Cover Maison Boulud draws inspiration from travels to the glamorous Saint-Tropez and the coveted beaches of Antibes
Maison Boulud draws inspiration from travels to the glamorous Saint-Tropez and the coveted beaches of Antibes
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Jet across continents with only a pair of forks and spoons as these riveting travel-themed restaurants bring bucket list destinations and their rich cuisines to your plate
Step into a world where every meal is a journey to a far-flung destination, where the flavours of distant lands come alive on your plate. These captivating travel-themed restaurants in Singapore offer not just food, but an immersive experience that transports you to iconic cities and exotic locales with every spoonful. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera, prepare to embark on a culinary voyage unlike any other. So sit back and let your senses take flight as we explore the world’s most exciting cuisines, one bite at a time.
1. The Prince
The Prince blends contemporary Arabian cuisine with alluring desert architecture
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Shedding the garb of former Mediterranean restaurant Fat Prince, The Prince is its reincarnation that blends contemporary Arabian cuisine with alluring desert architecture. Sandstone-hued walls, accented by polished wood and marble decor, illuminated by natural rays during the day evoke cosiness. Come nightfall, as the Venetian blinds fall and the lanterns are lit, an intimate ambience takes hold. Karam—a term that embodies the spirit of generosity in Arab culture—anchors the dining philosophy at The Prince where it invites communal celebration over a bounteous feast.
Succumb to grand mezzes and indulgent mains such as spiced lobster lentil soup, apricot-glazed succulent lamb skewers and the whole tangerine-sumac crusted Mediterranean sea bass. And if that doesn’t put you in the desert’s embrace, the crispy yet gooey kunafe, redolent of pistachios and rose, will definitely do the trick.
The Prince
Address: 48 Peck Seah Street, S(079317)
2. Maison Boulud
Maison Boulud draws inspiration from the glamorous Saint-Tropez to the coveted beaches of Antibes
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Celebrity chef Daniel Boulud is back at Marina Bay Sands after shuttering db Bistro & Bar in January, and this time, he vows to sail gourmands along the French Riviera with Maison Boulud. Drawing inspiration from the glamorous Saint-Tropez to the coveted beaches of Antibes, the restaurant’s strikingly inviting interiors blend timeless charm and coastal elegance. Think warm earthy coloured interiors juxtaposed against intricate patterns reflective of the region’s culture; and those stunningly arched windows, teasing sprawling views of the waterfront promenade.
A “home away from home”, as described by Boulud himself, the 126-seater restaurant promises soulful French cuisine grounded in the rhythm of the seasons. Standouts include gin-cured hamachi salad with juicy tomatoes; rustic countryside free-range rotisserie chicken with sweet carrot confit; and the stunning desserts of Pamplemousse, an invigorating grapefruit sorbet dotted with caramelised puffed rice.
Maison Boulud
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands Singapore, B1-15, L1-83 The Shoppes, S(018972)
Read more: Daniel Boulud opens Maison Boulud at Marina Bay Sands
3. Tamba
Tamba is the hottest travel-themed restaurant that fetes the vibrant spirit and rich flavours of West Africa
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Tinkered up by Kurt Wagner—owner of African-themed restaurant Kafe Utu—Tamba is an intimate yet transcendent restaurant that fetes the vibrant spirit and rich flavours of West Africa. In this vibrant 25-seat space, every detail tells a story: from the warm terracotta hues harmonising with the bold colours of the African nations, to the captivating sculptures and cultural artefacts adorning each corner. The textured walls, meticulously crafted by hand etching forks across clay, evoke the sensation of wind-blown sand, adding an immersive layer to the atmosphere.
The feast for the senses delivers punchy yet comforting flavours while the bold use of spice and smoke lends a comforting touch amid West African opulence. Expect cherished staples that include the Jollof rice paired with aromatic sofrito and succulent sakura chicken; dense Tapalapa bread, served with creamy goat’s milk ricotta, smoked bacon butter, and house-smoked honey; and flame-kissed Suya (Angus tenderloin).
Tamba
Address: 101 Duxton Road, S(089964)
Read more: Tamba offers a sweeping glimpse into West African food and culture
4. Fico
Fico is still one of the toughest seats to book in town and for good reason
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Even after a year since it first opened, Fico is still one of the toughest seats to book in town and for good reason. The winning combination of stunning seafront views, an inviting farmhouse vibe, and unapologetically bold Italian flavours has rocketed chef-partner Mirko Febbrile back into the local culinary scene. From the ultra-long 14-seater communal table reminding of the conviviality of Pugliese dining culture to the epic dessert trolley that satiates your sweet cravings, everything is intentionally designed to evoke Puglia in the south of Italy where Febbrile spent growing up.
The pillowy foccacina, Febbrile’s cross between pizza and focaccia, which comes with bejewelled with seasonal toppings such as piennolo giallo tomatoes and creamy bufala mozzarella, is not to be missed. At the pasta counter, which doubles as the chef’s table, one can witness the makings of fresh pasta. Try the burnt wheat balanzoni, which comprises tortellini-like pasta in a decadent brown butter and sage sauce. Safe to say, East Coast Park has gotten even livelier ever since.
Fico
Address: 1300 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Park Area F, S(468964)
In case you missed it: Mirko Febbrile opens Fico at East Coast Parkway
5. Ummi Beirut
Ummi Beirut charming space that’s punctuated with elegant arches, intricate mosaics, and pastel pink patterned walls
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Ready your senses for a trip to the historical city of Beirut in Lebanon, where sights and sounds of energetic souks dazzle and exuberate. Past the majestic curtains, verdant foliage of olive trees and areca palms help ease you into a charming space that’s punctuated with elegant arches, intricate mosaics, and pastel pink patterned walls. With chef Greg Malouf—widely known as the godfather of modern Lebanese cuisine—at the helm, expect wholesome plates, reminiscent of mother’s cooking, matched with warm Lebanese hospitality.
Building bold flavours from Aleppo pepper, sumac, pomegranate molasses and rose water, these ingredients, sourced directly from the souks in Beirut, are beautifully imbued into the plentitude of mezzes. The lavish mix grill platter—one that reminds of the sweltering grills, overcrowded with meats in old souks—includes juicy lamb kebabs, chicken shish tawouk and lamb cutlets, perfect for meat lovers.
Ummi Beirut
Address: 1 Nanson Road, InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, S(238909)
