There is great delight to be found around the dining table. With food such a central part of our culture and society, it’s not hard to grin with glee at a table laden with warm plates of hearty fare. And in between bites is the perfect opportunity to share a laugh with the one next to you, dabbling in conversation over dinner. That’s where the real beauty of dining lies—the community.
You see this in the new wave that has taken over our local dining scene. Where the food is undoubtedly delicious to a top-notch standard, it’s the experiences that leave a lasting impression. The dining table sets the stage for unpretentious connection, bringing together like-minded people over a simple meal. Here, food goes beyond physical pleasure and nourishment, fuelling the mind, body and soul.
For a nation so deeply embedded in a culture centred around food, we’re always in search of something novel and bold. These two women-led dining spaces are the heavyweights upping the game, sparking a new trend in the dining scene that puts people at the forefront.
In A Pickle
In A Pickle is the brainchild of Sheryl Phua and Collette Miles. A love for hosting and Phua’s affinity for the kitchen brought the supper club to life within the comfort of their home. Their balcony is transformed into a private dining space every weekend. Here, a scrumptious eight-course meal is served and hearty conversation takes flight. It’s a tender space where strangers meet and old friends reconnect over Asian fusion dishes made from the heart.
Best known for their signature Hotate Kueh Pie Tee, the creation is a contemporary take on the traditional Lunar New Year dish. Miles’s grandmother’s recipe is imbued with fresh hotate and ikura chunks, juicy tangerines, pickled onions and a topping of leek oil. The result is a light, addictive fusion that’s a constant crowd favourite.
Ahimsa Sanctuary
Rooted in ancient Sanskrit, the word ahimsa translates to ‘non-violence’, a simple yet profound belief of refraining from harm and consciously incorporating compassion and care into one’s life. Ahimsa Sanctuary is built on this principle.
Led by founder Ash and her close-knit team, the holistic space on Neil Road is rooted in intention. The plant-based menu is incorporated with vibrant greens and traditional Ayurvedic principles, creating dishes that fuel and nourish. Upstairs, a mindful programme of yoga, breathwork and soundbaths re-centre the mind. A cosy nook at the side is where guests can relax, unwind and simply be. As an all-encompassing hub to recharge the body, soul and spirit, Ahimsa Sanctuary is a platform to be real and raw—the ultimate takeaway when you step out of the space.
Ahimsa Sanctuary, 76 Neil Rd, Singapore 088840
This story appears in Vogue Singapore’s March ‘Ignite’ issue, available online.
