12 K-dramas where the leading lady does all the saving
Leading lady: Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun)
In this parallel-universe epic, Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) crosses into modern-day Korea in search of a mysterious woman who once saved him. That woman turns out to be Detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), a rational, no-nonsense cop who's unimpressed by titles and palaces.
Despite the cosmic romance, Tae-eul is rarely the one being rescued. Instead, she uncovers massive conspiracies, faces off with traitors and grounds Gon with her unwavering logic. She's not a royal consort; she's the backbone of the story's moral compass. Also, she's often the one charging in first. 3. 'Tale of the Nine Tailed' (2020)
Leading lady: Nam Ji-ah (Jo Bo-ah)
Nam Ji-ah (Jo Bo-ah) is a fearless TV producer obsessed with unravelling her parents' mysterious disappearance. Her investigation leads her to a supernatural underworld populated by gumiho (nine-tailed foxes), evil spirits and her eventual love interest, the immortal Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook).
While Lee Yeon has centuries of power, it's Ji-ah who uncovers the truth, resists possession by malevolent forces and repeatedly chooses to fight for her destiny. She's not content to be the fox's damsel. Instead, she's his equal, with a spine of steel and instincts sharper than any fang. 4. 'Sell Your Haunted House' (2021)
Leading lady: Hong Ji-ah (Jang Na-ra)
Hong Ji-ah (Jang Na-ra) is more than a real estate agent. She's also a cold, calculating exorcist who rids properties of lingering spirits. She teams up with fake psychic Oh In-beom (Jung Yong-hwa), but make no mistake: she's the expert, he's the sidekick.
While In-beom fumbles through the supernatural, Ji-ah takes charge with her talismans and spirit-slaying savvy. She's haunted (literally) by past trauma, but her emotional journey is hers to conquer. She fights ghosts and toxic masculinity, one haunted house at a time. 5. 'Inspiring Generation' (2014)
Leading lady: Gaya Deguchi (Im Soo-hyang)
Set in 1930s Shanghai, this historical action drama is filled with revolutionaries, mobsters and bare-knuckle brawls. At the centre of it all is Shin Jung-tae (Kim Hyun-joong), a street fighter with a tragic past and a bruised heart. But among all the testosterone is Gaya Deguchi (Im Soo-hyang), the Japanese-Korean heiress of a powerful gang.
In fact, Gaya is the one who's pulling the strings amid all the chaos. She chooses strategy over sentiment and often saves Jung-tae from political death traps and emotional self-destruction. Her choices shape the plot as much as his fists ever could. 6. 'Hotel del Luna' (2019)
Leading lady: Jang Man-wol (IU)
Jang Man-wol (IU) is the centuries-old CEO of a hotel for ghosts with unresolved grudges. She's vain, vindictive and dresses like a runway model from the Joseon Dynasty. Beneath the designer hanboks, however, is a heart that slowly heals. Goo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo) may help her process her trauma, but she's the one who protects him from rogue spirits and darker forces.
She doesn't just lead the hotel—she commands it. And when it's time for one final sacrifice, it's Man-wol who walks into the fire on her own terms.
See more: Dressed to dominate: 6 ways K-drama heroines used fashion to showcase their power 7. 'Strong Girl Nam-soon' (2023)
Leading lady: Gang Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi)
What did you expect when the plot revolves around a family wherein all the women have super strength? In this spin-off of Strong Woman Do Bong-soon , we meet Gang Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi), a quirky, lovable girl with superhuman strength who returns to Korea after being lost in Mongolia as a child. She's not only physically powerful (lifting everything from grown men to airplanes) but emotionally resilient, even after being separated from her family for years.
Nam-soon uses her strength to take down an international drug cartel infiltrating Korea's elite circles, while juggling a budding romance with Detective Gang Hee-sik (Ong Seong-wu). Hee-sik may be the cop with the badge, but Nam-soon is the one busting drug rings and dragging villains to jail (sometimes literally by the collar). While he admires her, she doesn't wait around to be saved—she's the one doing the smashing and rescuing. 8. 'Search: WWW' (2019)
Leading lady: Bae Ta-mi (Im Soo-jung), Cha Hyeon (Lee Da-hee), Song Ga-kyeong (Jeon Hye-jin)
Three powerhouse female leads run the show. Set in the cutthroat world of web portals and tech giants, these women aren't wielding swords but also data, strategy and epic clapbacks. While romance threads through the story, these women are far more focused on saving their careers, reputations and personal agency. For example, Ta-mi's (Im Soo-jung ) relationship with Park Morgan (Jang Ki-yong) is sweet, but she never lets it derail her ambition. 9. 'My Name' (2021)
Leading lady: Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee)
This gritty revenge noir follows Ji-woo (Han So-hee), who joins a crime syndicate and infiltrates the police force to uncover the truth behind her father's death. She doesn't wait around for a man to take vengeance for her. Instead, she becomes the weapon. Ji-woo fights, bleeds and outsmarts men in both gangs and law enforcement, relying only on herself (and some serious knife skills) to survive. 10. 'The Glory' (2022–2023)
Leading lady: Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo)
In this gritty drama, Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) orchestrates an entire symphony of vengeance against the rich and remorseless bullies who ruined her youth. With intelligence, patience and icy resolve, she systematically dismantles each villain's life. While there's a gentle male ally (Lee Do-hyun), he's a supporting character in her game. Dong-eun saves herself and exposes the rot behind Korea's elite. 11. 'Arthdal Chronicles (2019-2023)
Leading lady: Tan-ya (Kim Ji-won / Shin Se-kyung)
Tan-ya (Kim Ji-won in Season 1) starts as a spiritual figurehead but slowly builds political power in a war-torn, fantasy civilisation. By the second season, she's (Shin Se-kyung) no longer just the emotional compass—she becomes a sharp strategist outplaying warlords, tribes and even her love interest, Eun-seom (Lee Joon-gi), when needed. She may wear a ceremonial robe, but make no mistake: Tan-ya saves everyone. 12. 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' (2022)
Leading lady: Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin)
Yes, she may need someone to open her water bottles and escort her through revolving doors, but Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) is as fierce as they come. As a rookie attorney on the autism spectrum, Young-woo doesn't just survive the challenges of a rigid legal world—she triumphs. With a brilliant mind, creative logic and emotional growth, she wins court cases, handles discrimination with grace and even converts sceptics. Male leads support her, but she's never dependent on them. Her victories are hers alone.
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Tatler Asia
12-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Tanjong Pagar food guide: 16 best restaurants, from Korean to Japanese fare
Haute Japanese cuisine often boils down to an obsession with the most minute of details and Kazuhiro Hamamoto is exemplary. Sequestered along Tras Street, in his namesake restaurant, the Japanese chef-owner distils over a decade's worth of life experiences onto polished plates. Having forged friendships with some of the best producers in Japan who now supply the restaurant, Hamamoto pledges to introduce every ingredient at their peak to diners, supplementing his seasonal cooking ethos. TRY One cannot discuss Hamamoto without mentioning its storied broth, a dashi that has been simmering since the restaurant first opened its doors in 2021. This living, evolving liquid serves as the foundation for perhaps the most coveted dish of each seasonal menu: crab legs. Hamamoto 58 Tras Street, S(078997) 2. Torikami Above Signature charred chicken crowned with Echire butter and seared with charcoal (Photo: Torikami) When it comes to tried-and-true yakitori omakase, Torikami is the real deal that is brought to you by Yuta Shiraishi, the chef-owner who honed his skills at Torishiki, Tokyo's legendary yakitori temple. There is only one yakitori omakase available for every dinner, promising a ballad of 11 skewers featuring meticulously selected fresh chicken, grilled to perfection over premium Kishu binchotan charcoal. Complementing the skewers are comforting dishes like freshly cooked donabe and chicken stock ochazuke, alongside seasonal vegetable appetisers. TRY Grilled broccoli with shaved parmigiano reggiano, and the carnivorous highlights of charred chicken crowned with Echire butter and seared with charcoal; tender chicken neck topped with fresh wasabi; plump chicken thigh enhanced with a lick of sansho pepper; and utterly tender tsukune meatball with classic egg yolk dip. Torikami Address: 34/35 Duxton Road, S(089498) 3. Nishikane Above Japanese soba noodles with vibrant seasonal vegetables in the signature hand carved ice bowl (Photo: Nishikane) A tranquil oasis hidden within the hustle and bustle of Tanjong Pagar, Nishikane offers exquisite kappo-style omakase crafted by Japanese chef Nobuhiro Nishi. The sixth-generation chef demonstrates culinary artistry in front of guests, personally delivering every course into their hands. Consider the 10-course grand menu, a celebration of seasonal ingredients, featuring the chef's signature abalone doused in awabi-kimo sauce, and the donabe, studded with vegetables, fresh corn and seasonal hamachi. TRY Nishi's hand-carved iced soba is one for the cameras. Carving from an ice block a la minute, the crystal clear decanter cradles a perfectly springy rendition of soba noodles adorned with an array of vibrant seasonal vegetables. 4. Hearth Former Kamoshita chef Koki Miyoshi steps into his own and honours the time-tested Jomon-period cooking style of irori. Along Craig Road, the izakaya is cosy and unpretentious, sporting a counter dining format, exposing diners to the warm embrace of the hearth. Besides the deft preparation of fresh seasonal fish, the oden selection is worthy of praise, where a dashi-simmered Japanese radish stands out most. Even the beverage selection boasts a unique selection, which includes an inviting ume sour, featuring ume plum from Wakayama. TRY Miyoshi's menu showcases many dishes with a combination of ingredients that are not typically served at most izakayas. Think Wagyu beef tataki with aged sake steak sauce, lifted with sliced onions and Hokkaido horseradish shavings or even a Japanese riff on the Sichuanese dan dan noodles. Hearth Address: 41 Craig Road, S(089679) 5. Fiz Above The heartwarming Fiz spread that reflects the region's diverse cultures (Photo: Fiz) With a menu inspired by Southeast Asia's rich culinary heritage, Fiz has quickly become one of the standout restaurants of recent years, offering heartwarming dishes that reflect the region's diverse cultures. Known for taking its modern Malay cuisine to the upper echelons of fine dining, chef-owner Hafizzul Hashim has gone beyond the country's borders to take influences from the instrumental culinary periods of Angkor's Khmer and Java's Majapahit empires in his second menu. The crowd favourite is the undisputed signature blue swimmer crab curry, featuring sweet crab meat in delicious gulai lemak (curry) with fermented rice noodles. TRY The approachable 'Sajian Pilihan: Select Experience' lunch menu offers four courses, where diners can tuck into refined classics like asam pedas (sour and spicy fish stew) and ikan pekasam (fermented fish). Fiz 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, 01-01/02, S(088444) 6. Gu:um Above The signature woodae galbi short rib served with Korean banchan and ssam for diners (Photo: Gu:um) Specialising in grilled premium quality meat and seafood, Gu:um is a modern Korean grill restaurant that is undoubtedly Korean but injected with global influences that reflect award-winning chef-owner Louis Han's experiences working at various restaurants across the world. The highlight is the signature woodae galbi short rib, a succulent grilled rib served with a range of banchan and ssam for diners to build their own vegetable and beef wraps. While the burnt honey ice cream hotteok is the marquee dessert, don't sleep on the injeolmi tiramisu. TRY Bottomless booze? Check. Proper Korean banchan? Check. Expertly prepared grilled meats? Gu:um's first-ever weekend brunch is no typical Korean buffet. Instead, it is a brilliant ballad of refined Korean-inspired snacks, followed by a centrepiece worthy grill platter that includes Tajima Wagyu striploin, Iberico pork collar, and organic chicken, each marinated the Korean way. In case you missed it: 5 Seoul sizzling new Korean barbecue spots in Singapore Gu:um 29 Keong Saik Road, S(089136) 7. Born Above Zor Tan's 'Circle of Life' philosophy is displayed over a nine-course menu that reflects the different chapters of his life (Photo: Born) Distilling Chinese culinary heritage through a modern lens, Restaurant Born presents dishes that take diners on a cross-cultural culinary odyssey of French and Chinese techniques. Helmed by progressive Malaysian chef-founder Zor Tan, Born is located in a conserved architectural gem circa 1903, which once served as a rickshaw depot and transported people to their destinations. Taking court in an open kitchen with a paper sculpture by Dutch artist Peter Gentenaar hanging overhead, Tan now uses the space to transport diners through the different memory lanes of his life. TRY While the wine list is extensive, the non-alcoholic pairings are equally charming. Drawing from Western and Asian influences, the ever-changing list of beverages varies from season to season—think roselle-spiked kombucha redolent of raspberry and smoked plum. Born 1 Neil Rd, #01-01, S(088804) 8. Maggie's Above Sichuan saliva chicken reinterpreted with luscious shirako instead of the regular silkened chicken (Photo: Maggie's) Regional Chinese fare is given the playful and irreverent treatment at Maggie's, a chic 70s-inspired 'almost Chinese' 60-seater bistro along Keong Saik Road. Drawing inspiration from diverse spice trade routes and ingredients found along China's Silk Road, and the uniquely piquant palette of the Hunan region, the kitchen promises flavour combinations that are familiar yet unexpected. Think furu (fermented beancurd) cacio e pepe; lamb tartare with textures of creamy century egg and green Hunan chilis; and classic Sichuan saliva chicken reinterpreted with luscious shirako ( cod milt) instead of the regular silkened chicken. TRY Don't leave without a taste of the Maggie's Southern Dirty Rice, which lavishly a moreish mix of duck liver sausage, monkfish liver parfait, and a serious splash of aged yellow wine. Maggie's Address: 1 Keong Saik Road, #01-04, S(089109) 9. Side Door Above Velvety coconut clam chowder flavoured with roasted chorizo and smoked paprika (Photo: Side Door) This cosy 40-seater cocktail bar by husband-and-wife duo Tryson Quek and Bannie Kang along Neil Road also doubles as a restaurant that serves up proper modern Asian nosh. For a tailored gastronomic experience, opt for the omakase‐style eight‐course menu, each paired with Kang's crafted cocktails, in the private room. Imagine velvety coconut clam chowder flavoured with roasted chorizo and smoked paprika; spoonfuls of hand‐chopped beef tartare contrasted with a bright yuzu sorbet; and fork‐tender Korean‐style Wagyu short ribs. TRY Save space for desserts as pastry chef Jamie Lee presents expertly crafted sweet treats, from classic French pastries of canele and madeleines to original creations such as chrysanthemum lemon pound cake with citrus icing, and a dark cacao brownie with sea salt creme. In case you missed it: Husband-and-wife duo of popular private diner Side Door debuts new location in Tanjong Pagar Side Door 3 Neil Road, #01-01, S(088805) 10. Anju Above Grilled fatty Iberico pork paired with a rich and spicy barley ssamjang (Photo: Anju) For fun, casual, and consistently delicious modern Korean plates, Anju is still the place to be. Dressed in earthy tones, leather trimmings, and chestnut wood furnishings, the elegantly decorated restaurant is chic enough for casual business lunches or even fancy night outs. On the menu, feast on grilled fatty Iberico pork paired with a rich and spicy barley ssamjang ; yellowtail ceviche lifted with textures of carrot kimchi and Earl Grey dongchimi ; and a deconstructed sweet potato creme brulee, featuring a trio of textures with coffee and brown butter crumble TRY In the list of quality Korean spirits, you won't find the typical name-brand soju. Instead, choose from a unique selection of lesser-known fine Korean spirits such as the well-balanced glutinous rice liquor, chungmyungju , or the effervescent champagne makgeolli takju . Anju Address: 62 Tras Street, S(079001) 11. Chef's Tavern by Stephan Zoisl Above Austrian chef Stephan Zoisl marries his signature European flair with Japanese technique (Photo: Chef's Tavern by Stephan Zoisl) Acclaimed Austrian chef Stephan Zoisl swaps his fine-dining sheaths for the approachable with Chef's Tavern. No white table clothes this time as Zoisl marries his signature European flair with Japanese technique. Expect sashimi mingling with sweet Austrian wine grapes, roasted lobster bisque ramen, Alaskan black cod dressed in Madras curry, and of course, Zoisl's signature schnitzel with cranberry jam and anchovy brown butter. While the menu is predominantly a la carte, those who're keen to relive Zoisl's Chef's Table experience can consider the communal dinner omakase, sensibly priced at S$88. TRY Sweet treats are not an afterthought, as desserts of caramelised pineapple-infused piña colada and a textural dark chocolate gateau ensure a lip-smacking end to the meal. Chef's Tavern by Stephan Zoisl Address: 20 Craig Road, S(089692) 12. Cenzo There's something approachably attractive about Cenzo. Since 2022, Chef-owner Drew Nocente has blended Italian tradition and Australian modernity to bring forth a unique dining experience inspired by his Italian-Australian heritage, growing up on a farm in Queensland, Australia. And we're all here for it. Imagine pickled mussels with ricotta and chilli; mazara red prawn carpaccio, adorned with caviar, dill and lemonade gel; and mafaldine beef ragu with pecorino foam, and gramigna mushroom and pistachio pesto. TRY From flamed-kissed starters to handmade pastas and perfectly cooked proteins, the crowd-pleasing menu consists of an unassuming listing that only longtime Salt & Hung fans may spot: Nocente's house-cured pastrami sandwich. Enough said. Cenzo Address: 81 Club Street, S(069449) 13. Bottega di Carna Above A spread at Bottega di Carna includes premium beef cuts from famed Spanish master butchery Viñals Soler (Photo: Bottega di Carna) Not everyone can brag about dining at a Dario Cecchini restaurant, but at Bottega di Carna, you now can—and you don't even need to be in Chianti. Co-signed by The New York Times 's 'world's greatest butcher', this beautifully verdant steakhouse, located within Mondrian Singapore Duxton, brings a lively twist to Italian dining. Helmed by executive chef Kenny Huang, expect a masterful blend of tradition and modern flair imbued onto the stylish plates. The marquee main is none other than the showstopping Stockyard 200-day grain-fed Angus tomahawk, expertly grilled to optimal succulence, accompanied with deep, beefy flavours. TRY Kickstart the meal with the dainty artichoke tart, adorned with goat's cheese and acacia honey. Don't skip Cecchini's signature rough chop beef tartare, and finish the meal with a classic tiramisu, scooped straight from the pan to your plate. Bottega di Carna 16A Duxton Hill, #03-01, S(089970) 14. Sensu Above Sensu plates up a fine representation of when Tokyo and Paris collide (Photo: Sensu) Sensu is part Tokyo, part Paris, but mostly delicious. Nesting in the buzzy Keong Saik neighbourhood, Sensu is helmed by aspiring chef Shang Jhi, an alumnus of the revered Joel Robuchon, as well as lauded Les Amis and Jaan by Kirk Westaway. Here, he and the team blend a fine appreciation of Japanese cuisine with classically trained French techniques, resulting in innovative yet comforting plates. The sleek counter dining restaurant presents both a comprehensive tasting menu and an a la carte menu for those looking to customise their meal. TRY Start with the uni and sakura ebi capellini, lifted with a bright splash of lemon confit; expertly-grilled Iberico pork jowl paired with crispy shishito peppers and a subtly sweet chipotle gelee; and end with a reimagined paella, studded with hearty carabinero prawn, fresh crispy squid, and chorizo. Sensu Address: 27 Keong Saik Road, S(089134) 15. Humpback Above The crowd-favourite flame-kissed tiger prawns on smoked tomato sauce (Photo: Humpback) Besides being known as one of the best wine bars in town, Humpback has made oysters and small plates cool again. At this seafood stable along Bukit Pasoh, you'll be treated to a variety of fresh seasonal oysters to slurp down for a briny start to the meal. The progressive small plates, which interpret European flavours with an Asian touch, are not to be missed. Think mouthwatering headliners of burrata with peaches and hazelnuts; flame-kissed tiger prawns on smoked tomato sauce; and meaty razor clams swimming in a spiced beurre blanc and garnished with chilli crisps and fried shallots. TRY Go big or go home with the large sharing plates. Consider the juicy tenderloin steak frites with red wine bordelaise, or flounder meunière, accompanied by smoked mussels, seaweed butter, and parsley. Humpback Address: 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Road, S(089834) 16. Ingleside Blending the ancient art of wood-fired cooking and an in-house fermentation philosophy, this flame-themed restaurant along Tras Street pushes the boundaries of modern European dining. With a custom-built wood-fired grill as its centrepiece, each dry-aged meat at Ingleside undergoes careful inspection before its ignition on the grill, infusing it with a tinge of smokiness unique only to wood-firing. Hallmark steaks, such as the Tajima MBS 6-7 picanha, are aged in shio koji, adding both sweetness and umami while retaining the meat's succulence. TRY For an introductory treat, consider the lunch set, including a smoked and slow-cooked Hungarian duck leg that is dry-aged for seven days to intensify flavour. It is then garnished with grilled forest mushroom and a bordelaise sauce made with lacto-fermented blueberry extract for a subtle, tangy umami note. Ingleside Address: 49 Tras Street, S(078988)
Tatler Asia
12-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
SG60: 6 most creative National Day-themed menus in Singapore
2. Level33 and Janice Wong Above Chocolate-aged Wagyu beef using Indonesian single-origin coconut curry milk chocolate (Photo: Level33) When Singapore's highest microbrewery joins forces with the nation's reigning chocolate chef-artist, it is nothing short of sky-high gastronomy. In this SG60 tribute, LeveL33's executive chef Jake Kowalewski and dessert queen Janice Wong have tinkered up something quite audaciously delicious: Chocolate-aged Wagyu beef. The one-night-only National Day-themed menu also includes inventive hawker-inspired creations like spent grain spaghetti in laksa emulsion and chocolate and stout char siu. Besides decadent desserts, Wong amplifies the theatrics with an edible art installation, featuring chilli padi chocolate bonbons and her signature chocolate water rock, for a rousing end to the celebratory meal with a front-row fireworks view. TRY The chocolate-aged Wagyu beef, aged in Wong's 52 percent Indonesian single origin coconut curry milk chocolate, is not to be missed and stars alongside cacao and chilli soy glaze, crispy garlic, and smoked tofu puree. Level33 Address: 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, S(018981) 3. Gu:um Above Singapore street food classics with a Korean twist by award-winning Korean chef Louis Han (Photo: Gu:um) Korean chef Louis Han's love letter to the Lion City doubles down on flavours from the East, distilling memories and experiences since his arrival in 2016. Expect Singapore street food classics with a Korean twist, with mouthwatering creations; think the headliner gochujang chilli crab, which sees the crispy soft shell crabs swim in a chilli-crab-inspired sauce made from gochujang, Cheongyang green chilli pepper, and chopped fermented chilli. On the side, chewy tteok replaces mantou for mopping up all remaining sauce. Other creations include satay, reimagined with a ssamjang rempah glaze and ssamjang peanut sauce, while classic Korean mandu fillings find their way into a stuffed deep-fried chicken wing. TRY The refreshing bingsu-ice-kachang crossover for dessert, where the textures of watermelon, mixed berries, and yoghurt come in harmony with hongcho (Korean fermented pomegranate). Gu:um Address: 29 Keong Saik Road, S(089136) In case you missed it: Tanjong Pagar food guide: 16 best restaurants, from Korean to Japanese fare 4. Butterfly Table by Tiap Tiap at Cygnet by Sean Connolly Above A limited-time only Tok Panjang renaissance at a buzzy Manhattan-inspired steakhouse (Photo: QT Singapore) Enter Butterfly Table by Tiap Tiap's, a mother-daughter duo known for elevated Peranakan home dining experiences, who takes over the buzzy Manhattan-inspired steakhouse for a Tok Panjang renaissance. Happening across six precious evenings in August, diners can expect to break bread over fiery sambal and generous second helpings. At this chic Peranakan reunion, revel in starters of handmade fish keropok, roti bakar, and fuchow fishball, or get hands-on with designing their own kueh pie tee. For mains, confident classics take the spotlight. Think Assam pedas of fresh fish and piquant tamarind broth, telur belanda of fried eggs in sweet-savoury caramelised bean paste, and the spicy sambal stir-fried okra and brinjal. TRY The head-turning rainbow-hued nasi ulam, adorned with a bouquet of organic and herbaceous blooms, is the highlight of each dinner, which includes indulgent pairings of buah keluak pork ribs and Nyonya curry chicken. Cygnet by Sean Connolly Address: 35 Robinson Road, QT Singapore, S(068898) 5. Bottega di Carna Above Teochew-style bak kut teh inspired spiced aged beef (Photo: Bottega di Carna) In this irresistible homage to Singapore's heritage, Bottega di Carna's spiced rubbed masterpiece boldly reimagines a local favourite of bak kut teh. Conspiring with Anthony Leow, a second-generation spice craftsman known as The Spice Maker, expect signature aged beef emerging from the Josper grill wearing a cloak of garlic, white and black pepper, star anise, and cinnamon. Reminding of a comforting bowl of Teochew-style bak kut teh, the version replaces the slow-simmered classic by harnessing fire and smoke instead, creating something entirely new yet hauntingly familiar. TRY Head into Jungle Ballroom after for the Hyderabad, a resplendently boozy jungle juice, featuring a seven-spice blend of green Szechuan peppercorn, dried Makrut, turmeric, fenugreek, brown coriander, nutmeg, and pink clove. Bottega di Carna Address: 16A Duxton Hill, #03-01 Mondrian Singapore Duxton, S(089970) 6. Crystal Jade Golden Palace Above Brand new SG60-inspired dishes at the award-winning Crystal Jade Golden Palace (Photo: Crystal Jade) When the national icon of Hainanese chicken rice becomes siew mai, purists might look away, but for adventurous epicureans, beautiful blasphemy is what comes to mind. At the award-winning Crystal Jade Golden Palace, these wonton skin wrapped parcels open the act for a slew of new SG60-inspired dishes, and capture the essence of two iconic foods in one bite. Other Teochew-inspired creations include the wild coral trout, poached in hot and sour tomato broth, and served tableside; Teochew-style porridge with red roe crab and aged radish, presented in a claypot; and dessert of chilled mango with coconut-infused cheong fun (rice rolls). TRY Perhaps most audacious is the deep-fried har gau topped with crispy rice. Imagine classic har gau armoured in golden crunch, delivering a textural bite that is unlike the classic. Crystal Jade Golden Palace Address: 290 Orchard Road, #05-22 Paragon Shopping Centre, S(238859)
Tatler Asia
11-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
The many faces of G-Dragon: 8 singular looks that define fashion's Übermensch
G-Dragon as K-pop's original streetwear icon Above G-Dragon has paid homage to his hip-hop heroes through streetwear. (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) Long before luxury fashion houses courted him, G-Dragon was revolutionising K-pop's visual landscape through streetwear. In the early 2010s, when groups favoured shiny suits and coordinated outfits, BigBang dared to be different. His look combined red beanies, track pants and statement Nike trainers—a direct homage to his hip-hop heroes like Pharrell Williams and Kanye West. Translating American hip-hop aesthetics for Korean audiences, G-Dragon's early style established his credibility as a trendsetter who could bridge global fashion movements. The punk aesthetic that turned attitude into fashion Above The K-pop idol drips punk attitude with this look (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) G-Dragon's pink-and-black mullet, piled-on gold chains and defiant lip piercing felt less like styling and more like visual autobiography. This wasn't costume play. Each element fed into his larger creative narrative, where fashion, music and persona exist in constant dialogue. Don't miss: Chasing K-pop dreams: must-visit spots in Seoul for superfans From fan to front row: G-Dragon's Chanel ambassadorship Above Chanel named G-Dragon as its first Asian global ambassador. (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) G-Dragon's appointment as Chanel's first Asian global ambassador marked a pivotal shift in luxury fashion. His command of the maison's codes—tweed jackets, pearl necklaces, quilted handbags—wasn't imitation but bold reinterpretation. He transformed traditionally feminine pieces into androgynous power statements: a sequined blazer paired with a pearl choker, layers of pearls combined with a classic beret. Through this, he proved that true style transcends gender boundaries, making Chanel feel fresh and modern for an entirely new generation. Art you can wear: G-Dragon's fashion as creative canvas Above This cape, with its graffiti-style print, shows G-Dragon's taste for wearable art. (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) G-Dragon's philosophy extends beyond wearing fashion to creating wearable art. His dramatic graffiti-style cape exemplifies this approach, transforming his body into a mobile gallery. This philosophy echoes through his other projects, like PeaceMinusOne, which started as a contemporary art exhibition before evolving into a fashion label. The same mindset shaped his Nike 'Para-Noise' Air Force 1 collaboration, featuring paint designed to crack and peel away, revealing hidden artwork underneath. For G-Dragon, fashion isn't just something you wear—it's another medium for creative expression. Rewriting the rules of tailoring Above G-Dragon upends traditional menswear with personal details. (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) G-Dragon's approach to traditional menswear reveals his understanding of fashion's visual language. Take his pinstripe suit: while the silhouette speaks to formality, rebellious details—red-framed glasses, visible tattoos creeping above the collar, a turquoise tie—subvert expectations. While he favours designers for their architectural tailoring, he personalises each piece with his signifiers. His tattoos and piercings aren't afterthoughts—they're deliberate choices that turn classic suiting into a manifesto of self-expression. Grandma-core goes viral: the power of eccentricity Above Dubbed 'grandma-core' or 'auntie fashion', G-Dragon's quirky look went viral. (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) When G-Dragon wears it, even a simple crochet beanie can explode into a viral fashion trend. Paired with quirky wavy-framed glasses and layered pearl necklaces, his look was dubbed grandma-core or 'auntie fashion' by style watchers. It sparked fan debates, countless social media imitations and a flood of recreations on Etsy—further proof of his talent for turning the most unexpected pieces into must-have fashion statements. G-Dragon's true signature: the attitude that ties it all together Above It's not the clothes, it's the man: attitude is G-Dragon's most powerful accessory. (Photo: @xxxibgdrgn / Instagram) Strip away the shocking colours, luxury labels and elaborate staging, and what remains is G-Dragon's most powerful accessory: his attitude. His magnetic presence proves that while anyone can purchase and wear designer clothing, no one can replicate his unique charisma. His signature nonchalance remains the unifying thread across all his fashion transformations—the one element that cannot be counterfeited, copied or purchased. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
