The Business Travellers’ Guide to Dining in Singapore
Off to Singapore for work? These dining options will delight you.
For a breakfast meeting . . .
Australian cafés enjoy a strong following in Singapore – doubly so when the chef sports a CV like Darren Farr’s. While Farr has worked for the likes of Tetsuya Wakuda and Terence Conran, his mornings are now about the Black Pearl BLT, fresh sausage rolls, homemade yoghurt, French toast with house-cured bacon and other superior breakfast fare. The coffee, naturally, is also a stand-out.
136 Neil Road
For a business diner . . .
Intimate, calm and 70 storeys high, Jaan is an ideal backdrop for wheeling and dealing. Count on Kirk Westaway’s cooking to leave an impression, too. Like his predecessors, his modus operandi is taking pristine ingredients from around the world and turning them into edible wonders, such as precision-cooked New Zealand John Dory and dainty langoustine “cannelloni”.
Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road
If you’re dining alone . . .
Flying solo is a great way to experience this loud barbecue restaurant, largely because it will significantly improve your chances of scoring a seat. The daily-changing menu might feature dishes such as silky noodles of calamari warmed on glowing coals or sweet chargrilled marron with kombu beurre blanc. A sprawling counter lets diners watch as Perth-born chef David Pynt plays with fire in creative, delicious ways.
20 Teck Lim Road
For drinks with clients . . .
Relaxed in spirit yet blessed with a serious stockpile of outré French vino, Comptoir Soori nails the wine-bar brief. It helps, of course, that manager David Bregere’s enthusiasm for lo-fi, organic winemaking is second only to his warm, hospitable personality. Outstanding charcuterie and a civilised, urbane atmosphere make for a rarefied drinking experience.
2 Teck Lim Road
For a coffee pit stop . . .
Common by name, uncommonly good by nature, this venture from Five Senses Coffee roasters, café owner Harry Grover and Spa Esprit Group is a rallying point for coffee aficionados. Roasting beans and supplying other cafés are just some of Common Man’s services: free cupping sessions are held weekly, plus the baristas here are well qualified to pull you a fine cup of Joe.
22 Martin Road
