Cover Personalised table setting at Imamura for DBS Insignia Cardmembers
Personalised table setting at Imamura for DBS Insignia Cardmembers
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With this by-invite-only DBS Insignia Card, members also have instant access to off-menu dishes curated by the island’s top chefs
We are lucky to be living in Singapore, which is known as a food lover’s paradise because of its unique food culture that seamlessly blends the different cuisines of the world. Whether you’re craving Korean, Japanese, Italian or French cuisine, our award-winning local and international chefs continue to deliver one delicious meal after another with innovative dishes crafted using modern culinary techniques they learnt at the world’s top tables. For gourmands like us, how do we take advantage of this exciting culinary scene?
Enter: DBS Insignia Card, a by-invite-only credit card that opens up a world of exclusive rewards and privileges such as dining experiences curated by the island’s top chefs. First of all, being a Cardmember gives you instant access to The Culinaire’s List by DBS—a selection of 11 hidden gems and Michelin-starred restaurants whose chefs have prepared off-menu dishes which you can enjoy with a complimentary glass of wine or champagne.
Don't miss: The most exciting modern Asian restaurants in Singapore
Above Ce Soir snacks
Above Ce Soir snacks
Ce Soir snacks
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With The Culinaire’s List, Cardmembers are able to celebrate the culinary arts and growing talent within the gastronomic scene in Singapore. Among these young maverick chefs is Seth Lai, the chef-owner of modern European restaurant Ce Soir who, at 30 years old, has bagged accolades that could rival chefs twice his age. One of these is the Young Chef Award 2024, which is given by the Michelin Guide Singapore to an individual with exceptional talent and great potential in the culinary space.
This is clearly evident in Lai’s modern European cuisine laced with Singaporean accents. He often takes inspiration from his Malaysian heritage and growing up years in Singapore eating “home-cooked dishes and zi char meals”. These memories are distilled in his tasting menus, as well as his off-menu creation of lobster grilled over binchotan, served with slow-cooked turnip, and drizzled with a savoury Japanese pepper sauce made with roasted fish bones, and sofrito.
In case you missed it: The best Japanese counter dining restaurants in Singapore
Above Nicolas Tam of Willow restaurant
Above Hirofumi Imamura of Imamura restaurant
Nicolas Tam of Willow restaurant
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In the realm of modern Asian cuisine, local chef Nicolas Tam of Willow reigns supreme. Cutting his teeth at award-winning restaurants such as Esora, Joël Robuchon and Zén, he has developed a distinct culinary style that combines French culinary techniques with seafood procured from Japan. Always inspired by the season and his suppliers’ freshest catch, a meal at Willow is a culinary journey worth embarking on. And, for DBS Insignia Cardmembers, it is further elevated by an exclusive creation that showcases the best of Japanese produce.
Just like Tam, Hirofumi Imamura of his namesake restaurant—a hidden kaiseki gem in Sentosa—celebrates the best of Japan’s bounty in his multi-course seasonal menu. His dishes are crafted with vegetables from the different Japanese prefectures, and minimally seasoned with his homemade soya sauce or his notable selection of 50 types of salt. Watch the master work his magic in the open kitchen, and be surprised with an original dish that often changes depending on the season, and one that he will curate especially for DBS Insignia Cardmembers
Beyond the off-menu dishes and complimentary drinks, Cardmembers are also able to enjoy exclusive gourmet experiences throughout the year. For instance, award-winning chef French Yannick Alléno, who holds six Michelin stars across his 14 restaurants, staged a gala dinner in Singapore last year. And DBS Insignia was able to secure coveted seats to this one-night-only soirée.
Find out more about The Culinaire's List by DBS Insignia here. Restaurant reservations can be made through the DBS Insignia Service Ambassadors via email at dbsinsignia@dbs.com or by phone call at 1800 327 8088 (Singapore) or +65 6327 8088 (overseas).
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Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
