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The global social media phenomenon that dominated digital feeds last year is finally touching down in the Lion City this March. McDonald’s Singapore has officially announced the local debut of the Grimace Shake, ending months of anticipation following the beverage’s viral success in the United States, the UK, and Japan. Alongside the berry-flavored drink, the fast-food giant is launching a robust seasonal menu featuring Creamy Mushroom Cheeseburgers, interactive pop-up installations at Bugis Junction, and a series of exclusive “purple-themed” collectibles.

Originally released in 2023 to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the brand’s iconic purple mascot, the shake became an overnight sensation on TikTok. While the “Grimace Shake Trend” saw creators filming mini horror-themed skits after tasting the drink, the Singaporean launch focuses on the nostalgia and flavor of the mixed-berry treat.

A Savory Twist: The Creamy Mushroom Lineup

While the shake provides the viral hook, the culinary backbone of this launch is a new range of savory burgers. Moving away from standard toppings, the Creamy Mushroom Cheeseburger series emphasizes rich, umami-heavy profiles. Diners can choose from several configurations:

• Standard Options: Double and Triple Cheeseburgers smothered in a thick mushroom gravy.
• Deluxe Variants: The Creamy Mushroom Deluxe and Double Deluxe, featuring thicker patties for those seeking a more substantial meal.
• Star Potato: A playful, star-shaped side dish designed to offer a crispier texture than traditional fries.

Collectibles and Digital Exclusives

McDonald’s is leveraging the “kidult” trend by introducing limited-edition merchandise that is expected to sell out quickly. Throughout the month, weekly “merch drops” will include Grimace plush toys and trendy puffer bags, accessible with the purchase of an Extra Value Meal or Family Meal.

For the most dedicated fans, a high-quality Grimace tumbler is available for $19.90. However, there is a digital catch: the tumbler is exclusively sold through the McDonald’s app and requires a minimum $10 spend. This strategy highlights the brand’s push toward mobile integration and digital-first loyalty rewards.

Interactive Experiences at Bugis Junction

The campaign extends beyond the kitchen and into the streets. A dedicated Grimace statue activation has been installed at Bugis Junction, serving as a physical landmark for fans to take photos. Visitors are encouraged to scan QR codes on the statues, which unlock “surprise deals” and discounts through the McDonald’s app, blending physical retail with digital incentives.

How to Get Your Hands on the Menu

The Grimace Shake and accompanying menu items are available starting this March at McDonald’s outlets islandwide. Given the “Limited Time Offer” status and the viral nature of the products, items—particularly the merchandise—are expected to face high demand.

To ensure you don’t miss out, diners are encouraged to use the McDonald’s App for real-time stock updates and to secure the exclusive tumbler before supplies run out. For more details on the full lineup and activation dates, visit the official McDonald’s Singapore website.

From March 21 to August 16, 2026, Singapore’s ArtScience Museum invites visitors to peel back the layers of the human form in its latest blockbuster exhibition, Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy. Featuring more than 160 extraordinary works, the showcase blends historical artifacts from the Getty Research Institute with contemporary installations and real biological specimens. This ambitious survey explores how the body has been mapped, idealized, and understood across different cultures and centuries, challenging our perceptions of what it means to be human.

The exhibition is structured into nine thematic galleries, beginning with the monumental “The Network Within” by Chiharu Shiota. This intricate installation sets the tone for a journey that transitions from the external “Surface and Structure” to the internal mechanics of “Circulation and Flow.” By merging the clinical with the creative, the museum offers a rare space where science and art coexist, providing a profound reflection on our own mortality and physical complexity.

Beyond the Textbook: Five Immersive Highlights

The exhibition’s strength lies in its ability to humanize biological data. Whether through the lens of a personal medical journey or immersive technology, these five highlights redefine the anatomical experience:

• Rules for Photographing a Scoliotic Patient: Artist Woong Soak Teng offers a poignant look at the “Surface and Structure” of the body. By incorporating her own X-rays and personal history with scoliosis, she shifts the narrative from a detached Western medical gaze to a more intimate, Asian-centric perspective on spinal health.
• Evolver: In the “Circulation and Flow I” segment, Marshmallow Laser Feast provides a sensory-rich digital experience. Equipped with headphones, visitors dive into a microscopic world, feeling the rhythmic expansion of lungs and the rush of oxygen as if they were traveling through their own veins.
• Human Specimens: Perhaps the most arresting section, the “Saints and the Living Dead” gallery displays real human remains on loan from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Germany’s Institute for Plastination. Seeing actual muscle fibers and organs up close serves as a sobering reminder of the body’s intricate fragility.
• Just One of Those Things: Photographed by Mari Katayama, this series challenges the “Anatomical Ideal.” Through self-portraiture, Katayama reclaims her body from traditional beauty standards, transforming it into a site of resilience, identity, and personal agency.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine Gallery: Shifting the focus from physical structure to energy flow, this gallery explores the Huangdi Neijing (the classic text of Chinese medicine). It highlights how TCM practitioners have mapped the body’s interconnected systems through balance and “qi” for centuries.

Exploring the Human Machine

Beyond the displays, Flesh and Bones encourages a renewed sense of self-care and curiosity. By contrasting centuries-old engravings with modern 3D visualizations, the exhibition highlights how technology has revolutionized our ability to peak inside ourselves. It isn’t just a lesson in biology; it is a meditation on the vessel we inhabit every day.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore.
• Dates: March 21 – August 16, 2026.
• Hours: Sunday to Thursday (10am–7pm); Friday to Saturday (10am–9pm).
• Admission: Starting from $19.50 for Singaporean adults; $22 for tourists. Tickets are available at the Marina Bay Sands official website.

Global art titan and human rights activist Ai Weiwei has officially arrived in Singapore. From March 21 to May 2, Tang Contemporary Art hosts a major retrospective of the artist’s work, offering a rare, deep dive into two decades of his provocative and boundary-pushing practice. Located at Delfi Orchard, the exhibition serves as a comprehensive survey of Ai’s mastery over diverse mediums, bringing together seminal sculptures, immersive installations, photography, and film that grapple with the complexities of history, displacement, and modern consumerism.

A Masterclass in Conceptual Craft

Ai Weiwei has built a legendary reputation by finding the friction between ancient Chinese craftsmanship and modern political critique. Whether addressing the tragic 2008 Sichuan earthquake or the sprawling complexities of the global refugee crisis, his work remains deeply rooted in the social realities of the 21st century.

Visitors to the Singapore show can expect a curated journey through the artist’s evolution. Known for his ability to manipulate scale and material, Ai famously transforms the mundane into the monumental. This exhibition highlights his “Zodiac” series—reimaginations of the 18-century bronze sculptures looted from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace—rendered here with toy bricks to challenge our perceptions of authenticity and cultural loss.

Highlights and Digital Disruption

The exhibition also features Wheat Field with Crows, a piece that serves as a meditation on the surveillance age. By replacing traditional elements with drones and pixelating historical motifs, Ai examines how digital imagery and technology reshape our visual understanding of the world.

Other notable mentions in his storied career, which provide context for this local show, include:

• Sunflower Seeds: An installation of millions of hand-painted porcelain seeds that filled London’s Tate Modern.
• Study of Perspective: A rebellious 1995 photography series where the artist gave the middle finger to iconic world monuments.
• Global Accolades: Recognition from the Praemium Imperiale (2022) to Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award (2015).

Why This Exhibition Matters

Beyond the striking visuals, this show invites Singaporean audiences to engage with uncomfortable truths about heritage and global identity. In an era of rapid digital transformation, Ai’s work asks: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?

By merging toy bricks with historical artifacts and drones with pastoral scenes, the artist forces a dialogue between the past and our tech-saturated future. For art enthusiasts and casual observers alike, it is a rare opportunity to see the work of a man who has shaped the contemporary art landscape more than perhaps any other living figure.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Tang Contemporary Art, 402 Orchard Road, Delfi Orchard, #06-01/02, Singapore 238876.
• Dates: March 21 – May 2.
• Updates: Follow Tang Contemporary Art on Instagram for the latest programming details and behind-the-scenes footage of the installation.

Hungry for more culture? Check out the immersive David Hockney exhibition currently running in the city, or explore Singapore’s roots through five new heritage walking trails.

Defining the cultural landscape of Singapore requires more than just marking calendars for long weekends; it requires a deep appreciation for the diverse traditions that shape our society. While Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are two of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar, they are frequently conflated by those outside the community. Separated by distinct theological meanings and ritual practices, these two “grand days of rejoicing” offer unique windows into the values of sacrifice, charity, and reflection.

Hari Raya Puasa: A Season of Triumph and Community

Often the more visible of the two festivals due to its vibrant light-ups and sprawling night markets, Hari Raya Puasa (also known as Eid al-Fitr) marks the conclusion of Ramadan. For 30 days, Muslims observe a strict fast from dawn to sunset, a period intended to cultivate self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.

When the new moon signals the end of the fasting month, the atmosphere shifts from introspection to celebration. In Singapore, this is characterized by:

• Family Reunions: Locals often dress in coordinated traditional attire, such as the Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung, to visit relatives.
• The Concept of Maaf Zahir dan Batin: A beautiful tradition of seeking and granting forgiveness to strengthen interpersonal bonds.
• Culinary Feasts: Open houses feature iconic dishes like rendang, sayur lodeh, and an endless array of kueh.

In 2026, Hari Raya Puasa is slated to fall on Saturday, March 21, though the exact date is subject to lunar sightings.

Hari Raya Haji: The Spirit of Sacrifice

If Hari Raya Puasa is a celebration of victory over personal desires, Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) is a solemn commemoration of faith. It marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which every able-bodied Muslim strives to complete at least once.

The day is anchored by the ritual of Korban, or the sacrifice of livestock such as sheep or goats. This act honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God—a narrative that parallels the story of Abraham in Christian and Jewish traditions.

In Singapore, the Korban is conducted with precision and care:

• Halal Standards: Animals are slaughtered humanely in accordance with religious guidelines to ensure minimal distress.
• Charitable Distribution: The meat is meticulously cleaned and divided, with a significant portion traditionally gifted to the needy, ensuring the entire community benefits from the offering.

In 2026, Hari Raya Haji will be observed on Wednesday, May 27.

Navigating the Lunar Calendar

The reason these dates shift annually on the Gregorian calendar is that Islamic festivals follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, which is approximately 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year. This movement means the festivals cycle through different seasons over decades.

Understanding the nuances between the celebratory joy of Puasa and the spiritual reverence of Haji is essential for any culturally savvy Singaporean. By moving beyond the surface of “public holiday” status, we can better appreciate the discipline and generosity that these festivals bring to our city-state’s vibrant social fabric.

From March 21 to May 2, the esteemed Tang Contemporary Art gallery in Singapore welcomes a monumental solo exhibition by Chinese dissident artist and activist Ai Weiwei. This highly anticipated showcase offers local art enthusiasts a rare opportunity to engage with two decades of the artist’s provocative portfolio, featuring a diverse range of mediums including sculpture, film, photography, and large-scale installations. By blending ancient craftsmanship with contemporary political commentary, the exhibition invites visitors to interrogate the intersections of history, cultural heritage, and the relentless march of global consumerism.

A Legacy of Defiance and Craft

Ai Weiwei has long been a titan of the international art scene, recognized for his ability to transform ordinary objects into powerful social critiques. His work often serves as a mirror to global crises, ranging from the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake to the ongoing plight of refugees worldwide. For this Singaporean debut, the gallery serves as a living retrospective, highlighting how Ai pivots between traditional Chinese techniques and modern conceptualism to challenge the status quo.

The exhibition showcases the artist’s signature mastery of scale and material. Visitors can expect to see his ingenious use of Lego bricks to recreate historical artifacts, alongside pixelated interpretations of classical masterpieces. These works bridge the gap between the tangible past and our increasingly digitized present, questioning how images and heritage are consumed in the 21st century.

Notable Highlights of the Exhibition

The show features several pieces that exemplify Ai’s wit and his obsession with historical provenance:

• Zodiac Heads: Reimagined versions of the bronze sculptures looted from Beijing’s Old Summer Palace in 1860. By rebuilding these icons with toy bricks, Ai comments on the nature of authenticity and the “copycat” culture of modern production.
• Wheat Field with Crows: A nod to Vincent van Gogh, this 2024 work replaces birds with drones, effectively digitizing a historical landscape to reflect the surveillance and technological shifts defining our current era.
• Multimedia Explorations: The exhibition explores how the artist uses film and photography to document his “Study of Perspective” series, where he famously confronts global power structures through a singular, defiant gesture.

Global Impact and Recognition

Ai Weiwei’s influence extends far beyond the gallery walls. He has previously transformed the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall with millions of hand-painted porcelain sunflower seeds and has been a fixture at the Venice Biennale. His commitment to human rights has earned him prestigious honors, including Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.

This Singaporean exhibition reinforces the city-state’s growing reputation as a premier hub for world-class contemporary art, joining other major cultural events like the immersive David Hockney showcase currently touring the region.

Plan Your Visit

For those looking to experience the work of one of the 21st century’s most influential creatives, Tang Contemporary Art is centrally located in the heart of the Orchard Road district.

• Location: 402 Orchard Road, Delfi, #06-01/02, Singapore 238876
• Dates: March 21 – May 2
• Updates: Follow Tang Contemporary Art on Instagram for the latest announcements and behind-the-scenes content.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the exhibition provides a profound look at how art can act as a catalyst for global conversation and social change.

Singapore’s multicultural tapestry is woven with vibrant festivals, yet two of the most significant dates on the Islamic calendar often cause confusion for the uninitiated. While both Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are major public holidays marked by prayer and community, they represent distinct spiritual milestones. As the city-state prepares for these upcoming observances in 2026, understanding the unique traditions, origins, and meanings behind each “grand day of rejoicing” is essential for every local and visitor alike.

Hari Raya Puasa: A Celebration of Triumph and Renewal

Often referred to internationally as Eid al-Fitr, Hari Raya Puasa literally translates to the “Grand Day of Fasting.” This festival serves as a joyous conclusion to Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. For 30 days, Muslims observe a period of abstinence from food and drink from dawn until dusk, focusing instead on self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate.

Key Traditions:

• The Sight of Celebration: Families typically dress in coordinated outfits—traditional baju kurung or baju melayu—to visit relatives.
• Spirit of Forgiveness: It is common for younger family members to seek forgiveness from their elders during this time.
• Atmosphere: The vibe is celebratory and festive, characterized by “open house” gatherings and tables laden with rendang, lontong, and kuih.

2026 Date: Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21, 2026. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the date shifts annually against the Gregorian solar calendar.

Hari Raya Haji: The Festival of Sacrifice

Falling approximately two months after the end of Ramadan, Hari Raya Haji (also known as Eid al-Adha) honors the conclusion of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. While Puasa celebrates the end of a fast, Haji is a more solemn and reflective occasion centered on the themes of faith and sacrifice.

The festival commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim, whose willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God was met with a divine intervention, replacing the son with a ram.

The Ritual of Korban:
A defining feature of this day is the korban, or ritual sacrifice. In Singapore, mosques facilitate the sacrifice of livestock, such as sheep or goats. The process follows strict halal protocols to ensure the animal suffers as little as possible. The meat is then meticulously cleaned, divided, and distributed to the worshippers and, most importantly, to the underprivileged in the community.

2026 Date: This occasion will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, providing a mid-week public holiday for the nation.

Why the Distinction Matters

Confusing the two is common due to their shared “Hari Raya” prefix, but their spiritual weight differs. Puasa is a reward for personal spiritual endurance, while Haji is a testament to absolute devotion and communal charity.

Navigating Singapore’s cultural landscape means more than just enjoying the public holidays; it involves appreciating the depth of these traditions. Whether you are visiting the bustling bazaars during the fasting month or witnessing the quiet reverence of the morning prayers at a neighborhood mosque, these festivals offer a window into the values of resilience and compassion that help define the local community. For those looking to participate, consider exploring local Ramadan bazaars or supporting charities that distribute meat during the korban to experience the true spirit of these “grand days.”

A surprising transformation is underway at Orchard Towers, as the former nightlife landmark sheds its old reputation to make room for high-end heritage. The Peranakan Club (TPC) has officially opened its doors on the building’s second floor, offering a massive 5,000-square-foot multi-concept destination dedicated to the rich traditions of the Straits Chinese. Founded by former chef Raymond Khoo, a Straits-born Baba himself, this ambitious “six-in-one” venue integrates a museum-grade gallery, an 80-seater restaurant, a boutique, a tea lounge, a private dining room, and a craft cocktail bar.

A Living Museum of Straits Culture

The journey into TPC begins with a visual feast. The interiors are a masterclass in Peranakan maximalism, featuring walls adorned with intricate peony motifs and traditional keronsongs (ornamental brooches). Visitors can wander through the Peranakan Gallery, which showcases rare heirlooms including antique wooden bedframes, ornate folding screens, and authentic wedding costumes. For those looking to take a piece of the culture home, the Baba Nyonya Atelier stocks curated lifestyle goods, hand-stitched kebayas, and jewelry.

From Casual Bites to “Tok Panjang” Feasts

Food serves as the soul of the club, anchored by The Little Nyonya. Named after the beloved Singaporean television drama, this casual eatery features a menu of generational recipes executed by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Lily Suriani Lim. Signature dishes stay true to the Khoo family lineage, featuring staples like:

• Nasi Ulam Dulu Kala ($24): A fragrant, herb-driven rice salad.
• Ayam Buah Keluak ($3 per piece): The quintessential nut-based braise.
• Itek Tim ($17): A comforting salted vegetable duck soup.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the Grand Peranakan private room offers tok panjang service—a traditional “long table” feast. Starting at $168 per person, this luxurious menu highlights rare delicacies such as babi hong (spiced pork) and sambal pisang jantong (banana heart salad).

World-Class Cocktails and Afternoon Tea

The club also ventures into modern mixology at the Kebaya Bar. In a notable collaboration with Brass Lion Distillery—recently crowned the world’s best gin maker for 2025—the bar serves Peranakan-inspired cocktails. Expect innovative drinks like the Puteri Salat or the Bak Kwa Pisang Flip, utilizing local spirits infused with butterfly pea and star anise.

If you prefer a slower pace, the Keronsong Tea Room provides a serene setting filled with antique rosewood furniture. Here, guests can indulge in Peranakan-themed afternoon tea or elevate the experience with champagne and caviar.

Educational Workshops and Traditions

Beyond dining, The Peranakan Club functions as a cultural school. Visitors can utilize SG Culture Pass credits to attend workshops on nasi ulam preparation or learn the art of soja, a traditional New Year custom of showing respect to elders. The venue is also fully equipped for traditional tea ceremonies, featuring “dragon-phoenix” chairs and heritage attire for couples looking to honor their roots.

The Peranakan Club represents a significant step in the rebranding of Orchard Road’s fringe, proving that heritage can thrive in the most unexpected corners of the city.

The Peranakan Club

• Location: 1 Claymore Drive, #02-01 Orchard Towers (Car Park Block)
• Hours: 11am to 10pm daily
• More Info: The Peranakan Club on Instagram

Singapore’s Changi Airport has once again secured the top spot at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, being named the World’s Best Airport for 2026. This victory marks the 14th time the aviation hub has received the prestigious accolade since the awards’ inception and signifies its second consecutive year at number one. Following a brief period where it slipped from the top rank, Changi’s return to the pinnacle of global aviation highlights its unwavering commitment to traveler satisfaction and operational excellence.

A Comprehensive Win Based on Passenger Experience

The Skytrax rankings are widely considered the gold standard of the industry, derived from an extensive global survey involving travelers of more than 100 nationalities. The study evaluates the end-to-end passenger journey, measuring performance across critical touchpoints including check-in procedures, security efficiency, customs, terminal comfort, and boarding processes.

Beyond the primary title, Singapore’s gateway swept several specialized categories. It was named the Best Airport in Asia and received top honors for its Dining Facilities and Immigration Services. These awards underscore why Changi remains a favorite for frequent flyers; the seamless transition from high-tech passport control to world-class culinary offerings provides a level of hospitality rarely matched by its peers.

Managing Scale Without Sacrificing Quality

Handling high volumes of traffic while maintaining boutique levels of service is a significant challenge for any transit hub. Changi was specifically recognized as the best airport serving between 60 to 70 million passengers annually. In 2025 alone, the airport tectonic shift managed nearly 70 million travelers, solidifying its status as one of the busiest and most efficient intersections in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Global Standings

While Singapore took the lead, the 2026 rankings showcase a dominant performance by East Asian hubs. Incheon International Airport in South Korea followed in second place, with Tokyo’s Haneda, Hong Kong International, and Tokyo’s Narita rounding out the top five.

The top 10 global rankings for 2026 are:

1. Changi Airport (Singapore)
2. Incheon International Airport (South Korea)
3. Tokyo Haneda Airport (Japan)
4. Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong)
5. Narita International Airport (Japan)
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (France)
7. Rome Fiumicino Airport (Italy)
8. Istanbul Airport (Turkey)
9. Munich Airport (Germany)
10. Vancouver International Airport (Canada)

Future Outlook for Travelers

For the modern traveler, Changi’s dominance suggests that the “layover” is no longer a burden but an integral part of the vacation experience. With Singapore also recently topping lists for cultural destinations, the city-state continues to position itself as a premier global destination rather than just a transit point. As the airport looks toward future expansions, its focus remains on integrating lush greenery, automated technology, and luxury retail to maintain its edge over rising competitors in Europe and the Middle East.

National Gallery Singapore has just unveiled a premier destination for heritage dining with the launch of The Caretaker’s Room, an exclusive private dining space within the acclaimed restaurant, Gilmore. Helmed by Chef Damian D’Silva—widely regarded as the “grandfather” of heritage cuisine—the venue offers an intimate intersection of fine art and diverse regional flavors. This new addition allows guests to dine surrounded by the gallery’s iconic architecture while exploring a menu that honors Singapore’s multicultural domestic roots.

A Legacy Reimagined Through Fine Dining

The venue holds deep personal and historical significance. It is named after Chef Damian’s grandfather, Gilmore D’Silva, who served as the sole custodian of the Supreme Court back when it occupied the building that now houses the National Gallery. By situating the private room in his grandfather’s former workplace, Chef Damian creates a tangible link between the city’s judicial past and its vibrant culinary present.

The space is designed for privacy and prestige, catering to groups of up to 16 guests, or smaller parties of eight for half-room reservations. Separated from the main restaurant’s bustle, it provides a quiet sanctuary for those looking to celebrate Singapore’s identity through both sight and taste.

A Masterclass in Regional Flavors

The Caretaker’s Room serves as a canvas for Chef Damian’s expansive repertoire, blending Peranakan, Eurasian, Malay, Indian, and Chinese culinary traditions. The menus are meticulously structured to offer varying levels of immersion:

• Standard Set ($80 lunch / $120 dinner): Features signature highlights from Gilmore’s rotating seasonal menu.
• Peranakan Feast ($150): A deep dive into Nyonya culture, featuring labor-intensive classics like hati babi bungkus (pork and liver wrapped in caul fat) and the essential, earthy ayam buah keluak.
• Multi-Ethnic Selection ($180): A curated tour of Singapore’s diverse heritage through a variety of communal plates.
• The Chef Experience ($250): The most premium offering, where Chef Damian hand-selects ingredients from local wet markets to create a bespoke, one-of-a-kind menu based on the day’s best produce.

Traditional Techniques and Communal Spirit

True to the spirit of heritage dining, meals in The Caretaker’s Room prioritize communal sharing and historical accuracy. Guests can expect rare delicacies such as banana blossom kerabu and hee peow soup—a comforting broth rich with fish maw and handmade prawn balls—alongside hearty mains like gerang assam snapper and babi chin.

The “Chef Experience” remains the highlight for enthusiasts, emphasizing traditional preparation methods that are increasingly rare in modern commercial kitchens. Because these menus rely on traditional slow-cooking techniques and fresh market sourcing, they require significant lead time and coordination with the chef.

Planning Your Visit

The Caretaker’s Room is currently open for reservations, though its exclusivity means planning is essential.

• Capacity: 8 to 16 guests.
• Lead Time: Bookings must be made at least one week in advance; bespoke menus require longer notice.
• Location: Inside Gilmore at the National Gallery Singapore.

For those looking to host an event that is as educational as it is epicurean, this new space offers a rare opportunity to taste the history of the Lion City directly from one of its most dedicated culinary guardians.

The sweeping trend of “cave-core” dining has found its newest sanctuary at Resorts World Sentosa. Drim Gold, the sophisticated successor to the acclaimed Mandarin Gallery flagship, officially opened its doors at the Weave, offering a high-end Korean barbecue experience defined by subterranean aesthetics and rare imports. By combining a dramatic stone-carved entrance with a menu featuring prized Hanwoo beef and Jeju black pork, the restaurant aims to elevate the traditional charcoal grill into a luxury affair.

A New Standard for Korean Barbecue

Stepping into Drim Gold feels like a departure from the bustling Sentosa Gateway. Guests are ushered through a sculpted stone corridor that opens into a grand dining hall where modern Hanok sensibilities meet textured, grotto-like walls. While the atmosphere is undeniably “Instagrammable,” the functional design remains the star; the restaurant utilizes a clever raised tableside grill station. This setup keeps the heat of the charcoal away from diners while allowing unobstructed views of the grilling process—perfect for social media captures without compromising conversation.

Rare Cuts and Premium Imports

Drim Gold differentiates itself from its predecessor with a curated focus on exclusivity. The restaurant has secured a strategic partnership with importer Culina, granting them priority access to Hanwoo beef, one of the world’s most sought-after meats.

• Signature Cuts: Highlights include the marinated Hanwoo short ribs and the “Special Cut of the Month.” During our visit, the neuk gan sal (rib fingers) showcased exceptional marbling and a succulent, juicy finish.
• Jeju Specialties: Beyond beef, the menu features Jeju black pork rib fingers and fresh seafood arrivals shipped daily, including scampi and abalone from Jeju Island.
• Pricing: Luxury comes at a premium. Set menus for the Hanwoo experience range from $169 to $248 per person—a notable step up from the flagship’s $145 starting point.

Beyond the Grill: Accoutrements and Traditional Dishes

The experience is bolstered by a “supporting cast” of high-quality condiments. Instead of standard table salt, diners are served smoked Maldon salt and fresh wasabi. A unique ssamjang (soybean paste) mixed with sea snails adds a sophisticated textural contrast to the wraps.

For those looking beyond the barbecue, the 100% buckwheat noodles ($33) offer a fragrant, chilled palate cleanser. For larger groups, the eobok jaengban ($138)—a royal-style beef and vegetable hot pot—serves three and features a 24-hour slow-cooked broth enriched with cordyceps and gingko nuts.

The Verdict: Is it Worth the Sentosa Premium?

Drim Gold is undoubtedly a “Korean barbecue on steroids.” For diners who value expertly curated interiors, rare meat selections, and full-service tableside cooking, it is a mandatory addition to the Singapore dining bucket list. However, if you are looking for a casual meal without the “Sentosa tax,” the original Mandarin Gallery outlet remains a stellar, more affordable alternative.

Address: 26 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, WEAVE, B1-204-206, Singapore 098138
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 10pm
Contact: drimgold.sg