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 the seafood joints serving up plates of chilli crab that don't disappoint. RECOMMENDED The best local food in Singapore and The best chicken rice in Singapore Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

Good riddance, 2025. Bid farewell to the year, however it might have been for you, and usher in a new season the proper way: with lavish meals, a glass of bubbly and perhaps a view of the iconic fireworks display at Marina Bay. While you reflect and reminisce on the past months with friends and loved ones, let masterful chefs guide you through well-curated feasts, whether it's a full-on Mexican spread with tropical cocktails or a classy Italian dinner with champagne in tow. Our picks of New Year's Eve venues this year range from sky-high restaurants to waterfront joints perfect for casual, fuss-free parties.   RECOMMENDED: The best New Year's Eve parties and events in Singapore

Prefer hosting warm, intimate gatherings at home instead of jostling with the holiday crowd in town? Skip the stress (and mess) of meal prep, and look to these Christmas delivery and takeaway options instead. We've put together a solid list that spans glorious roasts and seafood platters made for festive celebrations, with dazzling logcakes and desserts that tie it all together.  Most of these restaurants and venues have already begun taking pre-orders. Some bundles are available for self-pickup at your own convenience, or direct delivery to your doorstep when you hit a minimum spend. And if you're smart about it, you'll make full use of the early bird offers to snag a good deal and ease your mind before the festive season rolls in full force.  Read on for our Christmas delivery and takeaway recommendations for 2025, and what you can do to score discounts on some of these feasts. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas dinners in Singapore for 2025 and The best new restaurants in Singapore

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

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. 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 our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

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.

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.

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

For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Not just because of the gatherings, but because of the festive feasts that come in tow. And while traditional roasts, glazed ham and the like will forever have their place at the table, Christmas dining in Singapore is also evolving. Our festive menu picks this year go beyond the usual suspects, ranging from a Provençal-style brunch trolley and a forest-fringed farm-to-table experience, to halal-friendly spreads and indulgent steakhouse classics. And if you’re plotting even more festive celebrations, check out our guides to the best Christmas buffets and Christmas delivery or takeaway options in Singapore.   

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

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. November 2025: New names to know include Hup San Social Club, a Club Street hideaway where Korean flavours meet creative cocktails and Bar Somma, which has one of Singapore’s best dirty martinis (with free tripe paninis, no less). Old favourites like Jigger & Pony and Native continue to prove their staying power, while Side Door, Offtrack and Fura keep things fresh, fun and future-facing. Now go forth and drink. For more bar recommendations, check out these wine bars stocked with quality vino, speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors, whisky dens, craft beer breweries and many more.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

Say goodbye to October’s spooky thrills because the November is finally here – and it's an arty one. All sorts of creative events take over this month, with blockbuster festivals like Singapore Biennale, Singapore Writers Festival and Southeast Asia's largest French Impressionist exhibition unfolding citywide. There's tons of shopping and tunes too, with Green-House and Boutiques Fair alongside major concerts (Blackpink, Teddy Swims) and more intimate live music events. So much to check out, so little time – get started by scrolling down for all the best stuff to slot in your schedule.   RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unless you're scouting for a statement furniture piece at Tan Boon Liat Building, there's really no reason to be at Havelock. The quiet neighbourhood is smack dab in the middle of other buzzy locales like Robertson Quay, Tiong Bahru, Great World City, and is even on the fringe of the CBD. Recently, however, this cosy bistro beside an unassuming hotel in the area has managed to capture our hearts.  Wildcard, by the same team behind cult-favourite joints like Maxi Coffee Bar and cocktail bar No Sleep Club, is a casual restaurant and wine bar in Furama RiverFront. It's slightly off the beaten path, though the new Havelock MRT Station makes it much easier to get to. The venue turns two this year with a new chef on board and a refreshed menu. First impressions: the interiors are chic, stylish and for lack of a better phrase, photo-worthy. Think living room vibes with sofas, a gorgeous dedicated vinyl corner, colourful posters decorating the walls, and a curved bar counter fashioned out of exposed wood and steel. Pets are welcome at the outdoor seating area as well. But the highlight is arguably the fully stocked fridge by the entrance, dubbed 'Bottle Shop!!!', with a well-curated selection of natural wines and canned coffee by Maxi Coffee Bar. You wouldn't be surprised to find regulars dropping by to pick up a bottle on the way home.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore | Oxtail croquette, Sticky toffee pudding At a glance, it's hard to pinpoint a specific cuisine on the menu, which

Another Suntory-backed F&B concept is set to launch in Singapore this month. Located along Cecil Street, Barrel Story of Hibiki is a new whisky-forward restaurant and bar spearheaded by the Japanese spirits brand Suntory, and it will be the first Hibiki whisky concept restaurant outside of Japan. This news comes shortly after the opening of Pop City X Pony, a new bar on Cecil Street by the Jigger & Pony Group, also in collaboration with Suntory.  Barrel takes over the unit once occupied by American grill-house Rosemead, which closed on July 26 this year. The space is reimagined as a modern izakaya, with dimly-lit interiors clad in dark wood, metal and textured stone. Unlike the boisterous energy of a typical izakaya, the atmosphere here is sleek and refined. Make your way through four zones: the main dining area which seats 83, the 10-seater bar counter, the 50-seater outdoor terrace, and finally, a whisky salon called The Vault. Inside this eight-seater private tasting room, the walls are lined with cask wood from Suntory's distilleries in Japan, bearing a faint scent of aged whisky. Photograph: Barrel Story of Hibiki | Main dining room, bar counter It's the drinks programme that really shines at Barrel. Whisky fans will marvel at one of the most extensive collections of Suntory whiskies in Asia, where Hibiki Japanese Harmony is stocked alongside its iconic 21 and 30 Years Old expressions. You'd also be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Singapore where you can purchase

Singapore and Asia’s very first Chick-fil-A will start welcoming customers on December 11, 2025, and you’d best believe crowds will be lining up before the store opens at 10am. Ahead of the grand opening at Bugis+ next Thursday, Time Out Singapore has been given a sneak peek of the space and menu, which includes all-time favourites by the American fast food chain as well as Singapore-exclusive items. Read on for the full lowdown.  The space Photograph: Time Out Singapore Chick-fil-A Singapore is located on the first floor of Bugis+, right by the entrance to the mall along Victoria Street. The space is bright and well-lit, with light wood and red accents. Like any other fast food joint, it’s got the regular counters and digital ordering kiosks, but the ambience is noticeably a step up. Some unique design elements include pretty booth seats, vintage-looking light fixtures, a feature wall with flattened Coca-Cola bottles, and a mural along the main dining hall with illustrations of Singapore’s landmarks.  The food Photograph: Time Out Singapore At a glance, the menu offers five burgers, three salads and six sauces, with meals starting from $11.80. Each set comes with a side of the chain’s famous waffle fries and a soft drink of your choice, though there’s the option to swap out the fries for mac and cheese ($1.70 top-up) or a salad ($0.70 top-up).  We went straight in with the original chicken sandwich ($6.80 à la carte, $11.80 as a meal), which features a deep-fried chicken

Orchard Road is fully lit, the Christmas jingles are blasting in malls, and the festive season is officially in full swing. If you're already plotting your Christmas meals and New Year's Eve dinners ahead of time, you'll also want to keep an eye on the latest additions to the city's dining scene. December always brings a flurry of openings, but this month feels especially stacked. Which is why we've narrowed it down to five new establishments that we feel are most worth your time and attention this busy season.  Japanese brands never fail to win our hearts, and we've got Udon Shin and Sushidan for silky udon noodles and affordable sushi this month. The National Gallery Singapore's revamp is also underway, and with that, the museum introduces a new Eurasian heritage restaurant by chef-personality Damian D'Silva. For an elegant Italian meal, head to L’Amo Bistrò del Mare at the brand new Mett Singapore hotel in Fort Canning. And nothing quite beats the novelty, charm and deliciousness of Korean barbecue, and the new Joong San in Telok Ayer might just be your next go-to in that category. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in November New restaurants in October New restaurants in September New restaurants in August New restaurants in July New restaurants in June New restaurants in May New restaurants in April New restaurants in March New restaurants in February New restaurants in January Discover the best new restaurants in Singapore this yea

There's Japanese wagyu, and then there's Korean hanwoo, one of the most prized meats in the world. I first got the chance to try it in 2022 at Seoul's Majang Meat Market, a wholesale destination in Seoul stocking some of the freshest hanwoo cuts at about 30 percent less than in restaurants. My first impressions were that the meat had a deeper red hue compared to wagyu, exquisite marbling and considerably less fat. It also had a deeper and beefier flavour, with a chewier texture. Safe to say, I haven't gotten a taste of it outside of Korea since, as the export of hanwoo is strictly controlled due to various reasons: low supply, high local demand, the risk of contagious diseases and so on. But that's about to change. One particular F&B outlet in Singapore has just gotten the green light to sell the Korean beef on its premises. Culina at Como Dempsey made this announcement on its Facebook page on November 27, saying it's "proud to be the first and only specialty market in Singapore to offer this prized Korean beef". Customers will be able to purchase hanwoo at Culina's butcher or enjoy it in dishes served at the connecting bistro. The brand has also recently started selling the rare Migyeongsan hanwoo at its branch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photograph: Culina at Como Dempsey According to a representative from Culina, the hanwoo sold here is from the brown hanwoo cow (hwang so) from Jeju Island, boasting fine marbling, a buttery texture and rich flavours. As of this week, the

Um Yong Baek, the Singaporean outpost of the Busan eatery Um Yong Baek Dwaejigukbap, has captured hearts since opening in Boon Tat Street in 2022. The joint now has another outlet along Telok Ayer Street, serving the same gukbap (pork soup with rice) for lunch and Jeju-style pork barbecue for dinner. Three years on, and the two outlets are still packed out each day. In fact, most recently, the brand was even recognised by South Korea as one among seven outstanding Korean restaurants around the world.  Recently, Um Yong Baek launched Joong San, a second Korean barbecue concept just opposite its original Boon Tat Street branch. The new restaurant serves up Korean signatures for lunch and beef barbecue for dinner. Visit for specialties like mung bean pancakes and sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) served with nangphoong bapsang – accompaniments like rice, bean sprouts and seasoned laver to go with the hearty stew. Another unique item on the menu is the soon memilguksu or perilla buckwheat noodles, with bouncy noodles layered with perilla oil and powder for a nutty, savoury taste.  Photograph: Joong San While Um Yong Baek does serve beef on the menu, its main specialty is its three-way-aged pork. It's the other way around at Joong San. During dinner time, you'll find cuts like teuk-sang useol (beef tongue), kkakduk deungshim (cubed ribeye steak), anshim (tenderloin), jjak galbi (thick-cut shortribs) and more, while pork is available in the form of the yeontan bulgogi (charcoal gri

Eurasian eateries are few and far between in Singapore, save for a few rare gems like Quentin’s and Doris’ Devilishly Delicious Curry. And even these might soon face extinction, with Quentin’s lease at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery ending in 2027, and Doris’ being temporarily closed at Amoy Street Food Centre. In fact, it’s quite possible to meander through life in Singapore without ever having tasted Eurasian food, especially if you aren’t surrounded by anyone from the community. Which is why the opening of Gilmore & Damian D’Silva is very much a silver lining in our culinary scene.  You might know Chef Damian D’Silva from his stint on MasterChef Singapore as a judge, and from his restaurant Rempapa, which serves a mix of Peranakan and Eurasian dishes (PS: Rempapa will also be reopening at the National Gallery as a casual dining concept). What you probably don’t know, is the inspiration behind his cooking, and his shared history with the Gallery. This new restaurant brings all that to light. The new 68-seater Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, housed in the former Supreme Court Wing of the museum, is an unabashedly personal tribute to Chef Damian’s grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva, affectionately known as ‘Pop’. The patriarch was the first and only custodian of the Supreme Court for over two decades, having lived in the institution himself and even cooked for some of the judges on occasion. It was in this setting that the young Chef Damian, then 11 years old, learned many of his grandfat

Not only does Singapore have some of the world's greatest bars, it's now also home to the world's best gin. The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) – regarded as the 'Oscars' of the spirits world – has just confirmed this, naming Brass Lion Distillery the International Gin Producer of the Year 2025 at its recent awards presentation in London.  This is the highest achievement for a gin producer, and we're more than thrilled that a homegrown brand gets to receive that honour. For the unfamiliar, Brass Lion Distillery was founded in 2012 by local entrepreneur Jamie Koh, who wanted to create a uniquely Singaporean gin with Southeast Asian flavours. This led her on a six-year journey around the world, eventually culminating in the brand's flagship spirit: the Singapore Dry Gin.    Photograph: Brass Lion Distillery   Fast forward to 2025, Brass Lion now has a whole range of gins, with flavours like butterfly pea as well as mandarin orange peel and star anise. For this year's IWSC, it not only picked up the International Gin Producer Trophy, but its Pearl Jasmine Gin was also named the world's best flavoured gin, scoring 99 points out of 100 – the highest score received across all categories in the competition this year. Its Hawthorn Gin also bagged a gold medal, scoring 95 points. IWSC judge Oliver Ward said the brand is at "the most exciting forefront of gin right now", producing "Asian gin with much more provenance and authenticity".  Brass Lion's gin is now also a k

Singaporeans have spoken, and out of the over 120 hawker centres we have on our island, Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre has been chosen as the crowd's favourite for 2025. This announcement was made at the recent Singapore Hawkers' Celebration and Awards, held earlier this week. A quick search on Google shows that the food centre, which is a close distance to Sembawang MRT, is popular for its stalls selling nasi lemak, homemade muffins, fishball noodles and wonton mee.  Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre also picked up a second prize that afternoon – the Healthier Dining Hawker Centre Award – given to food centres where a majority of stalls use ingredients like lower-sodium condiments, wholegrain carbs and healthier oils. Last year, Serangoon Garden Market was named the people's Favourite Hawker Centre, winning with a total of 216 public votes.  This year's Singapore Hawkers' Celebration and Awards also gave out prizes to stalls that have contributed to the continuation of Singapore's hawker culture, which is famously recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dubbed the Hawker Heritage Award, this honour went to three stalls this year: Warong Pak Sapari at Adam Food Centre, Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh at Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre, and Bahrakath Mutton Soup, also at Adam Food Centre. All three brands have been in operation for more than 50 years and counting.  It's not all about preserving the old, but also how hawkers can innovate and look ahead. There were three recipients of

Singapore has never seen a samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) specialty restaurant till this year. Now, we have two. The first, of course, is Modu at Mandarin Gallery, which offers about six variations of the Korean summer dish. The joint commands hour-long queues even after about a year of opening. This month, a new contender enters the scene. Bomul is the latest F&B concept to join Chijmes, and it serves the largest variety of samgyetang that Singapore has seen so far, with 10 flavours on the menu. This new Korean restaurant officially opens on November 27 on the ground floor of Chijmes. What sets these Bomul's stews apart from other samgyetang in Singapore is its choice of chicken – locally-sourced, organic free-range spring chicken, which have grazed for an optimal period of 50 to 60 days. The young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic and jujubes, before it's left to cook in an 18-ingredient broth.  Photograph: Bomul Samgyetang The result is a hearty, nourishing broth – said to be as good as medicine itself – packed with more nutritious ingredients than you can name. Think dried gardenia fruit for liver health, polygonatum odoratum for moisturisation, deer antler for vitality, morus alba for antioxidants, mulberry leaves for heart health and many more.  Here are all the samgyetang flavours on the menu:  Collagen ($29) – with aged premium ginseng and oriental herbs Spicy Cure ($32) – with extra-spicy chilli peppers, herbs, chives and enoki mush

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; while the average hotel r

How do you know if a restaurant serves a true-blue, authentic version of the cuisine it specialises in? An easy clue: when the home country of the cuisine gives it a stamp of approval. And that's what South Korea has just done. The Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Food Promotion Institute have just named seven restaurants around the world as outstanding Korean restaurants for 2025.  The point of the exercise is to spotlight places around the world that not only serve great Korean food, but uphold authentic culinary techniques, excellent service standards, hygiene, and one of the most important factors – the use of proper Korean ingredients. Good news for us: three of the seven restaurants that have just been recognised are right here in Singapore.  Photograph: Naeum | Dongchimi and trio of snacks First up is Nae:um, already a familiar name thanks to its Michelin-star-status and spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 extended list. The contemporary Korean fine-dining restaurant led by Chef Louis Han just underwent a revamp this year, now boasting sleek interiors inspired by a modern hanok (traditional Korean building), and a new signature eight-course menu titled Moments ($198). Then there's Seoul Restaurant, a longstanding favourite in Conrad Singapore Orchard, known for its Korean barbecue buffet experience. The interiors are homely with a spacious dining area, and the highlight is the à la carte buffet spread that starts at a wallet-f