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Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a profound look inward. In an major international partnership with the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the institution will premiere Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy on March 21, 2026. This extensive exhibition bridges the gap between clinical science and artistic expression, tracing how centuries of ritual, research, and creative inquiry have defined our understanding of the human physique.

A Global Perspective on the Human Body

Drawing from the Getty’s prestigious historical archives, the show features more than 160 works. Visitors can expect an expansive timeline that includes everything from rare anatomical atlases and intricate woodcuts to massive contemporary installations. The collection highlights how the “inner self” has been mapped not just through a lens of biology, but through cultural and spiritual fascination.

While the Getty’s research forms the backbone of the show, the Singapore edition offers a unique regional perspective. The exhibition integrates the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, two of the world’s oldest medical frameworks. This Eastern lens provides a holistic counterpoint to Western anatomical studies, emphasizing energy and balance alongside physical structure.

From Scientific Specimens to Immersive Art

The exhibition balances the clinical with the transcendental. On the scientific front, the museum has partnered with the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at NTU to showcase authentic scientific specimens. Attendees will also encounter plastinated human anatomy from the renowned von Hagens Plastination Institute, famous for its visceral preservation of the human form.

The artistic curation is equally heavyweight, featuring a roster of 33 international and regional artists. Highlights include:

• Chiharu Shiota: The Japanese installation artist has created a site-specific work, The Network Within, featuring her signature intricate thread weaving.
• Bill Viola and Barbara Hammer: These pioneers of video and experimental film present works that explore the mortality and resilience of the body.
• Regional Voices: Singapore’s own Amanda Heng and Wendi Yan join Thai artist Pinaree Sanpitak to provide modern interpretations of the body as a site of identity and technology.

Redefining the “Anatomical Lesson”

Beyond simple observation, Flesh and Bones invites a deeper philosophical question: what does it mean to inhabit a body? By placing a 2023 virtual reality experience like Evolver by Marshmallow Laser Feast alongside centuries-old medical texts, the exhibition demonstrates that our curiosity about our “internal machinery” is timeless.

Planning Your Visit

Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy will run from March 21 through August 16, 2026. Given the high-profile nature of the Getty collaboration and the museum’s milestone anniversary, advance booking is recommended.

• Dates: March 21 – August 16, 2026
• Location: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
• Tickets: Starting at $16.50
• Where to Buy: Marina Bay Sands Official Site

For those looking to fill their cultural calendar, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for the Lion City. After exploring the human form at the ArtScience Museum, you can look forward to the opening of Asia’s first immersive Minecraft experience this April or the upcoming teamLab flagship at Gardens by the Bay.

K-pop powerhouse SEVENTEEN is set to ignite the Singapore National Stadium tomorrow, March 7, as part of their massive 10th-anniversary world tour. With tens of thousands of CARATs expected to descend upon the Sports Hub, the evening promises a high-energy celebration of a decade of hits. The spectacle kicks off at 6:30 PM, but with a city-wide takeover already in motion and strict venue regulations in place, fans should prepare early to ensure a seamless experience.

Timing and Ticketing Essentials

Doors to the National Stadium are scheduled to open at 4:30 PM, giving attendees two hours to find their seats before the 6:30 PM start time. While the show is nearing a sell-out, a limited number of tickets remain available via Ticketmaster. If you are still looking to secure a spot, speed is of the essence as these final seats are expected to vanish before soundcheck.

While there is no official runtime, historical data from previous stops suggests a tightly choreographed set of approximately 90 minutes. Based on the group’s recent Seoul performances, fans can expect a balanced mix of high-octane choreography and fan-favorite anthems, including “HOT,” “God of Music,” and the inevitable high-energy finale, “VERY NICE.”

Navigating the National Stadium

Getting to the venue requires some tactical planning due to ongoing rail adjustments. The Circle Line is currently operating as a one-way shuttle between Mountbatten and Paya Lebar through April 2026. To avoid the heaviest congestion, consider walking to the stadium from nearby stations:

• Tanjong Rhu MRT: A 9-minute unsheltered walk.
• Kallang MRT: A 13-minute sheltered walk.
• Mountbatten MRT: A 13-minute unsheltered walk.

Merch and Lightstick Pairing

Official merchandise will be stationed at OCBC Square from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. To avoid disappointment, keep these three rules in mind:

1. Go Cashless: Only contactless payments are accepted.
2. Bring a Bag: No shopping bags will be provided for your haul.
3. Sync Early: Lightstick pairing stations are available at OCBC Square (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM) and Gate 9 (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) to ensure your Carat Bong is concert-ready.

Prohibited Items and Venue Rules

Security at the National Stadium is notoriously thorough. Prohibited items include professional cameras, GoPros, umbrellas, and large A3-sized fan boards. Outside food and drinks are strictly forbidden, though empty plastic bottles are permitted for use at water fountains inside. Note that the venue typically enforces a no re-entry policy; once your ticket is scanned, you must remain inside the gates.

The City Takeover

The celebration extends far beyond the stadium walls. Through March 8, the SEVENTEEN Experience has transformed Marina Bay Sands. The iconic resort is illuminated in the group’s official colors—Rose Quartz and Serenity—while six different dining outlets across the property are offering themed menus. Whether you are attending the show or just soaking up the atmosphere, these fan activations offer the perfect backdrop for a pre-concert meet-up.

Singapore’s premier destination for avant-garde fashion has officially leveled up. Dover Street Market Singapore (DSMS), the conceptual retail powerhouse founded by Comme des Garçons’ visionary Rei Kawakubo, recently unveiled a significant expansion of its Dempsey Hill location. By absorbing the 2,600-square-foot wing formerly home to Como Cuisine, the boutique has grown to a sprawling 14,925 square feet, offering a more immersive experience for the city’s most discerning style enthusiasts.

The newly minted wing is a masterclass in architectural storytelling, featuring five luxury heavyweights: Phoebe Philo, The Row, Lemaire, Thom Browne, and Our Legacy. Each brand occupies a custom-designed environment that reflects its specific aesthetic DNA, moving away from traditional department store layouts toward a more curated, gallery-like atmosphere.

The Return of Phoebe Philo

The crown jewel of the expansion is undoubtedly the dedicated space for Phoebe Philo. The former Céline creative director, who defined the “Old Céline” era of minimalist luxury, has chosen Singapore as only the second city globally—after London—to host her namesake label’s shop-within-a-shop concept. Tucked into a semi-private corner, the space features floor-to-ceiling windows and a discrete entryway, offering the kind of quiet exclusivity that has become Philo’s trademark since her highly anticipated return to fashion in late 2024.

Minimalist Mastery and Local Collaborations

While Philo captures the headlines, the surrounding installations offer equally compelling narratives:

• Lemaire: The French label emphasizes “quiet luxury” with understated decor, including a notable Enzo Mari chair sourced from Italy that sets a sophisticated, intellectual tone.
• The Row: Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the brand stays true to its roots with black carpeting and pale wooden plinths that put the focus entirely on their precision-cut tailoring and accessories.
• Stussy: The streetwear giant has relocated its presence within the store to a new, high-energy area centered around a boombox-themed installation.

Beyond global luxury, DSMS continues to bridge the gap between international high fashion and local craftsmanship. The expansion introduces “Bag Space” and “General Space,” alongside store-exclusive items that can’t be found elsewhere. Shoppers can discover sterling silver nail designs by Manila-based 13 Lucky Monkey (starting at $230) or pick up a piece of local culture with a graphic T-shirt from Singapore’s own Knuckles & Notch ($88).

A Destination for Global Fashion Trends

This expansion reinforces Singapore’s position as a vital node in the global fashion circuit. By securing the Phoebe Philo concept so early in its rollout, Dover Street Market affirms that the Dempsey enclave remains a competitive alternative to traditional luxury hubs like Orchard Road. Between the exclusive Renli Su installations and the signature avant-garde touch of Rei Kawakubo, the store serves as more than a retail space—it is a living museum of contemporary design.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: 18 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249677
• Hours: Open daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Stay Updated: Follow DSMS on Instagram for news on upcoming drops and seasonal installations.

Rock icons Guns N’ Roses are officially bringing their high-octane energy back to the Lion City, confirming a massive one-night engagement at the Singapore National Stadium on November 25, 2026. As a cornerstone of their sprawling 2026 world tour, the performance serves as a grand finale to a global circuit that will see the band traverse Latin America, Europe, and North America before arriving on local shores. Fans can expect a marathon retrospective of the band’s nearly four-decade career, delivered by the definitive core lineup of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan.

A Legacy of Hard Rock Dominance

Since their explosive arrival on the Los Angeles scene in the late 1980s, Guns N’ Roses have remained one of the few contemporary acts capable of filling stadiums worldwide. Their seminal 1987 record, Appetite for Destruction, still holds the title of the best-selling debut album in U.S. history. The band further solidified their cultural stranglehold in the early 90s when Use Your Illusion I and II simultaneously claimed the top two positions on the Billboard charts—a feat few have replicated.

With over 100 million records sold globally, the band continues to prove their endurance. The 2026 tour follows a relentless 2025 schedule that saw them perform across the Middle East and Asia, signaling that the veteran rockers have no intention of hanging up their leather jackets just yet.

What to Expect: The Three-Hour Spectacle

Attending a Guns N’ Roses concert is famously a test of stamina for both the band and the audience. Known for their sprawling setlists that often exceed the three-hour mark, the group typically blends pyrotechnic-heavy anthems like “Welcome to the Jungle” with extended instrumental jams and their signature sweeping ballads.

The Singapore stop will feature the classic chemistry of Axl Rose’s soaring vocals paired with Slash’s virtuosic guitar work, supported by the steady rhythm of bassist Duff McKagan and their longtime touring ensemble.

Essential Ticket and Presale Information

Securing a seat for this stadium event requires navigating a multi-tiered sales rollout. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid missing out on what is expected to be a sold-out show.

• Fan Club Presale: “Nightrain” members receive priority access starting March 16 at 10:00 AM.
• Partner Sales: Mastercard cardholders and Trip.com app users can access tickets from March 17 through March 19.
• Live Nation Presale: Registered Live Nation members can join the queue on March 19.
• General Public Sale: Remaining tickets will be released to the general public via Ticketmaster on March 20.

As Singapore continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for global touring acts, the arrival of Guns N’ Roses marks a significant highlight on the 2026 entertainment calendar.

Looking for more ways to fill your social calendar? Check out our guide to Laufey’s upcoming Singapore Indoor Stadium show or explore the newly announced teamLab flagship museum at Gardens by the Bay.

Singapore’s iconic horticultural destination is preparing for its most significant evolution yet. Gardens by the Bay officially unveiled plans for Wetlands by the Bay, a massive five-hectare expansion set to debut in 2028. This ambitious project merges cutting-edge digital art with ecological restoration, featuring a world-first immersive odyssey by the renowned art collective teamLab, a tripling of the existing Kingfisher Wetlands, and seamless new pedestrian links connecting the city’s eastern and southern waterfronts.

A World-First Interactive Voyage

The crown jewel of this expansion is a 12,000-square-meter flagship museum by teamLab. While the collective is celebrated for its permanent exhibits at the ArtScience Museum, this project marks their first venture into an integrated indoor-outdoor experience.

In a departure from traditional stroll-through galleries, visitors will board custom pedal kayaks to navigate a controlled waterway. This aquatic path winds through high-tech indoor digital installations before emerging into living mangrove forests. This “multi-sensory voyage” aims to educate visitors on semi-aquatic biodiversity by placing them directly within the ecosystem, blurring the lines between art and nature.

Ecological Growth and Accessibility

Beyond the digital spectacles, the Gardens is doubling down on its commitment to conservation. The Kingfisher Wetlands will undergo a massive transformation, tripling in size to house over 600 mangroves and 50,000 coastal plants. Key features of the revamped green space include:

• Cantilevered Canopy Boardwalk: A new elevated walkway designed to provide stunning views over the water while doubling as a direct link between the Gardens by the Bay MRT station and the main entrance.
• Glade Lawn: A dedicated outdoor venue designed to host community-centric events and public activities.
• The Marina Bridge: A 175-meter-long architectural feat will link Bay South to the upcoming Bay East Garden (opening in 2027). The bridge is designed to sit low against the Marina Reservoir, offering a “walk on water” experience and panoramic views of the skyline.

Fresh Dining and Community Spaces

To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, the expansion addresses long-standing requests for more diverse culinary options. A new two-story dining hub will feature a casual ground-floor food court and premium upper-deck restaurants. These alfresco spaces will offer diners unobstructed views of the wetlands and the future Founders’ Memorial, also slated for a 2028 opening.

Looking Ahead

Construction for Wetlands by the Bay is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2027, with a progressive opening throughout 2028. This development represents a cornerstone of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, ensuring the Gardens remain a global leader in sustainable urban design.

For those eager to track the progress of this landmark project, updates are available via the official Gardens by the Bay website and their social media channels.

Singapore’s iconic horticultural destination is preparing for its most ambitious growth spurt yet. Early in 2027, construction will begin on Wetlands by the Bay, a massive five-hectare expansion at Gardens by the Bay (Bay South) designed to merge ecological conservation with high-tech art. Slated for a progressive opening in 2028, the project will feature a world-first immersive installation by teamLab, a significant enlargement of the Kingfisher Wetlands, and improved connectivity across the Marina Reservoir, further solidifying Singapore’s reputation as a “City in Nature.”

A World-First High-Tech Voyage

The crown jewel of the expansion is a flagship museum from teamLab, the international art collective responsible for the wildly popular Future World at the ArtScience Museum. This new 12,000-square-meter site represents the collective’s first-ever indoor-outdoor multi-sensory voyage.

Breaking away from traditional gallery boundaries, visitors will board custom pedal kayaks to navigate a controlled waterway. This unique journey takes guests through digital art installations that interact with real-world semi-aquatic ecosystems, offering a literal and metaphorical “deep dive” into the biodiversity of the gardens.

Ecological Growth and Enhanced Connectivity

Beyond the digital spectacles, the expansion focuses heavily on environmental restoration. The existing Kingfisher Wetlands will triple in size, becoming a lush sanctuary for over 600 mangroves and 50,000 coastal plants.

New infrastructure will also make the gardens more accessible:

• Cantilevered Canopy Boardwalk: A new walkway suspended over the water will provide a direct pedestrian link between the Gardens by the Bay MRT station and the main entrance.
• The Waterfront Bridge: A 175-meter-long pedestrian bridge will connect Bay South to the upcoming Bay East Garden (opening in 2027). Designed to skim the water’s surface, the bridge will offer panoramic views of the Singapore skyline and the Founders’ Memorial.
• Glade Lawn: A dedicated green space designed to host community events, festival activations, and outdoor activities.

Revamped Dining with a View

Recognizing the need for more diverse culinary options, the development includes a multi-level dining hub. A fresh food court will occupy the ground floor, while the upper deck will house full-service restaurants. The architecture emphasizes an alfresco, casual atmosphere, providing diners with unobstructed views of the Marina Reservoir and the new wetland landscapes.

Looking Ahead

The Wetlands by the Bay project represents a milestone in Singapore’s urban planning, prioritizing green lungs that serve as both tourist attractions and vital carbon sinks. As construction kicks off in Q1 2027, the development is expected to transform the Marina Bay precinct into an even more cohesive leisure destination.

For those eager to follow the progress, updates are available via the official Gardens by the Bay website or their social media channels. In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy the existing domes and the current Future World exhibition to get a taste of the digital wonders to come.

Singapore’s premier horticultural destination is set for its most ambitious growth spurt yet. Gardens by the Bay has officially announced “Wetlands by the Bay,” a massive five-hectare expansion scheduled to begin a progressive opening in 2028. This new precinct will bridge the gap between nature and technology, featuring a world-first immersive experience by the renowned art collective teamLab, a significant expansion of the Kingfisher Wetlands, and enhanced connectivity to the upcoming Bay East Garden.

A Paddle Through Digital Art: teamLab’s New Frontier

While visitors are likely familiar with teamLab’s shimmering digital tapestries at the ArtScience Museum, the collective is breaking new ground with a 12,000-square-metre flagship museum within the expansion. This first-of-its-kind indoor-outdoor voyage invites guests to board custom pedal kayaks.

Navigating through a series of controlled waterways, explorers will move through galleries that blend digital art with living, semi-aquatic ecosystems. This multisensory journey allows for an intimate look at the organisms and biodiversity that thrive in Singapore’s wetland environments, all while being surrounded by the signature high-tech projections that have made teamLab a global phenomenon.

Ecological Growth and Improved Accessibility

The development isn’t just about high-tech art; it is a major win for local biodiversity. The existing Kingfisher Wetlands will triple in size, becoming a lush sanctuary home to over 600 mangroves and 50,000 coastal plants. Highlights of the horticultural expansion include:

• Cantilevered Canopy Boardwalk: A new elevated walkway will extend directly over the water, offering a bird’s-eye view of the revitalized ecosystem.
• Direct Connectivity: The boardwalk doubles as a strategic link, streamlining the commute between the Gardens by the Bay MRT station and the main entrance.
• Community Hubs: The new Glade Lawn will provide a dedicated green space for outdoor events, festivals, and community gatherings.

Elevated Dining and Skyline Views

Recognizing the demand for more diverse culinary options, the project includes a multi-level dining destination. A casual food court will occupy the ground floor, while the upper level will house full-service restaurants. Designed with an alfresco layout, the dining precinct offers panoramic views of the Marina Reservoir and the Founders’ Memorial, which is also slated for a 2028 debut.

Bridging the Gap to Bay East

A major structural highlight of the 2028 master plan is the construction of a 175-metre-long bridge connecting Bay South to the new Bay East Garden (opening in 2027). The bridge is designed to skim the water’s surface as it reaches Bay East, creating a “walking on water” sensation for pedestrians and cyclists while providing an unobstructed vantage point of the iconic Singapore skyline.

The expansion marks a significant step in Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, transforming the waterfront into an integrated hub of recreation, education, and ecological conservation. As construction progresses, Wetlands by the Bay promises to redefine the outdoor experience for locals and international tourists alike._

Related Reading:

• Asia’s first Minecraft immersive experience is opening in Singapore this April
• Singapore Changi Airport crowned world’s best airport for layovers in 2026

Pet owners across the Little Red Dot are bracing for a frenzy as McDonald’s Singapore officially enters the pet accessory market this month. On March 9, 2026, the fast-food giant will release the Happy Meow Bag, a limited-edition lifestyle collectible designed specifically for cats. This one-day-only event marks a playful pivot for the brand, offering fans a chance to dress their pets in iconic Golden Arches branding while securing a new favorite lounging spot for their feline companions.

A Happy Meal for Your Cat

The Happy Meow Bag is more than just a novelty carrier; it is a cozy, semi-enclosed hideout designed for comfort and aesthetic appeal. The bag features a small viewing window—perfect for curious pets to peek through—and comes with a customizable DIY patch set. Owners can decorate the bag using themed Velcro patches, including a miniature McDonald’s fries icon, a bow tie, and a tiny “staff” name card. The standout accessory in the kit is a miniature McDonald’s uniform, allowing your cat to look the part of a regional manager in training.

How to Secure the Goods

Due to the high demand expected for this drop, McDonald’s has implemented a specific acquisition process. The bags are priced at $9.90 each, but there is a catch: you must spend a minimum of $30 on a single in-store order to qualify. Furthermore, the promotion is restricted to MyM members, meaning you will need to have the McDonald’s app downloaded and registered before you join the queue.

To successfully claim a bag, follow these steps:

• Visit one of the eight participating outlets on March 9 starting at 5:00 PM.
• Approach a staff member to receive an official queue card.
• Place an order of at least $30 at the self-ordering kiosk.
• Redeem the “Happy Meow Bag” deal within the app and scan the provided QR code at the kiosk to finalize the purchase.

Timing and Locations

Supply is extremely limited. McDonald’s has confirmed that only 120 bags will be available per location on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning to make a trip, these are the only eight stores carrying the stock:

• East: Bedok Mall
• North: Canberra Plaza, Punggol Northshore Plaza 1
• West: Choa Chu Kang Lot 1, JEM, Jurong Central Park
• Central: Cineleisure, Kallang (Stadium)

Given the cult status of McDonald’s collectibles in Singapore, these are expected to sell out within the hour.

The Broader Trend

This move follows a growing global trend of major lifestyle brands expanding into the “pet economy.” As pet ownership rises in urban centers like Singapore, brands are finding creative ways to integrate themselves into the lives of four-legged family members. For those who miss out, the campaign serves as a reminder of the power of brand nostalgia—and the lengths to which Singaporeans will go for a limited-edition drop.

Related Reading:

• Asia’s first Minecraft immersive experience opens in Singapore this April
• Food Republic opens at Mandai Wildlife Reserve with local favorites

The pixelated landscapes of the world’s best-selling video game are stepping out of the screen and into the real world. Starting April 24, 2026, Singapore will host the Asian debut of Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, an expansive, immersive quest located at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s new Green Canvas space. This one-hour interactive journey invites fans to trade leurs controllers for real-world adventure as they navigate a series of life-sized biomes to save a village from an impending mob attack.

Developed by Montreal-based creative studio Supply + Demand in collaboration with Microsoft and Mojang Studios, the attraction represents a significant milestone for Mandai. As the first major touring exhibition to occupy the Green Canvas venue, it blends high-tech innovation with physical set design to recreate the “Overworld” in vivid detail.

An Interactive Quest Through the Overworld

Visitors are not merely spectators in this experience; they are active participants in a scripted narrative. Upon entry, every guest receives an “Orb of Interaction,” a proprietary motion-tracking device that acts as a digital interface with the physical environment. This tool allows players to mine resources, interact with the scenery, and progress through the story.

The exhibition is divided into eight themed rooms, each meticulously designed to mirror iconic in-game environments:

• Massive Forest Biomes: Towering blocky trees and lush flora recreated through theatrical lighting and projections.
• The Village: A central hub where the “Villager Rescue” mission reaches its climax.
• Hostile Mobs: Life-sized recreations of zombies, creepers, and other familiar foes that players must thwart.

The experience utilizes grand-scale projections and motion-sensing technology to ensure that every action—from gathering materials to defending against the undead—feels responsive and impactful.

Exclusive Rewards and Membership Perks

After completing the rescue mission, adventurers arrive at the Trading Post. This retail hub features exclusive merchandise and a digital incentive for active players: the chance to unlock a limited-edition in-game cape, a rare cosmetic item that signals a player’s participation in the physical event.

For those planning a visit, logistics are key. The event runs until September 13, 2026, with entry times staggered in 15-minute intervals to manage crowd flow and ensure an intimate experience.

Ticket Information and Essential Details

Prospective heroes should note the following dates and pricing structures to secure their spot:

• Presale Access: The waitlist is currently open, with early access beginning March 10, 2026.
• General Sales: Public tickets go on sale March 11, 2026.
• Pricing: Weekday tickets are priced at $46 for adults and $40 for children. Weekend rates will carry a slight premium.
• Discounts: WildPass holders and Friends of Mandai members are eligible for a 15% early bird discount until March 23.

By bringing a digital phenomenon into a physical conservation destination, this event highlights the growing trend of “phygital” entertainment—merging the beloved mechanics of gaming with the tangible thrill of live exploration. Whether you are a veteran builder or a newcomer to the blocks, the quest at Mandai offers a unique lens through which to view one of the most influential cultural properties of the century.

Nestled within the serene greenery of Portsdown Road, Ce Soir is currently serving a masterclass in sentimental gastronomy. Spearheaded by Chef Seth Lai—the recipient of the 2024 Michelin Young Chef Award—the restaurant’s latest winter menu transforms the humble flavors of Teluk Intan, Malaysia, into an avant-garde dining experience. By blending classical French precision with premium Japanese produce and Southeast Asian heart, Lai creates a narrative-driven menu that proves fine dining can be as much about heritage as it is about luxury.

A Masterclass in Narrative Dining

The experience begins with more than just a menu; guests are greeted with an illustrated booklet that bridges the gap between Chef Lai’s childhood memories and the elevated plates that follow. The restaurant encourages a playful “guess the inspiration” approach, letting diners connect the dots between modern aesthetics and traditional Malaysian roots.

The meal kicks off with a snack trio that highlights Lai’s ability to balance rich textures with bright acidity. A standout is the ankimo (monkfish liver) served inside a hollowed-out mandarin. The instruction to drizzle fresh citrus over the buttery liver provides a sharp, refreshing counterpoint. Similarly, a Wagyu tart seasoned with lime leaf and green mango serves as a “memory capsule,” instantly evoking the scents of a traditional Malaysian pantry.

Reimagining Regional Classics

Ce Soir’s strength lies in its ability to strip away the “funk” of Southeast Asian staples while retaining their soul.

• The Kanpachi Course: This dish reimagines rojak using guava granita and amberjack, tied together with a subtle hint of hae gou (prawn paste) that provides depth without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Traditional Broths: A winter melon soup, served in a carved husk, captures the smoky essence of dried cuttlefish. Unlike many traditional Cantonese versions, the octopus remains tender while the peanuts retain a surprising crunch.
• The Sawara (Spanish Mackerel): Inspired by assam fish, the mackerel is prepared to a succulent, buttery consistency. While the tamarind sauce and cabbage are bold, the fish shines brightest when enjoyed on its own.

Decadent Transitions

The meal progresses through inventive courses like a star-anise-glazed house bread and a standout Dang Gui Duck. The duck, served perfectly pink with a Marmite glaze, utilizes the medicinal aroma of angelica root to create a savory profile so addictive it practically begs for a side of rice.

That craving is satisfied by the final savory course: a vibrant, five-grain medley inspired by the Malaysian “fried porridge” known as pao fan. Simmered in a Japanese seafood stock and studded with pickled cucumbers and sakura ebi, it is a complex, texture-rich conclusion that arguably outshines its accompaniment of South African abalone.

Plan Your Visit

Ce Soir offers three tiers of service to suit different occasions:

• Three-course Lunch: $68 per person
• Five-course Lunch: $108 per person
• Eight-course Dinner: $228 per person (Recommended for the full narrative experience)

The current winter menu is available until mid-April, after which Chef Lai is rumored to be turning his attention to spring inspirations like chee cheong fun. Given the restaurant’s intimate floral dining room and garden terrace, it remains a premier destination for both romantic milestones and serious culinary enthusiasts.

Location: 5B Portsdown Road, #01-03, Singapore 139311
Reservations: cesoir.com.sg