Okay, so you’ve probably tried some version of popular Singaporean dishes, such as rendang, laksa, and chilli crab. And while they’re favorites for a reason, perhaps your taste buds are looking for something different, something new.
To satisfy these cravings, Singaporean chefs are giving tried-and-true local fare a make-over by reinventing them or incorporating Western and Eastern ingredients to create a new fusion.
This latest movement has become known as “Mod-Sin”, or Modern Singaporean cuisine. Check out some of the island’s top restaurants serving up Mod-Sin innovations:
Adobo duck cannelloni baked with cheese, dusted with truffle & shiitake powder. Source: Wild Rocket / Facebook
Wild Rocket’s head chef Willin Low coined the term “Mod-Sin” to describe his distinct style of cooking, which draws inspiration from local hawker food. Its menu, however, borrows the Japanese concept of ‘omakase’, offering a meal comprising dishes selected by the chef.
The restaurant offers a set menu and an à la carte menu, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the omakase menu (priced between $120 and $160) – you can expect to come across an eclectic selection, which has previously included laksa risotto, crab tortellini with mee siam broth, and laksa pesto linguine.
Address: Hangout Hotel @ Mt. Emily, 10A Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228119
Opening Hours: Monday, 6.30pm – 10.30pm | Tuesday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 3.00pm (lunch), 6.30pm – 10.30pm (dinner).
Lobster tail, sriracha crab cake, and tom yum broth. Source: Ding Dong / Facebook
At Ding Dong, you’ll come for its playful mix of old and new on its menu, but stay for the gorgeous retro interior.
When creating their eclectic dishes, the chefs don’t just limit themselves to Singaporean dishes, but also include familiar elements from neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Try the rendang beef brisket bun with turnip omelette and pickled cucumber.
Address: #01-02, 115 Amoy Street, Singapore 069935
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 3.00pm (lunch), 6.00pm – 12.00am (dinner). Closed on Sundays.
Miso Cod and Ulam Onigiri, comprising oven-roasted miso cod, belachan assam herb rice balls, and cucumber salad in plum sauce and lime juice dressing. Source: CreatureS / Facebook
CreatureS aims to serve you the best comfort food with an Asian flair. Located on Desker Road, the restaurant has a cozy, homey feel to it, while its menu has a distinct Peranakan flavor.
You can’t go wrong with fried chicken, so crunch into the Ah Gong Fried Chicken and Ah Ma Noodles, composed of crispy fried chicken leg with garam masala and served with chinchalok mayonnaise accompanied by la mien noodles tossed in fried shallot and light soy sauce.
Address: 120 Desker Road, Singapore 209639
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 12.00pm – 10.30pm | Friday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 11.30pm. Closed on Mondays.
Satay burger, accompanied with Javanese-inspired peanut sauce. Source: The Quarters / Facebook
The Quarters’ novel recreations of popular hawker fare is a celebration of everything that makes Singaporean food good.
If you love anything and everything durian, then the creatively-named Duriancanboleh, a durian-based creme brûlée, is right up your alley. Their satay burger (juicy marinated chicken thigh sandwiched between crispy rice patties) is also a must-try.
Address: #01-09 Icon Village, 16 Enggor Street, Singapore 079717
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 10.00pm | Saturday, 9.00am – 10.00pm | Sunday, 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Food Anatomy's signature "Design Food". Source: Food Anatomy / Facebook
Your mom may have told you not to play with your food, but at Food Anatomy, it’s difficult not to – its dishes are presented in perfectly-formed cubes, inviting you to turn your nasi lemak and teriyaki chicken into building blocks.
According to its founders, it’s not enough for food to just be delicious – it should also be aesthetically-pleasing, hence its 3D presentation, dubbed “design food”. However, it’s only available from 5pm onwards on Mondays to Fridays, and all day on Saturdays.
Address: Timbre+, Unit 31, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore 139957
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11.00am – 11.00pm.
Can’t wait to sink your teeth into these tempting Mod-Sin dishes? Then book your flights and hotel stay in Singapore on Traveloka today!