24 Hours in Singapore
DISCARD: Early rise or lie in?
VIJAY: 7am-9.30am depending on your preference. I’m not an early riser but if you’re into some nature, head over to MacRitchie reservoir to do the treetop walk to work up an appetite.
D: Best place to go for breakfast?
V: Variety is key. You’d probably want to go to a hawker – Singapore’s version of a food court. Singapore being so diverse culturally – you can get a variety of flavours in one place. Try Tiong Bahru hawker for a good central option. Try Kaya toast; toasted coffee bread with a thick coconut Pandan jam, butter and two half-boiled eggs on the side. Wash it down with a hot cup of coffee. Other great breakfast options are roti-prata (South Indian flatbread), Nasi Lemak (Malaysian rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf with spicy sambal), or fishball noodles.
D: Where should we eat lunch?
V: Chicken Rice is what you’re looking for; Singapore’s national dish. Steamed or roasted Chicken with fragrant rice cooked in stock, accompanied by chilli. So simple yet perfect. My favourite is a Hainanese delicacy. Best places to go to get it are Boon tong Kee which is a little bit more upscale, but the most popular is Tian Tian in Maxwell hawker next to Chinatown.
D: Any sightseeing we should do?
V: I love the more cultural elements and Little India is a little less gentrified compared to the other districts. Walk around and explore the streets and sights. Check out the temples and walk into any restaurant and have an amazing Indian meal. I recommend Komala Villas or MTR. Vegetarian, hearty options.
D: Hotel recommendations?
V: Upscale - Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Bay. The view from the top is crazy. Ann Siang hotel is a good choice if you want to be close to the cocktail circuit. Try the Lavender area for hotels still close to the city yet affordable.
D: Good place for an early drink?
V: Platform. A cosy all-day bar serving filter coffee in the day and low abv drinks at night. It’s got a good minimal design but still with a homely feel.
D: Best spots for dinner?
V: Samy’s is the place to head for fish head curry. Keng Eng Kee is good for fried salted egg crabs. Gandhi’s is worth a visit for an authentic, no fluff South Indian meal.
D: What about a nightcap?
V: R.P.M- a shochu based cocktail bar with lots of vinyl.
D: Where should we finish the night? (apart from Native of course)
V: 28 Hong Kong Street is legendary, The Other Room in the Marriott on Orchard Road does amazing drinks, but if you’re after beers and shots - Skinny’s is the late night industry dive.
D: Anything else we shouldn’t miss?
V: Check out Nylon or Apartment if you love your coffee. Coffee is huge in Singapore. Tea Chapter is a traditional tea house and the atmosphere is serene and relaxing in the middle of the business district. If you like movies, The Projector is the coolest cinema in town. An old refurbished cinema that shows indie flicks balanced with blockbusters. Don’t forget about supper! Food goes real late here, and it’s good too! Try Swee Choon for the dim sum and atmosphere served 24/7.