Singapore Stopover: A Feast for the Senses

Orchard Road: Take a taxi to Tanglin Mall, where you will find the best antique stores outside of Chinatown and walk down Orchard Road towards the Raffles Hotel. This can be a full-day affair, if you dip in to the malls for a bit of air conditioning, and a lunch break or two.

Takashimaya food court: Whatever you do, don’t miss the basement floor of Takashimaya. It’s pure Japanese-style food gifts and food carousel.

Amoy Street: I love walking in Amoy Street and Club Street area at night. Not only Club Street has great bars and restaurants, but Amoy Street also hides a few small temples that come to life in the evening.

Duxton Hill: When tourists go to the Marina Bay Sands for evening meals, expats go to Duxton Hill. There is always a new restaurant opening. There’s always a great bar. The park-like feel of the area is cooling to the soul.

Dempsey Hill: Where expat families go, where well-to-do Singaporeans brunch. This park-like area perched on a hill has some of the best restaurants in Singapore.

Little India: A cleaner version of India, this street and the markets around. It are great for people who are tempted to dig into India’s culture. The jewelry stores, the restaurants, everything is intense. I recommend going in the evening, especially around Diwali Festival time, and I really recommend going into Mustafa’s. You have never seen a department store like that.

The Raffles Hotel gift shop: I love the elegant gift shop items of the Raffles gift store. Even if I don’t buy, walking through this retail heaven is a soothing must.

Lim’s: For all your Asian style gifts and interior design trinkets needs.

Lau Pa Sat: Get yourself a plastic stool and have dinner in the street. Closed to traffic, the street becomes a giant satay BBQ fest and it’s not only the best grilled prawns and chicken wings it’s a sauna and a smoke galore. Chaos BBQ style.

Chimes: I love eating at one of the restaurants of Chimes. Well located in the middle of everything, Chimes is an old convent with a large courtyard that’s always pleasant in the evening.

Boat Quay: Because everybody goes there, it’s a must. The view of the bay, the terraces full of tourists and expats mingling, it’s just great. There are many restaurants, all of them priced high, but you’re paying for being there. So just indulge.

Toast Box: When I land in Singapore, Toast Box is my first stop. The thick Japanese bread toast accompanied by the silky 3-minute egg is something to write home about. Google your closest location.

Singapore Chili Crab: There are many places to try the Singapore Chili Crab. There’s always Jumbo Restaurant and I like Red House at the Esplanade, especially with guests who only have a short time in Singapore because of the great location.

Little India’s Apolo Banana Leaf Curries: If you have a love for curries, you have to try the fish head curry at Apolo. It is laid on a banana leaf. You eat it with your hands. Just do it.