The sprawling retail and lifestyle concept opening on April 17 is home to more than 280 shops and dining concepts
Changi Airport has long been a popular haunt for many Singaporeans, even if they're not flying off somewhere or welcoming someone home. But come April 17, it'll be one of the hottest destinations for indulging in the nations' favourite pastimes—shopping and eating—when Jewel Changi Airport officially opens for business.
Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the massive 137,000-sqm multi-dimensional lifestyle destination's dome-shaped, glass and steel structure is immediately impressive.
And it’s even better inside, where the lush rainforest valley and its eye-catching 40m high rain vortex—the highest indoor waterfall in the world—take centre stage. Take your time to admire these man-made wonders, but make sure you give yourself time to shop (it’s home to the largest Nike store in Southeast Asia) and dine—there are more than 280 establishments to choose from.
“We envisioned Jewel to be the place where ‘the world meets Singapore and Singapore meets the world’,” says Tan Mui Neo, head of leasing at Jewel, adding that 30 per cent of the mega-mall was allotted to their curated range of F&B offerings.
(Related: Changi Airport To Build New 'Canopy Park')
What's new?
It's quite a large space to fill, and several fresh imports are helping do just that. These include popular American burger joint Shake Shack (02-256), which is opening its first outlet in Singapore and serving its signature comfort foods, such as the ShackBurger, made with all-natural angus beef, Shack-cago which features the Vienna sausage, and freshly-made custard ice-cream.
Remember A&W (B2-209)? It’s making a grand comeback after 15 years. Aside from its popular root beer float, diners can look forward to a Jewel-exclusive menu that includes best-selling items from around the world—the sinful A&W cream cheeseburger (Japan) and Golden Aroma chicken (Indonesia) included.
And because we love having more to choose from, there's also London’s famed Burger & Lobster (05-203) to add to the list. It’s famous for its prime burger, which uses Nebraskan beef patties made more sinful with a topping of extra cheese, bacon and a secret sauce. Alternatively, opt for the lobster roll, which is essentially succulent crustacean meat sandwiched between fluffy brioche buns.
Also hailing from Europe is Pink Fish (B1-261/262). While the brand's original outlet has shuttered, it’s set to make a splash this side of the world with a seafood-centric menu of healthy salads, wraps and poke bowls.
Of course, it’s not only about burgers and fast foods. Chinese cuisine is well-represented, too, particularly at restaurants Xiao Bin Lou (02-208/209), which specialises in Chongqing cuisine, and Yun Nans (03-208), which serves ethnic Yunnan fare. Kam's Roast (02-210) is also opening its first outlet in an airport. Best of all, you can enjoy its signature roasts and cured sausages at the restaurant or purchase special travel packs to take on your flight.
Shang Social (01-219-222), the first standalone restaurant of the Shangri-La Group, is also making Jewel its first home. It serves Cantonese, Huaiyang and Sichuan cuisines crafted by three of the group's master chefs: Mok Kit Keung (Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore), Zhou Xiaoyan (Shangri-La Hotel, Nanjing) and Rick Du (Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang). Look forward to their signatures such as deep-fried whole boneless chicken filled with fried glutinous rice and mapo beancurd with minced beef.
(Related: Shake Shack Is Coming To Singapore Next Year)