Just when we thought we might finally be moving ahead with air travel bubbles, our dreams were destroyed when the highly-anticipated Hong Kong-Singapore Travel Bubble was deferred before it even began. So until we can get a better grip on the ongoing pandemic, leisure travel will have to wait again. In the meantime, perhaps the following restaurants we’ve since sussed out can help satiate your appetite for food and travel.
From Irish fare that’s deeply-rooted in heritage to popular Belgium eats, here are five places to slake your thirst, wanderlust and more.
Atlas
Award-winning bar Atlas at Parkview Square is already a sight to behold with its art deco-inspired interior exuding grandeur and glamour, and now its latest drinks menu will fit the theme as well, as it explores Paris in all its glory, set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. Get ready to be taken on a trip around the French city, as La Grande Nation takes guests on a fictionalised journey alongside Cecil Beaumont, the chief correspondent for American design and literary magazine, The Montrose.
On assignment to Paris, Beaumont is tasked with exploring and uncovering the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the seminal event after which the Art Deco movement was eventually named. Discover the myriad of interesting stories as you sip the new cocktails; everything from the menu pages to the postcards, artwork and brochures have been thoughtfully created by the in-house team to enhance your experience. With curated drinks like the fruity Pearl Revival and refreshing Vendome Spritz, the entire idea of bringing Paris to you shines through.
Cure
Following the recent introduction of the new Nua Irish menu at Cure, you may now join chef-owner Andrew Walsh in his journey that charts his Irish heritage at the ever-popular spot along Keong Saik Road. Indulge in the variety of dishes which pay homage to Walsh’s childhood and Ireland’s deeply-rooted traditions, as eats like the Soda, Stout & Treacle Bread and A Porridge of Grains, Organic Egg Yolk, Aged Beef are featured on the menu. There’s also the Potato, Seaweed, N25 Caviar which remembers the Great Famine of Ireland during the 1800s, as well as the Irish Blue Mussels, Cider and Parsley that showcases delicious seafood fare. Don’t forget to savour the accompanying cocktails; both the Irish on a Gargle and Zesty Irishman are easy drinks that draw inspiration from the historic North Atlantic island too.
Kingdom of Belgians (KOB)
Discreetly located at 8 Rodyk near Robertson Quay, those who have yet to discover Kingdom of Belgians (KOB) by Belgium-born Emmanuel Stroobant are in for a treat. Here, go straight for the Moules, aka mussels, with flavours like Laksa, Chilli Crab and classic Mariniere. Paired with a side of milk bread for easy dipping, the buckets of mussels also come in four other styles such as the herbal Drunken and fragrant KOB Special. But a trip down to KOB would not be complete without some Loaded Fries and Belgium Waffles, after which you can wash down those delicious carbs with exclusive beers such as the Duchesse de Bourgogne, a sour ale boasting notes of passionfruit and chocolate.
Malaysia Boleh
Until the borders to our favourite neighbouring country reopens, satisfy your hankering for good ol’ Malaysian dishes at Malaysia Boleh, which gathers some of the best street hawker fare in Malaysia under one roof. Found at heartlands across our nation, head down to the various outlets to tuck into the signature Penang Fried Kway Teow, zesty Assam Laksa or even Teochew-style Chendol brimming with red kidney beans and finely shaved ice drizzled with gula melaka. You won’t know what you’re missing until you’ve tried their traditional Nanyang-style coffee beverages either.
Summerlong
Dreaming of sunnier days along the Mediterranean coast? Perhaps a delicious Mediterranean spread at Summerlong might help. Not only will you find a wide selection of house-made dips like the Tzatziki, Cauliflower Hummus and Smoked Eggplant; also get to dig into mezzes like the Seabass Carpaccio prepared with locally-farmed Barramundi and Spanakopita, which is a classic Greek pie prepared from chef Fotis’ personal recipe. For lunch, go for the wallet-friendly Summer Set Lunch Menu, which offers all the hits, from dips to souvlakis, and even a Baklava for dessert.
