It’s interesting how a simple nasi lemak burger ended up being the catalyst to full-blown national pride in Singaporeans—more so than any government campaigns or cheesy NDP music videos ever served to do. Perhaps the answer to uniting the country, then, lies not in politics or fixing the MRT once and for all (though that would certainly be welcome)—but rather in good ol’ locally-inspired, mod-Sin food. This National Day, we rounded up some of the best places to get your fusion fix, because clearly the way to a patriot’s heart is through his stomach.
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa
The unfailing Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa is back with a National Day buffet infused with truly Singaporean influences. On the menu are perennial favorites like Singapore Chilli Crab with Golden Mantou, and even a make-your-own-Rojak corner; but we’re heading straight for the desserts. Try the reinterpreted classics—the Strawberry Glazed Chempedak Choux Puff and Chendol Tiramisu with Gula Melaka, for starters. For durian lovers, there’s White Chocolate Durian Cake, Durian Pengat and Durian Cream Puffs, which you can wash down with a celebratory cocktail inspired by local beverages; the Rasa Rose, Kopi O’Clock and Chendol Rum are available at $12 each.
Available Aug 9, 6-10pm. $88 per adult.
UNA
UNA at One Rochester is best known for its authentic Spanish cuisine, so expect some novel creations fusing Spanish and Singaporean. There’s the Sauteed Gambas with Laksa Paste ($22), which features succulent tiger prawns stir-fried in a homemade rempah spice paste; or the Chilli Crab Croquetas ($10)—crispy panko-crumbed morsels filled with fresh crab meat and tangy gravy. The star dish, though is the Paella de Pollo de Singapur (small $46/large $66), a skillet of the classic Spanish bomba rice—but inspired by Hainanese chicken rice, and complete with chilli sauce.
Available Aug 1-26.
Super Loco Customs House
Mexican restaurant Super Loco Customs House is cutting straight to the point this National Day: Singaporean tacos. There are only two items on this limited edition menu—the Chilli Crab Taco ($10), made with fresh mud crab meat sauteed in a corn tortilla and served with deep-fried mantou buns; and the Kaya Toast Taco (7), a kaya jam dream layered with egg custard, croutons and toasted coconut gratings.
Available Aug 7-12.
Wildseed
If you’ve miraculously managed to stay away from the lush greenery of Wildseed Cafe and Bar till now, perhaps the National Day menu can convince you otherwise. For brunch (9am-5pm), there’s the Atas Kaya Toast ($8)—kaya, house-made butter and a sous vide egg on sourdough toast—and the Nasi Lemak Hashbrown ($10), an interesting concoction of pandan coconut, sambal, mayonnaise and cucumber on crispy hash brown, that might just satisfy anyone who missed out on McDonalds’ proudest moment. After hours, Wildseed Bar takes over with savory plates like Homemade Bak Chor Linguine ($18) and Tajima Wagyu Satay ($14 for four sticks/ $26 for eight sticks), which will likely pair well with either the locally-inspired cocktails or the home brews Tiger Black and Tiger White.
Available Aug 7-13.
The Assembly Ground
The mod-Sin craze isn’t just limited to fine dining. Cafe food fans will be pleased to know The Assembly Ground at The Cathay is joining in on the festivities too, with a new menu of locally-inspired savoury and sweet dishes. New additions to the permanent menu are the Rendang Mac & Cheese (which speaks for itself) and two new pastas—the Laksa Pasta “Mai Hum”, deep-fried soft shell crap atop al dente linguine, and the Hae Bee Hiam Pasta, an East-meets-West fusion starring spicy dried shrimp. And from Aug 1-9, desserts like Bandung Latte ($5), Iced Bandung Latte ($7) and Yuan Yang Waffles ($13) are available for your snacking pleasure.
Desserts available Aug 1-9.
If you’re a purist who would rather stick to true blue, unspoiled Singaporean dishes, celebrate the nation’s 52nd at one of these no-frills hotel buffets instead.
Pan Pacific Singapore
Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore is offering a curated dinner buffet of over 20 heritage dishes, including Otak Otak Fried Rice, Signature Nandu Crab Biryani and Nyonya Style Curry Chicken. A special showcase of local desserts by Pastry Chef Eddy Yau sees mod-Sin interpretations like Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake and Durian Banana Caramelized Chocolate Cake—but you can always skip out on those for an assortment of classic kuehs.
Available Aug 4-9, 6:30-11:30pm. $88 per adult.
Mariott Tang Plaza Hotel
If you’ve got no plans on National Day itself, take yourself out to the Mariott Cafe, which is serving a one-day-only high tea buffet of local favorites. Indulge in hawker classics like oyster omelette, Hookien mee and carrot cake; or go down the Cantonese dim sum route, with nibbles like Baked Char Siew Sou and Steamed Egg Curd Bao to keep you in a contented coma so you can skip the parade in peace.
Available Aug 9, 3-5:30pm. $48 per adult.
