It is already looking like Christmas and plans are quickly filling up our calendars for end-of-year celebrations and gatherings. This festive season, dining out can be a great option for those who prefer to leave the works to those who are prepared with innovative renditions of rustic recipes and classic staples to reflect our take on yuletide traditions.
Whether you are looking for family-friendly options or a romantic getaway from the rest of the city, our festive dining edition is here to ensure that you have a Wonderful Christmastime..
VUE
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Take the hidden elevator up to the 19th level of OUE Bayfront and an inconspicuous hallway will greet you, flanked by an impressive wine cellar on the side and the other as dark as VUE’s signature meats. With its magnificently high-arched structured ceiling and floor–length windows, the stylish establishment, despite only opening in October earlier this year, exudes a sense of confidence in both its decor and menu. Executive Chef Sam Chin is especially skilled when it comes to the grilled dishes, so it is no wonder that the Binchōtan, or the smoked A5 Kokuou Wagyu Beef that has been slow-roasted for over 20 hours, steals the show by being so richly marbled that it disintegrates beautifully upon coming in contact with your tongue.
Just for this festive period, diners will be able to enjoy an exclusive Chef Tasting menu with four courses that amply sum up the restaurant’s character, with sumptuous dishes ranging from Cailles Robin “Fine Plume” Quail Breast, Pan-seared Miso Foie Gras with Pumpkin Espuma, and the playful Chestnut dessert with Truffle Chestnut Ice Cream.
When? Now till 31 Dec
$138 onwards per person for a four-course dinner menu
OUE Bayfront, Level 19, 50 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049321
Caffe Cicheti
The constantly popular Cicheti family is adding another member in its South Beach Tower location with Caffe Cicheti, a modern-day osteria serving up fuss-free Italian dishes ranging from pasta to paninis to mains and the element that complements all: actually affordable wine. The menu is divided nicely into the anatomy of a traditional Italian meal: Antipasti or Primi to start or share, Secondi, Contorni, and Dolci. It also has an extensive non-alcoholic selection, with thoughtful concoctions such as its 24 hour cold brew tea and juices.
Standout items from the menu include, surprisingly, the burnt Brussel Sprouts, generously candied with caramelised pecans; the Iberico Pork, which features an excellent marination of fermented garlic and a house five-spice mix; as well as the simplistic Pesto pasta topped with pine nuts and parmigiana. Be prepared to convert dessert lovers with their unpretentious Olive Oil Cake, made from a specially imported extra virgin olive oil from Greece that goes into many Cicheti signatures. It is a daring departure from butter creations, but the savoury, full-bodied notes work very well with its vanilla bean ice cream companion.
When? Now until otherwise specified
26 Beach Road, South Beach Tower #B1-21, Singapore 189768
Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
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The ever-trendy Hotel G puts out their best this festive season with an array of dining promotions across their two restaurants. Pairing value to a highly affordable price tag, Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar will be introducing a Festive Group Menu, from $68 onwards per pax, for parties above 10. The menu features a spread of perennial Christmas favourites, like Turkey Roulade to charcoal-grilled Prime Rib to their signature Meter Board of cold cuts and French cheese. For those who prefer innovative Christmas creations, look out for their à la carte specials—we are especially excited about the Sri Lankan Crab Tartare that kickstarts everything.
Those who can spare the calories will no doubt be tempted by 25 Degrees Burgers & Liquor Bar’s new CinnaBurger: a cinnamon roll-hamburger hybrid made of juicy beef patty and all the sinful trimmings—applewood chip smoked bacon, melty cheese and runny sunny-side egg, and drenched in a punchy coffee-infused BBQ sauce. During the last week, be sure to catch their Lobster Roll, which can come gold-leafed, spicy or with truffles. The decadent roll is paired with cranberry coleslaw and sweet potato fries, creating an addictive combo to make sure you leave looking like Santa himself.
Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
When? Now till 31 Dec for Festive Group Menu
23 to 31 Dec for Christmas Week Specials
25 Degrees Burgers & Liquor Bar
When? Now till 22 Dec for Cinnaburger
23 to 31 Dec for Lobster Roll
Hotel G, 200 Middle Road, Singapore 188980
Tendon Kohaku
The Japanese eatery Tendon Kohaku proves that tis the season to be jolly because of seafood! Their Winter Tendon reveals sea urchin as its centre, around which the rest of the crustaceans—Hokkaido scallop, Harima oyster from Harima, Japanese king crab stick, Alaskan ikura and snow crab leg—gather in a lovely seaweed tempura batter. The star of the dish remains the sea urchin, also represented as the uni maki, which features amaebi (sweet shrimp) wrapped in oba leaf, topped with uni, and then lightly tempura to bring out the natural, delicate sweetness of both ingredients. Each loaded bowl will only set you back about $23, making this an ideal choice for those looking for more budget ways to get into the spirit of things.
When? Now till Feb 2020
The sea urchin tendon will be available at all Tendon Kohaku outlets
V Dining
Indulge in an elevated view of the competing Christmas lights all along Orchard Street and drink in the essence of Christmas celebrations with the sleek V Dining. Perfect for those who prefer a bit of experimental flair, the six festive creations from Chef Ryan Clift, the Global Ambassador of V-ZUG and Culinary Director of V Dining, are a playful blend of rustic recipes and newfangled techniques. His rendition of Eggs A la Arnold Bennett, a smoked haddock omelette with bubbling grated cheddar and gruyere cheese, proves that breakfast can be enjoyed at all times of the day, and sets the stage for the classic Beef Wellington, now deconstructed and served with port wine jus, pomme mousseline, and parma ham. Those who enjoy a pop of colour will be delighted with their Beetroot & Christmas Spiced Ocean Trout, which plays with the different textures of beetroot while maintaining the buttery consistency of the fish.
When? Now till 31 Dec
$80 onwards per person for a four-course lunch or dinner menu
6 Scotts Road, #03-13, Scotts Square, Singapore 229209
Milksha
If you still have space for bubble tea, head down to Milksha’s brand new outlet at Funan and enjoy their exclusive promotions and cocoa creations leading up to Christmas. The caffeine-free festive series features the Ice Blended Cocoa and Ice Blended Cocoa Mint, which are both topped with cocoa nibs, known for being low in sugar and high in antioxidants. The drinks are great for those who steer away from sweet treats, as the cocoa blend and cocoa nibs can be slightly bitter but the mint creates a refreshing aftertaste. In addition, for every two drinks purchased, you get a chance to join their lucky draw and walk away with their Christmas-edition cup sleeves!
Can’t get enough of their icy treats? Their previous outlet at L2 will be converted into an ice cram truck, where three imported flavours will be sold, namely, the Fresh Taro Milk Ice Cream, Earl Grey Latte Ice Cream, and Black Sesame Milk Ice Cream. These cute cups make for a great door gift or companion during this rainy period.
Milksha’s 12 Days of Christmas
When? Now till 25 Feb
107 North Bridge Road #B1-25 Funan, Singapore 179105
GO Noodle House
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GO Noodle House, the homely noodle chain from Malaysia has landed in Singapore, serving bowls of springy noodles swimming in fish bone broth, bursting meatballs, hand-scooped fish paste, and every local’s weakness: lard. While this is its flagship outlet in Singapore, GO Noodle House already has more than 37 outlets in Malaysia and Australia since 2014. Its popularity can be attributed to two factors. The inherited fish bone broth, inspired by a recipe passed down from cofounder Alvin Tan Kok Meng’s mother, elevates the mixian and leaves enough room for their signature companions to shine, especially with the help of a shot of Chinese wine. The bursting meatballs contain mini balls of pork inside—be careful, they are piping hot inside because of the juices—and their saltiness goes well with the noodles. The option with the whole frog, a Singapore exclusive, is also well-balanced and expertly cooked in their superior soup.
The other reason comes through the juxtaposition between appearances. While the outlet decor is distinctly ornate, the dishes are fuss-free and uncomplicated. The noodles appear to contain no sauce or deeply coloured soup, but the flavours are strong and persist in waves. The Hakka Sauce Pan Mee with Century Egg is an excellent example of this balance. It looks unassuming, but the “white” handmade pan mee noodles are actually coated with pork lard and served with black fungus, fried shallots, fried anchovies, minced pork, century egg and chili oil to deliver the ultimate umami flavour bomb with every bite. Tagged to a truly affordable price tag, this ingenuous noodle house may be the one to take Singapore by storm yet.
When? Now till otherwise specified
313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, #B3-37/38, Singapore 238895
Proofer Boulangerie
Inspired by the tradition of burning a yule log during the season, log cakes are a staple for Christmas and Proofer Boulangerie is here to unveil delicious, affordable picks in four variants: Double Chocolate, Oreo, Milo, and Nutella. Each whimsical sponge cake is layered with rich, velvety cream and topped with roasted hazelnuts to complement the different flavours. If cakes are too indulgent, opt for their festive pizzas, the Sausage Madness and Cranberry Madness. The former is peppered with cranberries, ham, pineapple, and topped with creamy, milky cheese and juicy tomato sauce, which the latter is flecked with two types of chicken sausages, greens, and herbs on the same base. They also come with sesame or cranberry dips to create mini explosions of flavours.
When? Now till 27 Dec for cakes, 31 Dec for pizzas
The festive treats will be available at all Proofer Boulangerie outlets
Capitol Singapore
Perhaps all you want for Christmas is to get out of the house and walk around one of those iconic Christmas fairs that you see on Netflix’s Hallmark movies. Capitol Singapore unveils not only its inaugural Capitol Kempinski Christmas Market, which features small festive food stalls and retail booths throughout the Arcade and its Outdoor Plaza, but also an enormous Capitol Kempinski Singing Tree, which can house 30 carollers singing live carols; the Capitol Kempinski Christmas Skating Rink for those who possess the necessary dexterity; and scheduled snowfalls with a dedicated Santa Claus to appear with surprise gifts. This is your chance to sip on mulled wine, enjoy a loaded German hotdog, and have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Capitol Kempinski Christmas Market
When? Now till 24 Dec
Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
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