Seafood at Pasar Bella. (JG Photo/Petty Elliot)
Singapore, with its flourishing economy, melting pot of residents hailing from many different places, combined with its strategic geographical location and an effective global tourism campaign, is a dream culinary destination for food lovers. Its dining scene is more vibrant than ever and with so many different cuisines to choose from, it becomes hard to know where to begin.
World-class celebrity chefs continue to invade Singapore. In the last few years, some of the world’s top names such as Wolfgang Puck, Daniel Boulud, Guy Savoy, Mario Batali and very recently Jamie Oliver have made their mark on the city state, which has a very limited source of local ingredients. One doesn’t need to visit all these top establishments to enjoy a good meal; delectable dishes can be found around every corner, from street hawkers, food halls, markets and small, independent restaurants. The following are some of my favorite places to eat in Singapore:
Pasar Bella
Pasar Bella is a new concept in Singapore. Its restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., while stalls offering fresh produce are available from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The modern yet rustic market offers 30 stalls from around the world, and can be compared to a smaller version of Borough Market in London or La Boqueria in Barcelona.
Pasar Bella houses an array of eateries, providing sumptuous food, from sashimi to cheese and wine. The organic grocery sells produce at an affordable price compared to other Singapore markets, according to a friend who has called the city state her home for years. I sampled the tastiest coffee at the Dutch Colony coffee vendor, with a full-bodied flavor, dark chocolate, caramel and a hint of cherry acidity.
200 Turf Club Road, The Grandstand Bukit Timah, pasarbella.com
Jones the Grocer
Jones the Grocer, a cafe and also a shop, is the perfect place for breakfast, brunch or lunch, with an international menu that has a tinge of Australian culinary influence. Its long, communal tables offer an elegant yet informal setting. Jones the Grocer not only offers tasty dishes but also a wide selection of natural gourmet ingredients produced by artisan suppliers from all over the world, from tea and chocolate to handmade pasta and cheese. You can find Jones the Grocer outlets at the Mandarin Gallery and Ion Orchard.
Block 9 #01-12 Dempsey Road, Dempsey Hill, jonesthegrocer.com
Coffee from Jones the Grocer. (JG Photo/Petty Elliot)
Tippling Club
Tippling Club recently moved to new premises after five years in Dempsey Hill. It is quite common to enjoy a glass of wine with a meal, but chef Ryan Clift and his mixologists offer cocktails and cuisine — two aspects that are very cleverly paired to make the dining experience more memorable. The popular restaurant offers interesting and playful dishes inspired by European and Japanese cuisine prepared with molecular gastronomic cooking techniques. Guests can choose from a classic tasting menu with seven dishes plus snack with or without a cocktail pairing. A vegetarian menu is also available. Tippling Club’s lunch menu offers a value meal with its selection of two or three courses from S$42 ($33) upward. Tippling Club comes in at 23 on 50 best restaurants list of 2014 for Asia, published by Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino.
38 Tanjong Pagar Road, tipplingclub.com
JAAN
JAAN offers modern French fine dining devoted to serving artisan produce from all around the world. Each dish is served in a simple yet sophisticated manner. I adore this place not only for the food but also for its ambience; the restaurant has an impressive skyscraper view of Singapore. JAAN ranks number 17 on the Asia 50 best restaurants list.
Equinox Complex, 70th Floor, Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road. jaan.com.sg
Mellben Seafood
Singapore is brimming with amazing seafood restaurants. Mellben Seafood, however, stands out from the others. Located in the Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh area, it is relatively unknown to tourists, making it a local hidden gem. The restaurant offers not only seafood but also many chicken and pork dishes. Its signature dish, claypot crab bee hoon, is a must-have. The atmosphere is very informal, a little bit noisy, but it’s a fun experience.
Block 211, Lor ,8 Toa Payoh, #01-11-15, Tel. +65 63533120
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