Fresh initiate? Head over to our first feature to check out how we roll! On this second feature, let’s dive deeper into Singapore’s food and cultural scene.
The Food Place
Also known as Malaysia’s national dish, nasi lemak is extremely popular even in Singapore. Cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, the rice takes on a rich, distinctive fragrance that pairs surprisingly well with the traditional sides of ikan bilis, fried peanuts, sliced cucumbers, a hard-boiled egg, and a generous dollop of sambal. Say what you will, but this writer feels that the quality of the sambal makes or breaks the dish. Check out the Google Doodle featuring this lip-smacking dish on 31 January.
If you’re visiting the Botanic Gardens, stop by Adam Road food centre for the Selera Rasa nasi lemak. We advise dropping by earlier in the day as the dish runs out quickly. Customers have also reported queues stretching for an hour, so mornings on weekdays are probably your best bet. If you find yourself vacillating between their chicken wing, fried fish and otah, pick the Royal Rumble, which includes all of them for a hearty meal that’ll power your walk in the gardens post-breakfast.
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 7am to 5pm; Sat-Sun 7am to 3pm; closed on Fri
Address: 2 Adam Rd, Singapore 289876
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (Circle/Downtown Line)
The Hipster Place
Yes, yes, we know. Hipsters love their coffee. How about some ice-cream to break the monotony?
Ice-cream lovers and lactose-tolerant hipsters alike will appreciate the artisan gelato flavours from Birds of Paradise. Its name reflects the parlour’s ethos of infusing its products with nature-inspired flavours. You won’t see the usual artificial shizzle at this creamery. Challenge your tastebuds with flavours like Strawberry Basil, White Chrysanthemum and Mint Cacao, and take things a step further with a thyme cone freshly made in-store. We hear it’s really good.
Opening hours: Tue-Thu & Sun 12pm to 10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm to 10.30pm; Closed on Mon
Address: 63 East Coast Road, #01-05, Singapore 428776
Nearest MRT: Dakota/Eunos. You’ll need a bus, especially if it’s scorching or pouring. Download CityMapper for precise directions.
The Indie Place
It’s no question that Singaporeans are avid moviegoers. Modern cinemas with featuring cushy seats and cutting-edge technology are a dime a dozen. Sometimes, you just long for simpler times, when seats were hard and floors weren’t carpeted.
For a taste of retro filmviewing, head over to The Projector, a cinema ressurected from dust and gloom into an arthouse theatre favoured by creatives and film lovers. The Projector features specially curated programmes which are sure to please discerning moviegoers. The theatre is also a good place to catch controversial and financially risky films.
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 6.30pm to 11.30pm; Sat-Sun 1pm to 11.30pm; Closed on Mon
Address: 6001 Beach Road, #05-00, Golden Mile Tower, 199589
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway
The Market Place
One thing Singaporeans love more than markets hawking fresh produce is one selling ready-to-eat nibbles. Behold the pasar malam, or night market, where stallholders set up shop from dusk to late at night. While there are bargains to be sought on anything from clothes to potted plants, it goes without saying that the food and beverage stalls are the stars of the show.
Look out for staple pasar malam fare such as the Ramly burger, fried chicken chop, Japanese takoyaki balls and Thai milk tea. Or hunt for something special like flavoured buns taking the shapes of cartoon characters. However, the difficult part would be pinning down one of these markets as they rotate from place to place. Part of the excitement of pasar malams is going about your daily business and discovering that stalls have magically mushroomed in your neighbourhood. But if you’re only visiting for a couple of days, then this Facebook page might help.
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Varies
Nearest MRT: Varies