Singapore, a vibrant centre of culture, has long been praised for the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity that characterises its diverse tapestry of cultures. There is a neighbourhood that serves as a monument to the city-state's rich legacy amid the tall structures and bustling city life: Chinatown. This neighbourhood, which is located in the centre of Singapore, emits a sense of history and is home to numerous restaurants that serve food that is truly authentic, as well as ornate temples, vibrant markets, and other historical landmarks.
Living in Singapore has been a culinary adventure for an expat like myself, especially in Chinatown's labyrinth of winding lanes and vibrant shophouses. Every nook and cranny seem to be humming with tales of secret ingredients and age-old recipes, tempting the senses and luring the adventurous taste on an extraordinary voyage.
We delve into Singapore's Chinatown's spirit in this gourmet expedition to find the undiscovered gems that embellish its culinary landscape. Join me as we go out on a culinary tour to find the 8 Best Restaurants in Chinatown, which not only offer mouthwatering fare but also enthral with tales of tradition, innovation, and the changing nature of Singaporean identity. Main Image Credit: Shikar Facebook Page
Cure
The name Cure, taken from the Latin verb curare, which means "to take care of," refers to Andrew Walsh's first venture as Chef-Owner. The food at this fine dining restaurant is prepared with the highest care and intention, and it represents modern European cuisine.
In his cooking, Andrew is committed to highlighting the best seasonal foods. By incorporating international inspirations and contemporary techniques, he infuses a touch of whimsy, creating an approachable yet sophisticated food, beverage, and wine menu.
The delicious plant-based menu offers items like aubergine covered in togarashi furikake and pumpkin brûlée dessert with pumpkin seed pesto, both of which are served in a warming earl grey and mushroom broth.
It is a magnificent presentation of the products and culinary influences from the Celtic nation. Image Credit: Cure Facebook Page
a. 21 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089128
Tippling Club
Chef-Owner Ryan Clift's culinary talent is a delicious fusion of joy, playfulness, and freshness in the world of contemporary gastronomy. Each meal at Tippling Club is filled with anticipation and a dash of theatre, creating an unforgettable culinary trip.
Chef Ryan creates intricate and intriguing dishes by carefully choosing Japanese ingredients to turn the ordinary into the remarkable. His dishes frequently push the boundaries of flavour and texture, resulting in a sensory-appealing dining experience.
The Tippling Club's award-winning cuisine is expertly paired with top-notch cocktails, demonstrating its culinary expertise beyond the plate.
The club's skilled mixologists experiment with the extremes of ingredients and flavours to make sure that the dining experience is constantly changing and surprising. Image Credit: Tippling Club Facebook Page
a. 38 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088461
BAM! Restaurant
BAM! emerges as a pioneer in Singapore by bringing the idea of "Modern Shudo," a modern method of enjoying sake. This ground-breaking method of dining and drinking is becoming more and more well-liked in the world of gastronomy.
BAM! provides a varied experience inside two quaint shop house flats at 38-40 Tras Street. Omakase-style dining at BAM! guarantees a continually changing culinary experience.
This tapas-sake bar features a cosy dining space that is warmly lit, a towering sake cellar that is packed with an astounding variety of sake and wine labels.
They skilfully guide you through each course, providing a smooth transition from one pour to the next. They have a menu of delicious foods and qualified sake sommeliers at your disposal. Image Credit: Bam! Restaurant Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 38 Tras St, Singapore 078977
w. www.bam.sg
Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House
Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House was established in 2011 and is nestled away in a quiet alley next to Singapore's bustling Chinatown. This culinary jewel is renowned for its superior oysters, seafood and fruit that is imported from Boston.
Boston-born Travis Masiero, the restaurant's owner and chef, makes delectable cuisine with an American flair. During prime season, they source oysters and seafood from New England; when necessary, obtain them from Australia and New Zealand.
In order to enhance your dining experience, Luke's delivers the freshest and tastiest meats, which are accompanied with an outstanding wine list hand-selected by their sommeliers.
Here, you'll discover premium ingredients, consistently delicious food, and above-and-beyond service. With all of these outstanding features, a trip to Luke's is a culinary adventure you can't go wrong with. Image Credit: Luke's Oyster Bar & Chop House Facebook Page
a. 22 Gemmill Ln, Singapore 069257
w. lukes.com.sg
Esquina
Esquina opened in December 2011, this restaurant has been leading the neighbourhood’s Spanish culinary scene. Meet Chef Carlos Montobbio, the Barcelona-born brain behind it all.
The fact that Chef Carlos always conjures up something fresh and intriguing is cool. Esquina, which is literally "the corner" in Spanish, is situated at the intersection of Jiak Chuan Street.
It's a two-story fantasy that transports you to Spain with a blend of rustic and modern feelings. You have an open kitchen below where you can watch the culinary magic take place in front of your eyes.
Consider intimacy and sophistication. Perfect for both private events and group gatherings. So, if you're looking for excellent Spanish food with a twist, Esquina is the place to go. Image Credit: Esquina Facebook Page
Latteria Mozzarella Bar
In Duxton Hill, there is no better place to find the ultimate cheese paradise than Latteria Mozzarella Bar. You're in for a treat because this hidden gem delivers a taste of Southern Italy to Singapore.
Latteria Mozzarella Bar dining is a unique experience in and of itself. If you want a more personal setting, choose the cosy interior seats instead of the lush outside terrace, which is ideal for a delicious outdoor lunch.
Additionally, they have the widest selection of mozzarella and burrata in Singapore, with fresh supplies arriving twice a week via direct flight from Italy!
Are you prepared to travel through the cheesy flavours of Southern Italy? The Latteria Mozzarella Bar offers the best Italian cheese, so don't miss out! Image Credit: Latteria Mozzarella Bar Facebook Page 2nd Image Credit
a. 40 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089618
Yellow Pot
The stunning and award-winning Duxton Reserve hotel in Tanjong Pagar is home to the modern Chinese treasure Yellow Pot, whose décor are meant to enchant.
The setting is embellished with spectacular oriental golden fans, Chinese screens made of glass and wood that have been black lacquered, and whimsical yellow pots.
They are dedicated to using only the best, locally sourced, sustainably produced ingredients, which guarantees the tastiest, most authentic flavours. Their homemade sauces don't contain any hazardous MSG, fillers, or artificial flavours.
Each visit to Yellow Pot, a contemporary Chinese restaurant, is a pleasant sensory adventure. The restaurant serves up popular classic cuisine with a fresh, healthier touch, striking the ideal mix between modernity and tradition. Image Credit: Yellow Pot Facebook Page
a. 83 Duxton Rd, Duxton Reserve, Singapore 089540
w. yellowpot.sg
Shikar
Enter Shikar, a restaurant that was inspired by the lavish feasts enjoyed by Indian royalty, where high society mixed, ate, and celebrated. This culinary sanctuary captures the spirit of those opulent events by evoking the splendour of a bygone period.
Shikar's menu is a dynamic study of contemporary Indian culinary concepts while paying homage to the cuisine's historic heritage. Leading the charge is Chef Jolly, who expertly reinterprets beloved Indian cuisine with a global perspective while fusing traditional integrity with modern flair.
Shikar provides a contemporary look into these luxurious periods by embracing the intrigue and splendour of imperial India's lives and varied culinary traditions.
Get ready for a regal gastronomic trip that combines the past and present to create a mouthwatering and timeless experience. Image Credit: Shikar Facebook Page
a. 2 Cook Street at Maxwell Reserve, Autograph Collection, Singapore 078857
w. shikar.sg
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