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A global traveling immersive exhibition designed to stimulate positive sensory experiences is set to premiere in Singapore this December. Aptly named Dopamine Land, the pop-up attraction features nine distinct, brightly illuminated, multisensory installations aimed at countering end-of-year stress and boosting visitor well-being through playful engagement.

The Singapore run of this internationally successful concept—which has previously captivated audiences in cities including London, Madrid, Dubai, and Brisbane—will be housed at Weave, a newly established lifestyle hub located within Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). This destination marks a significant addition to Weave, which has recently opened to the public, incorporating unique attractions like the world’s first Coach Coffee Shop and a bespoke Din Tai Fung location featuring an exclusive cocktail and tea bar.

Step Inside the Multisensory Playroom

Dopamine Land curates an experience designed to reawaken the sense of childlike wonder through physical and visual interaction. The exhibition employs dynamic lighting, vibrant color palettes, and unconventional textures across its nine themed rooms.

Key installations include rooms that blend technology and tactile fun:

• ‘Cosmic Oasis’: This space features cascading illuminated bulbs, creating a visual effect reminiscent of installations by renowned digital art collectives, inviting contemplation within a radiant environment.
• ‘Euphoria Grove’: Visitors enter a whimsical landscape characterized by a forest of neon-lit trees emerging from a soft, cushioned floor, merging surreal lighting with plush comfort.
• ‘Cushion Clash’: Embracing pure, unadulterated fun, this installation actively encourages visitors to participate in spirited pillow fights.
• ‘Chromadance’: Offering an interactive kinetic experience, this room features a patterned floor of colored tiles that glow in response to movement and music, inviting spontaneous dance-offs and choreographed footwork.

Boosting Wellness Through Play

The concept underpinning Dopamine Land taps into the growing recognition of how sensory engagement and play can enhance mental well-being. Exposure to novel, bright, and interactive environments can stimulate the brain’s reward centers, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine involved in pleasure and motivation. Experts suggest that purposefully engaging in non-serious, playful activities can serve as an effective antidote to the pressures of modern life.

The exhibition is located at #02-204/205 of Weave at RWS. Dopamine Land operates daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, remaining closed on Tuesdays. Tickets for local adult residents are priced starting from S$17.

This debut offers Singapore residents and tourists a unique opportunity to engage in recreational de-stressing during the busy holiday season. Further details on scheduling and ticket procurement are available directly through the Dopamine Land official website.

Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay is set to host an expansive, month-long celebration culminating in the spectacular Marina Bay Countdown 2026 fireworks display. Extending far beyond the final hours of the year, the festivities encompass a large-scale Christmas market, free live music series, and nightly art projections, establishing the precinct as a primary destination for seasonal cheer and New Year’s Eve fanfare beginning in early December 2025.

Festive Markets and Live Entertainment Kick Off December

The celebration officially launches with Togetherland by World Christmas Market, converting the Bayfront Event Space into a vibrant outdoor funfair from December 11, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This extensive market offers classic carnival attractions, a diverse retail bazaar, live stage performances, and various festive food stalls. Catering to all attendees, the venue features numerous twinkling light installations and a dedicated pet-friendly zone, ensuring companions can join the holiday activities.

Complementing the carnival atmosphere, the adjacent Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay will host Come Together 2025, a series of free live music performances. This cultural program spans a diverse range of genres, including acoustic sets, Mandopop, and jazz, providing entertainment options across various tastes throughout the festive period.

Art Projections Illuminate SG60 Theme

Leading up to the year-end climax, the cityscape will become an open-air art gallery with the “Brightening Lives” initiative. From December 26 to 31, 2025, vibrant, nightly light projections will illuminate the facade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

This visual spectacle is a social initiative showcasing art created by persons with disabilities. The artworks hold special resonance as they are themed around SG60, commemorating six decades of nation-building in Singapore, connecting the festive moment with a broader national narrative.

The Grand Finale: A 360-Degree Pyrotechnic Display

The pinnacle of the month-long event is the New Year’s Eve pyrotechnics. Unlike previous years, the 2026 celebration promises a truly immersive experience with the fireworks display engineered to be a 360-degree spectacle.

The pyrotechnics are integrated into an hour-long musical segment that begins at 11 p.m., ensuring a highly synchronized theatrical performance for viewers. The dazzling aerial show itself is scheduled for a generous 30-minute duration immediately following the midnight countdown. Organizers recommend securing vantage points well in advance, given the anticipated crowds eager to witness the extensive fireworks display from numerous perspectives across the bay.

This integrated approach—combining seasonal market commerce, cultural performances, socially conscious art installations, and a prolonged, visually stunning finale—transforms the Marina Bay Countdown from a singular event into a curated, month-long festival, maximizing the area’s appeal and engagement across the holiday season.

Resource: For the latest updates and detailed event schedules, visitors are encouraged to consult the official Marina Bay Countdown website.

Singapore will host the globally recognized Dopamine Land exhibition starting this December, offering city residents a vibrant, multisensory escape designed to combat seasonal fatigue and elevate mood. This temporary pop-up, previously celebrated in cities including London, Madrid, and Dubai, features nine distinct rooms filled with interactive and glowing art installations. Rooted in the concept of boosting happiness through novelty and sensory stimulation, the exhibition promises an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Singapore run of Dopamine Land is strategically positioned at Weave, the newly launched lifestyle hub within Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). Weave has quickly become a destination hotspot, housing unique retail and dining concepts, notably the world’s first Coach Coffee Shop and a specialized Din Tai Fung outlet featuring an exclusive cocktail-tea bar. The immersive installation leverages this high-profile location to draw both local and international visitors seeking novel entertainment.

Engaging Installations Offer Sensory Wellness Boost

The exhibition encourages a resurgence of playful abandon, offering spaces that blend art, technology, and interactive fun. Key installations highlight the experience’s focus on stimulating positive emotional responses:

• Cosmic Oasis: This room features dynamic, cascading illuminated bulbs, creating an environment reminiscent of teamLab’s cutting-edge digital art, and offering a visually calming yet captivating experience.
• Euphoria Grove: Visitors enter a whimsical landscape framed by neon-lit trees emerging from a soft floor of cushions, crafting a cozy, surreal atmosphere.
• Cushion Clash: This space actively encourages engagement, providing designated zones for playful, low-stakes pillow fights, tapping into nostalgic fun.
• Chromadance: A central feature allowing visitors to participate in a dance-off. The floor consists of colored tiles that illuminate in synchronization with music and the dancer’s movement, transforming physical activity into a vibrant sensory display.

These installations are purposefully designed to generate the brain chemicals associated with pleasure and reward, offering a scientifically informed approach to recreational entertainment.

Visitor Information and Tickets

Dopamine Land is located at Weave, RWS (specifically at #02-204/205). The exhibition operates daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., remaining open Mondays and Wednesdays through Sundays, with closure on Tuesdays.

| Operating Hours Summary | |
| :— | :— |
| Monday, Wednesday–Sunday | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Closed |

Ticket pricing for local adults begins at $17. Interested visitors can secure entry and find further details through the official Dopamine Land website for the Singapore location.

This pop-up represents a growing trend in urban entertainment: combining the spectacle of a museum with the interactivity of a playground. By transforming passive viewing into active participation, Dopamine Land provides a timely antidote to the pressures of modern urban life, encouraging Singaporeans to prioritize sensory engagement and joy as the year concludes.

Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay is transforming into a celebratory hub, launching an extended, vibrant schedule of events leading up to the highly anticipated Marina Bay Countdown 2026 finale. Spanning nearly a month, the festivities blend traditional holiday cheer with dynamic entertainment, culminating in a spectacular, 360-degree fireworks display to welcome the New Year. This comprehensive celebration underscores Marina Bay’s role as the nation’s premier gathering place for major public events.

The multi-week merriment officially begins on December 11, 2025, with Togetherland by World Christmas Market taking center stage at the Bayfront Event Space, running through January 4, 2026. This large-scale funfair offers a diverse experience, featuring traditional carnival rides, boutique bazaar stalls perfect for last-minute shopping, live musical performances, and various festive food vendors. Recognising Singapore’s growing pet-owner community, the market has also incorporated a designated pet-friendly zone, allowing families to include their furry companions in the celebrations.

Diverse Entertainment and Artistic Engagements

Beyond the market environment, cultural programming is rich and accessible. The Esplanade will host Come Together 2025, a complimentary series of live music performances showcasing a broad spectrum of musical genres. Audiences can enjoy everything from intimate acoustic sets and contemporary Mandopop to sophisticated jazz, providing engaging entertainment throughout the evenings without requiring a ticket.

Complementing the live music, a poignant visual initiative, Brightening Lives, will illuminate the iconic cityscape towards the close of the year. From December 26 to 31, 2025, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. nightly, vibrant art projections will adorn the facade of The Fullerton Hotel. This social initiative showcases striking artwork created by artists with disabilities, projecting themes related to the SG60 milestone. These dramatic light installations offer a powerful display of creativity and inclusion.

The Grand New Year’s Eve Finale

All the month’s activities build toward the grand spectacle on December 31, 2025. This year, the pyrotechnics display promises an unprecedented visual experience. The fireworks will span a total duration of 30 minutes, engineered to provide a 360-degree viewing experience across the bay.

The pyrotechnic display is integrated into an hour-long musical segment that commences at 11:00 p.m. Event organisers strongly advise attendees to arrive early to secure optimal vantage points around the bay, ensuring the best possible view of the synchronized light and sound show.

The month-long countdown not only rings in 2026 but further solidifies Marina Bay’s commitment to providing culturally rich, family-friendly, and engaging public celebrations for both residents and visitors. For detailed schedules and venue maps, the public should consult the official Marina Bay Countdown website.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

• Dates to Note: December 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026, for Togetherland.
• Art Projections: The Fullerton Hotel, December 26–31 (8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.).
• Planning Ahead: Arrive well before 11:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 to secure a viewing spot for the 360-degree fireworks show.

The Standard, Singapore, distinguished itself at the 2025 Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) awards, capturing Gold and Silver honors for its unconventional, mood-altering aesthetic developed by the local firm Ministry of Design, underscoring the critical role impactful visual environments play in upscale hospitality offerings.

In the competitive landscape of the Orchard area, where hotel design often adheres to conventional luxury, The Standard, Singapore, recently made a significant impact by receiving two prestigious accolades at the ninth annual SIDS awards ceremony on November 24, 2025. These awards acknowledge its visually stimulating interiors, which industry experts increasingly recognize as essential components of the guest experience, capable of influencing mood and energy levels. The boutique establishment, known for its distinct Hollywood lineage and prominent art installations, demonstrated that striking design resonates deeply with both patrons and peers.

Artful Spaces Redefine Hotel Communal Areas

The design concept, masterminded by the Singapore-based Ministry of Design (MOD), presents a deliberately eclectic departure from Singapore’s typical luxury hotel aesthetic. This unique approach secured the hotel a Gold Award, classified under the Luminaries category for “Best in Hospitality Design – Hotel Communal Spaces.” This specific honor recognizes the innovative design of the lobby lounge, which incorporates Café Standard and the hotel bar.

A key feature noted by the SIDS jury was the area’s whimsical and detailed execution. Highlights include a transparent check-in counter housing a detailed terrarium, complemented by a playful array of animal sculptures and a sophisticated collection of art books, creating a social space that feels both casual and conceptually rich.

Tropical Elegance Honored in Food and Beverage

Beyond the lobby, the hotel’s in-house dining venue, Kaya at The Standard, was also recognized, earning a Silver Award in the “Best in F&B Design – Restaurants” category. This Izakaya-inspired restaurant and bar transports diners with an elegant, tropical aesthetic. The space features lush botanical wallpaper, sophisticated hanging greenery, and an overall ambiance of refined exoticism. Further enhancing the user experience is an adjoining outdoor patio, offering a tranquil, greenery-filled setting for casual relaxation and drinks.

The awards solidify MOD’s reputation for crafting high-profile, distinctive interiors across the region. The firm’s portfolio includes other acclaimed properties such as Macalister Mansion in Penang, W Retreat Phuket, and VUE Hotel Houhai in Beijing, showcasing a consistent ability to push creative boundaries within hospitality design.

Significance and Industry Impact

Notably, The Standard, Singapore, was the sole hotel from Singapore to receive recognition at the 2025 SIDS awards, highlighting the exceptional nature of its design execution amidst strong regional competition. The hotel’s double win reinforces a growing trend within the lifestyle and hospitality sectors: high-impact, unconventional interior design is now a critical differentiator, earning consumer loyalty and industry praise.

For design-focused travelers and industry professionals, The Standard, Singapore, serves as a compelling case study illustrating how meticulous, bold design decisions can significantly elevate a property’s profile and perceived value. By prioritizing an integrated and vibrant artistic vision, the hotel not only provides services and amenities but delivers a memorable, sensory experience.

Singapore has secured the number one rank on the prestigious 2025 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), a significant achievement highlighting the island nation’s robust talent ecosystem despite rising domestic economic challenges, including increased unemployment. The annual GTCI, compiled by INSEAD and the Portulans Institute, measures how 135 countries globally enable, attract, grow, and retain talent, positioning Singapore ahead of traditional powerhouses like Switzerland, Denmark, and the United States, and making it the sole Asian nation in the top 20 rankings.

Ascending to the Apex of Global Talent

The 2025 ranking marks Singapore’s first time achieving the top spot since the index’s inception in 2013, moving up from second place in the previous edition. This success is particularly notable given the backdrop of recent economic friction, where increased professional retrenchment and tightening job markets have affected both recent graduates and seasoned employees. The consistent performance stems from foundational advantages, including recognition as one of Asia’s smartest cities and having top-tier regional universities.

The methodology for the GTCI assesses performance across six key pillars: the ability to enable, attract, grow, and retain talent, alongside vocational/technical skills and generalist adaptive skills. Singapore demonstrated exceptional aptitude across critical metrics, particularly in talent retention.

Key Factors Driving Singapore’s Success

According to the GTCI report, Singapore’s stellar performance in retaining talent is attributed to a combination of institutional strength and high quality of life. Key contributing factors include:

• Robust Regulatory Environment: Clear and stable governance provides a reliable foundation for business and professional development.
• High Standard of Living: Enhanced quality of life, supported by high scores in personal rights, physician density, and sustained excellence in personal safety, makes the country highly attractive for international talent.
• Superior Education System: The nation’s formal education structure is highlighted as a critical factor in developing a future-ready workforce equipped with essential technical and adaptive skills.

The index results underscore Singapore’s standing as a world-class hub for human capital development. While many strong economic contenders, particularly Nordic countries, consistently rank high, Singapore stands out globally, significantly outpacing other major Asian economies. Japan follows at 28th globally, and South Korea ranks 31st, underscoring Singapore’s regional lead.

A Beacon for Talent Amidst Global Uncertainty

Singapore’s achievement in the GTCI serves as a significant affirmation of its long-term strategic investments in human capital and smart infrastructure. Its ability to cultivate and keep talent, even while navigating short-term economic turbulence, signals enduring competitiveness on the world stage.

The concentration of talent competitiveness remains skewed towards developed Western economies, yet Singapore’s sustained presence and ascension to the peak of the ranking demonstrate that deliberate, long-term policy focusing on education, safety, and regulatory quality can yield outsized results.

Top 10 Globally Ranked Countries (2025 GTCI):

1. Singapore
2. Switzerland
3. Denmark
4. Finland
5. Sweden
6. Netherlands
7. Norway
8. Luxembourg
9. United States of America
10. Australia

For businesses and policymakers, Singapore’s top ranking offers actionable insights: sustained investment in education and maintaining a high standard of living are essential components for enduring global competitiveness. The government must now focus on leveraging this competitive advantage to mitigate current economic stresses and ensure the benefits of this talent ecosystem translate into broad-based economic resilience for all workers. Readers can explore the full judging criteria and methodology in the complete GTCI report published by INSEAD.

The vibrant Korean dining landscape in Singapore’s Central Business District continues its rapid evolution with the recent debut of Joong San, a compelling new barbecue concept launched by the operators behind the critically acclaimed Um Yong Baek. Located directly across from its successful predecessor on Boon Tat Street, Joong San—which specializes in premium beef barbecue for dinner, complemented by traditional Korean lunch specialties—signifies a strategic expansion by the recognized Korean brand, leveraging its reputation for authentic, high-quality cuisine.

Um Yong Baek’s Recognized Success Leads Expansion

Since its 2022 introduction, Um Yong Baek, the Singapore franchise of the popular Busan eatery renowned for its signature dwaejigukbap (pork soup with rice), quickly established itself as a must-visit destination, leading to the rapid opening of a second location on Telok Ayer Street. The brand’s commitment to culinary excellence was recently validated when it received official recognition from South Korea as one of seven exceptional Korean restaurants globally. This demonstrated success paved the way for the creation of Joong San, which offers a contrasting yet complementary dining experience.

While Um Yong Baek focuses on its meticulously prepared, three-way-aged pork and beloved pork-based soups, Joong San pivots to showcase high-end beef selections, providing patrons with an alternative focus within the same culinary family.

Joong San Focuses on Premium Beef and Unique Sides

Joong San differentiates itself with an extensive dinner menu dedicated primarily to bovine cuts, offering a selection rarely found elsewhere. Customers can experience premium cuts like teuk-sang useol (beef tongue), kkakduk deungshim (cubed ribeye steak), anshim (tenderloin), and jjak galbi (thick-cut short ribs). The most sought-after item is the Andong-style marinated galbi, celebrated for its deep, garlicky marinade. For diners seeking variety, the sogogi modeum (assorted beef platter) is a popular choice. Although specializing in beef, the restaurant does offer a charcoal-grilled sliced pork option, yeontan bulgogi.

Lunchtime at Joong San features comforting Korean staples, including sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) served with nangphoong bapsang accompaniments, and specialties like savory mung bean pancakes. A unique offering is the soon memilguksu, or perilla buckwheat noodles, known for their springy texture and nutty, savory flavor derived from perilla oil and powder.

Creative Culinary Details Enhance Dining

A hallmark of both concepts is the attention paid to side dishes, known as banchan. Um Yong Baek offers classic pickled vegetables, including garlic shoots and morning glory. However, Joong San distinguishes itself by introducing more innovative sides, notably truffle mustard seeds cheekily served in a caviar tin, providing an element of playful luxury.

Another standout dish at Joong San is the beef yukhoe (beef tartare). Prepared with a subtly sweet profile and a velvety texture enhanced by a raw egg yolk mixer, this delicacy is presented with condiments such as marinated mushrooms with wasabi, ojingeojeot (fermented squid salad), and crisped laver. These accompaniments allow diners to create personalized ssam (wraps), further engaging them in the dining experience.

Joong San is located at 28 Stanley St, Singapore 068737, and operates Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The success of Um Yong Baek and the introduction of Joong San reflect the growing sophistication and demand for diverse, high-quality, regionally authentic Korean cuisine within Singapore’s competitive dining scene. This strategic expansion offers patrons distinct yet reliable experiences, solidifying the brand’s position as a leader in premium Korean dining.

Singapore’s vibrant culinary landscape gains a significant addition with the debut of Gilmore & Damian D’Silva at the National Gallery Singapore, a personal tribute by renowned Chef Damian D’Silva to his Eurasian heritage and late grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva. This new 68-seat dining concept, situated in the museum’s former Supreme Court Wing, addresses a notable gap in local gastronomy by spotlighting traditional Eurasian cuisine—a culture often underrepresented outside of tight-knit community circles. Opening amid concerns over the longevity of established Eurasian eateries, the restaurant serves not only as a showcase for heirloom recipes but also a means to bring this distinctive cultural cooking to a wider audience, intertwining Singaporean history with deeply personal family narratives.

Historic Location Inspires Personal Menu

Chef D’Silva, widely recognized from his judging role on MasterChef Singapore and his establishment Rempapa (which will also reopen at the National Gallery), has rooted his latest venture in significant family history. The restaurant’s location holds particular resonance: Gilmore D’Silva, affectionately known as ‘Pop,’ served as the sole custodian of the Supreme Court for more than two decades, often residing within the institution and preparing meals for Supreme Court judges. It was within this very building that an 11-year-old Damian D’Silva began learning many of his grandfather’s recipes.

Years later, on the occasion of the National Gallery’s 10th anniversary, Chef D’Silva returns to this storied setting. The restaurant’s decor reflects this connection, featuring antique silverware and black-and-white family photographs, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously grand and genuinely welcoming.

Celebrating Eurasian Heirlooms and Festive Flavors

The menu at Gilmore & Damian D’Silva is designed for communal dining, emphasizing traditional Eurasian heirloom dishes alongside Chinese recipes influenced by Pop’s home cooking. The goal is to present not just textbook examples of the cuisine, but the celebrated home-cooked dishes perfected by the family patriarch.

A standout offering is the festive Christmas Debal ($48), a seasonal variation of the iconic Eurasian debal (or Devil’s) curry, traditionally made with leftover Christmas meats. This deeply flavorful, bright-red stew features a complex rempah of fried chilies, ginger, and shallots, mixed with ingredients like cocktail sausages and roast pork.

Another dish highlighting the cuisine’s depth is Cowdang ($22). Despite its unusual moniker, this rare, nearly 200-year-old delicacy combines seafood, coconut milk, and spices, resulting in a unique, chunky paste with succulent ang kar prawns—a preparation believed to be exclusively available at this location.

Other essential Eurasian dishes include:

• Sey Bah ($36): A Kristang-style kway chap featuring braised pork belly and offal.
• Baca Assam ($32): Tender braised beef cheek.
• Bostador ($42): Grilled king tiger prawns topped with luscious sambal hijau paste.

The restaurant also serves a refined version of the celebratory Sugee Cake ($18), substituting the traditional, heavier marzipan buttercream with a lighter Chantilly cream, alongside heritage kuehs from Rempapa, such as kueh kosui and shallot oil-fried ang ku kueh.

Elevating the Cuisine Beyond the Dinner Table

Through Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, Chef D’Silva is undertaking more than just a restaurant launch; he is spearheading a broader effort to legitimize and popularize Eurasian cuisine, moving these traditionally guarded, secret family recipes into the mainstream culinary dialogue.

The restaurant’s focus on authentic preparation and personal narrative provides a crucial platform for ensuring this distinctive cultural food legacy remains vibrant in Singapore.

Gilmore & Damian D’Silva is located at 1 St Andrew’s Rd, National Gallery Singapore, #01-02/03, Singapore 178957, and operates daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Chef Damian D’Silva, known for his role on MasterChef Singapore, celebrates his heritage and introduces Singapore to authentic Eurasian flavors with the debut of Gilmore & Damian D’Silva. Located within the storied National Gallery Singapore, this new 68-seat dining concept—opening ahead of his casual eatery, Rempapa, at the same location—not only serves heirloom recipes but also directly connects to D’Silva’s personal history, offering a vital spotlight on a culinary tradition often underrepresented in the city-state’s dynamic food scene.

A Culinary Patriarch’s Legacy Revived

The restaurant serves as an homage to the chef’s grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva, affectionately called ‘Pop.’ Gilmore D’Silva served as the first and only custodian of the Supreme Court, which now houses the National Gallery, for over two decades. As a child, the younger D’Silva learned many of these traditional recipes directly from his grandfather inside that very building. Years later, establishing his restaurant here brings the chef’s journey full circle, showcasing a deeply personal connection between the space, the family, and the food. The dining room is elegant yet warm, decorated with D’Silva family memorabilia, including antique silverware and vintage photographs.

This launch arrives at a crucial time for Eurasian cuisine in Singapore, which, despite its rich history, is often limited to a handful of establishments. The opening of Gilmore & Damian D’Silva provides a significant platform for these unique culinary traditions, many of which have historically been confined to private family kitchens.

Menu Highlights: Communal Heritage Dishes

The menu focuses on communal dining, presenting both authentic Eurasian recipes and select Chinese dishes inspired by Pop’s cooking. The breadth of the offerings moves beyond textbook staples to showcase perfected, home-style regional variations.

A seasonal standout is the Christmas Debal ($48), a festive take on the traditional devil’s curry. This vibrant, bubbling stew is built on a complex rempah (spice paste) including fried chilies and old ginger, incorporating customary “leftovers” like cocktail sausages and roast pork.

Another dish of historical significance is ‘Cowdang’ ($22), an almost 200-year-old rarity. This dish features seafood cooked in coconut milk and spices. Though its name is slightly misleading, the flavor profile is unique—a chunky, savory paste featuring succulent ang kar prawns, and a dish that may only be available here in Singapore.

Other distinct Eurasian specialities include:

• Sey Bah ($36): A Kristang-style kway chap featuring braised pork belly and offal.
• Baca Assam ($32): Tender braised beef cheek.
• Bostador ($42): Grilled king tiger prawns topped with luscious sambal hijau paste.

Even the desserts draw from tradition, such as the celebratory Sugee Cake ($18). Here, the classic almond-based cake is updated with chantilly cream, offering a lighter alternative to the traditional, heavier marzipan buttercream. For fans of his previous work, D’Silva also features a selection of Rempapa’s popular Peranakan and Singapore Heritage Kuehs (sets start at $12).

Beyond the Plate: Preserving a Cultural Identity

At Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, Chef D’Silva is undertaking more than just a restaurant launch; he is initiating a cultural reclamation project. By meticulously documenting and professionalizing these centuries-old family recipes, he strives to bring Eurasian food, long safeguarded within the community, into Singapore’s mainstream culinary conversation.

The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is located at 1 St Andrew’s Rd, National Gallery Singapore, #01-02/03. Reservations are highly recommended. This venture serves as an essential step in ensuring Singapore’s rich, diverse heritage remains visible and vital for future generations of diners.

Celebrated Singaporean Chef Damian D’Silva, known for his commitment to heritage cuisine, has launched Gilmore & Damian D’Silva at the prestigious National Gallery Singapore, positioning the new 68-seat venue as a crucial platform to elevate rare Eurasian and heirloom Chinese dishes. This opening marks a significant moment for Singapore’s culinary landscape, providing a high-profile home for Eurasian gastronomy, which often remains obscured outside the community. Located in the museum’s former Supreme Court Wing, the restaurant not only showcases D’Silva’s deep culinary understanding but also serves as a profoundly personal tribute to his late grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva, who previously served as the custodian of the historical landmark.

Preserving Singapore’s Eurasian Heritage in Gastronomy

Singapore’s diverse dining scene has seen Eurasian fare largely confined to a few specialized establishments, some of which face imminent uncertainty. The temporary closure of Doris’ Devilishly Delicious Curry and the impending conclusion of Quentin’s lease at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery highlight the precarity surrounding this cuisine’s visibility. Gilmore & Damian D’Silva arrives precisely when the public stage for authentic Eurasian cooking requires rejuvenation.

Chef D’Silva, a familiar face from his judging role on MasterChef Singapore and his involvement with Rempapa (which is also slated to reopen at the National Gallery), utilizes this new venture to share the genesis of his culinary passion. The personal resonance is palpable within the restaurant’s historical surroundings; Gilmore D’Silva served as the Supreme Court’s sole custodian for two decades, even cooking meals for some of the resident judges. It was within those walls that a young Damian, aged 11, began assimilating his grandfather’s recipes.

The restaurant’s interior reflects this history, blending stately glamour with a welcoming ambiance. Shelves display antique silverware inherited from the D’Silva family, while walls feature vintage black-and-white family photographs.

A Menu Rooted in Shared Family History

The menu at Gilmore & Damian D’Silva features communal sharing plates heavily weighted toward heirloom Eurasian recipes, supplemented by Chinese dishes inspired by the chef’s memories of his grandfather’s home cooking.

Highly recommended is the Christmas Debal ($48), a festive variation of the traditional Eurasian devil’s curry. This vibrant, intensely flavored stew features a rich rempah base—a spice paste made with fried chilies, aged ginger, and shallots—into which “leftover” Christmas elements like cocktail sausages and roast pork are incorporated. Served alongside bright achar (pickled vegetables) for acidity and crunchy baguettes for soaking up the gravy, the dish exemplifies Eurasian festive tradition.

Another unique offering is Cowdang ($22), an almost 200-year-old delicacy comprising seafood cooked in coconut milk and spices. While its name might raise eyebrows, its flavor profile—featuring a chunky paste and succulent ang kar prawns—is described as unique in Singapore, bearing only a faint, passing similarity to South Indian rasam in flavor notes.

Other distinctive Eurasian dishes include Sey Bah ($36), a Kristang-style kway chap featuring braised pork belly and offal; Baca Assam ($32), a rich braised beef cheek; and the celebratory Bostador ($42), which presents grilled king tiger prawns topped with a luscious sambal hijau paste. Lesser-known family favorites like Ambiler Kachang ($18), stir-fried long beans with salted fish, also grace the menu.

The kitchen also showcases perfected home-cooked Chinese dishes inherited from ‘Pop,’ such as the Pesce Assa ($26), a twist on the Nyonya sambal fish with added texture and spice from finely sliced calamansi, and a generously stuffed Teochew ngoh hiang wrapped in caul fat.

For dessert, the traditional Eurasian finale, Sugee Cake ($18), is offered with chantilly cream instead of the frequently cloying marzipan buttercream. Diners nostalgic for D’Silva’s other establishment can also find Rempapa’s highly sought-after heritage kuehs available in sets of six ($12) or twelve ($24).

By launching Gilmore & Damian D’Silva, Chef D’Silva seeks to do more than honor his family; he is making a concerted, public effort to bring Eurasian culinary traditions—which have long resided primarily within family recipe books—to the forefront of Singapore’s gastronomic culture. The restaurant is open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM at 1 St Andrew’s Rd, National Gallery Singapore, #01-02/03.