About one quarter of the retail space at the new Funan mall has been taken up and local theatre company W!LD RICE is among one of the latest tenants announced together with a few other familiar brands. 

The retail mall will have 200 shops over six storeys, and is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2019.

W!LD RICE will build a 18,000 sq ft, 380-seat theatre - the first facility of its kind designed and managed by a local theatre group to be located within a commercial complex.

W!LD RICE was founded in 2000 by Ivan Heng, an internationally acclaimed and award-winning theatre practitioner, and is recognised today as one of Singapore’s leading professional theatre companies.

109 North Bridge Road, Funan Digitalife Mall

Tel: +65 6292 2695 Website: www.wildrice.com.sg

The Warehouse Hotel’s flagship restaurant, Po, is a refined modern Singaporean concept presenting an array of local classics and elevated Singaporean staples by Chef-Partner Willin Low (founder of Wild Rocket, one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants) and The Lo & Behold Group.

Po seeks to bridge the gap between our nation’s vibrant culinary heritage and rich collective memories of home cooked specialties. The beverage offering features a tightly curated selection of tipples which will bring to life the heritage of The Warehouse Hotel alongside premium craft Asian spirits and fine wines. 

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently hosted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to lunch at newly opened: The Coconut Club. 

After a trip to the 2014 Nasi Lemak convention in Kuala Lumpur, the people behind The Coconut Club spent 2 years on their recipes and an equal amount of time sourcing the best coconuts in the world, then presented The Coconut Club at Ann Siang Hill to Singapore. 

No. 6 Ann Siang Hill

Tel: +65 6635 2999 Email: info@thecoconutclub.sg

Set in the green suburbs of Mediapolis in One-North, you are invited to destination dining, DSTLLRY par Christophe Lerouy, helmed by Chef Christophe Lerouy who received his Michelin star at Alma by Juan Amador. 

Roost's innovative kitchen and cozy restaurant is focused on Singapore's favourite national dish, chicken rice. Delight in the wonderful satisfaction they bring you through their inventive menu of local and Asian delights. 

Roost at Centrepoint opens as the first chicken rice themed restaurant featuring the 'made by Singaporeans' invention, iKook; a fusion of innovative cooking with intelligent automation to achieving food quality and perfection every single time.

176 Orchard Road #B1-17/18/19

Tel +65 6909 0411 Email: feedback@roost.sg

Established in 1976, Red House Seafood has built a strong reputation of pairing fresh seafood with Asian flavours. The esteemed home-grown restaurant chain's latest branch is at Clarke Quay and it will open on 16 December 2016.

Over the years, Red House Seafood has built a strong reputation for good quality, fresh seafood specialising in Asian seafood dishes and Singaporean favourites such as Crabs in Red House Chilli Stew and their Scottish Brown Crabs. Their intimate attention to flavours makes them popular amongst locals, expatriates and tourists.

#01-02/03 & #02-07/08, Clarke Quay

 Tel: +65 6442 3112 Email: events@redhouseseafood.com

Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle from Pek Kio Market & Food Centre in Cambridge Road has now expanded with a modern 2,100-sq ft restaurant at Esplanade. 

At Wah Kee @ Esplanade, you will not only find their signature prawn noodle, there will also be other seafood such as Boston Lobster, Oysters, Flower Crabs, Blue Mussels and different types of shellfish.

#01-13C Esplanade Mall

Tel: +65 6327 9187 Email: wahkee.bigprawnnoodle@gmail.com

Known for its unique contemporary-meets-traditional aesthetic, five-year-old local label Ong Shunmugam has officially opened the doors to its new home at creative indie enclave Chip Bee Gardens after relocating from the Hong Leong Building in Raffles Place.

Ong Shunmugam is a contemporary womenswear label with a simple quest to craft beautiful clothes by focusing on sartorial construction instead of fast fashion; on cut and fit before look; on longevity over excess.

Designed and made across Asia, their atelier often reworks familiar influences, weaving traditional textile techniques, colours and silhouettes into the modern wardrobe, while deliberately disregarding stereotypes and caricatures.

Theirs are conceptual collections for the thoughtful dresser. They employ intuition and an exacting aesthetic, and they believe that clothing should be cerebral yet wearable.

43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-76

Email: info@ongshunmugam.com

Baba Chews Bar and Eatery is an all-day dining restaurant in Katong serving modern and traditional cuisine from Straits of Malacca.

Baba Chews is a restaurant inspired by their neighbourhood. The name ‘Baba Chews’ takes inspiration from Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy Chinese landowner known as the ‘King of Katong’ who in 1917 allowed the use of a road through his land for public, which is the Joo Chiat Road we know today. Various other roads and landmarks in the vicinity were also named after him, such as this very building, which was formerly the Joo Chiat Police Station (1928 – 1987). 

Paying homage to this unique culture, they have put together a menu of traditional and modern cuisines from places that have influenced Peranakan cooking.

86 East Coast Road #01-01 Katong Square

Tel: +65 6723 2025 or Email: babachews@ihg.com

Chong Wen Ge brings the term "cafe" into new heights - injecting the richness of surrounding heritage into a gastronomic experience.

The founders of Chong Wen Ge cafe are made up of a group of middle age "uncles"*- who, even though established in their own profession, feel inclined to start Chong Wen Ge Cafe - in efforts to reach out to the younger generation and increase the awareness of Singapore's own cultural roots. Thus, instead of allowing the cafe to be subjected to the cookie-cutter formula of serving eggs Benedict and waffles - the founders were strict in ensuring that all decisions right down to the smallest detail, were made with the heritage and culture in mind.

Entering through the Chong Boon Gate, you will be greeted by the authentic Peranakan tiled flooring, all preserved in its original splendor. In the background, there is the soothing tinkling of piano songs that amalgamates perfectly with the surrounding environment to bring respite and retreat to those who seek escape from their everyday life.

As you settle in, make yourself at home, take a moment to enjoy the honest heritage food, and appreciate all that with the beautiful backdrop of the intricately decorated Chong Wen Pagoda. Everything at Chong Wen Ge cafe, from the surrounding ambience and view; down to the food we serve, is calibrated to bring one's cafe experience to a whole new level.

A meal at SOURCE is a culinary affair where simple yet quality ingredients come together to visually and gastronomically stimulate the senses.

Every item served here is Chef Melvyn’s passionate take creating unpretentious, unexpected dishes for the local palette, using ingredients sourced locally or around the region.

They want to consistently surprise you by bringing a new level of indulgence with comfort food for the soul.

750A Chai Chee Road, #01-03, Viva Business Park, Chai Chee Estate

Tel: +65 6241 1866 or Email: hello@sourcepan.sg

Bakerzin's newest casual dining restaurant is Nom La La, located along the north-eastern waterfront at SAFRA Punggol.

This self-service eatery makes a good pit stop for joggers and nature-walking types looking for sustenance on the Western and Malay menu. Dishes include nasi lemak, lamb rendang, beef bolognese and almond-crusted baked salmon. They also serve a comforting and hearty rotational special on Sundays like the slow-cooked oxtail stew.

#02-04 SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent

Tel:  + 65 6385 0409

The founders of Hello Soda SG kindly bring to you, WORD. A bistro style café nestled along Upper Thomson Road serving fusion cuisine that combines elements of different culinary traditions.

The food is served in a rustic-chic space with warm wood accents and a container like concept.

906 Upper Thomson Road

Tel: +65 9742 9224

Sock & Pans is a cozy place to have your pizza & kopi fix.

They serve freshly ground full-bodied local kopi brewed with traditional filter sock by a kopi Tao Chiu (master barista) and a variety of delectable thin crust pizzas (with freshly made in-house dough & sauces), as well as pastas & sandwiches.

For the pizza adventurers, try our very own bacon onion, hebi hiam and Asian pulled pork.

7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-108

Tel: +65 6536 3310 or Email: socksnpans@gmail.com

The Coffee House epitomizes what the local food scene is about. It is the only concept that houses all our ultimate comfort food in one place. Local favorites like Hokkien Mee, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, Laksa, Ba Kut Teh, Popiah and even Rojak can all be found in The Coffee House, the list goes on. These local favorites have been elevated by their master chef with each dish carefully prepared to perfection.

The Coffee House is decorated to a theme of modern yet nostalgic feel. It's cashier counter and bar counter walls are decorated with playing marbles. Old time games that has already been lost with the time. Mirrors hanging by the ceiling are worded with Chinese characters which brings us down memory lanes where such mirrors are commonly found in old pawn shops and provision shops.

The Coffee House serves customers throughout the day, from breakfast favorites like Kaya Toast to lunch and dinner menu. And not to forget desserts and snacks like Muah Chee and Satay during tea time.

Waterway Point #B2-05, 83 Punggol Central

Eighteen Chefs is a Halal certified restaurant chain well-known for their cheese baked rice and wide variety of western cuisine with a local twist, at an affordable price. They offer a casual and unique dining experience for youths, working executives and families.

Eighteen Chefs inspires troubled youth to find positive ways to integrate them back into society, and provides them a safe and non-judgemental working environment.

Be spoilt with a great variety of food choices, from their best selling Heart Attack Fried Rice series to their All Time Favourites or Be Your Own Chefs at their restaurant!

Corporate organisations have also approached them for teambuilding sessions, hearing that they conduct learning journeys with various schools in Singapore for all levels, from pre-schools to pre-universities. 

The Star Vista #02-22, 1 Vista Exchange Green

Tel: +65 6694 5975

This old soldier of local culinary heritage which announced their closure last year and shuttered down in December, after more than three decades of operation, is now in the hands of new owners. Not just any, but second generation owners with the same culinary DNA. The new ‘old’ Shashlik is set to re-open in early March this year. 

545 Orchard Road 

Tel: +65 6732 6401

Famed Nan Hwa Fishboat finally unveils second outlet after 88 years.

Most probably the oldest restaurant in Singapore since 1927, Nan Hwa Chong is said by many to be the creator of the Teochew Fishhead Steamboat.

This very traditional fish soup steam boat offers a uniquely Singapore dining experience. The Nan Hwa Chong signboard has become synonymous with a silky smooth, totally slurp-worthy soup that incorporates rich and sweet tastes into a dining experience that represents Singapore.

93/95 Owen Road

Empress at the Asian Civilisations Museum offers an elevated dining experience with authentic Chinese cuisine in a modern waterfront setting.

Located in the iconic Asian Civilisations Museum, Empressis a smart casual Chinese restaurant for guests who are looking to have an uplifting and lively dining experience. Offering a contemporary setting, with both indoor and alfresco dining options by the waterfront, Empress aims to make everyday a celebration with traditional cuisine, friendly service and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for socialising over some signature roast meats and drinks.

Looking for an unconventional private dining space? Empress' private dining room, Canton Room, provides the perfect balance of intimacy and vibe. Boasting spectacular views of the Singapore River and CBD skyline, Canton Room comfortably accommodates up to 14 guests and is the ideal venue for all events from business lunches to social dinners.

Boasting a breezy alfresco deck and stunning views of the colourful Boat Quay façade and Singapore River, Empress Bar (opening soon) is a casual waterfront bar ideal for drinks and cocktails. Grab a few friends and kick back while you indulge in interesting Asian-inspired cocktails and bar bites.

1 Empress Place #01-03

Tel: 6238 8733 or Email: info@empress.com.sg

Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen, this local food relic has just had a major facelift, turning into a hip tapas bar where patrons can munch on teriyaki-glazed slow-cooked pork feet, truffle potato cubes, and crab risotto served with spanner crab, salted egg cream, tobiko and leeks.

The kitchen even whips up an Inka Menu, serving perfectly-charred fresh squid that brings an izakaya to mind, and meat mains like the juicy iberico steak and the grain-fed US beef served with alfalfa sprouts, onion jam and red wine jus.

127 Telok Ayer Street

Tel: +65 64230311 or Email: fulinbar@singnet.com.sg

Taste Garden is a new dining experience at Orto.

Taste Garden, managed by Rasa-Rasa Group, is a Halal certified restaurant that serves French, Western & Local cuisine.

Indulge in a wide variety of food which includes chefs favourites such as Miso Butter Chicken Roulade, Confit de Canard (Duck Leg Confit), T-bone Steak.

81 Lorong Chencharu

Tel: 62572361

Goshen Art Gallery is an international art gallery that offers exquisite art works from Asia to the rest of the world.

Goshen Art Gallery is a new and exciting art gallery located in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant shopping & cultural district. The gallery houses some of the best art works by renowned international artist and is constantly bring new artworks to mesmerize the local art lovers.

They strived to stay in the forefront of local art scene by taking part in art exhibitions and seminars, and working with local hotels and international enterprises so to cultivate the art interest in the new generation.

150 Orchard Road, #03-61

Tel: +65 97423621 or Email: info@goshenartgallery.com

The Berlin Bar is the brain child of local celebrity and performer John Molina. It has been his long time desire to create an entertainment experience that is a world class melting pot of all things exceptional.

The world’s too small for walls - Berlin personifies more than just a uniquely good time, it’s about the coming together of people separated by different beliefs, systems or stereotypes, giving hope to peace and unity for freedom.

Located in the newly renovated Chijmes, Berlin has something for everyone. Supported by a cutting edge team, John Molina has developed a unique concept which will offer a music journey from the 1980’s to modern electronic music all in one night. Live music performances and DJ’s will entertain in a trendy atmosphere, where service staff is part of the lifestyle, proudly serving food and drinks with modern nostalgia.

Berlin at Chijmes is not just another place, Berlin provides an escape, and brings entertainment and enjoyment as a remedy to daily stress.

Foodies can whet their appetite with a carefully selected range of international bar food, VIP tapas, local delights. Apart from staple drinks to accompany the food, Berlin will serve up champagne cocktails and old classics with a sexy and fun twist. At Berlin there’s always something for everyone!

Berlin offers a unique vibe, enjoyed together with a music experience that evolves through the night. Here, live music and DJ’s come together to deliver quality music. All this in a diverse and intriguing setting, that is sexy and fun.  

Think local, go global - Taking over the space formerly occupied by Scoop, TAPOW is a bar and street food joint under the care of Singapore's award winning bartender Zac Mirza from Bartistry.

A much cozier vibe with low-lying couches and a lived-in living room look. Expect reinterpreted local flavors like beef rendang burgers, tau pok (tofu stuffed with cucumber and bean sprouts in peanut sauce) and tiffins of ayam penyet, spring rolls and buffalo wings.

Drinks are equally Singlish so don't be surprised to find ingredients like kaffir lime. Each Friday, the crew of Kilowatt Soundsystem also comes to lay down some catchy beats, Ann Siang Hill style.

19 Ann Siang Road

The Singapura Club has opened up in the Tiong Bahru Estate.

The Singapura Club is a heritage-style vintage bistro, taproom and an all day communal leisure dining concept serving with the heritage-style decor meets a menu that fuses local and western items, with club signature dishes including Kampung Fried Rice.

#01-88 Tiong Bahru Estate, 57 Eng Hoon Street

Tel: +65 64380168

A Few Good Men joins the likes of Nylon Coffee Roasters, The Audacious Cakery and The Redundant shop in the Everton Park neighborhood.  

The 400-square-foot space (right next to hip lifestyle shop, The Redundant Shop) is decorated with modern artwork by local artist, as well as the owner’s collection of vintage motorcycle and helmets. 

A Few Good Men will offer haircuts, shaves and also stock a variety of grooming products from USA and other parts of the world. 

Froth is a spanking new café at Big Hotel, that prides itself on hearty food and quality coffee.

Serving up both café favourites and contemporary Asian fusion cuisine, they aim to please the palates of locals and tourists alike. 

Try your hand at brewing your very own cuppa – part of the café’s mission to make good coffee accessible in this industrial-chic establishment.

B1-02 Big Hotel, 200 Middle Road

Tel: +65 63361228

​Located at One Farrer Hotel & Spa and open 24/7, Escape serves a myriad of local and international cuisine from its interactive open kitchen. Tuck into a sumptuous buffet of freshly-prepared dishes and watch their chefs ‘live’ in action as they whip up your culinary choices a la minute.

Unwind with a glass of wine or a refreshing soda at the Escape lobby lounge, or enjoy tête-à-tête over cakes and coffee at the cosy café area.

1 Farrer Park Station Road

Tel: 6705 7828 or Email: escape@onefarrer.com