Ultimate SG Foodie Experiences

Want to try some of the island’s best local food? These 10 restaurants dish out hawker faves, Mod-Sin fare, authentic Peranakan cuisine and more!

- Pinky Chng + Joshua Tan

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

Most Singaporean households are familiar with food ambassador Violet Oon – and this is where to go for true-blue Peranakan delicacies. Robust flavours infuse dishes like Buah Keluak Ayam (a spicy chicken stew) and Beef Rendang (beef in a tangy tamarind gravy). (1 St. Andrews Rd., National Gallery Singapore, #02-01, 178957, www.violetoon.com)

Relish

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the role of Mod-Sin pioneer Chef-Owner Willin Low. While his original Wild Rocket outlet on Emily Hill closed down in 2018 (and he’s now living in Japan, where he opened up Roketto Restaurant & Bar), his casual spin-off concept Relish lives on! At its two locations, enjoy local-inspired fare including Laksa Pesto Linguine, Hae Bee Hiam Spaghettini and the surprisingly addictive Har Jeong Frog Legs. (182 Cecil St., Oasis of Frasers Tower, #02-12/13, 069546; 501 Bukit Timah Rd., Cluny Court, #02-01, 259760; www.wildrocket.com.sg/relish.html)

Quentin’s The Eurasian Restaurant

Try this respected resto’s fusion of Portuguese, Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisines, which has resulted in eclectic recipes like Curry Debal (Eurasian-style curry). Finish with the Sugee Cake, made with butter, almonds and semolina flour. (139 Ceylon Rd., Level 1 Eurasian Community House, 429744, www.quentins.com.sg)

StraitsKitchen