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Singapore’smoniker of ‘Garden City’ is certainly well-deserved, given the lush pockets of greenery that flourish in this metropolis. Its perennially sunny weather makes taking in the great outdoors an evergreen idea – and what better to do in the sun than enjoy a picnic? Here are suggestions of where to head to for a breezy, delicious day out with loved ones, along with where you might score picnic supplies and takeaway-friendly food.
Botanic Gardens
Kicking off this list of local picnic spots is theSingapore Botanic Gardens, the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Established in 1822, the park has since flourished and remains a popular tourist attraction. There are plenty of great spots for picnicking, but one of the best is the sloping field in front of Symphony Lake. With plenty of shaded spots and regular concerts and performances, it’s ideal for a day out with the family.
Enjoy family-friendly performances at the Symphony Lake while you picnic. Photo: Shutterstock
If you’re picnicking at Botanic Gardens, getting a picnic basket couldn’t be easier.Bee’s Knees at The Garageoffers a ready-made‘Picnic Buzzket’that can be ordered online three days in advance. It includes gourmet treats like fries, rice bowls, salads, pizzas and refreshing summer coolers to beat the heat. The Garage is located within the gardens, right next to the Cluny Park Gate entrance.
Palawan Beach
The golden sands and invigorating sea breeze atPalawan Beach make it a lovely gathering spot. While it can get a little crowded on weekends, head down on a weekday and you’ll find plenty of room to lay down a mat and soak in the rays while grazing on your favourite picnic bites.
Make your picnic extra special with this exquisite selection of treats from Le Faubourg. Photo: Le Faubourg
The host of restaurants and convenience stores nearby offer takeaway options, but for a truly elevated selection of picnic food, grab a picnic box fromLe Faubourg,a café that’s 10 minutes’ walk from Palawan Beach. Their convenient picnic sets are meant for two to share and include a selection of savoury croissants, mini sweet crepes, drinks, dips and optional Champagne, cider or rosé.
Kallang Riverside Park
Tranquil and replete with waterfront views,Kallang Riverside Parkis another great option for a picnic in Singapore. This park is home to a watersports centre where you can rent kayaks and canoes, but those who’d rather take it easy can set up by the water’s edge and watch the adrenaline junkies take to the waves instead.
Kallang Riverside Park’s watersports centre offers a variety of activities like kayaking and canoeing. Photo: Shutterstock
If you’re picnicking with the family, skip the prep work and order a Family Graze Kit fromLush Platters. The kit can be delivered to your doorstep and serves four adults. It includes a cheese platter, salad and mains such as marinated chicken thighs and fresh Tasmanian salmon. You’ll also get sides like garlic and herb bread or a roasted potato salad. Note that a two-day advance notice is required.
Marina Barrage
Aside from being an integral source of Singapore’s water supply, the Marina Barrageis also one of the best places to take in the iconic Singapore skyline. Here you’ll find a gently sloping grass patch that extends from the entrance of the barrage upwards across its rooftop. Thanks to its elevated location and unobstructed surroundings, it’s ideal for kite-flying and catching the sunset.
Unwind over a glass of wine while the kids try their hand at flying kites. Photo: Shutterstock
For a fuss-free picnic basket option, you can opt to order a basket curated to your tastes, fromThe Shake Affinity. This includes wines, cheeses, pastries, cocktails and more. As each of their picnic baskets is completely customised, you’ll have to email them directly to order. Advance notice is recommended.
Jurong Lake Gardens
Jurong Lake Gardensoffers a little bit of everything. Before your picnic, take the kids to Forest Ramble, an activity area inspired by the freshwater swamp habitat of the park. There’s also Clusia Cove, a water-themed playground that features a sandy beach with an artificial wave pool that mimics tidal patterns. Nature lovers can explore the park’s unique grassland and swamp habitats and watch the park’s resident birdlife, while the grassland area is a great spot to set up your picnic.
The grasslands area of the park offers a unique environment that’s unlike most other parts of Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock
For food, prepare beforehand and grab a takeaway meal fromFusion Spoon, located on the side of the park that faces Yuan Ching Road. Here you’ll have a mix of local specialties to choose from including nasi lemak and other picnic-friendly dishes like sandwiches.
Fort Canning
Once the site of 14th century kings and the seat of power for the local British garrison pre-independence,Fort Canning Parkis perhaps the most historical picnic destination on this list. The park itself offers many shaded spots for a picnic. The Fort Canning Green, a sloping spot of grass in front of Fort Canning Centre is the most popular. The park is also home to the annual Festival at The Fort as well as outdoor yoga and art classes. For news on upcoming events, the Eventbrite has a helpful schedulehere.
While you’re at Fort Canning Park, explore its historical ruins. Photo: Shutterstock
The park’s central location between the Orchard Road stretch and the CBD means you’ve got plenty of options for picnic food. At shopping mall Plaza Singapura just five minutes away, supermarketCS Freshoffers an upmarket selection of groceries including artisanal loafs as well as a stellar charcuterie and cheese selection.
East Coast Park
Last but not least, there’s the popularEast Coast Park. Measuring over 15 kilometres, it’s easy to find a quiet area by the beach. While the park has several car parks and drop-off points, the most fun way to explore and find a picnic spot is by bike, which can be rented throughout the park. Set up near the shore and you can also enjoy spectacular sunset views across the Singapore Strait.
Pack light and rent a bike to find the perfect spot to catch the sunset. Photo: Shutterstock
For food, plan beforehand and order picnic-friendly fare fromDa Paolo Gastronomia. The bistro offers home delivery for their conveniently prepackaged meals like lasagnes and cold salads, along with pizzas and pastries. Orders must be made two days in advance, before noon.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flights to Singapore, visit the official website.
While one of the last cities to reopen its borders earlier this year, Hong Kong quickly left the pandemic behind with a slew of new restaurant and bar opens. Hotels and establishments that had boldly begun their businesses during Covid-19 have also found their second wind with their revitalised menus and programmes. Meanwhile, the stalwarts that were undergoing extensive refurbishments are also now ready to roll. There’s never been a better time to visit this harbour city, and when you do, here are the places not to be missed.
Where to eat in Hong Kong
Whey
Adventures in umami with Singapore
Chef Barry Quek’s sustainability-minded Whey has been proudly flying the Lion City’s flag in eclectic Sheung Wan by way of its Singaporean-inflected cuisine. It quickly earned its first Michelin star back in 2021 when it opened, and has since continued to turn out dishes that combine quality ingredients with an inventive explosion of flavours.
Whey’s summer menu. Photo: Whey
Standouts include chef Quek’s bluefin tuna, ginger flower with pickled watermelon radish and dried baby shrimp, and earthy yet silky buah keluak emulsion accompanied by brioche baked fresh daily. Meanwhile notes familiar to the Southeast Asian palate such as sambal chili and taucheo (salted, fermented soybeans) pepper the menu. The crowning glory: Maoshan Wang durian ice cream with kristal caviar and milk crisp, a must-try for fans of this polarising fruit as well as the gastronomically curious.
While there: Head down Queen’s Road Central towards Upper Lascar Row (also known as Cat Street) for an al fresco street market where you can peruse vintage tchotchkes and haggle with seasoned vendors. Don’t miss Select 18 just round the corner, a den full of old-school memorabilia.
Feuille
French fine dining with a point of view
This might be an unpopular opinion, but French fine dining can sometimes feel samey, even if excellent. Chef David Toutain bucks this trend with his new restaurant Feuille (French for ‘leaf’ or ‘foliage’) in Sheung Wan, just upstairs from Whey. With a strong “vegetal-focused” concept that revolves around the life stages of a plant, Toutain keeps the menu razor-tight and lets his choice of local ingredients really shine.
Shiso leaf fried tempura-style with lovage and sea grape. Photo: FeuilleGreen peas served with local clams and almond milk. Photo: Feuille
His green pea dish served with local clams and almond milk is exquisite, as is the shiso leaf fried tempura-style with crème fraiche, mustard seed and sea grape. The choice of rustic tableware and plating is a thoughtful touch that transports one to the woodlands. The restaurant just opened in May and is a great opportunity to sample Toutain’s work for those whom his two-Michelin-starred eponymous restaurant in Paris is a smidge too far out of the way.
While there: Browse wares by local designers and artist at the nearby PMQ, the former Central School campus and the Police Married Quarters that’s now a buzzing creative hub.
Mono
An education in Latin American cuisine
The cosy 30-seater Mono in Central is one of those restaurants that make you wonder why they aren’t decorated with more Michelin stars (Mono currently has one). But with a pitch-perfect menu exemplifying the range of flavours across a wide array of Latin American ingredients, great wine pairings and impeccable service, it’s simply a matter of time before the awards panel – and the rest of the world – catches on.
Brittany monkfish served with Andean cereal stew. Photo: MonoSan Marzano tomato with blue crab salad and Napoleon cherry leche de tigre. Photo: Mono
The roasted Iberico pork loin served with a mole (traditional Mexican sauce) derived from 21 ingredients is their pièce de résistance, but pretty much everything on this extensive tasting menu will have you hankering for more. This open by Venezuelan chef co-owner Ricardo Chaneton is a heavyweight in Latin American representation in the APAC region, and an absolute must-try while in town.
While there: Walk off the deliciousness at nearby Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, the repurposed former Central Police Station Compound which now regularly stages quality contemporary art programmes.
Rùn
A revitalisation of Cantonese cuisine
At two-Michelin-starred Rùn housed within The St. Regis Hong Kong in Wan Chai, veteran chef Hung Chi-Kwong’s even-handed approach ensures that every dish deploys the natural flavours of traditional ingredients to exquisite effect. The braised minced crab broth with frog, winter melon and herbaceous telosma cordata buds is a delicately balanced concoction with a light sweetness that leaves you yearning for more – but don’t neglect the dim sum, which is rightfully exemplary.
Sample exquisite dim sum with tea pairings at Rùn. Photo: Rùn
To round off this yum cha experience, ask the in-house tea sommelier for some premium tea pairings to accompany your meal.
While there: Try a bottle of their sparkling tea from Hong Kong-based brand Mindful Sparks – it’s a bubbly surprise featuring traditional Chinese tea flavours that will delight tea enthusiasts and those seeking non-alcoholic options alike.
Where to drink in Hong Kong
The recent proliferation of bars can make it difficult to decide where to head to first, especially when one is already spoilt for choice when it comes to the local cocktail bar scene. Here are a few strong contenders, if you’re seeking something different from the usual suspects.
Thirsty Shaker
For dog-friendly, al fresco weekday lounging
Thirsty Shaker opened in the middle of the pandemic in April 2022 – a bold move for a bar, to say the least. Its breezy outdoor terraces overlook the streets of Central, and are the perfect perch for watching the world go by. Share one of its signature punch bowls with your squad, or nurse your own cocktail. Whichever you choose, drinks tend to run on the sweeter, fruitier side, which is just how the locals like it. The best part? It’s dog-friendly, so expect to see lots of cute pooches especially on a weekend afternoon, and perhaps even make a new furry friend.
While there: There’s no shortage of quality cocktail bars in Central, so turn your lazy weekend hangout into a bar crawl by checking out The Pontiac, Tell Camellia and Penicillin, all a stone’s throw away.
Bombay Royale punch: a gin concoction with raspberry, apple, kaffir and ginger. Photo: Thirsty Shaker
Orchard
Cocktails worth straying off the beaten path for
By day, stalls peddling fruit and produce line Gage Street. Come night, the unassuming ORCHARD opens for business, serving up fruit liquors and perfectly balanced cocktails. It’s flown under the radar so far compared to its fellow recent opens Savory Project (sibling of renowned COA) and Bar Leone. But the quality and vibes to be found at here are no less sophisticated, and those in the know happily make that extra five minute jaunt off the main streets of SoHo to join the raucous party beyond Orchard’s unassuming doors.
While there: If you’re looking for something to sop up all that boozy goodness, the Central outlet of pizza and donut haven Dough Bros are a mere five minutes’ walk away. These sourdough pizzas and cinnamon-encrusted donuts are the perfect late-night eats and they’re open until 2am on weekends.
Intervals Bar
For that last hurrah at the airport
This cocktail bar hidden away on the Sky Bridge (find its entrance between gates 12 and 24) of Hong Kong International Airport is not the easiest place to find, but it’s well worth the hunt. Intervals Bar proves that sophistication can persist in miniature, with these flights of scaled-down cocktails that are conveniently sized by the amount of time one has.
Watch the planes take off while you imbibe. Photo: Michelle JN LimLook out for this entrance. Photo: Intervals Bar
Memorable concoctions include the Green (grappa, green peas, chartreuse and green apple) and Growth (Amontillado Sherry, elderflower, Fernet Hunter, orange wine) from their Fruiting menu that’s designed for a 30-minute-long stopover. You’ll want to make this a mandatory part of your pre-flight checklist, regardless of whether you’ve got 15 minutes or 45.
While there: Don’t neglect their eats, especially The BAM – a smashed croissant where caramelised banana, almond butter and maple syrup come together in heart-stealing crunchy perfection. And also, don’t miss your flight!
Where to stay in Hong Kong
And of course, you’ll want a place to put up after your adventures out and about. If your last trip to Hong Kong was pre-pandemic, you’ll find some new choices alongside old favourites have refreshed their offerings.
St. Regis
For a glimpse of New York’s Gilded Age
Class and comfort take centre stage at the St. Regis Hong Kong, tucked away in Wan Chai a stone’s throw from the Hong Kong and Exhibition Convention Centre. It’s easy to fall in love with the stay when it reminds one of a luxury home away from home, courtesy of award-winning darling of the hotel industry André Fu. Fu artfully marries the design sensibilities from the original St. Regis in New York with his personal memories of Hong Kong, for a timeless yet somehow nostalgic expression of refinement.
A dreamy dusk palette and soft lighting that soothe away every care. Photo: St. Regis Hong Kong
The lush furnishings soothe away every care, but if they don’t, you can count on the signature St. Regis butler service to put all else to bed. Guests can also partake in other longstanding St. Regis traditions such as their daily sabrage at 5.30pm in the Lobby. If you’ve not witnessed it before, it’s a fun activity – and comes with a glass of champagne to boot.
While there: The Art Deco-inspired St. Regis Bar is atmospheric whether night or day, and serves up a potent Bloody Mary (invented at the original St. Regis Bar in New York, after all).
Marvel at the Art Deco-inspired interior of the St. Regis Bar while you nurse your cocktail. Photo: St. Regis Bar
The Hari
A design-forward boutique stay
For a chic stay that’s close to the harbour cruise in Wan Chai, consider The Hari. While it may not boast as many amenities as a larger property, it nonetheless delivers on comfort and personality. Design enthusiasts will enjoy the approachable yet elegant interiors by London-based designer Tara Bernerd. These contemporary furnishings are accompanied by art at every turn, curated by London-based gallery, A Space for Art and regularly refreshed.
The living room of the suite. Photo: The Hari
The hotel has furthermore just announced the results of its inaugural Art Prize, and the works of the finalists are currently on view at the hotel until December 2024. Luxury Mühldorfer bedding & linen aside, it’s these touches of art and textures that make it a stay to remember.
While there: Nurse a cocktail al fresco at the hotel’s The Terrace, or find some Zen at nearby Mizunara the Library, a Japanese-style whiskey and cocktail bar with its own rock garden on the patio. This elegant spot is ensconced in an office building just across the street. Reservations recommended.
Island Shangri-La
Oriental-inflected contemporary luxe
Can opulence be understated? The freshly refurbished Island Shangri-La proves that it certainly can. The world-renowned Tristan Auer-designed interiors exude a modern sense of grandeur, with their artful light fixtures, ornate wallpaper panels and brushed gold bathroom furnishings. Add to this contemporary touches such as motion-sensitive bedside panels and Toto washlets leverage technology, and what results is the serene bliss of being taken care of at every turn. At the breakfast buffet, the options are staggering, but the dim sum section truly sparkles.
The Cityview Suite. Photo: Island Shangri-La
While there: Be sure to stop by the hotel’s lush, brand-new holistic spa Yun Wellness for next-level treatments and fitness classes. The staff’s pampering attentions will spoil you, and they have all the latest technologies in wellness, including Hong Kong’s first far-infrared sauna.
Designed by acclaimed Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the welcome area is verdant and inviting. Photo: Yun WellnessYun Wellness' post-therapy relaxation room. Photo: Yun Wellness
Cordis
For a family-friendly five-star stay
Cordis’ art collection remains unparalleled, with Taiwanese artist Ju Ming’s Tai Chi Series greeting you at the hotel lobby. From there, works by notable artists the likes of Gao Yu and Wang Guangyi present themselves at every turn – perfect for the art enthusiast keen on getting acquainted with some art of the region.
Ju Ming’s Tai Chi Series at the hotel lobby. Photo: Cordis, Hong Kong
Art aside, Cordis’ unbeatable location right next to Mongkok MTR station and its dedicated kids’ programme makes it an ideal stay for families. Children can look forward to welcome gifts, personalised in-room amenities and complimentary food (for some age groups and meals). The hotel itself is replete with dining options such as Michelin-starred Ming Court, where the nourishing Cantonese menu have begun to feature locally grown produce such as winter melon and turnip. But if you’re intending to stay in, opt for a family suite with an attached kitchen for maximum convenience.
Cordis’ adorable red panda mascots Cody and Coco are sure to delight the kids. Photo: Cordis, Hong Kong
While there: Hop over to American diner-style Graceland a five-minute walk away, for nourishing Southern nosh – if you’re seeking something different from the usual Canto fare.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flights to Hong Kong, visit the official website.
This article is part of Singapore Airlines’ “Beyond the Cabin” video series, in which cabin crew explore their favourite cities and share how their hobbies enrich their service delivery.
There are two types of people in this world: those who eat to live, and those who live to eat. Singapore Airlines In-Flight Manager – and avid foodie – Mitchelle Chua firmly belongs to the latter camp.
For starters, food was a big part of Mitchelle’s childhood. “I’m grateful that when I was growing up, there was always plenty of food on the table. My parents ran a cai fan [economy rice] stall, and some days, when business was slow, we would enjoy the dishes they had cooked to sell,” remembers the skilled cook, who competed in season two of MasterChef Singapore. “On weekends, my dad and I would pick wild betel leaves to make a Peranakan dish called perut ikan, a pickled fish stomach curry. We would also roast and pound peanuts to make achar, or pickled vegetables. These recipes were passed down from my grandma to my mother – two great women who helmed the kitchen during my childhood.”
It’s hardly surprising that she was exposed to many different cuisines from a young age, including Indian food. “When my family was living in Penang, we loved to have roti canai [Indian flatbread popular in Southeast Asia] for breakfast or supper. My parents would bring us to a famous stall at Transfer Road for fluffy roti canai drenched in curry,” Mitchelle shares.
Today, Mitchelle gets her Indian food fix on her travels to New Delhi with Singapore Airlines. She also enjoys purchasing spices from India for whipping up meals at home (discover her innovative recipes at the end of this article). “My first trip to New Delhi with the Airline was back in 1998, and I vividly remember the colours, smells, sights and smiles. Today, the city’s plethora of food continues to be a huge motivator for me,” she says.
The delights of Indian cuisine
Mitchelle particularly loves the nuances of Indian cooking. “Indian cuisine uses lots of spices, and is flavourful but not spicy compared with Southeast Asian dishes,” she notes. “And while Indian food is often considered unhealthy or fatty, many of the cuisine’s key ingredients, such as turmeric, ginger and garlic, have medicinal benefits. The curries are usually made from tomatoes and ginger garlic paste.”
Some of her favourite dishes include palak paneer (cottage cheese in spinach puree) and chicken tikka masala (roasted, marinated chicken chunks in a spicy sauce). “I also love rogan josh, a braised lamb curry. A well-made rogan josh will just melt in your mouth!” she declares.
The best places to eat in New Delhi
When it comes to dining out in New Delhi, Paranthe Wali Gali, a narrow street lined with food stalls, ranks high on Mitchelle’s list. “This is a must-visit when you are in Chandni Chowk. Go as early as 7am to avoid the queues for its famous parathas (flatbreads), which are stuffed with ingredients such as onions, paneer, potatoes, okra and beetroot, fried in a kadhai (wok) until crispy, and then served with raita (yoghurt sauce), sabzi (vegetables cooked in gravy) and chutney,” she shares.
Other popular spots include Gumbad Cafe, a beautiful rooftop venue overlooking the iconic Jama Masjid (a 17th-century Mughal-style mosque), and Bukhara, a famous fine-dining restaurant at the ITC Hotel. “Bukhara has a unique atmosphere and warm ambience, with stone walls and low log-top tables and chairs. The centrepiece of the dining room is the glass-fronted open kitchen, where diners can watch Chef J.P. Singh and his team at work,” Mitchelle says. “Also, you won’t find any cutlery here – what’s special about the Bukhara experience is sharing and savouring the food with family and friends using your hands.”
Then there’s The Yellow Chilli, run by Singapore Airlines’ International Culinary Panel chef, Sanjeev Kapoor. “The salsa masala papad (papadams with various toppings and spices) is a great appetiser, and the lalla mussa dal (creamy lentil stew) is delicious,” Mitchelle enthuses.
On her last trip to Delhi, Mitchelle got the chance to cook shaam savera (spinach paneer kofta curry) under the watchful eye of Chef Kapoor himself – an experience she will always cherish. “Shaam savera, which literally means ‘dusk and dawn’, was Chef Kapoor’s first ever dish, which he presented live on his TV show in 1992. It has since become his signature dish and a household favourite,” she shares. “During the cooking session, I discovered that while Chef Kapoor holds a strong belief in Indian food traditions and techniques, he is also drawn to innovation and creativity. I was truly inspired by this experience, and I look forward to serving Chef Kapoor’s shaam savera and other dishes on board Singapore Airlines flights in the future.”
Connecting through cuisine
Overall, food shapes Mitchelle’s lifestyle and outlook. “My love for food brings me on many adventures – from food-inspired holidays to work trips. It brings me an abundance of great memories,” she shares. “As a cabin crew member, I get the chance to experience an array of cuisines both on board and around the world. And through cooking, I feel privileged to create innovative dishes for loved ones and friends.”
She also enjoys sharing food memories with colleagues. “Food unites people. Bringing food to share with colleagues is a great way to bond and create a positive workplace culture. I like to bake cakes, bread and cookies for the team, which they enjoy as breakfast or snacks,” she says. “Also, sharing meals with my fellow cabin crew members overseas is always an enjoyable part of any work trip. It fosters a sense of connection and I have noticed improved onboard productivity as a result.”
It’s therefore hardly surprising that one of her favourite things about her role as an in-flight manager is being able to serve good food on board. “As a food lover, I enjoy food preparation in our cabins – from heating to plating and presenting the final product to our customers,” she notes. “Singapore Airlines provides delicious food choices delivered by world-class cabin crew, and a meal on board can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences on a flight with us.”
Produced by SilverKris for the Mövenpick Resort & Spa
An expansive showcase of Swiss hospitality, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa in Jimbaran ticks all the boxes for every member of the family. Among the resort’s many highlights are its spacious modern rooms, 24-hour gym, over 5,000m2 of swimming pools and the luxurious Arkipela Spa & Wellness centre. Little ones, meanwhile, can expend their energy at the pirate-themed Meera Kids Club before refuelling at the children’s buffet at Anarasa-Bara Grill & Restaurant. Don’t worry: there are live cooking stations and an international à la carte menu for grown-ups too. Those looking to step out should visit Samasta Bali Lifestyle village right next door or sign up for a family-friendly Jimbaran Village Tour for a slice of local life.
Bangkok’s first true take on a tiki bar has proven to be a hit. Since opening in 2017, Tropic City has become the city’s go-to spot for elaborate tropical drinks, thumping disco and house, and late-night revelry that’s known to last long after most bars close. Naturally, rum stars in several drinks – often alongside house-made infusions, reductions and tinctures – but there’s also a wide selection of cocktails featuring gin, tequila, whisky and vodka, plus great non-alcoholic options.
