A former LUXE HQ staffer, the inimitably poised Andrea Seifert now combines her day job in PR and marketing with vetting all things new and fabulous in the Lion City. Here, she shares her five favourite things to do in her home town, Singapore.
Soaking up the sights, sounds and tastes of Little India
One of my favourite things about Singapore is its multiculturalism, and the Little India district transports you directly to the colourful subcontinent. With murals, street art and temples aplenty, the whole area is fun to just wander around. You’ll find little stalls selling jasmine garlands, intermingled with the scents of spices emanating from restaurants like Komala Vilas, where you should tuck into veggie fare the traditional way – with your hands.
I like to go in the morning, get myself a strong cup of chai and brace myself to haggle for fruit and veg at Tekka Market, a buzzing wet market that has an abundance of fresh produce. Last but not least, there is always a reason to head into the weird and wonderful Mustafa Centre, a sprawling 24-hour department store that has literally everything you never thought you wanted – and some. Just avoid Sundays when the area is packed.
Bar hopping around town
Cocktail culture is alive and well in Singapore, and with a number of bars listed on the World’s 50 Best, there are more options for quenching your thirst than you can shake a jigger at. From organic wines at Le Bon Funk, locally sourced Asian tipples at Native, to the jaw-dropping grandeur of Art Deco gin queen Atlas, there’s always a reason to imbibe.
Weekend Brunching, lunching and pottering in Tiong Bahru
This cool little neighbourhood is where old-meets-new. One of the oldest low-rise public housing districts, chokka with hipster cafes like Merci Marcel, the original third-wave coffee shop 40 Hands, gluten-free bakery Tiann’s, and of course, local eateries like Por Kee. I usually wander into Books Actually to peruse a tome or two and say “hi” to the shop cat, then shop interiors at Maissone. You can also check out the market, which is smaller and less hectic than Tekka Market in Little India.
A day of indulgence at Capella
It’s easy to forget you’re on a tropical island when you’re stuck in an air-conditioned office all week, so come the weekend, it’s time to get the sunnies out and hemlines up at my fave hotel on Sentosa island. Kick-off with an indulgent buffet brunch at The Knolls overlooking the tiered pool and South China Sea (major Bali vibes), then adjourn to the daybeds at Bob’s Bar for a digestif and little lie-down. Wallet permitting, the wonderfully indulgent Auriga Spa is the ultimate ending to the perfect day out.
Dining at Dempsey Hill
An old nutmeg plantation turned British army barracks, this green lifestyle enclave a mere skip from Orchard Road has tons of restaurants amidst the jungle. I usually head to the COMO Dempsey compound, home to Michy-starred Peranakan at Candlenut; healthy but indulgent fare at COMO Cuisine, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s wonder plates at Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Post lunch, you can pop into Dover Street Market Singapore next door for cutting-edge fashion buys from the multi-brand London import.
Discover all of Andrea’s recommendations and more in your desti-essential guide to the Lion City…
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