Main image: Originally built in 1950 and revitalised in 2006, Tiong Bahru Market endures as a local favourite for Singaporean fare. Image: Singapore Tourism Board
—Interview by Leanne Clancey
Restaurateur and hotelier Loh Lik Peng offers his recommendations for where to eat, drink and explore in the Lion City.
Combining the best of east and west, Singapore is a study of contrasts, revealing its charm through its futuristic skyline, well-preserved colonial architecture and world-class food culture. The fusion of old and new is never far away: from ultra-modern skyscrapers rising above historic shophouses to bustling hawker centres nestled next to Michelin-starred dining rooms. Here, Loh Lik Peng, Unlisted Collection chief executive and the man behind some of Singapore’s best-known restaurants (among them, Burnt Ends and three-star Zén) as well as London’s Da Terra, shares his top local experiences.
I would describe the local culture as multicultural, definitely. It’s the first thing most people notice when they arrive in Singapore. We’re a young country, largely made up of immigrants, and we’ve developed a society that is very tolerant and accepting of differences. We’re also very connected to the world—Singapore is both Asian and global, making it easy for people from anywhere to navigate.
Something Singapore does better than anywhere else is connections. Singapore excels at bringing people together. We’re a blend of east and west, north and south, and that’s why we often serve as a neutral meeting ground for foreign diplomats. Singapore is a safe, well-connected hub for people from all over the world. While rich in Chinese cultural heritage, Singapore is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere that embraces people from all backgrounds.
One thing I miss most when I’m away is roti prata [a fried flatbread akin to Indian paratha]. When I’m traveling, it’s one of the few foods I actually crave. There’s just something about the way it’s done here— crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, especially good when paired with fish curry. Almost all the wet markets and food centres will have it, but one of my favorites is Mr and Mrs Mohgan in Joo Chiat. It’s an institution in Singapore so you need to be prepared for a queue.
Smoked eel, oyster pearl, Amur caviar and sea succulent dish
at Loh’s Michelin-starred Marguerite.
The generous ayam goreng berempah
nasi lemak spread at The Coconut Club
Coffee culture has definitely grown in the past few years. One of the pioneers in the space is Chye Seng Huat Coffeehouse, which is set in an interesting, upand- coming former industrial area in Singapore. They roast their own beans, and the neighborhood is full of little retail shops, so it’s a great spot to visit.
For breakfast, my family and I love going to Tiong Bahru Market. It’s an art deco district and the market has one of the most famous hawker centres in Singapore. For breakfast we often get chee kueh, which is a simple steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish. It’s a dish I’ve been eating since I was a kid, so for me it’s pure nostalgia.
Casual lunch, Singaporean-style is a good way to explore the local cuisine. I recommend The Coconut Club. The food is consistently delicious, and it’s easy to order—perfect for a laid-back yet satisfying lunch. Another favorite is The Banana Leaf Apolo, which is famous for its fish curry. If you’re in the mood for Indian cuisine, try Samy’s, a local institution. You’ll often see lawyers and business professionals dining there—a sure sign the food is excellent. Both spots are casual but serve food that’s rich in flavour and local tradition.
For upscale dining, [I’m only slightly biased when I say] Burnt Ends is a must-visit; it remains one of the hardest restaurants in Singapore to book. Standouts include the smoked quail eggs with brown butter and, of course, the signature steak. Another option is Claudine, the little sister of the three-Michelin-starred Odette, which offers a casual French bistro experience and outstanding food.
For something different, I recommend trying some of the new restaurants by young Singaporean chefs who are reinventing our cuisine. Born is a brilliant example— recently awarded a Michelin star, it offers local-inspired dishes with French techniques, and the result is phenomenal. Another one to look out for is Fiz, which serves upscale Malay cuisine with incredible finesse.
The cocktail bar scene is huge in Singapore. I tend to prefer a low-key atmosphere, which is why I like Manhattan—known for its expertly crafted cocktails and old New York-inspired atmosphere. Another standout is Atlas with its enormous wall dedicated to gin; it’s quite impressive and the bartenders are excellent at customising something special. For a unique experience, I take visitors to Native, which specialises in cocktails infused with local herbs and flavours. One of their standouts is a creative take on rojak, a popular Singaporean dessert.
For local art, design, and culture I really like New Bahru. Recently opened, it’s a buzzy destination precinct filled with art galleries, restaurants, cafes, wellness, design studios and retail spaces, all set in a repurposed 1950s high school building. You could spend an entire day there exploring and soaking in the creative energy. It’s one of those rare new developments that has been done right—full of life, without losing its soul.