Why settle for a plain vanilla plate of chicken rice at a regular food court when you can savour the same recipe, reimagined with a fusion twist or simply served with a luxurious update? Taking the familiar favourites of Singapore’s local cuisine up a notch, these fine dining spots are perfect for business lunches that cater to a variety of taste buds, local and international alike. Here are seven gourmet restaurants in Singapore that have taken inspiration from this city’s hawker fare.
1. Labyrinth
(Photo Source: Tripadvisor)
Kickstarting this list is the unbeatable Labyrinth, a modern fusion restaurant known for its avant-garde offerings inspired by local flavours and everyday recipes. One such innovation is the Chilli Crab ice cream, combining spice and ice for something unexpectedly nice. However, owner Han Li Guang’s (a former banker and self-taught chef) most popular creation is the Singapore Breakfast, an ode to the simple, run-of-the-mill dish that’s sure to induce double takes. It may look like an ordinary half boiled egg, but break those egg shells and it’ll reveal a teh tarik (milk tea) creme brulee and panna cotta dessert.
Address: 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23 Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday (12pm to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 11pm), Saturday and Sunday (6.30pm to 11pm)
2. ChatterBox
(Photo Source:ThebestSingapore)
A homegrown classic gets a scrumptious upgrade at ChatterBox. Bringing the ubiquitous Hainanese chicken rice from hawker centres to a five-star hotel, this restaurant’s rendition of the dish comes with a hefty price tag, along with lean yet juicy chicken meat and a bowl of the best chicken soup you’ll ever taste. While you’re there, try also the lobster laksa, and beef kway teow, both of which are decent nods to the local cuisine.
Address: 333 Orchard Road, Mandarin Orchard
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday (11am to 11pm), Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays (11am to 2am)
3. Xperience Bar
(Photo Source:smallpotatoesmakethesteaklookbigger blogspot)
East meets West at the glamorous gastro-bar that sits within Sofitel So Singapore. For those situated around the Central Business District (CBD), there is no need to venture far for a taste of head chef Trevor Ryann Paulo’s contemporary culinary creations, reinterpreting local favourites, such as the foie gras and truffle siew mai, lobster and scallops laksa risotto, and chipotle chilli crab tacos.
Address: 35 Robinson Road, Hotel Sofitel So
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (6.30am to 10.30pm)
4. Sky On 57
(Photo Source: Marina Bay Sands)
As far as grand feasts go, Sky On 57 is the total package. With celebrity chef Justin Quek at the helm of this luxe eatery, expect a mouthwatering mingling of Singaporean delicacies and a touch of French. While the fried Hokkien noodle with maine lobster ($48) and the Singapore king prawn laksa ($25) are choice selections, the Singapore “Sakura” chicken rice ($28) takes the cake. What’s more, feast your eyes on the gorgeous panorama of the city as you dine atop Marina Bay Sands on the 57th floor.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (12pm to 5pm, 6pm to 10.30pm), Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays (12pm to 2.30pm, 3pm to 5pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)
5. PappaSan
(Photo Source: DanielFoodDairy)
Presenting a worthy opponent to ChatterBox’s chicken rice is PappaSan, a warm, elegant dining spot at Dorsett. Its version boasts tender poached chicken, homemade condiments, and aromatic rice – and no less extravagant is its price. Other options to indulge in include the Teochew chicken porridge with abalone, and the Maine lobster mee sua. This fancy grub will undoubtedly have you polishing off every plate.
Address: 333 New Bridge Road, #01-01 Dorsett Singapore
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (6.30am to 10.30pm)
6. National Kitchen
(Photo Source: Chope.co)
Going through massive collections of art at the National Gallery can work up quite an appetite, and what better way to satisfy it than with the gourmet nosh at National Kitchen, courtesy of veteran epicure Violet Oon? Her artful take on Peranakan cuisine brings about revitalised renditions of beef rendang, fish head curry, ngoh hiang, laksa, and chilli crab. Trust the National Kitchen to do these well-loved national dishes justice.
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02-01 National Gallery Singapore (City Hall Wing)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday (12pm to 5pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)
7. The Clifford Pier
(Photo Source: soshiok.com)
The final stop on our hawker food-inspired epicurean adventure is Fullerton Bay Hotel’s The Clifford Pier, home to decades of maritime history and a diverse menu of local comfort food. We recommend the Soup Kambing, a mutton soup topped with fried scallions and shallots, as well as the hot-and-cold goreng pisang dessert with a scoop of coconut ice cream and palm sugar.
Address: 80 Collyer Quay
Opening hours: Monday to Friday (12pm to 2.30pm, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (3pm to 5pm, 6.30pm to 10.30pm)
( Featured Image Source: Thepeakmagazine)
