Michelle Yee

Japanese food is hands-down the most popular cuisine in Singapore – even on a busy weekend night, there's no lack of options. While some lean towards an omakase experience with a Japanese chef while others are perfectly satiated with a piping hot bowl of ramen, Singapore has got it all. Here are our top picks for when you're craving some mighty solid Japanese cuisine. RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore  

Nothing says Christmas like a log cake. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or getting one for your gatherings this festive season,  we’ve rounded up some of the best creations this year that will impress even the most discerning taste buds. From classic combinations like chocolate mousse layered with chocolate cake and chocolate crumble to innovative versions infused with fruits like coconut and cempedak, these log cakes conceptualised by Singapore’s leading pastry chefs are some of our favourites this year.  RECOMMENDED The best Christmas meals and festive menus and The best Christmas takeaways in Singapore

It feels like the year has flown by, so give yourself the day off cooking duty this festive season and spend more quality time with your loved ones. Take them out for a scrumptious festive feast instead of spending all that time crisping roast potatoes and baking bread pudding in the kitchen.  As usual, restaurants in Singapore have pulled out all the stops for Christmas, with elaborate buffet spreads offering from classics like honey glazed bone-in ham and the quintessential roasted turkey to innovative creations like a turducken, a unique dish comprising turkey stuffed with duck and chicken. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas meals and festive menus in Singapore and the best Christmas takeaways in Singapore

If you’ve got achy joints, muscle pains or tension where it shouldn’t be, it’s time for a day of proper relaxation. Yes, it can get pricey if you’re splurging on high-end treatments at award-winning spas, but we’ve padded this list with lots of pocket-friendly gems as well.  Whether you’re into delicate and soothing facials paired with ambient lighting and aromatherapy, or you love a good deep tissue rub-down that leaves you sore but satisfied, we’ve got all the deets on how you can have the ultimate pampering sesh.RECOMMENDED: The best spas in Singapore to pamper yourself with and the best brow and lash salons in Singapore

As the saying goes, “Once you go craft, you can’t go back”, and that aptly sums up how we feel about craft beers. Typically made by small, independent producers using high-quality ingredients, craft beers come in many different styles, each varying in taste and appearance. Whether you are new to the world of craft beers or an avid hophead, there is always something new and exciting to discover about these small-batch brews. Read on to find out where to go for the freshest hop juice on the island. RECOMMENDED: The best new bars in Singapore to have a drink at in the city and the 50 best bars in Singapore

The charming neighbourhood of Katong-Joo Chiat has long been known for its rich Peranakan culture, filled with local flavours, boutique shops and heritage shophouses. Formerly a coastal trading town, this area is steeped in history. Just take a stroll along the street, and you will find stunning art murals, pastel-hued shophouses, and other heritage gems. If you need a respite from all the walking and exploration, visit one of these new cafés, offering the perfect spot for you to relax over hearty food and coffee.RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Katong & Joo Chiat and the best restaurants and cafés in Katong

The eighth edition of the Michelin Guide Singapore was revealed last week, and our little red dot continued to put up an impressive showing, with one restaurant promoted to two Michelin stars and four new restaurants earning their first Michelin star. The guide uses five criteria to assess these restaurants: mastery of technique; quality of ingredients; chef's personality; value for money; and consistency. The four new restaurants that made the list will be signalled by an asterisk (*) in the list below. The Michelin Green star was also awarded to Restaurant Fiz, to recognise the establishment’s commitment to sustainability. Fiz is the second restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the Michelin Green star – Seroja was Singapore’s first Green star award recipient. Whether you’re looking for new places to dine at or simply looking to be inspired by an exceptional dining experience, this list is a great place to start, spotlighting some of the best restaurants in Singapore. For more value-for-money eats, check out the dining establishments that were awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024.  RECOMMENDED: Read our guide on the 50 best restaurants and 50 best bars in Singapore    

It’s easy to see why people love durians. This thorny, tropical fruit offers a unique sensory experience that is impossible to replicate with any other fruit. Depending on the variety you are eating, the texture could range from smooth and creamy to fibrous with a slight chew and the flavour profiles could vary from bittersweet to sweet with a hint of nuttiness and more. For those who enjoy intense flavours, be sure to go for the mao shan wang or black pearl varieties. If you like them sweet and nutty, get the red prawn or golden phoenix. Here's our guide to help you get the best of the crop on your table.

With travel back in full swing, popular tourist spots around the world are getting inundated with crowds, resulting in higher prices for hotels and longer waits at places of interest. But that is likely to change as one of 2024’s biggest travel trends, destination dupes, is inspiring travellers to venture off the beaten path to explore lesser known cities – which tend to quieter and cheaper. Think Koh Samui instead of the Maldives, Krabi instead of Seychelles, Kuantan instead of Istanbul, and the list goes on. If you’re hoping to take a short vacation but wish to avoid tourist traps, consider one of these destination dupes on our list. They promise to be just as trip-worthy as their popular doppelgangers, but are more wallet-friendly and offer a slew of varied experiences. RECOMMENDED: The best mountain hikes less than four hours from Singapore and Best kid-friendly weekend getaways for families on a budget

Japan is known for many things – its stunning natural sights, vibrant arts scene, mouth-watering food, and most will agree, its extensive array of snacks. From unique KitKat flavours to moist and fluffy castella cakes and savoury monaka, there is plenty to discover and try. Whether you’re an avid snacker or simply looking for unique souvenirs to bring home for your loved ones, here are some must-try snacks when you visit the Land of the Rising Sun.   RECOMMENDED: The best old-school childhood snacks from Singapore and Kyoto Guide: Best things to do, eat and stay

While you don’t have to wait till Valentine’s Day to pamper your significant other, this special occasion gives you another opportunity to show your love and appreciation. Whether you prefer an exclusive and intimate spot or something more casual, we’ve shortlisted some of our favourite restaurants in this list that are perfect for the occasion, offering exceptional views and ambience, coupled with unrivalled food.  RECOMMENDED: Check out the The best Valentine’s Day gifts for her and The best Valentine’s Day gifts for him

While there is a slew of iconic landmarks like the Supertrees and Marina Bay Sands that every visitor should see when they visit Singapore, the city harbours a lesser-known side waiting to be explored. For those seeking off-the-beaten path experiences, these unique tour offerings, led by passionate guides who know the city inside out, provide the perfect opportunity to forge a connection to Singapore and its charming neighbourhoods and history. RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Singapore and the best hiking trails in Singapore

Located along the idyllic Singapore River, Gulp offers the perfect spot to unwind over delicious craft beers after a long day. Incepted by three craft beer enthusiasts who met through their love for craft beers, this taproom was designed with craft beer lovers in mind, boasting an extensive selection of craft beers ranging from lagers, pale ales, sours and more. Choose from eight rotating taps, offering unique beers by independent breweries from around the world including Sudden Death Brewing Co from Germany, Heroes Beer Co from Hong Kong and Pontianak from United Kingdom. We had the Cloudy Lemonade during our visit and it was one of the best session sours we’ve tried. Bursting with citrus flavours, the beer was both tart and refreshing. Safe to say, we downed it within minutes.

There is always something new to discover at this bottle store located in Binjai Park. They stock one of the widest ranges of craft beers in Singapore, sourced from Sweden, Belgium, Japan and more. Whether you’re craving something light and easy or bold and punchy, you’re sure to find something unique and tasty here. We were pleasantly surprised by the barrel-aged beers, especially the Grimm Lilt ($34.50), boasting rich aromas of freshly baked cherry pie within a light and sparkling body. Each tangy sip swirls with stone fruit, accented by notes of lemon zest, savoury leather and oaky vanilla. Temple Cellars also carries a wide selection of ciders, natural wines, indie spirits and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Coffee lovers will want to check out this newly opened café located along Fowlie Road, serving innovative coffee drinks that taste as good as they look. Incorporating techniques from diverse disciplines such as molecular gastronomy and cocktail making, the beverages are chock-full of flavour. We were pleasantly surprised by the Happy Valley Punch ($8.50), featuring a shot of espresso, blood orange, bergamot, earl grey and clarified coconut milk. We love how the natural sweetness of the clarified coconut milk complemented the acidity from the citrus, and how the elements all came together perfectly. Other notable highlights include Young Harry ($8) and Mont Blanc ($8) – the former combines cold brew with jasmine green tea, raw fresh coconut water and roasted pistachio cream, while the latter mixes cold brew with nutmeg, orange, Okinawa black sugar and vanilla cream.

If you appreciate a bowl of good pho, check out this unassuming eatery located at Fook Hai Building on the corner of Upper Hokkien Street and South Bridge Road. Run by a lady chef who hails from Ho Chi Minh, May Pho Culture serves authentic Vietnamese dishes that are so good that even Vietnamese locals endorse them. We tried the beef tenderloin pho ($17.90) and it’s safe to say that it was  one of the best phos we’ve ever had – the soup was herby, robust and full of flavour, while the beef was juicy, tender and cooked to perfect doneness. For pocket-friendly options, try the beef brisket pho ($12.90) or the chicken supreme pho ($11.90). The fresh spring rolls ($9.90) are equally impressive, chock-full of pork slices, shrimp and rice noodles.

For quality brunch fare at pocket-friendly prices, Afterwords is the place to be. Spacious and inviting, the 50-seater spot serves excellent coffee brewed from beans by Common Man Coffee Roasters, as well as ice cream from the famed Fatcat Ice Cream Bar. For those craving something savoury, there is a variety of brunch options like the everything on a waffle ($16), comprising crisp and fragrant pandan waffle topped with scrambled eggs and sausages. Alternatively, the chix in a waffle ($11), featuring fried chicken and sunny-side-up egg sandwiched in a half-waffle, is a hearty and comforting treat that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. If you prefer to stick to sweet options, for the love of French toast ($15) is a must-try, consisting coffee-infused brioche French toast served with berry compote, almond flakes and maple syrup. You can request to add a scoop of ice cream at an additional cost – the espresso and dark chocolate are crowd favourites that pair perfectly with the toast.

Meat lovers will want to bookmark this no-frills Korean BBQ buffet spot along Kreta Ayer Road that offers free flow quality meats and sides at only $34.90 per person. We like how the establishment uses charcoal grills instead of gasoline ones, lending a distinctive smoky flavour to the meats. There is an extensive selection of meats that diners can choose from including beef brisket, beef bulgogi, spicy pork belly, shoulder loin and more. If you still have space for more meat, try the pig trotters ($47) – the meat, cooked for hours in a pot of homemade braise sauce, is moist, fork tender and full of flavour. As with every Korean meal, the buffet includes free-flow side dishes like kimchi, seasoned spinach, and seasoned bean sprouts among others.

Located on bustling Pagoda Street, Fortune Court is a 38-seater Cantonese restaurant run by a group of former staff from Peony Jade who lost their jobs when the Clarke Quay outlet shuttered during the pandemic. Serving refined Cantonese cuisine prepared with premium ingredients, the dishes are similar to the ones served at Peony Jade, such as the eggplant with floss appetiser ($9.80), the XO lobster ee fu noodles ($58.80 for small), and the egg white conpoy with crab meat ($18.80 for small). Their dishes are designed for sharing, so come in a larger group to try more signature dishes like the white pepper crab (seasonal price). Prepared using Sri Lankan crabs, the meat is fresh, plump and sweet. Diners can choose to have their crabs cooked in other ways like steamed with garlic and egg white or tossed with sauces like salted egg.

Established in 1929, Spring Court is the oldest family-run restaurant in Singapore. First opened at Great World Amusement Park as Wing Choon Yuen, it is now run by third-generation owner Mike Ho in a four-storey heritage shophouse along Upper Cross Street. Instead of classic Cantonese cuisine, the establishment serves Singaporean-Chinese food, which Ho explains is a touch more spicy, “Our food reflects the tastes of Singaporeans who are accustomed to Indian and Malay flavours, and the different Chinese dialect groups like the Hokkiens and Teochews.” Notable dishes to try include the traditional popiah ($8.50), yam ring with mixed vegetables and prawns ($42), Singapore’s chilli crab in claypot (seasonal price), and the crab meat roll with chicken liver and salted egg ($15.80 per roll). We recommend saving some space for dim sum, which is masterfully prepared by chefs who have been with the restaurant for over two decades.   

Located right beside the historic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, this under-the-radar café is the perfect spot to hang out with friends over well-executed brunch fare and coffee. The Food Peeps Coffee and Deli offers an extensive menu comprising brunch favourites with a twist like rendang on toast ($15) and 3-cheese rosemary waffle ($16), and heartier items like creamy chicken pesto ($16). There are also plenty of healthy options available like the acai bowl ($11) and grilled halloumi & mushroom salad ($15). While the coffee is good, their speciality iced drinks, especially the sea salt litchi lemonade ($6), are perfect thirst quenchers for the afternoon heat.

Traditional bakeries that offer nostalgic flavours are few and far between in Singapore, so Hung Huat Cakes and Pastries, tucked away in Sims Vista Hawker Centre, is a real gem. Run by husband-and-wife duo Mr. Sim Heng Hung and Madam Liau Cheok Wan and their son Mr. Sim Wei Jie, the shop offers handcrafted treats like tau sar piah, sun cake, lao po bing (wife cake), Teochew crispy yam mooncake and more – all made fresh daily. Notable favourites among regulars include the tau sar piah, featuring generous portions of either sweet or salted mung bean filling, encased with a scrumptious flaky crust; as well as the Teochew crispy yam mooncake, boasting a layered and flaky crust that crumbles easily with every bite, revealing a delightful filling of smooth and fragrant yam paste made from scratch. Be sure to grab a box of the black sesame mochi, a traditional Teochew steamed mooncake that is not easily found these days as they are quite tedious to make.

The 8th Floor Ceramics Studio is helmed by renowned Singaporean artist Alvin Tan Yuan Kiat. Providing a comprehensive wheel-throwing course designed for beginners, it's a great place to start your journey with pottery. Comprising 20 sessions (three hours each) in total, the course is split into two parts: Phase I: Domestic Objects – Beginners and Phase II: Decorative Objects. Upon completion of all hands-on sessions, participants will have a good understanding of how to turn clay into ceramics, and they will also acquire the skills required to produce functional and beautiful ceramic wares.

  Launched by duo Vincent Tay and Dale Thia, Wunderfolks started out as a home-based business after the circuit breaker in 2020, offering impeccable homemade tarts that taste as good as they look. Since then, the business has grown to include four stores islandwide and their menu now offers a wider selection of pastries including viennoiseries, croissants, choux and other seasonal bakes. All their tarts are handmade from scratch – from the dough to the tart shell and filling, everything is made in-house with the best quality ingredients. The result is a scrumptious golden-brown crusted tart that features a beautiful crumbly texture and buttery flavour. Try their best seller, the mixed fruit tart ($45), filled with creme patissiere and topped with peach slices, grapes, strawberries and blueberries. If you can’t decide between the chocolate or fruit tart, go for the signature duo flavour ($45), offering the best of both – half fruit and half chocolate.