XY HOTEL BUGIS

An alumnus of prestigious establishments in France, the U.S. and Singapore, Chef Kevin Wong opened Seroja in 2022 to pledge his love to the Malay Archipelago. His seafood-focused tasting menus pay tribute to Malaysian culinary traditions with a generous use of local produce, spices and techniques. The plating is meticulous and artful and the flavours subtle and finely balanced. Ask about the food and wine or non-alcoholic beverage pairing.

The space is simple yet elegant, befitting the hotel that houses it. There is a 10-seat counter made from a 200-year-old cypress tree from Nara, Japan, plus a private room. Chef-owner Sakuta works closely with the all-Japanese kitchen team, creating a season-driven omakase menu based exclusively on Japanese fish. Even the rice is a blend of two Japanese cultivars in a precise ratio for the perfect texture. Every item is prepared with utmost care.

Embodying the essence of fine dining, this romantic restaurant has it all – wonderful food, service and ambiance, and spectacular views. Chef Westaway makes good use of top-notch British produce and inspirations to turn out modern culinary creations that never fail to impress. A British classic, fish & chips, gets a posh makeover with sour cream, lemon zest and caviar. Even the alcohol-free gin and tonic palate cleanser is impeccably crafted.

Where better to find a priceless jewel of the Singapore dining scene than in The National Gallery? Chef Julien Royer and his highly accomplished kitchen make wonderful use of luxury ingredients of unimpeachable quality. Creative combinations, impeccable techniques and exquisite plating result in dishes that are as elegant as they are memorable. The understated and graceful room, overseen by a highly polished service team, provides the perfect backdrop.

Unlike other branches in the group, this one has a European décor echoing the colonial style of the building that hosts it. That said, the menu remains the same as the others. Apart from the main menu, make sure you check out the chef’s selection menu. Double-boiled soups, flavourful and hearty, are unmissable. Deep-fried spare ribs marinated with shrimp paste are crispy and loaded with umami.

This large, contemporary dining room is surrounded by a relaxing garden. You’ll be well looked after as the engaging staff provide service with plenty of vim and vigour. The extensive Cantonese menu covers all classics as well as seasonal dishes, with seafood being a particular highlight. The double-boiled sea whelk soup with fish maw, sauteed Dong Xing grouper fillet and braised abalone are just some of the specialities.

This whitewashed traditional shophouse evokes unmistakably tropical vibes – wicker back chairs, wallpaper with banana leaf prints and cheerful blue-and-white tiled flooring. On the menu, the coconut theme is also obvious – the nasi lemak set is the best seller, but other dishes deserve equal attention too, such as ayam goreng berempah (spiced fried chicken with crispy rempah crumbs), and sago pudding with pandan, palm sugar and coconut cream.