A walk down the rainforests of Singapore’s central business district will reveal a whole lot about the country’s unique culture and way of life – and you can also get an insight into the unusual sounds of Singlish, a language of Singaporeans. On the corner of the Promenade, a short walk from the banks of the Singapore River, is a small Chinese restaurant called The Noodle House. It is operated by Mr. Yin Lim, a native of Hougang Malaysia, who moved to Singapore in the early 1990s. In addition to his four restaurants in Singapore, he runs a small bookstore and bookshop – all done entirely on the fly by his own entrepreneurial instinct and vision.
But this is not just any typical Chinese restaurant. It is a rarity that combine traditional Chinese food with modern Singaporean flavour, and it has just the kind of ambience one would expect to find in a corner eatery like The Noodle House. The decor is very sparse, with wood and metal furniture interspersed with soft floral and fruit themes. There are two dining areas, each with their own table and chairs, and a counter section where the chefs cook the steamed dishes in colourful sauces. Of course there is the bar area, which is a long bar that stretches out onto the wet grounds outside.
The setting alone will be enough to suggest the restaurant is a hit, but it is actually the cuisine that holds the main attraction. At first taste you are going to be taken by how the spices mix and combine with the tender meats that you are about to savour. Pork is the most common ingredient for these soups, and it is flavoured with an oriental hint that will linger on your tongue long after you have finished your meal. The best thing about man the here is that it is so different from the mass-produced Singapore restaurants where so many things have been done to create the’stereotype’of Singapore. This restaurant serves only the best quality ingredients, and if you are willing to take that chance you will not be disappointed by what you find.
For those willing to venture out of the traditional tourist traps, we have some great places to eat. Chee Teow, situated at the western end of the main drag, is a great place to go if you want to get away from the madding crowd. A simple buffet will fill you up, while you try your hand at some of the local dishes that come to mind – including a very spicy chicken dish that is unlike anything you have ever tasted. On the lower ground level you will find a small buffet of mostly vegetarian fare, and the atmosphere is markedly more relaxed than the other venues. This is an excellent place to explore the local cuisine.
Of course, in true tradition, there are a few more traditional restaurants here, and they do offer a slightly different menu that includes a nice selection of dim sum, and even some local favourites such as the musaka. If you are willing to explore beyond these, you will be rewarded with some fine cuisine by some of the finest chefs in town. One of the most popular restaurants here is Ma, which offers a great view over the river from its dining area.
The nightlife is also highly regarded and is surprisingly varied for such a small country. There are some really beautiful hotels around the country, and many of them are very modern and attractive. Singapore is a very socially liberal country, and so you can expect to find a lot of gay and lesbian bars and clubs here. Of course, these are in addition to the more usual ones, and so you can expect to find something suitable for all tastes and types of visitors.
Singapore is very popular for its cuisine, and the restaurants reflect this by the range of their offerings. From a simple hawker centre-style food to fine dining, the options are nearly limitless. One of the best ways to sample local cuisine is to sample the various Chinese eateries. Many of the restaurants here have been established many years in the past, and so you get authentic Chinese fare with an excellent range of fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular Chinese restaurants in town are the Oriental Pearl, Big Buddha, asts And So, etc.
Muah Chee Singapore is a fantastic place to go if you are travelling with children. It is a very family friendly area, and there are a number of attractions for parents too. The whole family will enjoy the various attractions in this part of town. In fact, you may even end up going back to your hotel after a fun day of shopping! The hotel should be no less than five stars, though.
