Majulah, makan lah

SINGAPORE - The flags are out in force and the planes are flying above your head, so it can only mean one thing - National Day is just around the corner.

We are a year from the big jubilee celebration, but it doesn't mean your celebration should be muted for the 49th.

One way to celebrate is to do what Singaporeans love best: Eat like siao.

Pardon the Singlish, but it's moments like these that our uniquely Singaporean national pride surfaces.

In tribute to the nation's 49th birthday, here are 10 places to check out for your National Day grub.

Be a true kiasu Singaporean and plan ahead.

If don't, later no space.

Dishes

Satay at The Knolls, Capella Singapore

From Aug 8 to 10, The Knolls restaurant at Capella Singapore is serving satay.

Of course, since it's at Capella, it will be fancy - expect Wagyu beef, chicken and lamb loin.

Prices start at $3 a stick.

Mixed satay platters are at $48 a plate.

To make a reservation, call 6591-5046.

Chilli crab risotto at Jamie's Italian

The team at Jamie's Italian has turned our national dish into a risotto, available from Aug 7 to 10.

This version has seafood, including prawns, white and brown crab meat, crispy soft shell crab and features a special chilli crab paste. This risotto costs $34.50.

For reservations, go to www.jamieoliver.com/italian/singapore/vivo-city

Seafood Laksa Pizza at Picotin Express

The seafood laksa pizza is available only on Aug 9. It has a spicy laksa paste and is topped with squid, prawns, crab meat, tau pok, chili and mozzarella cheese. Deep-fried laksa leaves are also thrown in.

It will be available at 1, Figaro Street, in Opera Estate, and at #01-06 Quayside Isle.

Crab & Chilli pizza at Spizza

For another twist on local flavours, Spizza is offering the crab & chilli pizza (from $19). It features a tomato base topped with shredded crab meat, cherry tomatoes, chilli, mixed bell peppers, coriander and egg.

For outlets, visit www.spizza.sg.

Drinks

The 49-er, at Fort Canning Hotel's Bar & Lounge

This red and white cocktail, The 49-er ($19.65) reminds one of a strawberry shortcake milkshake. It contains amaretto, cacao white, fresh strawberry puree, double cream and is garnished with fresh strawberry.

Now available, it has an extra kick to get you through the day.

Milo Dinosaur shots at Cook & Brew, The Westin Singapore

This August, Cook & Brew has limited-edition shots infused with local flavours like Teh Tarik, Bandung and Milo.

You can also get a bucket of five Tiger Radler Beers at $49, accompanied by delicious local delights from the $49 Singaporean Food Platter which has soft shell crab, otah, satay and grilled shrimp.

Buffet

Streets of Singapore Buffet at River Garden Coffee House, Riverview Hotel

From Aug 1 to 15, you'll get all the local food you crave for here.

From oyster omelette to Nonya laksa to sop kambing - it's all available to challenge your calorie intake.

And on National Day, you can catch the parade live on four big screens and have a Tiger Beer at $9.50.

Lunch is at $36.80, except on Sundays, and dinner is $42.80.

Call 6349-4871 for reservations.

A Long Long Lunch at Edge, Pan Pacific Hotel

For those with a never-ending appetite and a fondness of taking it easy, this is the best choice.

For $50, you can eat and relax for five and a half hours.

There will be 30 local dishes on the buffet - my favourite is the kaya toast station - and the desserts are always good here.

This extra-long makan session is available this Saturday, Aug 2 and Aug 9.

Call 6826-8240 for reservations.

Straits Cuisine buffet at Orchard Cafe, Orchard Hotel

Three things Singaporeans love - buffets, durians and discounts. This combines all three.

From Aug 1 to 17, every third diner pays just $4.90. Every one else pays $48 for lunch and $68 for dinner.

The highlight of this buffet is 49 flavours of roti prata. You'll also get fresh durians.

To make a reservation, call 6739-6565.

National Day buffet at Forlino, One Fullerton

Only for National Day, Forlino is serving an Italian buffet spread while you watch the fireworks display.

And for the occasion, there is a local twist to the food offered. The kitchen will introduce three local-inspired dishes: chili crab raviolone, hamachi satay and tajima wagyu Satay.

The meal, priced at $208, comes with free-flow beverages (soft drinks, red/white wines, beers and Prosecco).

To make a reservation, call 6690-7564.

weeteck@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on July 23, 2014.
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