Marina Bay Sands marks SG60 with signature flavours that define Singapore
In Singapore, this connection is especially pronounced. The country's multicultural makeup has long influenced its food landscape, producing cuisine that is inventive, layered and rooted in heritage. From Malay-Chinese satay bee hoon to colonial-era Hainanese pork chop, these dishes tell stories of migration, adaptation and creativity. More than just everyday staples, they are part of the national identity.
As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, the culinary talents at Marina Bay Sands present their own takes on these enduring flavours – a homage to the past, served with a contemporary twist.
While the menus at Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck showcase bold, cosmopolitan flavours – a culinary tribute to California's globally influenced dining scene – executive sous chef Kevin Kwek adds a local touch with the Sea Bream Laksa (S$46). Finished tableside with the rich, spicy broth, the dish reflects the restaurant's East-meets-West finesse.
'Food is a universal language – it has the power to bridge cultures, spark conversations and create lasting memories,' said Kwek. 'I believe that people want to share something good, be it a warm, soulful meal or a great hospitality experience.'
For dessert, executive pastry chef Sam Huang transforms savoury buah keluak – typically used in Peranakan stews – into luscious Buah Keluak Coffee and Chocolate Truffles. Earthy and umami-rich, the nut is layered with chocolate and coffee for a sophisticated end to the meal. Available with both the three-course set lunch (S$68) and set dinner (S$88) menus, it's a fitting finish to an experience that connects the familiar and the unexpected.
Set against the skyline on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, the experience combines panoramic views with a fresh appreciation for Singapore's food heritage – a fitting celebration of the nation's 60th year.
TROPICAL ICONS, REIMAGINED
Durian, often hailed as the king of fruits, is as divisive as it is distinctive. Its creamy flesh and pungent aroma have earned it both devoted fans and vocal detractors.
At Maison Boulud by chef Daniel Boulud, durian appears in a surprising form. The light, airy Durian Souffle ($22), created by executive sous chef Vincent Yong, tempers the fruit's intensity to let its natural sweetness shine through. The result is refined and approachable, reflecting Yong's guiding ethos: 'Cook not to impress, but to connect. Curate not just meals, but moments to remember.' It's an elegant twist at the Riviera-inspired waterfront restaurant, where French classics like Duck Confit and Beef Rossini share the menu.
Another tropical fruit gets the fine-dining treatment at Wakuda, the brainchild of chef Tetsuya Wakuda and restaurateur John Kunkel's 50 Eggs Hospitality Group. Instead of the familiar goreng pisang street snack, head pastry chef Soh Hui Shan – the youngest female lead pastry chef in Singapore – offers the Wakuda Mille-Feuille (S$24).
Inspired by the textures of the fried fritter, the dessert layers French pastry technique with Japanese precision. Set among the restaurant's modern Japanese offerings, it's a nod to local tastes – and a tribute to Tetsuya. Banana, after all, is his favourite fruit.
ESSENTIAL RITUALS, ELEVATED
For many Singaporeans, a cup of coffee with kaya toast is a familiar ritual, whether to kick off the morning or take a mid-day pause. The pairing of sweet coconut jam and salted butter on toast, alongside a robust cup of kopi, is a quintessential local experience.
Miracle Coffee, the specialty cafe concept founded by singer JJ Lin, pays tribute to this tradition with a playful twist. Known for its pour-overs and single-origin beans, the cafe offers the Kaya Cloud (S$11) – an iced Americano topped with a layer of salted kaya foam. Exclusive to Singapore, the drink is equal parts nostalgic and novel. 'It's a gentle introduction to our culture,' said general manager Ronald Tan.
As Singapore marks six decades of independence, creations like these reflect the national spirit – shaped by history, yet unafraid to innovate. At Marina Bay Sands, they're served with both flair and familiarity, inviting guests to explore tradition from a new perspective.
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CNA
9 hours ago
- CNA
Marina Bay Sands marks SG60 with signature flavours that define Singapore
A person's palate is shaped over time. From school canteens to family meals, we develop our tastes and form deep attachments to the flavours we grow up with. In Singapore, this connection is especially pronounced. The country's multicultural makeup has long influenced its food landscape, producing cuisine that is inventive, layered and rooted in heritage. From Malay-Chinese satay bee hoon to colonial-era Hainanese pork chop, these dishes tell stories of migration, adaptation and creativity. More than just everyday staples, they are part of the national identity. As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, the culinary talents at Marina Bay Sands present their own takes on these enduring flavours – a homage to the past, served with a contemporary twist. While the menus at Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck showcase bold, cosmopolitan flavours – a culinary tribute to California's globally influenced dining scene – executive sous chef Kevin Kwek adds a local touch with the Sea Bream Laksa (S$46). Finished tableside with the rich, spicy broth, the dish reflects the restaurant's East-meets-West finesse. 'Food is a universal language – it has the power to bridge cultures, spark conversations and create lasting memories,' said Kwek. 'I believe that people want to share something good, be it a warm, soulful meal or a great hospitality experience.' For dessert, executive pastry chef Sam Huang transforms savoury buah keluak – typically used in Peranakan stews – into luscious Buah Keluak Coffee and Chocolate Truffles. Earthy and umami-rich, the nut is layered with chocolate and coffee for a sophisticated end to the meal. Available with both the three-course set lunch (S$68) and set dinner (S$88) menus, it's a fitting finish to an experience that connects the familiar and the unexpected. Set against the skyline on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, the experience combines panoramic views with a fresh appreciation for Singapore's food heritage – a fitting celebration of the nation's 60th year. TROPICAL ICONS, REIMAGINED Durian, often hailed as the king of fruits, is as divisive as it is distinctive. Its creamy flesh and pungent aroma have earned it both devoted fans and vocal detractors. At Maison Boulud by chef Daniel Boulud, durian appears in a surprising form. The light, airy Durian Souffle ($22), created by executive sous chef Vincent Yong, tempers the fruit's intensity to let its natural sweetness shine through. The result is refined and approachable, reflecting Yong's guiding ethos: 'Cook not to impress, but to connect. Curate not just meals, but moments to remember.' It's an elegant twist at the Riviera-inspired waterfront restaurant, where French classics like Duck Confit and Beef Rossini share the menu. Another tropical fruit gets the fine-dining treatment at Wakuda, the brainchild of chef Tetsuya Wakuda and restaurateur John Kunkel's 50 Eggs Hospitality Group. Instead of the familiar goreng pisang street snack, head pastry chef Soh Hui Shan – the youngest female lead pastry chef in Singapore – offers the Wakuda Mille-Feuille (S$24). Inspired by the textures of the fried fritter, the dessert layers French pastry technique with Japanese precision. Set among the restaurant's modern Japanese offerings, it's a nod to local tastes – and a tribute to Tetsuya. Banana, after all, is his favourite fruit. ESSENTIAL RITUALS, ELEVATED For many Singaporeans, a cup of coffee with kaya toast is a familiar ritual, whether to kick off the morning or take a mid-day pause. The pairing of sweet coconut jam and salted butter on toast, alongside a robust cup of kopi, is a quintessential local experience. Miracle Coffee, the specialty cafe concept founded by singer JJ Lin, pays tribute to this tradition with a playful twist. Known for its pour-overs and single-origin beans, the cafe offers the Kaya Cloud (S$11) – an iced Americano topped with a layer of salted kaya foam. Exclusive to Singapore, the drink is equal parts nostalgic and novel. 'It's a gentle introduction to our culture,' said general manager Ronald Tan. As Singapore marks six decades of independence, creations like these reflect the national spirit – shaped by history, yet unafraid to innovate. At Marina Bay Sands, they're served with both flair and familiarity, inviting guests to explore tradition from a new perspective.
Business Times
9 hours ago
- Business Times
Singapore is most expensive city for HNWIs to live well for third year in a row: report
[SINGAPORE] For the third year in a row, Singapore is ranked as the most expensive city for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to live well, indicated a report by Swiss private bank Julius Baer. Despite this, the city remains highly liveable, appealing to HNWIs and businesses due to its stable political climate, safety, and quality services including education and healthcare, the bank said on Monday (Jul 14). 'With the current unpredictable nature of the world, Singapore is valued for its stability, security and connection to Asia and beyond,' the report said. Three Asia-Pacific cities made it to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025's top 10 expensive cities globally – Hong Kong ranked third, while Shanghai ranked sixth. The region had slight price decreases of 1 per cent on average, making it the most stable of all the surveyed regions this year, the report said. Chua Jen-Ai, Asia research analyst at Julius Baer, noted that the Apac region remains one of the fastest-growing globally, even though the tariff war has 'disproportionately impacted' the region. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up 'Firm fundamentals have set the stage for the rapid ascent of wealth in the region,' she said. HNWIs in Apac saw some of the biggest jumps in cost for lifestyle spending habits, outpacing all regions in high-end women's clothes, hotels and fine dining, as 80 per cent of them reported increased assets over the past year. Singapore is ranked the most expensive for cars and women's handbags; second for women's shoes and third for residential properties and healthcare. The biggest jump overall was in business class air fares – up 12.6 per cent across the Apac region, with a marked increase in leisure travel compared to business travel. Globally, business class air fares are up 18.2 per cent in US dollar terms, with post-Covid revenge spending proving remarkably durable, even if appetite is starting to slow, the report said. Longevity is also top of mind for all Apac HNWIs surveyed in the report, with 100 per cent saying they are taking measures to increase their lifespans. Unlike other regions, those in Apac said that they are overwhelmingly concerned about health, even as other regions reported more interest in dining experiences and human interaction. The growing wealth of Apac's HNWI population – combined with increased interest in health, wellness and experiences – continues to shape spending patterns across the region, the report said. Tariff uncertainty For the first time since the report, the index recorded a decline of 2 per cent in US dollar terms, which is 'a surprising development in a segment that has traditionally outpaced average consumer price growth'. The decline, led by a 3.4 fall in the price of goods, reflected shifting global consumption trends, the report said. 'Therefore, a decline of more than one percentage point underscores the headwinds facing the high-end sector,' said Christian Gattiker, head of research at Julius Baer. Nevertheless, the report noted that data collection took place before the US announced its tariff plans, thus the subsequent market and pricing turmoil is not factored into this year's numbers. Gattiker added: 'In light of ongoing uncertainty, trade tensions, and tariffs, our findings represent the final moment 'before' the current situation, and next year's Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report will likely provide a fascinating 'after' perspective.'
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
Gunung Pulai: Singaporeans, here's your guide to the best hiking trail and waterfall spot in Johor Bahru, just an hour plus away from Singapore
SINGAPORE: Tucked quietly behind Johor Bahru (JB) malls and night markets is a lush secret waiting to be discovered: Gunung Pulai, a 654-m mountain escape less than two hours away from the city. Located in Kulai, about 90-km from Singapore, Gunung Pulai offers a cool, misty retreat for hikers of all levels. The 10-km round-trip hike (five up, five down) rewards visitors with refreshing air, lush rainforest scenery, a hidden waterfall, and panoramic views that feel far removed from the urban buzz. 🚌 Getting to Gunung Pulai from Johor Bahru Tripzilla tells us that for those without a car, Gunung Pulai is surprisingly accessible via public transport; from JB Sentral, buses such as BET1, 777B, or 7B run frequently to Kulai Terminal. Operating hours are between 6 a.m. and 10:40 p.m., with intervals between 10 and 30 minutes. Photo: Wikimedia/Joshua From Kulai, you can hop into a Grab or regular taxi to the Gunung Pulai recreational park. However, visitors are advised to pre-arrange their return trip or pay the driver to wait—mobile reception in the area is patchy at best. Alternatively, hitching a ride with other hikers is a common (and often friendly) option. 🥾 The hiking trail: Paved roads, jungle paths, and fresh mountain air The standard hiking route is a paved, uphill stretch about five kilometres long. It takes around two hours to reach the summit, depending on your pace and the frequency of pit stops for photos or to catch your breath. Along the way, you'll pass through a primary rainforest teeming with native flora and fauna. Expect towering hardwood trees, wild ferns, birdsong, and the occasional mischievous macaque looking to relieve you of your snacks. On misty mornings or after rain, the forest glows with atmospheric streaks of sunlight filtering through dense foliage. Photo: FB/thesouthernxplorer While the actual summit is fenced off due to a telecommunications tower, there are open viewing points near the top that offer sweeping vistas of Kulai and beyond. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Singapore's skyline in the distance. 💧Waterfall stop: Pulai's best-kept secret A short detour off the main trail leads to Pulai Waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade where locals cool off on hot days. It's a popular picnic and dip spot, although not heavily maintained, so visitors are urged to clean up after themselves. Photo: IG/placesmalaysia/ The waterfall's natural charm adds a touch of serenity to the already scenic climb. 🏕️ Planning to camp? Here's what to know… While most visitors do Gunung Pulai as a half-day trip, overnight camping is also possible. A campsite located near the waterfall provides a peaceful place to pitch a tent, away from the weekend crowd. Photo: AI-Gen/Nick Karean, Pixabay/David Mark, FB/thesouthernxplorer, That said, campers should come prepared. Expect insects, muddy terrain, and the occasional leech. Bring insect repellent, flashlights, and waterproof gear if you're staying overnight. 🛏️ Nearby accommodations if you prefer four walls and a roof If you're not one for tents, several hotels and homestays in Kulai offer budget-friendly accommodation just a short drive from the mountain. Photo: Flickr/Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi Castello Hotel Kulai A 'luxury budget' option with rooms starting from RM135 (S$38) per night. Conveniently located near AEON Shopping Mall, it is ideal for a post-hike shopping trip or a hearty dinner. Address: No. 93 & 94, Jalan Kenanga 29/7 Indahpura, 81000 Kulai Contact: +607-662 2658 Email: [email protected] Carlsun Hotel If you're seeking a no-frills stay, Carlsun Hotel is one of the most affordable options. Rooms start from RM72 (S$20) and come with the essentials. Address: 2, Jalan Pancasila, Taman Pancasila, 81400 Saleng, Senai Contact: +607-595 5168 Email: [email protected] E-Homestay Kulai You can experience local hospitality at this homestay, which offers rooms equipped with TVs, private bathrooms, and a daily local breakfast. Rates start at RM138 (S$39), but note that only cash payments are accepted. Address: No. 336, Jalan Tropika 10, Taman Tropika, 81000 Kulai Operating hours: 8 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 9 pm (Closed on Mondays) 🥭 Bonus pitstop: The nearest durian farm to Singapore Durian lovers, rejoice! The Zhong Cheng Durian Farm, just a short drive from Gunung Pulai, is one of the closest to Singapore. Peak season runs from May to August, with July being the prime month. Depositphotos/awaygy (for illustration purposes only) Here, you can taste freshly fallen durians straight from the orchard—no long queues, no inflated prices. Address: 817, Jalan Merpati 6, Taman Sin Sawit, 81000 Kulai ⚠️ Safety tips before you go Gunung Pulai is beginner-friendly, but there are still important precautions to keep in mind: Use the washroom before the hike – Toilets are limited, although one public option is near the trail entrance. Stay hydrated – Isotonic drinks are recommended to replace electrolytes. Research your trail – Know your route and timing. The gates may close during rain. Tell someone – Let a friend or family member know your estimated return time. Watch your step – The incline can strain knees. Consider a trekking stick for support. Don't count on mobile reception – Bring an offline map or GPS device. See also Do I Tell My Employer If I Go To Jail For A Month? 📜 A slice of history you didn't expect Gunung Pulai isn't just a mountain—it's part of Singapore's water supply history. In the early 1900s, the British colonial government identified the site as a strategic water catchment area for both Johor and Singapore. Photo: Alltrails/TH Chew Under the 1961 Water Agreement, Singapore was allowed to draw up to 325 million litres of water daily from sources like Gunung Pulai—a supply that lasted decades before the agreement expired. Today, while it no longer quenches Singapore's thirst, Gunung Pulai continues to offer something arguably just as refreshing: a much-needed escape from the city. 🌄 Why Gunung Pulai is worth the detour Whether you're a weekend warrior or just someone looking for a break from city life, Gunung Pulai delivers the goods. Close enough for a day trip, wild enough to feel like an adventure, and rewarding enough to make your sore calves worth it. Photo: Pixabay/David Mark With waterfalls, wildlife, and a view to remember, this quiet corner of Kulai proves that nature doesn't need to be far-flung to feel far away. Now, before you head out to the mountains right away, if this is your first time crossing the border, and you plan to go on a road trip while you're at it, then you may want to read this before your first JB road trip! — 10 'must-know' travel tips to save your time, sanity, and moolah
