Dawson Tan

In Singapore, hot new restaurants and cafés open on the regular and diners are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking out where to eat. While we all have an opinion of what the best restaurants and best cafes are, these fresh new dining concepts aren't going to eat themselves. Now here's a concise list that perhaps even helps you save – or splurge – a buck or two. In this list, there is a pocket-friendly casual steakhouse, an exciting new contemporary Vietnamese restaurant that isn't just serving up street food classics, Singapore's first omakase-style Sichuan restaurant that seeks to light up your tastebuds and more. Stay tuned (or save this tab) as we refresh this page every month with what's new and noteworthy in Singapore's dynamic dining scene. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try and the 50 best bars in Singapore

Japanese food is hands-down the most popular cuisine in Singapore – even on a busy weekend night, there's no lack of options. While some lean towards an omakase experience with a Japanese chef while others are perfectly satiated with a piping hot bowl of ramen, Singapore has got it all. Here are our top picks for when you're craving some mighty solid Japanese cuisine. RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore  

Now that we're back in the office, it's back to packed schedules and more work obligations – including entertaining clients and catching up with colleagues over a meal. For those of us based in the CBD, we’re lucky: there’s no shortage of good restaurants and cafes. Closing deals with prospects, breaking bread with colleagues or just looking to take the pressure off, we've got restaurants catered to every budget – excluding taxes. Here's where you can get the best business lunch sets in the CBD for your next work thing. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

No one knows you quite like… you. And that’s precisely why solo dining is great: it allows you to satisfy your cravings without dissent, save yourself from awkward mealtime conversations, and simply dine at your own pace. So for days when you just want to tune in and dine out, here’s a handy guide for restaurants and cafés to visit when you feel like taking yourself out for a meal. RECOMMENDED: Hot new restaurants and cafés to dine at this month and the best cheap eats in Singapore

Peranakan cuisine is getting increasingly hard to find. Thankfully, there are a handful of restaurants that are keeping the culinary tradition alive – from comforting, traditional dishes to Nonya-inspired modern creations. In some cases, you'll actually be dining at someone's home – it doesn't get more authentic than that.  RECOMMENDED The best Malay restaurants in Singapore and the best private home dining experiences in Singapore  

Everyone knows the best food for lazy, stay-in days and also for sharing with friends is pizza. It's a step up from the guilty-pleasure fast food takeaway and a nice break from the usual suspects at the neighbourhood hawker centre. Stuffed crust, with or without pineapples, crisp thin crust, pizza margherita or topped with pepperoni and extra cheese, we love pizza in all its forms.  RECOMMENDED: The best American restaurants in Singapore and the best cheap eats in Singapore

Whether you're looking for the perfect Instagram shot, a new weekend brunch hangout, or a mean cup of joe, these cafés in Singapore deliver on all those fronts and more. Need more than one cup of coffee to rev your engines? Go café hopping in Tiong Bahru or pop into the various coffee shops along Amoy Street that keep the caffeine-hungry CBD folks going. RECOMMENDED: The best cafés with free Wi-Fi and the best cafés for dessert

It might be difficult to find pockets of green within our sprawling metropolis. On days when you’re just tired of facing the four walls, head out to these tranquil spots, surrounded by lush foliage and verdant greenery, instead. And no, you won’t need to put on your hiking boots to visit these places; these garden restaurants offer a green escape within our city that you can easily get to. RECOMMENDED: The best floral restaurants and cafés in Singapore

The densely-populated neighbourhood of Bukit Panjang just got extra delicious with the newly minted Senja Hawker Centre. Here, a total of 28 stalls feature a good mix of offerings by well-loved favourites, famed Michelin-decorated hawkers and some exciting new entrants. Besides the wide variety of food, there is also a clear focus on affordability. Under the Fairprice Group mandate, each stall is required to serve up one main dish that costs between $2.80 to $3.50. Senja Hawker Centre is also the first to debut Warong Rice Garden, a halal concept that allows all patrons to enjoy Nasi Campur from as low as $2. And gone were the days when eating out in hawker centres meant returning to the office or your home with nasty sweat patches. The modern space boasts high ceilings that are fitted with giant fans to ensure that the grounds remain well-ventilated. It also accommodates up to 580 diners at once with ample parking in the basement, an automated tray returning station and a soon-to-open rooftop garden.

Finding a restaurant that cooks a mouth-watering steak is rare, but don’t feel blue. Thanks to our well-done list of the best steak restaurants in Singapore, you’re sure to find a happy medium. We hunt down the joints with the juiciest and most marbled slabs of beef – plus chefs that know just how to prepare them. So what are you waiting for? Get a moo-ve on! RECOMMENDED: The best burgers in Singapore and The best rooftop bars with views in Singapore

It’s as classic as it gets: fish and chips, the quintessential takeaway that’s typically wrapped in yesterday’s papers. But in Singapore, there isn’t exactly a chippy shop around the corner – instead, the best fish and chips are found in an assortment of eateries, ranging from British pubs to classy restaurants. For your next fish and chips craving, check out the best fish and chips eateries in Singapore. After all, there’s nothing more satisfying than crunching down on a lightly battered fillet, with mushy peas and triple-cooked chips on the side.  RECOMMENDED: The best pubs in Singapore and best bars in Singapore

What does the bar of tomorrow look like? How can bars ensure a responsible and sustainable future for the industry? Addressing these questions is the Bar World of Tomorrow, a collaborative initiative that aims to raise awareness and foster unity in the bar community for a more sustainable future. The brainchild of Pernod Ricard, Trash Collective, and the Sustainable Restaurant Association, this visionary programme equips bartenders with the knowledge and tools to adopt more sustainable practices in their operations – from using fresh ingredients and practising responsible alcohol serving to implementing effective waste management strategies. At Time Out, our mission is to help you go out and explore the best the city has to offer. We are proud to champion the bars that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. In partnership with Pernod Ricard, we are awarding the first-ever “Bar of Tomorrow” title to one bar in Singapore that goes above and beyond to lead a more sustainable bar scene.  We’re giving a toast to these eco-conscious bars in Singapore that are leading the charge towards a greener, more responsible drinking culture. Here, read all about the nominees’ remarkable achievements and enjoy a sustainable cocktail the next time you're out exploring Singapore.

Sake Matsuri returns from November 3 to 5 at the Outdoor Plaza of Paya Lebar Quarter as the largest edition in its five-year history. And there will be more than just free-flow sake this year. For the first time ever, the festival will feature a pop-up $5 sake bar to kick off the first day and there will even be a chance to win the grand prize of a guided tour in Japan (worth $4,400) inclusive of two sake brewery visits: see both the famous Konohanano Brewery in Tokyo and Funasaka Brewery in Takayama, Gifu. Held over three days, Sake Matsuri promises a grand showcase of over 200 labels of sake represented by both Japanese breweries and local distributors. These will include 52 sake debuting in Singapore, as well as award-winning names and seasonal releases. On day one, the festival is entry-free for all while sake coupons are available for sale. Consider the Sake Passport (worth $50) that ensures a completion of ten sake samples, which instantly guarantees your chance at the lucky draw for the grand prize. Photograph: Sake Matsuri SingaporeShimanto Junmao Daijingo Days two and three will resume with the highly anticipated free-flow sake format with three sessions happening each day. Some sake highlights you’ll find during the sessions include: the Kanadel Junmai Daiginjo, a light and slightly sake brewed by Obata’s second brewery Gakkogura; the Shinsei Junmai Ginjo, a brewery that is one to watch hailing from Shinano Omachi; and the luxurious Shimanto Junmao Daijingo, made

Sichuanese cuisine is often associated with its robust flavours and tongue-numbing spice but the 16th century-old cuisine is more than just that. And Kun, Singapore’s first omakase-style Sichuan restaurant, shows you exactly how with a finely orchestrated menu that tickles the tastebuds. Witness the clever weave of modern sensibilities into familiar favourites, masterful blends of varying intensities, and revived recipes that honour precious culinary art forms. These will arrive in the form of comforting soups, elegant cold and warm starters, hearty stir-fries and poached mains. Think cypress-wood smoked beef inspired by the Jiangnan region, poached grouper laced with prized tribute pepper, and the festival snack of steamed glutinous rice dumplings with spring onion dressing. Depending on the season, the chefs will also pepper in surprises presented as hidden courses. For an eye-opening introduction to Sichuanese cuisine in a refined contemporary setting, consider Kun. The 12-course omakase starts from $268

Vietnamese cuisine is more than just its popular street food. Lộ Quậy invites gastronomes to have a taste of what New Vietnamese cuisine is all about with chef Quỳnh Brown at the helm. Distilling her childhood memories in Saigon and two decades of cooking in renowned kitchens including Nobu and Zuma, the 38-year-old presents inventive plates that journey the senses within the vibey 54-seater mid-century contemporary space. Think familiar flavours of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter and funky expertly interwoven with modern techniques and artfully plated. For instance,  the humble Pho is reimagined as a collagen-rich broth influenced by the South. It is then adorned with accompaniments of Wagyu beef brisket, honeycomb tripe and crispy puffed beef tendons. Vietnamese coffee stars in the Cafe Phin Parfait where espresso-soaked sponge, Kahlua coffee liqueur and condensed milk are layered in harmony. Libations are not an afterthought too. The wine list features over 60 producers from across the globe including lively sparkling wines to biodynamic bottles. Alternatively, there are 26 sake brews and craft cocktails designed to go along with the bold flavours.

The National Museum of Singapore turns 136 years old this year and they are celebrating that by handing out free scoops of sorbet in a mystery flavour by local vegan ice cream brand, Kind Kones. Hint: the refreshing dairy-free treat will tease a flavour derived from one of the plants in the prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. And if you’re one of the lucky five who successfully guess the correct flavour of the sorbet, you’ll receive a bonus $20 gift card courtesy of Kind Kones. On top of that, don’t miss the ongoing exhibition of the food and beverage section that inspired the campaign – Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore through Travel, 1800s – 2000s. There will be travel-themed pop-up rooms and an immersive audio tour to unveil deeper insights into Singapore's rise to becoming an iconic tourist attraction and rich history.  Mark your calendars – the first-come-first-serve giveaway will happen on October 7 and 8 at National Gallery Singapore, Level 2 Glass Atrium, from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm. 

The World’s 50 Best Bars Awards heads to Asia for the first time to Singapore and it debuts a new concept: 50 Best Signature Sessions, which garnered much success from the 50 Best Restaurants programme. From October 14 to 18, six unique bar events will feature 15 exciting bars from across Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.  Unlike typical guest shifts, the ticket-only sessions are designed to introduce Singaporeans as well as travellers from across the world to the elite bartending talent who will be gracing the Lion City with the awards. From exclusive cocktail recipes to showcases of global cocktail techniques, knowledge and skills, these bespoke gatherings promise plenty of action.  Jigger & Pony, best known as The Best Bar in Asia in The World’s 50 Best Bars, kicks off with a Whisky Night in collaboration with Tjoget from Stockholm on October 14. Expect six globetrotting drinks that fuse flavours from the likes of Michter’s, Nikka and Naked Malt. Manhattan, together with Vancouver’s Botanist Bar, will be joining hands to bring guests a one-of-a-kind bottomless brunch on October 15. Expect exemplary service as these two former winners of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award pair up to bring you decadent dark spirits cocktails from the likes of Torres Brandy, Matusalem Rum and Rémy Martin Cognac.  At the gin temple of Atlas, White Spirits Night will be in session on the evening of October 15. Together with invitees of 50 Best high-flier Little Red Door from Pa

At this reservations-only Japanese cocktail lounge, one will require a passcode just to enter. And helming it is bartender Kazuhiro Chii, a Yokohama native with over 20 years of cocktail-making experience spanning Japan and Singapore.  The 10-seater bar epitomises quiet luxury, furnished with dark wood tones, brass accents and timber windows offering lush views of the vicinity. As soft jazz fills the atmosphere, plant yourself onto one of the leather high chairs by the bar where Chii-san awaits. From his revered three-point shake to the intricate recipes and discreet hospitality, no detail is overlooked in personalising the Kakure experience for each guest. It almost reminds one of Japanese tea ceremonies. While Chii-san’s metier remains rooted in the classics, it is no surprise that he is equally adept at serving up modern reimaginations. Photograph: The Bar KakureThe Bar Kakure - Kazuhiro Chii Every gesture is motivated by intent and meaning, even down to the finishing touches. Take the alluring Black Storm Highball ($28) for instance, where he infuses bamboo charcoal powder and pepper to introduce subtle layers of spice and smoke. And to maintain the perfect effervescence of the highball, he carefully pours soda along the rim of the glass and avoids bouncing off the surface of the ice. Photograph: The Bar KakureThe Bar Kakure - Drunken Pooh Martini Most drinks are presented in understated glassware sourced exclusively from Kagami Crystal and Kimura Glass – enough to im

The pit masters from Red Eye Smokehouse definitely know a thing or two about quality meats. So much so that after eight years of slinging out smoked brisket and ribs, they’ve built up an appetite for steaks. And that gave way to Rex, a fun casual steakhouse in the up-and-coming Jalan Besar District, beside the prominent smokehouse. Contrary to its laidback vibe, the steakhouse takes no prisoners when it comes to what they put onto their plates. From sourcing only high-quality cuts from reputable yet responsible farms down to how each cut is butchered to best reflect its qualities, it is all about attention to detail and keeping prices friendly. Photograph: Rex SteakhouseRex Steakhouse - Flat Iron Steak   Aside from typical cuts of ribeyes and striploins, steak purveyors can also look forward to lesser-known cuts (from $32) such as the flavoursome picanha, ultra-tender zabuton (Denver steak) and even the tri-tip (also known as the Poor Man’s Brisket). And as steakhouses go, pink in the middle with a nice charred bark isn’t much of a tall ask. At Rex, they arrive exactly as expected. Smoking techniques are also introduced into dishes, whenever possible, as a reminder of their smokehouse origins. Think smoked tomato confit, which adds a ton of umami to the delicate whipped burrata and pistachio pesto starter ($20), and smoky beef brisket ($13), which comes layered with spiced potatoes and wrapped in a crispy pastry blanket. There is also piquant miso burnt butter paired with a

  In every Draft Land, there are draft tenders instead of bartenders. From introducing the tap cocktail concept and offering tasting samples to helping the curious identify a new favourite cocktail, these fun-loving folks, essentially brand ambassadors, deliver an industry-pioneering service named the Sample Service. The Singaporean outpost is set to debut with 20 cocktails on tap, including six special tipples crafted by renowned mixologists around the world exclusively in line with commemorating the upcoming World's 50 Best Bar Awards taking place in Singapore. As prices go, the draft cocktails will go for $18 and $20. There will also be a nifty menu of Taiwanese delights to go along with the libations. Think braised pork rice with quail eggs, A4 Wagyu cold noodles, fried oysters with crispy egg, and the must-have gelato dessert of Alishan Bubble Tea laced with pecorino cheese. Following the opening, the bar teases weekly live DJ sets in the house, as well as guest bartender shifts from all over the world.

The 12th edition of Whisky Live Singapore will be held at the Singapore Flyer for the first time ever on November 18 and 19. Organised by La Maison du Whisky Asia-Pacific, it is set to be Southeast Asia’s largest whisky and fine spirits road show. Spirit enthusiasts can expect a plethora of activities that include exclusive releases and tastings. There will also be the largest whisky hall yet, filled with exhibitors (and perhaps new releases) from Dublin's Teeling Whiskey, Kentucky's Finest Michter's and plenty more. In the dedicated spirits gallery, journey your nose across a wide range of French spirits, South American agave-based creations, rums, gins and more. For those who find something that tickles their fancy, there will be a hybrid boutique that allows for immediate purchase or delivery. And don't miss out on the free masterclasses, where there are over 20 of them lined-up. This year, thanks to the idyllic location, Whisky Live Singapore is also debuting an inaugural Cocktail and Food Street that is non-ticketed and open to the public. It is set to feature food and beverages from a curated list of bars and restaurants with live DJ sets. Tickets are now available where single-day passes start from $130 and two-day all-access passes are priced at $400. Early bird tickets of up to $30 off are now available online.

For an enthralling yakitori experience, journey along the stone-laid path and into this 12-seater modern Japanese restaurant along Tras Street. Park yourself at the butterscotch marble counter and marvel at the talented chefs – Hokkaido native Takeshi Nakayama and Singaporean chefs Nicholas Lee and Aleka Yaw – working around the three-tiered grill that was custom-made in Osaka. Prior to the opening, the trio had spent several months in Osaka under the tutelage of a reputable yakitori maestro. But don’t come expecting a traditional yakitori showcase. While Shin Terroir grounds itself in tradition, it isn’t afraid to introduce a touch of inventiveness in each dish served on the 15-course menu ($198). Photograph: Shin TerroirShin Terroir - Negitoro Yaki Onigiri To start, comforting appetisers present themselves in familiar form and flavour: silky chawanmushi prepared with ceremonial-grade Rausu kombu, bejewelled with snow crab and uni; yaki onigiri stuffed with negitoro and brushed with chicken fat; and grilled aged kinmedai and braised daikon finished with kombu dashi broth. A series of yakitori then ensues where choice cuts are expertly grilled with aplomb. Nakayama and Lee insist on using Kishu bincho, charcoal made from a type of Japanese oak hailing from Wakayama, best known for its ability to reach searing temperatures and retain heat. This promises an epic sizzle which crispens up the skin without drying out the moisture in the meat. The signature Mille Feuille certainl

The Tipsy Collective debuts its biggest and most ambitious project to date with the launch of Tipsy Unicorn Beach Club. Spanning 19,000 square feet, including 5,000 square feet of outdoor space, the 500-seater venue is looking like a paradise for party-goers and fun-seekers on the sandy shores of Siloso Beach. Expect enchantingly vibrant colours decorating the space, a dazzling display of kaleidoscopic lights, electrifying beats, and a decked-out main stage that is set to host international acts. Guests will be able to lounge on the many day beds, cabanas and suites that surround the property while the main pool area boasts a VIP zone fitted with a bar that offers stunning ocean views. Tipsy Unicorn also promises a convivial dining experience that ensures that no one parties hungry. Chef Alvin Tan, culinary director of the collective, carefully curates the menu to showcase an inventive blend of local and international flavours that come in the form of pasta, burgers, fresh seafood and even some plant-based options to tease. For fringe activities that go beyond just live music and the beautiful beach setting, there are outdoor workout fitness sessions guided by a team of dynamic trainers and popular fitness influencers. Throughout September, these classes will be offered at an introductory price of only $20.

“When people think of Latin American cuisine in Singapore, they tend to gravitate towards Mexican and Peruvian. But I want to change that,” expresses chef Fernando Arévalo. From cutting his teeth with culinary doyens such as Daniel Boulud and Bill Telepan to establishing his signature flair for Colombian cuisine, the Bogota native is now ready to debut his modern Colombian restaurant Bacata. Photograph: BacataBacata Main Dining Room Set in the heart of the CBD, the stylish restaurant finds home on the verdant rooftop of the Fraser Tower. Designed by interior firm greymatters, the 36-seater space is both literally and culturally vibrant – filled with dramatic indigenous motifs, large antique vases, and brass ornaments. The striking theme is contrasted by the amber-hued ceiling, like embers in ashes, lending a bit of warmth to the space. At the kitchen, guests are welcome to park themselves right by the counter and marvel at the culinary artistry. Or watch afar from the cushy sofa seats if some privacy is preferred. For an encapsulated experience, consider the tasting menu ($158) or graze around the a la carte menu to share among your hungry entourage. Photograph: Dawson TanBacata - Arroz Caldoso From quintessential Colombian culture to favourite foods he enjoyed growing up until today, Arévalo’s personal anecdotes are thoughtfully woven into each dish he presents. But it is not without a little eccentricity. Take the Arroz Caldoso for instance, a common dish found in every

Award-winning Taiwanese cocktail bar Draft Land opens its doors in Singapore on October 12. Best known as a pioneer in serving crafted cocktails on tap in Asia, the beverage collective was founded by renowned bartender Angus Zou when he first opened Draft Land in Zhong Xiao, Taiwan. Now, his eclectic portfolio (three in Taiwan and one in Hong Kong) welcomes Singapore as the fifth outpost. The forthcoming launch is in collaboration with Nutmeg & Clove, an award-winning Singapore-centric establishment that currently sits at the No.7 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list. Nutmeg’s General Manager Shelley Tai will also front the Singapore venture together with Zou as they nest in a shophouse on Purvis Street. In every Draft Land, there are draft tenders instead of bartenders. From introducing the tap cocktail concept and offering tasting samples to helping the curious identify a new favourite cocktail, these fun-loving folks, essentially brand ambassadors, deliver an industry-pioneering service named the Sample Service. Photograph: Draft Land SingaporeDraft tenders in action The Singaporean outpost is set to debut with 20 cocktails on tap, including six special tipples crafted by renowned mixologists around the world exclusively in line with commemorating the upcoming World's 50 Best Bar Awards taking place in Singapore. The draft cocktails will be priced at $18 and $20. There will also be a nifty menu of Taiwanese delights to go along with the libations. Think braised pork ric

Built back in 1894, Lau Pa Sat is no doubt a cultural icon to many and has become an inextricable part of Singapore’s heritage. But with the Lion City’s ever-evolving culinary landscape, the market-turned-food-centre cannot rest on its laurels. And as part of its rejuvenation plans, the 52,000 square feet space welcomes over 20 brand new hawker stalls, adding to its already-massive repertoire of existing vendors to attract local gourmands and tourists. Photograph: Daniel IskandarNasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang Foodies can expect a familiar showing of Michelin-decorated hawkers such as Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, Old Airport Road’s Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow and LiXin Teochew Fishball Noodles. The saucy lineup includes well-established hawkers like Kallang Airport Wanton Noodle, known for their thick-cut char siew, and the ultra-popular mala haven Ri Ri Hong Mala Xiang Guo. There are also new and exciting hawkerpreneurs making their debut in the hawker scene. Those looking for the viral Chinese grilled fish, head to Lu Bian Grilled Fish. The stall dishes out oceanic delights paired with a plethora of flavours and toppings. Think numbing Sichuan chillies, piquant Chinese sauerkraut, and of course, aromatic garlic. Flames, another newcomer, is helmed by a local chef who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants. Aside from the customisable bowls and small bites, it dishes out seafood platters featuring heaps of smoke-kissed King prawns, mussels and lobster. There are also Italian wines

Flying the Singaporean flag high at the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony that took place in London are two of our very own hotels on this Little Red Dot. And that honour goes to the emblematic Raffles Singapore, coming in hot at the #17 spot, as well as the plush Capella Singapore at Sentosa placing at #28. Reigning at the very top is Passalacqua (#1), a family-owned luxury boutique hotel on the idyllic shores of Lake Como, Moltrasio, Italy. For the uninitiated, the exclusive 24-room property sits on the grounds of an 18th-century villa and is best known for its spectacular terraced gardens running down to the water. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The World’s 50 Best Hotels (@50best_hotels) While the European continent outclassed with a grand total of 21 properties listed, it was Asia that came through with a dazzling report card. Out of the 18 properties listed, four made it into the top five placings: clinching second spot and winner of the best hotel in Asia award is Rosewood Hong Kong (#2); Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (#3); The Upper House (#4) in Hong Kong; and Japan’s Aman Tokyo (#5). The winners of the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list were decided from the votes of 580 well-travelled industry experts – all of them within the hotel and travel industry, handpicked by the Academy Chair across nine regions internationally. Maintaining a 50/50 gender balance, this year’s electorate is mainly comprised of

The internet-breaking Swatch collaborations are back following a viral launch of the Omega MoonSwatch back in March 2022. Now, it is back with yet another smashing sequel with Swiss luxury watch maker Blancpain, unveiling a Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms in five models. The collaboration is set to honour the Blancpain icon of the legendary Fifty Fathoms, a true diving watch that was born 70 years ago for French combat divers who required reliable watches that function underwater. Fun fact: the popular Rolex Submariner was developed in the same year with the same philosophy but only made it to market a year later than the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Anyway, here's everything you need to know about them and of course, where to get your hands on them in Singapore. When will the Blancpain x Swatch collection drop? The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms drops worldwide on September 9, according to Swatch's Instagram on September 7. The account first teased the collaboration on September 4 with a poster featuring the world map and the relevant hashtags. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swatch (@swatch) What will the Blancpain x Swatch collection look like? Watch enthusiasts can expect five new models that resemble the iconic design of the revolutionary watch but not without a bit of playfulness from Swatch's DNA. Each model will be named after the world’s five oceans while featuring different bright colourways – the Atlantic Ocean in blue, the Arctic Ocean

Acclaimed restaurateur and award-winning chef Josh Niland will star at the helm of the signature restaurant at The Singapore Edition hotel which will later open in November 2023. As Niland’s first restaurant outside of Australia, the yet-to-be-named establishment will be centred around a “fish steakhouse” concept with ethically sourced seafood. From cut-to-order fish to crown roasts and cutlets, the restaurant will offer gastronomes an opportunity to experience Niland’s “fin-to-scale” philosophy – one that shot the seafood specialist to fame back in 2016 – while tapping into the finest ingredients from world-class producers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Niland (@mrniland) For the uninitiated, Niland’s resume is impressive. He clocked in at some of Sydney’s best restaurants and even the legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant The Fat Duck by chef Heston Blumenthal in London. In 2016, he and his wife Julie Niland – who's also his business partner – went on to open their first restaurant, Saint Peter, which is now considered one of Australia’s finest dining establishments. The couple also opened their second restaurant, Petermen, right on Sydney’s Northern Shores earlier this year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Niland (@saintpeterpaddo) As for the Singaporean outpost, diners can expect plates that aren’t far from the signature Saint Peter DNA. It will certainly showcase Niland's unorthod

History is in the making as Brass Lion Distillery launches Singapore’s first-ever whisky that is distilled, barrelled and aged entirely in the Little Red Dot. Back in 2019, the homegrown distillery worked with local beer brewery The General Brewing Co. to tailor a wash that accommodates Singapore’s high humidity and equatorial climate. Now, it is ready to be unveiled after three years – adhering to international whisky standards and regulations – of maturing in an ex-bourbon barrel. Photograph: Brass Lion DistilleryBrass Lion Distillery Founder Jamie Koh draws from the barrel Jamie Koh, the founder of Brass Lion Distillery, is all about experimentation and has made the conscious decision not to control the environmental temperature to mimic the conditions of the Scottish highlands. Instead, she chose to allow Singapore’s natural climate to do its job and shape the whisky. The local tropical conditions, together with its high humidity and temperature, speed up the ageing process due to the accelerated contact between air, cask and spirit.  The result? Mature whisky in a shorter time frame with depth and nuance comparable to whiskies aged longer in temperate climates. The team tastes the spirit every six months. In the first year, the particular single malt whisky develops malty flavours and fruity notes, coupled with biscuity aromas. With time, it is later enhanced by tannins and oak notes from the cask where complex wood-kissed notes of vanilla and dried apricots are balan

What was once the Commonwealth Avenue Wet Market & Food Centre is now Margaret Market at Queenstown. The first-of-its-kind market is now a revamped indoor space that features local brands and old trade that relocated from Tanglin Halt. Today, it remains the only building in Singapore built by the Singapore Improvement Trust. The Urban Development Authority-led conservation project is set to be the jewel of Singapore’s first satellite town of Queenstown. Locality is an important tenet considered during the early stages of development. Instead of engaging with big conglomerates and chain brands, Margaret Market has sought out a diverse range of committed boutique traders and passionate food makers to showcase their unique offerings. “We hope that the market will be able to put local brands in the spotlight by providing a platform and a voice to local brands, giving them an opportunity to showcase their unique products and services and collectively help them reach a broader audience,” says Dr Stephen Tong, chief-executive of Bethesda Medical and founder of Margaret Market. Photograph: Margaret MarketVariety of food from Margaret Market vendors Occupying the communal grounds are curated homegrown vendors that offer wholesome produce and foods. They include the likes of Urban Folks with their Aussie-inspired jaffles and acai bowls, Homme Baker with artisanal cakes and Margie with its bistro bar concept serving up localised tacos and local craft beers. “We also hope to create a s

We can all agree that drinking is a rather expensive habit to have in Singapore. But what if you could quaff for free? At Lion Brewery on 36 Club Street, you can during Pressure Hour, which happens every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm – quite possibly the most unusual promotion you'll come across on the island. And there's not really a catch: all you have to do is show up, hear the gong, try to hold your bladder or not leave the bar, and you'll get to chug down however much beer as you like in that hour for absolutely nothing. Basically, the free beers stop flowing once someone gets up to pee or leaves. Whether you're out to game the system or just want some refreshing suds to go along with your dinner, it sounds like Thursday evenings are going to be rather eventful. That's not all, at least for the ladies, as the gastropub also runs a weekly Wednesday ladies' night programme that is too attractive not to share. First off, each lucky lady will start with two Lion Brewery cocktails and complimentary tapas that run from 7pm to 8pm. Afterwards, two hours of free-flowing seasonal beers, house wines, prosecco rose, and selected cocktails only require a top-up of just $25. And if it is your birthday month, you won't have to fork out a single cent for the liquid buffet plus a complimentary serve of the Flaming Lambo – so get in loser, we're going ladies' night. READ MORE:The cheapest happy hours in SingaporeThe best new bars in Singapore to have a drink in the citySingapore to host Worl

11 bars in Singapore made Asia's 50 Best Bars 2023. Jigger and Pony is crowned Asia's second-best, maintaining its reign as Singapore's best bar after placing second behind Coa for a third consecutive year.  This year, Sago House climbed the ranks to reach No.10 and is the recipient of the prestigious Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. Voted by 260 academy members, this award category rewards the bar that has provided the single-best hospitality experience over the past 18-month window. "Good hospitality has always been our top priority from day one, so being recognised with this award means everything to us. We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel welcome and comfortable; this goes for our regulars and even those who come in for their first visit," says Desiree Jane, co-founder of Sago House. Those who made the final 50 include Native (No.42), new entrant Stay Gold Flamingo (#32), Employees Only (#30), 28 Hongkong Street (No.24), Manhattan (No.21), Republic (No.16), Analogue (No.15) who also brought home the Ketel One Sustainability Award, and Nutmeg & Clove (No.7). Huge congratulations also go to Night Hawk who also clinched the Campari One to Watch award as they made rank at No.73 this year. The 51-100 list is followed by Last Word (No. 61), a hidden cocktail bar on Purvis Street conceptualised by the same folks behind Nutmeg & Clove, which itself features on both Asia and The World's 50 Best Bars lists. We also have three new entrants to the list, namely 

July 17, save the date! Poke Theory, a well-loved poké bowl brand, comes home to Telok Ayer where it first sprouted in 2016. The opening day has got plenty of treats as free poke bowls will be given out to the first 50 patrons. But don't worry if you miss out, Poke Theory will also honour an exclusive one-for-one deal for all its (already affordable) poke bowls.  Now, with 14 outlets islandwide, this is also the largest ever outlet by the homegrown brand. It sits along the buzzy Telok Ayer Road, boasting 104 seats, taking over the space of the now-defunct Park Bench Deli. While the popular raw fish and rice combination still headlines the value-for-money offerings (from $9.90), this new outlet will debut inventive flavours (from $11.90) that riff on beloved local dishes such as Samsui ginger chicken and vegan tempeh. It will also feature a sauce bar that allows diners to enjoy a free-flowing range of complimentary sauces. For the uninitiated, Poke Theory allows you to customise your own bowl of raw fish with rice in two sizes: small (five toppings) or regular (seven toppings) – and lets you choose between tuna or salmon over sushi rice, brown rice, lemon herb quinoa or romaine lettuce. And if you’re still new to this Hawaiian dish then try its original shoyu tuna – its cubes of tuna seasoned lightly in Japanese soy sauce and sesame. Then, jazz up your bowl with over 18 different toppings including furikake, pineapple, cherry tomato and nori flakes. Or drop a couple more doll

The seventh edition of the red guidebook has crowned the best eateries the island has to offer. When it comes to the highest echelon of dining, nothing has changed in the sphere of restaurants awarded three Michelin stars – fronted by the same winners as last year’s list, Les Amis, Odette, and Zén. In the arena of Michelin-starred restaurants with two stars, last year's first-timers Cloudstreet along Amoy Street and Indian-inspired Thevar stand firm among Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Saint Pierre, Shoukouwa, and Waku Ghin. With Shisen Hanten relegated to the one Michelin star list, this brings the total number of two-star restaurants from seven to six. For the highly contested one Michelin star category, things liven up with five new restaurants receiving the one Michelin star for the first time. Congratulations to the contemporary fine-dining restaurant Born, modern Nordic restaurant Poise, Hong Kong Street's Willow, Japanese omakase restaurant Sushi Sakuta, and modern Southeast Asian restaurant Seroja.  It's also a treble win for Seroja this year; the restaurant debuts on the one-star list, it's very own chef Kevin Wong clinches the Michelin Guide 2023 Young Chef Award (recognising rising talents in the industry) and the first-ever Michelin Green Star award (recognising restaurants that operate at the forefront of sustainability). So what else changed since Michelin Guide Singapore 2022? Unfortunately, the list has since bid adieu to old favourites like the now-defunct Basque Ki

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list was revealed on June 21 in Valencia, Spain and only one restaurant in Singapore made rank. Once again, it is Odette at the National Gallery Singapore. Climbing from #36 on the 2022 list to #14 this year, the three Michelin-starred French restaurant reclaims the title of the highest ranked in Asia. Photograph: OdetteOdette - Chef-Owner Julien Royer Odette’s chef-owner Julien Royer also earned the prestigious chef’s choice award. It is the only peer-voted award category which solidifies him as a dynamic figure in the global chef community. First place goes to Central, a Peruvian fine-dining restaurant in Lima helmed by culinary power couple Virgilio Martínez and Pía León. The tasting menu whisks gastronomes on a journey through Peru, from its vast biodiverse ecosystems to indigenous cultures, featuring produce from different altitudes. It is also the best restaurant in South America in 2023. Restaurants in the Spanish contingent also scored high in this year’s report card. At a close second and third spot are Barcelona’s Disfrutar and Madrid’s Diverxo while the legendary Asador Etxebarri claims fourth spot. In the Asia region, Japan clinched three spots in the top 50 list with modern Kaiseki restaurant Den (#21), French restaurant Florilege (#27), and Tokyo-based Sezanne (#37). Two restaurants from Bangkok, Thailand also made the list, they are Le Du (#15) and Gaggan Anand (#17). Since 2019, the rules state that the first-ranking rest