Night out in Singapore at The National Gallery
by Liz Perlman
Built in 2015, The National Gallery boasts the largest collection of South-East Asian art in the world. The gallery officially closes at 7pm but most of the restaurants are located deep inside the gallery halls. This provides an opportunity to enjoy a quiet glimpse of the current exhibits while heading to dinner. However, if art isn’t going to convince you to take a trip downtown, I have a restaurant & rooftop cocktail bar that should!
National Kitchen By Violet Oon #02–01, (City Hall Wing) National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Lists to Add to: Peranakan, Singaporean, Curry, National Gallery
National Kitchen By Violet Oon is the perfect introduction to Singaporean flavors which have Chinese, Indian, Malay, Eurasian and Peranakan influences. Once you enter the restaurant, you feel as if you have been transported back in time with the glowing 1920s style chandeliers, startling black and gold motif and original Peranakan tiles lining the floor. Recommended dishes are Kuay pie tee, Coronation chicken in wanton leaf cup, Beef rendang, Sambal eggplant, Dry laksa and the Famous fish head curry. That said, it is best to go with a group and chow down family style!
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Smoke & Mirrors #06–01 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Lists to Add to: Cocktails, Rooftop Bar, National Gallery
After dinner, head up to the roof and have a drink at Smoke and Mirrors. Unfortunately, Smoke and Mirrors is always very busy and you must book in advance to ensure you can get your hands on a drink alfresco. Order the Bittertruth; a smoky mezcal based cocktail. Then kick back and enjoy the stunning view of The Padang, The Esplanade and the always impressive Marina Bay Sands.
Save Smoke and Mirrors to SALT
SALTers, a night like this checks a lot of boxes. Art, Asian-flavor packed dinner, bespoke cocktails and dramatic roof-top views — that’s what I call a perfect Singapore evening!
