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Monday, 31 August 2026
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Top Grand Prix destinations to visit with Singapore Airlines in 2026
The 2025 F1 season kicked off on a high in Melbourne in March with a thrilling Australian Grand Prix that saw plenty of action on and off the track. If you missed seeing McLaren’s Lando Norris put in a convincing victory, there’s always next year – and the rest of this season. Here’s how to do a Grand Prix weekend at some of our favourite destinations.
Melbourne: Australian Grand Prix
Back as the season opener this year, palm-tree-lined Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne is famous for its medium- and high-speed runs backdropped by the city skyline. Fans also love seeing the drivers each morning on Melbourne Walk and catching the nightly concerts. Away from the circuit, stock up on merch at Pit Stop Melbourne, enjoy the annual Grand Prix Street Party at Middle Park Hotel, grab rooftop drinks at Mirror Mirror and indulge in supper at Gimlet.
Shanghai: Chinese Grand Prix
The purpose-built Shanghai International Circuit features tight turns, high g-forces and one of the longest straights in F1. After the on-track action, catch a train to downtown Shanghai to enjoy the city’s vibrant offerings. Admire the skyline views from Flair at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong or sample agave-infused cocktails at Coa Shanghai. Enjoy a culinary odyssey at chain restaurants Din Tai Fung (for noodles and dim sum) and Haidilao (for hotpot). Don’t forget to try Nanxiang Mantou Dian, arguably the city’s best xiaolongbao dumplings, and HuangMen Lao Zao for Chongqing-style hotpot.
Nagoya: Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
Created in 1962 by Dutch track designer John Hugenholtz, Suzuka International Circuit is a favourite among drivers thanks to a challenging layout combining high speeds, 18 corners and an iconic “crossover”. While here, ride the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the track or hit the Motopia amusement park and get behind the wheel yourself. Visitors usually stay in Nagoya so take some time to wander the Osu district for street snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, take in the tunes at the Jazz Spot Swing and celebrate with a beer at the Kirin Brewery.
Milan: Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
Drive 30 minutes from Milan to the spiritual home of Ferrari – the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The “Temple of Speed” was created in 1992 and features long straights, tight chicanes and high speeds – and is where Juan Pablo Montoya set a top speed record of 372.6km/h in 2004. After a day trackside in Monza, treat yourself to a lavish Mediterranean meal at Derby Grill or Il Moro. In Milan, enjoy an opulent Risotto alla Milanese at Savani or authentic Italian cuisine at Penelope a Casa – owned by former Red Bull driver Vitantonio Liuzzi – then drink among the Tifosi (the term for hardcore Ferrari fans) in the Navigli district and slip into the wonderland that is the Ferrari store.
Barcelona: Spanish Grand Prix (Montmelo)
Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, will be an F1 circuit for one more year before the race moves to Madrid in 2026 – so enjoy the spectacle of cars flying down long straights, high- and low-speed corners and elevation changes.
Each evening after the race, fans gather at the pop-up bars lining Montmeló’s main street over the weekend – those in the know book dinner at El Tapeo or El Trabuc in nearby Granollers. In the city, settle in at a tapas bar – try La Cova Fumada, Bar Alegría or Bodega La Puntual – or feast at an internationally inspired chef’s counter at Direkte, then quench your thirst at the La Dolce Vitae rooftop.
Singapore: Singapore Grand Prix
Each year, Singapore hosts F1’s original night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the heart of the city, a challenging track of 19 tight corners, four DRS zones and intense humidity; after the on-track action, fans party into the night with huge concerts. By day, sip Singapore Slings at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, head to the top of Marina Bay Sands for sundowners at Lavo or Spago and dine in historic surrounds at Chijmes, where you can try classic Singaporean dishes at New Ubin Seafood. Continue the F1 experience at Torno Subito – by acclaimed Italian chef Massimo Bottura – where you’ll enjoy casual Italian fare while gawking at real Ferrari F1 cars and testing your skills on the gamified electric go-kart circuit at HyperDrive.
Brussels: Belgian Grand Prix (Francorchamps)
Historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was built in 1921 in Belgium’s picturesque Ardennes region. It was redeveloped in 1979 but remains the longest track on the F1 calendar; the combination of long straights, uphill climbs and fast corners pushes cars to the edge. Spend a few days exploring Brussels while you’re here – enjoy local brasseries like Maison Vincent, Les Brassins and Le Cirio, and sample hard-hitting Belgian beers at cafés like Delirium, À La Mort Subite and La Fleur en Papier Doré.
Amsterdam: Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
Reigning champ Max Verstappen will have two more chances to enjoy a Grand Prix at home – Circuit Zandvoort, 45 minutes from Amsterdam, will disappear from the F1 calendar after 2026. For now, this beachfront track offers harsh gravel beds that penalise drivers for the smallest mistakes and 14 corners that swoop through sand dunes. In Zandvoort, fans can race sims at Racesquare or try Dutch pancakes at Dune aan de duinrand. Spend a few days soaking up picturesque Amsterdam too, while feasting on French-Flemish plates at Rijsel, brasserie classics at Cradam or Dutch comfort food at Hap-Hmm. Cap off your trip with a “brown bar” experience – a classic, casual Dutch bar without pretence – at Café ‘t Smalle or Café de Sluyswacht.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com.
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Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Thursday, 20 August 2026
The 2026 guide to Bangkok’s best cocktail bars
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Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore 2026: 10 new places to eat
Singaporeans are famously proud of their culinary heritage. After all, the Lion City’s dining scene is one of its greatest draws. And it hasn’t escaped notice from the coveted Michelin Guide, one of the world’s most esteemed culinary institutions.
In recent years, it has also honoured some of Singapore’s beloved hawkers, granting them both Bib Gourmand awards and stars. Stalwarts like Odette and Les Amis continue to impress, retaining their trio of stars. This year, a total of 33 new restaurants and hawkers join the Michelin Guide, across the starred, Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selection categories. Here are 7 newcomers and old favourites to note.
Michelin-starred restaurants
Michelin stars are the most coveted awards a restaurant can receive. They stem from the Guide’s past as a French motoring guide, where one star denotes a restaurant worth a stop, two stars denoting that the excellent food is worth a detour and three stars being exceptional cuisine that’s worth a special journey. In order to make the cut, five universal criteria are taken into account: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavours, mastery of techniques, consistency and the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine.
Newcomer Born clinches its first star
It’s always thrilling when a new restaurant joins the ever-growing pantheon of Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore. The Malaysian-born chef of Born, Zor Tan, has had a storied culinary journey involving stints at acclaimed restaurants like Restaurant André in Singapore where he learned under the tutelage of André Chiang. At Born, set within former rickshaw depot Jinricksha Station, Tan presents his enigmatic marriage of French and Chinese cooking through a nine-course menu that highlights eclectic dishes that include pickled starters, fish bacon and a Spanish-inspired fried “bao” – dishes that represent his culinary journey.
Seroja’s stunning hat trick
This newcomer managed to snag a Michelin star less than a year since opening – an impressive feat in itself. Even more impressive is that Seroja is the first and only restaurant in Singapore to be awarded the Michelin Green star, which recognises restaurants that maintain sustainable and ethical practices. Chef Kevin Wong, who also received a Young Chef Award from Michelin – completing Seroja’s hat trick – celebrates the varied cuisines of the Malay Archipelago through his menu. Its efforts towards sustainability include sourcing local, seasonal dishes and utilising vegetable trimmings in their cocktails, all of which serve to emphasise regional flavours.
A two-star exemplar of modern-Indian cuisine
We’ve said it before, modern-Indian cuisine is having its heyday in Singapore. If you need convincing, consider that Thevar is one of only six restaurants on the island to clinch two Michelin stars. Helmed by Penang-born Chef Mano Thevar, the eponymous restaurant champions, in the chef’s own words, “Indian flavours by way of the Malay Peninsula”. What’s also striking about Thevar’s menu is that it presents dishes that defy the usual ideas of what Indian food is, broadening the perception of the cuisine. The best way to experience Thevar’s offerings is through the Chef’s Menu that features unique dishes like Madurai pepper crab rassam and Iberico pork thogayal (chutney) along with classics like lamb biryani.
A three-star stalwart that’s going strong
When it comes to Singapore’s trio of three-star MICHELIN restaurants, Zén often doesn’t get as much attention as its contemporaries Odette and Les Amis. While its peers favour French and European cooking with Asian influences, chef-owner Björn Frantzén instead champions a neo-Nordic menu with Japanese inflections and an emphasis on seafood. Zén’s dining space also defies fine dining archetypes and is instead set within a charming shophouse on Bukit Pasoh Road, adding an intimate vibe to this exceptional culinary experience.
Bib Gourmand entries
While not as prestigious as a star, the Michelin Guide is firm in the belief that a Bib Gourmand isn’t merely a consolation prize. This award honours restaurants that offer “exceptionally good food at moderate prices”. Among these 79 establishments, you’ll find a mix of hawkers and affordable restaurants that have quietly distinguished themselves.
Another hawker hero clinches a Bib Gourmand
Mutton soup is a primal affair – it’s messy, you use your hands and you’d be silly to wear white while eating it. Essentially, it’s far from the white tablecloth affairs most people would associate with the Michelin guide of old. Joining the list of Bib Gourmand awardees this year is Bahrakath Mutton Soup, housed in the much-loved Adam Road Food Centre. Open since the ’70s, the stall offers a variety of mutton soups made with leg and ribs along with offal like tripe and even brain. The richly spiced soup is replete with tender portions of meat, and is best enjoyed with chunks of bread to sop up the gravy.
A contemporary take on a classic Malay dish wins mention
The Coconut Club’s entry into Singapore’s dining scene was met with scepticism by some Singaporeans – mostly due to its upmarket price for the typically humble hawker dish nasi lemak (fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf). But they’ve more than proven their merit with ample portions, high quality ingredients and an exceptional sambal that ties it all together. In addition to their nasi lemak, you can add other homestyle Malay dishes to your meal like chicken satay, sayur lodeh (Indonesian vegetable soup prepared with coconut milk) and a delightfully tender homemade otah to your meal.
Michelin Selection eateries
Being in the Michelin Selection is a “sign of a chef using quality ingredients that are well cooked; simply a good meal,” says Michael Ellis, International Director of the Michelin Guide books. While not as prestigious as the aforementioned awards, these are certainly establishments to look out for – it’s not unheard of for Michelin Selected establishments to rise to the ranks of Bib Gourmand, and perhaps even a star.
One of Singapore’s cheapest hawker dishes takes the spotlight
More than half of the 33 new Michelin Selected establishments are hawker stalls, but the humblest of them all is perhaps the chwee kueh, a rice cake served with chilli and chai-poh (preserved radish cooked in lard). At Bedok Chwee Kueh, a single piece will set you back just $1.20 (though a pair is considered the usual portion). Served on its own, these tender rice cakes have little to no flavour, but the magic is in the stall’s spicy chilli and their distinctively fragrant chai-poh. While the stall didn’t earn a star or Bib Gourmand award, the recognition of such a humble local dish is something that Singaporeans can certainly be proud of.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flight service to Singapore, visit the official website.
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Historic hotels that will make you feel like royalty
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Monday, 17 August 2026
With Love
Located along the eclectic Neil Road, this independent boutique began life as a pop-up shop at nearby Keong Saik. Today, it houses over 20 emerging and cult labels from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and more. Curated by founder Mary Knickrehm Kumar, the collection includes refined tailoring from Vietnam’s ClothesBar and Indonesia’s Cult Suri, alongside conscious demi-fine jewelry from APOLUNA from Hong Kong. Thai heritage silk house Jim Thompson adds an element of sophistication with its range of menswear, womenswear, scarves and bags, while Singapore-based Paper Palette offers a sweet femininity. The brands refresh every eight weeks, so every visit promises a surprise.
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Thursday, 13 August 2026
The best surfer hangouts in Bali
Bali’s surf scene is legendary – in fact, some of the first Western visitors to the island in the 1930s were wave worshippers captivated by the warm, clear waters off Kuta Beach. While urban development has mushroomed in some pockets, Bali still has its fair share of off-the-beaten-path surf spots and uncrowded line-ups. Couple this with trendy surf-themed eateries and quality surf schools and you have the winning formula for a swell holiday.
The starting point: Kuta Beach
Once a quiet stretch of sand, Kuta Beach is today teeming with vendors hawking anything and everything from massages and henna tattoos to ice-cold drinks and local snacks. But rampant tourism hasn’t dampened the beach’s allure as a prime surf spot. Renowned for its accessible swells and reliable waves, Kuta is an ideal training ground for beginners. More seasoned surfers can head to nearby Kuta Reef, an offshore break easily accessible by boat.
The store: Drifter
Get kitted out at this shop, café and gallery all rolled into one. Drifter stands in stark contrast to larger surf stores on the island. Instead of retailing big-name brands, it focuses on promoting independent and up-and-coming labels, as well as surf-related art. Here, you’ll find one-of-a-kind surfboards, stylish accessories, surf-related books and collectibles. Complete your shopping experience with an espresso at the on-site café.
The surf school: Chillhouse
Chillhouse opened back in 2005 when the hipster stomping ground of Canggu was still very much a sleepy surf village. Today, the long-standing institution offers surfing lessons for all levels, along with accommodation and yoga classes. Sign up for one of the various packages and hone your skills on the punchy barrels of Canggu’s fringing reefs.
The restaurant: The Balcony
This breezy second-floor café in the heart of Kuta has welcomed surfing legends such as Rob Machado, Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning. The décor here is on point – think surfboards adorning the ceiling, a Wall of Fame documenting famous visitors and shelves stacked with surfing magazines. On the food front, there is a diverse menu of salads, pastas, seafood dishes and Indonesian classics – best washed down with a frozen margarita or two.
The secret swell: Balian Beach
Approximately a 2.5-hour drive northwest of the airport, Balian Beach makes for a great escape from the nearby tourist enclaves of Canggu and Seminyak. Still relatively undeveloped, this unpretentious beach is known for its long swells and picturesque black sands. Balian village also offers accommodation and restaurants for those who wish to stay in the area overnight.
The all-in-one venue: Surf Camp Bali – Cliff
Guests at this surf camp on the picturesque Bukit Peninsula practically live and breathe the sport. Surrounded by caves and hills and only accessible via a stepped path, this laid-back venue offers accommodation, surfing lessons and yoga classes. Some of the island’s best surf breaks – including Green Bowl (which is just 150m away), Padang Padang, Uluwatu and Impossibles – are within easy reach.
The night surfing spot: Komune
Fancy a challenge? Head to Komune on the east coast of Bali, one of the first resorts in the world to offer night surfing. Every evening from 7pm to midnight, the Keramas reef is illuminated by enormous floodlights, with daredevils riding the powerful right-handers and deep barrels that spill onto the gorgeous black-sand beach. Limited to just six surfers per night, it’ll certainly be a surfing experience like no other.
The post-surf bar: Old Man’s
Named after one of Canggu’s most popular surf breaks, Old Man’s attracts a mix of expats and tourists, who often come in straight from the waves. The open-air venue features a long bar and a lounge area with plenty of seating, where you can quench your thirst with an ice-cold beer or an espresso martini. Refuel with an array of pizzas, salads, burgers, fish and chips, or Asian dishes like chicken curry. Visit on Wednesdays for beer pong nights, and on Fridays and Saturdays for live music.
FEATURE IMAGE BY TOMMY SCHULTZ
Singapore Airlines flies to Bali four times daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Best yoga retreats in Bali
This article was originally published in the August 2018 issue of SilverKris magazine
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Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Best mooncakes to try in Singapore 2026
The Mid-Autumn festival has been observed since the early Tang dynasty (618 – 907), with the cakes themselves believing to have originated in the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) when revolutionaries used them to pass secret messages to each other.
In China, Mid-Autumn festival is a public holiday where families get together to enjoy grand lantern processions, moongazing and a sumptuous feast. In places like Hong Kong, carnivals and lantern displays, as well as the Fire Dragon Dance, are held in public spaces like Victoria Park.
Here in Singapore, while places like Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay are decked out with colourful lanterns for all to enjoy, it is the variety of mooncakes that most choose to celebrate with. Traditional mooncakes are often made with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, but today, there is a mind boggling variety. Here are some of the very best to share with your family on the 24 September.
1. For old-school, flaky pastry: Thye Moh Chan
Thye Moh Chan, the 75-year-old Teochew confectionery has rolled out a collection of handcrafted mooncakes with a unique and memorable light flaky pastry. Like the brand’s signature tau sar piah, these seasonal items are hand-crafted the traditional way, using high quality ingredients such as meticulously prepared smooth mung bean filling.
The mooncakes feature a mix of savoury and sweet fillings, such as favourites like the Salty Tau Sar with Salted Egg Yolk ($38.80) and Sweet Tau Sar with Melon Seeds ($38.80). The brand has also introduced a new flavour – Red Bean Mochi with Salted Egg Yolk ($38.80). The pastry is woven with sweet Taiwanese red beans and soft chewy mochi, and balanced with salted egg yolk and melon seeds. Those who are more adventurous can zero in on the limited-edition Mao Shan Wang Durian with smooth durian-infused mung bean paste ($43.80). The mooncakes come in pretty pastel packaging with peony flower motifs.
Chinatown Point, #01-45/46, Paragon #B1-11/12, Changi Airport Terminal 2 (Level 2, Departure Lounge)
2. For luxury with a healthy twist: Shangri-La Hotel
This year, Shang Palace has created Hong Kong style baked custard mooncakes filled with delicate bird’s nest. The hand-crafted treats are rich and creamy, yet not overwhelmingly sweet. Shang Palace’s Executive Chinese Chef Mok Kit Keung who was previously at the helm of the two Michelin-starred Shang Palace at Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, created these Signature Mini Baked Custard with Bird’s Nest for Singapore’s market for the first time. These golden gems come in elegant champagne gold “treasure chests” with intricate designs. They are available in a box of eight pieces at $118, and perfect for gifting.
3. For durian lovers: Goodwood Park Hotel
Durian lovers will enjoy Goodwood Park’s popular D24 and ‘Mao Shan Wang’ snowskin mooncakes. These soft snowksin mooncakes are freshly made using pure durian pulp without any preservatives.
The premium Mao Shan Wang Durian Mooncakes are $88 for four pieces and $56 for two, and the luscious D24 Durian Mooncakes are $56 for 2 pieces and $88 for four. Great for gifting is the Snowskin Combo ($62 for four pieces) featuring tropical fruit-based mooncakes: Soursop with Calamansi, Mango with Pomelo, Cempedak and D24 Durian.
4. For snowskin mooncake fans: Fairmont Singapore
Fairmont Singapore is most known for its handmade mooncakes featuring soft delicate snowskin, and unique flavours, sometimes infused with alcohol.
Two of its best-sellers include the Mini Champagne Truffle & Chocolate Ganache snowskin mooncake ($70 for eight), and the snow-pearl edition of Mini Rum & Raisin with Chocolate Truffle ($68 for eight). This year, the dim sum team also unveiled their new Mini Salted Egg Caramel mooncakes ($68 for eight). The delicate rose-hued treat with a dark chocolate praline in the centre is well-balanced with a touch of saltiness.
5. For bite-sized options: Simple Indulgence Patisserie
This small boutique bakery offers handcrafted petite-sized snowskin mooncakes using only natural ingredients – from the various flavour pairings to the delicate snowskin made with a special house blend flour.
For example, fresh raspberries are used to tinge the snowskin of the Black Sesame Raspberry Truffle treat. Other sublime flavours include the Japanese Yuzu Truffle – yuzu is infused into the snowskin, and paired with low sugar white lotus paste. The centerpiece is a white chocolate truffle filled with yuzu white chocolate. For a local touch, try the blue-hued Butterfly Pea Gula Melaka made with low sugar Gula Melaka lotus paste and a dark chocolate truffle filled with white chocolate coconut ganache. Prices start from $34.
6. For a traditional throwback: Old Seng Choong
This year, heritage brand Old Seng Choong presents seven traditional mooncakes. New this season are three traditional baked flavours: White Lotus Paste with Durian Paste ($66.80); White Lotus with Yolk Blend and Mixed Seeds (pine nuts, pumpkin seeds and melon seeds ($66.80)); and Longan with Wugu ($66.80) whose filling is made with pure dried longan paste, dried longan and ‘wugu’ – a mix of five different seeds and berries. Top pastry chef Daniel Tay has also experimented with various ingredients such as dark chocolate, liquors, seeds, nuts, as well as durian, longan, yuzu and cherries.
7. For something different: Yàn
For a flaky, crisp pastry that you won’t find in many places in Singapore, try Yan’s Thousand Layer Yam mooncakes, inspired by the Teochew style of mooncakes. In layers of crispy, light, golden pastry, the sweet yam filling is aromatic and pleasant, a perfect balance. Yàn’s mooncakes are available in boxes of four pieces (from $62); the version with single yolk embedded within is $64. Order them one day in advance.
SEE ALSO: Pamper yourself at these relaxing spas in Singapore
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