National Day 2023: Where to find the most delectable and unique Singapore-inspired menus

Marina Bay restaurant Path is joining forces with Eat and Cook, a Malaysian-style Omakase restaurant from Kuala Lumpur in a unique collaboration to celebrate the national days of both countries (Malaysia’s anniversary falls on August 31).  Available exclusively for dinner on August 7 and 8, chef Marvas Ng of Path and his counterparts Soh Yongzhi and Lee Zhexi will be recreating iconic dishes from both countries through a contemporary lens. The eight-course tasting menu features inspired dishes such as a chicken rice-inspired Oita-farmed hamachi paired with chicken rice marination sauce, served with quinoa and Russian hybrid caviar. Meanwhile, Lee brings a modern twist to his hometown dish, cheong fun, with the use of cuttlefish, jicama, sakura ebi, shallot and green chilli.

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Nestled atop a heritage shophouse by the Singapore River, this Italian hideaway offers a stylish 30-seater open-kitchen restaurant and rooftop bar, granting guests breathtaking views of bustling Boat Quay and the scenic Singapore River. At Braci, you can expect an extraordinary Michelin-starred Italian five- or seven-course degustation experience as diners are treated to a dazzling display of fireworks during the rehearsals on July 29 and the actual parade on August 9. For a truly luxurious experience, opt for the foie gras complemented by a semifreddo fig vincotto, a sweet and tangy fig reduction, along with a burst of kumquat. To complete the meal, the Luigi Guffanti cheese selection delights with a variety of premium cheeses from Piemonte, accompanied by condiments and dried fruits brioche.

In celebration of National Day, Luke’s Lobsters presents two new seasonal rolls that pay tribute to the nation’s rich flavours and spirit, in collaboration with local artisan butter maker Atas Butter. Launching on August 1, the kombu butter lobster roll features succulent lobster meat tossed in Japanese kelp butter made from hand-chopped kombu combined with locally-crafted cultured butter. The result is a delightful umami explosion that enhances the shellfish’s natural sweetness. The other offering is a mala butter lobster roll that tantalises taste buds with Atas Butter’s secret medium-level mala spice mixture, offering a spiced roll with perfectly balanced sweet and spicy notes. 

Luke’s Lobsters, 350 Orchard Road #01-K4 Shaw House, S(238868), 6592 7642

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Celebrate Singapore’s rich heritage with The Marmalade Pantry’s exquisite rendition of local delicacies, available exclusively from August 1 to October 31. The “Singapore Heritage Afternoon Tea Set” for two artfully combines tradition with a modern twist, offering a sumptuous ensemble of familiar favourites. Sweet offerings include the gula melaka mousse cake, a luscious combination of gula melaka mousse, vanilla sponge cake, crunchy coconut flakes and perfectly balanced with sea salt. For a savoury delight, try the Hainanese chicken quinoa, where tender sous vide chicken breast sits atop a crunchy quinoa patty. Sip on artisan tea from homegrown brand Monogram Tea as you bask in the harmonious blend of flavours inspired by Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.

The Marmalade Pantry, 2 Orchard Turn, #04-11A ION Orchard, S(238801), 6734 2700

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Watch the sky come alive with exhilarating fly-by jet shows at this rooftop bar perched at the top of Andaz Singapore. On August 8 and 9, the vibrant beats of DJs Taz Angullia and Erwin Linden will set the groove for an unforgettable evening. Immerse in the festivities with delightful cocktails, including the iconic Singapore Sling, the refreshing Temasek Sling, and the exotic Simha-Pura. Merrymakers can also relish in the taste of authentic Singaporean flavours with locally-inspired bar grub such as tandoori chicken satay, salted egg prawn toast, chilli crab cake and the innovative prata pizza.

Mr. Stork, 5 Fraser St, Level 39, Andaz Singapore, S(189354), 9008 7707

On August 9, embrace the festivities with a luxurious treat at The Loft on level 1 of Yardbird, where guests can enjoy two hours of free-flow Deveaux champagne from 6pm to 8pm. With the stunning Marina Bay waterfront as backdrop, this semi-alfresco spot offers unparalleled vistas of the magnificent fireworks display for a truly magical celebration. To complement the spectacle, sip on a specially-crafted cocktail aptly named “Majulah Singapura”, with delightful notes of sweet cherries and lime in a bold Aviation American gin and tonic base.

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As National Day approaches, Artemis Grill and Sky Bar presents an exclusive three-course dinner along with panoramic views of the magnificent skyline on August 9. The black cod with bouillabaisse and confit fennel and leek is a standout dish that transports diners to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. The tender, flaky cod is perfectly complemented by the rich and flavourful bouillabaisse, while confit fennel and leek add a delightful touch to the dish. For larger groups, the Australian F1 1.1kg Côte de Boeuf Wagyu, served with grilled asparagus, is a true indulgence for meat connoisseurs.

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Persian restaurant Shabestan presents a one-night-only collaboration dinner as executive chef Hany Moustafa teams up with renowned Malay celebrity chef Mel Dean for an exclusive six-course National Day menu. Kickstart your gastronomic journey on August 9 with Dean’s “Singapura Arancini” appetiser. These herbed rice balls—served with a tantalising combination of sambal belacan, rice crackers and a spicy turmeric gel—present a delightful blend of flavours that pays homage to Malay and Middle Eastern influences. Another highlight is Moustafa’s velvety yoghurt soup, masterfully combined with white egg, dry mint and parsley.

Shabestan, 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #01-13, S(239013), 6836 1270

It’s difficult to imagine Singapore without the iconic chilli crab, and that’s why Jumbo Signatures’ unique “Fuss-Free Jumbo Signatures Crab” is a perfect way to mark the occasion. Available year-round, the signature live mud crab is expertly peeled and prepared in three exquisite flavours, allowing diners to indulge in a crab feast without any mess. What’s extraordinary about Jumbo Signature’s crab is its famous sauce, infused with a tantalising blend of over 10 Southeast Asian spices, and served with deep-fried mini buns. For those seeking a bolder kick, the signature black pepper crab entices with the piquant heat of freshly ground black pepper, paired with crisp romaine lettuce. 

With elegant dishes prepared by homegrown executive chef Sam Chin, National Day at Vue is set to be a uniquely Singaporean affair, replete with one of the best views of the August 9 fireworks. Here, classic local dishes are elevated with top quality ingredients and precise culinary techniques, like the grilled French chicken satay. Besides an accompaniment of peanut and pineapple satay sauce, you’ll find pickled cucumbers, shallots, and a brushing of egg yolk and truffle for truly aromatic and multi-dimensional flavour profiles. Luxury is encapsulated in Vue’s classic grilled Maine lobster tail, served with crispy kale, and scallion angel hair pasta swimming in a decadently umami lobster broth. And if you love the queen of fruit, the mangosteen sorbet brings out the best of the fruit with almond sago jelly, aloe vera, and lemongrass tea.

Indulge in Fire’s twist on classic Singaporean dishes on its National Day menu, running from July 22 to August 9. Among the many delights in the five-course menu is the laksa gnocchi, a bold combination of umami, creamy laksa gravy with Italian pasta, topped with tobiko, tiger prawn, and Hokkaido scallop. If you enjoy flavour-packed rendang, dig into Fire’s version, which is elevated with Sanchoku Wagyu beef cheeks, truffle potato purée, broccolini, and papadum to scoop up the sauce. With desserts like bandung panna cotta and a boozy cake taking after the iconic Singapore Sling, National Day is set to be an exciting time at Fire. 

Classic flavours of Singapore shine at Eden Restaurant, Pullman Singapore Orchard’s landmark restaurant, which has come up with a “Flavours of Singapore” menu available from August 4 to 31. Hawker favourites like the Singapore prawn laksa are available here, complete with house-made rempah (spice mix) and coconut milk for a sinfully delicious and spicy laksa broth. Mee rebus and an indulgent butter chicken, best served with a side of naan, are  also on the menu. Wash it down with cocktails such as the “Spirit of a City”, which features homegrown Brass Lion dry gin, elderflower liqueur, homemade sour plum, hibiscus syrup, lime juice and coconut flakes. Those who prefer their cocktails drier and stronger will like the “Rise of the Singapore Dragon”, a mix of Orientalist 8 Year Dragon Whisky, señorita banana, palm sugar syrup, and Angostura bitters.

Eden Restaurant, 270 Orchard Road, S(238857), +65 6603 8888

Exciting things are in store at the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore this National Day, including a National Day Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge. Classic dishes like the chilli crab are reimagined in tartlet form, while traditional afternoon tea fare like scones are infused with pandan, a local aromatic. 

For those looking for a more indulgent and elevated rendition of hawker food, head down to 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, which is offering a lobster Hokkien mee perfect for  two. With silky chunks of lobster and noodles drenched in a luscious and umami gravy, this is a dish not to be missed.

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, 15 Stamford Road, S(178906), +65 6368 8888

A National Day Tour de Force menu is set to ignite your palate on August 9 at Butcher’s Block, which is bringing its wood-fired flair to local flavours. Take the mantou wrapped around Kam Heong King crab and sakura prawn, a twist on the local chilli crab, or the Basque country red mullet topped with a sweet and pungent lychee sambal. Besides Singaporean favourites, gems like the Iberico pork ribs with black garlic purée and a confit leek takes your taste buds on a journey around the world, before ending with a dessert that reimagines the roti bakar, an Indonesian sweet toast, with sweet potato and yogurt.

For those into dim sum, head down to Yàn for its National Day dim sum lunch menu running from August 1 to 15. But these aren’t your traditional dim sum fare—bite into a xiao long bao and you’ll find an intensely flavourful bak kut teh stock, or unwrap the lotus leaf sticky rice dumpling and you’ll find Hainanese chicken infused with lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. Singapore’s culinary diversity is celebrated in Yàn’s many dishes, which includes dumplings containing poached prawns and diced cod with assam sauce, a nod to Peranakan culinary traditions.

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