Traveling does take its toll on our wallets. Thankfully there’s an option that won’t put our accounts in the red – go international with these food fests right here in Singapore. Want to stay local? We found 40 of our favourite local dishes in one place!
Singapore Favourite Food Village
So you can name 20 of your favourite local faves? That’s easy, we can do 40. The Singapore Favourite Food Village will feature 40 local dishes over ten days; think chili crab, carrot cake, laksa, rojak, roti prata, tau huey… Public voting for 20 of these vendors has closed, but everyone will get a taste of things in July. Hosting tourists? This is a seasonal must-see. 12-21 July.
Singapore Favourite Food Village, open field at Bayfront Avenue.
Weekend All-day Breakfasts
All-day breakfasts might be a little overdone, but Da Paolo offers a refreshing take on this item: Chicken First is served in a baked crepe bowl and Papa’s Benedict is served with crispy, baked potato skins instead of the usual bread. This pizza parlour doesn’t stray far from its roots – try out the new Carbonara Pizza and Mad Black Pizza (squid ink).
Da Paolo PizzaBar, 44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-46, Singapore 278116, p. 6479 6059. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-230pm and 530pm-1030pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1030pm.
Burger Bonanza
Meat lovers, ready for a challenge? Roadhouse is home to the Terminator Challenge. It’s as intimidating as it sounds: say hello to six Wagyu beef patties with cheese, streaky bacon, and jalapeno chilies. Eliminate this 1kg of beef in 20 minutes to get your burger free and earn a spot on the Wall of Fame. Of course, you can be like everyone else and go for normal portions with their new burgers – the Prawn Star Burger or the Butt-Naked Baby Burger (this one’s bunless). Vegetarians haven’t been forgotten too. New on the menu: the ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat’ (falafel) Burger and Roast Veggie Sandwich.
Roadhouse, 13 Dempsey Road, Singapore 247964, p. 6476 2922. Open Mon-Fri 1130am-3pm and 630pm-1030pm, Sat-Sun 9am-330pm and 630pm-1030pm.
Tea For Two
Weekends were made for lounging at Capella Singapore, which has just launched new high tea specials: Dim Sum Tea Set or Colonial Afternoon Tea. For those in favour of the traditional Chinese way, look forward to steamed favourites like US Kurobuta Pork Bun with Black Truffle, prawns, scallops, and siew mai with abalone. Match those with Chinese Floral Tea, green tea, or good ol’ pu’er.
Or enjoy an afternoon like a Royal Artillery Officer with Colonial Afternoon Tea. Salmon burrito with olive oil caviar, cranberry scones, and lemon tart meringues… let’s just say you’ll be officially snoozing … unlike said officer. Sat-Sun and PH 3pm-5pm. Both tea sets are available at $39++ per pax.
Cassia, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297, p. 6591 5000.
Flavours of Spain
Travel to Spain? No thanks, we’re staying here for authentic Spanish delights. If you missed Chef Esmeraldo the last time, we’re glad to say he’s back! This is what 48 years of experience tastes like – say hello to Paella Mixta (seafood and meat), Carrillada Al-Andalus (braised veal cheeks), and Calamares en su Tinta (baby squid in own ink). Better yet, you can have this buffet style so eat your fill!
Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road, Singapore 228220, p. 6737 7966. Open daily 630am-1030am, 12pm-2pm, 330pm-530pm, 630pm-1030pm.
Pollen’s First Anniversary
Pollen turns one and you’re invited! To celebrate, they’re serving up a special menu for a month. Indulge in Pollen from the Garden (Hokkaido scallop tartare and oyster emulsion with sudachi lime and baby beets) or have a taste of Wilderness (roasted cod with wild mushroom broth and tarragon). Have a sweet tooth? We recommend Infusion from the Garden and Chocolate Blossoms. Wine pairings are also available so ask your server for details. 29 June to 31 July, 6pm-10pm. $190++ per pax. Wine pairings available at an additional $140++.
Pollen, Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Singapore 018953, p. 6604 9988.
Häagen-Dazs – cocktails by Zachary De Git and Secret Sensations
Get the best of both worlds here. Häagen-Dazs has upped the game for cold treats with their new range of ice cream – Secret Sensations, available in pints and in three flavours. Need a bit of alcohol? Newly crowned bartender of the year, Zachary de Git, spins Secret Sensations into world-class cocktails. Try the Mystic Rouge (Diplomatico Reserva, raspberry, Secret Sensations, and choc fondant) or the Velvet Aurora (Excellia Reposado Tequila, apricot, citrus, Secret Sensations, crème brulee).
Häagen-Dazs has 11 outlets in Singapore. To find one near you, see website.