These days, everyone seems to be struck by wanderlust. Be it on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat, it’s like EVERYONE is traveling all. at. once!From London to Australia to our (not so very near) Asian neighbours, my friends have been scattering posts on beautiful vistas all over my feed. And the one thing that leaves you drooling in envy. Literally. It’s all that GORGEOUS food!As much as I want to pack my bag and hop onto the next plane like everyone else, unfortunately there’s this furry little issue at home with huge Puss-in-Boots eyes – I have a cat at home. If that’s not enough to pull onto my heart strings, there’s also that minor thing about oh-I-don’t-know… a tattered, flat (most likely because it is empty) purse. Yeah…So with a brutal budget and no time to jet off, I’m here to console all of you with a gastronomical guide of epic proportions that you can take right here on our sunny island. Let’s fly! Whoosh ~
1. Feel like you’re in Indonesia at Pondok Gurame
Indonesian Cuisine
On our first stop, we drop by a comforting makan place that’s preserved in our childhood memories. This warm and inviting restaurant serves Indonesian cuisine set with your rice plate and array of flavourful “lauk-pauk”, fit for a king’s birthday.Bringing in the simplicity of homemade side dishes and the comfort of family feasting – this is not a meal to eat alone if you’re looking to get that full makan pleasure – Pondok Gurame is a great pit stop for the familiar and the traditional.Address: 902 East Coast Parkway, Blk E #01-26, Big Splash, Singapore 449874Telephone: +65 63480982Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 12:00pm to 3:00pm & 6:00pm to 10:00pmGet more info here!
2. Relax and zen out at GREAThai
Rolling on further up, it’s all about harmony. Paying close attention to the sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy, it’s all about achieving the perfect balance. Throw away simplicity and relish the intricate combination of flavours of Thai cuisine.
Creating a harmony of flavours at GREAThai
It’s in the heart of Thai food that you get to experience the complexity and conscientiousness of Thai people. The effort and the care can all be felt in a single bite. In their words, “aroy mak mak”.
East Village OutletAddress: 430 Upper Changi Road #01-06, Singapore 487048
Telephone: +65 6702 7707
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 11.30am to 10.30pm
River Valley OutletAddress: 413 River Valley Road, Singapore 24831
Telephone: +65 6732 7707
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 12:00pm to 11.30pm & Friday to Saturday – 12:00pm to 2:00am
3. You’re now in the Land of the Rising Sun- Japan when you eat at The Ramen Stall
Volcano Ramen
Still roaming about Asia, you can’t miss out on Japanese cuisine. Not only that, this particular place specialises in the one thing that we depend on the most growing up – noodles. No matter what you call it – la mian, ramen or even Maggie, nothing beats the warm comfort of delicious noodles.Arguably from China, this yummy, cheap meal was introduced in the Chinatown of Japan in Yokohama. Brought over during the Meiji era, it provided a simple and common meal that was often featured at portable food stalls in the streets.
Kushiyaki Sets
As it gained in popularity, ramen began to establish itself all over Japan with different parts of Japan offering their own versions. If that’s not tempting enough, you can get a boatload of sashimi or kushiyaki to complete your culinary experience too.
Address: 787 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198755
Telephone: +65 66550800
Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 5:00pm to 6:00am & Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays – 12:00pm to 6:00am
4. Mexico! Get your maracas and sombreros out at Afterwit
Be Dazzled by the Mexican Atmosphere at Afterwit
Now the tourists may think us Asians as the exotic ones but really, the exotic ones for us (or for me at least) have to be the Mexicans. From the sombreros to the bright eye-popping colours, the Mexican culture offers food we never knew we needed i.e. quesadillas and tacos.
Taco-ing about Taste
If you’ve never had thick, cheesy goodness between two pieces of crisp yet soft tortillas or scrumptious bites loaded with meat fillings and accompanied with garnishes, then this is the time. You don’t have to travel across the sea, just across the road at Afterwit can take you to Mexico for a while.Address: 778 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198746Telephone: +65 6299 3508Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm & Friday to Saturday – 12:00pm to 11:00pmGet more info here!
5. Take a Swedish break at Fika
For even more special cuisine to grace your palate, there’s also the ever hard to define Swedish cuisine. Complete with a moose head and stacks of Swedish books on a shelf, the lovely Fika brings us a glimpse of Sweden.
Signature Swedish Meatballs
Even if you know nothing else about Sweden, Ikea’s Swedish meatballs will definitely ring a bell. At Fika, they also have their own Swedish meatballs intact with steamed potatoes and mouthwatering lingonberry sauce. Tart and perfect with the meat.
Beach Road OutletAddress: 257 Beach Rd, Singapore 199539
Telephone: +65 63969096
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday & Eve of Public Holidays – 11:00am to 10:00pm & Friday to Saturday – 11:00am to 11:00pm
Millennia Walk OutletAddress: 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-20-22, Singapore 039596
Telephone:+65 63367234
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
OneKM OutletAddress:11 Tanjong Katong Road #02-K3, Singapore 436950
Telephone: +65 67022456
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
6. You’re in Singapore AND London when you’re at Hyde & Co
Facade of Hyde & Co.
Then of course, there is the awe and wonder of London. It’s a place where everything just seems bigger than life and so much more riveting. If you love the theatre and the arts, then Hyde & Co. is your go to.
A Fusion of Western and Eastern Flavours
From the apt namesake to the snazzy brews paying homage to popular literature and broadway, Hyde & Co will transport you to London instantaneously. If the cute coat hooks on the wall and tea-obsessive quotes don’t do you in then, the elegant, floral teapots sure will. Sneakily though, the fusion food will still keep one foot rooted at home amidst the London vibe.
Address: 785 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198753
Telephone: +65 66355785
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday (Closed on Tuesdays) – 11:00am to 10:00pm & Sunday – 11:00am to 6:00pm
7. Hop to another London stop at Richmond Station
A Feel of Underground London
Since you’re in London, then you should really stop by the suburbs of Richmond. This gritty shop equipped with the iconic red telephone booth and Grenadier Guard in full military attire graffitied on the walls, will take you unexpected.
Crabs Benedict with Freshly Made Crumpets
It may look gritty and grungy but counter that with the freshest crumpets followed by another cup of tea. A quintessential British experience from both the tea room and the underground, capturing the essence of London in one sitting.
Address: 17 Bali Lane, Singapore 189853
Telephone: +65 62914170
Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 11:00am to 10:00pm & Saturday to Sunday – 10:00am to 10:00pm
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