Singapore food market

Unique Dining and Food Experiences in Singapore

By Stuart Bak

If you’re looking for unique culinary experiences, you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is an absolute mecca for foodies. Here’s where spectacular Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian influences collide in a veritable explosion of flavours; where you can gorge on umami hawker center chili crab for just a few dollars, or splash serious cash on tasting-menu odysseys at any number of Michelin star-winning luxury restaurants. There’s plenty to satisfy IG addicts too, with quirky dining options galore sure to light up your socials and set your tastebuds singing. Check out our guide to some of the most unique dining and food experiences in Singapore below, including:

  • Wild dining at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
  • Sky high eats on the Sentosa Cable Car and Singapore Flyer
  • Harry Potter vibes at Platform 1094
  • Hawker center street food highlights
  • Immersive dining at Absurdities
  • Robot baristas and fortune tellers at Soul Coffee
  • Underwater eats at Ocean Restaurant

Mandai Wildlife Reserve

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If you’ve always dreamed of breakfasting with baboons or picnicking with pandas, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the place for you! Bird Paradise is where it’s at for peckish punters with a penchant for penguins. No, of course you don’t eat them! But you can watch them glide gracefully through their underwater kelp forests as you munch on your sandwiches. Or take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall and tropical birdlife from the Crimson Restaurant. Hit up neighboring Singapore Zoo for breakfast among the lush jungle foliage that surrounds Ah Meng Terrace. You’ll meet park ambassadors such as cute coatimundi, multicolored macaws and curious orangutans and hear from their handlers as you tuck into a wide range of breakfast items including cereals, fruits, eggs and curries. Heck, you can even have a four-course lunch overlooking the giant panda enclosure at River Wonders if you fancy it; a tour of the panda forest guarantees your Insta feed will be the envy of everyone you know. Top tip: you can save money with a Singapore pass from Go City that includes entry to all four of the Mandai wildlife parks. But note that the dining experiences are separate and must be booked direct via the individual attraction websites.

Sky High Dining

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Did someone say dinner with a view? Well, it doesn’t get much better than dining aboard the Singapore Flyer. Rotating all the way up to a knee-knocking 541 feet, this mammoth observation wheel is a great way to take in the city at night, as the sun sets and lights come on all over town. A double rotation of the wheel gives you plenty of time to finish your private dinner (served with champagne, natch). Just as much fun is the dinner and drinks experience aboard the Sentosa cable car, which soars 200 feet over the sea, showcasing Sentosa’s lush foliage and fine sandy beaches en route. Book a private pod for dinner at sundown and fear not: once again a double rotation means there’s no need to rush dessert.

Tea for Two

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No-one could ever accuse the late Queen Elizabeth II of being poorly traveled. Nor of declining a spot of light refreshment when offered. Her various sojourns to Singapore saw her (allegedly) drink the bar dry at the legendary Raffles hotel and, in 1989, bring hubby Phil along for a rather more sedate tea-drinking experience at Tea Chapter, one of the city’s most celebrated (and authentic) tea houses. You too can indulge in a regal tea appreciation ceremony right here in this lovingly converted haven of zen Chinese architecture, sampling the very same leaves – jasmine-scented Imperial Golden Cassia – once deemed fit for Liz’n’Phil.

Hawker Centers

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Rich with the heady scent of sizzling satay pork and deliciously umami chili crab, hawker centers – great sprawling street-food markets that can be stumbled upon on nearly every corner – are the quintessential Singapore foodie experience. If you only visit one, make it Lau Pa Sat, an iconic local landmark that’s as famous for its distinctive octagonal shape, colonial-style architecture and convivial dining crowd as it is for its food. Nab a spot beneath the center’s soaring Victorian arches and get stuck into a gourmand’s smorgasbord of international cuisines, including Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Korean, Malaysian, Chinese and more. Fancy a day at the beach instead? Hit up the East Coast Lagoon Food Village hawker center, where picture-postcard ocean views accompany your crispy oyster omelet and ice-cold Tiger beer. Perfection.

Absurdities

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If immersive dining experiences and little bottles bearing ‘drink me’ labels are your bag, the aptly named Absurdities restaurant is the one for you. Indeed, the term ‘restaurant’ feels a little prosaic for this wacky gastronomic journey, which promises a multi-course, multi-room culinary extravaganza in which you might find yourself coming over all reflective in a tunnel filled with infinity mirrors one minute, and exploring an enchanted forest or chilling in a Bedouin tent the next. The six-course omakase meal that accompanies this wonderfully disorienting and dreamlike experience is every bit as confounding, and twice as delicious. One way or another, you won’t forget it in a hurry.

Platform 1094

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You can expect to have an, ahem, wizard time at Platform 1094, Singapore’s first magic-themed café which takes Harry Potter as its theme and, well, flies with it. There’s wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials for kids (yes, and adults too) plus more Instagram opportunities than you can shake a wand at. The Enchanted Afternoon Tea, for example, comes with treats including chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse. Owl-shaped cookies, Quidditch-themed desserts and cauldron-shaped plates help keep the kids entertained while smoke effects and flaming cocktails make it a pretty magical experience for grown-ups too.

Ocean Restaurant

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Do you relish the prospect of watching (and being watched by) majestic manta rays and reef sharks while chomping on your tuna? Course you do! Ocean Restaurant is housed within Resorts World Sentosa, where you can accompany your sumptuous seafood dinner with ringside views of the oceanarium’s underwater habitat. Angled mirrors positioned strategically opposite the viewing window mean you’ll get an eyeful of kaleidoscopic tropical critters wherever you happen to be sitting in the restaurant. And there ain't nothing fishy about that.

Soul Coffee

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You’d be forgiven for thinking there are hallucinogens in the beans at Singapore’s Soul Coffee, where the often bewilderingly trippy experience takes in tarot readings, wild wall projections of the natural world, and a robot barista by the name of George Hillary. Ask Mr George for your coffee straight up, or set him to work on one of the signature horoscope blends, such as the super-sweet Capricorn with espresso, salted caramel and vanilla, or the Leo, with festive flavors of cinnamon and gingerbread. Mocktails in a range of bright colors and fruity flavors – yuzu, kiwi, pineapple, agave and more – round out the drinks selection.

Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari

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Last but by no means least in our rundown of unique, quirky and downright wacky dining experiences in Singapore is the relatively wholesome Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari. This safari-themed eatery in the hip Dempsey Hill district is a family favorite, all lush tropical foliage, al fresco dining opportunities and an ace playground to keep the kids entertained. Heck, there’s even an edible garden for intrepid little adventurers to explore. Work up an appetite in the glorious grounds then tuck into sourdough waffles, face-sized wedges of carrot cake and some of the best coffee in the neighborhood.

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Singapore Spring
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Things to Do in Singapore in Spring

By Mia Russell When Spring springs, Singapore sings with beautiful weather and a wealth of fun things to see and do. The vibrant, energetic city offers loads to do throughout the year, but spring is a particularly lovely time to visit as the rain has eased off, the skies are bright and blue, and temperatures are toasty. Singapore has so much on the go in spring, you’ll be hard-pressed to find time for relaxing. The city’s green spaces like Gardens on the Bay and Floral Fantasy burst into bloom and are a magical sight. The city comes alive with an array of events and festivals taking place. From the Singapore International Festival of Arts and Annual Fashion Week to the Singapore International Jazz Festival and Vesak Day, there are some amazing festivities to enjoy in the spring months. Why visit Singapore in the spring? Spring is a great time to visit Singapore if you want to avoid the worst of the heat and the rain. While temperatures are still warm (27°C / 80°F to 33°C / 91.4°F), it is slightly drier and less humid. You might experience the odd thunderstorm in the afternoon, but they are short-lived and offer a cool respite from the heat. From exploring the city’s spectacular green urban spaces to enjoying river cruises and sunset sails, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Singapore in spring. Hop around the city One of the best ways to see and experience Singapore is on a Big Bus Singapore tour. Use your pass to hop on of the many open-top buses and discover the sights and sounds of Singapore in a comfortable and relaxing. You can jump off at any of the stops and explore the area and hop back on when you are ready. It’s an easy, convenient, and super-flexible way of exploring the wonders of Singapore. Another fantastic way of exploring the city in the glorious spring weather is on a bike! Your pass gets you a spot on a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour which will you take you to some of the city’s most popular sights. Explore all the hot spots like Chinatown, the Museum District, and the Clarke & Robertson Quays, as well as local markets and neighborhoods. Learn the story of Singapore and all its secrets from your expert guide and sample some of the city’s multicultural cuisine at various markets along the way. Wander around Singapore’s beautiful gardens Home to some of the most breathtaking gardens and green urban spaces in the world, Singapore (fondly known as the ‘City in a Garden’) is one of the greenest cities in the world. Make the Gardens by the Bay in Marina Bay your first stop. Here you’ll find misty biodomes full of tropical blooms, gigantic high-tech trees that light up at night, and whimsical sculptures. Use your pass to get into this fantasy world and visit the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Top Tip: Hang around for the evening Garden Rhapsody show where the Supertrees burst into light. Next, head to the 82-hectare Singapore Botanic Gardens to meander around a tropical oasis of flourishing themed gardens home to more than 550 species. Don’t miss the National Orchid Garden and the botanical art gallery in the Gallop Extension. Celebrate the Chinese New Year This grand festival in Singapore shouldn’t be missed! Also known as the Spring Festival in Singapore, the Chinese New Year falls on the new moon day and celebrates Lunar New Year. The festival continues for 14 days with the Chinese cleaning their homes to get rid of bad luck and make room for good luck. Homes are vibrantly decorated in gold and red, and gifts are exchanged. Chinatown comes alive with dragon and lion dancing and other activities. Top Tip: Head to Chinatown to watch incredible performances by the fire eaters and lion dancers. Don't miss the wondrous Chingay Parade. See the city from the water The glorious spring weather calls for hitting the water and what better way to see Singapore’s city skyline than on a Singapore River Cruise. Use your pass to hop on a traditional bumboat and sail down the Singapore River, taking in the incredible skyline and learning the city’s history from local guides. Keep your camera handy as you pass famous sights like Raffles, the Esplanade, and the Old Parliament House. The cool breezes off the water are heaven on a hot summer’s day. Have some fun in the sun at Sentosa Park Sentosa Island is a fantastic place to enjoy the balmy spring weather with slides, rides, and tons of fun for the whole family. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Sentosa Island boasts beautiful beaches, theme parks, an aquarium, and a subterranean casino. Hop on the Singapore Sky Cable with your pass for a thrilling ride to Sentosa Island from Mount Faber on the mainland. Take in the amazing views on the way and spend the day enjoying all the attractions on the island. Brave the exhilarating rides at Universal Studios, explore the SEA Aquarium don’t forget to use your pass), and sip cocktails at one of the swanky beach bars. Enjoy a spectacular multimedia night show at the Mount Faber Cable Car station on your return. Go on a kayaking adventure Kayaking in the calm waters around Singapore’s many islands is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. This fun, family-friendly activity is ideal for all fitness levels and ages, and you don’t need any sailing experience. Experienced guides will teach you the basics and show you some of Singapore’s secret spots along the coast. Venture to Pulau Ubin and explore the magnificent mangrove forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife like otters, mangrove lizards, and long-tailed macaques. Visit one of the island’s floating fish farms (kelongs) and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch of locally-farmed sea bass and mussels. You can even try your hand at kayak fishing and catch your own lunch! Use your pass to enjoy a Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin. Explore the beautiful coastline of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Ketam on this fantastic tour and soak up the spectacular natural scenery. Get Jazzy Calling all jazz lovers! Spring in Singapore is the best time for jazz music lovers to visit as the city hosts the Singapore International Jazz Festival. Held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, this incredible three-day event features local and international acts such as Jamie Cullum, Earth Wind & Fire, and Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club. While you are at the Marina Bay Sands, head up to the SkyPark Deck on the 57th floor for some of the most incredible views of the city. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable vistas.
Go City Expert
Skyline of Singapore's Tampines neighborhood.
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Things to do in Tampines Singapore

Long considered the Orchard Road of eastern Singapore (primarily thanks to its proliferation of shopping opportunities), Tampines is a green and leafy suburb with plenty of cool things to do. We’re talking fruit-themed playgrounds, Insta-tastic architecture and more fantastic parks than you can shake a very large stick at. And shopping. Lots of shopping. Read on to discover our favorite things to do in Tampines, Singapore, including: Shopping malls galore Tampines Eco Green Hawker centers Sun Plaza Park Tampines Quarry The Chinese Temple Tampines Regional Library Scratch Your Selfie Itch Insta-tastic photo opportunities abound in Tampines, where architectural wonders and sassy street art are sure to zhuzh up your social media feeds. Get snap happy on Avenue 9, where monochrome apartment blocks bring a modern twist to ye olde English Tudor style. Check out the beautifully hand-painted 3D-effect paper crane mural on the side of the Tampines West Community Club building and conjure up yet more Instagram magic at the dramatic Chinese temple, complete with a huge dragon sculpture on its roof. You can even become part of the art yourself at Block 478 Tampines Street 44, where benches and tables allow you to sit and blend with local artist Francis Theo’s colorful 1960s mural, featuring a barbershop, provisions store and traditional Peranakan houses. Tampines Eco Green Nature lovers will be in clover in Tampines, where vast green spaces teeming with native flora and fauna abound. Tampines Eco Green is one of the finest tracts of parkland in the district, with 88 acres of tropical rainforest, grasslands, wetlands and more to explore. A trio of trails offer splendid opportunities for walkers, joggers and keen photographers to enjoy the landscape. Pause at the bird hide to spot superstars of local wildlife including the towering purple heron, noisy red-breasted parakeets and – if you’re lucky – the brilliant blue flash of a collared kingfisher diving for its supper. Foodie Fantasia One of the best things to do in Tampines (as indeed in just about any Singapore neighborhood worth its salt) is to sample local street food at a hawker center. Chief among these is the Tampines Hub Hawker Center where more than 40 stalls serve up Malay-Chinese-Indonesian fusion specialities and the aromas of sizzling BBQ pork, lime-drenched chili crab and zingy fried noodles are enough to make a grown man weep. Try local favorite satay bee hoon – rice vermicelli with pork or prawns liberally smothered in spicy hot sauce – for the win. Sun Plaza Park Sun Plaza Park provides yet another opportunity to enjoy Tampines’ abundant natural wonders. Kids will love the sensory garden with 10 interactive play areas including tactile walls of plants, musical tubes and chimes and much more. Challenge your friends to a contest on the woodball course or – if all that sounds a little strenuous – enjoy a lazy picnic on the manicured lawns. There’s even an amphitheater that hosts outdoor concerts, exhibitions and performances when the weather is fine. Hike Tampines Quarry If you’re looking for hidden gems in Tampines, then look no further! Abandoned to nature many years ago, Tampines Quarry is now a lush oasis, thick with tropical vegetation. Space-age water towers mark the beginning of the trail at the northern entrance, leading to dirt tracks that lead to the lake at the bottom of the quarry. Negotiate rickety makeshift bridges across tiny streams and keep your peepers peeled for colorful native butterflies like the Plain Tiger flitting among the dense undergrowth. You might even be lucky enough to spot the occasional monitor lizard dozing on the banks of the lake. Tampines Central Park This lush green space pays homage to Tampines’ illustrious fruit-farming past, with kids’ playgrounds that contain rides, slides and various other structures in the shape of mangosteens and watermelon slices. It’s a fab community space, where locals gather to gossip beneath swaying palm trees, to jog the many marked pathways and to watch regular musical events and theatrical performances. Nearby, Our Tampines Hub is a community-led initiative that features a climbing wall, laser tag, play areas, a swimming pool and a rooftop running track with park views. Shop ‘Til You Drop You’ll find not one, not two, but THREE major shopping malls within stumbling distance of Tampines MRT station. Tampines 1 boasts hundreds of shops and restaurants over seven floors, as well as a swimming pool for showcasing that expensive new swimwear you’ve just treated yourself to. Nearby Century Square and Tampines Mall offer more of the same, adding food courts, cinema screens and other entertainments into the mix. Spending money has never seemed so easy; they don’t call this neighborhood the Orchard Road of the east for nothing, you know! Chinese Temple An extraordinary 270-meter-long dragon sculpture stands sentry atop this traditional pagoda-style temple, an amalgamation of the 12 Taoist temples that stood in Tampines prior to its redevelopment in the 1980s and 90s. Inside, colorful altars, murals and shrines provide a place for quiet reflection and, of course, some of those all-important photo opportunities. Tampines Regional Library If you’re looking for a place to chill in Tampines, you could do far worse than the epic five-story library at Our Tampines Hub. Kids can enjoy the vast collection of children’s storybooks, many in English, and let off some steam in the playhouse on the ground floor, while adults find a cozy nook and lose themselves in a good book. There are coding and programming labs for teens and you can even get involved in cookery workshops by the cookbook section. Suffice to say, it's no ordinary library! Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Gardens by the bay
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Guide to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore - Tips, Free Entries & More

From towering supertrees to a huge indoor waterfall – there are plenty of awe-inspiring sights at Gardens by the Bay.
Samuel Ford

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