Singapore turns 60 this year, and what better way to celebrate than to eat our way through some of the most iconic dishes that have shaped our national identity. It’s amazing how many signature dishes have emerged from the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our little island.
From chilli crab to chicken rice, we have created a food culture that punches way above our weight. For a little red dot, we sure know how to cook up a storm. Join us on this special SG60 food trail with Citi Gourmet Pleasures as we revisit the flavours that define us as a nation.
Featured Restaurants
- JUMBO Premium
- Chatterbox
- White Restaurant
- Baba Chews
JUMBO Premium
I’m sure most locals and tourists are familiar with the name JUMBO. It’s one of those places that has become almost synonymous with chilli crab. I remember eating there back in the nineties at their original outlet along East Coast Seafood Centre. It was always packed, and you could feel the excitement in the air even before you reached the table. What stood out to me, aside from the tasty gravy, was the quality of the crabs. They’re always meaty, and you seldom get an empty claw. I think it’s this commitment to quality that has propelled them to where they are today.
Of course, chilli crab is the star of the show. No meal at JUMBO ever feels complete without their Crispy Fried Baby Squid, Donut with Seafood Paste, Scallops Wrapped in Yam Ring, and Mee Goreng. Their chilli crabs are still among the best around. The chilli-tomato gravy is well balanced and not overly spicy, making it very approachable for most diners. The crab meat is not only full but also carries the natural sweetness you’d expect from top-quality mud crabs.
The restaurant has recently moved to a newly renovated wing at Resorts World Sentosa. It is now closer to the entrance of the B1 carpark, so it’s even more convenient to get to. The interior is warm and inviting, rocking a tropical yet classy style.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures promo:
Free small portion of Shelled Fried Prawn with Cereal (U.P S$26) with min. S$100 spend.
Valid till: 30 Sep 2025
Find out more here.
JUMBO Premium
26 Sentosa Gateway, #B1-202/203 Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098138
Daily 9am – 10pm
Chatterbox Hilton Orchard
When you think about premium chicken rice, the name Chatterbox will invariably pop up. Serving hotel-standard chicken rice since 1971, it has cemented itself into local food lore as a pioneer in elevating hawker fare. Originally linked to The Mandarin Hotel, Chatterbox is now an independent entity and has expanded regionally, bringing Singapore cuisine abroad. It is currently helmed by Executive Chef Liew, who has been holding the fort for over three decades.
It’s been a while since we last dined at Chatterbox. The restaurant is still at its Orchard home but has recently undergone a major facelift. We were pleasantly surprised by the modern retro décor, which blends nostalgia with sleek sophistication.
The Mandarin Chicken Rice (S$25++) features a plate of very tender chicken thigh and breast meat. Unlike most chicken rice stalls that poach the whole bird in one cauldron, they poach each part separately at precise temperatures to ensure perfect doneness – tender and never over- or undercooked. The chicken itself is specially sourced and raised longer to develop a deeper flavour. The rice, cooked with robust old mother hen stock, was fragrant and full of flavour. The chilli could do with a bit more chicken oil though.
I’ve known Chef Liew for many years and have picked up quite a few cooking tips from him over time. So with him still at the helm, I was confident the food would meet expectations – and it certainly did. The chicken rice remains their poster boy, but it is well supported by other local classics like Lobster Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Satay, and Char Kway Teow, all executed with a high level of expertise.
The quality of ingredients, attention to presentation, and level of service make this a dependable place to bring guests. Whether you’re entertaining visitors or hosting a special occasion, Chatterbox delivers a refined showcase of Singapore’s iconic hawker flavours in an elegant hotel-style setting.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures promo:
10% off with minimum spend of S$120
Valid till: 31 Dec 2026
Citi SG60 Exclusive:
6 Chatterbox Kuehs for S$6
3 flavours of Kueh, 2 pieces per flavour
Valid on 8 & 9 Aug 2025
Find out more here.
Chatterbox
333 Orchard Rd, #05-03 Hilton, Singapore 238867
Mon – Fri 11:30am – 4:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Sat – Sun 11am – 4:30pm, 5:30pm – 11pm
White Restaurant
I first discovered White Beehoon when they were still operating out of the corner coffeeshop at Jalan Tampang. I was immediately taken by the rich, comforting chicken stock that coated each strand of beehoon with its velvety collagen. Back then, the most popular beehoon dish was economic beehoon. These are typically sold for breakfast and usually fried with dark soy sauce, so this “white” version really stood out.
It might look quite disarming at first, but don’t let its appearance fool you. Beneath its pale exterior hides some serious umami. It is comfort food to the max. Every visit, we would also order their Stir-fried Jacket Fish with Bitter Gourd that is cooked in a lovely black bean sauce. That, along with classic zi char staples like their Seafood Roll (Hei Zhor) to complete the meal.
White Restaurant began as a humble stall in Sembawang in 1999 under the name You Huak. By 2013, it had become so popular that Victor Tay, the founder’s son, rebranded it and began expanding the business across the island. With nine branches now, it has become much easier to satisfy that craving for White Beehoon whenever it strikes.
Most of the branches are located at convenient malls like in VivoCity and here in Jewel Changi Airport.
White Beehoon is one of those few local dishes where we can trace its origins clearly, unlike many other dishes whose beginnings are lost to history. It is slowly gaining recognition not just among locals but also as a bona fide Singapore dish among tourists. One day, it might just join the ranks of Hokkien Mee and Char Kway Teow as a Singaporean icon.
Citi Cardmembers can purchase the Soup of the Day (U.P. S$7) and Steamed Chicken with Cordyceps Flower and Chinese Sausage (U.P. S$9.90) for just S$5.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures promo:
S$5 dish with min. spend S$50
Valid till: 30 April 2026
Find out more here.
White Restaurant
78 Airport Blvd., #B1-245/246, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
Daily 11am – 10:00pm (Last order 9:30pm)
Baba Chews Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Baba Chews is the in-house restaurant at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. It is located right in the heart of Katong, which has long been the cultural stronghold of the Peranakans. The restaurant sits within the old Joo Chiat Police Station, a beautifully restored heritage building that brings plenty of old-world charm to the dining experience. It is named after Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy landowner who once owned vast coconut plantations along what is now Joo Chiat Road, just across from the hotel.
The road was named in his honour, and over the years, the area has blossomed into one of Singapore’s little bohemias. Here, you will find an eclectic mix of boutique shops, cosy cafes, and traditional Peranakan stores, all nestled among colourful shophouses that hint at the neighbourhood’s rich history. It is the kind of place where heritage and hipster sit comfortably side by side, making it a perfect backdrop for a restaurant like Baba Chews.
When Baba Chews first opened, it focused on serving traditional Peranakan dishes. Over the years, the menu has evolved to include modern Asian fusion and Western fare to appeal to a broader crowd. That said, they have kept key Nonya staples like Ayam Buah Keluak and Beef Rendang, which continue to anchor the menu.
For Singapore’s 60th birthday, they introduced a special SG60 menu featuring Kueh Pie Tee, a beloved Peranakan classic, along with their signature Beef Cheek Rendang and Sambal Ayam Buah Keluak Fried Rice. We particularly enjoyed the Babi Pongteh which was braised to fork-tender softness with soulful flavours. It is always a pleasure to see a restaurant that honours its roots while keeping things fresh for the next generation.
Citi Gourmet Pleasures promo:
15% off ala carte menu (exclude beverages)
Valid till: 31 Dec 2025
Find out more here.
Baba Chews Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
86 East Coast Road, S(428788)
Daily 6:30am – 10:30pm
Conclusion
Hope you’ve enjoyed this entry featuring some of the most iconic dishes that we proudly call our own. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below and share other flavour-packed favourites that reflect our young yet vibrant culinary heritage.
Remember to check out all the other dining deals with Citi Gourmet Pleasures! If you are a Citi Cash Back Cardmember, you can enjoy 6% cash back* on all your dining too.
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Happy Eating!
This is written in partnership with Citi Gourmet Pleasures.
