Tag: Splurge

5 Fancy Places to Spend Your Angpao Loot

Post author By Veena Vinod
Post date February 19, 2018
No Comments on 5 Fancy Places to Spend Your Angpao Loot

Now that you’ve raked in some money from the red packets, it’s time to treat yo’ self! Here are five (non-Chinese, don’t worry) fancy places to splash that cash.

1. Gunther’s

Any French food connoisseur will tell you that the ambience of a restaurant can make or break it. Gunther’s does not disappoint, with an elegant interior featuring luxury furniture and Art-Noveau decor. The highlight here, however, is the delicious food. Reviewers have raved about the award-winning Cold Angel Hair Pasta, and juicy Carpaccio of Wagyu Beef, and we know someone who comes here specifically for their delicious butter and bread. Nestled in a quaint shophouse and located conveniently between Bugis and City Hall, there’s simply nothing to dislike about Gunther’s fancy French done right!

Find it at 36 Purvis Street #01-03 Singapore (188613)
Book a table at Gunther’s and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

2. Shoukouwa Sushi Restaurant

Arguably the jewel in the crown of One Fullerton, this two Michelin star eatery is an intimate, 14-seater sushi spot serving up authentic Japanese gems. Think minimal wood seats paired with subtle taupe tones and sublime eats and you’ve got the right picture. The cooked dishes are excellent, but the true superstars of the menu are the raw seafood. With ingredients flown in from Tsukiji Market daily, if you’re craving some great Edomae sushi omakase or looking for elegant Japanese fare, this is the place for you!

Find it at 1 Fullerton Road #02-02A One Fullerton Singapore (049213)
Book a table at Shoukouwa and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

3. The Tavern Restaurant

We’re not saying this is the fanciest place out there, but what it lacks in grandiose flourishes, it makes up for in taste. This simple shophouse may not seem like much at first glance, but don’t let the unassuming exterior and rustic interior (we’re talking European cabin-style decor here) fool you – the service and food are top-notch. They’ve got plenty of European delights from land and sea, including Angel Hair Pasta With Lobster, plump escargots, that tough-to-find Raclette, and more. We’re pretty partial to their selection of wagyu ourselves. Located on a cosy stretch of River Valley Road, and with quick, unobtrusive service, this place will surprise you in all the best ways.

Find it at 227 River Valley Road Singapore (238285)
Book a table at The Tavern Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

4. Yhingthai Palace Restaurant

Lovers of jazzed up Thai food should put Yhingthai Palace on their lists. Just a couple of doors down from Gunther’s, this Bib Gourmand eatery serves up authentic and flavourful nosh in an ornate setting. The food here definitely comes with the signature ‘kick’ that Thai food fanatics are so fond of, and the sight of a table filled with these aromatic masterpieces will get your mouth watering for sure. For a wide array of Thai and Chinese dishes, this is place is ideal if you and your friends can’t settle on just one cuisine to have for dinner.

Find it at 36 Purvis Street #01-04 Singapore (188613)
Book a table at Yhingthai Palace Restaurant and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

5. Yantra by Hermant Oberoi

Hailed as Singapore’s premier North Indian restaurant, this restaurant presents Indian fusion food in an extravagant manner. Helmed by Chef Hermant Oberoi, who has cooked for the likes of Barack Obama and Brad Pitt, the menu draws on culinary inspiration from all over India. With fresh spices flown in specially from the sub-continent, this is the place to go if you’re craving some curry after days of reunion dinners.

Find it at 163 Tanglin Road #01-28/33 Tanglin Mall Singapore (247933)
Book a table at Yantra by Hermant Oberoi and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG

Tags Chinese New Year, European, French, indian, Japanese, Splurge, thai

Lifestyle Save/Splurge Singapore

Chope Tries: $2.50, $15, and $30 Nasi Lemak

Post author By Chope
Post date February 15, 2018
No Comments on Chope Tries: $2.50, $15, and $30 Nasi Lemak

Nasi lemak is one of those foods that has seen plenty of iterations in recent years. With more and more places around the island offering the delicious dish at various price points, we decided to find out if it’s actually worth shelling out extra cash for a “better” quality dish.

Wan Xing Nasi Lemak and Economic Bee Hoon ($2.50)

Wan Xing is known for their cheap food – they have a couple of outlets, if we recall correctly – so it’s no wonder their stall frequently sees snaking queues. The nasi lemak incorporates all the ingredients you would expect – from the spicy sambal to sunny side up – but you can add various dishes from their selection. The rice is supposed to have a green tinge but ours was quite faint. Taste-wise, it had a mild pandan flavour and wasn’t particularly fragrant, but blended perfectly with the sambal, which, to be honest, tasted like most other sambals from the hawker centre. The peanut and ikan bilis mix was crunchy and salty, but relatively sparse. However, for the low price point, this dish was filling and rather delicious, something we would buy again if we were in the neighbourhood and craving nasi lemak.

Find it at 270 Queen Street, Albert Centre #01-62, Singapore 180270

The Coconut Club ($15)

The Coconut Club has been popular among the lunchtime crowd in the city for a while now, so we were curious to see how it held up against the low, low price of $2.50. This spot pays careful attention to the quality of their dishes – think using old crop Thai Jasmine Rice and coconuts from one specific plantation in Sabak Bernam to create fluffy, fragrant rice.

When the dish arrived at the table, it certainly looked impressive, from the colours to the amount of each component. We tried the rice and that was good, fluffy and not drenched in oil. We tried the homemade sambal and that was good too, a balance of sweet and spicy. But then we tried the chicken and forgot everything else; it was definitely the highlight of the dish. Unlike the generic fried chicken of the other two, the chicken here had a spicy, uniquely Asian flavour and featured a delightfully crunchy skin. Would we come back? Yes (after payday), if only to eat that crisp chicken skin again.

Find it at 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
Click here for more information on The Coconut Club.

Chatterbox (Mandarin Orchard Singapore) ($30)

Given the price tag, this must have been the best of the lot, right? We hoped it was, we wanted it to be! The excitement was real, but dampened a bit when the dish was laid before us. The sambal looked legitimately crafted and there was the addition of prawns, but the rest of the components looked like any nasi lemak joint out there. Nevermind, we thought, it’s all in the taste. But while the tangy, spicy prawns did leave us satisfied and the otah was undeniably flavourful, neither the sambal nor the rice left us in gastronomic heaven. That’s not to say it wasn’t good, however, the dish as a whole was fragrant and recognisably ‘nasi lemak’, but lacked a real punch that would elevate it to legendary status. On the whole, it’s a great place to bring someone you’re looking to impress with classy local faves, or for people who prefer less spice and more subtle flavours.

Find it at 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Ultimately, we’re happy to keep our nasi lemak expenditure below $7 on the regular (why the odd number? Because we admit to having a soft spot for Qiji), but willing to fork out that extra bit of cash for The Coconut Club’s hearty offering.

Tags Chope Tries, nasi lemak, Save, Splurge

Lifestyle Save/Splurge Singapore

Save vs. Splurge: Valentine’s Day Edition

Post author By Rachel Ho
Post date February 3, 2018
2 Comments on Save vs. Splurge: Valentine’s Day Edition

Valentine’s Day: We all know it’s a commercialised holiday, but we are suckers for any excuse to dress up and dine out.

Has your honey been hinting to go somewhere special, yet you know there are bills to pay? Pick the place that gives you the best bang for your buck. Maybe you’re feeling flush thanks to your year-end bonus, or you’re going Dutch? Splurge a little on some of the fanciest menus on offer. Whatever your budget, whatever your partner’s palate, we’ve got you covered.

In the mood for Asian fusion?

Save: The Palmary

Occupying a three-storey shophouse in the quickly gentrifying Owen Road in Farrer Park, The Palmarcosy a cosy, quaint restaurant with a love for all things marble and retro (read: it’s perfect for the ‘grams). For $59++, you and your date get three courses: Lobster and Blue Manna Crab Bisque, a choice between Tiger Prawn Linguine and Codfish, and Dessert; a five-course meal sets you back $79++. Enjoying a good glass of wine here won’t break the bank either: it’s $10++ a glass.

Find it at 142 Owen Road, Singapore 218941
Book a table at The Palmary and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: 28Wilkie Italian Restaurant & Caviar Bar

Housed in another conserved shophouse, this time in Selegie, 28Wilkie is an intimate restaurant that is Pinterest goals: white walls, cosy armchairs and just enough space for romantic conversations. The restaurant serves up eight courses of seamless Italian-Japanese food and a glass of prosecco. For this, you’d be out of pocket by $168++ per person.

Find it at 28 Wilkie Road, #01-01, Singapore 228051
Book a table at 28Wilkie Italian Restaurant & Caviar Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

In the mood for Italian?

Save: Acqua e Farina

Enjoy old-school Italian at Acqua e Farina at The Rail Mall in Upper Bukit Timah — and if your partner loves nature, kick off the date with a walk along the Green Corridor across the road. Quench your thirst with a glass of sangria, then feast on Gamberetti (poached shrimps), Burratina and Parma Ham, Salmon Linguine or Mushroom Penne, Oven-Baked Seabream or Crispy Duck Confit. There is the classic Tiramisu too. The menu goes for $88++ per person, but there is a 10% discount if you take the first sitting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Find it at 400 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678050
Book a table at Acqua e Farina and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: il Cielo

Stay above the fray of the Orchard Road bustle and enjoy the city skyline from il Cielo, while dining on mouth-watering Italian dishes in a modern setting. Enjoy a six-course menu including Kinmedai Carpaccio, Cod Fish Mousse Ravioli and Raspberry pannacotta and a glass of champagne for $158++ per person. If you happen to be “working late” on Valentine’s Day itself, then dine on 10, 12 or 13 Feb for just $138++. Either way, we’ve got your back: Use the promo code VDAY18 to get 15% off if you book on Chope.

Find it at 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883

To score 2X Chope-Dollars, book a table at il Cielo with code TASTYBLOG*.
Want 15% off your Valentine’s Day meal? Book with the code VDAY18 to enjoy this exclusive discount*!

*Note: Only one promo code is applicable per reservation

In the mood for Japanese?

Save: Panko

Give your date something different by bringing him or her to Panko, a cyber-punk restaurant off Haji Lane. Part of the Unlisted Collection group, the restaurant features Kushikatsu skewers, fresh Negitoro (green onions + tuna) Don and a cocktail. Take advantage of your Chope affiliation: the dinner set is $58++ for the first person, and half-price for second diners!

Find it at 33 Arab Street, Singapore 199732
Book a table at Panko and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: Hashida Sushi

Does bae love exquisite but expensive delicacies like uni (sea urchin) and awabi (abalone)? Do his eyes light up when he sees a glistening piece of otoro, or her ears prick up when she hears the growl of a blowtorch aburi-ing her favourite sashimi? If you’re going to do sushi, do it right with an omakase set at Hashida Sushi, the Singapore leg of the award-winning Tokyo restaurant. Guests get a glass of Krug champagne. The price tag for the whole experience is steep — $480++ per guest — but it’ll be a night you both won’t forget!

Find it at 333A Orchard Road, #04-16, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Book a table at Hashida Sushi and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

In the mood for Steak?

Save: Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria

If your date loves meat and lots of it, what better place is there than a full-blown Brazillian barbecue buffet in Chijmes, the site of every other person’s dream wedding? Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria’s buffet menu on this special day features the butter herb steak at $69++ per person. It also comes with a complimentary glass of prosecco and a slice of tiramisu cake. Meat, wine and dessert? Sign us up.

Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

Splurge: Origin Grill & Bar

Treat your partner to a night of indulgence at the newly opened Origin Grill & Bar at the Shangri-La Hotel. The gorgeous restaurant is decked in warm wood and shaped in arches reminiscent of an old train station — the perfect setting to wax lyrical about how you have enjoyed the journey that is your love. Origin doesn’t just serve steak, but their snow-aged (yes, it’s buried in snow) full blood A4 wagyu beef is a must-try. Three courses cost $198++ per couple, while the four-course menu is $298++. After that, check out the moody, romantic bar next door. The experimental cocktails are sure to put you in the mood for love.

Find it at 22 Orange Grove Road, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore 258350
Book a table at Origin Grill & Bar and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.

If dinner and drinks are too overrated, check out some unique date ideas! Didn’t plan ahead? This last-minute Valentine’s Day survival kit is for you!

Tags Fusion, Italian, Japanese, Save, Singapore, Splurge, Steak, Valentines' Day

Destination Save/Splurge Singapore

Save vs Splurge: Singapore Edition

Post author By Rebekah Lee
Post date May 31, 2017
No Comments on Save vs Splurge: Singapore Edition

Singaporean food is well known for being both inexpensive and amazing, but if you don’t want to seem kiam siap (stingy), or if you just want to escape sweltering heat, there are pricier versions of our favourite cheap eats that are perfect for dining out with clients or foreign friends. It’s up to you to decide!

Photo credit:The Coconut Club

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is flipping AMAZING, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Abandon your diet plans, throw all caution to the wind, and tuck into fragrant, coconut-flavoured rice topped with delish sambal chili, a fried egg, deep fried ikan bilis and peanuts, and a couple of deep fried chicken wings or pan fried fish for good measure. Feel free to add on other goodies like otah, stewed vegetables, or fried fish balls at some of Singapore’s favourite haunts: Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak if you’re in the west, or Ponggol Nasi Lemak if you’re in the east! A large plate with multiple add-ons will only cost you $5 at most – you really can’t go wrong with either one.

Want to enjoy Nasi Lemak in a more atas, air-conditioned environment? We have TWO retro-style restaurants for you to visit! The Coconut Club and SINPOPO both exude a fun, classic, old-school charm (totally Instaworthy), and are perfect for your weekly #tbt post! A plate from The Coconut Club will set you back $12.80, and a sharing plate of fragrant Nasi Lemak for two at SINPOPO is $28, but we promise they’re both worth it. The fragrant rice is cooked to perfection and served alongside chunky sambal chili (YUM) and everything else that comes with a great plate of Nasi Lemak.

Find Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak at 221A/B, Boon Lay Place, 641221
Find Ponggol Nasi Lemak at 965 Upper Serangoon Rd, 534721
Find The Coconut Club at 6 Ann Siang Hill, 069787
Find SINPOPO at 458 Joo Chiat Road, 427671
Book a table at SINPOPO and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credit: Roxy Laksa

Laksa

Singapore seems a little nuts for coconuts, and for good reason – rich, mildly spicy coconut broth is what makes laksa so incredibly indulgent and irresistible. I know Singaporeans are INTENSE about which bowl of laksa truly takes the cake, but these three are my personal favourites. Head down to 328 Katong Laksa, Roxy Laksa or Sungei Road Laksa (I can’t narrow down my list any further, I’m sorry) for a slurping good bowl of noodles that’ll only cost you $5 at most, even if you add on extra noodles, cockles, and other goodies.

Now, if you want to splurge, Beast & Butterflies at M Social Singapore has a fresh take on the classic dish. Featuring smooth, thick mee tai mak (or lao shu fen/rat noodles) instead of the standard fare, it will run you $16. Chatterbox serves up an extravagant bowl of Lobster Laksa, complete with thick vermicelli, quail eggs, fish cakes, dried beancurd, and a whole Boston Lobster simmered in spicy coconut gravy! No, that’s not a typo. A delight for sure, but also something that will set you back $36. Worth it? For the relaxing ambience and those hearty mouthfuls of sweet, succulent lobster flesh drenched in laksa gravy – definitely.

Find 328 Katong Laksa at 51 East Coast Road, 428770
Find Roxy Laksa at 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, #01-17, 139957
Find Sungei Road Laksa at Blk 27 Jalan Berseh #01-100, 200027
Find Beast & Butterflies at 90 Robertson Quay, Level 1, 238259
Find Chatterbox at 333 Orchard Rd, Level 5, Mandarin Orchard, 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice

Chicken Rice

Okay, real talk, this is the ONE thing I look forward to having every time I head home from a long trip overseas. There’s honestly nothing more comforting than sitting in a noisy kopitiam and shoveling fragrant chicken stock (and fat) infused rice in my mouth – and one of my favourite places to get it is from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice. You can’t go wrong with their smooth, tender pieces of chicken and flavourful grains of rice. I’m not a rice person, but trust me when I say that I’ll lick this entire plate clean.

Wanna have it somewhere fancier? Chatterbox strikes again with their award-winning Hainanese Chicken Rice – enjoy your tasty plate of goodness for $32 in a beautiful, relaxing 5-star hotel.

Find Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice at 101 Thomson Road, #01-08 United Square, 307591
Find Chatterbox at 333 Orchard Rd, Level 5, Mandarin Orchard, 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Satay

Beautifully barbecued chunks of meat on a skewer? Sign me up! It was all my Swiss friend’s lovely family would talk about when discussing Singaporean food in the middle of winter when we were busy having raclette, and for good reason. It’s really a genius way to enjoy meat, especially when it’s dunked in a bowl of satay sauce full of peanutty-goodness. Get some amazingly affordable satay at Chai Ho Satay or Fang Yuan Satay, where a skewer will only set you back 50 cents AT MOST. Talk about a value for money!

Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill is the place to be for slightly more extravagant fare. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful and furnished in rich greens and polished oak, with handpicked vintage-looking decor that’ll bring you back to the good ol’ days. You can get three skewers of Angus Beef Satay for $18 that are tender and full of smokey goodness – pricey, but there’s a reason why people keep coming back for more!

Find Chai Ho Satay at #01-10, 448 Clementi Ave 3, 120448
Find Fang Yuan Satay at #01-344M, Blk 75 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, 310075
Find Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill at 3B River Valley Road, #01-18, 179021
Book a table at Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Photo credits: Hill Street Fried Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

Hill Street Fried Kway Teow has queues that stretch on for miles (ok, slight exaggeration) and you’ll understand why after an arduous 30 minute wait. Their $4 Char Kway Teow has incredible wok hei and is the most fragrant thing EVER (my mouth waters just thinking about it). It’s greasy and sinfully good, full of cockles and noodles doused in the sweet and salty dark soy sauce, and makes you feel like you need to run 5km just to unclog your arteries after inhaling a plate (or two, I won’t judge), just the way a good plate of Char Kway Teow should be. It’s affectionately called a heart attack on a plate for a reason!

Kopi Tiam Swissôtel The Stamford has a great plate of wok-fried goodness for $18 that’s chock full of fresh prawns, cockles, and fish cakes. The restaurant is also furnished to look like a real kopitiam right out of the 80’s (complete with a wooden signboard), except you’ll be enjoying your plate of greasy, fried goodness in air-conditioned comfort – a welcome respite from Singapore’s heat, that’s for sure!

Find Hill Street Fried Kway Teow at 16 Bedok S Rd, 460016
Find Kopi Tiam Swissôtel The Stamford at 2 Stamford Rd, 178882
Book a table at Kopi Tiam and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

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Photo credits: Choo Yut Shing, Flickr

Bubur Pulut Hitam

This dark mixture may seem a little daunting at first, but it’s one of Singapore’s most beloved desserts. Made up of black glutinous rice (which gives the dessert a satisfying, slightly chewy texture), creamy coconut milk, and gula meleka for a sweet, nutty fragrance, this sweet dish is sure to please your inner sweet tooth. Get your fix from Lit Lit Sin Cold & Hot Desserts, where dessert prices range between $1.20 to $2.30 – a value for money for sure!

Alternatively, you could head to National Kitchen by Violet Oon for a fancier rendition of the popular Nyonya dessert, this time topped with a generous dollop of coconut ice cream ($12). If this isn’t the best way to #treatyoself, I don’t know what is!

Find Lit Lit Sin Cold & Hot Desserts at 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-157, 760928
Find National Kitchen by Violet Oon at 1 St Andrews Road, #02-01, 178957
Book a table at National Kitchen by Violet Oon and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with the code TASTYBLOG

Tags Cheap, Cheap and Good, Dessert, Guides, Pocket-friendly, Save, Splurge

Lifestyle Restaurants

Social Butterfly or Low-Key and Casual? Where to Celebrate Your Birthday in Singapore

Post author By Chope
Post date October 7, 2016
No Comments on Social Butterfly or Low-Key and Casual? Where to Celebrate Your Birthday in Singapore

Think back to your last birthday dinner. Was it at a cosy neighborhood hangout where the bartender knows your name or was it an all out party-fest where the night didn’t end until the sun came up? The great thing about your birthday is that it’s the one time it’s totally okay to put your preferences first! Find a spot for your next birthday celebration based on what makes you happiest.

The Social Butterfly: you want to chat, drink, and party for optimal online sharing

Oxwell & Co

For starters, it’s unpretentious and perfectly situated on Ann Siang Hill for convenient post-dinner festivities around Club Street. They serve classic British fare, in addition to a quality selection of craft beers and drinks. If you’re looking to invite several (dozen) guests – more power to you, Social Butterfly – Oxwell & Co offers affordable event packages for all of their differently themed floors (Bar, Dining Room, Study, and Rooftop Garden) depending on how much you’re willing to shell out for nosh.

Check out their event packages and book a table at Oxwell & Co.

Adrift by David Myers

Located in the Marina Bay Sands, Adrift provides the perfect chic and modern environment for you to let the Snapchat/Instagram/Facebook friends see just how fantastic ~~you are~~ your birthday is. Pick from a killer seafood platter and various grilled meats and sides for a dinnertime party, or if you’re looking to gather the crew earlier check out Adrift’s loaded brunch buffet with all the free flow options – necessary for a day-long birthday celebration with friends.

Book a table at Adrift by David Myers.

CÉ LA VI

Start off in the cozy indoor dining area downstairs with your closest friends, then make your way to the rooftop bar and sky lounge to involve all those people who couldn’t quite fit on the dinner list (sorry sister-in-law!). CÉ LA VI delivers one of the most truly stunning panoramic view of the city, along with a more boisterous crowd than the dining area. Drink, mingle, celebrate, and get ready for an A+ backdrop for group party photos.

Book a table at CÉ LA VI.

Hipster Paradise: offbeat celebration spots and ideas for a pop of the unexpected

Lepark

This mod-Sin tapas joint atop the People’s Park Complex at Chinatown MRT is, simply put, one of the chillest hangout spots in Singapore. With order-at-the-counter style Asian fusion bites and drinks it makes for a low-stress birthday to organize, but still with the pizzaz of a beautiful rooftop, craft beers, and perhaps most importantly Milo soft serve. Time your celebration with one of their rooftop concerts or art shows, or book ahead for a private room.

Click here for more info on Lepark.

The Refinery

It makes sense that multi-story dining concepts are highly suitable for birthday gatherings, and The Refinery is no exception. Celebrate in both the first floor yakitori restaurant and the second floor bespoke cocktail bar. Though if you’re looking for a more unique take on a b-day celebration, utilize their third floor design workshop space to combine artistic creation with a few drinks and eats, then have a creative celebration with like-minded friends.

Book a table at The Refinery.

Dancing Crab Shack

Located within the recently opened hipster-style hawker center Timbre+, it’s the perfect place for a birthday feast featuring your favorite Dancing Crab bites. The space is prime for a party as there are regular live music performances and almost always large crowds of 20-somethings eating and drinking, admiring the graffiti, and being merry but in like, a totally cool way. All kidding aside, it’s a really cool and inviting atmosphere, with all the familiarly delicious eats of Dancing Crab.

Book a table at Dancing Crab Shack.

Young, Wild & Thrifty: to avoid having friends be secretly upset for having spent so much money for you.

Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro

OKAY, to be fair this could’ve easily gone under ‘Social Butterfly’, but the Wine Connection bar and bistro holds a special place in our hearts for its wallet-friendly yet quality selection of food and drink. Bottles of the good stuff fall mostly between $30-$50++, and not to be ignored are the house pours, wines by the glass, and tapas that start from $5++. Combine this with the guaranteed party atmosphere of Robertson Walk and you’ve got all the ingredient for an awesome (yet inexpensive) celebration.

Click here for more info on Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro.

WANTON

Celebrate noodle style and slurp up revamped versions of mee classics for <$10 pp if you’re aiming for a casual lunchtime gathering. If you’re looking to utilize WANTON’s Tanjong Pagar location for some late night clubbing then swing by for a group dinner when the majority of mains are under $15, all drinks are below $20, and you can choose from a variety of shareable sides like salted duck egg chicken wings ($10) and fried dumplings ($8). It’s unpretentious, casual, and got some darn good vibes for a long night, plus you’ll be thankful for all the noodle carbs in your belly when you’re doing shots at midnight.

Book a table at WANTON.

Low-Key & Casual: for the mild at heart

Vatos Urban Tacos

Tex-Mex goes Seoul with all the laid-back feeling of the former, so maybe suggest your guests don cowboy boots to match with a few orders of kimchi carnitas fries? The selection of drinks is quite impressive, but it’s really the food and low-key atmosphere that make Vatos a perfectly casual, fun, and delicious birthday spot.

Book a table at Vatos Urban Tacos.

Lime House

From seafood cakes, jerked chicken skewers, crab dumplings, ‘carib toasties’, and of course a variety of punch bowls and wines by the bottle, Lime House is a cozy and casual eatery with Caribbean staples that beg to be passed around the table. The service is fantastic and the space is quite beautiful, perfect for a no stress gathering that’s sure to please all your friends.

Book a table at Lime House.

Naughty Nuri’s

Everyone’s favorite Bali-born rib joint offers BBQ staples and some meaty local fusion nosh as well. You’ve got a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a casual birthday gathering of a solid group of friends, and plenty of shareable food options – but the birthday boy/girl gets a personal rack of ribs though, right? And if low-key can still mean a few martinis, there’s no better place than here, cause Anthony Bourdain himself called them the best in the world. All you need is a few orders of Anthony’s Famous Vodka Martini ($15.5++), which is made with three(!) shots of vodka cause he’s Anthony Bourdain, shared amongst your friends and you’ve got a perfectly tipsy-but-not-too-crazy celebration.

Book a table at Naughty Nuri’s Capitol Piazza.

Refined & Classy – for those who want to spend a bit of cash

The White Rabbit

If you’ve ever dreamed of a fairytale birthday party, there’s no better place to make those Disney dreams of yours come true than at a restored-chapel-cum-restaurant on Dempsey Hill. With a prix fixe menu option, strong selection of upmarket a la carte pastas and mains, as well as a wine list of over 250 labels, The White Rabbit will deliver on more than just good looks. But let’s not kid ourselves, the looks are really good.

Book a table at The White Rabbit.

Bedrock Bar & Grill

For those willing to splurge a bit for the finer things in life, this whisky bar and grill pulls off quality and class with ease. Done by a team that has passion for making simply great food and for sourcing the best ingredients, here’s the place to enjoy an intimate birthday gathering with next-level cuisine. Feast on expertly grilled cuts of meat, decadent desserts to share, and pair it with some of the best Manhattans you can find in Singapore. A birthday that’s totally worth the premium price tag.

Book a table at Bedrock Bar & Grill

Pollen

If you’re planning for an elegant meal with a unique ambience to match, we think this high-end dining establishment nestled within Gardens by the Bay should be top your list. Be it a romantic birthday dinner with a special someone, or a more subdued celebration with mom and dad – Pollen provides a downright gorgeous atmosphere that can set just the right tone for a classy celebration. You’re dining in a flower dome looking out at the Marina Bay Sands, it doesn’t get much nicer than that.

Book a table at Pollen.

Tags Birthday, Guides, Save, Singapore, Splurge