It’s the season for giving, gathering, and gourmandising. Even with the loom of the pandemic hanging over us, there are ways to congregate with loved ones this Christmas—and now, with up to five pax regardless of household, which means more friends and merrier meals. If you’re looking for somewhere that’s slightly different from your usual dining options, why not consider South Beach?
It’s a great alternative al fresco dining destination that features an architectural microclimatic canopy that impressively harvests rainwater as well as converts solar energy into electricity The canopy provides natural ventilation and a soothing breeze—making you forget for a moment that you’re in Singapore. By MRT, there are not one, but three stations that’ll get you there—Esplanade (connects directly) and City Hall—so convenience is certainly a plus.
The area is pet-friendly as well, so this just might be the ideal spot for the entire family—with fur-kid in tow. With this list that chronicles 14 places at South Beach, you’ll also find beauty and wellness services available—such as a spin studio and hair salon—so won’t have to look any further for a novel solution to eating well and feeling good this year-end break.
1. Real Food
As one of the most well-known vegetarian cafes around, Real Food’s menu is a constant surprise of bold flavours and healthy bites. They are offering festive menus to bring cheer this year, with two distinct sets (S$19.90 each) that’ll keep your wallet and belly happy.
The first set comes with Onion Rings, Mushroom and Turmeric “Risotto”, and Ice Coffee. The “Risotto” is a wonderful deviation from the heavier versions you’re used to. It’s incredibly rich yet palatably delicious—even without meat. The Onion Rings are satisfyingly large and crisp; one bite is all it took to have me wanting to selfishly keep the bowl to myself.
Another set they’re featuring is Pumpkin Soup, Genovese Pesto, and Organic Fermented Lemonade. Be sure to stir the Lemonade thoroughly before sipping for a refreshing thirst quencher that’s equal parts sweet and sour. If you love a hearty punch of greens in your meal, the Genovese Pesto will be right up your alley; the basil’s herbaceous prowess is a force to be reckoned with, but beautifully so, for someone who adores this classic pasta sauce.
#B1-19
+65 6384 2206
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9.30pm
Sun: 10am – 9pm
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2. Black Cow
If you’re looking for an elegant sukiyaki experience, look no further than Black Cow. Their pride and joy lie in their passion for premium Wagyu beef—so you know you’re getting the best cuts of cow your palate will ever have the pleasure of tasting.
At Black Cow, every meal is an occasion and a treat. Indulge in their Executive Set Lunch, which comes with a house salad, seasonal pickle, clear soup, and dessert of the day. Choose from a curated menu of main courses, such as the opulent Premium Don (S$98 for unagi kabayaki or Wagyu beef, S$128 for A5 Wagyu beef, and S$188 for A5 Hida-gyu Wagyu beef).
Alternatively, there are sukiyaki selections for your consideration, such as Kanto-style Sukiyaki (S$88 for Kurobuta pork or A5 Wagyu beef) available exclusively at lunch for a quick option. Or enjoy the full sukiyaki experience, featuring a seasonal rotation of A5 Wagyu beef at S$158 or Hida-gyu at S$238—pure indulgence.
#B1-20
+65 6386 6720
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 2pm & 6pm – 8.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 2pm & 6pm – 9.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 9.30pm
Sun & PH: 12pm – 2.30pm
Closed on Mon
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3. Starbucks
Part of the reason why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year is because of Starbucks’ menu of seasonal drinks. A personal favourite of the lot is the Toffee Nut Crunch Latte (S$7.60+)—that combination of buttery toffee nut syrup, crunch, and fluffy whipped cream is the perfect magic potion that anyone would need to make bad days good, and good days better.
Their lineup also includes an Oatmilk Confetti Cookie Latte (S$7.60+) (available hot, iced, or blended) that incorporates Starbucks’ signature espresso paired with white chocolate syrup and oatmilk, for a calming beverage that balances the sweet and bitter notes oh-so-subtly. It’s also garnished with luxurious plant-based whipped cream, complete with a sprinkling of colourful confetti topping to perk up your day.
Maybe instead of milk and cookies, we can give Santa a Starbucks latte this year? He might like the Peppermint Mocha (S$7.60+) too, with a refreshing burst of peppermint syrup mixed with sweet mocha sauce.
Make your trip to Starbucks worth its while—pair your festive cup with something sweet or savoury for that extra Christmas joy, and spread the festive cheer with gifts from their limited-edition holiday merchandise collection.
#B1-24
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4. Hairpage Underground
New year, new you! Get ready to celebrate the end of 2021 with a brand new look with hairstylist Bryan at Hairpage Underground. From now until 31 December 2021, enjoy S$50 off your cut and colour—no questions asked.
All you need to do is follow on Instagram, and book your appointment by sending a Whatsapp message here or calling +65 6386 6898. Don’t forget to use the quote “SETHLUI” to qualify for the promotion.
#B1-25
+65 6386 6898
Tue to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
*Christmas Eve: 11am – 6pm
*Christmas Day: 11am – 3pm
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5. Wild Honey
December is the perfect month for catching up with old friends, especially since we’re now allowed to dine together in groups of five (once again). Celebrate the end of the year with a meal at Wild Honey, with a festive Christmas Brunch consisting of Mini Eggnog Doughnuts (S$12++ for three), Christmas Granola (S$18++), or their specialty Big Aussie Christmas Brekkie (S$36++).
You’ve been working hard the whole year, so why not indulge in a selection of Christmas Sweet Treats? Wild Honey has a plethora of equally delectable options—think Chocolate & Raspberry Bouche De Noele (S$14++), Christmas Pavlova (S$16), Christmas Gingerbread Stars (S$6++), and Christmas Mince Tart (S$8++) to feast to your heart’s content this jolly season, and share some with the family for a merry, merry time.
Wash it all down with Wild Honey’s selection of festive drinks. There’s Free Flow Ruffino Blanc Prosecco (Italy) (S$50++ per person) or a vegan Pink Snowball (S$9++) cocktail if you’re in the ultimate celebratory mood. If you’re the type to pair coffee with dessert, the rich and creamy Eggnog Latte (S$7++) will create the perfect cosy atmosphere. I’d personally go for a refreshing Spice’d Cold Brew (S$6), its fragrant bitterness juxtaposing my heaping plate of sugary desserts.
#B1-18
+65 6214 3398
Tue to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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6. Alchemist Beer Lab
Alchemist Beer Lab is the little sister of Little Island Brewing Co., with a variety of tapas for peckish diners and full dinners for those who want to sit down and feast with the family. The Brisket Cheese “Sandwich” (S$18) would be my pick; what could go wrong with a pairing of 15-hour smoked brisket and torched parmigiano reggiano?
Good things are meant to be shared, so why not order a Mexican Grilled Cheese Pan (S$18) for the table, too?
If you’re ravenous after all the last-minute Christmas shopping, go for the gold, in the form of a Grilled Galician Steak (S$48), served with cured egg bone marrow butter and pickled tomatoes. Meat lovers will definitely not want to miss out on the Shio Koji Pork Cheek (S$32) or the Chargrilled Lamb Chops (S$29). If you’re hankering for seafood, the Grilled Squid Tentacles (S$22) is the way to go—with miso glaze, corn brittle, and ume shiso vinaigrette. Top it all off with Mumm Champagne (S$68++), with a minimum order of S$40 until 31 December 2021.
#B1-16
+65 6386 4635
Mon to Sat: 2pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Sun
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7. Quaich Bar
Established in 2007 as Singapore’s first whisky-dedicated concept bar, Quaich Bar seems like the opportune place for a handful of salutations—featuring a dram or two. ‘Tis the season for merry-making, so why not have a go at their Christmas promotion of a Tasting Set (4 X 15ml) (S$88++) of Quaich Bar’s Signature Reserve, Frank McHardy Series.
It showcases the wonderfully varying notes of:
- Aberfeldy 2005, aged 15 years, 55.3%ABV
- Braeval 1997, aged 24 years, 49.5%ABV
- Bunnahabhain 2009, aged 12 years, 67.1%ABV
- Glen Grant 1997, aged 23 years, 53%ABV
The Signature Reserve Collection is a selection of single casks personally handpicked for Quaich Bar by renowned master distillers and illustrious whisky personalities, with the first collection curated by an industry legend, Frank McHardy. The selection is only available for tasting exclusively at Quaich Bar.
Want to make someone else’s Christmas even more exciting? Quaich Bar is offering their 10th Anniversary Commemorative Bottlings (4 x 15ml) (S$189++), highlighting the following:
- Deanston Spanish oak cask, 14 years old, 57%ABV
- Cadenhead Creation 1980, aged 37 years, 44.5%ABV
- Tomatin 1983, aged 33 years, 44.6%ABV
- Tomintoul 1977, aged 40 years old, 49.9%ABV
They hope to mark this 10th anniversary by commemorating the friendships they’ve forged with industry mavens around the world as well as celebrating the partnerships that have blossomed since their inception. This is a gift that is certainly unlike any other and will make for a delightful surprise for any fellow whisky aficionado.
Bonus: There’s even a Mystery Whisky Gift Bag up for grabs at only S$199 (with whisky and goodies worth S$200 – S$300) if you visit them in December!
#01-16
+65 6386 5366
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
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8. Harry’s
With many a crisp pint enjoyed at Harry’s since 1992, it’s only befitting to raise our glasses to seeing ourselves through the pandemic. This Christmas the celebrated bar is offering a Festive Trio that’s available for delivery, dine-in, as well as takeaway, from 1 to 31 December 2021.
The gourmet bundle comes with Pan-seared Angus Sirloin Steak Au Poivre, Gratin Grana Padano Breaded Mozzarella Chicken Thigh, Shredded Ham, and Beer Battered White Fish with Marie Rose sauce. It’s also complemented by Rosemary-infused Roasted Brussel Sprouts, New Potatoes, and Carrots and Buttered Corn. These bundles won’t rip a new one in your wallets, with a two-pax set going for only S$55 and a four-pax set at S$105.
The best part is that you’ll be able to add on two pints of Heineken for just S$18. Harry’s is also offering Christmas Hampers that’ll work wonderfully as gifts for friends, family, and colleagues, which are on offer at 15% off (early bird discount) until 5 December 2021. You may place your orders now until 2 January 2022. More details can be found here.
#01-18
+65 6386 6306
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
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9. Lady M
My favourite food has been, is, and always will be, none other than cake. Of course, Lady M will not be unfamiliar to all my fellow cake-fanatics out there. The icing on the cake this year is the online-exclusive Black Forest Log Cake (S$105). The classic Lady M Black Forest is spun into a holiday roll of chocolate sponge cake, soft whipped cream, and brandied cherries. To finish, chocolate shards are topped with whole cherries and snow sugar.
And then there’s this year’s Red Velvet Cake (S$130 for whole cake, S$12 per slice), which features a three-layer dark cocoa-rich sponge with smooth frosting made with fresh whipped cream and cream cheese. It will prove to be one of the most decadent cakes from the Lady M Collection, for sure. Do take note, however, that whole cakes are available for order online and in-store, while slices are available in boutiques only.
If there’s one thing us Singaporeans are unequivocally in love with, it’s truffle-anything. On fries, in drinks, in pasta, you name it—we have tried to add truffle to it. Lady M has thoughtfully incorporated our favourite oil into, you guessed it, their signature mille crepe cakes. The Truffle Mille Crêpes (S$130 for whole cake, S$12 per slice) consists of decadent layers of dark chocolate-truffle cream and is topped with a ring of truffled feuilletine with cacao nibs. I’m adding this to my Christmas wishlist, and that’s a promise.
For whole cake purchases, customers may place an order online for island-wide delivery or store pick-up. Orders must be placed before 12pm for next day delivery. All cakes stated here will be available until 31 December 2021, perfect if you’re going for a countdown party and have been tasked to provide dessert.
#01-17
+65 6702 6735
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
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10. Aurora Spin Studio
We’ve been talking about the feasts and spreads, but have you been sticking with your 2021 resolution to work out more? My mama always says “you should have started yesterday, but if you didn’t, the next best day is today”. Kickstart a healthier 2022 with Aurora Spin Studio, Singapore’s largest indoor cycling studio with two different rooms—the Infinity and Experience.
Aurora offers four different types of classes depending on your proficiency and level of athleticism—Aurora Fundamental, Ride the Aurora, Ride the Thunderstorm, and Double Trouble. It’s a multi-sensory experience with curated playlists, state-of-the-art lighting systems, and digital surround sound. Burn off the calories from the Christmas desserts with Aurora’s Christmas packages!
#02-01/02
+65 8923 3239
Opening hours
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11. Armoury Steak & Craft Beer
In charge of planning date night for Christmas of ‘21? Don’t worry, Armoury Steak & Craft Beer has got you covered. Opt for the Armoury Christmas Menu for 2 Pax (S$80), and allow yourself to sit back, and relax. Take your pick from cocktails, sofas, wines, and Armoury Fresh Craft Beer, in collaboration with local breweries.
The festive menu also includes a choice of entrée of Australia Wagyu. Take your pick from 450g Picanha, 650g Ribeye (+S$20), or OP Ribeye (Market Price), and feast to your heart’s content with an additional Live Boston Lobster (+S$50), or BBQ Pork Ribs Half Rack (+S$15).
End off a magical night with a slice of Armoury Molten Lava Cake, and have yourselves a merry little Christmas.
#01-01
Tue to Thu, Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
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12. Vatos Urban Tacos
Put a fusion spin on your year-end gathering with Vatos Urban Tacos’ medley of Korean-Mexican fare, that’s sure to be a hit. To mark the conviviality of Christmas, they’re featuring a Christmas Set (S$59++, U.P. S$91++) which features a starter of either Kimchi Carnitas Fries, Honey Tequila Chicken Wings, or Nacho Daughter’s Galbi.
This is followed by four tacos of your choice, one Vatos’ Rita, and a sweet ending of Nutella Nachos. The set works perfectly for a pair of hungry diners, making this an unbeatable deal if you’re looking for a meal that is both packed with flavour and great savings.
You’ll definitely want to brace yourself for the Nutella Nachos; they’re a surprisingly wonderful marriage of sweet and salty. It’ll be a race to who gets the last bite!
#01-03
+65385 6010
Mon: 5pm – 10.30pm
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
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13. Crafted
Launching mid-December, South Beach will see Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Singapore’s grand opening of Crafted by Peter Zwiener. The new restaurant will offer unrivalled quality burgers; a true haven for burger fanatics, if you will.
Crafted’s menu highlights include its signature 100% USDA Prime burgers with all-premium ingredients, which you can gleefully pair with mouthwatering milkshakes or invigorating craft beers. There are also familiar and comforting accompaniments available such as Mac N’ Cheese and Creamed Spinach to complete your meal.
If you’ve been harbouring a hankering for mouthwatering meaty burgers, Crafted by Peter Zwiener will be the next spot to visit.
#B1-21
Daily: 11am – 11pm
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14. Waga Waga Den
Slated to open in the first quarter of 2022, Waga Waga Den is a spankin’ new concept by the folks behind Black Cow and Shatoburian. It’s a Wagyu wagashi teahouse that’s driven by the philosophy of harnessing the power of under-utilised ingredients — from premium Wagyu off-cuts to seasonal produce.
They pride themselves on minimising food wastage while maximising the potential of these underrated cuts and bringing to life the best that these ingredients have to offer.
#01-14
Operating hours TBC
Instagram
Be sure to take your time for a stroll after your fulfilling meal and soak in the festive spirit at South Beach, especially with their impressive Rubik’s art installation that features the largest mural that’s made up of Rubik’s cubes—all 4,000 of them, hand-twisted by professional circus artists—to be entered into Singapore Book of Records. Snap a photo or two with the lights and Christmas decorations as well—to keep them as memories for time to come.
Now, all the mention of food might’ve gotten you hungry, but if not, we’ve got another irresistible deal to whet your appetite. You’ll stand an opportunity to win attractive prizes such as an iPhone 13 Pro, along with a buffet for two at Beach Road Kitchen, as well as vouchers, trial packages, and many more.
All you have to do is:
- Follow @SouthBeachAvenueSG on Instagram
- Snap your most IG-worthy shot with South Beach’s Christmas decorations
- Post and hashtag #HelloSouthBeachSG and tag @SouthBeachAvenueSG
- Increase your chances of winning by spending at South Beach and submit your receipt via the QR code below.
This contest ends on 2 January 2022, so rally your friends and family to enter to increase your chances of winning.
*This post is brought to you in partnership with South Beach.
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