Welcome to Da Bao Diaries, a column dedicated to what Time Out Singapore's editors are eating and drinking at home. Da bao is a Singaporean colloquialism derived from Mandarin that refers to having a meal to go instead of dining in at an establishment.
Delivery meals are in the spotlight once again as we patiently await for the dining out ban to live. Whether you’re in the mood for steamy dim sum, tender roasted chicken feast, or creative Japanese bentos, these places will have your cravings sorted.
Madame Fan
Our plans for a dim sum brunch – with steamy parcels served straight from bamboo baskets – will have to be put on hold for now given the current dining out ban. But luckily, we won’t need to wait for a month to satisfy our cravings for juicy dumplings and plump wontons. Madame Fan has launched a Dim Sum, Drink Sum ($108) menu – and we’re happy to report that these bite-sized treats are just as enjoyable even when served in take-out boxes. Made to feed two, but hearty enough to make a light meal for three, the set comes with wonton – stuffed with pork and prawn – dressed in spicy Sichuan sauce; truffle-laced mushroom dumplings, sweetened pea dumpling, meaty siew mai, and our favourite, the addictive crispy duck roll with hoisin sauce on the side.
And from now till August 22, as part of the National Day celebrations, the set will include two locally inspired – and complimentary – snacks. The crispy Singapore chicken rice roll is an intriguing mix of rice, cucumber, chicken, and chilli sauce wrapped within flaky skin; while the chilli crab meat bun makes for a spicy-sweet moreish snack.
Instead of the usual hot tea, sip on the accompanying cocktails instead (more weather-appropriate, too). Madame Fan Martini is a kumquat-scented take on the gin-based tipple; while Old School sees Japanese whiskey mixed with plum liqueur and notes of cacao. Mr Jerez impresses with its tropical combination of rum, banana, and hints of sage.
Minimum order None
Delivery fee $18, free for orders above $88
Order here madamefan.oddle.me/en_SG
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
The last thing you’ll want to do in this warm heat is to turn on the oven and prep a Sunday’s Roast. Leave the cooking to the kitchens at Sofitel Singapore City Centre, where the chefs have created a French-style rotisserie chicken – available for delivery, takeaway, and dine-in once the rules allow. Corn-fed bird is bathed in a spice-scented marinade – of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and basil – before going into the oven and slow-cooked for over 1.5 hours till golden.
The result: a glistening treat that retains all its moisture (even the breast meat). A family set ($98), which feeds four, comes with an entire chicken and sides of feta salad, roasted vegetables, and creamy-smooth mashed potato. The hardest part of the meal – choosing two out of 10 tantalising specialty sauces. Options range from classics of red wine and garlic butter, to locally inspired rendang and Sichuan. Some highlights: satay, for its chunky peanut bits; and pesto for a touch of brightness.
Minimum order $50
Delivery fee $10
Order here sofitelsingaporecitycentre.oddle.me/en_SG
Iko
Get your at-home date night settled with some exquisite mod-Japanese cuisine from restaurant Iko. Launched by the crew behind Le Binchotan, this cosy outfit is known for its contemporary Japanese creations and Robata-grilled bites – now available to you through its takeaway and delivery menu.
Don’t miss the delivery-exclusive Luxe Box ($88), a premium seasonal box featuring aromatic truffle rice topped with air-flown ingredients such as creamy Hokkaido bafun uni, torched Hokkaido scallops, ikura and torched botan ebi. Sample more signature items like Asari ($18) clams and enoki cooked in sake broth, dashi and butter and Iberico Pluma ($36), a nicely charred slab of pork loin served on a bed of carrot puree and raisin.
Another highlight is The Luxe Ramen ($28), part of Iko’s special takeaway and delivery ramen menu which includes prawn ($12), Hokkaido scallop ($17), half Boston lobster ($16), and full Boston lobster ($24) – The Luxe Ramen throws all these premium seafood toppings together in one bowl with bamboo shoot, egg, and nori for an irresistible umami bomb. There's a 30 percent drinks promotion with any food orders placed from Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 8pm), so we suggest taking your pick from their impressive selection of sake too.
Minimum order None
Delivery fee $15 for orders below $100
Order here letsumai.com/widget/iko-restaurant#delivery; Ramen menu only available via Whatsapp or call 8866 5218
Need more takeaway inspiration? Check out our previous Da Bao Diaries entry
Then, read on for more restaurants offering takeaway and delivery