[Sponsored] Being an island and all, Singapore loves its seafood, and there’s no better place to enjoy it than right by the water. Whether you’re into formal sit-down meals, gorging that requires a bib or laid-back brunches, there are plenty of seafood options along the Singapore River. Here’s how to enjoy yours. (Hint: it includes competitive chilli crab bao eating.)

WITH DRINKS: Bar Bar Black Sheep

The place: With five branches around town, Bar Bar Black Sheep has the formula to fun figured out: good drinks, outdoor seating, international cuisine options (they serve Thai, Western and North Indian at their Robertson Quay branch) and live music.

The dish: There are plenty of fish-forward choices, like the classic fish and chips and the new crisp-skin Norwegian salmon, but we have a soft spot for the Devilish Wasabi Prawns, under the tapas section. The juicy prawns have a not insignificant kick to them, which only make you want to take another sip of your drink. 86 Robertson Quay

AT BRUNCH: Toby’s Estate

The place: The Singapore outpost of Sydney-based roaster, Toby’s Estate is a beautiful, sun-drenched, high-ceilinged space right by the river with a giant roaster right on premises. Try their delicious coffees, gorge on brunch food and cakes and even take back coffee equipment from their retaiL section.

The dish: If you’re the sort to fall back on simple pleasures, look no further than this take on Singapore’s unofficial national brunch, the eggs benedict. The Rodyk Style ($19) version comes with poached eggs on brioche, topped with generous slices of smoked salmon, finished with the house Toby’s eggs benny sauce. 8 Rodyk Street


Limoncello's linguine aragosta

ON A DATE: Limoncello

The place: Set in a cozy corner of Robertson Quay, Limoncello serves solid Italian dishes inspired by the Amalfi coast amid hushed, elegant interiors—think starched tablecloths, wooden blinds, warm light and clean lines. The focus is on grilled meats and pizza, but their pasta dishes are also expertly done.

The dish: The kitchen at Limoncello is especially proud of its linguine aragosta ($34), which is as comforting as it is indulgent. 95 Robertson Quay

IN ABUNDANCE: Red House Seafood

The place: A beloved old family establishment that first started on Upper East Coast Road back in the 1970s, the current premises at Robertson Quay is both stylish and as family friendly as it ever was— with the same red lanterns that first made it famous. It’s also one of the best places in town for chilli crab.

The dish: One of their most popular signature dishes, the Takesumi chilli crab bao, involves black, cupcake-like bao stuffed generously with delicious savory-sweet, rich chilli crab. Whatever you do, don’t miss ordering a plate of these. 60 Robertson Quay, The Quayside


Can’t get enough chilli crab bao? Red House Seafood is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a—wait for it—competitive chilli crab bao eating contest! All you have to do to qualify is show up at the Robertson Quay branch on Aug 20 (or the Prinsep Street flagship on Aug 13) and eat 10 bao in the fastest time possible. Finalists will compete for a $3,888 first prize (and a $200 Red House Seafood dining vouchers) on Aug 27. Don’t worry, there are plenty of consolation prizes, too. Register first here.


WITH LOTS OF SPICE: Soi 60

The place: Located in the heart of Robertson Quay, this contemporary Thai restaurant brings all the classic Thai dishes and unadulterated flavors together with a cool, colorful and modern atmosphere: expect busy alfresco seating, neon Thai masks painted onto the walls and other hip touches.

The dish: Why have just one type of seafood when you can have three? Forget the shrimp pad Thai and get the party-in-your-mouth glass noodle salad ($13/22), a spicy, citrusy, herb-forward, seafood-heavy combo, with generous amounts of scallops, prawns and squid. You’ll need a beer to cool off after this. 60 Robertson Quay, The Quayside

 

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