Camden Medical Centre (#10-06)

1 Orchard Boulevard

Singapore 248649

www.jerrytan.com

T: (+65) 6738 8122  or after hours: (+65) 6535 8833

Dr Jerry is purported to be the best eye doctor in Singapore.  I was sent to his clinic by friends when I got a sight-altering contact lense infection (but was of course convinced I was going blind and in a total panic for at least one whole hour). I pitched up 30 mins before they opened at 8.30am one morning, and they were brilliant and fitted me in straight away, despite having no appointment.  If you want your eyes lasered (I’m still way too scared) this is where everyone who knows, goes.  His colleage Dr Por is also very good.

Opening Times: 8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri; Sat 8.30am-1pm. Closed Sun

 KHA

38 Martin Road

Singapore 239059

www.kha.sg

T: (+65) 6476 9000

Great Thai joint that has just opened.  Under the same ownership as next door Graze’s town location (which, btw, we love and prefer to their branch in Rochester: it’s fresher and hipper and has a great little provisions shop attached to it).  For contemporary Thai cuisine, it’s surprisingly unfussy and all the old favourites are served up here in stylish surroundings with prices you can deal with and a panache you don’t necessarily expect.  Their steamed seabass is a great main course order as is the crab omlette and all the usual cornerstones such as pad thai and green chicken curry don’t fail to disappoint.  Puddings are delicious: predicable but still delectable Mango Sticky Rice served with pandan favoured coconut milk (i.e. it’s green) which added a nice twist.  Red Rubies was very acceptable but their Pumpkin Custard was the star of the show and definitely worth a try. 

Opening Times: 12pm-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm Mon-Fri; 6pm-10.30pm Sat & Sun (no lunch available at weekends)

HATCHED

Evans Lodge (#01-06)

26 Evans Road

Singapore 259367

www.hatched.sg

T: (+65) 6735 0012 / 0013

Laid back, all day brek joint that is a real find.  You have to book at weekends and basically, as the name suggests, this joint is pretty egg-heavy.  That said, besides at least 5 wonderful variations on eggs benedict (all worth trying but we loved the classic ‘Sir Benedict’ the best), they also include heaven sent eggy bread on their menu as well as American pancakes – after all, they still contain egg.  The restaurant is quite small and intimate inside, with plenty of exposed brick work and scrubbed oak, and just right for breakfast after a stroll in the Botanics opposite. BTW: Slightly confused by their albeit very cute ‘battery’ salt and pepper pots.  Battery + egg is not something you would want your customers to dwell on for too long I wouldn’t have thought.  BTW: Portions can be as big as you want them to be, with most dishes offering you ‘just one’ (i.e. one egg) or the option to ‘do two’ for only a fraction more. 

Opening Times: 8am-10pm Tue-Thu, 8am-11pm Fri & Sat, 8am-10pm Sun. Closed Mon

SAKURAYA FISH MART

Parkway Parade (#B1-84D)

Singapore

www.sakuraya.com.sg

T: (+65) 6345 4714

OK, so ignore the address for the time being, as the whole beauty of this little gem is that they will deliver.  You just need to determine which outlet (there are 3) is nearest to you.  Fabulous, fabulous find for restaurant quality sushi and/or sashimi served straight to your door.  You can go and choose the fish yourself or otherwise leave it to them.  Look online for platter options and pics which are very user friendly. Each of the three fish marts is a kind of cross between a Japanese supermarket plus basic eat-in restaurant.  Ideal if you want to try before you buy.  BTW: You need to order one day in advance for home delivery platters.  Delivery is free if you spend over $100. 

Opening Times: 11am-9.30pm daily

MMMM

Square 2 (#04-55)

10 Sinaran Drive

Novena

Singapore 307506

www.mmmm.com.sg

T: (+65) 6397 6818

Stands for Meat, Marinates and Much More and this is a gold star find.  We were introduced to this by Violet Oon (See Foodie Fun) and it is a great value place for good
quality, fresh (and frozen) meat at reasonable prices. Hurrah! At long last.  They have been in business for 10 + years and sell a lot of their produce to restaurants.  We bought an 800g sirloin of beef that cost just over $30 and was delicious.   We were sorely tempted by their giant Alaskan king crab that they import from Norway and sell frozen. It looks wonderful.  Their avocado oil is excellent (around $20 for a large bottle) and a good substitute for oil oil in salads.

Opening Times: 10.30am-9.30pm

THE OPTIQUE

Ion (#B1-23)

2 Orchard Turn

Singapore 238801

T: +(65) 67375665

If you are hunting for Chanel glasses (eye glasses, not sunglasses) good luck finding any! Even the Chanel store is supremely unhelpful about who stocks them (they don’t, strangely).  After much hunting, we have discovered that these guys at Ion have a great selection.

Opening Times: 10.30am-9.30pm daily

PARIS MIKI

Takashimaya Level 4

Orchard Road

Singapore 238859

T: (+65) 6737 5990

Weirdly tucked away in the right hand corner of the sportswear floor in Taka, this is a great find with lots of good frames including one of the biggest ranges of Oliver Peoples that we have seen in SG. Beautiful and obscure labels (Lindberg among others) as well as more mainstream ones. A small store but their selection is spot on.

Opening Times: 10am-9.30pm daily

OPTICS 2000

Wisma Atria (#01-05/07)

435 Orchard Road

Singapore 238877

T: (+65) 67389976

This is the first place to come to if you are looking for some new frames. Masses of choice, not necessary all the big names but a respectable few, and a good place to establish what suits your face shape.  They stock Prada, Coach and a few others including understated, uber lightweight and wildly expensive Lindberg frames which we are in love with (starting from around $800 unlensed).  Ask for Chester the manager who will usually give you at least a 10% discount off the frames, if you ask nicely.  You can then usually negotiate money off the lenses separately.  Lindberg offer both rimless as well traditional frames.

Opening Times: 10.30am-9.30pm daily

Ask for: Chester

WEST COAST PARK

Parallel to West Coast Highway

Singapore

Not as far away as you’d think; this is about a 10 minute drive from Ghim Moh area and is the west coast’s answer to the ever packed and popular East Coast Park.  Here you can fly your kite in the company of many experts, older children can climb a number of cubic, futuristic climbing frames and take a zip line ride.  Little ones can be amused by the flying saucer swings (see picture) and tamer climbing frames and slides.  There are perfect pathways for biking or scooting too. Remember to bring drinks/food as the only offering comes in the shape of McDonalds (although their cappuccinos are actually quite good…really).  It also acts as a heavenly air con haven if you are sweltering in the sun.  Your best bet though is to come here early morning or late afternoon.  BTW: Aside from the adventure playground, there are other more peaceful elements to West Coast Park including a reflexology walk, chess garden and bird cage trellis.

Lighted hours: 7am-7pm

OCHACHA

Paragon (#B1-25)

290 Orchard Road

Singapore

T: (+65) 6737 3889

Just behind Starbucks in the basement of Paragon, this is breakfast heaven.  Go for the Japanese porridge set (a veritable bargain at $8) and you will not be disappointed. Especially good for porridge virgins as you cannot fail to love this.  Plain, comforting chook is topped with delicious minced chicken, just add seaweed and tofu as required as well as a selection of pickles.  Virtually fat free, it’s a super healthy start to your day.  Their hot green tea latte is also a million times better than the ones served up at Starbucks, and is worth a try too if you have room (the hot version is better than the cold latte as strangely has less sugar in it).  There are no highchairs here so although the porridge is actually ideal baby food, there is nowhere for them to sit.  The $6 pot of green tea (choose from their 4 flavours) is beautifully served with it’s own little scoop of tea leaves and a wooden egg timer to ensure exact brewing time.  It comes with 2 refills (see picture).

Opening Times: 9am-9.30pm Sat-Thu; 9am-11pm Fri

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

8 Queen Street

Singapore

www.foodforthought.com.sg

T: (+65) 6338 9887

Found in a very funky building that doesn’t disappoint internally either, this little gem is nestled behind SAM (Singapore Art Museum to the uninitiated).  They have delectable breakfast offerings that run from 9am-5.30pm (gula granola is highly recommended at any time of day; as are their pancakes). Sandwiches, salads and sides are their lunchtime staples as well as pastas and yummy risottos which also make up their evening menu plus 4 well chosen main meat or fish dishes. Go and combine it with a visit to SAM but it’s actually good enough as a breakfast/brunch/lunch venue in it’s own right.

Opening Times: 9am-10pm Mon-Sat, 9am-9pm Sun

Tong Yuan Industrial Building (#02-01)

85 Playfair Road

Singapore 368000

www.grafunkt.com

T (+65) 6281 8465

Design.  It’s all about design.  I want beauty with practicality, functionality and form.  If you, like me, want items of furniture that make you smile just to look at them, knowing that whatever you paid for them you will probably get back in thirty years – oh, and yes, they will still be functioning and beautiful in thirty years, so you probably won’t be able to bear parting with them – then look no further.

It was all I could do not to leave with an eighties braun record player, a walnut bookshelf room divider and a stunning glass table with logic defying, twisted, cherry trestle legs.  I wanted to sit or sleep on everything.  Each item has been carefully chosen by Nathan Yong himself (a multiple award winning furniture designer) so you can actually hold real conversations about the designs and share informed appreciation for the pieces.  The whole showroom is set in the most fabulous seventies building – almost worth the trip itself if you are in to that sort of thing. (There is another outlet in Park Mall, called their ‘City Spot’; open 11am-8pm daily – see website for more details).

BTW: While you are there, check out Egg3 upstairs (see write up below) – very different but fun if you are into slightly more ‘frou frou’ replica distressed French items, funky stuff, leather and diamante chesterfields a la ‘Scarlet Hotel’, punctuated with the odd fun design or two and some really quite nice handbags!

Opening Times: 12am-6pm daily

Egg3

Tong Yuan Industrial Building (#07-01)

85 Playfair Road 

Singapore 36800

www.eggthree.com

T: (+65) 6281 2197

Kitsch, funky, cool and sometimes a little crazy, if it is a replica Bubble chair, a white leather chesterfield or a distressed french renaissance style mirror, this is your place.  It is also full of some really quite nice little people’s clothes, good pressies and a few quite interesting larger pieces, but mostly it is just fun.  Over-sized replica regency chairs sprayed silver with grey velvet upholstery stand next to some really very nice aluminium french cafe style chair remakes – it is nothing if not eclectic! 

They have a few outlets but this is their HQ where they also have an interiors service.  They are open by appointment only during the week but go on Friday or Saturday between 10am and 6.30pm under your own steam.  Make it around noon and you can go and check out the rather more elegant and accomplished designs (that come with a rather larger price tag) at Grafunkt in the same building.

Opening Times: Mon-Thu by appointment only.  10am-6.30pm Fri & Sat.  Closed Sun 

SKANTEAK

Keppel Workshop (#01-05/06 & 02-04/05)

43 Keppel Road

Singapore 099418

www.skanteak.com.sg

T: (+65) 6225 5261

If Chinese antiques (or we should perhaps say ‘antiques’ as anything over about 20 years old seems to be considered as antique, although we would beg to differ) are not what you are after, or you like an eclectic mix, Skanteak offers clean lines and modern designs accompanied by a reasonable price tag. All their stuff – from beds to desks and cupboards – is, as the name suggests, made of teak and, admittedly, some of it can be a bit officey looking. However, if you choose carefully and can imagine it out of the teak jungle where you are looking at it, the designs are quite zen-on-a-budget. What’s more, if you are spanking a bunch of cash all within a the same month and your cards are taking a bit of a beating, they will also – with no interest added – let you pay in installments. No brainer, even if your cash flow is healthy.

Opening Times: 12pm-9pm daily

SOLOS

#01-03 High Street Centre

1 North Bridge Road

Singapore 179094

www.solos.com.sg

T: (+65) 63387577

It might not be at the top of everyones shopping list, but recently we needed a good office chair.  We went to the ubiquitous Ikea and were horrified at the prices – $350 for a remotely half decent one!  We stumbled across Solos by accident – it is in a bit of no mans land by the bridge on North Bridge Road opposite the parliament buidings.  Park inside the High Street Centre and this store is street facing on the ground floor.  They have about 50 different office chairs to try out and choose form, starting at about $75.  There is no miniumum order and you can pay them cash when they deliver, which they will for free for any spend over $100.  You can also choose from a raft of different colours to make your grotty office chair slightly more bearable and change the arms to whatever shape you prefer.   We are going to order one that costs less than $150, in a lovely teal colour with funky arms that will be delivered to my door within three days.

Opening Times: 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Sat.  Closed Sun

TAYLOR B FINE DESIGN

43 Keppel Road (#03-01/02)

Singapore 099418

T: (+65) 8469 7705 / 9177 0004

E: taylorbdesign@gmail.com (they don’t have a website)

You may have moved from a flat, which had everything built in, to a house, with nothing in it at all in the way of furniture. Or maybe you’ve just arrived in Singapore. Either way, you need furniture and you need it now.  Bin the idea of saving money by buying stuff from Ikea. First off, by the time you’ve factored in assembly and delivery, it’s not actually that cheap. Or certainly not as cheap as we feel it should be.  Spend a little bit more, and get some proper stuff that will not only hold its value, but looks lovely and solid….and it will be made of real wood vs that unacceptable plywood our Swedish friends can’t seem to get enough of.  If you are nodding in agreement, then Taylor B should be your first port of call.  Owned by a Canadian and an American lady who met through their children’s school, they have a background in interior design and have lived all over the world, including China (where they source a lot of their stuff from).  Staff are really helpful and one of the owners is most likely to be there when you visit.  Quite hard to find (call ahead and get directions from them), park and then walk round to the back of the building where you take an enormous cargo lift up to the 2^nd floor.  Walking from the dingy corridor into their huge and often bustling shop/showroom is a bit like being in Alice in Wonderland and falling down a rabbit hole.  In a good way.

Pieces we love from here include antique Chinese chests (around $200), Chinese style cupboards (often these are shelved as opposed to having a hanging rail – not a problem as they have an on-site handyman who can whip out some or all of the shelving and put a rail in for you.)  Has the feel of an auction house but with stuff you actually want to buy (vs expat auctions which we haven’t had much luck with recently). While you are checking out Taylor B it’s worth popping in to Skanteak too – see below

Opening Times: 11am-5pm Mon-Fri; 12pm-5pm Sat & 3pm-5pm Sun.  Do call ahead if you are planning a weekend visit just to double check they are open and not on a buying trip. Weekdays are safe enough.

db BISTRO MODERNE

Marina Bay Sands (#B1 The Shoppes)

Singapore

T: +65 6688 8525

Found at the Galleria Level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sand, just across from the theatre, Daniel Boulud’s offering is a rather understated but nice spot.  He does a seriously good looking burger for $22 and up to $42 if you want the signature one with foie gras.  The Heirloom tomato salad was just lovely but it was the Croque Monsieur that won the day.  Have it with a fried egg on top and call it a Croque Madame.  Call it whatever you like – it the best damn thing we have eaten this side of Paris.  They don’t do a proper latte – be warned – they do the french rather stronger, smaller version but good (though it will cost you $8, so it should be). Their frites ain’t half bad either.

Opening Times: They are open for lunch and dinner (but not in between) everyday from 12pm-2.30pm; dinner runs from 5.30pm-10.30pm.  Go on the weekend though and you get the Croque Monsieur on the brunch menu from 11am.

KOK SENG GAS SUPPLIER

Midview Building (#07-13)

50 Bukit Batok Street 23

Singapore 659578

T: (+65) 6269 6060 

Just moved a cooker over from the UK and found out that natural gas is nothing like the same pressure as the bottled gas which we use here?  Don’t panic. Call these guys who know everything about gas and ovens. They will supply you with a regulator and change all the nozzles within each gas burner. This is essential as without changing these, your oven will explode. Good to know!  They have branches all over town so can usually reach you within 30 mins max.

Opening Times: 9am-7pm daily

INNOVATIVE TOYS CENTRE

Forum (#B1-10)

583 Orchard Road

Singapore 238884

T: (+65) 6734 3610

This is run by Andrew who has been here for years. He is lovely and knows everything there is to know about toys, books and children’s games.  If you are trying to find something specific, ask him as he can order it in sometimes.  They sell all sorts of fun stuff but with a lot less tat than most toyshops out there.  He is the only Galt stockist in Singapore.  This is only important if you are trying to track down an elusive but utterly brilliant card paged colouring book which is an in- flight essential for your little one: fill up the pen with water and ‘colour’ all the pages in (multi coloured shapes and figures appear magically) and in 10 minutes it will have faded back to its original state of white…and you can do it all over again.  Hours of fun and worth tracking down if you have a 3 year old.  The shop is technically named as above, however, the majority of his signboard says Nurture Craft, so look out for this rather than Innovate Toy Centre which is in tiny letters.

Opening Times: 10.45am-7.45pm Mon-Sat; 11am-7pm Sun

ART TREND GALLERY

7C & 9 Binjai Park

Singapore 589822

www.arttrendgallery.com.sg

T: (+65) 6468 7116 / 6468 7119 

Li Peng is great and knows pretty much everything about all of the pieces for sale here. They sell a mixture of modern and antique stuff: some ‘antique’ and some proper antique.  You can usually get a discount of some sort (nothing huge) and they have a handyman who will add rails/remove shelves if you want to change the use of a piece.   Definitely worth a look if on the hunt for a proper antique.  Nice pizza place a few doors up for lunch, or try the Nyonya offering a few doors down which is very local and very good.  Keep walking down the street and you will see a bunch of other furniture shops which are worth looking at to get your eye in over pricing.  We’ve also bought from some of the other ones (Chinese Art Centre, #25) but had more luck with Art Trend. 

Opening Times: 10.30am-6.30pm daily

CASANOVA PIZZA BAR

Block 21 Ghim Moh Road (01-213)

Singapore 270021

 T: (+65) 6465 1338

Who’d have though Casanova lived on Ghim Moh market square! This is only a find if you live locally to Ghim Moh market/Sixth Ave; you wouldn’t schlep all the way here if you didn’t live close by.  Happily for us, it’s just down the road, so we love this for a low key Sunday sups or a mid week bite.  Owned by Salvo who is, as his name suggests, a real, live Italian, we are thrilled with their good, simple pizza that comes from neither from Spizza nor La Forketta.  Formerly known as Pizza Donato, this is under new ownership and boasts a chef from Oso as well as someone from Garibaldi. Not bad, although not sure exactly what he did at Garibaldi – they didn’t elaborate.  Possibly took people’s coats, as if he was their head chef, it would be too good to be true – and they’d have undoubtedly mentioned it.  It’s not super cheap considering the market location – expect to pay around $19 per pizza -  but it is delicious and surprisingly authentic.  

Opening Times: 10am-3pm; 5pm-11pm Tues-Sun.  Closed Mon.

ULTRA-SHARP SHARPENING

Cold Storage Jelita (#02-K6)

293 Holland Road

Singapore 278626

T: (+65) 9320 7802 / 8113 9158

We’ve been hunting for something like this for ages after failing to satisfactorily sharpen our own knives at home, having bought every available gadget and gizmo that purports to guarantee a razor sharp edge.  None seem to work.  These guys are the real deal.  Prices vary according to knife size.  PS: They are not a shop, but a little stall just opposite HomeFix on level 2 of JCS.

Opening Times: 10am-7pm daily, except Wed when they are closed.

SPLASH & FUN

Tanglin Shopping Centre (#03-48)

19 Tanglin Road

Singapore 247909

T: (+65)6733 1465 / 9863 1310

Going on a boat tour in Vietnam and need a proper life jacket for your child? This is the place to go to.  They stock all sizes from child to adult (minimum kids weigh is 15lbs, although arguably, something is better than nothing if they are below this weight).  They also sell rashies for adults (O’Neil and quite nice) as well as all-in-one swimmers for little people.

Opening Times: 11am-6pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

SATHISH TRADING & ENTERPRISE

56 Serangoon Road

Singapore 219784

T: (+65) 6297 3231

If you want to buy fabulously priced spices from obscure (amchoor powder) to obvious (bay leaves) then this is the place to come. A bag of 12 cinnamon sticks is around $2 just to give you a bench mark against Cold Storage.  Snatch up armfuls of fresh coriander while you are here as well as a few Indian mangoes for good measure. Really helpful staff will locate everything for you in a trice.  On the corner of Serangoon and Campbell Lane, on the opposite side of the road to Tekka Market.  (If you know you are going to be super quick, you can get away with a spot of illegal parking on a double yellow on Campbell Lane.)

Opening Times: 9am-11pm daily

LE VIGNE

38 Holland Grove Road

Singapore 278810

www.singaporewines.com

T: (+65) 6314 1597

You can’t miss this. It’s got a bright yellow shop and is on the corner of the crescent, facing Henry Park School.  A great local find and Lewis, who owns and runs this shop alongside his wife, really knows his stuff.  They sell Bollinger for $79.90 a bottle which officially makes them the cheapest supplier in Singapore.  It is not always in stock though, so give him your details in order to take advantage when it is.   Payment by cash or cheque will give you a further 10% discount off marked prices (off everything except Bollinger).  You need to study the displayed labels carefully as he has a system: the large printed price is the supermarket price you would ordinarily be paying for the wine; the 2nd (cheaper) price is his price and provided you are paying cash, take a further 10% off it.  He is very knowledgeable which makes it a pleasure to buy wine here and support him in his quest for quality and fair pricing.  Also check out www.thelocalnose.com for more wine info and recommendations on top value for money wines in Singapore and where to buy them.

Opening Times: 12noon-6.30pm daily

E-SARN

Ridgewood Condo

5 Ridgewood Close

Singapore 276696

www.esarn.com.sg

T(+65) 6466 8078

This is a real favourite. If you don’t already know and love it, you soon will. In
fact, would go so far as to say that it is the cheap and cheerful (and crucially, very good) Thai restaurant you have been looking for.  The Thai family who run it (they own 4 E-Sarns across the island) used to run a hawker stall at Farrer Road market called ‘Neng’s Kitchen’ before becoming so popular that they branched in to the restaurant business. Neng is still very much in charge and handpicks and trains all the native Thai chefs in each venue.  If you are planning on coming here, it’s worth calling ahead and reserving a table as we have been caught out before.  And there is nothing worse that anticipating a heavenly pomelo salad and green chicken curry only to find out that you can’t have it because they are full.  Firm favourites include the herb salad – sounds unimpressive but just try it – good old thai green prawn curry, weeping tiger and pomelo salad (the papaya salad is very disappointing, don’t bother with it but the pomelo is heavenly).  Sticky mango rice for pudding or otherwise pop next door to fab Japanese waffle and ice cream parlour for a raspberry sorbet to cleans the palette.  Oh – and we almost forgot, the best bit is that for a $2 corkage charge (per person), you can also bring your own wine.  (There is a wine store a few doors down if you have failed to remember to bring your bottle – but be warned, they can be a bit hit and miss).  If you have forgotten to chill your bottle of Cloudy to a suitable temperature, E-Sarn will also provide an ice buckets for $3.  

Opening Times: 11.30am-10pm Tue-Sun.  Closed Mon.  See website for other outlets and their opening times

SHUKEY

Far East Plaza (#03-05)

14 Scotts Road

Singapore 228213

T: (+65) 6733 3597

If you need a really good cobbler who can be bothered to do work that Mr Minute sayshe can’t/won’t do (as there’s not enough money in it to make it worth his while), then these guys are for you.  They are so neat at mending and sticking and making good that we are forever loyal.  Go and see Regina the tailor (under BUY ME FOR HER/Her Tailor) while you are here and it makes it feel like a more worthwhile trip.  As their rather corny name implies, they do keys as well as shoes.

Opening Times: 11am-9pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

National Shooting Centre

990 Old Choa Chu Kang Road

Singapore 699814

T: (+65) 6466 1575 / 6466 3124

Super fun, ulu place to go to on a weekend with some friends to shoot the hell out of as many clay pigeons as you can…and all before you’ve even eaten lunch (go early or it gets too hot).  Guns are over and under shotguns vs side by sides and the clays are quite low (ie harder to shoot than if they were high flying), so you can really separate the men from the boys.  They also offer handgun shooting and other types of target practice but it requires a whole lot more training.  With clays, first timers to the club get a 10-15 minute safety briefing and then you are good to go.  Essentials to bring: water bottle, mozzy repellent, suncream, NRIC or FIN card, $65 in cash, per person.  If you are a lame ass spectator (guilty as charged) then you obviously don’t need to pay.  Lastly, it is worth calling them ahead of time to book a slot.  You can just turn up but it can get busy, especially on weekends.

Opening Times: 10am-5.30pm daily

OSCAR’S

Conrad Centennial Singapore

2 Temasek Boulevard

Singapore 038982

T: (+65) 6432 7481

Our new favourite place for Sunday brunch buffets but this particular variety is only available on the last Sunday of the month. Not only incredible value, but the food is faultless.  Admittedly there is not as much choice as you’d expect when eating your body weight at the usual buffet spreads laid on by the big hotels (Fullerton, Shang, St Regis etc) but here at the Conrad, for the good value sum of $98 ++ if you are not drinking and, here’s the scoop, a mere $108++ if you are, they have all the essentials.  By that we mean fresh Boston lobsters, pan fried foie gras cooked to order, sushi and sashimi, 5 different types of oysters, a very good cheeseboard and perfectly delicious puddings.  There are also pasta options and all the usual ‘fillers’ but we don’t tend to focus too hard on them (good for children though, who eat for free if they are under 4).

They are rather keen on hiding their lobsters away so you have to identify the lobster chap early on, smile and ask for more when and if the bowl they are displayed in does not seem to be replenished.  He has plenty in the under counter fridge and can produce them (begrudgingly) on demand.  

The pricing for the alcoholic version on the buffet depends on what alcohol you are going for.  The $108 includes free flow Chandon which is admittedly fizz rather than champagne BUT it is produced by Moet & Chandon and is damn good.  In fact, we’d take it over some of the cheaper brands of champagne any day and have grown out of our rather childish ‘real champagne only’ snobbery.  If only champagne proper will do (they serve Verve or Moet) then it will cost $158++.  BTW: Pay by UOB and you get to feed 4 for  the price of 3 (applies to the non-alcoholic brunch only) .  Or alternatively, HSBC & Citi Bank cards give you 15% off regardless of what you variety of brunch you plump for (literally). Children under 4 eat for free.

Opening Times: This buffet only happens on the last Sunday of every month from 12pm-3pm

TORI-TAMA

Robertson Walk (01-01/02)

11 Unity Street

Singapore 237995

T: (+65) 6836 5680

Where: Right next to Wine Connection on Robertson Walk – go there for a  pre dinner drink

Wear: No one really cares. Not shorts, not flip flops.  Full of Japanese businessmen most of the time, so geisha gear might get your bill paid but you will stick out like a sore thumb

Why: Carb free eating that even carb cravers will enjoy

Who: Friends

A very good budget yakitori joint that’s not half bad.  Their veggies are beautifully seasoned, their chicken skin is addictive and perfectly cooked and they wagyu beef, melt in the mouth deliciousness.  They also do great deals on bottles of saki and you can usually get 2 for 1.  What you don’t drink they ask you to take home.  We’ve never managed not to finish ours, but if you do, the bottles are fun to keep and make good salad dressing containers that will fit in the fridge as well as look nice on the table.

BTW: If you are a real, die hard yakitori fan and not afraid of splurging, try Akanoya Robatayaki and/or Torisho Taka by Aoki (more info available on both of these under Spoil Me Dinners category).  Both are at least twice, if not three times the price of Tori-Tama but worth it if you are going for a really special dinner. Either that, or someone else is paying.  This is a good, everyday alternative.

Opening Times: 6pm-11pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

TEO

T: (+65) 9692 6515

Teo is a real find. He has a horicultural diploma and so really knows his plants and has done the job of landscape garden for around 15 years.  More importantly than that, he knows what you should place where.  I insisted on a climbing scented jasmine for a shady spot in the garden and was politely, but firmly, told, “No mama, that will not do there. It will die and you will be sad.  You can have x, y or z.”  Love it. I have no idea what tropical plants need and want in the way of light and shade, but he does, and he will work to any budget.  He will also maintain your garden once or twice a month for a very reasonable price (ie cut grass, remove coconuts from palm trees, prune and fertilize plants as needed.  We are paying $80 a month for bi weekly visits).  He also, very sweetly and for no additional charge, planted all our potted plants in to the ground (the earth here is sun baked and really very hard, so this is quite tricky to do yourself, even if you want to).  You have to remember to pin him down on a specific watering schedule as he is not that forthcoming about how to keep  everything alive on a day to day basis.  One HUGE caveat is that Teo is quite unreliable in terms of his timings. He doesn’t always come when he says he will. It’s worth a reminder call to him a day or so before your scheduled appointment is due.  If you can’t stand this, then he is not for you.  On the other hand, he is a garden genius who, in addition to designing your garden, will get you far cheaper prices on your plants than you would pay at Far East Flora.  

LE BISTROT DU SOMMELIER

46 Princep Street

#01-01 Prinsep Place

Singapore 188675

T: (+65) 6333 1982

Looking for proper French food without Les Amis/Au Petit Salut pricing? Then this is for you.  While prices are still by no means what we would describe as being phenomenal value – to be fair, a lot of the produce is flown in from France –  they are not tooo bad either…and the food is delicious.  Try their seasonal specials (white asparagus in June is to die for).  Portions are on the large side so it’s quite possible to share a few plates if going with girlfriends.  Rustic and charming, your waitress is the part owner and is not only French, but beautiful and thin to boot (note to self, must read book ‘French Women Don’t Get Fat’).  Great for both low key mid week sups or weekend blow-out.

Opening Times: 6pm-11pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

VIOLET OON

T: (+65) 9668 5621

www.violetoon.com

Violet is the doyenne of local cuisine and is perhaps best  described as the Pru Leith of Singapore.  An official food ambassador for Singapore, she runs very well known and well respected cooking classes, which have been going since 1981.  Splendid in her violet coloured chef’s whites, her key classes include Nonya Delights, Singapore Street Food and Baking Sensations.  A very natural and intuitive cook, she dishes out practical advice, from which suppliers she likes and trusts, to how to tell if your beef is cooked through without anyone being able to see you have ‘cheated’.  A must do if you are a foodie living here in S’pore.  Prices vary according to which class you want to do, but they are around $100 for 3 hours.   Classes are taught with demos from her and zero hands-on experience for participants, which I have to say I much prefer, as when I have my hand up a chicken’s bottom, or whatever it is that you are trying to emulate, you invariably miss the next part of what you are meant to be doing next.

As well as running courses and representing Singapore food abroad, Violet is branching out to run, in her words, ‘beyond eating classes’, although the concept is officially called Gourmet Circle.  These classes will teach you all you need to know about ordering, eating and appreciating different cuisines, e.g. how to order Chinese food correctly (did you know that every dish has meaning and sentiment behind it? There is a huge significance to ordering a whole fish for instance), how to eat halal food, how to eat correctly using your hands (there is a real technique to this btw – it’s all about moving your thumb).  We’re enrolling in the Chinese course just so we can feel wildly knowledgeable next time we frequent Min Jiang with a big group.  Gourmet Circle classes will be a group of around 10-15 pax.  You can even organise your own if you have the right number of people.  For more info email: violet@violetoon.com

23 Boon Tat Street

Singapore 069621

T: (+65) 6224 0091

Our absolute favourite restaurant in Singapore.  Opened just less than three months ago you already have to book at least a month in advance…even for lunch.  It is the brainchild of the Forlino Famiglia and is everything that an Italian restaurant should be.  It also has an interesting history.  It is the latest restaurant to have chef Osvaldo Forlino at the helm, having very recently left ‘Osvaldo’, his second namesake restaurant in as many years!  Having left behind both his surname and first name, he now joins his wife, daughters and niece at one of the most enchanting restaurants in Singapore.  Situated on the ground floor of a shophouse near Club Street, the walls are filled with memorabilia and the floors are covered in random carpets.  No modern white plates or soul-less glass cavern here.  The vibe is cosy and busy. The quality of the food is matched only by the thoroughly accomplished floor staff that are knowledgeable and quick…unless you order the ‘no menu’ option that is…in which case sit back and enjoy the ride – but make sure you are not in a hurry. (The name ‘No Menu’ is slightly confusing, not least because there IS actually a menu. To clarify, besides the regular menu, you can also opt to go off-piste and have the ‘no menu’ tasting option, which means you are entirely in Osvaldo’s very capable hands.)

Don’t leave without trying Osvaldo’s signature sausage dish as an appetiser; the Burratta is hard to beat, and the truffle or squid ink risottos are pretty stunning.  The produce is beautifully fresh and unusual ingredients are often used.  My Roasted Trevise was delicious and I only just managed to save room for my beetroot gnocchi.  Make absolutely sure you have room for dessert though – Mama Patricia’s apple cake is divine, or try Gaia’s Peaches – grown on her farm back at home.  Or if you can still fit it in, go for the cheese plate.  If you are a foodie and your holy grail is Italian, we defy you not to love this place.

Opening Times: 11.30am–2pm, 6.30pm–10pm Mon-Fri; 6.30pm–10pm Sat.  Closed Sun

RABEANCO

Marina Bay Sands (#B2-19)

The Shoppes

Singapore 238801

T: (+65) 6688 7020

Had enough of branded bags to last you a lifetime but still want tip top quality and not afraid to pay for it? Then this is for you. Luscious solid colours are jewel like and leather is butter soft.  This particular store – like all the others that they categorise as being part of ‘The Shoppes’ at MBS (Charles & Keith etc) – is open super late.  Great for some post dinner browsing, which makes Pizzeria Mozza (see below) the perfect venue for a girls-only dinner.

Opening Times: 10am-11pm Sun-Thu; 10am-12 midnight Fri & Sat

PIZZERIA MOZZA

Marina Bay Sands (#B1)

Singapore 018972

www.pizzeriamozza.com

T: (+65) 6688 8522

Delicious pizza but be prepared to pay around $27+ for it. Service is not great and be warned that your table invariably won’t be ready for the time you’ve booked it (very annoying) but their creations are both brave and fabulous.

Opening Times: 5pm-11pm Tues-Sun; Fri & Sat from 12pm-2pm for lunch, 5pm-11pm for dinner.  Extended opening hours to follow.  Closed Mon

DR LESLIE S.K. YONG

Tanglin Shopping Centre 04-17

19 Tanglin Road

Singapore 247909

T: (+65) 6732 3777

Leslie is a brilliant, no frills dentists. If you are looking for marble corridors and shiny new equipment do not go here.  I, on the other hand, am looking for a good, honest, old fashioned dentist who is not going to charge me Paragon prices, who will tell me the truth about what I do and don’t need doing and who will look after me and my teeth.

Opening Times: 9am-4pm Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri; 9am-11.30am Wed; 9am-12pm Sat.  Closed Sun

REHMAT ORIENTAL CARPETS

45 Arab Street

Singapore 199743

T: (+65) 8260 5050

The 1st time you visit this place is quite confusing because these guys own about 4 shops on Arab Street and you are looking for one man: Ebrahim.  He is brilliant and their stores are the best places to buy rugs and anything to do with them – not only price-wise (you still need to bargain) but they know their stuff and pride themselves on repeat business.  Good place for reasonably priced underlay too.

Ask for: Ebrahim

Opening Times: 10am-9pm daily

YARN & VINYL

Hotel Miramar (#02-22)

401 Havelock Road

Singapore 169631

T: (+65) 6235 7800

Joann’s mobile: (+65) 9677 4566

Joann is brilliant and gives practical advice regardless of your budget.  She is the most reasonably priced upholsterer we have found.  And the finish is excellent. Call her to arrange a time for her to come to your home and evaluate what you need and how much it will be.  Give her a steer before the appointment so that she can bring all the appropriate samples to show you.   She also makes curtains and is happy for you to provide your own fabric if needs be – whether for curtains or upholstering. To give you an idea on price, one Louis VXI armchair – which needed a whopping 12m of fabric to fully upholster (including a large piped cushion) – cost $400 inclusive of  fabric.  They will collect and return all your furniture, so that you don’t have to move from your chair. Unless of course you want it covered.

Ask for: Joann

Opening Times: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri.  Closed Sat & Sun

SALT GRILL & SKY BAR

Ion (level 55 & 56)

2 Orchard Turn

T: (+65) 6592 5118

The latest addition to Aussie Chef Luke Mangan’s Salt Group – this must surely be the most breathtaking of all their global locations.  The Sky Bar is situated at one end of this enormous glass space that offers 360 degree views of the city and beyond.  Cloud formation names, cloud related quotes and places of note are etched on the glass, and if that isn’t enough, wander up the ramp and use the state of the art telescopes that show what the view would be like day or night while you wait for your starters to arrive.

Luke’s name appears to be embossed on everything, as if you could forget who owns the joint.  But I guess when you create a place like this you have every reason to want your name on it.  The service was a little overbearing and the meal certainly wasn’t cheap, but it was a serious celebration and the bill fitted…well…the bill.

The food is modern Aussie; a little fusion in places but it works.  The Dukkah and olive oil  to dip your bread in were divine and set the tone for the meal ahead.  Set out as small plates the menu is large but the idea is to choose and share many rather than just get starter and mains per person.  It is also a good option if you have vegetarians in your midst – plenty to choose from for everyone. The meats are varied, well hung and of course grilled, and the line caught snapper was spanking fresh and beautifully presented. The curried pumpkin samosa didn’t pack as much punch as we had hoped but the compressed beetroot was delicate and tasty, and the ‘Salt’ signature salad was really very good.  In fact we would be happy to go and just have that for a light lunch.

Lunch can be a very bright affair – midday in a glasshouse – I am sure you can imagine.  But by night the vista is magical; all twinkly and sparkly…very romantic.

The easiest way to get the the restaurant is to drive – hand your car over to the valet and take the escalator one floor down.  Go straight to the fourth floor concierge and get escorted up.  Getting there after the shopping mall has closed for the day is a little more complicated: enter the building via ION Walk (this is the passage between ION and Wisma). Take the escalator up to Level 4, and then take the lift from ION Art to Level 55.

Opening Times: 11.30am-3pm & 6pm-10.30pm daily

Sky Bar Opening Times: 6pm-11.30pm Mon-Fri, 6pm-2.30am Sat & Sun

Wine Bar Opening Times: 11.30am-22.30pm daily (but closed between 5pm & 6pm)

EN HAUTE JOAILLERIE

Paragon (#01-17)

290 Orchard Road

Singapore 238859

T: (+65) 6887 3377

Looks like a very upmarket patisserie from the outside and looks very, very expensive.  But it isn’t and prices are all negotiable.  You need to ask for May who is wonderful and really knows her stuff. Her husband is the actual jeweller who creates the designs and will do your alterations and resettings.  Great for contemporary bling (there is a  huge diamond ring in there for $5,000 that we swear is amazing value – our husbands are less convinced) and also great if you have a ghastly brooch from Aunt Agatha that you want to turn in to something wearable but haven’t found anyone you trust enough to do it.  May’s your girl.

Ask for: May

Opening Times: 10am-8.30pm daily

CHARN’S CUSTOMCRAFT

1010 Bukit Merah Lane 1 (#01-105)

Singapore 159724

E: charns@singnet.com.sg

T: (+65) 6271 7054

We found this place because it was the nearest garage on AXA’s approved list of workshops…and they are brilliant. Ask for Sharon who is the daughter’s owner. After quite a few bumps and scrapes I now know that it is not always wise to claim on your insurance.  In fact, you should only claim if it’s a serious sum of money. Otherwise be warned, because if you’ve claimed more than twice, a lot of insurers won’t touch you and you are deemed uninsurable.  They are ways round this (see entry below: Clement who runs Motor Insurance Quotes). One is to get Sharon to fix your car and pay for it yourself. Her prices are reasonable, her chaps can polish out little scrapes in seconds (I am such a good customer that she no longer charges me to do this…not sure what that says about my driving ability) and her costs for spare parts are more than fair.

Ask for : Sharon

Opening Times: 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri; 9am-2.30pm Sat.  Closed Sun

MOTOR INSURANCE QUOTES

https://motorinsurancequotes.com.sg

T: (+65) 9858 7298 

This is a one man band and is run by a guy called Clement who is a lifesaver.  I had 3 claims on record in under 2 years and was deemed uninsurable when it came to renewing our car insurance. Clement, besides being able to shop around to find you the best insurance deals out there (similar to Expat Motors – see Links), can also advise you on what the hell to do if you find yourself in this position. We now have insurance and are not paying through the nose for it.

STA VEHICLE INSPECTION

302 Sin Ming Road

Singapore 575627

T: (+65) 6452 1398

If you are buying a second hand car, it’s worth getting it checked out by someone completely impartial who can tell you whether or not the engine is in working order, what is and isn’t wrong with it, and whether it’s been in any accidents.  STA has 3 branches: one near Upper Thomson (listed above), one around Commonwealth (T: (+65) 6476 0988) and one near Ubi (T: (+65) 6261 6178) and are the guys to call for a complete car inspection.  They issue a report afterwards too.  Costs around $128 including tax.  See website for more details and exact locations.  Most garages that sell second hand cars have heard of STA and will know where their nearest branch is and will drop off your prospective set of wheels with them for testing.

SHENKO 

T: (+65) 90600363

JACKSON FRAMER

40 Jalan Hang Tuah

37 Taman Skudai Baru

Johor

Malaysia

T: (018) 6019 7133 639

Jackson and his wife have run their picture framing business from here (their home) for 18 years and they are brilliant.  If you are sick of paying Holland Village prices or have a heap of framing that you need to get done and want something that is even better value (and better finished) that our much loved and pretty reasonably priced Star Framers off Farer Road, then hop over to Johor Bahru and go and see him.  While you are there, it could only be called good use of time to do some shopping (great fakes in Holiday Plaza but you’ve got to be prepared to hunt around for them) and eating (try the Peking duck in the Chinese restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Mutiara Hotel, handily right next door to Holiday Plaza).  Jackson speaks Malay and Chinese fluently as well as a bit of English.  To be sure he’ll be around when you are, the best idea is to send him a simple email (in English) to this address: jacksoncheang@hotmail.com. Or get your friend who speaks Malay or Chinese to call him and book you in (thank you Carla & Angel).  Once you are there and face to face with each other, communication in English is easy.  Plus you can physically see what frames and mountings you are choosing, so it’s all quite straight forward.  Jackson is very professional and can make helpful suggestions in terms of the colours mounts should be etc…when you are framing 33 pictures in a oner, you need this as a sanity check.  He has a good choice of frames and quite a few samples and examples to look at. Quick turn around time too. Ours was 2 weeks, which is impressive.

BTW: Jackson is slightly out of town in a leafy suburb, about a 10 minute drive from the centre of Johor Baru.  Our GPS failed us and couldn’t recognise Jackson’s street name, so we just hailed a cab in JB and followed behind it all the way to his house.  Worth doing rather than map reading and cost 20RM (just under $10).  Also, if you are crossing the Causeway from SG to JB on a weekend, make sure you go early as traffic can be murder.  You can then kill time with a buffet brek at the very smart – no, really, it is – Thistle Hotel (formerly the Hyatt) right in the centre of town.  Far more civilised than queuing in traffic…and they will even let you use their pool, post breakfast.

Opening Times: By appointment

TWO PIGS

acarewjones@gmail.com

T: (+65) 9654 5731

This little gem of a jewellery find is strictly word of mouth and is run by Angel Carew-Jones who is super talented and under prices her fabulous, fun jewellery.  Majoring in earrings there are also bracelets and necklaces.  She does private sales only (she was a leading light in Retail Therapy’s Wheelock store), just  SMS or call for an appointment. She will also make bespoke creations upon request.  Names of pieces are playful – like her designs: Bubble Gum (pictured on the left), Me & Mrs M, Skeleton in the Closet, Jolly Bolly.  Think classic components assembled with a sometimes witty twist: pearl, jade, glass, crystal and more. We love!  Prices start from $28 and go up to around $200+.

Opening Times: By appointment only

HONEYPOT

Pacific Plaza (#03-02)

9 Scotts Road

Singapore

www.honeypotwaxboutique.com

T: (+65) 6235 0286

I am a Brazilian. Where it counts, anyway.  An addictive beauty must, at Honeypot they are friendly and brilliant. It was one of the early ‘all off’ wax joints before Strip took its grip on the island and it does a great job without reducing waxing styles to an overhead Starbucks style menu with an endless and annoying choice of wax. Take a package out and its only $52 a session (vs regular $63).  Hot wax is used here vs strip wax and it really is pretty painless.  They say that if you go one week either side of your time of the month, it hurts even less.  They have a slightly outdated and annoying sexy kitty décor thing going on but actually, all that does is reinforce the fact that these guys are good…as they’ve obviously been here for years (5 in fact).   Oh, and there is a strict no double dipping policy, so sticks only go in to the wax once before being thrown away – very clean and a lot less chance of the dreaded red bumps because of this.  They have 2 other outlets including one in Taka – see website for more details.  Eldyn in the Pacific Plaza outlet (just a hop, skip and an overpass away from Far East Plaza) is matter of fact and motherly.

Opening Times: 11am-8pm Mon- Sat; 11am-7pm Sun

Ask for: Eldyn

MARUTI TEXTILES

93 Arab Street

Singapore 199789

T: (+65) 6392 0253

A great place to take visitors to and brilliant if you are after tasteful (as well as not so tasteful) printed Indian cotton tablecloths and napkins.  Everything in the shop slightly reminds me of the wall hangings I used to have at university but some designs are really quite OK and work well on an outside table.  Avoid the blue elephant design on a white background (just too predictably expat but totally allowed if you are visiting Singapore and live in England).  They also sell lovely hand painted papier mache eggs that are great to hang on gnarled hazel branches at Easter time. Go and stock up before they run out. They had one woman come in the day before I did and buy 100.

Opening Times: 9.30am-6pm Mon-Sat, 2pm-6pm Sun

AG MARKETING

#01-183 Block 21 Ghim Moh Road

Singapore

T: (+65) 9108 5418

This has a ridiculous name and a tricky sounding address, but it’s really very easy to find and sells really rather decent copy handbags (as well as a bunch of other things which are fab kids goody bag fillers). Park at Ghim Moh market and then walk down the left hand side of the market (as you are looking at it).  There are a row of shops also to your left, all facing towards the wet market (there is a pizza place – actually quite good – an optician etc).  AG is at the very end of this row with a blue awning.  OK, so the quality is not ‘triple A’ but its not at all bad and most definitely worth a look.  Cath Kidson is his speciality and they are pretty pass-off-able.  Around $13 for a tote. He has Longchamps too which are equally good and vary in size, so if you want a classic sized bag, be lucky as they are not always in stock.  Cute Marc Jacobs clutches/make up bags too.  Go for lunch at Ghim Moh market afterwards (see Eat Me, Drink Me Local for Ghim Moh market hawker loves).  He also has great value ‘character’ rucksacks for kids (Dora etc) as well as other 3-5 year old stuff that they all adore.

Opening Times: 7.30am-6.30pm daily

AKANOYA ROBATAYAKI

Orchard Parade Hotel (#01-01)

1 Tanglin Road

Singapore 247905

T: (+65) 6732 1866

We are: Proper Japanese with price tags to rival restos in Tokyo

Where: Orchard end of Tanglin Road

We’re: Full of Japanese people who know about good food

Wear: Something sleek and stylish; everyone looks at you when you walk in

Best described as a little piece of Japan.  Once you have been here once, it will become a firm favourite.  A great place to take (or even better, be taken to by) visitors, there is just the right dose of drama, seasoning, exquisite food and good sake (we insist on hot).  No prices, so just close your eyes and go for it; you sit around a marketplace array of refrigerated fresh produce that has just arrived from Japan and simply order with your eyes – i.e. point at what looks good and it will be cooked for you.  Must tries are the kobe beef skewers which are melt in your mouth deliciousness as well as the ginko nuts, cooked and served with just the perfect amount of salt added to them.  There are three sections to the restaurant, each with an identical display of food and with two chefs to each station.  The food is cooked in front of you and delivered to diners via a wooden paddle.

Opening Times: 6.30pm-1am (last orders 12.30pm)

ZERO TO HERO

Holland Village Shopping Centre (#02-26B)

211 Holland Avenue

Singapore

T: (+65) 6466 0722

We love this toy shop.  It’s small, quite basic and sells great books; but what we can’t get enough of is their Alex rag dolls.  Made from shiny, wipe clean white fabric, they come with a set of washable felt tip pens and will keep little people quiet for hours.  Once they have finished ‘styling’ them, just dip in to water, dry, and you are ready to go again.  We can’t fly without it.  Other varieties include a doodle poodle, pony or ted. Priced at $26.90. (Holland V SC can sometimes be a bit of a maze – just take the escalator up to the 2^nd floor, turn left – away from Lims – and beyond the linen store you will find Zero to Hero, on the right hand side).

Opening Times: 10.30am-7pm daily

WATSON’S

#B2-06/10 Ngee Ann City

391 Orchard Road

Singapore 238872

www.guardian.com.sg

T: (+65) 6735 4936

This is the most massive pharmacy on the whole island. If you are looking for something elusive and want to cut out the smaller and medium branches, with their varying and area dependent stock, this is the big mamma. What’s even better is that on the off chance it doesn’t have what you want, pop next door to a regular sized GUARDIAN (#B2-05) which will.  Either that, or it is not for sale in Spore.

BTW: If you want a pharmacy that is open before 9am, try the GUARDIAN in Holland Village, which is open from 8am, and is almost next door to the 24 hour Cold Storage (or just go to Cold Storage). It’s just a regualr sized pharmacy though – nothing like the monolith listed above – but we were thrilled with a before 9 opening time.

Opening Times: 10am-10pm daily

896 Dunearn Rd

Singapore 589472

www.tottstore.com

T: (+65) 6219 7077

As if Phoon Huat and Sia Huat weren’t quite enough for this little town, this slightly oddly named catering cavern has just opened its’ doors to customers in the Bukit Timah (King Albert Park) area.  Gargantuan barely covers it.  The place is a veritable warehouse, at least in size, generously packed with just about anything a foodie or cook could desire across no less than 36,000 square feet!  It isn’t wholesale but it also isn’t astronomically expensive.  The name in fact stands for Tools Of The Trade; and they do indeed stock everything from that elusive Tamis, a decent ice cream scoop (four different sizes), new Kitchenaid mixers, wooden spoons as long as your arm and pots that you could fit a five year-old in!  They also stock half decent Belgian chocolate couverture, a few dry ingredients, and at the checkout you can sign yourself up for a workshop and grab a coffee. There is also everything you could possibly require for the table – glassware, crockery and cutlery abound. If you are really a serious cook, give yourself a good hour or two here…if nothing else to try and gauge the sheer volume of different culinary gems they stock.   Chef heaven.

Opening Times: 10.30am-9.30pm daily

SOFRA

#02-42 Shaw Tower

100 Beach Road

Singapore 189702

www.sofra.com.sg

T: (+65) 6291 1433

A Turkish restaurant on the second floor of Shaw Towers, this joint is worth a trip but not necessarily a pilgrimage.  Fabulous for veggies and a real find if you are craving decent Arab (ish) food.  Their sesame puffed breads and wood-fired oven baked flatbreads are really very good.  They also do classic stuffed vine leaves, very good eggplant dishes and a decent smooth Houmous (though ours was a little dry at the edges).  Their Cacik (Turkish version of Tzatziki) is delicious and their kebabs are definitely worth a try.  It is not a very exciting mall destination and is decidedly dead after six…but brave the ghost town and get some decent Arab food in this hidden gem.  It gives most of the food on Arab Street a run for its’ money and there are certainly less tourists but you won’t be able to get a beer here…strictly no alcohol…but the bill for four of us filling our boots came to $100!

Opening Times: noon til 9pm daily

EL PATIO

If mexican is your thing then you will struggle in Singapore.  Check out Taqueria – a tiny shack with outdoor tables at the top of the hill in Phoenix Park off Tanglin Road – but only go between 12 and 1.00 on weekdays.  The rest of the time it is either closed or has run out of the good stuff.  They are mean with their guacamole and salsa but it is good.  It is also very cheap and there fish tacos are really not bad at all.  All ingredients are fresh and everything is cooked to order.  But that isn’t what we’re talking about here.

Nestled on a strip that can only really be described as Singapore’s answer to Puerto Banus, El Patio is halfway up the Holland Village main drag.  Beware though, it is nestled slap bang next to another restaurant that is not good at all – unless of course you are after processed cheese and refried beans out of a can. Actually, if I could be sure they were straight out of the can I would be a little less uncomfortable about eating there…need I say more? El Patio is the one with the lovely poncho tablecloths and they give you freshly made tomato salsa  and real corn chips while you think about what to eat.  They do the best fresh lime juice that is delivered to you in a jar – very authentic and their food has not disappointed yet.  It is not really anywhere to write home about – but it ain’t bad – and the service ain’t too terrible either!

Opening Times: basically 11am-11pm, but can be flexible – worth calling to book to avoid disappointment!

Wanderlust Hotel

2 Dickson Road

Singapore 209494

www.restaurantcocotte.com

T: (+65) 6298 1188

What: Rustic French fare

Where: Little India

Wear: Boho chic

We’re: Quite expensive for our ulu location, but very much a new, hip hotspot for those in the know

Cocotte means either a prostitute or something slow cooked in a casserole dish, but we assume this restaurant’s name draws its inspiration from the latter.  Serves delicious food coupled with faultless delivery and flare – but then again it’s pretty expensive for what it is, so we would expect nothing less.  Prices are around $30 for a main with a bottle of house (Rhone red) around the $75 mark.  Champs is $28 a glass which makes it more expensive that the Aston Bar at the St Regis.  But great fun and stylish and a bit of a hidden away gem.  Try it.

Opening Times:  12pm-2.30pm daily except Sun; 6.30pm-10.30pm Mon-Thu; 6.30pm-11pm Fri & Sat

KU DE TA

Marina Bay Sands Sky Park

1 Bayfront Avenue

Singapore

www.kudeta.com.sg

T: (+65) 6688 7688

Either we’ve become very good at justifying our drinking, or this really does make sense….instead of paying $20 a head to visit the MBS SkyPark here, book a table at Ku De Ta where you will only pay around $15 a drink.  A veritable bargain.  OK, so you can’t walk around on all the different levels like you can if you do the proper MBS tour, but so what.  Very cool.  Booking most definitely required.  BTW: Worth saying that KTD is a franchise and this is the same, in name only, to the Bali original.  The cocktails sound the same too (Early Grey martini etc) but be warned – they are not a patch on those shaken up overlooking the Seminyak sands…shame.  As one barman told us after we sent a concoction back, as it tasted like a different drink to what we were knowingly anticipating, they are not mixologists here at KDT MBS like the Bali boys are.  From the horse’s mouth.

Opening Times:  6pm-4am daily

SKYPARK

Marina Bay Sands

Level 57

1 Bayfront Avenue

Singapore

T: (+65) 6688 8868

A must if you’re visiting and even if you live here, a complete compulsory on the basis that everyone’s always talking about it.  Stunning views and make hotel guests feel like goldfish as you watch them in the Jacuzzi or fabulous infinity pool.  Adults pay $20 per person and children over two cost $14. The entrance fee covers a rather ‘looser’ listening guide, the size of an 80’s mobile phone, that you can hold to your ear and which does actually tell you quite a bit of info on buildings and what you are actually looking at – if you can bear it.

Opening Times: 10am-10pm daily.  Last entry at 9.30pm

HAO PEI

Zion Riverside

Singapore

What: DTF goes hawker

Where: Riverside hawker centre opposite Great World City

Wear: Flip flops and T

We’re: Established with a big following

This hawker centre is just opposite Great World City and you have probably driven past it lots of times before but never stopped…but now you have the best reason to: Dumpling Auntie.  Her stall is actually called: Hao Pei and she has been here for about 30 years.  Her son now helps her and everything, from the noodles casing to the pork mince which is non fatty and flavoured with herbs, is made to her own recipe.  There is a minimum order of 10 dumplings for $6 and they come 2 ways: steamed or fried. Both are delicious and although the filling is identical, taste quite different.  Wash it down with some freshly made, cancer-busting soursop juice, or a coconut, from CHUN KEE FRESH FRUIT JUICE a few stalls down, sit at a table by the riverside, eat and enjoy.

Opening Times: 12pm-2pm; 5pm-8pm daily, EXCEPT Tue & Wed when she is closed

SUN WITH MOON

Wheelock Place (#03-15/16/17)

501 Orchard Road

Singapore 238880

T: (+65) 6733 6636

What: Stylish sush

Where: Orchard

Wear: Sleek city chic

We’re: Good shopping stop-off point

Stylish sushi, generally more a la carte than conveyor belt (the latter is always a preference but a good, stylo place is hard to find here – suggestions anyone?) with a heavy steer towards set menu choices. Good.  Reserve for lunch on weekends as it gets quite busy.  Ask to sit in section 1 (with ‘pod’ seats) or section 6 (curtains and cushions).

Opening Times: 12pm-11pm Mon-Thu & Sun; 5pm-12am Fri & Sat only

SPICES CAFÉ

Concorde Hotel

100 Orchard Road

Singapore 238840

www.singapore.concordehotelresorts.com

T: (+65) 6739 8370

What: Good stab at representing all the local food types in SG – lunch only though

Where: Orchard

Wear: Hotel-smart

We’re: Great if you are short of time and want to tick some boxes

Come here at lunchtime and they serve a delicious, authentic Peranakan buffet.  Great for nyonya nosh novices who get to see what each dish looks like before committing…the lunch is actually named ‘Singapore Flavours’ and also showcases food from other dialect groups including  Hainanese, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew, Malays and the Indians all at once during lunchtime.  Perfect if you are visiting and short of time but want to try several specialty dishes.

Opening Times: 12pm-2.30 Mon-Fri only

GISELA’S SILVER

25 Vanda Drive

Singapore

www.gisela.com.sg

T: (+65) 6887 5506 or (+65) 9677 4644

We discovered this little gem of an enterprise at one of the expat fairs, but these guys aren’t like all the other stalls….they are actually good value.  Sweet for solid sterling silver Christmas and birthday pressies and brilliant for Christening gifts too.  We love their Tiffany’s style key rings that you can customise with an initial.  Key rings range from $25-$35 depending on size (bigger is better) and silver letters are around the $25 mark.

Opening Times: By appointment

MUTTS & MITTENS

11 Pasir RisFarmway 2

Singapore 519326

www.muttsnmittens.com

T: (+65) 6583 7371 or 7372

Never feel guilty about putting your pet in to ‘storage’ again. This place is really well run and they love animals (not necessarily true with some of them out there).  They take in a host of stays which they keep on as pets and all the dogs and cats are happy and well walked and cared for.  They are miles out of town but will collect and deliver for $60, regardless of where you live.   Charges don’t come cheap (but what good boarding kennel is a bargain?) and start from around $15 a day for a small breed of dog.  This is for a run with no air con which is lovely and shaded with fans running constantly.  A kennel with air con will cost you $25 a day.  Walks are $3 for 15 minutes and there is a onetime compulsory charge upon check-in for tick prevention  ($20) as well as a compulsory grooming session ($15).  Slightly annoying, but then again you don’t want your dog to pick something up from a mangy mutt, so I see why they insist upon this.

Opening Times: 9am-5pm daily

ODDS ‘N’ COLLECTABLES

128 Telok Ayer Street

Singapore 068597

T: (+65) 6323 0043

This is a super fun street to wander down (make sure you are this end of it – the other end is not so good and more officey) and this shop is the only one of it’s kind. A glimpse of Singapore in days gone by.  Stuffed high (literally you can’t actually get to the things at the back of the shop) with relics of the old Singapore, duck your head as you pass antique bird cages and stuffed crocs; this is SG’s version of London’s Portabello market – all crammed in to one shop.  Everything for sale has been sourced from here – either knick knacks from old houses or things snapped up by the knowledgeable owner at auctions.  Super fun browsing and those with a good eye will be in heaven, although it’s not as cheap as you think it’s going to be – be warned!  A good street to take in with visitors.  Don’t forget to call in at Truffs (see EAT ME, DRINK ME, Sweet Stuff) as well as the Chinese temple – all on the same stretch.

Opening Times: 1pm-6pm daily

283 South Bridge Road

Singapore 058832

T: (+65) 6224 4911

We’ve always wanted to try this but until now have never found the time, but this is a scream to do with guests after a tour of China town and lunch at Mr Wong’s esteemed noodle joint Lan Zhou La Mian (see EAT ME, DRINK ME Local) just round the corner.  Come here and plunge your feet in to an ionised foot bath and watch the colour of the water change according to how toxic you are.  Quite scary (my water was black at the end, with fizzy bits) and whether or not it really detoxes you, it certainly feels as if it has.  Good hangover cure (it could just be that the noodles we ate for lunch beforehand were delicious and did the trick all on their own) and a peaceful way to spend half an hour.   Costs around $30 per person. Post treatment, pop next door to Tong Heng for one of their legendary egg tarts (see BUY ME, Groceries & Goodies)

Opening Times: 10.30am-8.30pm Mon-Sat. Closed Sun

FUJI FOOT REFLEXOLOGY

Orchard Towers (#01-19)

400 Orchard Road

Singapore 238875

T: (+65) 6235 7990 or (+65) 8180 3883 or (+65) 9752 7308

Brilliant reflex joint; just how we like it – not too painful but very restorative and healing and they touch on all the right spots.  But never mind all that, what we love is that they also do a home service – get your feet massaged while you watch a DVD in the comfort of your own home.  Lush! It’s around $65 per hour for a home visit and they’ll charge you the cost of the cab to come and go, at cost.

Opening Times: 10am-11pm daily

DANOVEL

Tanglin Shopping Centre (#02-54/55)

19 Tanglin Road

Singapore 247909

www.danovel.com

T: (+65) 6235 5020

Great, but pricey, place for unusual cushions.  We love their navy offering with a real piece of white, knotted rope on the front which is the perfect present for the person who has everything…even their own boat.

Opening Times: 10am-7pm daily. Closed Sun

PUPPY CLIP GROOMING

733 Bukit Timah Road (#02-01) – at junction with 2^nd Avenue

Singapore 269748

T: (+65) 6463 6738 or (+65) 9751 1911

Sophia loves dogs (sounds like a prerequisite but it isn’t and lots of grooming parlours out there are mean to them) and does a great Schnauzer cut, as well as all other possible cuts depending on the breed of your mutt.  She is the best we have found and although it may cost more than your haircut, (it will if you visit the brilliant Jeremy at Maison Hairmake – see MIRROR, MIRROR Hairdressers – Cut & Colour) around the $40 mark is not too bad.  To put it in perspective, we were quoted $70 at the Holland Village pet grooming station inside the Pet Lovers Centre there.

Opening Times; 10am-8pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

WINE CONNECTION

Robertson Walk

11 Unity Walk (#01-06)

Singapore 237995

T: (+65) 6238 6878

OK, this is very mainstream but such a great place for reasonably priced, good booze. Come to this branch and you can park just outside and fly in (vs being mauled by malls).  Try Fat Bastard wine (around $30) which is a great French find.  They also do a delicious set euro-style set dinner around the $30 mark (we had v good chicken liver pate, followed by delicious crispy duck leg; pud was disappointing but at this price, who cares) as well as a snackier bar menu which allows you to pick reasonably priced cheeses and other small dishes, tapas style. We are longing to try their raclette dinner which you have to be organised enough to pre order the day before.  There is a minimum of 4 people to eat it too.

Opening Times: 10am-2am Mon-Sat; 10am-12am Sun

HONG KONG JIN TIAN

58 Seng Poh Road (#01-15)

Tiong Bahru

Singapore

On the other side of the road, opposite the main entrance to Tiong Bahru market, we were introduced to this place by Desmond who has a stall in TB selling the best durian in town: this is as good an intro to a locally loved duck joint as we are ever going to find.  They don’t speak much English here but it doesn’t matter – their duck is worth the trip and is juicy and delicious.  They understand enough in terms of you buying a portion, a whole duck or half a duck.  Their char siu (roast pork) is yummy and is a must as well as their siu yok (crispy pork belly).  They are generous with their gravy and chilli sauces and make sure you also ask for their chopped green chilli which they sometimes forget to give you.  A delicious Sunday supper with or without people to share it with.

Opening Times: 7am-9pm daily.  They are closed for 2 Wednesdays a month, but we weren’t quite sure which.  Always open during CNY which is very useful to know when everything else seems to shut up shop.

THE LANDING POINT

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

80 Collyer Quay

Singapore 049326

www.fullertonbayhotel.com

T: (+65) 6333 8388

Fun and chic tea spot which is perfect after a tour of the MBS skypark.  Beautifully presented on very traditional circular Chinese stands, nothing disappoints except that perhaps we could have done with more sandwiches (the ones we had were delicious – more please); there were cakes and scones aplenty but if you are in a savoury mood, there is are not enough sarnies to satisfy.  The tea is leaf and proper (vs The Raffles’ disappointing bags) and the jam to accompany the scones looks, at first blush, rather hideous and processed but is actually delicious and, we think, handmade.

Opening Times: Tea is served madam, from 3pm-5.30pm daily

ALBA

35 Keong Saik Road

Singapore 089142

T: (+65) 6224 1501

An Italian restaurant with a Japanese influence, this is delish and doesn’t disappoint without blowing the budget.  The chef is Japanese and he spent 4 years cooking in Italy where he has certainly learned a thing or two.  The downside is that it is quite a bossy restaurant that will only let you order their chefs menu on weekends, or when they are busy, whereas on a quiet weekday you can choose between the chefs menu and the set menu.  The service wasn’t great but warmed up a lot; when we arrived it was terrible and we were given the wrong menus after rather a long wait for them.  Wine is pricey but good – the cheapest is around $80 a bottle and it’s all Italian.  Their house white was faultless though.  Food wise, although you can’t necessarily choose, their almost raw scallop gratin served in gorgeous little Le Creusier pots was heaven.  Their sea urchin spaghetti is mind blowing too, but only served twice a week (Tue and Fri) to ensure absolute freshness – call ahead to ask whether or not they have it in before going….it is that good.  The tiramisu was bitter and brilliant.  On the flip side of the coin, the only other gripe apart from those we’ve already whined on about above, were that they were quite keen on trying to bounce you in to the sections of the menu that had a surcharge attached to them… a bit boring (esp when surcharge for wagu was $40 pp).  But otherwise, lovely and we’d come back again and again.

Opening Times: 12pm-2pm Mon-Fri; 6.30pm-10pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

IMPERIAL TREASURE SUPER PEKING DUCK RESTAURANT

Paragon (#05-42/45)

Singapore

T: (+65)6732 7838

This does what it says on the tin.  It is a super restaurant if you want to eat heavenly Peking duck.  Build you meal around it and major on the Peking duck rather than just having it as a starter.   They don’t major in the skin only pancakes (which can sometimes be too rich) and instead it’s a crispy skin and meat mix.  Any leftover meat they’ll serve to you with noodles or minced in lettuce leaves.  Their pancakes are faultless and the best we’ve had.

Opening Times: 11.30am-2.45pm; 6pm-10.30pm Mon-Sat.  10.30am-2.45pm; 6pm-10.30pm Sun

PROCACCI

Customs House (#01-04)

77 Collyer Quay

Singapore 049323

T: (+65) 6532 9939

Part of the Florentine powerhouse and it has travelled well. We love it here and have nicknamed it ‘Pork Scratchy’ as it does rather sound like that when you say their name fast! Delicious lunches served up at around $30+ if you go for the set, three course lunch menu which is faultless.  It’s also a great place for dinner.  Surprisingly not too hideously expensive which so many authentic and proper Italian joints can be over here.  Our only criticism would be one of decor/vibe as it’s a bit too corporate feeling for our tastes if you eat inside (no choice if you go at lunchtime though as it’s just too darn hot to be out on one of their waterside tables.  Make sure you go al fresco for dinner though).  CBD location is balanced by Procacci being in Customs House which is like a little oasis of low rise tranquility, dwarfed on all sides by skyscrapers and the mass of office workers within them; its close proximity to Lantern Bar (see EAT ME, DRINK ME Raising the Bar) and waterside setting.  BTW: there is no parking at customs house. You can either valet park at Fullerton Bay Hotel for $10 (and walk through the hotel until you reach their outdoor decked area which connects to Customs House) or park in the Microsoft building’s multistory car park which is on the corner of Collyer Quay, just before Marina Boulevard, and walk for 2 seconds until you arrive at Custom’s House.

Opening Times: 12pm-2.30pm; 5.30pm-11pm daily  

KINKI

Customs House (#02-02)

70 Collyer Quay

Singapore 049323

www.kinki.com.sg

T: (+65) 6533 3471

Fancy a Kinki Japanese lunch anyone? A lot of people evidently do as this place is packed.  We love it coz of it’s hip, urban edge in a zone (the CBD) where there is not much in the way of raw creativity (nothing shiny and new about this place, except the money you will be paying with); edgy graffiti walls make it a refreshing change from the sleek and manicured offering around…AND the food is super yummy.  Go for what they are famous for which is their maki, and share.  Particular die, die must try faves include the warm unagi and Hokaido scallop maki with tempura, snow crab and avocado.  Puds are short and sweet, basic but delicious and the black sesame seed ice cream highly superior to the slightly too fragrant and creamy green tea one.

Opening Times: 12pm-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm Mon-Fri.  Dinner only on Sat.  Closed Sun

GATTOPARDO

11 Canning Walk

Singapore 178881

www.gattopardo.com.sg

T: (+65) 6338 5498

Part of the Garibaldi group who also own Gunthers and Garibaldi (see EAT ME, DRINK Me/Spoil Me Dinners).  Gattopardo is not wildly different in terms of it’s pricing (think uber splurge) but like the others, it’s utterly delicious and very authentic.  All the food is made with Italian sourced ingredients which does help explain the pricing: the langoustine that was wafted in front of us on their uncooked ‘fish of the day’ viewing platter was so FOB that he was still clutching his boarding pass.  We went with proper Italians who were ordering experts and have deduced the following: if it’s there (not always available) have the very special and very fresh double cream mozzarella (called Burrata) served with Palma ham and salad to start with, followed by a $40 (but so worth it) bowl of tagliatelle al fungi with shavings of black truffle.  If you are only 2 people, it’s much nicer and less corporate to sit at the bar.

Opening Times: 12pm-3pm; 6.30pm-10.30pm daily

insing.com

Great resource and especially good if you want to see something at the movies at a specific time and want to see who is showing it, when and where. Lots of other stuff besides…

19 Smith Street

Singapore 058933

T: (+65) 6327 1286

Where: China Town

We’re: Singaporean Mr Wong (owner) is THE noodle king.  He is so esteemed that mainland Chinese would-be noodle chefs travel to him here in SG, for apprenticeships.

Wear: Whatever

Seriously worth a trip into China Town to go and eat the delicious handmade noodles  and dumplings that are created before your very eyes constantly throughout the day.  They’ve been here for years and the regulars are all locals although you can expect to see a few tourists here too – such is Wong Seng Wai’s reputation.  Ask them what they recommend – we loved their pot sticker dumplings as well as their steamed ones (very DTF but half the price).  On the noodle front, their pork chop noodles and dumpling noodles are winners at around $8 a dish.  It’s also a very good place to take any veggies who may be lurking in your midst – great local vegetarian food is pretty hard to find.  Try their spring onion pancake as well as homemade tofu. The owner’s wife speaks perfect english and gets that cooking things in pork fat doesnt make it vegetarian any more.  (Parking is easy – come early and park in the open air coupon-only car park just off South Bridge Road – at the junction with Erskine Road – to the side of yellow Maxwell Food Centre.)

Opening Times: 12pm-11pm daily

MAJESTIC RESTAURANT

New Majestic Hotel

31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road

Singapore 089845

www.restaurantmajestic.com

T: (+65) 6511 4718

Where: China Town

We’re: Seriously scrumptious nouvelle Chinese nosh

Wear: Shanghai Tangs

The lunchtime crowd here – you may be surprised to learn – is 100% local.  The evening crew is more expat.  The food here is excellent and their beautifully executed modern Chinese cuisine is what has earned them their reputation; which they work hard to protect.  Portions are not pint sized, but perfect, and their puddings are excellent too.  We loved their wasabi prawn/foie gras/Peking duck starter and the deep fried durian ice cream is a must.  Ask for guidance when ordering, they all know their stuff and can steer you in to some great choices.  Come early and go for drinks at the bar first.

Opening Times: 11.45am-2.30pm; 6.30pm-10.30pm daily

JOO HING RESTAURANT

360 Joo Chiat Road

Singapore 427605

T: (+65) 6345 1503

Where: East

We’re: Properly local, properly delicious and properly good value Chinese food

Wear: Whatever

If you are ang moh, you’ll be the only one here.  This is a find and it served delicious food which is easy to order from a very unscary menu that is printed in both English and Chinese.  Be warned that the food does not look pretty, and is served on orange tupperwear, but, it is DELICIOUS. Their beancurd with prawn tofu is to die for and they also do a very good sweet and sour pork.  You can order a specially prepared fried fish which is crispy and fresh, and the venison with ginger and spring onion is also definitely worth ordering.  The restaurant is actually famous for it’s fish head which is good, but for us, not the main event.  Veggie wise, the double egg with chinese spinach has both century and salted egg and was ‘die, die must try’.  Tiger beer is available and costs just $3.50 or opt for a pot of Chinese tea like everybody else does.

Opening Times: 11am-2pm; 5pm-10pm Tue-Sun.  Closed Mon

TONG HENG

285 South Bridge Road

Singapore 058833

T: (+65) 6223 3649 or (+65) 6223 0398

This place is famous for it’s egg tarts. They are so delicious that frankly, it’s well worth double parking and leaping out to buy a box of at least 6.  They are perfect if you have people to tea and cost a little more than $1 a tart.  (Where else can you find prices like those? Not even Geylang!)  Crumbly, flaky pasty cases and with a smooth custard filling that is – very crucially – not too sweet.  Like a delicious French/Euro pastry they are in fact a hangover from the days when the Portuguese were here.

LANTERN

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

80 Collyer Quay

Singapore 049326

www.fullertonbayhotel.com

T: (+65) 6333 8388

New and fabulous, we think this is one of the best bars in SG.  Very Katy Perry and Russell Brand in vibe, this gives you awesome views over iconic MBS which we can’t seem to get enough of.  Granted, it’s not as high as 1 Altitude, but it’s miles better, and miles hipper.  They seem to have a policy of pretending to be terribly busy but in reality it’s not that hard to get a table/lounger, but you do need to book…when we were there, even hotel guests were being turned away.  The food is not worth ordering (over priced and tiny portions), eat first and come here for some post supper slurping.

Opening Times: 12pm-2am daily

Chinatown Point (#02-01)

133 New Bridge Road

Singapore 059413

T: (+65) 6534 4233

Where: Chinatown Point

We’re: Proper dim sum joint with very local clientelle

Wear: Clothes are not important, it’s all about eating

So-called because the word ‘mouth’ sounds similar to this restaurant’s Chinese name.  Hidden within the mustard coloured building in Chinatown that you’ve probably passed dozens of times before but never been in to, come here for delicious and very local dim sum (they have the usual, easy to navigate tick-list menu with Chinese as well as English).  Pop over to People’s Park Complex (via the link bridge) after you’ve finished for a spot of jewellery shopping (see FUN/Artistic/Creative Fun for details on their amazingly good value jewellery shops, some of which carry ready-made options) before crossing the road to YEW HWA (see BUY ME/FOR HER/Department Stores) which is our shopping mainstay in Chinatown.

Opening Times: 11am-11pm Mon-Fri; 10am-11pm Sat & Sun

GHIM MOH WET MARKET

Block 20

Ghim Moh Road (off Holland Road)

Singapore

One of the most famous wet markets in Singapore and fabulous for your daily dose of fresh veggies/kampong chicken/fish etc.  The food stalls here are legendary at Ghim Moh and make for the perfect local lunch stop, provided you are not looking to go on a Monday (when most wet markets are shut for cleaning).  To get stuck in to the hawker fare, park in the bays to the front of the market, and walk down the right hand side of all the various stalls (vegetable, fish and clothing). You will see a sign telling you that there is a loo on your left. Keep going straight and you are there, in the midst of Ghim Moh’s hawker centre.  Stalls to try that have a legendary following and that are known by most Singaporeans include GUAN KEE for fried char kway teow (#01-12; closed Mon & Fri); there is usually a terrible queue (always a good sign) as it’s just Uncle cooking all on his own…but don’t let this stop you…get in line.  The roast duck at JIU JIANG SHAO LA (#01-45) is also very good and you can ask for as much or little as you want – from a whole duck, chopped, to 1 portion of breast meat only etc.  Add rice, gravy and some veggie and you have lunch fit for a king.

Opening Times: Usually around 5am-2pm is the best time to visit a wet market. Generally, the earlier you go, the less crowded and cooler it is.  Closed Mondays.  Some stalls close on Fridays too and some are even more random and close every alternate Friday - good luck and go figure…

TASTE PARADISE

Ion (#04-07)

2 Orchard Turn

Singapore 238801

www.tasteparadise.com.sg

T: (+65) 6509 9660

Where: Orchard

We’re: A delicious but more low-brow version of Paradise Inn

Wear: Ion-chic gear but anything goes really

Best Chinese restaurant in Ion and really worth finding.  Order anything you like from the menu but the peking duck was crispy deliciousness (have the meat served with ee fu noodles after you’ve had the pancakes).  The starters were incredible and the combination of pan-seared foie gras, wasabi mayonnaise prawn and slice of peking duck with condiments is out of this world/heart attack on a plate.  Far, far superior to Canton-I which isn’t worth it (although it has fabulous décor).

Opening Times: 11am-2,30pm weekdays, 11am-4pm weekends; 6pm-9.30pm daily

TANDOORI RESTAURANT

320 Serangoon Road (#01-26/27/28)

Singapore 218108

T: (+65) 6294 2232

Where: Little India – just next door to Mustafa (slightly further down)

We’re: Northern Indian fabulousness

Wear: Sari – we’re authentic

They’ve been here for 18 years and even have their own chappati chap outside the restaurant, making the very bread that you are going to tear up and dip in to their delicious curry sauces….Come here to eat before, or after, you’ve embarked on the madness of Mustafa (if you suffer from any form of low bloody sugar, eat before you shop)!  Full of a very local clientele, you can’t go far wrong here.  We highly recommend the prawn masala and the saag paneer was delicious too.

Opening Times: 8am-11.15pm daily

SUNSET GRILL

140B Piccadilly – this is what they say their road is, but it isn’t, see below…

Seletar

Singapore

T: (+65) 6482 0244

Where: Seletar

We’re: Chicken wing wonder, in local, kampong setting

Wear: Singlet and shorts

This place is the place to go if you want to eat buffalo wings in Singapore.  In fact, it’s such a legendary, bizarre place that it’s worth coming here – and the other food is good enough to warrant it – even if you don’t.  For starters, it’s deliciously obscure…and in fact an absolute mission to get to. This is mainly because the restaurant, despite what they tell you, is not actually on Piccadilly. You need to drive the length of Piccadilly before spying Old Birdcage Walk; take this road and once on it, follow any signs you see to ‘East Camp’.  There is sometimes the odd ‘Sunset’ sign with rather faded arrows thrown in to the mix, so between both of them, you should be OK.  Drive past the parked, private planes and helis and you are there – at the Singapore Flying Club which is where the restaurant is actually based.  Super low-key, it’s actually a very well oiled machine and VERY busy.  Time it wrong and with no reservation there can be an hour’s wait….(on the weekends they don’t take reservations, so it’s best to go later, just before their last order at 9pm).  Other things to note are that the chilli heat of the chicken wings is rated and starts at a seemingly modest level 1 (hot, hot, hot – do not go higher) and goes up to level 10 – although they say they have an off-menu level 30 for those that dare.  This makes it sound very gimmicky but actually it’s not, and the atmosphere, enhanced hugely by way of strings of fairy lights, the sounds of crickets and the sense of space the deserted green fields far from the city give you, really makes you feel like you’re on holiday.  All the chilli they use here is actually Mexican – Asian chilli is apparently not hot enough.  On the non-spicy front, you can actually ask for level zero buffalo wings; the burger is delicious and the full/half rack of pork ribs, very good too.  Wine is chilled Italian red at around $8 a glass and there is of course Tiger.  Corkage is $20 but probably not really worth it on the basis that this is low-key nosh.

Time it right and they are reputed to have a wonderful view of the sunset…and as it’s located near the Flying Club’s runway, you may even see the odd plane taking off or landing – perfect for children’s tea time…

Opening Times: 4pm-9pm Fri, Sat, Sun; 4pm-9.30pm Mon, Weds, Thu.  Closed Tues

THE FRENCH STALL

544 Serangoon Road (opposite Shell petrol station)

Singapore

www.thefrenchstall.com.sg

T: (+65) 6299 3544

Where: In the most un-French place on earth: Little India

We’re: Bon marche makan

Wear: Casual

Claims to be the only French hawker stall in Singapore, with real hawker prices….which sounds pretty darn good and also rather unlikely.  Certainly more ‘alfresco bistro’ than hawker, it does still managed to serve delicious and great value French fare. Owned and managed by a French chef, who allegedly used to work in a Michelin “starred” restaurant in Paris, and who produces, for the price, pretty decent French fodder.  Do not go off-piste and get adventurous or you will be disappointed.  Stick to the classics; we recommend the chicken liver pate to start with, followed by steak (the veal was not good and the snails weren’t either).  Girls, make sure you pee before you come here as the loo is of the long drop variety – he argues that this is very French and therefore highly authentic!  There is a second branch at MacPherson Lane (T: (+65) 6746 0183 – closed Mondays – check website for details).

Opening Times: 3pm-6pm (desserts only); 6pm-10pm

GOODEAL MARKETING

2 Tagore Lane

Singapore

T: (+65) 6552 0020 or (+65) 9662 0020 (Benson’s handphone)

Benson’s the chap you need to speak to if you come here because he is the only person who speaks English.  Only worthwhile if you are having a party and want to buy around $500 worth of beer, because, a/ they’ll deliver it free of charge – spend less and they won’t and b/the rather measily saving you make vs buying it at Fairprice ($60 for a tray of 24 cans; $54 here) is only worth it if you are bulk buying.

Opening Times: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri; 8pm-5pm Sat; closed Sun

CATHY PHOTO

Peninsula Plaza (#01-11/14)

111 North Bridge Road

Singapore 179098

T: (+65) 6337 4274

As fanatical as we are about a bargain and getting the best price, this is one of our top camera shops for no nonsense practical advice.  You will not pay less than you should if you come here, but nor will you pay more – and they really know their stuff. Recommended to us by a professional Singaporean photographer as being good value and honest and the only place he goes to buy gear, we figured that there is no point reinventing the wheel.  They also have an outlet in Marina Square but the staff are better in this branch.

Opening Times: 10am-7pm Mon-Sat.  Closed Sun

SKILLS & RESOURCES CONSULTANCY

Peninsula Plaza (#03-30)

111 North Bridge Road

Singapore 179098

T: (+65) 6336 3351

A really good, non-expat maid agency that are able to suggest appropriate direct hires from the Philippines.  They are also a good one-stop-shop if you want someone to help out with paperwork, regardless whether or not your maid came through them.  Sadly Rina, who was brilliant, has left them, but ask for whoever is currently in charge.

Opening Times: 11am-9pm daily