More Than Expats and Casinos: The Singapore I Know

The National Gallery: Perfectly embodying Singapore’s evolution from colonial backwater to global metropolis—the former city hall and Supreme Court, which were renovated by a global consortium, houses some of South East Asia’s greatest artistic treasures.

Arab Street, Bussorah Street, Haji Lane, and surrounding area: The area is impossible to describe save for the old pejorative “Oriental” in the most positive sense. A lively mix of gentrification, with coffee bars, jazz bars, ramen shops, cool bookstores, and the cultural histories of the Muslim population of Singapore. This is seen in restaurants with hundreds of years of history serving Rotis, a stuffed bread called murtabak, curries and other halal staples, and mosques calling out the adhan.

The Battlebox: Discover Singapore’s historical importance during the Second World War, and how that sad heritage directly led to the iron will of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s desire to propel Singapore into the global echelons of mega-cities.

New Bahru: Singapore’s famed shopping has seen a renaissance in New Bahru, a hyper-cool venue with design led shops, local artisans, a playground for tots, and naturally, all housed in a former school.

Bird Paradise: No list of amazing things to do in Singapore will be complete without at least a passing reference to the Zoo. We instead suggest Bird Paradise, located conveniently within a bigger complex with the Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders. Bird Paradise is a one-of-a-kind attraction focused on birds, with a compact (read: easy to navigate with kids in the heat) layout.

Marina Barrage: Before you point a finger at me, the author has not betrayed his mission by suggesting that one goes to the biggest tourist attraction in all of Singapore! The Barrage lies right next to Gardens by the Bay and is a part of the same complex! Most folks who visit will only seek out the Super Trees and views of Marina Bay Sands. The Gardens are a much bigger complex with paths and walkways beyond, leading ultimately to the Marina Barrage, that affords stunning views, room for children or dogs to roam, and most importantly, is free to enter.

Toa Payoh Dragon Playground: An emblem of Singapore’s housing development projects’ success, the dragon playground was built as part of the housing development in Toa Payoh, a bustling neighborhood in Singapore, and easily accessible by MRT (the local metro). Enjoy a glimpse of Singapore’s architectural history, while your children revel in a lovely playground.

Pinnacle @ Duxton: The epitome of Singapore’s development, this skyscraper contains thousands of housing units, built and designed to replace one of the original public housing developments. This amazing building is also right next to one of Singapore’s best neighborhoods. There are many shops with small bookstores, food, and small parks for people to sit and enjoy Singapore.

National Kitchen: The National Gallery is also home to Ms. Violet Oon’s National Kitchen. If a singular woman can reflect an entire country’s cuisine, Ms. Oon may be her. A colorful character with a family business in the culinary arts, and a restaurant reflecting not only her, but Singapore’s cultural heritage.

Chomp Chomp Food Market: As the name suggests, you will delight in the variety and quality of food available at Chomp Chomp. This is very much an off-the-beaten-path venue that requires early seating (4 pm dinner anyone?) but take heart, rewards abound for those who brave the crowds at Chomp Chomp.

Sembawang Aerospace Park: The name suggests that the author has gone off the deep end, and sent our readers to the middle of an industrial estate, but take heart, Wheelers Yard, Wildseed, and elegant French cuisine at 5 by Sans Facon awaits you. While you wait, the cooler temperatures (relatively) of the shady trees encompass a playground for waiting children.

Dempsey Hill: It’s impossible to write a list of places to eat in Singapore without including the world-famous Dempsey Hill. Home to restaurants with several Michelin stars, you can find many other options such as Mr. Buckets for chocolate, Muthu’s Curry for Indian food, and for an interesting take on Australian breakfasts, there is The Dempsey Project.

The Long Bar: Home to the original Singapore Sling, it is located in the Raffles Hotel, and is an obvious choice for folks curious about the origins of this sweet cocktail. For those who are not so inclined, the entire Raffles Hotel complex and its surrounding shophouses are home to many delicious offerings.

Chicken Rice: Why does this author decline to offer you a specific brand of chicken rice to eat? Because you should become a party to the perennial Singaporean debate of which Chicken Rice is best in Singapore. I would say the best chicken rice is the one that tastes good, and is closest to you, and for me that’s Nam Kee Chicken rice. If you are planning on staying along Orchard Road, there is always Chatterbox. Why not sample Sin Swee Kee, conveniently located next to the Raffles Hotel. The choice is yours!

Ya Kun Kaya Toast: Now a globally renowned chain, the humble origins of Ya Kun are evident in the taste of the charcoal-roasted and margarine-coated coffee beans, the crisp, light but decadent kaya toast, and simple but hearty breakfast offerings of Ya Kun.

Atlas Coffeehouse: Sometimes you just want boring eggs, toast, and a sausage. Singapore’s got you, and a whole lot more. Influenced by the third wave of coffee roasters for that impeccable sip, and by necessity, serving up a mean plate of food, check out Singapore’s thriving coffee scene with the likes of Atlas Coffeehouse, conveniently located near the Botanic Gardens MRT station.

Satay By The Bay: Last but not least, an emblematic food of South East Asia, satay are sticks of meat marinated in spices, and other flavorings, grilled over an open flame on charcoal. The flavor of the meat is smokey, sweet, with a bit of tang, and it is also served with a rich peanut gravy. Amazing with a beer, and a toast to celebrate your successful trip to understand a different side of Singapore.