“Singapore is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that brings together the best of east and west, a modern melting pot of many cultures and interests,” boasts Tjin Lee, noting its world-class fashion and shopping, dining, nightlife, and round-the-clock activity. And she should know. As founding partner of a marketing firm and director of Audi Fashion Festival (May 15-19), Lee has her finger on the pulse of Southeast Asia’s forever evolving city-state. Here are her tips on its buzzy best.
Cover image: Pollen's lower lever opens into the Flower Dome -- Courtesy of Pollen
For Art Lovers… “All 30 rooms at the New Majestic Hotel are unique and feature the works of new Asian and Singapore artists in forms such as wall murals, sculptures, and even full room concepts.” Given its location in Chinatown, its in-house Chinese restaurant, Majestic, is also an (award) winner.
For Design Aficionados… Wanderlust Hotel. “From the lobby to 29 guest rooms, each level of this four-floor former school in Little India was re-designed by one of Singapore's top creative designers: Asylum, Phunk Studio, Ffurious, and DP Architects.”
For Nightlife Hounds… “If you like glitz, glamour, DJs, and sexy suites, you can hop next door from the W Sentosa Cove to Quayside Isle, where there is a newly opened stretch of bars and waterfront restaurants.” A multitude of yachts bobbing in their berths speaks volumes to the residential neighborhood’s exclusivity.
“A gem tucked in the corner of Keong Saik Road, Ember has been around for 10 years and not once has Chef Sebastian Ng’s culinary skills faltered. Classics such as Angel Hair Pasta tossed in lobster oil and topped with crispy sakura ebi (shrimp), and Crispy Tofu with a truffle-infused mirin sauce are must-haves.” Its set lunches are also legendary.
Lee also recommends Pollen, “a fine dining restaurant that isn’t predictably stuffy,” brainchild of London’s Michelin-stared chef Jason Atherton. Aside from the superlative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine — and plant-packed location in the climate-controlled Flower Dome conservatory — it’s the dessert bar that Lee recommends most fondly, where guests can watch Executive Pastry Chef Andres Lara work her mouthwatering magic.
Recently opened in the enigmatic Masonic Hall, Bacchanalia has become a new fast favorite with a fun, progressive atmosphere, shareable plates, and cocktail list that Lee can’t help lingering over. The chef’s pedigreed past at Per Se and Fat Duck can’t hurt either.
When it’s time for a tipple, Lee heads to neo-speakeasies 28 Hong Kong Street or the unnamed, secret bar — commonly known as The Library — at 47 Keong Saik Road, located next to Keong Saik Snacks. “What I love about 28 Hong Kong Street is the unassuming façade which hides the speakeasy vibe inside. As for the secret bar, it’s the obscurity I love. Both places pack quite a punch in their drinks, but 28 Hong Kong Street serves solid, traditional cocktails whereas The Library presents a series of cocktails that are slightly more cheeky and fun.” Case in point: a punch served in a mini bathtub.
“The National Museum of Singapore is a must-see for both art and history lovers. It’s housed in a stunning Neo-Palladian, Renaissance colonial building with a new glass-walled extension to accommodate its growing collection of artifacts. The museum plays host to a number of visiting exhibitions each year so there’s always something new to see.”
If you’re looking for luxury, Lee pinpoints the newly revamped DFS Galleria on Scotts Road as your all-in-one merchandise mecca — and a primo place to hit that tax-fee shopping quota, hassle-free. “The store carries a wide range of international designer brands such as Celine, Gucci, Dior, and more — plus Giorgio Armani cosmetics in the beauty department — and occasionally stocks items that are sold out in the brand stores, such as Celine Phantom bags in hard-to-find colors!”
“Advance bookings are essential at any of the city’s hot restaurants. Places like Restaurant Andre can fill up six weeks ahead of time.”
If your travels have you here over a weekend, Lee recommends checking to see if your trip coincides with a Bacchanalia Brunch. “These daytime revelries are unique concept that will soon be traveling all around the world with F1 parties, and the original one right here in Singapore is not-to-be-missed.”
Also, while you enjoy the urban glitz and glamour of the city, don’t forget to visit the Night Safari — the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals. “You can take an open-air tram ride through rainforests and jungles. It’s a wonderful way to experience our tropical, lush environment and appreciate the animals in a setting without bars or cages.”
Tjin Lee, director of the Audi Fashion Festival, shares her tips on where to experience the buzz when the catwalks kick off next week