Adira Chow

Singapore’s private home dining scene continues to grow, with chefs, home cooks and MasterChef alumni opening their homes to small groups for intimate, story-driven meals. These experiences range from heritage Peranakan feasts and handmade pasta to bold South Indian spreads and chef-led tasting menus. Most operate through word of mouth and Instagram DMs, and come with notoriously long waitlists, sometimes stretching months or even years. Scoring a seat at the most sought-after tables can feel like winning the lottery. The payoff is well worth it, though. In recent years, more seasoned chefs have stepped away from traditional restaurants to host private dining experiences at home, giving diners even more options to choose from. Whether you're after a smoky barbecue cookout, a refined tasting menu or a hearty Peranakan spread, gather a group of friends – or make new ones – and settle in for a meal where the focus is on good food, personal stories and the joy of sharing a table. RECOMMENDED: Unique restaurants and dining experiences to try in Singapore and The best secret bars in Singapore

There’s nothing that a good dose of comfort carbs can’t fix, especially when it’s a fragrant baked treat served fresh from the oven. From pillowy flavoured loaves and delicate Parisian-style cakes, to tarts both sweet and savoury, Singapore’s best bakehouses have your full range of cravings covered. Many of these are small-batch establishments that take pride in handcrafting everything from scratch, so you know you can’t go wrong. Now, arm yourself with our list of the best bakeries in Singapore and start checking everything off your list – life’s too short to skip the treats. RECOMMENDED: The best kueh shops in Singapore and The best traditional bakeries and cake shops in Singapore  

The love affair between Singapore and Japanese food needs to be studied. Our city is downright obsessed with sushi counters, bowls of piping hot ramen and smoky grilled yakitori sticks. It helps that the choices are endless. And to meet the sky-high demand, you'll manage to find every kind of Japanese restaurant here, from elegant kaiseki spots that deliver multi-course feasts to bustling izakayas where skewers are churned out in dizzying fashion. Some prioritise freshness and seasonality, with seafood flown straight in from Tokyo multiple times a week. Others shake things up with modern twists that are ultimately still rooted in Japanese cuisine. This list rounds up some of our favourite Japanese restaurants in Singapore, all worth booking ahead for.  March 2026: While we say goodbye to some of our previous favourites like Zeniya and Esora, which have now closed, we've also revisited many others like Yakitori Yatagarasu and Sushi Sakuta, which are well-deserving of a spot on the list.  RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore  

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

There's something satisfying about stumbling into a café that's off the beaten path, whether it's tucked away in an old office building, located behind nondescript doors or nestled surreptitiously within another business. And it certainly helps you score points and gain some street cred for being that one person in the friend group who's always in the know. Granted, few things are a secret these days with the internet, so you'd be hard-pressed to find a spot that's truly unknown and undiscovered. But there's still some novelty to the whole experience of tracking down a 'hidden' café. So, if you love the chase as much as the coffee, here are some of the most interesting ones in Singapore to check out, from pocket-sized coffee bars to places that offer proper brunch food. March 2026: Since our last update, 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 and Pout Rooftop Café. RECOMMENDED: 5 cool new cafés in Singapore to check out in 2026

March 2026: The dining scene in Singapore is always buzzing, and at Time Out, we're dedicated to uncovering the very best of it – right here, right now. This updated list brings together fresh, exciting dining concepts that have debuted recently, alongside beloved F&B classics and underrated spots we swear by. Welcome to the Time Out Eat List, a compilation of the 50 finest restaurants in Singapore, carefully handpicked and curated by our expert local editors. From innovative restaurants by acclaimed chefs to humble local haunts that deserve way more love, these are the dining destinations in Singapore that you’ve got to visit at least once in your life.  RECOMMENDED: Narrowing down the 50 best restaurants in Singapore is by no means an easy feat, which is why we also have separate lists for the best Japanese, Italian, Chinese and restaurants on the island – among many others. Also check out these roundups of our favourite hawker centres and cheap eats if you’re after a wallet-friendly meal. Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.

The anticipated Easter holiday is just around the corner, and it's time to make sure those weekend plans are underway. Even if you're not commemorating the occasion, the long weekend makes it ideal for rounding up the family or planning a play date for the little ones. For a buffet-style spread that enables hours of feasting while the kids roam about, check out Verandah Rooftop Rotisserie, Beach Road Kitchen or Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. For an intimate and smaller-scale Easter meal, make your reservations at Carnaby or Little Farms. If you're chasing a nostalgic vibe, no one does it better than family-favourite institution Lawry's, but if you don't mind a little modernity and glamour, then METT Singapore's line-up of Easter experiences is sure to impress. Here are the best places to eat, play, and celebrate this Easter holiday. RECOMMENDED: The best Sunday brunch buffets in Singapore and The best brunch spots in Singapore

Singapore’s dining scene moves at breakneck speed – some 300 or so new restaurants open each month. That’s nearly 10 a day. Let that sink in for a bit. Even for a city that’s already one of the world’s best for food, that number is still, on all accounts, quite staggering. With so many new spots popping up, we’re on a mission to track down the tastiest, most innovative, and value-for-money spots in town. Whether it’s your favourite chef making waves with a fresh concept, or a new but undiscovered restaurant that deserves some time in the spotlight, our nifty list has got it all. Without further ado, here are the best new restaurants in Singapore to visit this year – all tried, tested, and approved by the Time Out team. RECOMMENDED: 5 new restaurants in Singapore to check out this March 2026 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try 

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: Ramadan 2026: Where to break fast in Singapore this year and The best halal restaurants in Orchard

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

Chilli crab is Singapore's national dish – agree or disagree? No matter the answer, there's no denying that it's an iconic dish loved by foreigners and locals alike. Spicy, sweet, starchy and savoury, chilli crab always hits the spot, especially when accompanied with steaming hot mantou, dunked into that pool of red, saucy goodness. The dish is said to have been invented in the 1950s when a lady called Cher Yam Tian added bottled chilli sauce instead of the usual tomato ketchup to her stir-fried crab dish. Shortly after, Cher opened Palm Beach Restaurant along East Coast Road, and everyone went wild over her invention.  Today, you can find chilli crab at just about every local seafood or zi char joint. But not everyone gets the sauce just right, or uses meaty crabs that are oh-so satisfying. Whether it's your first or 100th time trying the dish, here are all the seafood joints serving up plates of chilli crab that don't disappoint. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese restaurants in Singapore and The best hawker centres in Singapore

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Think Jeju Island and a few things might come to mind: sweet, juicy hallabongs, stone grandfather statues, the majestic Hallasan, salty sea breeze, Jeju abalone, and... haenyeos. Much has been said about these women divers, who don their iconic orange suits to plunge into the sea and harvest its bounty – all in one breath. The profession has been well represented in recent Netflix dramas like When Life Gives You Tangerines, Welcome to Samdal-ri, Our Blues and more. So when we heard that an immersive dining experience from Jeju about haenyeos was coming to Singapore, we had to check it out.  Known as Haenyeo Kitchen in Korea, the dining show currently has two locations on Jeju Island, and after six years, it's finally gone global. Lucky us, because it chose the Arts House in Singapore as its first and only overseas branch, even hosting the First Lady of Korea on her recent visit. Breathing life into the whole experience is performance artist Kim Ha-won, 34, who is herself a Jeju native. She is joined by a group of two or three other performers and hosts, who take us through the stories of Jeju Island – its history, seasons, produce, people and customs – with a series of poetic narrations, immersive visuals, interactive activities and of course, food. The whole thing lasts two hours and is priced at $148 per guest. The vibe Photograph: Time Out Singapore Our evening begins at the entrance of Jeju Haenyeo, where we get acquainted with materials from the island that we'll come

You know what confidence is? When a burger shop only has two burgers on its menu. That's the brief at Smash Street. The new standing burger bar at Amoy Street is cut from the same cloth as its predecessor, Scarpetta – no reservations, a tight menu, reasonable CBD prices and a fuss-free 'in and out' dining experience. It's running an attractive opening giveaway this weekend, with 1000 burgers served across lunch and dinner on April 3 and 4. But before you decide if it's worth braving the queue for, here's our review of the space and menu.  First impressions: think casual American diner meets classy European finishes like stone and marble. The vibe isn't too informal – no neon signs here – but neither is it too stuck-up. There's a long stainless steel counter out front, close to the open kitchen and griddle if you want to catch the action, and smaller tables perched across the space. It's more of a standing situation here, with just four counter seats at the very back.  Photograph: Smash Street With just two burgers on the menu, the challenge is in getting the formula perfect, every single time. Founder Aaron Yeunh tells us the team gathered inspiration from across Southeast Asia, with names like Barney's Burger Joint in Bangkok, Honbo in Singapore and Dan's Burgers in Jakarta popping up in our conversation. The result, after some 30 rounds of trial and error, is a parcel that looks simple but belies much thought and research. Smash Street's patties are a blend of Australian

A new Korean restaurant is turning up the heat in Tanjong Pagar, and we mean quite literally. Obongzip, a popular restaurant chain with a legacy of 38 years and over 300 outlets in South Korea, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong, just opened its first Singapore outpost in our city's very own 'Korea Town'. And its claim to fame? Fiery stir-fried octopus that's sure to send your taste buds into overdrive.  The restaurant is located along one of the busiest stretches of shophouses in Tanjong Pagar, in the company of other well-known joints like Obba Jjajang, Sin Manbok, Super Star K, Seoul Noodle Shop and others. Reservations are highly recommended as the 50-seater can get pretty packed during lunch hours. Thankfully, getting a slot these days is slightly easier than in the initial weeks after its official opening in December.  While the menu at Obongzip is quite varied, the restaurant is mainly known for its fire-grilled spicy octopus (nakji) and pork belly bossam. We order the $55 portion of octopus, which comfortably serves two people. There's also an $82.50 portion that serves three diners. The octopus arrives whole, doused in a crimson red sauce along with some crunchy stir-fried cabbage. The staff cuts it up into bite-sized chunks by the table, and we're immediately hit with waves of that smoky, spicy aroma. We opt for the Mild flavour, which already carries a decent amount of heat. But if you're game, there are two more spice levels – hot and extra hot. Photograph: Time Out

We are neck deep in awards season – in the food world at least. Asia's 50 Best Restaurants published its extended list of restaurants ranked 51 to 100 two weeks ago. And just this Monday, Chinese tech giant Meituan released its 2026 picks of F&B establishments on the prestigious Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. Tonight, all eyes are on Hong Kong, as the announcement of the top 50 spots on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 is underway. Let's dive right into it. The winners from Singapore this year are:  Odette (#19) Seroja (#20) Restaurant Born (#23) Les Amis (#38) Labyrinth (#40) Naeum (#45) It's a surprising result for French fine-dining establishment Odette, which slipped by 12 positions from its #7 spot in 2025. The restaurant at the National Gallery has just undergone a major revamp, with a refreshed look and menu that incorporates more Southeast Asian and Asian influences. Nevertheless, at #19, it still remains the best restaurant in all of Singapore. Its Taiwanese head sommelier, Leslie Liu, also won this year's Asia's Best Sommelier Award.  Photograph: Odette Les Amis, another equally lauded French institution, also fell off 10 places, from #28 last year to #38 this year. Meanwhile, Seroja is up 20 places from its #40 ranking last year, beating its own record of #31 when it entered the list in 2024. Restaurant Born is at #23, a significant improvement from #54 on the extended Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list for 2025. It's a subtle reflection of shifting dining patterns

First pasta, now burgers. After what's probably the most successful restaurant opening of 2025, the team behind wildly popular Amoy Street pasta bar Scarpetta is on to its next mission: smash burgers. Named Smash Street, its new burger shop is located three doors down from Scarpetta, with just 14 seats and walk-in seating only, like its predecessor. So yes, be prepared to queue.  Similar to Scarpetta, Smash Street's menu prioritises quality food at approachable prices, evidenced by its classic smash burger, which goes for $14 – decent if you're comparing with other craft burger joints in town. But before the $14 price tag takes effect, the first 1000 people at Smash Street will get to try its signature burger for free. This giveaway will be taking place over its opening weekend on April 3 and 4, with 500 free burgers served each day over lunch and dinner services.  Photograph: Smash Street We hear that the team revised their burger recipe over 30 times to arrive at the perfect formula, from the beef blend to ageing techniques, sauces and meat-to-bun ratios. The result is a burger layered with two smashed beef patties, toppings like cheese and pickles, and encased within soft, toasted artisanal potato buns, with an upgraded version of a classic burger sauce that has equal parts umami, heat and zing. The side dishes at Smash Street also sound promising and are a step up from the usual fast food pairings. Fries are thinly cut and fried twice for extra crisp ($6), chicken poppe

When seeking out the best gastronomic experiences in the world, foodies often default to a few authorities. The Michelin Guide, of course, is one of them. There's also The World's 50 Best Restaurants, La Liste, and even category-specific guides like 50 Top Pizza or the World's Best Steak Restaurants. In recent years, another one has joined the fray: The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. Think of it as China's version of the Michelin Guide. Launched in 2018 by tech giant Meituan (yes, that bright yellow food delivery app), the annual guide scores restaurants in Asia according to One, Two and Three Diamond distinctions.  This year's Black Pearl Restaurant Guide awards ceremony was held on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Marina Bay Sands, for the second year in a row. The event was dedicated to recognising restaurants in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas regions that are featured in this year's guide. A few cities have done exceptionally well – Shanghai, with 61 restaurants on the list, followed by Hong Kong with 39, Beijing with 35 and Tokyo with 32. Closer to home, Bangkok also picked up 13 awards.  In Singapore, 18 restaurants have been recognised by the guide for 2026 – two more than last year. At the very top, with Three Diamonds, are French fine-dining establishments Les Amis and Odette, which have equivalent three Michelin star accolades to their name. Modern British restaurant Jaan by Kirk Westaway is also awarded Two Diamonds this year, adding to its two-Michelin-star statu

There's a brand new spot in Singapore to immerse yourself in Peranakan culture, and it's located at the unlikeliest of locations: the notorious Orchard Towers. Spanning 5,000 square feet, The Peranakan Club (TPC) is a six-in-one concept housing a gallery, restaurant, private dining room, bar, tea lounge and retail store, located on the second floor of the mall. In recent years, the former nightlife hub has been undergoing a refresh, welcoming new businesses and restaurants. Business owner and former chef Raymond Khoo, who is himself a Baba, is behind the curation of TPC. Here's what to expect.  A kaleidoscope of colours greets you as you walk in, from walls plastered with peony motifs and keronsongs (traditional brooches), to antiques like wooden bedframes and pingfeng (Chinese folding screens). Even more interesting artefacts await at The Peranakan Gallery, including heirloom wedding costumes and other trinkets and collectables. Guests can even pick up kebayas, keronsongs and lifestyle wares at the Baba Nyonya Atelier.  But the best way to understand a culture is arguably through its food. And The Peranakan Club's four F&B concepts offer just that. Start at The Little Nyonya, an 80-seater casual restaurant named after the iconic Channel 8 period drama of the same name. Here, traditional recipes are the focus, whipped up by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Lily Suriani Lim, in the style passed down in the Khoo family. Munch on everything from nasi ulam dulu kala ($24) to buah kelu

Cave-core dining rooms seem to be a thing these days. Why? No one really knows. But we've seen enough to notice the trend, from the faux grottos in Mandai's Cavern Restaurant to the textured stone walls in Gochu and Modu. The latest addition to the list is Korean barbecue restaurant Drim Gold at Weave in Resorts World Sentosa, where guests enter through a sculpted stone passageway that leads into a main dining hall inspired by modern Hanok aesthetics.   This newest outpost of Drim builds on the success of its Mandarin Gallery flagship, offering a wider menu, a larger seating area with more private dining rooms and a focus on premium cuts of meat – yes, Hanwoo beef and Jeju black pork included. The price point, of course, reflects that step up, with set menus at Drim Gold ranging from $169 to $248 per person for the Hanwoo beef set, compared to Drim's, which range from $145 to $189 per person. Photograph: Drim Gold If you've dined at the original outlet, you'll notice one major similarity, and that's the tableside grill station. The setup in both restaurants is cleverly designed. A raised platform at the side keeps the action visible (and near enough for photos) and prevents the heat from the charcoal from getting into your face, or the hand movements from getting in the way of your conversation. Some tables at Drim Gold seat groups of six, so you may find yourself sharing with other diners when the restaurant gets busy, which can be a trade-off for some, or a plus if you do

Singapore's culinary scene continues to impress, and this year's Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 extended list is proof of that. The 51-100 ranking is usually made public two weeks before the top 50 restaurants are announced, as a teaser of sorts before the official results. This year, the awards ceremony will be held on March 25 in Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board.  Four restaurants have done our city proud this year, and they are none other than:  Thevar (#58) Burnt Ends (#59) Meta (#77) Peach Blossoms (#78) Give it up for Chef Mano Thevar, whose deft interpretation of South Indian cuisine and re-opening of his eponymous restaurant has earned him a spot at #58, 12 places above Thevar's #70 ranking last year. Thevar might be slowly inching its way to the top 50, but safe to say, it's already first place in many hearts, with repeat diners singing about the restaurant's spot-on seasoning, complex spice blends and stellar plating. We also celebrate Peach Blossoms, which makes a reappearance on the 51-100 list at #78. The modern Chinese restaurant at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay is headed by Executive Chef Edward Chong. Meanwhile, Burnt Ends and Meta manage to retain their places within the overall Asia's 50 Best Restaurants selection, but have slipped from the top 50 to the 51-100 list. Australian barbecue powerhouse Burnt Ends at Dempsey Hill, which was #38 last year, now finds itself at #59, while modern Korean fine dining restaurant Meta by C

When we first reviewed Shoukouwa in its early days in 2016, we landed on two things: the seafood was impeccable, but the sushi rice was simply too soft. Fast forward a decade, and we get to put those conclusions to the test again, especially since several things have changed.  For one, Shoukouwa welcomed a new Head Chef in 2019. Former sous chef Kazumine Nishida, who now has over 20 years of culinary experience, took over the position from Chef Masahiro Suzuki seven years ago. The sushiya has also proven its mettle over the decade, retaining two Michelin stars since 2016. As of now, it’s one of the only two Japanese restaurants in Singapore with this distinction, alongside Sushi Sakuta. So safe to say, a revisit was long overdue. Photograph: Shoukouwa Stepping in, the interiors are largely familiar. A pristine eight-seater hinoki wood counter remains the centrepiece, with a private dining room next door accommodating six guests. It's really the food that has evolved, with a fine example being the lightly torched sawara (Spanish mackerel) served with a cube of ponzu jelly – a new way of introducing acidity to a rather oily cut, as opposed to usual methods like curing the fish in vinegar or brushing it with refined shoyu.  In 2026, lunch at Shoukouwa is more sushi-intensive, with sushi making up 80 percent of the meal. The Miyabi set starts at $380, while the more comprehensive Hana is a 16-course menu that adds up to $520, both including a sequence of appetisers, cooked dish

There are only two Japanese restaurants in Singapore with two Michelin stars, and the eponymous Sushi Sakuta by Chef Yoshio Sakuta is one of them. The other, of course, is Shoukouwa, which he isn't a stranger to, having stood behind the counter himself before opening Sushi Sakuta.  Officially reopening this month at Millenia Walk, this new space marks the next chapter for Chef Sakuta, who earned his second star just months earlier. The new 16-seater, with ten counter seats and six in a private room, feels like a quiet sanctuary, with a pale hinoki wood counter as the centrepiece, soft light filtering through shoji screens, and a rotation of Japanese artworks adorning the space. Photograph: Sushi Sakuta | Chef Yoshio Sakuta The experience Photograph: Time Out Singapore I'm here for the $500 dinner omakase menu, a 17-course sequence that unravels at a comfortable pace, with plenty of breathing space to anticipate the next bite, but not too much that it dulls the experience. The meal begins with chawanmushi crowned with delicate chunks of female snow crab, briny and bursting with roe. The dish is paired with the first of several thoughtful pours: a smooth and mellow Nichi Nichi sake, which gently frames the sweetness of the crab and the faint white soy sauce tang from the following course of pine flounder.  Photograph: Time Out Singapore As the meal unfolds, I'm treated to tender morsels of lightly simmered kinki fish, sitting atop a base of yuzu vinegar and served with yu

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