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Singapore is unquestionably a popular destination for travelers seeking an instant holiday. You don't need days to experience a wide range of entertainment, restaurants, and tourist attractions in one day. However, it's obvious that in recent years, I've only spent a brief time in Singapore, mostly as a transit stop.
This time, my transit to Japan took nearly 12 hours in Singapore, so I took advantage of the opportunity to go on a gourmet tour. With such simple transportation, it is absolutely possible to visit many restaurants and cafes in different places. Let us continue reading for more intriguing food ideas.
1. Chin Mee Chin
Since the 1920s, this kopitiam has been a favorite destination for both Singaporeans and tourists. It is undeniable that it is always busy, even in the hot sun in Singapore. There is no need to line up as long as there is a table. Select a seat chope on the table and then order your menu directly from the cashier. The classic toast bread with srikaya is one of their specialty dishes. Without a doubt, the fragrant, warm, buttery, and sweet aroma of srikaya bread is deeply pleasant and addictive. Aside from the bread, the curry rice is equally great as a main dish. The flavor of the cozy Singapore curry is smoother and savory enough. I recommend ordering the Kaya toast package with coffee for SGD 4.90 or with Milo for SGD 5.20.
2. Birds of Paradise
This time, I went to the outlet on East Coast Rd, which is located in the famed Red House neighborhood. It's a little place that exclusively serves takeaway. Opening hours begin at 12:00 noon, so arrive early to avoid the queue. Interestingly, you can observe the cone-making process right there on the spot. It's really busy, with a long queue of customers. White Chrysanthemum is one of the standout flavors, with a floral, sweet scent and chocolate nibs. Ideal for the hot Singapore weather. It's a bit pricy at SGD 4.70 per scoop, but their botanical flavors set it apart from other gelato shops.
3. SYIP
This simple and sleek coffee shop has a long line and is quite popular with the locals. There is some outside seating; however, Singapore's heat may be extremely unpleasant. The tiramisu dessert is one of the coffee shop's most popular dishes. The tiramisu sounds classic, but it is very delicious. A rich, creamy flavor accompanies the ideal coffee, which is covered with a thick chocolate layer. The coffee is a must-try. According to my friend's evaluation, the coffees come in unusual concepts such as white coffee with cream and chocolate shavings; the flavors are exactly right, with the coffee's sharpness balanced by a smooth sweetness.
4. Katong Bakery
Returning to Red House, this is arguably a property with a history. What was previously a private property was converted into a bakery in 1925, and the owner changed in 1931. The bustling afternoon crowds attracted my interest. Like most bakeries, they sell a range of breads and sweets, as well as major dishes such as toast and sandwiches. One basic dish, bread with butter and strawberry jam, is absolutely excellent. The sourdough is wonderful on its own, but it's even more appealing when combined with the strawberry jam, which has a distinct fruity taste as well as a lovely sweet and sour flavor. The matcha cake, on the other hand, has an appealing presentation, including an enticing green color and a powerful and intense matcha flavor. However, I found the texture to be a little firm, as I love smooth and moist cakes.
5. Ying Thai Palace
Usually,
when I travel, I tend to visit local restaurants with authentic flavors, but
this time in Singapore, since I've been here a few times, I tried something a
little different: a Thai Chinese restaurant. Ying Thai Palace is listed in the
Michelin Guide Singapore Bib Gourmand category. However, the concept is quite
elegant with a beautiful ambiance. It's best to make a reservation in advance,
but when I arrived at 5:00 pm, for example, I was still allowed in until 7:00 pm, the dinner hour. Like most Thai restaurants, they serve a range of comfort Thai foods such as som tam, pad thai, and tom yum. To try, I ordered several items, including Mango Salad (Yam Ma Muang, large) for SGD 36, Pad Kaprao (minced chicken, large) for SGD 36, and Olive Fried Rice (large) for SGD 40. Basically, the selections here are very common, especially if you've been to Thailand. In terms of taste, you might say it fits the Thai Chinese notion; it's not as fiery or sour as it is in Thailand, but it's still good for an Asian appetite. This restaurant is also a popular choice for family meals in Singapore.
6. Nana Curry
This is not a new concept in Singapore, having been present since 1989, but it is one of the most popular curry rice options. With multiple branches, I went to the people's favorite mall, the Marina Bay Sands food court, which is always bustling. Simply order Chicken Curry (SGD 4-5) and enjoy Nana Curry's specialty dish, which is much better when served with white rice. Unlike Indian, Japanese, and Thai curries, the curry's flavor is not too strong, but rich, fragrant, and mostly savory and sweet. While not as intense as Indian curry, the warming flavor is ideal for my tastes. Additional information: It is difficult to get a seat in this food court, which is always filled with people, therefore patience is required.
7. Queic by Oliva
Cheesecake is a popular dessert everywhere. If Bangkok has Holiday Bakery, then Singapore has Queic by Oliva. They have multiple locations, but according to sources, practically every one is always packed with people, both tourists and locals. I visited their flagship store in the Kreta Ayer region. From the front, I could see the line and the crowds. The cafe area is small and extremely hot in Singapore's weather, even if it was cloudy when I visited. The Basque Burnt Cheesecake is a must-try, priced at SGD 16.40 per slice. It is quite pricey, given the high cost of cheesecake ingredients, particularly when using premium cheese. Because the restaurant was full, I ordered takeaway and hoped to get a seat on the terrace. The creamy cheese scent is intense, and the texture is quite wet, similar to melted cheese. The flavor is great, with the cheese being very creamy and milky, but the texture, in my opinion, is too soft or moist, similar to the cheese used in drinks. I'd recommend trying this cafe; however, I don't think the cheesecake is the best I've ever tried. Once again, it is my opinion only.
This finishes my culinary evaluation of Singapore this time. Basically, I have never dedicated 24 hours to spending time in Singapore lately. There aren't many activities available, especially if you're traveling several times. Yes, there are lots of amusement rides and hologram museums, but I'd rather spend my money on meals than on attractions that can also be found in other nations. Eating out in Singapore is undoubtedly not cheap, particularly for Indonesians, considering the rupiah's recent depreciation. Hawker or food court fare often costs SGD 7-10, and locals are known to bring bottled water to save money. when going out.
Yovent, is a full-time content writer and social media influencer who loves to travel overseas with high passion and enthusiasm to explore the world of gourmand. Living in Jakarta with the diversity of cultures, foods, trends, and lifestyles gives him much inspiration to create the stories. Blogging since 2014, with more than 5 years of experience, he has a good capacity to work in food writing & photography.
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