Can’t travel, no problem. Satiate your wanderlust by visiting these restaurants in Singapore, which are decked out in beautiful interiors that are reminiscent of countries like India, Morocco and Spain.
Firangi Superstar
(Photo Credit: Owen Raggett)
Step into an elegant colonial Indian era at Firangi Superstar, a contemporary Indian restaurant in Tanjong Pagar that boasts one of the most impressive restaurant decor among the newly-opened dining establishments this year. The 93-seat restaurant takes diners through a whimsical cinematic trip through India, from a visually arresting Bengal tiger mural to its train carriage-like restaurant exterior. Framed by wood panelling against a sultry red backdrop, The Officer’s Club section is adorned with military photos and antique rifles. The private dining space, Old Railway Room is fashioned after a vintage train carriage fitted with ornate wall lamps and ceiling fans – there is even an overhanging shelf filled with old suitcases. Reflecting the restaurant’s imaginative decor are creative dishes like This Is Not Aloo Gobi and Prata Waffles, an Indian twist on the American classic of Chicken & Waffles.
La Fez
Photo: La Fez Cafe & Bakery Facebook Page
Take a sojourn to Morocco at this trendy Siglap cafe, which is swathed in rose pink. The gorgeous hue pays homage to Marrakech, which is known as ‘pink city’, as its historic buildings have been built with red earth from the surrounding hills. The cafe’s Moroccan influence also extends to its distinctive Moorish arch doors at the entrance and shelves adorned with earthenware, gilded teapots and tea trays, and a couple of indoor palm trees. Reflecting the restaurant’s Middle Eastern touches are the menu, which include dishes like shakshuka, lamb tagine and the traditional Maghreb Beghrir pancakes (semolina pancakes).
Suzuki Gourmet Coffee
(Photo: Explorer Fern Facebook Page)
Miss having your cuppa of matcha in tranquil Kyoto? Sipping it in the far-flung Boon Lay industrial park might come close. The established local coffee roastery recently revamped its cafe space next to its roastery. The zen-looking space is filled with wood elements, from high tables and chairs to lattice sliding door panels (shoji). Upping the Japanese vibe in the minimalist space is gentle splashes of water from the bamboo shishi-odoshi water fountain, a landmark of Japanese-style gardens. The coffee menu, which features beans that are freshly roasted from Suzuki Gourmet Coffee’s factory, include Hokkaido Latte, Suzuki Hokkaido Cafe Mocha and filtered coffee. Those with a sweet-tooth can go for the Anmitsu Matcha or Hojicha Latte that is crowned with cream and red beans.
Tapas, 24
(Photo: Tapas, 24)
Bringing a slice of the convivial tapas bar culture here is Tapas, 24, the first Asian outpost of the famed Barcelona restaurant that is renowned for its Bikini sandwiches that are decked out with black truffles, Ibérico ham and buffalo mozzarella. The all-day tapas bar in Robertson Quay takes design cues from Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí with a splash of vibrant colours, from the glossy cobalt blue tiled walls that lined the open-concept kitchen to ceramic tiles. The bright red Spanish-style casement windows are filled with geometric shapes – a nod to Gaudi’s legacy.
