When it comes to cities with exceptional fine dining pedigrees, Singapore stands out. The Southeast Asian country with a population of just over 5 million people (less than the population of New York City) is home to three restaurants with three Michelin stars. Yet street food is one the most popular types of cuisine in the country. So called food centers where hawker stalls sell rice and roasted meats from walk-up windows should be at the top of the itinerary for anyone visiting Singapore.
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For Luxury Decor and Elevated Ingredients Try These 7 Singapore Restaurants
The levels of food diversity don’t stop there: In Singapore, the diversity of the types of food served reflect this multicultural, multilingual country. Singapore’s population is composed of people of Chinese, Malay, and Indian descent and the food here reflects that rich mosaic of flavors, heritage, and traditions. Singapore is also a country that values luxury and elevated experiences – so expect upscale restaurants with elegant interiors and dishes to match.
In addition to restaurants, there are gorgeous parks in Singapore worth exploring, and of course everyone who visits Singapore needs to stop by Gardens by the Bay, the country’s legendary sculpture park. But going out to dinner is an unforgettable experience in Singapore, too. Here are the Singapore restaurants everyone who visits should try.
Odette
Located inside the National Gallery Singapore, Odette is one of the most coveted reservations in Singapore. Named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Odette’s modern interiors, outfitted in a white and neutral-toned color palette, are striking. The menu is just as memorable: Crab and pigeon both make appearances,
Odette: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01-04 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Price: $$$$
Restaurant Ibid
The best place to sit at this restaurant is at the counter, where you can watch the food being prepared and interact with the chefs. Friendly service is a key component of the experience at Ibid, which serves a tasting menu with Chinese, Japanese, and other pan-Asian influences. You might even see MasterChef Asia winner Woo Wai Leong serving dishes himself.
Restaurant Ibid: 18 N Canal Rd, Singapore 048830
Price: $$$$
Artichoke
Located in Singapore’s Arts and Heritage district, Artichoke is all about a fun and playful take on Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. You’ll find mezze platters and kebabs on the menu. The cocktails are inspired by Turkey, and 60’s soul and 90’s hip-hop music plays in the dining room.
Artichoke: 161 Middle Rd, Singapore 188978
Price: $$
Thevar
Located in the hip Keong Saik neighborhood, home to some of the best bars and restaurants in Singapore, Thevar serves modern Indian cuisine. Inspired by Indian and Malay flavors, the tasting menu includes dishes like chicken roti, uttapam (a savory pancake), pani puri, and lamb biryani. This thoughtful take on traditional Indian food earned the restaurant two Michelin stars.
Thevar: 9 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089117
Price: $$$$
Burnt Ends
Run by an Australian chef and grill master, Burnt Ends is all about barbecue – and not only has it earned one Michelin star, but it’s also ranked number 41 on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. There’s a new menu everyday, but in the past the restaurant has served whole crab, uni, caviar, and other dishes all cooked in its custom oven or grills.
Burnt Ends: #01-04, 7 Dempsey Road, 249671, Singapore
Price: $$$
Candlenut
This restaurant with one Michelin star celebrates Peranakan cuisine, that of people with Chinese and Malay or Indonesian heritage. Beautiful bamboo lanterns hang from the cavernous ceilings, and most menu offerings are 1-bite dishes. The 20 course tasting menu is the best way to experience the restaurant’s distinctive food.
Candlenut: 17a Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676
Price: $$$$
Mustard Seed
A Singaporean menu inspired by Japanese omakase style dining has made Mustard Seed one of the most popular dinner reservations in Singapore. Intimate counter seats – just 13 of them – at the wooden bar provide a front row seat to cooking process that almost feels like a private dining experience. The menu changes every two months, but prawns, noodles, and curries have been served in the past.
Mustard Seed: 75 Brighton Cres, Singapore 559216
Price: $$$$
Where to stay in Singapore
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Singapore is all about luxury, fine dining, and nightlife – and when you stay here you should enjoy all three. The Singapore hotels reflect the country’s love of upscale comfort. With rooftop pools, views that show off the city skyline, and proximity to Singapore’s famous shops and restaurants, these highly rated hotels are where you want to stay to experience the best of Singapore’s legendary hospitality.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
InterContinental Singapore
Photo: Booking.com
Located a five minute drive to the Central Business District, and within walking distance of the Raffles City Shopping Centre, the InterContinental Singapore gets extra points for its central location. But once you check in, you might not want to leave. The elegant, refined decor, outdoor pool, and rooftop garden offer space to relax in luxury. Stop by the Man Fu Yuan Chinese restaurant for dinner.
Shangri-La Singapore
Photo: Booking.com
Views of the Singapore river, the Shangri-La Singapore is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country. Close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Arts. The on site Cantonese restaurant, Shang Palace, has a Michelin star, and guests can also indulge in the hotel’s expansive outdoor pool and luxurious spa. There’s even a kid-friendly play space to keep the little ones entertained.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
Photo: Booking.com
Within the heart of Singapore’s civic district, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel is one of Singapore’s most modern and stylish hotels. Featuring an outdoor saltwater pool, soaking tubs, and terraces in some of the rooms, guests will be comfortable inside the hotel – but its the location that makes it stand out. Within walking distance of Asian Civilisations Museum and the National Gallery Singapore, and just 12 miles from the Changi Airport Singapore, puts it right in the center of all the action. 