One can hardly find another place undergoing sea changes on so many fronts concurrently- from political, social, economic and maybe even philosophical with the passing away of its founding father- but Singapore is taking everything in stride and few can argue that she is going in all the right directions. From institutional openings like the new Natural History Museum and the spectacular launch of the flagship National Gallery of Singapore housing the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian art, to an increasingly exciting and adventurous gastronomic scene with restaurants and cafés opening in all shapes and sizes, complete with the first Michelin guide published for an Southeast Asian city, it is no wonder Bespokcracy shall always remain partial to Singapore. Our unsurpassed passion for Singapore will always ensure that any recommendations are heartfelt, promising you a stupendous time in this gorgeous little red dot.
wee black book : SINGAPORE EDITION
S H O P
THE GODOWN STORE
If interesting homeware and general things of interest are what you are after, this is the place for you. And personally glad that this brought a sizzle of life to an otherwise rather drappy looking row of shophouses in Zion Road.
44 Zion Road | 6333 8966 | website
COLONY CLOTHING
Come here for an authentic bespoke Japanese retail experience.
83 Clemenceau Ave, UE Square #01-37 | 6733 1173 | website
MAISON IKKOKU
A 3-in-1 concept but go for the menswear with a specialty cocktail to wash it down thereafter. Overall great use for a great space in an ethnically vibrant 'hood.
82 Kandahar St | 6294 0078 | website
SURRENDER
Cool menswear store representing many cult and offbeat brands.
328 North Bridge Road, Raffles Hotel Arcade, #02-31 | 6733 2130 | website
D I S H
LOCAL DELIGHTS
TIONG BAHRU HAWKER CENTRE
A much-needed reminder of the old and local (albeit renovated and entirely comfortable) in the hip and utterly gentrified neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru. The chee kweh and congee are especially famous.
30 Seng Poh Road
And other notable mentions:
Old Airport Road Food Centre
19 Old Airport Road
Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
11 South Bridge Road
Now the best of each representative street dish from all parts of the island:
Char kway teow:
No. 18 Zion Road Char Kway Teow
Zion Riverside Food Centre | 70 Zion Road
Wanton mee:
Koung's Wanton Mee 龔氏雲吞面
205 Geylang Lorong 21A
Laksa:
328 Katong Laksa
53 East Coast Road
Chilli crab:
No Signboard Seafood (the original branch)
414 Geylang Road | 6842 3415
MIN JIANG
(Szechuan/Cantonese)
One of the most reliable Chinese restaurants in town specializing in 2 of the most technically-demanding cuisines in Chinese cooking.
22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel | 6730 1704 (for the food)
5 Rochester Dr | 6774 0122 (for the ambience) | website
HATHAWAY
(Mod-Peranakan)
Updating a much-loved local cuisine which fuses Malay and Chinese cooking always seems a Herculean task but not when it is done to this neat creativity and aplomb.
Block 13, Dempsey Rd 01-07 | 9665 0601 | website
KAZU SUMIYAKI
(Yakitori)
This inn-like yakitori specialist produces such sublime sticks of anything that you just can't stop ordering, well, everything.
5 Koek Rd, Cuppage Plaza 04-05 | 6734 2492
THANYING
(Royal Thai)
This offshoot of the highly-regarded royal thai restaurant in Bangkok is no lesser a cousin and set in a relaxed part of Sentosa.
1 Larkhill Rd, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa | 6825 3881
LABYRINTH
(Modern Singapore)
The restaurant that put the "New Singaporean" culinary movement on the global food map, If you want a dining experience that you can bring your out-of-town friends to brag about how elevated and paradigm shifting Singapore cuisine can be- and surprising any seasoned foodie at that, then this is the perfect place to check out.
8 Raffles Ave, Esplanade Theatres On The Bay, 02-23 | 6223 4098 | website
S N O O Z E
FULLERTON BAY HOTEL
This lovely hybrid of luxury and boutique culminates in a gorgeous property sitting gracefully by the bay and offers romantic views while situating yourself in one of the most comfortable spaces in the vicinity.
80 Collyer Quay | 6333 8388 | website
CAPELLA HOTEL
With sprawling, pedicured grounds showcasing its top-class rooms and villas, it's no wonder even the locals flock here readily to experience this divine hotel.
1 The Knolls, Sentosa | 6377 8888 | website
HOTEL VAGABOND
Resplendent in chic Parisian red is this gem of a hotel situated in the hip Little Arab district. Jacques Garcia is the maestro behind the decor whilst the art that is ubiquitous all around the hotel is carefully curated by the owner himself.
39 Syed Alwi Rd | 6291 6677 | website
