Singapore is celebrating its 55th year of independence on 9 August and, despite the circumstances, has much to be thankful for. The country is a relatively new metropolis with a stable government, and it has come a long way from its fishing village past in just a few decades. It’s a business and culture powerhouse punching well above its weight, and many glittering developments and attractions have sprung up on its tiny landmass – not to mention world-class food and beverage establishments.
You can celebrate the country’s colourful history and incredible journey by indulging in its national past-time – we’re talking about eating of course – at one of its many sterling restaurants. Here are seven of them to feast and be merry at.
1. Zafferano Italian Restaurant & Lounge
National Day in Singapore is synonymous with fireworks – the glorious display set against a sparkling city skyline at the end of the parade is a highlight for many. If you want a front–row seat to the best show in town, book a four-course dinner (S$298++) at the Terrace Lounge, which will only accommodate 20 covers. The full-length windows will offer an unobstructed view of the spectacular fireworks at the Marina Waterfront. Not to be outdone is the food, which will include orange-cured foie gras, house-made tagliolini with fresh Hokkaido sea urchin, a choice of either silver cod or Wagyu striploin as a main, as well as dessert.
Call 6509 1488 or email info@zafferano.sg for reservations.
2. CUT by Wolfgang Puck
Master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck’s first Asian outpost is celebrating Singapore with a three-course lunch menu (S$45++). Choose two of your favourites from the a la carte offerings, which feature fancy spins on local classics. There’s beef hor fun tossed up with USDA prime beef; silken mapo tofu with minced beef and Szechuan peppercorn; as well as ikan bakar coated in sambal belachan with calamansi. As a treat, you’ll also receive a complimentary recipe book featuring original recipes of dishes from the one-off special menu.
Call +65 6688 8517 or visit marinabaysands.com/restaurants/cut for reservations.
3. Yàn
Local flavours take centre stage in Yàn’s month-long National Day offerings (from 1 to 31 August). The special dim sum lunch dishes include the steamed xiao long bao with white pepper soup that is reminiscent of a hot bowl of bak kut teh. There’s also the deep-fried sambal crayfish roll inspired by Singaporeans’ love for seafood and the local chilli pastes; steamed Hainanese chicken with sticky rice in lotus leaf served with the quintessential chicken rice condiments; and pan-fried Singapore chilli crab meat bun. Do note, though, that Yàn is closed on 8 August and open only for dinner on 9 August.
Call +65 6384 5585 or email reserve@yan.com.sg for reservations.
4. The Kitchen Table at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
If you want to party it up on National Day, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove’s Singa Sunday Feast on 9 August comes with bottomless bubbly (S$168++) or free-flow cocktails (S$148++). Non-alcoholic beverage options are also available (S$128++). Pair your tipples with local and international dishes (included in the price), such as bak kut teh; sobrasada-stuffed calamari with squid ink and bonito flakes; black Angus rib–eye; Kühlbarra barramundi fillet with clams, shellfish and basil; Singapore chilli crab; and grilled stingray cooked in banana leaf, topped with sambal lemons. Round off the meal with some saffron milk cake or the always-delightful ice kachang.
Click here for reservations.
5. SKAI
At SKAI’s Morning Tea on 9 August (S$50 per adult), you get to enjoy sweeping views of the Padang and catch glimpses of the parade and ceremony segment below, while nibbling on moreish delicacies that are a creative toast to local favourites. Expect intriguing treats such as the kueh pie tee crafted with king crab, braised turnip and coriander; pandan kaya toast cookie sandwich; Nescafe 3-in-1 cream puff; burnt egg tart; and a pandan chiffon coconut sablé.
Call +65 6431 6156 or email skai@swissotel.com for reservations.
6. Mott 32
For a meal that celebrates quality ingredients and time-honoured recipes in a sophisticated environment, try Mott 32’s special National Day set lunch menu (S$55++) that’s available over the first two weekends in August. Dishes to sample include the barbecue pluma Iberico pork with yellow mountain honey; and fiery poached garoupa fish fillet in Szechuan pepper broth. End the meal on a sweet note with the sweetened guava soup with sago and pomelo – the restaurant’s creative take on the classic Cantonese mango dessert with crunchy guava pieces and pomelo pulp for contrasting textures.
Call +65 6688 9922 or visit marinabaysands.com/restaurants/mott32 for reservations.
7. Xperience at SO/Singapore
Executive chef Hong Dingzhao is serving up a fusion meal that blends local and European influences. Local produce is the hero of the Oh–So-Local four-course set menu (S$55++). First, there’s the locally grown garden salad with citrus fruit, feta cheese and balsamic; a crab timbale with Dijon and curry scented cream and cauliflower puree; seabass served with XO cream, locally grown bok choy and mash; and finally a banana split topped with “goreng pisang”, gula melaka sauce and vanilla and ondeh ondeh ice cream. Wash down the meal with free-flow Tiger Sling, Kaya Martini, Tiger beer, house wines and Prosecco for an additional S$55++ per person.
Visit so-singapore.com/offers/national-day-2020 for reservations.
