Beyond The Classics: 5 Alternative Dining Spots In Singapore
If you are new to Singapore there are a few obligatory dishes on your to-eat list: chicken rice, chili crab, laksa, char kway teow, nasi lemak. There’s a few tourist-forward hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat or Newton that have all this and more, and if you’re looking for a more higher-end experience there is no shortage of fine-dining places that are staples of the Singapore itinerary.
If you are more familiar with the Asian/Singaporean food circuit, you might be ready to try other places that look to make different things with the food and the vibe. For this, let me present a short list of fun restaurants around the island that have some very creative and delicious offerings.
1. The Dragon Chamber
A funky restaurant hidden behind a seemingly empty and depressing bar, Dragon Chamber mixes the familiar with the surprising, serving “quality guerrilla-style food that brings back age-old unconventional Chinese dishes.” The truffle beef hor fun is a great choice, as is their iberico char siu. Try their alligator claw soup if you dare.
The Dragon Chamber
2 Circular Rd, Singapore 049358
+65 6950 0015
2. Lou Shang
If you are are nostalgic about the older days of HDB living, or for an accurate glimpse into HDB life, Lou Shang is a tale of nostalgia. The door of an elevator on the second floor of the building gives way to a cafe that looks like a typical government housing hallway. Everything is good: the Roti Hey, the Crispy Marmite Cauliflower, and the XO Crab Dip, are great for sharing. Give the Teh O.H Peng a chance — it’s the fanciest tea drink you’ll have for a while.
Lou Shang 楼上
38 Prinsep St, #02–02, Singapore 188665
+65 8714 0012
3. Ms Maria and Mr Singh
Indian and Mexican fusion? It works. Originally founded in Bangkok, this place is a love story between home-style Mexican and Indian cooking. Personal favorites are the Keema Quesadilla and the Pork Vindaloo Tacos, though the menu changes often and quickly. The Mango Yuzu Snowball is very fun, and must be shared. The wine selection is very modern (if you like to use words like “funky” when talking about your grapes, you’re in good company), but the cocktails are pretty outstanding and recommendable.
Ms Maria and Mr Singh
3 Craig Rd, Singapore 089681
+65 9654 4351
4. Social Place
Founded in Hong Kong, Social Place is a retro-chic contemporary tea house that combines nostalgic elements of old Hong Kong with modern flair. It offers an innovative array of Chinese dishes and a fresh take on dim sum. The place is impressively decorated — make sure to admire the mosaic mural made out of mahjong tiles. You can’t really go wrong with anything from the menu, but the sweet & sour pork on ice, the flamin-pie or the dim sum platter are easy crowd pleasers.
Social Place Singapore
FORUM The Shopping Mall, Orchard Rd, #01–22 583, Singapore 238884
+65 8870 2288
5. Cherki
Hidden behind the Singapore Chinese Cultural Center, this is, in my opinion, the most underrated Peranakan restaurant in the city. To be exact, their cuisine is actually more peranakan fusion: think black nut chicken linguine, truffle duck popiah, or satay chicken tacos. You will also enjoy their extensive and fun cocktail menu — I think one time mine was served with bakkwa!
Cherki
1 Straits Blvd, #01–02, Singapore 018906
+65 6514 8345
Runners up:
Vatos
This one has been in Singapore for some time, but this Korean-Mexican fusion place is a fun staple. Currently located at City House (these guys move around often!), they serve everything from kimchi carnitas fries to gochujang mole pulled pork sliders. Did any of that make sense? Wash it down with one of their many classic or frozen margaritas.
For Delivery: Bao Makers
If you need a delivery option, you could do worse than Bao Makers. As their name implies, they make baos of all kinds: Chilli Crab, Salted Egg, Pork Belly, Truggle Mushroom. They are all fantastic. This will take away the pain of figuring out catering for your next event.
Bao Makers
+65 9869 3311
