PUBLISHED October 31st, 2019 06:30 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:46 pm
A blink of an eye, and suddenly we’re two months away from the end of 2019. But just because the year is ending, doesn’t mean that there aren’t new beginnings. Check out our picks of the freshest culinary delights and drinking concepts, indulge in a little novelty this November.
New Restaurants in Singapore
VUE
Taking over the now defunct ME@OUE restaurant atop OUE Bayfront on Collyer Quay, VUE is an exciting new rooftop bar and grill destination that overlooks some of the most stunning vistas of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. Setting itself apart from other dining destinations around the area is its emphasis on binchotan-grilled specialities at the heart of the menu, as well as being the home to Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar. Serving up a vibrant and flavourful range of spritz cocktails from popular favourites to innovative concoctions, VUE is the destination to unwind and refresh after a long day of work. For the early birds that arrive between 5pm to 7pm for apertivo hour, spritz cocktails come with complimentary servings of canapés.
VUE is located on the penthouse of OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Qy, Singapore 049321. Open Mon-Fri 5.30pm – 10.30pm. Closed weekends.
Red Lips Singapore
For those that can’t get enough of mala, Red Lips has finally arrived with its first ever overseas outlet at Jewel Changi Airport. Unlike the usual mala xiang guo and mala hotpot that we’re familiar with, this popular chain eatery from Shanghai offers individual personalised bowls for a quick and easy fiery fix. With a wide selection of ingredients to choose from for that perfect bowl brimming with spice and flavours, Red Lips is sure to get you all fired up.
Red Lips Singapore is located at Jewel Changi Airport, #B2-263, 78 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819666. Open Sun-Thu 7am – 12am, Fri-Sat 7am – 1am.
Kai Duck
Kai Duck offers a refreshing spin on the typical Peking Duck with four signature dishes, the Sliced Peking Duck with Crackers, Mini Burger with Peking Duck Salad, Crispy Bun with Sliced Peking Duck, and the Peking Duck Salad Handroll – all offering the familiar fragrant crunch of Peking duck skin with a twist. Of course, traditional Cantonese fare is not neglected in this casual dining outlet, with dishes such as the Pan-fried Carrot Cake and Signature Fried Rice served in Hot Stone Pot making an appearance as well.
Kai Duck is located at Ngee Ann City #05-10, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238872, p. +65 6235 5419. Open Mon-Fri 11.30am – 10pm, Sat-Sun 11am – 10pm.
El Teatro Tapas
Feast on quintessential Spanish delights at El Teatro Tapas, recently opened at The Capitol Kempinski. With an flair for the theatrical, El Teatro Tapas promises mouth-watering Spanish fare that are well suited for social gatherings. Try their array of hot and cold tapas such as the Gambas Al Ajillo (Garlic Prawns, S$22++) and Jamón Ibérico De Bellota (Acorn Iberian Ham Pork, S$28++), and their flavourful paellas perfect for sharing.
El Teatro Tapas is located at the Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, 13 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178906, p. +65 6715 6879. Open Mon-Sun 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm.
New Ubin Tampines
What started out as a small family-owned seafood restaurant has branched out into multiple locations around Singapore, with New Ubin Tampines as its latest addition. Hidden in an industrial complex, patrons who make the journey are rewarded with the freshest seafood prepared with traditional flavours laced with an innovative, delicious twist. Savour classics that propelled Singapore onto the gastronomical world stage, such as the Classic Chilli Crab (S$48++) and Fish Head Curry (S$28++) in a laid-back, traditional setting.
New Ubin Tampines is located at 18 Tampines Industrial Crescent, #01-16, Singapore 528605, p. +65 9740 6870. Open Mon-Sun 11am – 2pm, 5.30pm – 10pm.
Taikoo Lane
With the perpetually rainy weather of November, there’s no better time to indulge in hotpot with family and friends. Taikoo Lane, a new hotpot establishment located in Chinatown, aims to redefine your hotpot experience with a variety of simmering soup bases accompanied with a multitude of ingredients and cooked dishes. Unable to reach a group decision? Try their set meals instead. With eight different soup bases served in individual pots with eight different menu options, there’s definitely something for everyone at Taikoo Lane.
Taikoo Lane is located at Chinatown Point, #B1-16, 133 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059413, p. +65 6970 0966. Open Mon-Sun 10am – 10pm.
Mad Mex
Looking for fresh and healthy Mexican food to fuel your workday afternoon and nights? From burritos to churros, quesadillas to tacos, Mad Mex has got you covered. Taking up a spot in Marina Bay Financial Tower 3, this Australian Chain aims to deliver healthy and quick quality meals made with only the freshest ingredients. Every option is 100% customisable too.
Mad Mex is located at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, #02-05, 12 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018982. Open Mon-Fri 8am – 8pm. Closed weekends.
New Bars in Singapore
Kult Yard
Tucked away in the former Police Operational Headquarters of Chinatown, Kult Yard is a friendly neighbourhood bar and event space from the folks behind Kult Kafe. Adding a splash of colour and personality to the old blackspot, Kult Yard is now home to artists, musicians, and makers. Sip on Kult Yard’s refreshing cocktails infused with local flavours – think gula melaka and sambal belacan – as you engage in thought and conversation in this oasis in the usually maddening, tourist-filled cultural district in Singapore.
Kult Yard is located at #01-54, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, Singapore 168976, p. +65 9389 2185. Open Tue-Fri 5pm – 12am, Sat-Sun 3pm – 12am. Closed Mon.
Oriental Elixir
Nestled in the shophouses of old along Haji Lane, Oriental Elixir exudes a strong 1900s vibe, with warm, dim lighting and shelves filled with curiosities. It is in this space where owner and bartender Abhishek Cherian George works his magic on crafting bespoke cocktails (S$25 each) with a Southeast Asian twist. His portfolio of ingredients that goes into the cocktail magic changes all the time, but you can expect funky and thoughtful tipples like a Negroni-styled sour with neem leaf gin, rhubarb-infused amaro, and sweet vermouth shaken with lemon juice and egg white and G&Ts made with Oldenlandia water, served with green mangoes and a pinch of salt.
Oriental Elixir is located at 10 Haji Ln, Singapore 189203. Open Mon-Sat 6pm – 12am. Closed Sun.
No Sleep Club
Joining the array of bars and lounges along Keong Saik Road is No Sleep Club, a place that’s here for you all day and all night. This new cocktail bar and kitchen concept is founded by industry veteran Juan Yijun, who’s shaken up drinks at the likes of 1880 and Operation Dagger. Serving up interesting experimental drinks, popular concoctions include the Hay & Apples (S$20), a funky take on the whisky soda with peated whisky and fermented apples, as well as a Bloody Mary (S$20) spin made with red miso, wasabi distillate, and Campbell’s tomato soup.
No Sleep Club is located at 20 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089127, p. +65 8838 0188. Open Tue-Fri 8am – 12am, Sat 10am – 12am, Sun 10am – 6pm. Closed Mon.
Top image: Kai Duck