We all know that Singapore is a cultural melting pot – tell us something new right? Luckily for anyone visiting, with F1 this weekend that’s a lot of you, and all of us who live here, every cuisine under the sun is competing to get our taste buds attention. Yes, we’d say we’re spoilt. On that note, we have scoured the island in our quest to suss out two restaurants that boast just what is on offer from one culture to another, right here on our little red dot.

Start where Singapore’s forefathers started – smack in the heart of Singapore’s central business district at The Clifford Pier . This Pier was built in 1933 as the landing jetty for ships. Back then, its waters witnessed hawkers on sampans selling food to tired travellers journeying to Singapore from all corners of the world. From the 1950s, the area surrounding the pier was transformed into a hawker centre for night owls and The Clifford Pier is a nod to that famous hawker culture Singapore is famed for. The interiors, on the other hand, are anything but hawker-like (read: elegant and luxe). Today, this restaurant showcases the very best of Singapore’s diversity by dishing out Singaporean specialities as well as Asian and Western reinterpretations.

You can sit indoors or eat al fresco, taking in dazzling views of the Marina bay. What you must not do, however, is leave without trying the Rickshaw Noodles – stewed yellow Hokkien noodles in pork broth with traditional condiments; and Porchetta – slow-roasted spice infused crispy suckling pig. Other signature dishes include The Clifford Pier Laksa and Wagyu Beef Rendang. Needless to say, let Singapore’s favourite comfort food, the ice cream sandwich, be the perfect sweet ending. We even hear that there’s a band that plays in the evening – perfection.

Those looking to savour something straight from the Straits should look no further than Indocafe – The White House (www.thehouseofindocafe.com). Nestled in a colonial black-and-white bungalow on Scott’s Road which was home to the largest community of Scottish expats before Singapore’s independence, this gem pays homage to all things Peranakan.

Traditional Nyonya kebayas, blankets, artifacts, belts and other accessories that adorn the walls set the tone for the spectacular modern Peranakan cuisine that is to follow. The Kueh Pie Tee, pastry cups filled with sweet turnip, crab, carrot and prawn is perhaps the star of the menu. Ngoh Hiang – five spice seasoned pork roll is also a must order, as is Ayam Buah Kelauk, chicken scented with black nut. Bubur Cha Cha (we totally vouch for this), a traditional Nyonya dessert inspired by the exotic flavours of the straits region is the grand finale to this Peranakan feast.

Running low on time this F1 weekend? Hit two places and two location and you can sample Singaporean fare at its finest.   Stay tuned as we traverse the island for more unique places to eat – your taste buds will definitely thank us.

 

Written by Mandira Rai