heart,” says Hoja.  Photograph: The Plump Frenchman Expect rustic bistro classics like chipirons ($16) – baby squid stuffed with chorizo and herbs – and comforting bowls of onion soup ($18). The standout demi poulet rôtisserie ($17) sees slow-roasted chicken paired with sriracha and house-made pickles. Those looking for value can opt for the lunch and dinner sets, which range from $25 for a two-course set to $47 for four courses.  Find out more about The Plump Frenchman here.  The Plump Frenchman opens on June 16 at 20 Tan Quee Lan St, Guoco Midtown II, #01-20, Singapore 188107.  READ MORE: Pizza Studio Tamaki Review: Tokyo’s cult-favourite pizzeria opens in Singapore on June 10 Ca

It’s days before the opening of Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST), and we’re sitting in its first Singapore outlet in Tanjong Pagar. The Tokyo-based pizzeria takes over the spot that used to house cocktail bar Tippling Club, and apart from doing away with the hanging glass bottle display that used to dangle across the bar counter, all other fixtures remain pretty much the same.  The first thing we hear is that since PST Singapore opened reservations to the public recently, it’s already seen a jaw-dropping 2,000 tables booked, even before the official launch on June 10. We do our homework before visiting, and that’s how we find out about the brand’s seriously studded rep – it’s been given stamps of approval by Michelin, 50 Top Pizza, and has even hosted the likes of Jeff Bezos and Justin Bieber when they visited Japan. So, will these famed Tokyo-Neapolitan slices live up to the hype? First, a glance at the menu. There are around 12 pizzas categorised as either tomato or cheese-based, over 10 appetisers, desserts, coffee, and several cocktails crafted by Bar on 38. Photograph: Pizza Studio Tamaki | Pizza Studio Tamaki in Higashi-Azabu, Tokyo While it’s not master pizzaiolo Tsubasa Tamaki who’ll be firing up slices over at the Singapore branch, he’s left the job to his trusted protégé, Ryosuke Tanahara, who’s trained under him for close to three years, and can replicate his elusive dough recipe to a tee.  Speaking of dough, PST employs a highly specific formula developed by Tamaki him

Tokyo is loved for many things, but many don’t know that it's got a bangin' pizza scene as well. Yes, the metropolitan city has a whopping six pizzerias listed on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 ranking. Some award-winning joints include The Pizza Bar On 38th, Pizza Strada, and a crowd favourite – Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST). Come this June, you’ll get a chance to taste PST’s highly raved slices, as the brand will be debuting its very first outlet in Singapore.  It’s not news that our city has been inundated with pizzeria openings as of late. Last year alone, we saw names like Beyond the Dough, L’antica Pizzeria da Michele, Fortuna, Bad Habits Provision, and Anto Pizza E Aperitivi setting up shop on our shores.  So what makes Pizza Studio Tamaki special? Well, besides its billionaire-backed, celebrity-endorsed status – having hosted the likes of Jeff Bezos, Justin Bieber, and many others – it’s also been given the stamp of approval by trusted guides like Michelin and 50 Top Pizza.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by PizzaStudioTamaki (@pizzastudiotamaki)   But the ultimate proof is in its dough, made of a blend of Japanese and American flour and fermented for 30 hours, resulting in a puffy crust and wafer-thin centre characteristic of Napoli-style pizza.  Photograph: Pizza Studio Tamaki PST has been headed by Tsubasa Tamaki since its early days in Roppongi in 2017. Its Singapore outlet in Tanjong Pagar will see Tamaki’s protégé, Ryosuke Ta

If you’re not impressed by the long queues at the Oriental Kopi store in Bugis Junction, you can now try your luck at its new outlet, which is set to open in Nex on June 11. This will be Singapore’s second Oriental Kopi after the brand debuted its first store in Bugis last November.  The famed Malaysian kopitiam chain is known to command snaking lines, with many Singaporeans crossing the causeway to try its polo buns, Portuguese egg tarts, toasts, and coffee. With the new store, folks who stay in Serangoon and the heartlands need not make the trip down to Bugis anymore for a taste of the café’s Nanyang cuisine.  Photograph: Oriental Kopi / Instagram Prices at Nex should be similar, if not identical, to what’s listed on the Bugis menu. The chain’s signature Oriental kopi goes for $2 – and is a special blend of Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. The polo buns, which come with butter and condensed milk, are $4.60 each at Bugis. And the egg tarts are $5.20 for two pieces and $15.60 for six.  You can also expect the café to serve a range of breakfast toasts, including the traditional kaya butter toast ($2.60) and curry double lava egg toast ($4.60), among others. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, then Oriental Kopi’s wallet-friendly Nanyang dishes – from nasi lemak ($9.50) to Penang char kway teow ($7.50) and prawn mee ($9.50) – should fill you up. Photograph: Oriental Kopi / Instagram Apart from food, Oriental Kopi is also known for its packet traditional pan mee, which comes

June is here, and with the mid-year mark comes a fresh crop of new restaurants in Singapore waiting to be explored. From rooftop Italian dining inspired by coastal lighthouses to sizzling chicken offcuts that’ll change the way you think about Korean barbecue, you’ll want to make space on your calendar – and in your belly. This June, you can sip on aperitivo by the sea at 1-Alfaro, dive into bold Latin American flavours at Cudo, and join the hype train at Tokyo’s cult-favourite Pizza Studio Tamaki. There’s also something for noodle lovers – Kyo Komachi brings regional Japanese udon specialties to Vivo City – and a whole new take on KBBQ at Korea’s Song Gye Ok. Here are the hottest new tables in Singapore to book right now. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in January New restaurants in February New restaurants in March  New restaurants in April New restaurants in May Find out which are the best new restaurants that opened in Singapore this year. 1. 1-Alfaro Photograph: 1-Alfaro A brand new lifestyle destination by 1-Group, the folks behind well-known concepts like Wildseed, Atico Lounge, and Botanico @ The Summerhouse, launches this month. 1-Alfaro takes inspiration from the lighthouses of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, and fittingly, this new spot is perched on the rooftop of Labrador Tower, overlooking the sea. Dig into classic Italian plates and sip on aperitivo – the restaurant La Torre and bar La Luna at 1-Alfaro are run by the same team