Flavour, skyline and the world on one plate
Nick spent his teenage years in Singapore — and as we followed his old favourites, we discovered a city that’s always evolving, always tasting better, always ready to impress.
Here, food isn’t just fuel — it’s architecture, culture, community and nightlife all rolled into one perfectly plated experience.
☕ Morning Rituals: Kaya Toast & Croissants, Singapore-Style
Toast Box / Killiney Kopitiam — Citywide
Your introduction to Singapore’s daily rhythm: kaya toast (sweet coconut jam and butter) that crackles as you bite, soft-boiled eggs you season with soy sauce and pepper, and kopi strong enough to reboot your soul. It’s fast, affordable, and deeply nostalgic — the working heartbeat of Singapore. If you want to feel like a local immediately, start here.
Tiong Bahru Bakery — Tiong Bahru
A beloved French-style bakery in one of Singapore’s most charming neighbourhoods. The coconut kouign-amann is caramelised, flaky perfection — glossy and deeply buttery — with tropical flair. Sit outdoors under leafy trees, watching design-lovers and digital nomads breeze past. This is where heritage art deco meets espresso sophistication.
The Coconut Club — Beach Road
A Michelin-approved riff on Nasi Lemak, Singapore’s unofficial national breakfast dish. Pandan-fragranced rice, crispy fried chicken, roasted peanuts, egg, and sambal with a gentle heat that grows as you eat. Every component is prepared with precision — heritage elevated into elegance. A brunch that leaves you glowing from the inside out.
🍜 Hawker Heroes: Singapore’s Soul Food
Maxwell Food Centre — Chinatown
A steamy, busy, brilliant feast hall where Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice reigns supreme. Tender poached chicken, glossy rice cooked in broth and ginger, and the kind of chilli sauce that can convert anyone. Sit elbow-to-elbow with strangers, fans, regulars — all united by the universal truth that hawker food here is worth crossing oceans for.
Lau Pa Sat — CBD / Raffles Place
As night falls, Satay Street ignites — grills smoking, skewers sizzling, skyscrapers glittering above. Beef, chicken, prawns… dipped into spiced peanut sauce with a little lime squeeze on top. The air smells of charcoal, spice and weekend freedom. Grab a cold Tiger beer and settle in — this is Singapore’s version of a street party.
Old Airport Road Food Centre — Dakota
One of the most respected hawkers in the city, where wok hei — that elusive smoky aroma — shines through dishes like Char Kway Teow and Hokkien Mee. Everything is fast, hot and wildly delicious. Go hungry, bring cash and share everything — life rule for Singapore.
🍽 Modern Dining: Where Precision Meets Play
Burnt Ends — Dempsey Hill
A Michelin-starred wood-fire restaurant that draws food obsessives from around the world. The Beef Marmalade on toast — sweet, smoky, rich — sets the tone: comfort food turned couture. The bar counter is the best seat in town, watching chefs dance with flames. Book early. Very early.
Candlenut — Dempsey Hill
The first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant — preserving and celebrating Straits Chinese heritage through refined plates. Expect bold flavours like buah keluak, spice-layered curries and family recipes elevated with modern finesse. A beautiful introduction to one of Singapore’s most meaningful food cultures.
Keng Eng Kee Seafood — Alexandra
A little rough around the edges in the most endearing way. Come for chilli crab or black pepper crab, crack shells with your hands, laugh loudly and ignore the mess. This is Singapore’s joy — communal, warm, flavour first.
🌆 Cocktails in the Clouds & Design-Led Drinking
CE LA VI — Marina Bay Sands
Located at the top of Singapore’s most iconic building, the view stretches from the Gardens by the Bay to the glittering port. Order something with bubbles, step to the edge, and remind yourself that life is meant to feel like a movie sometimes.
Atlas Bar — Bugis
A soaring Art Deco palace with one of the world’s largest gin towers. The service is suave, the glassware elegant, and the cocktails layered with thought. Dress up. Lean into the moment. This is Singapore at its most glamorous.
Jigger & Pony — Tanjong Pagar
Consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars — effortless hospitality meets technical precision. Try a house classic: the Madame President. You’ll feel important immediately.
🌴 Play & Wonder — For All Ages
Gardens by the Bay — Marina Bay
Those towering Supertrees look surreal up close — glowing purple and fuchsia at night like nature walked into a sci-fi set. Cloud Forest’s misty rainforest dome is spectacular. The kind of place that makes everyone believe in magic again.
🧺 What to Wear
Light fabrics, comfortable shoes and a little glam — humidity is the boss, but style still matters.
✦ Written by Rebecca Caughey ✦
Co-founder of Cook & Nelson and endlessly curious flavour-hunter, always planning her next bite.
