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Singapore Airlines (SIA) welcomed almost 900 guests from 33 Singapore-based social service agencies to its training centre for a heartwarming SG60 SIA Cares Open House on 19 and 20 July 2025. The event offered beneficiaries – including youth-at-risk, and individuals with disabilities and developmental needs – a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Airline’s training facilities and the people behind the SIA experience both on the ground and in the air. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, was also present on opening day.
Singapore Airlines was proud to present S$3 million to local charities
During the two-hour tour, participants met pilots, cabin crew and engineers to learn about their training and the work that they do. They were given the opportunity to witness how flight training simulators work and visit the Airline’s safety training facilities. A curated lunch featuring signature in-flight dishes added a special flourish to the experience. The tour was led by over 650 SIA Group staff volunteers, and joined by corporate partners.
The Open House marked the culmination of SIA Cares Month and followed the conclusion of the SG60 SIA Cares fundraising campaign, which raised S$1.5 million in a collective effort from the Airline’s corporate partners, members of the public and staff. SIA matched this amount dollar-for-dollar, and with the Singapore Government’s SG Gives matching grant, the total impact was quadrupled to S$6 million.
Visitors included Rainbow Centre, one of the charity beneficiaries who support children and youth with autism or multiple disabilities
These funds will empower over 1,600 children and youth with disabilities and development needs at AWWA and Rainbow Centre and support more than 200 critical social service programmes through Community Chest. AWWA will use these funds in their Community Integration Service, which supports over 300 students in mainstream schools as well as over 470 students with multiple disabilities and autism at their AWWA Schools in Napiri and Bedok. The money will be used to enhance their therapy services, independent living skills training, holistic curriculum reviews, access accommodation and complementary co-curricular activities. This will promote greater community inclusion and enable students of different abilities to participate more fully in society.
Visitors had the opportunity to speak to SIA pilots about their training and jobs
“The provision of high-quality services and greater inclusion require the efforts of many helping hands,” said Mr J R Karthikeyan, Chief Executive Officer at AWWA. “We are grateful to Singapore Airlines and its partners for their compassion and spirit of giving that will go a long way in supporting our collective efforts of strengthening our social compact together.”
“Building an inclusive community is not something we can do alone,” adds Ms Tan Sze Wee, Executive Director at the Rainbow Centre. “We are deeply grateful to Singapore Airlines for believing in our mission and in the potential of every child. Their generous contribution will strengthen our special education programmes and help the children and youth we serve grow, thrive and lead meaningful lives.”
Over 650 SIA Group staff volunteers guided the visitors through a tour of SIA Training Centre
The Rainbow Centre will use the funds towards their Special Education Programme at their Admiral Hill, Margaret Drive and Yishun Park campuses. These tailored approaches aim to address each student’s unique developmental needs and equip them with critical skills for greater independence and improved quality of life.
Mr Chew Sutat, chairman of Community Chest, believes these donations will enable everyone to live with dignity in an inclusive society. “[These donations will] help fund over 200 critical social service programmes for persons with disabilities, mental health conditions, low-income families and elderly causes through Community Chest,” he notes.
The event was a powerful reminder of the community’s capacity to rally together for a meaningful cause. It also reflected SIA’s enduring commitment to inclusivity and care – values that continue to shape its journey as Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence.
Singapore Airlines extends its deepest gratitude to its corporate partners for their generous support.
Clad in soothing terra cotta tones, oak and stainless steel, the 70-seater cafe is as minimal as its famous blue bottle logo. The signature serves are all here, including the barista-favoured Gibraltar and cold-brewed NOLA (New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee), as well as non-coffee drinks like the popular matcha latte.
Come early if you want to get your hands on fresh pastries from Bakery Brera – the croissants are usually gone by mid-afternoon. Exclusive to the outlet are the globally beloved Liège Waffles, as well as the yoghurt bowl with granola and fresh strawberries. For those who want to bring the Blue Bottle experience home, a range of merchandise including coffee beans and brewing tools are also available for sale.
Helmed by Papalotia native Chef Jose Mauricio Espinoza Lara aka Chef Papi, the colouful taqueria – the growing chain’s fourth – dishes up hearty Mexican fare and playful thirst-quenchers. Not surprisingly, there are more tacos than you can shake your maracas at, including the Jalan Besar-exclusive Braised Beef Tongue Tacos. Fork-tender and flavoursome, the tacos de lengua, despite being a staple in traditional Mexican cuisine, are not easy to find in Singapore. The Tacos De Camaron, with grilled prawns and mango salsa, are a crowd-pleaser, but you shouldn’t miss the pan-fried Quesabirria Tacos, packed with smoked beef brisket. There’s also an extensive drinks list, from frozen margaritas to the fruit-flavoured Mexican soft drinks Jarritos to mezcals and tequilas, so you’ll never go thirsty.
With National Day rolling up on 9 August, Singapore is pulling out all the stops. Marking its 60th birthday this year, the country is rolling out a full lineup of SG60 festivities, promos and patriotic vibes. Whether you’re all about feasting as fireworks light up the night sky, digging into locally inspired bites or jamming out to a concert featuring homegrown talent, here’s to making the nation’s Diamond Jubilee one to remember.
Be sure to watch this space as we update this story with more deals and SG60 specials.
Be taken through 60 years of Singaporean pop culture at SingaPop! At ArtScience Museum from 2 August to 28 December 2025. Curated by well-loved local composer and cultural icon, Dick Lee, the exhibition celebrates the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s cultural evolution.
Enjoy a colourful look at Singapore’s history and culture. Photo: ArtScience Museum
Spanning five eras – from the swinging 1960s to the digital dynamism of 2020s – expect an experience brimming with nostalgia, music and interactive zones. At the heart of it is RojakLand, a whimsical reimagining of Singapore’s cultural icons, from hawker culture and Singaporean fashion to beloved TV shows, National Day parades and Singlish charm. Then step into SingaStories, where immersive 360° videos chronicle Singapore’s pop culture evolution from the 1960s to present day. The experience concludes with SingaVoices, an homage to Dick Lee’s iconic song “Home” (1998), written during his time in Hong Kong as a reflection of homesickness.
Visit the ArtScience Museum website here for ticketing details.
2. Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp National Day Concert
Gear up for a night of music and revelry, as Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp present their National Day Concert at The Meadow on 3 August (7.30pm to 10.30pm). Free for all, this year’s theme, “Ties that Bloom” celebrates the bonds of nationhood, community, family and friendship.
Enjoy an evening of popular National Day songs amidst the supertrees. Credit: Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp
The stage will come alive with a star-studded lineup of homegrown talent, including Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza and Charlie Lim. Hady will also debut this year’s National Day Concert (NDC) song, “Ties That Bloom”. As a nod to the theme of enduring familial bonds, there’ll be performances by local family duos: JJ Neo and her mother Lucy Neo; Rahimah Rahim, her sister Rozie Rahim and granddaughter Alyaa; siblings Tay Kewei and Tay Kexin; and husband-and-wife duo Mark Sara and Annetha Ayyavoo.
From 4.30pm, there’ll be fringe activities, hawker bites and snacks (including free ice cream), and a pre-show concert (from 5pm) led by Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra, The Purple Symphony (TPS).
3. SG60 celebrations at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi
The SG60 festivities are in full bloom at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi, including spectacular horticultural displays across the airport’s terminals and the mall. These include: a 7m-tall Vanda Miss Joaquim – Singapore’s national flower – centrepiece and an orchid showcase at Terminal 3; a spectacular 6m-tall floral Merlion at Terminal 2 crafted from over 60 types of plants; and over 1,200 orchids transforming Jewel’s Forest Valley into a sea of red and white.
Celebrations are taking flight across Changi Airport and Jewel. Credit: Changi Airport Group
As night falls, Forest Valley comes alive with a special rendition of the signature light and music show, featuring Kit Chan’s beloved National Day song “Home”, alongside projections of iconic Singaporean symbols on the Jewel Rain Vortex. Running throughout August, shows are at 8pm and 9pm daily, with an extra 10pm performance from Friday to Sunday.
For a journey through time, visit the Evolution of Travel pop-up at Changi Experience Studio, opening 1 August. This immersive exhibition traces the transformation of air travel, from traditional travel agencies to today’s digital platforms. Plus, discover how Changi’s terminals and in-flight dining have evolved to match global trends and tastes.
4. Where to watch free National Day fireworks
The beauty of the National Day fireworks is that you don’t need a ticket to the parade to enjoy them. Launched from Marina Bay, there are many places to enjoy a view for free. Here is a list of places where you can watch the spectacle and even enjoy a picnic and some family time.
The Promontory & The Lawn @ Marina Bay
Located near the waterfront, these wide, open spaces offer stellar unobstructed views of the fireworks. But they’re also popular spots that fill up fast so arrive early to snag a spot.
Promenade in front of Bay East Gardens
The Bay East Gardens is still under development, but you can still head to the promenade to catch views of the waterfront, the Marina Bay skyline and the fireworks display.
The Esplanade area is a great place to watch the fireworks as well as the navy display on the water. Photo: Shutterstock.com
Merlion Park, Esplanade Bridge and Jubilee Bridge These iconic bayfront spots offer prime views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. For a more elevated perspective, head to Esplanade Bridge or Jubilee Bridge. Arrive early to grab a good spot, as these locations are perennial favourites.
Marina Barrage
A popular picnic spot thanks to its rooftop lawn, the open-air Marina Barrage offers an unobstructed view of the CBD area. This year, it’s also one of the five designated satellite Bay Celebration sites where the public can come together to catch a live telecast of the National Day Parade.
Esplanade Waterfront Promenade and Esplanade Roof Terrace
For an elevated vantage point, you can also head to the Esplanade Roof Terrace. With manicured lawns and shady trees, it’s the perfect chill spot to marvel at the pyrotechnic showcase.
Bayfront Event Space Another official NDP celebration site, this open space beside Marina Bay Sands is perfect for soaking in carnival festivities, catching the NDP livestream and catching spectacular fireworks.
5. Luce: Marrying international cuisine with local delights
Italian flavours meet local delights at InterContinental Singapore’s Italian restaurant, Luce. Across two Saturdays (2 and 9 August 2025), dive into a buffet lunch specially priced at S$60 nett per person (UP S$82.73 nett). Savour Italian comfort food like gnocchi ai formaggi (gnocchi in four cheeses), the hearty ragu alla Napoletana (slow-braised pork ribs and Italian sausage in a tangy tomato sauce) and spezzatino di maiale, a rustic Iberico pork stew.
A perfect blend of Italian and Singaporean culture on a plate. Credit: Intercontinental Singapore
As a tribute to Singapore’s heritage, there’ll be local fare like Singapore fruit rojak and kueh pie tee with tiger prawns as well as whole roasted Irish premium duck. Keep an eye out for the parmesan cheese wheel station serving up creamy spicy chilli crab risotto, tossed with jumbo crab lump and finished in a molten Parmigiano Reggiano wheel.
Those with a sweet tooth, head there on 9 August and dive into an astounding spread of 60 handcrafted cakes across its lunch and dinner buffets. Think reimagined nostalgic favourites, including orh nee custard cake, pandan chiffon cake, milo tiramisu cake and ondeh ondeh swiss roll.
Lunch is priced at S$60 nett per adult (2 and 9 August, 12.30pm to 2pm) and dinner is at S$98++ per adult (9 August, 6pm to 10pm). Reservations must be made in advance with the code “SG60”.
Perched on the 51st storey of CapitaSpring, Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill and Bar offers a great vantage point to catch the National Day fireworks. The restaurant is best known for its open-fire cooking and Australian-Japanese flavours, which you can sample across its 4-course National Day menu (S$138++ per person).
Get a window seat in Kaarla or park yourself at the 1-Arden rooftop bar for the best vantage point to catch all the action. Credit: 1-Group
On the menu: wood-fired grilled Hokkaido scallop served with fennel fresh from 1-Arden’s rooftop Food Forest, and Black Angus grainfed steak complemented by grilled artichoke, sweet potato veloute and tamari jus. The dinner experience is available on 5, 12 and 19 July, and 9 August from 6pm. For the best views, snag a window seat, available at an additional S$20++ per person.
You can also take it outdoors to the 1-Arden rooftop bar. On 9 August only (from 6pm), be treated to National Day fireworks with nibbles and a drink in hand. Priced at S$60++, the experience includes two beverages and maki.
7. Nova: Drinks and rooftop views of the fireworks
Take your National Day festivities to new heights at Singapore’s highest rooftop bar, Nova. Nestled on Level 63 of One Raffles Place, you’ll be soaking in spectacular panoramic views, stunning sunsets and multisensory vibes. Join the party on these Saturdays – 26 July, and 2 and 9 August – and you’ll also get front-row seats to thrilling flypasts, dazzling fireworks and the buzz of the city below. All with a drink in hand.
Soak in the celebrations with a drink in hand and the city at your feet. Credit: Nova
Entry starts at S$60 before 9pm (or S$35 after), which gets you two drinks and access to the lower deck/free-standing areas. Want to level up? Go for the Basic Package at S$120 per person, which includes table service at the upper deck and two drinks – perfect for small groups (minimum booking of two pax applies).
Café Quenino at Artyzen Singapore has embarked on a six-month culinary campaign (May to October 2025) that shines the spotlight on the flavours, people and stories that define the nation. Teaming up with iconic local chefs and heritage brands, they will be joining hands in July with Keng Eng Kee (KEK) Seafood to give the latter’s zi char classics a modern twist. Think a reimagined prawn toast, filled with KEK’s house-made hei zho (Teochew crispy prawn rolls) and set atop deep-fried mantou, as well as stir-fried prawns tossed in salted egg yolk sauce. Available as a set lunch, from S$38++ for a two-course set, as well as a communal menu (S$65++ per person, minimum two pax).
Sample heritage-inspired bites amidst the stylish setting at Café Quenino. Credit: Hotel Artyzen
August ushers in a playful yet heartfelt collaboration with Goobycakes helmed by self-taught baker Jie Hui. Her signature cheese pãos get a local upgrade with fillings like sambal, ginger chicken, and bakkwa. To celebrate National Day, all SG60 collaborators come together to curate a special lunch and dinner menu, available throughout August. Guests can also meet the chefs during their appearance on 1 and 2 August 2025.
Your celebration just got sweeter with LeVel33 X Janice Wong’s SG60 National Day Cacao Experience – a one-night-only immersive free-roaming dining affair featuring a nine-course menu (S$328++) that fuses local flavours with cacao and freshly brewed LeVeL33 craft beers. Think inventive dishes like chocolate-aged wagyu beef, chocolate & stout char siu served in steamed buns, spent grain pasta in a laksa emulsion with grilled tiger prawns and market oyster omelette chawanmushi. Encompassing interactive live stations, butler-passed canapés and playful plating inspired by hawker culture, it wraps up with Janice Wong’s signature edible art installation, to be unveiled just as the fireworks light up the night sky.
Savour chocolate-infused treats, craft brews and superb firework views at LeVel33. Credit: LeVel33
Thirsty? Sip on the Cacao Sling, a fresh take on the Singapore Sling featuring cacao nib-infused Brass Lion Singapore gin, Benedictine DOM, cherry brandy, pineapple, lemon, Aztec chocolate and Angostura bitters. Available all month long.
10. Estate: Heritage buffets with complimentary limited-edition beer
Estate at Hilton Singapore Orchard is reinterpreting local fare across its Taste of Heritage buffets, along with a limited-edition craft beer if you dine between 6 to 31 August. For non-drinkers, there is also the locally inspired tie guan yin roselle hibiscus and chin chow pandan kefir kombucha.
Dive into a lunch spread of local and Western delights at $60 nett. Credit: Hilton Singapore Orchard
For lunch, the new individually plated Chefs’ Signatures embrace local flavours with highlights like wok-fried Hokkien prawn noodles and Singapore laksa with prawns. Be sure to stop by Estate’s signature dessert room to sample the likes of bandung strawberry cake, lemongrass pandan chiffon cake and an ice cream cart. For dinner, there’s pan-seared foie gras with tahu goreng, kong bak pau with braised kurobuta pork belly and orh luak omelette with Japanese oysters. Seafood fans will want to head straight to the Seafood Bar for French oysters, Boston lobsters and Alaskan king crab legs, while hearty carvings of Robbins Island wagyu beef striploin, Lumina lamb shoulder and local roast meats will find favour with meat lovers.
The lunch buffet is available from 6 to 31 August 2025. From S$60 nett per adult. The dinner buffet is available from 6 August to 23 November 2025 (Sunday to Thursday). From S$108++ per adult (6 to 31 August 2025) and from S$98++ per adult (from 1 September 2025 onwards).
11. ANTI:DOTE: Flavours of Singapore through the art of Yip Yew Chong
The Fairmont Singapore’s ANTI:DOTE is currently hosting a special edition high tea in collaboration with local artist Yip Yew Chong that takes inspiration from his iconic murals and Singapore’s multicultural food heritage. Available until 30 September, the menu is a playful take on local favourites, reimagining favourites from chick satay to laksa, as well as sweet treats like orh nee and kueh salat.
These inspired sweet and savoury dishes featuring Singaporean flavours are accompanied by traditional scones. Photo: ANTI:DOTE
Inspired cocktails by new head mixologist Edu Zuma also take centrestage with Whispers of the Alley combining No.3 London Dry Gin with coconut water and pandan liqueur.. The drink is served in a double rocks glass and is crowned with a printed icing sugar sheet of Yip’s artwork. There is also a cendol-inspired mocktail using sparkling coconut water and topped with pandan air foam for a light but flavourful option.
The high tea is available until 30 September, 2025 and is priced at S$68++ for adults and S$34++ for children aged 6 to 12.
12. Oasia Spa: Enjoy S$60 off on all 90-minute massage or facials
Throughout the month of August, Oasia Spa at Oasia Resort Sentosa is giving visitors the opportunity to rest and rewind with S$60 off à la carte body massages or facial treatments. Indulge in their Oasia Signature Massage or try the soothing Hot Stone Massage at a price that allows you to celebrate SG60 in a truly indulgent way. There are also quality facials using Swissline by Dermalab, only availably at Oasia Spa. Mums and mums-to-be can also make use of this offer on pre and postnatal massages.
Photo: Oasia Spa
Oasia Spa is elegant spa destination in a heritage building that is easily accessible in Sentosa. Guests can explore the island and its many activities before heading to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment.
To book, call +65 6818 3388 or email oasiaspa.orsentosa@fareast.com, quoting “OSSG60” to redeem your offer.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit singaporeair.com.
With two locations in Rome – one in hip and trendy Trastevere, and the other in central Sallustiano – Le Levain brings the classic French pâtisserie to the Eternal City. Think vibrant macarons, exquisite cakes and a daily rotation of handmade breads. Everything is crafted from scratch, making it a must-visit for pastry lovers craving an all-natural treat.
Tucked in the bohemian district of Trastevere, Nannarella serves up Roman classics with just the right amount of chef-driven flair. Loved by locals and savvy travellers, this not-so-hidden gem reimagines some of your favourite Italian dishes in a quaint, familial setting. There’s no reservation system in place, so aim to get there before noon or 7pm to beat the crowds.
Hassler Roma is a five-star escape where world-class service meets old-world glamour. Perched above the Spanish Steps, its panoramic views are almost as unforgettable as its Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo. For those wanting to explore the city, the hotel boasts a free electric shuttle to nearby shops and boutiques. With a range of wellness facilities, elegant rooms and the Spagna Metro less than 100m away, this hotel immerses you in the charm of Rome.
Inside a quiet block in Ang Mo Kio – one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods and just six MRT stops away from Orchard Road – is a flat that has become a pilgrimage site for those plugged into Singapore’s underground food scene.
From the corridor, it looks like any other Housing Development Board (HDB) unit, the type of public housing where more than 80 per cent of Singaporeans live. But step inside TJBBQ and it feels like entering a boutique steakhouse. A 3m teak table takes centre stage, while soft lighting and a red accent wall set the tone for a refined, intimate experience.
The chef-host is Ng Tiong Jin, a former photographer who began hosting curated barbecue dining meals for groups of up to 12 diners in 2023. Meals start at S$118 per person and often include hickory-smoked wagyu tomahawk. For a Singaporean flourish, the meal ends with piquant sambal prawns with prawn keropok crackers and homemade otah (spiced fish cake) sliders.
“I love that the meals are casual but memorable,” says Tiong Jin, whose private kitchen has hosted 138 of these feasts and is part of a quietly growing trend of supper clubs, cocktail bars and cafés operating out of the most unexpected of venues: people’s private homes.
In 2023, Ng Tiong Jin started hosting curated barbecue dining meals for groups of up to 12 diners at his HDB flat in Ang Mo Kio; a group of diners enjoy gathering around TJBBQ’s dining table (topmost). PHOTO: LAURYN ISHAK
Supper clubs in Singapore are not new, but a new batch of hosts surfaced during the pandemic after the government relaxed rules around home-based businesses. Under the Home-Based Business Scheme, aspiring chefs could serve from home – provided they remain low profile, quiet and hygienic.
The result is a growing list of private kitchens offering everything from Vietnamese banh mi to elaborate Peranakan dishes. Prices hover around S$100 per person, and there’s no goods and services tax. Most chefs offer a distinct sense of place and heritage, and part of the appeal is being able to glimpse into everyday Singaporean life.
At TJBBQ, the set dinner often includes hickory-smoked Wagyu tomahawk (left) and, for a Singaporean flourish, the meal ends with piquant sambal prawns with prawn keropok crackers. PHOTOS: LAURYN ISHAK
“It is not just about the food but about people from all walks of life coming together at my table and enjoying a good conversation in my home,” Tiong Jin says, as we keep piling the condiments – crisp anchovy sambal, pickled green chillies, a squeeze of calamansi lime – onto our spicy prawn crackers, unable to stop ourselves from polishing off every last bite. “My grandmother would approve of this sambal,” one guest says between mouthfuls.
Across town, in the residential enclave of Dover, just two MRT train stops from the bohemian buzz of Holland Village, more homegrown culinary magic is unfolding.
Inside a condo unit, guests gather in Sherine Chua’s living room, swirling glasses of wine they have brought along, as she puts the finishing touches on the elaborate prep for The Drunken Chef private dinner session (from S$98 per person).
Sherine Chua, who runs The Drunken Chef from her home in Dover, serves her drunken chicken roulade, which is brined in premium, locally brewed rice wine for two days to deeply infuse the meat with flavour. PHOTO: LAURYN ISHAK
A self-taught chef who has been cooking since she was 15, Sherine sheepishly reveals she first learnt to cook for her friends about 10 years ago by watching YouTube videos. These days, she has added her own elevated spin on her seven-course Chinese zichar-inspired (cooked-to-order) meals, with many dishes requiring intensive days-long preparations.
For instance, a drunken chicken roulade is brined in premium, locally brewed rice wine for two days to deeply infuse the meat with flavour. The result is silky, succulent slices of chicken laced with a mellow sweetness and a heady fragrant finish.
Seafood pao fan dish (left) and crispy roasted pork belly from The Drunken Chef. PHOTOS: LAURYN ISHAK
Sherine turned her side hustle that she started in 2017 into a full-time, home-based restaurant about one-and-a-half years ago.
“What is most rewarding is watching people truly enjoy the food I have put my heart and soul into creating. There is something special about doing it in my own home as it is comfortable, intimate and creates the kind of atmosphere where everyone can just relax and connect,” Sherine says.
Another highlight is her crispy sio bak (roasted pork belly) with a masterfully blistered crackling that shatters at the bite, giving way to juicy layers of meat and fat.
Sherine nails both technique and timing with finesse, operating out of her modestly sized condominium kitchen that is equipped with just the usual home kitchen appliances like a stove and an oven.
Her signature paofan is a comforting pot of seafood and rice in a rich, umami-packed broth made from hours-boiled fish bones. The savoury, almost milky soup is infused with the natural sweetness of the sea and tastes deeply nourishing.
When the sun sets, the city’s most discreet home bars come to life. These intimate setups echo hidden speakeasies, with addresses shared only after a confirmed reservation, usually via word-of-mouth or a booking link.
Among the pioneers of this scene is Dannon Har, who, along with his wife Jamie, launched Section D in 2020. Nestled within their executive condominium in Sengkang, about a 10-minute drive from Changi Airport, they offer guests a cosy setting in their living room adorned with a floor-to-ceiling liquor shelf.
Dannon Har, who, along with his wife Jamie, launched Section D in 2020. PHOTO: LAURYN ISHAK
Dannon, a former drinks editor turned mixologist, often draws inspiration from personal experiences. For instance, he proposed to Jamie with his signature drink The Proposal, a smoky concoction featuring peated whisky, fresh orange juice and agave syrup. “I gave her a whole jug,” he quips.
He also experiments with spirits not typically associated with cocktails, such as Chinese baijiu, challenging himself to craft inventive drinks that bridge traditional flavours with modern mixology. Section D now runs by appointment only as they have a toddler, but Dannon continues to collaborate with brands on pop-ups and guest shifts.
For late night vibes, Vagabond Mixology is a one-man operation by cocktail whiz Ben Lim, who literally shakes things up from his breezy HDB flat in Braddell. He has set up a small cocktail bar counter in the living room, and with low lighting and soft music, the space transforms into an atmospheric drinking den.
Ben Lim, who runs Vagabond Mixology, shakes things up from his breezy HDB flat in Braddell. PHOTO: LAURYN ISHAK
Ben started his home bar in 2021 after rave reviews from a pop-up event at a former workplace. His cocktails (from S$27) feature boundary-pushing techniques and unexpected combinations like lacto-fermented strawberry honey and sweet-potato-infused bourbon.
Ben’s Lemon Cheesecake, which tastes almost like the dessert itself, features miso honey for a sweet, umami flavour, artichoke liqueur for balance and honey yoghurt for a creamy texture.
His creations are often themed to current affairs, pop culture influences like the HBO series Succession or British dance music project Jungle and his travels. For instance, Task Force Man (a reference to Singapore’s deputy prime minister Gan Kim Yong that was coined during Singapore’s 2025 General Elections) features a creative spin on the evergreen Negroni with olive oil-washed gin, cacao nib-infused Campari and cascara vermouth.
Dannon prepares his signature drink, The Proposal (left) while Ben puts the finishing touches on The Heat, a spicy margarita riff drink Inspired by music by UK neo soul band Jungle, it’s featuring szechuan pepper and chilli padi syrup. PHOTOS: LAURYN ISHAK
“I wanted a space to push creative boundaries, experiment and where people would feel at ease and be open to trying something new, maybe even leave with a new friend,” Ben says.
Indeed, in a city known for its architectural feats and high-concept dining, these homespun ventures prove hospitality does not need to be flashy.
Instead, it is the spirit of generosity and community in Singapore’s quiet corners where strangers become buddies and meals turn into a shared bonding experience. After all, unforgettable nights do not always start in a five-star lobby. Sometimes, they begin at a stranger-turned-friend’s front door.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Singapore, visit singaporeair.com.
Seven years after launching his genre-blurring bar in Fukuoka, Yoshimitsu Obara has opened Citadel’s second outpost – this time in Bangkok. Known for its signature coffee cocktails, music collaborations and fashion drops, Citadel isn’t just a bar – it’s a lifestyle label. And Yoshimitsu sees Bangkok as the perfect city for its next evolution.
“There are so many ingredients here that don’t exist in Japan – tropical fruits, Asian herbs, local spirits,” Yoshi says. “It pushes me to create cocktails that are more narrative, more fusion.” Roughly 30 percent of the Bangkok menu is new, though core drinks like the espresso spumoni (pictured above) remain. “We even serve green curry cocktails (don’t miss the Khob Khun Krab) in both cities – but they’re totally different recipes.”
The Bangkok outpost of Citadel is near Phrom Phong BTS station and spans five floors, giving it space to build on its multidisciplinary roots.
For Yoshi, Bangkok’s high-energy contrasts are a creative catalyst. “It’s one of the most chaotic cities I know – some parts feel more developed than Japan, while others are ancient and untouched. That contrast excites my mind.”
The Bangkok location near Phrom Phong BTS station spans five floors, giving Yoshi space to build on Citadel’s multidisciplinary roots. Collaborations with local bartenders and musicians are already in the works, with plans for events, brand crossovers and music releases under Citadel’s in-house label. “I want to mix the people and cultures of Fukuoka and Bangkok – through cocktails, music, fashion, even staff.”
Yoshi first visited Thailand 14 years ago as a backpacker, a trip that shaped his perspective more than he realised. “The influence is probably deep and subconscious,” he says. Citadel Bangkok opened on 3 April – exactly seven years after the original. “It’s not just about expansion,” Yoshi adds. “It’s about connection.”
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Bangkok, visit singaporeair.com.
