From stepping into a nostalgic history to seafood galore, we have 5 places worth visiting this December!

The Hainan Story

Step into a time machine and experience a slew of comforting and nostalgic Hainanese food at The Hainan Story, a 5-in-1 multi-brand Hainanese Restaurant! Start your day with their thick fluffy Home-Made Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter toast (S$1.80) and pair it with a cuppa good ol’ traditional Hainanese-style ‘Kopi Gu You’ (from S$2.20), coffee with a slice of butter. Choose mains from Newspaper Curry Rice, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, Ah Chiang’s Traditional Porridge and Uncle Robert Western. 

Too many to choose from? Try our picks: Ah Kor’s Hainanese Lamb Stew (from S$11.80) and egg tarts from The Hainan Story, Mama Wee’s Hainanese Curry Chicken Drumstick Set (S$7.80) from Newspaper Curry Rice, 1980’s Hainanese Fried Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chips Crumbs (S$14.80) from Uncle Robert Western. Jiak ah!

Location

Hillion Mall, 17 Petir Road, #01-15/16, Singapore 678278

Hutong

Step into the alley of Old Beijing in Hutong and indulge in over 40 varieties of Szechuan appetisers, BBQ skewers, fresh oysters, flambéed Mala Xiao Long Xia with Maotai and more. Enjoy the spicy skewers with unique Moutai cocktails - Moutai Punch and Moutai Colada. 

Insider tip: There’s a ‘secret menu’ where you can have an around-the-world gastronomic experience from Northern China to Japan, Thai, Indonesia and even Mexico! You can order from other restaurants in Clarke Quay - Tomo Izakaya, RENNThai, Bayan Indonesian Restaurant and Muchos that are under Katarina Group when you’re in any of their Clarke Quay restaurants.

Location

3D River Valley Rd, #01-07, Block D, Singapore 179023

Mrs Pho Café

Want a taste of Vietnam’s famous exports? Visit the new Mrs Pho Café! Chill over crafted coffee like the famous Vietnam Egg Coffee, creamy Avocado Coffee or the sweet Coconut Coffee. Not a fan of coffee? Check out their range of refreshing iced teas instead! Pair them with their authentic Banh Mi sandwiches - from their classic savory Banh Mi filled with either chicken, pork or meatballs to sweet versions- Vietnam Floss Banh Mi and Singapore’s rendition of Kaya Butter Banh Mi.

Pssst, the drinks and banh mis are only available from 2pm to 6pm, exclusively at their VivoCity outlet. Perfect for tea time!

Location

VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B2-29A, Singapore 098585

Bayang

Miss your annual Bali trip and the scrumptious Balinese cuisine? Escape to Bayang for its authentic Balinese dishes cooked by native Indonesians! From Bali Ayam Panggang to Stingray with Sambal, classic Gado Gado to Beef Rendang, and the Bayang Platter - an array of seafood and juicy sticks of satay. Our favourite? Sate Madura, BBQ chicken and beef skewers that start from just S$1 per stick! Quench your thirst with Ice Lime Cooler or their signature cocktail Bailnese Spa, an addictive combination of avocado and Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Location

3A River Valley Rd, #01-05, Block A, Singapore 179020

Zui Yu Xuan

Be treated to a trove of delicious Teochew cuisine with renowned Taiwanese Chef, Huang Ching Biao! Exclusively created, Zui Yu Xuan’s must -tries includes Double Boiled Pork Broth in Golden Pumpkin Bowl and Beef Short Ribs with Asparagus in Red Wine Sauce.

Looking to indulge in classic Teochew favourites instead? They have a 5-course Signature Dinner Set Menu that puts the spotlight on classic Chinese comfort foods, from Deep Fried 'Ngoh Hiang’, Pan Fried Kurobuta Pork Cutlet, Live Boston Lobster Wok baked with Fermented Bean and Garlic, Home-made Vegetable Skin Beancurd Braised with Crab Meat and a fragrant Wok Fried Kway Teow with Diced Kai Lan and Preserved Radish. Available for a limited time only.

Location

Far East Square, 130/131 Amoy Street, Singapore 049959