Dawson Tan

Live music is back and we couldn't be more excited. Before pandemic restrictions kicked in, the nightscape of our city was filled with an endless array of bars, cafés and restaurants ready with headbangin' tunes and heart-rending sets. After two years of quiet, we expect many live venues to stir back to life. Whether it's soulful jazz or powerful rock hits, here are our favourite live venues to keep tabs on. Get ready to clear your evenings.  RECOMMENDED Upcoming DJ sets and club parties in Singapore and upcoming concerts in Singapore

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

These days, halal fare isn't difficult to find in Singapore. Gone are the days when you were limited to the same few choices – instead, there's a wide range of cuisines that are Muslim-friendly to feast upon. From the city to the heartlands, you can find juicy American smokehouse barbeque, Sichuan dumpling noodles, Halal Guys-inspired rice bowls, proper Cajun seafood boils, and more. And if you were worried about the price point, there many affordable options too – though some venues are just perfect for making a splash.  In this nifty list, take your tastebuds around the world and experience different cuisines that cater all occasions, be they large group eat-outs to romantic dates.  RECOMMENDED: Best nasi padang restaurants and stalls in Singapore and the best Spanish restaurants and tapas bars in Singapore    

Brunch is an institution – as it should be. There's nothing better than waking up slightly later on the weekends and hunting down the perfect brunch spot where you can order both breakfast and lunch items. Whether it's regular eggs on toast, ricotta pancakes or a bowl of pasta, hit up these spots in Singapore to fuel your lazy weekend with late breakfast meals and a cup (or two) of coffee. RECOMMENDED: 7 most Instagrammable cafes in Singapore and the best minimalist cafés in Singapore 

When you are living in a city like Singapore, there are times when you just want to escape the confines of the four walls and the chilly blast of air-conditioning. Whether you’re in the mood to soak up some vitamin D, feel the cool breeze, or dine under the cover of the starry night, here are the best alfresco restaurants in Singapore for you to do so. RECOMMENDED: The best alfresco bars in Singapore and the restaurants with the best views in Singapore

Back in Singapore for its seventh year, the Michelin Guide has unveiled its curated list of the best places to have a meal. In 2023, a total of 55 restaurants have been conferred that elusive star – or, as the French call it, 'macaroon' – by the epicurean manual. This year, five new restaurants made the list and they will be signalled by an asterisk (*) in the list below. The guide uses five criteria to assess these restaurants: mastery of technique; quality of ingredients; chef's personality; value for money; and consistency. The list leans towards fine-dining restaurants that offer degustation menus that often cost upwards of $100, however, it also names some hawkers and casual dining spots like Putien if you don't want to break the bank. Alternatively, head over to this list of restaurants that earned a Bib Gourmand award, Michelin-recommended meals that cost less than $45. RECOMMENDED: Read our guide on the 50 best restaurants and 50 best bars in Singapore

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition. Call it a colonial hang-up but it's also one of our favourite ways to while away an afternoon. What's not to love about pressing pause and spending time with a good cuppa, delectable sweets and savouries, and a plush, comfortable sofa? Here's where to go to raise your pinkies and clink glasses. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert

Most of us are back in the office – that means 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

When it comes to alternative proteins to substitute real meat, much noise is being heard from the plant-based meat industry. But one man seems to dance to an entirely different beat. In this series where we identify everyday people doing not-your-everyday jobs, Christopher Leow, CEO and co-founder of Future Protein Solutions, is one who places his bets on crickets to be the next big thing. If you haven’t heard, Singapore may soon be stocking our grocery shelves with edible insect products. This comes after the progressive decision by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to soon allow the import and sale of 16 insect types fit for human consumption. Some of these insects include mealworms, silkworms, grasshoppers, honey bees and of course, the critter of the hour, crickets. And to no surprise, the news was definitely met with much uncertainty – and perhaps even a side of nausea. But first, a little about Christopher himself. You might find his name familiar, most recently from his high-profile urban farming stint at Edible Garden City’s CapitaSpring Food Forest. The trained aerospace engineer and chef first learnt about sustainable agriculture about eight years ago and since then, it sparked a persistent interest in better ways to grow food.  Fast forward to a year ago when he stumbled upon cricket farming, he was intrigued by not only the incredible environmental impacts but also how good crickets actually taste. Photograph: Daniel IskandarChris Leow using cricket frass as fertil

Looking for a quiet place to do work but not a fan of the stuffy office or library environment? We don't blame you, being cooped up in a cubicle all day drives even the calmest among us crazy. We also understand that not everyone has an ideal work-from-home set-up. Venture beyond your friendly, neighbourhood Starbucks and settle down with free Wi-Fi, power points and a good cuppa to get your productivity game on at these cafés instead. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD

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 an opulent steakhouse pop-up at St. Regis, chef Mirko Febbrile's highly anticipated seaside Italian restaurant, 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

There are just some jobs that aren’t your usual nine-to-five and these folks are definitely cut from a different cloth. To kickstart this new series where we identify everyday people doing not-your-everyday jobs, we link up with professional competitive eater Zermatt Neo to get a glimpse into his unique lifestyle and how he makes a living off stuffing himself silly. From devouring everything in a hawker centre in support of struggling hawkers during the circuit breaker to checking off epic restaurant challenges, Zermatt and his almost-superhuman feats got the attention and fanfare of many Singaporeans. Now, the full-time competitive eater is even running an eating competition as the Chief Food Officer for GastroBeats' first-ever Chomp Champs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg) Here, we ask him 10 questions to help us better understand what full-time competitive eating is really like.

“To meat or not to meat,” bellows Dario Cecchini at the opening of Bottega di Carna at the ultra-chic Mondrian Singapore Duxton. Dubbed the World’s Greatest Butcher by the New York Times, the Tuscan meat maverick brings with him eight generations of butchering experience to fire up the dining scene in the little red dot.  “A butcher knows the alphabet of meat, a chef with that alphabet can write poetry,” shares the star in the popular Netflix Chef’s Table series. And that is where executive chef Alastair Clayton (formerly from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay) and chef de cuisine Kenny Huang  (formerly from 28Wilkie) come into play at the newly minted restaurant. Photograph: Mondrian Singapore DuxtonBottega di Carna Expect the unexpected when it comes to dining in Bottega di Carna – think creative handmade pastas, inventive crudos and charcuterie, flame-kissed meats, luscious seafood, and even a bold range of progressive wines to pair. While Cecchini isn’t afraid to be all playful and progressive with his cuts, when it comes to honouring the animal, he remains respectful and reverential.  “You must guarantee the animal a good life and a dignified death, and use every part of the animal well. What began as economic necessity is now an ethical imperative. We should leave this world a little bit better than we found it,” he preaches. Photograph: Mondrian Singapore DuxtonBottega di Carna - Warm Beef Salad Make sure to try the chunky beef knees, gently boiled till fall off the bone an

Step into an otherworldly space where it turns fantasy of all things wizardry into reality. In the heart of Chinatown along the touristy Trengganu Street lies a wizard’s hideout unbeknownst to most. With floating candles, ornamental chandeliers, giant shelves filled with mythical books, and even a faux fireplace, this mediaeval-gothic-inspired dessert bar takes a page from the beloved Harry Potter series. The sorcery begins with a slew of imaginative desserts paired with theatrical showmanship that is set to wow guests of all ages. Take the Witches Hat for instance, where the epic reveal features burning away a combustible witch’s hat to reveal the signature chocolate cake dessert. Other eye-catching presentations include colour-changing liquids and smoking cauldrons that are sure to delight the cameras (or your online followers). But it isn’t all just plain gimmicks as the desserts themselves are well crafted. We sliced into the signature chocolate cake to find layers of delicate Valrhona milk chocolate mousse, crunchy confectionery pearls, and a buttery biscuit base. There is also a chocolate bon bon encased with lemon cream on the side to balance off the richness with bursts of zest. The Baby Root ($19) comes straight out of Professor Sprout’s Herbology Class in the Harry Potter film. But there won’t be a need to wear earmuffs as the foul-pitched Mandrakes are made entirely from rich chocolate ganache. Presented as a sharing dessert, strawberry shortcake, made with juicy s

You might know Hafizzul Hashim from his talk-of-the-town private dining stint in Balmoral Road back in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in the coastal town of Lumut in Perak, the 40-year-old chef is best known for taking diners on a gastronomic tour across the culturally rich yet diverse region of Southeast Asia. Now, he is back with a restaurant of his own, Fiz. Albeit being the newest kid on the block among all the other high-profile names in Tanjong Pagar, this contemporary fine dining restaurant isn’t here for a kickabout. Photograph: Carlina TeterisFiz - Chef Hafizzul Hashim Prior to Fiz, Hafizzul spent the past 23 years cutting his teeth in award-winning kitchens all around the world, most notably Marco Pierre White’s Mirabelle in London and the lauded Jean Georges in Tokyo. But it wasn’t until a sudden realisation that Southeast Asian ingredients from his earliest memory, like makrut lime leaves and galangal, were heavily used at said high-end dining establishments that prompted him to retrace his roots. From sojourning markets in Luang Prabang and Siem Reap to gleaning recipes and historical manuscripts from the chefs of Malaysia’s royal courts, Hafizzul sets off to find his own niche in the culinary sphere. Today, diners at Fiz are presented with episodic menus (subjected to an update every three to six months) that feature thoughtfully curated plates, which accentuate forgotten indigenous ingredients and ancient cooking tech

Modern Nanyang coffee joint Toast Box takes over the now defunct space of the Music Book Room in Bras Basah Complex. Since the owner of the iconic store announced retirement and its closure back in March, the homegrown coffee chain swooped in for a piece. But they won’t be turning Music Book Room into another soulless coffee franchise. Instead, plans are put in place to preserve the unique culture left behind by the stalwart. For the uninitiated, Music Book Room was lauded as a haven for music lovers and audiophiles for many generations since the 80s. That era also saw the rise of Xinyao, a Singaporean music genre written and sung by young and talented local musicians, which many fellow Singaporeans have come to love and reminisce about.  And to celebrate that, the chain will retain key elements of the Music Book Room like its original facade, signages and some vintage music memorabilia. From antique gramophones and vinyl records to an acoustic piano with music sheets, all these come along with the rustic wooden fittings of the 98-seater coffee shop. Apart from the typical Toast Box offerings, the Bras Basah outlet will debut two new Boluo sandwiches. These house-baked delights (from $3.80) come fluffy and buttery stuffed with breakfast classics of ham and cheese or luncheon meat with cheese. To complete the breakfast experience, simply top up $2 to enjoy a cup of signature coffee or tea.

Nope, this ATM won’t be spitting out cash on withdrawal. Instead, it makes for a quirky entrance to a hidden burger bar modelled after an 80s-inspired American diner. Slide open the doors and you’ll find yourself in The Bank where the walls are plastered with vintage movie posters and film memorabilia while 80s disco pop music pulsates in the background. Run by the same guys from the defunct Burger Bar New York in the back alley of Amoy Street, The Bank is known for its greasy stacks of hand-butchered Angus Prime beef patties. Keeping it fuss-free, the menu has only three burger options: the signature cheeseburger (from $18.80), the extra-large fried chicken sandwich (from $18), and the grilled portobello burger (from $18). There is also a decent selection of sides and milkshakes too. Flame-grilled to a perfect medium rare, the thick beefy patty manages to retain all of its juicy goodness. It is then slapped between a soft bun together with the works of melted American cheese, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, pickles, and a tangy homemade sauce. Though we think the patty could definitely use a bit more crust on the exterior. Otherwise, a near-faultless take on a classic American cheeseburger. Go for the double patty if you’re looking to properly indulge. On the flip side, the fried chicken sandwich arrives ginormous. It scored high points with the shattering crunch and liberally seasoned exterior but fell a tad short in the tenderness department. For the sides, the fully loaded spic

The Duxton enclave makes a perfect spot for clandestine hideouts and Cat Bite Club is the newest booze den on the block. First, look out for a grinning Cheshire cat outlined by red neon lights along Duxton Road. Then, head straight into Monument Coffee (nope, you didn't read that wrong) and behind those heavy curtains, you’ll find yourself in good company. Call it minimalist or intentionally unfinished, the space screams speakeasy. But don't discount this as yet another gimmicky watering hole. The proof is in the pudding, even the beautifully illustrated cyberpunk-esque menu is designed by Mark Reihill, who is known to design comics and world-renowned cocktail menus. And the bar programme is crystal clear about putting agave and rice spirits on a pedestal or perhaps even worshipped – if you’d have seen what I’ve seen on those backlit shelves – think soju that boasts 80 proof and never-before-seen bottles of tequila and mezcal.  Sourcing these unique spirits from different parts of the world, operating partners and bartenders Jesse Vida (former Atlas head bartender) and Gabriel Lowe (ex-bar manager of Paradise Lost in Bangkok) thread the needle between both cultural and culinary influences of Southeast Asia and Mexico to come up with thoughtful riffs on classics. Think multi-layered flavour profiles that are sophisticated to the palate yet unpretentiously presented without much theatrics. Besides the mean Cat Bite Margarita ($26), which features a base of tequila blanco and sm

Atlas moves on from the highly conceptual menu that once translated the architectural wonders of Art Deco into drinkable works of art. Now, the award-winning bar revisits well-made classics and dials in on life’s simple pleasures. Designed by Head Bartender Lidiyanah ‘Yana' K, the menu features clever riffs on four timeless classics – the Martini, Sour, Old Fashioned, and Champagne cocktails. Each cocktail chapter opens with a milk-punch-style tipple. For sours, check out the Ode To Odyssey ($22) which riffs on the notoriously labour-intensive Ramos Gin Fizz. Australian Shiraz gin, clarified milk and toasted raisin-cinnamon syrup are shaken together to result in a creamy silky dessert-like concoction. In the martini selection, the Occidental ($26) combines London dry gin, vermouth, and Italian citrus liquor to deliver a wet martini-style drink. The deceivingly quaffable tipple – sitting at 39.2 percent – drinks citrusy with a herbaceous touch of thyme. For dry martini purists, consider building your own martini where you can pick between either a vodka or gin base. Old-fashioned connoisseurs, look no further than the Valley Of The Ashes ($25). This stiffer demands you to take a bite of the delicate homemade chocolate tuille before each sip. Blending American bourbon and Venezuelan rum, the drink reminds of campfire smoke balanced with spiced notes. – Original review below by Nicole-Marie Ng on March 22 2017 It’s hard not to be impressed when you first step into ATLAS. The gra

When it comes to Hokkien Mee, many locals are certain about a few time-tested names and Simon Road Hokkien Mee is definitely one of them. The humble stall has been frying up scintillating plates since the 60s. Now, the flagship outlet finds a new home in the Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre. To find it in the crowded hawker, keep a look out for the bright yellow signage or follow the fragrant aroma. Serving up both wet and dry styles of Hokkien Mee, the doyen is known to please both sides of the camp. If it is your first time trying, we recommend leaving your order as is and letting the masters behind the wok work their magic. Yellow noodles and silky strands of white bee hoon are first expertly wok-fried and then simmered in a rich seafood stock. This gentle steaming approach ensures that the wok-kissed noodles aren’t overdone and absorb maximum flavour. It also comes with succulent bits of prawns, squid and pork belly. The accompaniments are equally important too. Mix in a vibrant dollop of homemade chilli and a zesty squeeze of lime to help give the umami-rich dish a balance of spice and tang. And don’t sleep on the freshly fried pork lard which lends texture and a whole lot of flavour. Priced from just $5 for a single serve, this iconic dish is beyond reasonable. If you’re up for a treat, the stalwart offers a seafood royale ($25) that consists of a palatial medley of crayfish and clams. From withstanding the test of time to expanding into two other outlets (Toa Payoh and

Skai is undoubtedly the penthouse living room of your dreams. Perched on the 70th floor of Swissotel the Stamford, it overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay. The spacious interiors take a literal leaf from the modern Japanese design book with green foliage and maple accents adorning the otherwise minimalistic but homey 130-seater venue. All that's left to do is to park yourself on a tall bar stool or cosy up to your date on one of Skai’s many cushy sofas. At the helm is newly appointed executive chef Seumas Smith who brings over a decade’s worth of experience, cutting his teeth at some of the best kitchens around the world. Think Michelin-starred establishments such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London and ION at Iniala Harbour House in Malta. But he is no stranger to Singapore where he once helmed the kitchens of familiar names like Maggie Joans, Moosehead Kitchen and Esquina prior to his overseas endeavours. Photograph: SKAISKAI - Executive Chef Seumas Smith With Smith’s homecoming comes the promise to elevate Skai’s culinary landscape to greater heights. And boy, does it show on his plates. The starters carry a strong seafood theme showcasing his subtle Japanese sensibilities and the delicate use of the binchotan grill. Botan Ebi ($36) is gently grilled till succulent and rounded up by juicy Japanese heirloom tomatoes and its consomme to deliver a fresh burst of sweet and tart sensations.  Hokkaido scallops ($42) are masterfully seared and pa

Stone-washed walls, frames of the magnificent Matterhorn, and handmade cuckoo clocks, it doesn’t get any more Swiss than that. Located in the trendy enclave of Duxton, Swiss restaurant Coucou whisks you away on a ski resort holiday set in a cosy alpine cabin. The inviting atmosphere lives up to the meaning of the namesake – Coucou is actually used colloquially as an informal greeting among friends. And here, Swiss flavours are presented in communal fashion and steeped in tradition.  The headlining dish is without a doubt the Fondue Moitié-Moitié (from $38 per person). An original recipe from Fribourg that includes some alcohol (you can also ask for without), the bubbly pot of fondue is exquisitely made up of half Gruyère AOP and half Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP sourced from Fribourg. Stick to the classic savoury pot or amp up the experience with a variety of toppings from aromatic truffles to fiery chilli padi.  Moving on to the act of dipping and swirling. For that, accompaniments of chewy bread and soft-boiled baby potatoes are served. But for maximum pleasure, insist on a glass (or bottle) of Petite Arvine de Vétroz 2023 by Serge Roh to pair. The zesty dry wine is redolent with citrus notes and tangos extremely well with the savouriness of the fondue. Another signature dish is the Malakoff ($12), made from deep frying a sphere of gruyére that is unique to only three villages in Switzerland. This unassumingly gooey snack is one that melts in your mouth with a nice lingering s

When it comes to wine cocktails, Sangria – and Sangria only – first comes to mind. Out to change that, Mish Mash is a first-of-its-kind gastro bar that presents funky yet provocative wine-based concoctions. Masterminded by the boys behind popular dining concepts such as Rappu and Feather Blade, the neon-cladded 24-seater space sits by the crossroads of South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Road. The idea is rather simple: stick to the core wine profiles. This results in alter-ego cocktails that boasts familiar flavours yet intriguing novel. Thinking of a bubbly pick-me-up? Sip on the Lusty Lemon ($28) where yuzu, lychee, gin and champagne make up the fizzy treat. Whereas the Carnal Carnage ($24) is a rosé-inspired tipple that drinks floral and tart with accents of chamomile and rhubarb. But if you’re a stickler for tradition, choose from a diverse range of wines by the bottle (from $75), from old world to minimal intervention wines.

In the grand atrium of Pan Pacific Singapore lies Plume, a destination cocktail bar that draws inspiration from a vibrant flock of indigenous birds. The spanking new interiors are effortlessly elegant and luxurious as it experiments with inspirations from contemporary art-deco and the lush tropics. The bar boasts a sophisticated repertoire of avian-inspired cocktails that seek to thrill the tastebuds and tell a tale. Choose the Pink Necked Green Pigeon ($25) for a refreshing start. The invigorating spritz takes a page off the bird’s diet and combines sweet fig leaf infusion, citrus elements, and prosecco.  Though it is the Banded Woodpecker ($25) that sits on top. The pièce de résistance comes with a unique mix of green ant gin (yes, ants), dry vermouth, guava vinegar and the mist of oak moss. As for the bird feed, Pan Pacific’s very own executive sous chef Thorsten Killian whips up elevated full-flavoured takes on popular Singaporean dishes. Think chicken rendang croquettes, Wagyu beef satay skewers, salmon floss-topped lotus chips, and plenty more.

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

This year, a grand total of 79 establishments made the Michelin Bib Gourmand 2023 list. Out of the 19 new awardees – a significant increase from 67 awardees on last year’s list – 17 of them are hawker stalls. While it is no secret that most look to the coveted list where tasty value-for-money dining options are given the spotlight, there isn't always a need to break the piggy bank to enjoy a taste of the best food in Singapore. And as a team that eats out (a lot), here are some of our favourite hawker picks. Beach Road Fish Head Bee Hoon Despite the name, you won’t find this popular hawker on Beach Road. Instead, it calls Whampoa Market Place it's home. Once the gate-kept secret of Whampoa residents, you’ll now find a long queue made up of hungry gourmands from all across the island. And you’ll probably find Time Out Singapore's deputy editor Cheryl Sekkappan in the queues one of these days, saying that “It’s out of the way for me, and queues are really long. But it is definitely worth the wait for super fresh fish and the flavourful broth.” “Always go for the yuan yang, a mix of fresh and fried fish, for the best of both worlds!” Know that, eventhough the humble stall opens bright and early in the morning, they usually sell out before their official closing time at 2pm. Photograph: Bismillah BiryaniBismillah Biryani Bismillah Biryani  They weren’t kidding when they claim to serve the best Dum Biryani in Singapore. And if not for Arif Salahuddin, chef-owner of Bismillah Bir

Big congratulations to Singapore’s very own fantastic four made up of one-Michelin-starred Burnt Ends (#65), three-Michelin-starred Zén (#69), one-Michelin-starred Meta (#84) and the latest new entry of one-Michelin-starred Labyrinth (#97). So far, Asia boasts a total of 15 entries in this year's World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list. Meanwhile, Singapore rides the momentum from its flourishing performance at the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. In the region, two-Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant Narisawa, recently staging its residency at the Mandala Club, comes in top of the 51-100 list, followed by La Cime (#60) and Sazenka (#83). Bangkok flies its flag high with entries of Sorn (#56), Sühring (#72), and new entries Nusara (#74), and Potong (#88). In anticipation of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, which will be fully revealed during a live ceremony on June 20 in Valencia, a list of restaurants ranked from 51-100 is first released. The winners are decided from the votes of 1,080 people – all of them in the restaurant industry, ranging from celebrated chefs and food journalists to travelling gastronomes. For those waiting eagerly for the proper list of the world’s best 1-50 restaurants, you can catch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube on June 20. View the full list here. READ MOREAward-winning Japanese cocktail bar Mixology Salon pops up in SingaporeLocal radio DJs in Korat Thai Cafe takeover says menu and chef will remain the sameRenowned restaurant Indian

When cult-favourite Thai Restaurant Korat Thai Cafe announced its intentions to sell the shop last June, bidding wars ensued. Frankly, this comes as no surprise. But for the uninitiated, the casual eatery is a certified icon in the infamous Orchard Towers, known to dish out authentic Thai flavours at value-for-money prices for the past 16 years.  Going once, going twice, sold! Uncertainty is in the air for every fervent fan of the stalwart because takeovers can be nerve-wracking. Today, almost after a year, the business is finally sold for upwards of $200,000. The takeover comes with the recipes for 80 over dishes and the guaranteed commitment of the current chef. And the new owners are Class 95’s radio DJ duo of The Muttons, made up of Justin Ang and Vernon A. The Muttons are quick to assure that the menu offerings and their respective prices will remain essentially unchanged. Even the interiors are kept the same with bright yellow plastic furniture giving off the inimitable folksy vibe. They expressed that they would want to maintain the legend that is Korat, as part of its charm is that it’s a hole-in-the-wall place. The pair are ambitious as they revealed that they want to eventually open a few more outlets to make Korat Thai more accessible to the masses. And their intention is pretty simple – have more people try this amazing Thai food. Confessions and decisions The Muttons confessed that it wasn’t until only a year ago that they first visited Korat Thai Cafe. But it di

Tea-tails anyone? Nope, you’ve not heard wrong. These highly anticipated tea-infused cocktails hail from the award-winning Mixology Salon of Ginza, Tokyo. The first overseas outpost finds itself at the InterContinental in the ritzy Robertson Quay enclave. With Singapore’s firm position as a global cocktail hub, the decision to expand and open here was definitely not random. But affinity did play a part. It all began a decade ago when master mixologist Shuzo Nagumo first joined hands with local dessert maestro Janice Wong for a dessert cocktail pairing session at 2amdessertbar. That very collaboration blossomed into a friendship that led to many more friendships within the Singapore bar community. And soon, Shuzo developed a cult following. Photograph: Mixology Salon SingaporeMixology Salon Singapore Now, with the doors officially open, Shuzo and his protege, Kaoru, are set to bring a slice of Japanese tea culture to Singapore with time-tested signatures, each made upon order. With the month-long soft launch said to be fully booked out, the excitement on the ground is evident. After all, Shuzo, a tea advocate himself, is best known for his precision and restraint in his highly nuanced tipples. Expect masterful use of high-quality ingredients like matcha, gyokuro, hojicha, and oolong featured in their wide range of tea-infused spirits. We start with the Sencha gin tonic made with Saga Sencha-infused gin and Shizuoka Sencha. The unassuming viridian tipple drinks elegantly gras

Mandala Masters’ latest gastronomic residency hosts Indian Accent, a widely celebrated restaurant in New Delhi best known for pioneering itself as a modern Indian restaurant globally. The progressive restaurant also recently made rank #19 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The exclusive three-week residency started on May 9 in the members-only club and was an instant hit. So much so that they have now decided to extend the residency to June 3. This extension will also see exciting collaborations with local chefs, Euphoria’s Jason Tan and Candlenut’s Malcolm Lee, to meet the popular demand. While the Mandala Masters x Amaya Ventures' residency is now still underway, Indian Accent has already set its sights on opening a permanent outpost here in Singapore. They currently have one in New York and another in Mumbai set to debut this May. And the man behind the expansion is restaurateur Rohit Khattar, founder and chairman of EHV International. “We cannot wait to find a more permanent home here in Singapore. In such a short period of time, we have received an amazing response from Singapore and are overwhelmed with the praise from our diners,” delights Rohit. Photograph: Indian Accent/Samuel ChiaChef Shantana Mehrotra and Chef Manish Mehrotra As for chef Manish Mehrotra, culinary director of Indian Accent, his team and him share enthusiasm for the warm welcome received in Singapore. “We are excited to be given the opportunity to share about the exquisite intricacies of our cultu

Fresh off from hosting Asia's 50 Best Restaurants award ceremony, Singapore is once again chosen as the host destination for The World’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony. This marks a momentous occasion in celebrating great cocktail cities around the world as the prestigious awards ceremony leaves Europe and hosts in Asia for the first time. The live event will take place on October 17 in the industrial city-state dock of Pasir Panjang power station. This year's list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 will be anonymously voted for by a gender-balanced academy of more than 650 bartenders, consultants, writers and cocktail specialists from around the world. The 15th annual edition also comes with an action-packed event programme: starting with the Bartender's Feast taking place the night before the grand reveal; and the thrills and spills of the ceremony itself with red carpet arrivals, interviews, drinks reception and the highly anticipated countdown. And with live events back in full swing, there is no better time to launch the brand new series of five 50 Best Signature Sessions that will be open to the public. These live events will take place in Singapore's top bars where avid tipplers can savour drinks and rub shoulders with some of the world’s best cocktailian talent. So who’s shaking? You’ll just have to keep tabs on the 50 Best’s socials to find out closer to the date. As usual, ahead of the ceremony, 50 Best will reveal the list of venues that made it on the extended 51-100

Fresh out of the oven, Odette has been named The Best Restaurant in Singapore once again. Singapore displayed a strong showing with nine restaurants making the list. Most restaurants climbed up from their previous ranks and they are Labyrinth (#11), Meta (#17), Burnt Ends (#24) Euphoria (#25), Cloudstreet (#26), and Les Amis (#27). Singapore also sees a new entry Born (#36). This is yet another affirmation that Singapore's food scene is as dynamic as it gets. "The diversity we’re seeing in 2023 is exciting, not just with fine dining, but also with Singapore street food," expressed chef LG Han of restaurant Labyrinth (#11) – winner of the Highest Climber Award 2023. "There’s a new generation of young hawkers coming up and they’re exploring their culinary roots and traditional flavours. And they’re changing the perception of hawker stalls and are willing to be more experimental."  As for how other countries fared, Bangkok reigns as champions with Le Du in first place and eight other Thai restaurants on the list. Japan ranks with 10 restaurant entries with Den still being the Best Restaurant in Japan.  Restaurants 51 to 100 were announced previously, including six restaurants from Singapore: Thevar (#56), Lolla (#63), Naeum (#83), Jaan by Kirk Westaway (#84), Claudine (#85) and Summer Pavilion (#86). For other accolades brought in by our local restaurants, Lolla's chef Johanne Siy emerged as Asia’s Best Female Chef this year. "I am grateful for this platform that allows me to r

Following the reveal of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants' 10th-anniversary award ceremony location right here in Singapore, the coveted annual list has just unveiled the winners that made the 51-100 list of 2023. Singapore makes a respectable showing with six restaurants on the list.  Modern Indian restaurant Thevar (#56) made the climb from #92 last year while modern Mediterranean restaurant Lolla (#63) moved up a notch from last year's position at #75. Jaan by Kirk Westaway (#84) also made the list but fell 29 spots from the previous year's position of #55. Singapore also saw three exciting new entries with modern Korean restaurant Naeum clinching #83, French restaurant Claudine securing #85 and contemporary Cantonese restaurant Summer Pavilion attaining #86. Hong Kong secures the bag for being the city with the most restaurants making rank, with eight restaurants making it to the list. Three entries are there for the first time, including fish-centric restaurant Yong Fu (#54), borderless cuisine restaurant Ando (#61) and Italian fine-dining restaurant Estro (#62). In a nod to the culinary talent all around Asia, the list also features 17 new entries from countries like Greater China, Taiwan, India, and Japan. This is also the first time a restaurant from the city of Toyama in Japan made rank with L'evo (#60) presenting avant-garde regional cuisine combined with French sensibilities. There's no doubt things are heating up as we edge closer to the reveal of the top 50 restaurants

The St Patrick’s Day Street Festival is finally back and this year, the epic celebrations are set to paint the Singapore River Precinct green. The boisterous party will kick off on March 18 and 19 (3pm-10pm). Be sure to arrive in green and soak up all things Irish from music, food, games, and makeovers to, of course, pints of Guinness.  At the Rock and Trad Stage, located at the mouth of Boat Quay right where Molly Malone’s is, live performances are set to take centre stage with an eclectic lineup of live bands, Irish dancers, Celtic folk and punk rock musicians. Throughout the festival, look out for special experiences and special Guinness deals at your favourite pubs, bars and even restaurants in the area.  What about the free pints you say? On March 17, in celebration of the actual St Patrick’s Day, Muddy Murphy’s is where you should be. The Irish pub stalwart will be handing out Guinness pints from 1759hrs for the next 17 minutes and 59 seconds for free. That's in line with the inception of Guinness back in the year 1759. And the best part? There is no catch, you’ll just need to be there – ain’t no better way to start your weekend. Check out the official website for full event details. READ MORE:10 best sandwiches to try in SingaporeBeloved sandwich joint Park Bench Deli announces sudden closureChifa explained: everything you need to know about this underrated Peruvian cuisine

Park Bench Deli bows out after eight years of slinging sloppy American sandwiches for the community. This comes as a surprise to its fans as the popular Telok Ayer joint recently went through a facelift in 2021, evolving from a lunchtime deli to an all-day eatery. The closure was officially announced on Instagram and thanked all of its patrons for their support through the years. While the physical space is gone, the beloved sandwich shop continues to maintain its presence online and teases that there might be more to come in the future. Known for its collaborations with fellow local restaurants as well as international heavyweights like Vans and Carhartt, PBD might go back to its roots and continue to do pop-ups before making a full return. Photograph: Park Bench DeliPark Bench Deli Reuben Sandwich While any imminent plans are still uncertain, be sure to follow Park Bench Deli on Instagram to stay updated. Till then, your cravings for its famed Reuben will have to wait. READ MORE: Chifa explained: everything you need to know about this underrated Peruvian cuisineThe best grilled cheese sandwiches in SingaporeThe best burgers in SingaporeRemember to take our annual Time Out Singapore Readership Survey to stand a chance to win a staycation at The Fullerton Hotel (closes March 8).