PUBLISHED November 2nd, 2016 05:00 am
Are you in need of a relaxing weekend? If so, a stay at The Westin Singapore won’t disappoint – first because of its late Sunday check-out and extended breakfast hours, and now, the launch of its complimentary Makan Trail.
Aside from getting to linger in bed with a 3pm checkout time, hotel guests can make the most out of their weekend getaway by going on a relaxing morning walk… to hunt for the best of Singaporean delicacies!
Available every Sunday, the trail starts at 10am and brings you to various iconic food centers and eateries in the vicinity. Taking the lead is popular local food blogger Miss Tam Chiak, who also happens to be a licensed tourist guide.
Start off at Lau Pa Sat as you sample some of the best chai tow kway (fried carrot cake) in Singapore. A perennial local favourite, this tasty dish is made with white radish and rice flour, fried with egg, preserved radish, and served either white or black (with a savoury sweet sauce).
With all that yummy in your tummy, move on to the second stop: a hidden gem called Chong Wen Ge Café – tucked away within Thian Hock Keng Temple (the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore). Be wow-ed by not just the intricate Peranakan tiles and heritage decor, but the wide assortment of bite-sized kuehs such as Kueh Dadar (a pandan-flavoured rolled crepe filled with grated coconut and gula melaka), Ondeh Ondeh, Ang Ku Kueh, and our personal favourite, the Rainbow Kueh Lapis – nine distinctly-coloured layers of coconut and pandan extract.
The final stop at Amoy Street Food Centre introduces tourists and locals alike to some excellent Kaya Toast, comprising thin slices of white bread enveloping a generous dollop of cold butter and a spread of kaya (a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs); Kopi (coffee with milk) or Teh (tea with milk); and soft-boiled eggs – all popular breakfast staples among the locals. Make sure to make space for the last dish of Char Kway Teow, or rice noodles doused with dark soy sauce before being stir-fried with rich pork lard, Chinese sausage, cockles and beansprouts.
At this point, Singaporeans on staycation might say “Why should I sign up for this? I’ve already tried all these dishes before”, at which we answer, you probably haven’t had them this good. We are one of Asia’s leading food capitals after all, and there’s so much to explore and so much to eat.
The Complimentary Makan Trail is available every Sunday at The Westin Singapore from 10am – 11.30am. Registration is capped at a maximum of 20 participants (hotel guests only) per session. To register, please enquire at the Concierge Desk on Level 1.