Seasoned gourmands and casual diners alike have a few eateries in mind when you ask them about their go-to’s, but of course, the true thrill of degustation comes from discovering new spots. In a city as gastronomically rich as Singapore, the exploration seems endless. And what better way to start than by going straight to the experts and dining where they dine to unwind?
We spend our meals relishing in chefs’ refined craft, but they too have go-to culinary havens away from their kitchens. Here, Singapore’s top chefs have given Tatler a glimpse of their favourite spots that they frequent on their days off.
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Red Star Restaurant
Marcus Leow, Chef de cuisine of The Naked Finn
“Red Star has been a mainstay amongst Singapore dim sum restaurants and after a full week of cooking, I always love to have something, like dim sum, that isn’t related to what I cook at work! It’s always a great joy to step into a place that’s pretty much untouched by time, from the ‘passive aggressive’ old aunties offering food from a pushcart to the carpet floors and the tableside service of paper-wrapped chicken. From having it as a child with my grandparents to bringing my parents and in-laws there now, it stands out as one of the few places that has really stood the test of time and aged well. The nostalgia and insistence on doing things the old traditional way has its lustre and appeal to me.
A dish I would always recommend is the 金龙鸡 (Jin long ji), roughly translated to golden dragon chicken. It is an uncommon dish in today’s restaurants as it’s very laborious. It is a big piece of chicken skin, smeared with squid and a fish paste, then deep-fried and glazed. Best dipped in the quintessential “dim sum chilli sauce”, a bottled chilli sauce with loads of vinegar, this unique combination of crispy, bouncy and sour flavours makes this dish a killer.”
Red Star RestaurantAddress: Block 54 Chin Swee Rd, #07-23, Singapore 160054, +65 6532 5266
The Coconut Club
Janice Wong, Chef-owner of Janice Wong Singapore
“One of my favourite dishes in Singapore is Nasi Lemak, and I simply can’t resist the tropical flavours and laid-back vibes at The Coconut Club. The fragrant coconut rice, crispy tender chicken, and flavourful sambal chilli sauce with peanuts and crispy anchovies always hit the spot. Plus, the casual, comfortable atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail and indulge in delicious comfort food. It’s my go-to spot for a relaxing and satisfying meal on my day off.”
The Coconut ClubAddress: 269 Beach Rd, Singapore 199546, +65 8725 3315
Summer Pavilion
Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion offers a feast of modern Cantonese fare (Photo: Summer Pavilion)
Fernanda Guerrero, Chef-owner of Araya
“On my days off, I like to eat at places that serve good food and excellent service. I enjoy exploring new restaurants, and since arriving in Singapore last year, I've tried out quite a few places. There are a couple of spots I keep returning to, particularly Summer Pavilion.
Having lived in Shanghai for a time, I have a deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine. Summer Pavilion consistently offers delicious food and the quality of ingredients is consistently top-notch. The service is exceptional, Chef Cheung and his team always do a fantastic job. The unique chinaware adds a special touch to the dining experience (fun fact: I even have a few pieces of the same chinaware at home)!
I highly recommend trying any of their Barbecued Specialties like the barbecue platter that gives you a taste of their different barbecued meats. Aside from the platter, one dish I can't recommend enough is the fish maw soup as it's simply outstanding.”
Paul Hallett, Executive chef of Sushisamba Singapore
“I live near Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre and enjoy the steamed dishes at Canton Delicacies, a stall run by chef Ericson Ng, who previously worked at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. The stall serves a variety of Cantonese-style steamed dishes, soups, and curry fish head.
Steamed dishes are my top choice, especially when I choose to eat healthier. Its selection of steamed dishes is impressive, and the vibrant atmosphere makes each meal even more enjoyable. My regular orders include the salted fish with steamed pork patties, steamed chicken with black fungus and lily bulb, and the old-style steamed sliced fish fillet.”
Canton DelicaciesAddress: Block 69 Geylang Bahru, 01-27 Market & Food Centre, S(330069), +65 8459 0031
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Kopi 1930
Kopi 1930 spread of local fare fit for a weekend comfort meal (Photo: Instagram / @kopi1930sg)
Chef Hafizzul Hashim, Chef-Owner of Fiz
“On my days off, I often find myself at Kopi 1930, located in the historically rich Sophia Flats on Wilkie Road. This café, run by Cynthia who previously owned the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant 28 Wilkie, offers a refreshing take on the traditional Nanyang café. The menu features a range of traditional and local delights. The homemade kaya on the toast has a subtle pandan aroma and is spread on soft white bread with cold butter, adding a creamy richness. The balance is just right to appreciate both the butter and kaya without being overly generous. I also enjoy the toast’s texture which is soft rather than crispy.
Another must-try dish is the mee rebus, which stands out with its rich, spicy gravy and comforting noodles. The sambal prawns with petai also caught my attention with their homely taste, featuring prawns cooked in a spicy sambal sauce paired with petai beans. On a recent visit with my daughter, we particularly enjoyed the Hainan chicken cutlet and ice milo.”
Kopi 1930Address: 28 Wilkie Rd, 01-01, S(228051), +65 9834 1099
Ah Kee Beef Noodle
Hainanese beef noodles served generously served and best enjoyed with a spicy kick of chilli (Photo: Facebook.com / @ahkeebeefnoodle)
Petrina Loh, Chef-owner of Morsels
“I like Ah Kee Beef Noodle. This type of Hainanese beef noodle is quite special to me. Ever since I was young, my parents would take me to eat beef noodles at various spots like Hock Lam, Odeon, Hwa Heng and other stalwarts. After school, I used to go with my friends to Scotts Picnic food court as well. So this comforting bowl of noodles brings a lot of memories. I discovered Ah Kee when they moved from another location into Commonwealth Market, which is my hood. My go-to combo is with extra beef tendon and louver (cow stomach) and they serve generous portions and lots of chilli.
I usually get it delivered on food delivery platforms so I can just chill at home. For something delivered, it’s very well packed and tastes good. However, I do dine in once in a while. Since I’ve been a fan, I eat it at least once a month. In fact, I just had it on National Day again!”
Ah Kee Beef NoodleAddress: 31 Commonwealth Crescent, 02-72 Market & Food Centre, S(149644), +65 9326 2632
Answers have been edited for brevity.
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