EAST COAST
For a local atmosphere, the East Coast of the island is a great place to embark on a food excursion. For authentic and affordable Peranakan food, try Guan Hoe Soon (214 Joo Chiat Road, 3442761) or Baba Inn & Lounge (Frankel Avenue #01-103, 4452404), or have a laid-back chow-down at one of the many open-air seafood place such as Jumbo Restaurant along the East Coast Parkway, where the chili crab and black-pepper crab's a must.

HAWKER CENTRES
The great thing about Singapore is that you can eat really well -- and have lots of fun too -- without busting your wallet. The island is dotted with hawker centres, where you will find food stalls that sell the local version of fast food. Some dishes to try: Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, roti prata (Indian-style pancakes with a curry dip), char kuay teow (fried noodles), satay.

A popular hawker centre with tourists is Newton Circus near the Newton MRT, but for a more authentic (and cheaper) meal you can go to any of the hawker centres in the suburbs, such as Clementi, Bedok or Geylang. Locals swear by Thasevi Food Eating House (237/239, Jalan Kayu) for the best roti prata. If you have no time to venture into the suburbs, hawker gourmets say the ultimate Hainanese chicken rice can be had at Chatterbox (333 Orchard Road, 8316288) at the Mandarin Singapore Hotel.

UNFORGETTABLES
For meals that are at once unforgettable and a little off the beaten track, try the famous steamboat restaurant at Tiong Bahru, where bird-singing competitions are regularly held. Or head for Prima Tower (201 Keppel Road, 272 8822), whose revolving restaurant set aside a flour mill will let you savour dim sum and a bird's-eye view of the Singapore harbour at the same time.

There's also Killiney Kopi Tiam (67 Killiney Road), which still serves the fast-disappearing Singapore breakfast of toast with kaya (rich coconut custard) and half-boiled egg laced with soya sauce. It may not sound so, but it's delicious.

Last Minute Hotels

Savour Continental cuisine in style, with a superb view of the city skyline, at the Compass Rose set at the top -- that is, the 70th level -- of the Westin Stamford Hotel.

ADD : 2 Stamford Road, 4316156 CUISINE : a wide variety of local to international cuisine. BUDGET : High

 

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