We don’t see a better way to celebrate the nation’s 53rd birthday than chowing down on our favourite local dishes. But let’s switch things up a little. Here is a list of restaurants who are putting a Singaporean spin on their usual fare just this National Day.
Bringing out the Singaporean in Jamie’s Italian
This isn’t the first time that Jamie’s Italian is paying homage to Singapore’s undying love for local fare. The Singapore Chicken Rice Risotto that first made its appearance last National Day will be back by popular demand from 13 July – 12 August 2018. Simply imagining the creamy bianco-based risotto wedded with rich chicken stock and garlic chilli has got us wiggling our toes in excitement. While the Singapore Chicken Rice Risotto will be available for the whole duration of the promotion, Jamie’s Italian has a slew of dishes lined up for each week of the month-long campaign.
The beauty of nasi lemak lies in how its whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Sambal chilli, crunchy peanuts, coconut rice, and fried or soft-boiled eggs don’t sound like much individually, but put them together and you have a two-hour long queue at Punggol. From 13 to 19 July, you can tuck into the Italian version of the quintessential Malay dish with Jamie’s Italian’s Nasi Lemak Pizza. Yes, thin-crust and complete with fried chicken.
Not sure if Jamie’s Italian is saving the best for last (just like how we love to enjoy our food), but 3 to 12 August’s Slipper Lobster Pasta in Chilli Crab Sauce is causing a serious F-15-jet-like rumble in our tummies. Jamie’s Italian’s renowned homemade Pappardelle pasta will be tossed in their rendition of the beloved spicy seafood sauce. Topped off with egg drop and chervil? Looks legit to us.
It’s a Feast!
Take your weekend zichar dates a few notches up with chef Josephine Yoke’s sharing-style dinner. Apart from delighting in 665°F‘s stunning 39-storey view, tuck into Singaporean-inspired starters like the Chicken Rice Arancini, and delectable halal-certified meats like the Moroccan-spiced Ras El Hanout Lamb Leg. Make it a perfect chill out session with friends and family by topping up SGD30++ for free flow Delamotte champagne, red and white wines and Andaz Pale Ale. Some say the next best thing to eating is talking about it. But we say do both.
Make Merry at Harry’s
Perhaps planning ahead and making reservations ahead of time is not really your thing. With over 20 outlets island-wide, Harry’s bar might just be your go-to last-minute hangout. Indulge in Singaporean-inspired comfort food like Laksa Popcorn Chicken and Otah Toasties while sipping on the much adored Singapore Sling. If the coral concoction is not up your alley, then give Harry’s Bandung Cino cocktail a shot. Pretty hard to go wrong when you amp up everyone’s favourite rose-flavoured beverage with some vodka.
Reimagining Singapore
To salute the nation on its birthday, chef Emmanuel Stroobant has fashioned an electrifying 8-course dinner menu for Saint Pierre that features his reinvention of the traditional Abalone and Fish Maw Soup: “Putting a twist on abalone is perfect for such a special occasion. A delicacy much loved by Singaporeans, I’m excited to give it a Saint Pierre interpretation.” You can also expect the Belgian chef’s rendition of Indian Fish Head Curry and Ice Kachang for this one-day-only menu. With the dinner service planned to accommodate patrons’ desire to catch all the aerial action of National Day Parade 2018, we think your plate will be pretty full of things to marvel at.
Words by Valerie Wong
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