Modern Asian Restaurants in Singapore

A guide to modern Asian restaurants in Singapore

Modern Asian cooking takes flavours from across Asia and serves them in new ways. The modern Asian restaurants in Singapore on this page range from a fine dining tasting menu to a rooftop dining room. This guide explains what modern Asian food means, what to expect and how to choose.

What is modern Asian food?

Modern Asian chefs mix ideas from several Asian kitchens. A dish might pair Korean chilli paste with French technique, or Japanese miso with local herbs. Plates are often small and carefully arranged. Menus may change with the seasons.

It is close to fusion food, but not quite the same. Fusion mixes any cuisines freely. Modern Asian cooking usually starts from Asian traditions and updates them. Singapore's own blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan food makes it a natural home for this style.

Flavours you may see

• Miso: a salty fermented soybean paste from Japan.
• Gochujang: a sweet and spicy Korean chilli paste.
• Yuzu: a fragrant Japanese citrus fruit.
• Sambal: a chilli paste used across Southeast Asia.
• Pandan: a fragrant green leaf used across Southeast Asia, often in desserts.
• Dashi: a light Japanese stock, often made with kelp and dried fish.

Where to eat modern Asian food in Singapore

Fine dining

Meta Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant in the Orchard & River Valley area. Expect a tasting menu, which is a set meal of many small courses chosen by the chef. See Fine Dining for more.

Rooftop dining

Ce La Vi is a rooftop restaurant at the top of Marina Bay Sands, in the Marina Bay & CBD area. Go around sunset for views over the city. You could also visit the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck on the same trip. Before you go, read Rooftop Bar Dress Code in Singapore: What to Wear. See Rooftop & Sky Dining for more tables with a view.

Casual meals

Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen is a casual spot in the Marina Bay & CBD area. It suits an easy meal after work or before an evening out.

Related pages

For Singapore's own classics with a new twist, see Modern Singaporean. For new takes on Indian food, see Modern Indian. Contemporary lists more chef-led menus.

How to choose and book

• Pick the occasion. Choose a tasting menu for a special night, a rooftop for views, or a casual spot for a quick dinner.
• Book early. Tasting-menu restaurants have few seats. Popular dates can fill up weeks ahead.
• Share diet needs. Set menus are planned in advance. Tell the restaurant about allergies, vegetarian needs or religious needs when you book.
• Check the dress code. Fine dining and rooftop venues usually ask for smart casual clothes. Leave beachwear and flip-flops at the hotel.
• Allow time. A tasting menu can take two to three hours. Plan a relaxed evening around it.
• Know rough costs. Casual meals may cost around S$30 to S$60 per person. Tasting menus can cost S$200 or more. Prices change, so check menus first.
• Drink responsibly. Rooftop venues often have a bar. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18.

FAQs about modern Asian restaurants in Singapore

What does modern Asian cuisine mean?

It means Asian flavours cooked with new techniques and plated in a modern way. Chefs often mix ideas from more than one Asian country.

Is modern Asian the same as fusion?

Not quite. Fusion mixes any cuisines freely. Modern Asian cooking usually stays rooted in Asian flavours and updates them.

Do modern Asian restaurants have vegetarian menus?

Many tasting-menu restaurants can make a vegetarian version if you ask ahead. Tell them when you book.

What should I wear to a modern Asian restaurant in Singapore?

Smart casual is a safe choice. Rooftop and fine dining venues may turn away guests in shorts, singlets or slippers.

Is lunch cheaper than dinner?

Often, yes. Some fine dining restaurants offer shorter lunch menus at lower prices. Check the options when you book.