Roar Of The Lion

What would it take for Singapore to cement its status as a top dining destination?

- Joyce Huang

When it comes to naming top dining destinations around the world, most will naturally mention France, New York, Italy, and Japan. What all these destinations have in common are centuries-old culinary heritage, an abundance of local seasonal produce, and talented food purveyors and chefs.

This June, Singapore will play host to a pantheon of culinary greats as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards takes place at Marina Bay Sands. It’s the first time the annual gala awards ceremony is held in Asia. The line-up for the coming years is also set, with Singapore hosting Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards in 2019 and 2020, #50BestTalks (a thought leadership event) in 2020 and The World’s 50 Best Bars awards in 2021.

As the finest from the culinary world descends on this humble city-state, is it safe to say that Singapore has cemented its status as a top dining destination, on par with the aforementioned countries and cities?

Growing Appetites, Growing Appreciation

On the decision to hold the awards in Singapore, William Drew, group editor of 50 Best explains: “After hosting the awards in the UK, North America, then Australia, then back in Europe, it was natural to look at moving the show to Asia. Singapore was always a premier prospect. The Lion City is accessible internationally, has great facilities and — most crucially — has a vibrant dining scene and super-strong food culture.”

Indeed, with its melting pot of cultures and consequently, unique local heritage and cuisine, Singapore has long been a foodie destination for those in the know. Its central location within Southeast Asia positions it as a convergence of regional cuisine and a convenient pit stop for international travelers to sample its offerings.