Set in the midst of Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, this restaurant occupies a refurbished colonial style-house decorated by local artist Chua Mia Tee. The cooking is imaginative contemporary French, with starters such as grilled langoustines with caviar and mango accompanied by a bonito gelée, and Alaskan crab in a radish "ravioli" dressed in a honey-mustard vinaigrette. Main courses include sea bream baked in a salt crust with truffle butter, a lobster scented with curry leaves, and roast suckling pig with a side of crisp skin, cider apples and a small salad. If your appetite is ambitious, you can order a seven-course tasting menu. There is also a three-course table d’hôte menu. The wine list is extensive — and expensive.
Overview
From Andrew Harper
Twenty-six miles across, the island of Singapore is connected to Johor, Malaysia, by causeways. This tiny city-state hopes to present itself as more than a pleasant (if somewhat antiseptic) stopover, and resources are being poured into a revitalized harbor district. Most people are aware of Singapore’s robust economy and eerily spotless rapid transit system. They may be less familiar with its Arab Quarter, raucous food stalls and centuries-old temples. Singapore is the world’s second-largest port (after Shanghai); Changi Airport is the aviation hub for Southeast Asia and is consistently rated the world’s best.
WHEN TO GO: The climate is hot and humid year-round. May and June are the hottest months, while the November and December monsoon season has the highest rainfall.
TIME: 13 hours ahead of New York (EST).
CURRENCY: Singapore dollar (SGD). Fluctuating rate valued at SGD1.25 = US$1.00 as of January 2012.
U.S. EMBASSY: Singapore, Tel. 6476-9100.
DIRECT DIAL CODES: To phone hotels in Singapore, dial 011 (international access) + 65 (Singapore code) + local numbers in listings.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay). Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov
GENERAL INFORMATION: Visit https://app.stb.gov.sg before your trip.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Singapore
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Capella Singapore Striking 112-room resort hotel incorporating modern and colonial buildings on lush Sentosa Island, 15 minutes via causeway from downtown. |
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Raffles Hotel Singapore Historic 103-room (all luxury suites) colonial-style hotel opening onto lush, landscaped gardens in the heart of the business and shopping district. |
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Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore Lavish 608-room hotel set amid seven landscaped acres in heart of Marina Centre, overlooking Marina Bay. |
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The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore Recently opened boutique property near well-regarded sibling Fullerton Hotel, in desirable Central location on Marina Bay. |
Dining
All recommended restaurants in Singapore
AU JARDIN LES AMIS
EJH Corner House, Singapore Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre, 1 Cluny Road
Singapore
259569
Malaysia
US$85
BLUE GINGER
One of the great culinary traditions of Singapore is Peranakan cooking, a striking blend of Chinese and Malaysian styles (also known as Nonya and Straits-Chinese). It is generally considered the province of home cooks, but Blue Ginger has brought it to the fore in this handsome restaurant set in a restored shophouse. Peranakan cooking relies heavily on spices. House specialties include braised chicken flavored with a blend of seasonings and cooked with Indonesian black nuts, deep-fried eggplant with chili paste and soy sauce, and sautéed prawns with coarse black pepper and soy sauce. This is an upscale restaurant that will nonetheless give you a real taste of local cuisine.
97 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore
088518
Malaysia
US$40
HAI TIEN LO
The stunning views of the city and harbor from this 37th-floor aerie alone make a visit worthwhile. The food here is Cantonese, with some of the standout preparations being deep-fried prawns with wasabi mayonnaise, and over-the-top crisp Peking duck skin served with seared foie gras. The restaurant is also noted for its wonderful dim sum. The wine list is good, with most of its selections coming from New World wineries.
Pan Pacific Hotel, 7 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore
039595
Malaysia
US$120
INAGIKU
For top-quality Japanese food, this is the place to go. Where you sit determines what you eat. There are a sushi and sashimi bar, a teppanyaki area and a tempura counter, as well as private tatami rooms and the main dining room. The sashimi platter is a swirl of exquisitely presented seafood that includes swordfish, yellowtail, salmon and tuna nestled on ice packed into a seashell. The tempura assortment is just as impressive. A notable dish is the lobster in special creamy “Inagiku” golden sauce. Choose from among a good selection of wines and sakes.
Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore
189560
Malaysia
US$120
THANYING
Here, you’ll find authentic Thai food in a serene, elegant setting. Prawns in a red curry sauce come with just the right bite of heat. Deep-fried grouper is classically prepared and perfectly spiced. Also try the papaya salad, a skillful blend of sweet and salty with a nice touch of nuttiness from fragments of toasted coconut. The dessert buffet is hard to pass up, with custards, tapioca and the sweetest seasonal fruits.
Amara hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore
088539
Malaysia
US$30-$50
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