Singapore Creatives Share Their Favourite Places To Eat And Drink In The City

Courtesy of Miao

1/10

MIAO, 25, FASHION & JEWELLERY DESIGNER
This young designer, who goes professionally by a single name, is behind the seven-month-old fashion and accessories label Miao Atelier, which is renowned for its whimsy and playfulness.
Where she likes to eat and drink:
"I love Firangi Superstar (20 Craig Road, #01-03). It offers modern Indian cuisine and the space is a visual journey. I remember the decor being opulent, maximalist, and delightfully outrageous, drawing inspiration from Wes Anderson films and India’s colonial culture. My go-to orders are the This Is Also Not Aloo Gobi, Smoked Tomato & Coriander Mint Chutney, and Black Garlic Butter Naan."

Courtesy of Aik Beng Chia

2/10

AIK BENG CHIA, 56, ARTIST
The man better known by the moniker ABC is renowned for documenting snippets of everyday life through his vibrant, colour-soaked photos, which he archives on his Instagram account.
Where he likes to eat and drink:
"Heap Seng Leong (10 North Bridge Road, #01-5109). I discovered this coffee shop in 2000 and has been documenting it ever since. Known for its exceptionally old-school ambience, it feels as though it's frozen in the 1970s, with its tables, chairs, tiles, and decor. I l0ve the traditional butter kopi, charcoal-grilled kaya toast, and half-boiled eggs."

Courtesy of Melody Teo

3/10

MELODY TEO, 30, OWNER OF SILK TEA BAR AND TEA BREWER & SOMMELIER
Teo's tea room on Sago Street in Chinatown is an intimate and more approachable spot for appreciating premium, single-origin Chinese teas, presented in a bar setting.
Where she likes to eat and drink:
"Check out the Indian restaurant Mustard (32 Race Course Road). It’s cosy, comfortable, and everything is delicious. Among my favourites are the Doi Dharos (lady’s finger cooked in a yoghurt base with Bengali spices), Dal Makhni (a dish of black lentils), Kibti (a rich and spicy baby potato dish with yoghurt and sliced onions), and Radhabollobhi (puffed bread with lentil stuffing). The dining room is small but homely. Mustard is perfect for both a planned intimate catch-up with friends and a last-minute after-work dinner at 9:30 pm. It’s a place that is always on my rotation."

Courtesy of Edo Lio

4/10

EDO LIO, 27, SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR
This social media star, better known as Mozzarella Papi, is our go-to person for Italian recommendations. His candid reviews of Italian restaurants and insights into his life as an Italian growing up in Singapore are invaluable.
Where he likes to eat and drink:
"Micro Bakery Kitchen (#01-05 Serene Centre) is a charming spot run by a young local team who started their own little cafe. It uses exceptionally fresh ingredients, and its pastries and bread are outstanding. I particularly enjoy the Ricotta Tartine and oat cappuccino here."

Courtesy of Lee Su Fern

5/10

LEE SU FERN, 32, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT AESOP SOUTHEAST ASIA
Always at the forefront of culture, Lee and her team are creative minds behind some of the beauty brand's most thoughtful projects, such as the Women’s Library takeover of its stores for International Women’s Day two years ago.
Where she likes to eat and drink:
"Italian restaurant Fico (1300 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Park Area F) is perfect for ordering sharing plates and offers a splendid view of our coastline. I’ve always found it fascinating that our coastline is dotted with shipping vessels. My favourite dish there is the Denti Del Drago pasta with white ragu, and the Burrata Gelato with strawberry and tomato jam.

I also love Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata (300 Joo Chiat Road). It’s a local gem with a view of the bustling neighbourhood crossroad. I enjoy watching people from all walks of life dine here, from families and children to young professionals and international workers enjoying their hybrid office days, all while tucking into prata. You can’t go wrong with their plaster prata and kosong prata."

Courtesy of Krison Sum

6/10

KRISON SUM, 25, CONTENT CREATOR
This medical student-turned-accidental fashion star gained a following on social media through his genuine and uplifting GRWM videos, showcasing his deep interest in fashion.
Where he likes to eat and drink:
"I love Chinese food, and head chef Edward Chong at Peach Blossoms (at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay) elevates it to an entirely new level. Each dish is meticulously crafted with thought and innovation. Peach Blossoms' flavours are unique and distinct, yet they possess a comforting, homely quality. I also admire that the chef is a true artist, frequently sharing insights into his R&D processes and the effort involved in creating something as simple as a broth. While high-end dining can sometimes feel pretentious, there is nothing of the sort with chef Edward and his work at Peach Blossoms. The Cigar (a deep-fried dish rolled with black truffle, foie gras, and prawn) and the applewood-smoked pork are must-tries.

On the other hand, Ya Kun Kaya Toast perfectly captures Singaporean culture in its simplicity. Whenever I travel abroad, such as for Paris Fashion Week, I eagerly anticipate returning to enjoy a hot cup of teh C kosong with perfectly toasted kaya butter toast. It feels so homely and authentic to me. There is nothing else in the world quite like this sense of home. The kaya toast is also one of my favourite things to eat in Singapore. I love how something as seemingly simple as toasted bread can embody so much creativity, culture, and heritage."

7/10

REBECCA TOH, 38, PHOTOGRAPHER
This versatile photographer not only has an impressive CV featuring luxury and lifestyle clients both here and abroad but is also an award-winning artist known for her poetic personal work. Another endeavour we admire is the recently launched communal library, Casual Poet Library.
Where she likes to eat and drink:
"We have been relying on the coffee and drinks at Rookie's Coffee (123 Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-112) since we started setting up our shared library here in Alexandra Village (the cafe is just two doors down from us), and it has been the perfect pick-me-up. What’s truly special about Rookie’s is how its owner, Junior, makes an effort to remember the name and preferences of each customer who walks through the door. The place is both sincere and relaxed, which makes it even more charming. Its Iced Jelly White is a fun, almost dessert-like drink, and the Iced Chocolate is one of the best I’ve ever had. It also serves an excellent brownie."

Courtesy of Parveen Hassanbhai

8/10

PARVEEN HASSANBHAI, 36, PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
In addition to managing a portfolio of luxury labels at a boutique agency, this fashion girlie is also one of Singapore's avid Comme des Garcons Stans.
Where she likes to eat and drink:
"Sushi Sato (6B Dempsey Road) is a beloved spot for celebrating both big and small moments with loved ones. I have been following its chef (the Hokkaido-born Yuji Sato) for seven years, since his days at Hashida Singapore at Mandarin Gallery days.

I also enjoy Live Twice bar (20 Bukit Pasoh Road) for its minimalist vibes, excellent and accommodating service, and a soul-soothing playlist featuring Etta James, Chet Baker, and Nina Simone."

Courtesy of Beng

9/10

BENG, 30, CREATIVE AND PHOTOGRAPHER
Going by just one name, this image-maker embraces a touch of camp and maximalist drama in the conceptual works he creates.
Where he likes to eat and drink:
"Seletar Hill Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant nestled in a residential area (16 Jalan Selaseh). Everything about the restaurant feels like home, with decor that resembles a time capsule, and the food and service are exceptional. I particularly enjoy the General Tso's Chicken, the long beans dish, and the durian pudding served here."

Athirah Annissa

10/10

ALLY TEO, 19, MODEL & STUDENT
This vivacious, fresh-faced model and aspiring singer-songwriter has one of the biggest personalities on TikTok, which we get to see through her candid GRWM and day-in-the-life moments.
Where she likes to eat and drink:
"Fei Fei Wanton Mee (45 Joo Chiat Place) is a place I used to visit with my parents often when I was a child. The wanton mee is delicious and also brings back memories of spending more time with my parents before work and school. It’s the only tomato sauce wanton mee I actually enjoy. The noodles are just right, not too chewy, and the char siew is well-cooked. The portion is also perfectly sized for one person."