1. What are some must-try local dishes at the Southern Ridges in Singapore?
Some must-try local dishes at the Southern Ridges in Singapore include:
1. Satay skewers – These are marinated and grilled meat skewers typically served with a rich peanut sauce.
2. Laksa – A popular spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, spices, and seafood or chicken.
3. Char Kway Teow – A stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, seafood, eggs, and bean sprouts.
4. Roti Prata – A crispy flatbread usually served with a savory curry dipping sauce.
5. Hainanese Chicken Rice – A national dish of Singapore consisting of tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice and chili sauce.
6. Chili crab – A delicious crab dish cooked in a sweet and spicy chili-based sauce.
7. Nasi Lemak – Fragrant coconut rice served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, egg omelette, and sambal chili.
8. Fried carrot cake – Not to be confused with the dessert, this savory dish is made with diced radish cake stir-fried in eggs and soy sauce.
9. Bak Kut Teh – Translating to “meat bone tea”, this flavorful soup is made from pork ribs simmered in herbs and spices.
10. Durian desserts – The Southern Ridges is home to several durian stalls where you can try various desserts made from the polarizing fruit such as durian puffs or durian ice cream.
2. Are there any popular restaurants or dining options that offer a scenic view of the Southern Ridges?
Yes, there are several popular restaurants and dining options that offer a scenic view of the Southern Ridges. Some of these include:
1. Faber Bistro: Located at Mount Faber Park, this bistro offers stunning views of the Southern Islands and Sentosa while serving up delicious Western and Asian fusion dishes.
2. Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro: This rooftop restaurant at Mount Faber Park offers panoramic views of the Southern Ridges as well as a menu featuring modern European cuisine.
3. The Jewel Box: Located on Mount Faber, this iconic restaurant has been around since 1972 and offers spectacular views of the city skyline and Harbourfront area from its dining room.
4. Henderson Waves Bridge Cafe: Situated at the highest point of the Henderson Waves Bridge, this cafe offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ridges and serves up local favorites like kaya toast and laksa.
5. Prive Keppel Bay: This waterfront restaurant at Keppel Bay Marina boasts scenic views of the marina and greenery surrounding it while offering a menu of modern European cuisine.
6. Rochester Park area: The park’s restaurants, such as Da Paolo Bistro Bar, Arbite, Wildfire Burgers, & Daun Muda are popular spots for their alfresco dining areas with scenic views overlooking lush greenery.
7. Food For Thought (Botanic Gardens): Located in Singapore’s famous Botanic Gardens, this cafe offers outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery with a view of the Raffles City skyscrapers in the distance.
8. Cable Car Sky Dining: Enjoy a gourmet 4-course meal while taking a scenic cable car ride above the Southern Ridges with breathtaking views below.
3. Are there any vegetarian or vegan-friendly dining options around the Southern Ridges?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining options around the Southern Ridges. Some popular options include:– With every order of a main course at Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro, customers can enjoy unlimited servings from their salad bar that offers vegetarian and vegan options.
– Habitat Coffee, located near Mt Faber Park, offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
– Canopy Garden Dining in HortPark serves both vegetarian and vegan options on their menu.
– Red Sparrow Cafe at Mount Faber Loop has a dedicated vegetarian menu featuring dishes such as Vegetarian Laksa and Mushroom Risotto.
– Greenwood Fish Market in Telok Blangah offers a range of vegetarian and vegan seafood alternatives like tofu fish burgers and plant-based sushi rolls.
4. Is it possible to have a picnic at the Southern Ridges and are there any nearby food stalls or markets to purchase food from?
Yes, it is possible to have a picnic at the Southern Ridges. There are designated picnic areas at various points along the trail, such as at Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park.There are also nearby food stalls and markets where you can purchase food for your picnic. These include the Henderson Waves Food Centre, HortPark Food Court, and Mount Faber Park kiosk. Additionally, there are several dining options at the nearby VivoCity mall and HarbourFront Centre that you can take away for your picnic.
5. Do any of the restaurants around the Southern Ridges serve authentic Singaporean cuisine?
Yes, several restaurants on the Southern Ridges serve authentic Singaporean cuisine. For example, Faber Bistro at Mount Faber Park serves local favorites such as Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab. The Jewel Box at Mount Faber Park offers a variety of local dishes including laksa, satay, and mee goreng. Additionally, the Henderson Waves Café at Henderson Waves Bridge serves traditional Singaporean snacks like kaya toast and teh tarik.
6. How is the seafood around the Southern Ridges area, and which restaurant would you recommend for seafood lovers?
The seafood around the Southern Ridges area is known to be fresh and of good quality. Some popular options for seafood lovers in the area include:
1. PS.Cafe at One Fullerton – This upscale restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes such as seared scallops, grilled tiger prawns, and seafood linguine.
2. Quayside Seafood at Clarke Quay – This waterfront restaurant specializes in local seafood dishes like chili crab, black pepper crab, and salted egg yolk prawns.
3. The Market Grill at Telok Blangah – This casual eatery is known for its grilled seafood platters and a wide selection of oysters.
4. Tamarind Hill at Labrador Nature Reserve- This restaurant offers a fusion of Thai and Burmese cuisine including several seafood options such as steamed seabass with lime sauce and spicy prawn curry.
5. The Naked Finn at Gillman Barracks – This cozy restaurant focuses on sustainable and wild-caught seafood dishes, with favorites like barramundi fish curry and grilled octopus.
Overall, there are many great options for seafood lovers around the Southern Ridges area. It ultimately depends on your personal preference in terms of cuisine and atmosphere.
7. Are there any hidden gems for budget-friendly eats around the Southern Ridges?
Some budget-friendly eats around the Southern Ridges include:– The Carrotsticks and Cravings Cafe at Loewen Garden: This rustic cafe offers all-day breakfast and a variety of healthy, delicious dishes at affordable prices.
– Ju Shin Jung Korean BBQ Restaurant on West Coast Walk: This restaurant offers authentic Korean barbecue at reasonable prices.
– Food for Thought at Singapore Botanic Gardens: This cafe serves up casual fare and hearty sandwiches, salads, and pastas at affordable prices.
– Ridgewood Café at Labrador Nature Reserve: This charming café serves up Western-style dishes at wallet-friendly prices with stunning views of the nature reserve.
– Gillman Barracks Hawker Centre: Located within the contemporary art enclave of Gillman Barracks, this hawker centre offers a wide variety of local dishes at affordable prices.
– Alexandra Village Food Centre: This hawker centre is known for its cheap and delicious local food options, including famous dishes like chicken rice and laksa.
8. Are there any famous hawker centers or street food stalls near the Southern Ridges that locals go to?
Yes, some famous hawker centers near the Southern Ridges that locals frequent include Maxwell Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, and Telok Blangah Crescent Market and Food Centre. Some popular street food stalls in these hawker centers include Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre, Hua Kee Chicken Rice at Tiong Bahru Market, and Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodle at Telok Blangah Crescent Market and Food Centre.
9. Is it safe to eat from street food vendors near the Southern Ridges in terms of hygiene and cleanliness?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it ultimately depends on the individual street food vendor and their practices. However, the majority of vendors in Singapore are required to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations set by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to ensure food safety and cleanliness. These include proper handling and preparation of food, regular cleaning of equipment and stalls, and obtaining necessary licenses and certifications. In addition, the NEA conducts regular inspections and enforces penalties or shutdowns for non-compliant vendors. It is generally considered safe to eat from street food vendors near the Southern Ridges, but it is always advisable to use your own judgment when choosing a vendor and make sure the food looks clean and freshly prepared.
10. Can you suggest some good places for coffee or breakfast near the Southern Ridges before starting a hike?
Some good places for coffee or breakfast near the Southern Ridges before starting a hike are:
1. Prive Keppel Bay – This restaurant offers a beautiful waterfront view as well as a wide selection of breakfast options and freshly brewed coffee.
2. Mount Faber Park – Located at the foot of Mount Faber, this park has several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting your hike.
3. Arbora Hilltop Garden and Bistro – This hilltop restaurant offers stunning views of the city skyline and serves up delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, waffles, and omelettes.
4. Canopy Garden Dining – Located in the HortPark, this dining spot offers a tranquil garden setting and serves all-day breakfast options along with specialty coffee.
5. Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari – Enjoy freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffee, and picturesque outdoor seating at this charming bakery located near the Southern Ridges.
6. Mount Emily Park Café – This quaint café is tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Mount Emily Park and serves hearty breakfast dishes to fuel up before hitting the trails.
7. The Living Café – For those looking for healthier breakfast choices, this vegetarian café offers nourishing dishes such as smoothie bowls, avo toast, and gluten-free pancakes.
8. Bayswater Kitchen – Enjoy an upscale brunch experience at this waterfront restaurant with an extensive menu featuring classics like eggs benedict and French toast with berries.
9.Spur Coffee & Eatery- Situated in Bukit Merah, Spur Coffee & Eatery offers specialty coffee along with comforting breakfast dishes like eggs benedict, avocado toast, and pancakes.
10.Brunetti @ Tanglin Mall- This Italian-style café is known for its delectable cakes and pastries but also serves up hearty all-day breakfast options such as smoked salmon bagels and mascarpone eggs.
11. Are there any cooking classes available in or around the Southern Ridges for tourists to learn about local cuisine?
Yes, there are cooking classes available in and around the Southern Ridges for tourists to learn about local cuisine. Some options include:1. Culinary Studio Singapore: This studio offers a range of cooking classes, including ones focused on Singaporean cuisine. Their location at Telok Blangah is close to the Southern Ridges.
2. Cookyn Inc: Located in Alexandra, Cookyn Inc offers hands-on cooking classes that include Singaporean dishes like laksa and chicken rice.
3. Satay by the Bay: This hawker center at Gardens by the Bay has a rotating schedule of cooking demonstrations where visitors can learn how to make popular local dishes from experienced hawkers.
4. Shermay’s Cooking School: Situated in Dempsey Hill, Shermay’s Cooking School offers a variety of classes that cover different aspects of local cuisine such as Peranakan and Malay food.
5. Food Playground: Located in Chinatown, Food Playground specializes in providing interactive cultural cooking experiences for visitors, with a focus on traditional dishes from various ethnic groups in Singapore.
It is recommended to book these classes in advance as they tend to fill up quickly.
12. Is it possible to find halal food options around the Southern Ridges area for Muslim travelers?
Yes, there are halal food options available around the Southern Ridges area for Muslim travelers. Some options include:1. The Jewel Box (Mount Faber) – Offers halal-certified Chinese cuisine with a scenic view.
2. Singapore Zam Zam (Tanglin Road) – Serves traditional Malay and Indian dishes.
3. I am… (Tanjong Pagar) – Offers vegetarian and vegan options with some halal choices.
4. Rumah Makan Minang (Pasir Panjang Road) – Serves authentic Indonesian cuisine with some halal-certified dishes.
5. Badoque Cafe (Geylang Serai) – Specializes in Western and Middle Eastern fusion food with halal certification.
6. Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens (Cluny Road) – Offers locally-sourced European dishes with a halal-certified kitchen.
7. Cassia at Capella Singapore (Sentosa Island) – Serves contemporary Cantonese cuisine with a separate menu of halal-certified dishes upon request.
8. Bismillah Biryani Restaurant (Jalan Sultan Road) – Famous for its biryani, this restaurant also offers other North Indian and Pakistani dishes, all halal-certified.
These are just some suggestions, and there are many other restaurants in the area that serve halal food as well. It is always recommended to double check the certification before dining to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
13. Do any of the restaurants near the Southern Ridges offer outdoor seating with a view of nature besides just indoor dining options?
Yes, several restaurants near the Southern Ridges offer outdoor seating with a view of nature. These include:
1. Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro: Located at Mount Faber Park, this restaurant offers outdoor seating with stunning views of the surrounding lush greenery and panoramic city views.
2. The Halia Restaurant: Situated in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Halia has both indoor and outdoor dining options where you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers.
3. The Alkaff Mansion: This fine-dining restaurant has a charming outdoor terrace where you can dine while admiring the beauty of Telok Blangah Hill Park.
4. Canopy Garden Dining: Nestled in the heart of HortPark, this restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by greenery.
5. Faber Bistro: Located within Mount Faber Park, Faber Bistro has an alfresco dining area that overlooks the park’s scenic surroundings.
6. Prive Keppel Bay: With a waterfront location at Keppel Bay Marina, this restaurant offers al fresco dining with a view of boats and yachts sailing by.
7. Tamarind Hill Singapore: Situated amidst Labrador Nature Reserve, this Thai fine-dining restaurant has an outdoor dining area set under a canopy of trees for a unique dining experience close to nature.
14. What are some unique fusion restaurants that blend local and international cuisines near the Southern Ridges in Singapore?
1. Arbora Hilltop Dining – offers a fusion of Western and Asian dishes with a stunning view of the Telok Blangah hillside.
2. The Garage – located inside the Botanic Gardens, this restaurant serves a fusion of European and Southeast Asian flavors using sustainable ingredients.
3. Ridgewood Cafe – situated at Faber Peak Singapore, this cafe serves a mix of Western fare and local favorites, such as laksa and curry chicken.
4. Villa Halia – serves modern European cuisine inspired by traditional Southeast Asian flavors at the Ginger Garden in the Botanic Gardens.
5. Spuds & Aprons – located on Faber Peak Singapore, this restaurant offers fusion dishes incorporating local ingredients like chili crab sauce and laksa paste into Western classics.
6. Canopy Garden Dining & Bar – nestled within the lush greenery of HortPark, this restaurant serves a blend of local, Asian, and Western dishes with a focus on fresh and sustainable ingredients.
7. Prive Keppel Bay – offers an eclectic menu with a mix of local and international dishes in a relaxing al fresco setting overlooking Keppel Bay Marina.
8. Alkaff Mansion Ristorante – nestled in the Telok Blangah area, this Italian restaurant infuses local spices and ingredients into its dishes to create unique flavors.
9. The Jewel Box’s Black Opal – situated atop Mount Faber, this restaurant offers fusion cuisine with influences from Europe, Asia, and Australia while boasting stunning skyline views.
10. Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens – known for its ginger-inspired creations, this elegant restaurant blends traditional Singaporean flavors with European cuisines for a unique dining experience at the National Orchid Garden within the Botanic Gardens.
15. How close is Chinatown from theSouthern Ridge, and what kind of Chinese food can one expect to find there?
Chinatown is approximately 5 kilometers away from the Southern Ridge. One can expect to find a variety of Chinese cuisine in Chinatown, including Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, and Sichuan dishes. Popular dishes include dim sum, bak kut teh (pork rib soup), and Hainanese chicken rice. There are also many Chinese dessert shops selling traditional desserts such as baozi (steamed buns), tong sui (sweet soups), and mango pomelo sago.
16 . In addition to famous landmarks, what are some off-the-beaten-path cafes or eateries one can explore while visiting theSouthern Ridge area?
1. The Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari: Located within the midst of nature in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this bakery offers delicious pastries, breads and coffee in a serene setting.
2. Henderson Waves Wave House: This aboriginal cafe is situated on the famous Henderson Waves Bridge and offers refreshing drinks and light bites with a stunning view of the city skyline.
3. The Alkaff Mansion Ristorante: Housed in a colonial mansion in Telok Blangah Hill Park, this Italian restaurant serves authentic Tuscan cuisine amidst lush greenery.
4. Faber Peak Singapore: Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city while dining at one of the many restaurants located within Faber Peak, such as Spuds & Aprons or Dusk Restaurant & Bar.
5. Canopy Garden Dining: This charming café is tucked away in the HortPark and offers delicious local dishes made with fresh ingredients from their own edible garden.
6. The Secret Garden by Broadway Food Centre: Hidden within the historic Labrador Nature Reserve, this small food centre features several stalls serving local delights such as satay and nasi lemak.
7. On The Ridge Cafe: Located in Kent Ridge Park, this café serves up tasty Western dishes and refreshing drinks, with a stunning view of Hortus Villa – an abandoned villa from World War II.
8. Prive Keppel Bay: Escape from the city at this waterfront bistro tucked away in Keppel Bay Marina, offering a relaxing atmosphere and an extensive menu of international cuisine.
9. Arbora Hilltop Dining: Set atop Mount Faber Park, this hilltop restaurant offers breathtaking views, an extensive menu featuring Asian fusion cuisine and even cable car rides to reach it.
10. Capella Library Lounge: Take a break at this elegant lounge located within Capella Singapore hotel, overlooking lush rainforest foliage while savoring afternoon tea or indulging in cocktails and tapas.
17 . Are there any night markets that take place near the Southern Ridges, and what kind of food is available there?
Yes, there is a night market that takes place near the Southern Ridges called VivoCity Flashback Night Market. It usually takes place on selected Saturdays from 5pm till midnight at Plaza@VivoCity. The dates for the market may vary, so it’s best to check their website or social media pages for updates.
As for the type of food available at the night market, you can expect a mix of local and international street food such as satay, churros, takoyaki, ramen, bubble tea, and more. There are also vendors selling crafts, accessories, and other unique items. Live music performances are also a regular feature at the night market.
18. Can you suggest some good wine or cocktail bars near Southern Ridges for a relaxed evening out?
1. Al fresco bar at One-Ninety Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
2. The Naked Finn
3. Tamarind Hill Singapore
4. Bar Stories Singapore
5. Ola Beach Club, Siloso Beach Walk
6. Monti at The Fullerton Pavilionbeachbar, Siloso Beach Resort
7. Faber Peak Singapore – Dusk Restaurant & Bar
8. Arbora Hilltop Dining and Herb Garden
9. Canopy Garden Dining & Bar, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
10.Orchid Bowl Family Entertainment Centre – E!Avenue@Downtown East
19. How is the street food scene in Singapore overall, and how does it compare to the dining options around the Southern Ridges area specifically?
The street food scene in Singapore is vibrant and diverse, with a wide variety of options available at affordable prices. It is a big part of the local culture and is enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
In the Southern Ridges area, there are several hawker centers and food courts that offer a mix of traditional local dishes as well as international cuisine. These include:
1. Berseh Food Centre: Located near Bugis MRT station, this hawker center offers a wide range of street food such as chicken rice, laksa, satay, and more.
2. Maxwell Food Centre: This popular food center in Chinatown is known for its famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, which has been featured on numerous travel shows.
3. Telok Blangah Drive Food Centre: This hawker centre is located near Mount Faber Park and offers delicious options like roasted duck rice, nasi lemak, and char kway teow.
Overall, the dining options around the Southern Ridges area are quite diverse and offer a taste of traditional Singaporean cuisine as well as other international foods. Visitors can enjoy various street food dishes while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding nature reserves and parks.
20. Are there any unique food events or festivals that take place around Southern Ridges, and when is the best time to visit to experience them?
There are several unique food events and festivals that take place around Southern Ridges throughout the year. Some of these include:
1) Singapore Food Festival (July): This annual festival celebrates Singapore’s diverse and delicious food culture with various events and activities held around the city, including at popular dining destinations near Southern Ridges.
2) PasarBella @ The Grandstand (Year-round): Located near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, this indoor farmer’s market offers a variety of gourmet and artisanal foods from local and international vendors.
3) NOSHtrekker Food Adventures (Year-round): This unique food tour company offers guided walks and hikes through Southern Ridges, with stops at different restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls along the way to sample some of Singapore’s best dishes.
4) Faber Adventure Series (Jan-Mar & Sept-Nov): Held at Mount Faber Park, this series features exciting outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking, as well as food booths offering tasty snacks and meals.
5) Singapore River Festival (Nov-Dec): One of the most anticipated events of the year, this festival celebrates Singapore’s rich history by showcasing its iconic riverine areas through an extravaganza of music performances, light shows and culinary offerings.
The best time to visit Southern Ridges for food events would be during the cooler months from November to March or during July when many of these festivals take place.