My eldest son Ben has lived in Singapore for eight years – he’s an adventurer and a nomad. He was recently profiled in a New Zealand newspaper and during the in-depth interview (Viva Magazine – Ben Roberts interview) he outlined his top 10 list for foodie loving travellers arriving in Singapore. Here it is:
1. No Sleep Club is consistently rated in Asia’s top 50 bars, and founder Jun is a true cocktail artist. Have the tom yum cocktail for that Southeast Asian kick.
2. Col. A casual yet elegant restaurant with an east London vibe. Helmed by exec chef Colin Buchan, who’s worked under Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay, the food is stunning and the atmosphere is fantastic with Sophie (Colin’s wife) providing a great front-of-house experience.
3. Mandala Club. Ben Jones and team have created a members’ club for an inspiring community that’s connected and creative. From amazing pop-ups with top global chefs to conversations with inspiring leaders and fantastic music events, no stone is left unturned.
4. Chye Seng Huat Hardware. A coffee shop that pays homage to its roots of being a former metal and hardware shophouse. Eclectic design and fabulous coffee.
5. Strength Clinic Academy has a fantastic gym set up by husband-and-wife duo Sam Brennan and Jasmine Danker. Complete with top-quality physios and amazing personal trainers, Sam and Jasmine will ensure you hit your fitness goals with a smile (eventually!). The New Zealand Sevens team recently trained there while they were playing on the Singapore leg of the Sevens circuit.
6. J.B. Ah Meng is a Singapore institution serving some of the best zi char. Every day the place is brimming with energy and chaos. The mee hoon and white pepper crab are the stars on the menu.
7. East Coast Park. Running parallel to Singapore’s coastal shoreline, this urban getaway offers a cycle path, various dining options and plenty of recreational space for sports, even a waterski lake. Perfect to unwind and relax in.
8. Club St Wineroom. One of Singapore’s great restaurateurs, Irishman Andrew Walsh has created the perfect cosy spot with a varied list of great wines, amazing food and a relaxing ambience.
9. Menbakaramen. Originally from Kyoto, this is the world’s first fire ramen joint. You sit counter-side and watch the chefs create your ramen with huge bursts of flames. They even have a place to hang your phone to capture the fire artistry.
10. National Gallery Singapore. Located with stellar views of the city, the National Gallery is home to some of the best art in Southeast Asia, as well as Asia’s top restaurant Odette and other great F&B spots. Formerly the Supreme Court, the building is magnificent in stature and history.
And Dad’s contribution:
And don’t forget a trip to Raffles. One of the world’s Top five hotels – the home of the Singapore Sling, fabulous curry, and amazing architecture/design/culture. You will arrive as a guest, leave as a friend and return as Family.
