Where to Eat If You’re Covering the Trump-Kim Summit

Well, in case you haven’t heard, the momentous summit is back on again. Trump and Kim, along with over 3,000 journalists will be dropping by our humble little island.

And with the June 12 summit preparation happening in full swing, I’m sure we all can’t help but feel a little proud of our country, playing a small but integral role in such a historic occasion. Some people have even expressed their eagerness to show the two world leaders around in the form of curated itineraries.

But for the 3,000 international journalists who will be working round-the-clock at the F1 Pit Building, we’ve got your back, too. We certainly know how difficult it will be to work on an empty stomach, especially given our renowned local food scene. Yes, food will be catered. But our vibrant food scene is definitely worth exploring too. Ahead, we’ve created a quick walking food guide with places you can grab a bite while/ during/ after work. After all, even the most hardworking of us need a breather too.

Disclaimer: Walking distance and travelling times are based on estimates.

Singapore Flyer

This is the closest place from the F1 Pit Building. There’s a 7-Eleven and Subway for a quick bite. But for some caffeine, visit Daily Kopi for a taste of our local coffee with condensed milk (kopi-si). There’s also a modern hawker center, Singapore Food Treats, serving up local food in a retro setting. Here, you can find usual suspects like fried oyster (from $5) and bak kut teh (pork rib soup, from $4). For more local food, we’ll recommend walking slightly further to Makansutra Gluttons Bay (see below).

Directions: Google Maps might show a longer route, but you’ll probably be able to cut right through if the place isn’t barricaded for security reasons.

Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803

Opening hours: Daily Kopi 7:30am – 7:30pm daily; Singapore Food Treats 11am – 10pm daily

Makansutra Gluttons Bay – 15mins walk

Makansutra is founded by local food expert and photojournalist KF Seetoh, and Gluttons Bay is home to many street hawkers. Visit Soon Lee Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee for some namesake hokkien mee (stir-fried prawn noodle dish from $4) and Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice for our famed chicken rice (from $4).

While prices are generally more expensive than the heartlands, you can probably still get a meal for under $10. Another bonus—the place opens till late, so you can easily drop by and wind down with a pint or two.

Directions: Walk past the Singapore Flyer, and continue down along Raffles Ave. You’ll walk past The Float @ Marina Bay on your left.  

Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803

Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 5pm – 2am; Fri – Sat: 5pm – 3am; Sun: 4pm – 1am

Esplanade – 18 min walk

The infamous durian fruit might make you shudder, but the Esplanade certainly won’t. Made to resemble the thorny fruit itself, this cultural hotspot has got various dining options. Not a fan of durian? Have some coconut ice cream (served in a husk, from $5.50) from Co+Nut+Ink instead.

 

Or drop by Alter Ego for some fresh poke bowl (from $17) and a sinful serving of their Pizza Fries ($14). No Signboard Seafood is a leading local seafood restaurant, with must-order dishes like the chilli crab with fried buns to soak up all that luscious sauce. Follow the scenic river and you’ll stumble upon Tang Heng Huat, a local mama shop (snack store) with a variety of drinks and snacks.

Directions: Walk to Makansutra Gluttons Bay, and head further down till you see two gigantic durians.

Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

Opening hours: Co+Nut+Ink Sun – Thu: 1:30pm – 10pm; Alter Ego 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm daily; No Signboard Seafood 11am – 11pm daily; Tang Teng Huat Mon – Fri: 3pm – 11pm, Sat – Sun 11am – 12mn

Millenia Walk – 18 min walk

Millenia Walk is another mall to venture to. Pop by Patisserie G for some sweet treats and all-day brunch, but you’ll want to save some space for desserts, like the delicate Lychee Rose Cheesecake (from $8.50) or The G-Spot (from $9) with dark chocolate mousse and praline feuilletine that’ll surely hit the sweet spot.

 

Give your mom's well-being a boost this Mother's Day! 💓 Our signature 5 Elements Soup revitalises the body and strengthens immunity with nourishing ingredients.🌿 5 differently coloured vegetables – burdock root (yellow), carrot (red), shiitake mushrooms (black), radish (white) and radish leaves (green) – are simmered for optimum nutrition; also added are bamboo fungus, snow lotus seed, dates and white fungus for enhanced glow and complexion! 👩✨✨ 滋补的《五行汤》通过熬煮五色蔬菜- 淮山、胡萝卜、白萝卜、冬菇与萝卜叶,达到充养五脏的功效,材料中的竹笙、雪莲子、红枣和银耳亦有助嫩肤养颜,是母亲节慰劳辛苦妈妈的靓汤首选哦! #elemen 🍃🌿

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For something more wholesome, Plentyfull offers customisable meals in the afternoon, with a set with one base, one protein, and two sides going for $17. Vegetarian-friendly establishment elemen has got nourishing soups (from $7) like Double-Boiled Maca Soup, and toothsome salads ($from $5.80) to stay on top of that clean diet.

Directions: Walk away from the Singapore Flyer and follow the road down. You’ll see The Ritz-Carlton on your left, before reaching Millenia Walk. 

Address: 9 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039596

Opening hours: Patisserie G Mon – Thu 7:30am – 9pm, Fri 7:30am – 10pm, Sat 10am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 9pm; Plentyfull Mon – Fri 8am – 10:30pm, Sat – Sun 10am – 10:30pm; elemen Mon – Sun 11:30am – 4pm, 5:30pm – 10pm.

Marina Bay Sands – 20 min walk

Yes the walk might be a little far, but this famous building will be worth the walk. Along the way, you’ll walk past the Helix Bridge (it looks like a funky DNA—you won’t miss it). Take in the river view and the skyline while you’re walking.

 

Before you know it, you’ll be standing in Singapore premier shopping destination, filled with world-famous labels and celebrity restaurants. Drop by Din Tai Fung for their famous soup dumplings and la mian (hand-pulled noodles), or get your ramen fix at the renowned Ippudo restaurant. Singaporeans are fiercely loyal to their bubble tea, and LiHo will be a decent and affordable option to get some chewy tapioca pearls (from $2). If you’ve got time to spare, squeeze in some retail therapy, or hop over to Gardens by the Bay and enjoy some pretty blooms.

Directions: Follow the path towards Singapore Flyer and turn left along Bayfront Ave. Cross the bridge and you’ll spot MBS. 

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Opening hours: Din Tai Fung Mon – Thu 11am – 9:30pm, Fri – Sat 10am – 10pm, Sat 10am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 9:30pm; Ippudo Sun – Thu 10:30am – 11pm, Fri- Sat 10:30am – 11:30pm; LiHo Sun – Thu 10:30am – 11pm, Fri – Sat 10:30am – 11:30pm.

Banner images from Plentyfull, No Signboard Seafood, and LiHo