#FOOD

6 Places To Enjoy Me-time Dining If You’re Alone This Valentine’s

Flying solo this Valentine's Day? Pamper yourself with a good meal.

By Mandy Lim Beitler        13 February 2024

While couples revel in the season of love, singles can savour the freedom of choice in their dining experience. Whether you treat yourself to a cosy candlelit dinner for one, or explore diverse flavours and cuisines with fellow singles, you get to celebrate your own unique journey. For solo diners this Valentine’s Day, embrace the joy of self-pampering with a delightful meal in six dining spots where you won’t feel out of place.

Harry’s

Harry's Valentine's Day solo dining

Runner-up for Best Gastro Bar at the Restaurant Association of Singapore’s Epicurean STAR Award 2023, Harry’s continues to thrive in today’s competitive F&B scene. Whether you’re focused on tucking into hearty bistro classics or catching a live football match over tipples and nibbles, all 19 outlets offer good food and great vibes.

From now till 29 February, you can sink your teeth into the Citrus Bliss Wagyu Burger, which stars a perfectly grilled Wagyu beef patty infused with Malfy Con Arancia Gin. Take a seat at the bar and ask for the Arancia Passion cocktail to complete the zesty meal, or enjoy your me-time menu at a table for one.

SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy up to 15% off regular-priced items at all Harry’s outlets except Changi Airport. More info at safra.sg/promotions/Harrys-23

Various outlets; harrys.com.sg


Takagi Ramen @ Staytion Dhoby Ghaut

Takagi Ramen @ Staytion Dhoby Ghaut

Singapore’s first 24-hour affordable ramen bar concept currently boasts 11 outlets, with most of them located in the heartlands from Jurong West to Pasir Ris. However, its newest and most central outlet within Dhoby Ghaut MRT station is also extra conducive for solo diners, thanks to tables in cosy corners and individual bar seating.

This means you can slurp up the Hakata-style ramen as loudly as you like with zero judgement. Or try the new Hiyashi Chuka, featuring thick, chewy cold noodles and an ice-cold shoyu dip. Wash it down with bubble tea or a soju bomb. Best of all, Takagi Ramen is absorbing the 2024 GST price hike, so enjoy!

On top of one-for-one alcoholic drinks, SAFRA members also enjoy 10% off regular-priced items. More info at safra.sg/promotions/takagi-ramen

#B1-11 Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station; takagiramen.com


Yakiniku-GO

Yakiniku-GO

Traditionally, table barbecues were designed for families and friends sharing a heartwarming communal meal. This meant that singletons were left out in the cold. Thanks to some innovative disruptors in the F&B industry in recent times, now solo diners can satisfy their barbecue cravings too. One of these is budget-friendly Japanese BBQ concept, Yakiniku-GO.

Choose from a wide selection of set meals starting from $10.80, then simply scan a QR code to make your order. Options run the gamut from chicken and pork to seafood and lamb, with a spotlight on quality prime beef cuts, such as in the signature Yakiniku-GO Set. After grilling the meats to your desired doneness, dip them into the house-made sauces for mouthfuls of flavour.

If you’d rather have the experts do the grilling for you, consider heading to 8 Korean BBQ, where SAFRA members and servicemen enjoy 10% off the total bill. More info at safra.sg/promotions/8KoreanBbq

Various outlets; res.com.sg


Xiabu Xiabu Hotpot

Xiabu Xiabu Hotpot

Steamboats or hotpots are another conventional communal dining concept that’s no longer exclusive to larger groups. At Xiabu Xiabu Hotpot, for example, they actually have a no-pot-sharing policy, so you’re on your own even if you’re dining in a group. The Chinese hotpot mega chain’s first outlet in Singapore offers individual hotpot stoves and bar counter-style seating.

To order, follow the steps in the menu, which guide you to select your set, soup base and drink. Bestsellers include the Genki Pork Set, Popular Beef Set and Stew Pork Tripe and Chicken Soup base. While waiting for your meal to arrive, get creative at the sauce counter where you can mix-and-match dips and pick your preferred carbs. There’ll be dessert too! 

Can’t decide between Korean BBQ and hotpot? Then have the best of both worlds at Pot Addiction. SAFRA members enjoy a free dual hotpot add-on, plus 10% off the Premium Buffet Menu. More info at safra.sg/promotions/pot-addiction

#01-03/04 Lazada One, 51 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189554; Tel: 6022 0116


Moonchild

Moonchild

The new kid on the block in the growing cafe scene in the Jalan Besar enclave, Moonchild has sprouted quite a following since opening in November last year. Many are curious about its eclectic menu, while others are drawn to its IG-friendly aesthetics. The cafe may sound like a good place for dating couples, but don’t worry, because you’ll find dedicated tables for individuals as well.

Look forward to brunch platters, such as Banana Bread with Espresso Mascarpone or Fried Potato Stack with Smoked Salmon and Poached Eggs. At the other end of the spectrum, Pork Dan-Dan Scallion Noodles is a Sichuan-inspired dish with a twist. Oh, and Moonchild is also pet-friendly, so you can flirt with your (fur)babe instead.

#01-01, 351 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208988; Tel: 6592 4755


Racines, Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Racines, Sofitel Singapore City Centre

This Valentine’s Day, Sofitel Singapore City Centre extends a bear-y warm welcome to singles marking the season of romance alone. The inclusive chefs at Racines have designed A Table for One, a delectable five-course dinner menu that you can savour while sharing a candlelit evening with one of the hotel’s iconic Ambearssadors, if you like.

Whet your appetite with Crispy Duck Rillettes Croquette and Hamachi & Salmon Carpaccio. The luxurious dining experience continues with Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté, followed by either Roasted Lamb Saddle or Pan-fried Sustainable Threadfin Fillet. A rose-shaped Raspberry Chocolate Chantilly dessert concludes the meal on a sweet note. The menu is exclusively available on 14 February at $98++, inclusive of a welcome glass of Prosecco.

Level 5, 9 Wallich Street, Singapore 078885; Tel: 6428 5000


Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for one year at $43.60 inclusive of GST) and get two years FREE! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too at $5.45/year. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.

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