National Day Singapore 2019: 9 places to eat, drink, and play your long weekend away

This year's National Day is the one we've all been waiting for - the one that falls on a Friday. And with Hari Raya Haji falling on Sunday with an off-in-lieu on Monday, we're up for some pure, long-weekend bliss. While some take the opportunity for a quick stint in Bangkok or Taiwan, there's some comfort in staying close to home and spending time with family. We've rounded up some of the best things to do this holiday - from bottomless brunches by the bay and staycation specials.

GRAND PARK ORCHARD

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Grand Park Orchard's warm hospitality and premier location in the heart of Orchard Road make it a definite contender for the best way to staycay in Singapore. Enjoy a luxurious stay in one of their many contemporary rooms before heading out to bask in the sun by their outdoor pool. What's more, their National Day package includes food and drink credit, which can go towards an excellent bottomless Dim Sum Brunch (available weekends and public holidays) at Mitzo or fun alcoholic bubble tea cocktails at Bar Canary.

The deets: Use promo code SG54 when placing your booking for 20 per cent off Premier and Crystal Club Rooms with S$20 F&B Credit. Book by 30 August 2019 for a stay period of now until 31 September 2019. HSBC, UOB, DBS cardholders and Park Rewards members enjoy bubble tea cocktails at a special price of S$15++ each, or S$28++ for two.

Grand Park Orchard is located at 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857, p. +65 6603 8888.

KINKI RESTAURANT & BAR

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Kick start your long weekend with Kinki's Bottomless Brunch on 9 August; think unlimited servings of maki, sashimi and other modern-Japanese mains. If watching the annual firework show is a must, make a reservation and catch the dazzling pyrotechnics with their Rooftop Package. Besides your own private table, it comes with a sharing platter for the munchies, four cans of Redbull, a bottle of Belvedere, a choice of Monkey Shoulder or Hendrick's Gin and a mixer jug.

And that's not all. The following night will see the Kinkilicious x Eatmepoptart party starting from 8pm, where well-loved DJs such as weelikeme and KiDG will be on the turntables, rolling out anthems of their signature Eatmepoptart's parties.

The deets: Priced at $58++ per person, Kinki's Bottomless Brunch is happening 9 August 12pm-3pm while private table bookings with the Rooftop Package are priced at S$500 nett for up to 6 people. Kinkilicious x Eatmepoptart: Eatmepoptart Classics is happening 10 August, 8pm till late. Free entry, with the first 50 persons at the door to enjoy a complimentary Redbull Vodka cocktail.

Kinki Restaurant & Bar is located at 70 Collyer Quay, #02-02 Customs House, Singapore 049323, p. +65 6533 3471, e. enq_kinki@fareast.com.sg.

W SINGAPORE - SENTOSA COVE

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Amp up your National Day weekend at Singapore's very own island escape with W Singapore's own festival of sorts - SINGA-PLURAL. Jumpstart your day with retro schoolyard games at the W Lawn from 12.30pm, raise a glass with back-to-back pool parties featuring local booze and food and homegrown DJ talent, and dance your afternoon away with party hits at WET® from 3pm-6pm. Don't forget about dinner at The Kitchen Table either; their Super Local feast sees the likes of local delicacies such as Grilled Stingray with Sambal Lemon Sauce, Traditional Black Pepper Crab, and even a Durian Cheesecake join the buffet line-up.

The deets: SINGA-PLURAL takes place on 9-10 August all day. The Super Local feast is priced at S$78++ for lunch and S$98++ for dinner. Singapore Slings also go for S$15++ at all venues, and 2-hour free-flow Tiger Beer for S$28++ at WET®.

The Kitchen Table is located at W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way Sentosa, Singapore 098374, p. +65 6808 7268. Opens Mon-Fri 6.30am-10.30pm and Sat-Sun 6.30am-11pm.

THE PELICAN

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The Pelican pays tribute to Singapore's ever-changing foodscape of limitless possibilities. This holiday, treat yourself and loved ones to a specially-curated four-course dinner in an elegant oceanic setting by the river. Available only on 9 August, dive into a rich and intense Laksa Fisherman Pie and finish off with Coconut Pandan Pana Cotta. If you're planning on drinking more than eating, check out Pelican's exclusive celebration package for a party of 6, which includes spicy calamari, truffle fries, a bottle of Roku Gin and a bottle of Old Pulteney 12 Years whisky.

The deets: The National Day four-course dinner is available on 9 August and is priced at S$98++ per person. The exclusive celebration package for 6 is priced at S$388++.

The Pelican is located at 1 Fullerton Road, #01-01 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213, p. +65 6438 0400, e. enq_pelican@fareast.com.sg. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm and 6pm-11pm, and Sun 12pm-4pm and 6pm-9.30pm.

ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS

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A staycation at Royal Plaza on Scotts this National Day comes with breakfast and high tea buffet for two at their award-winning restaurant Carousel. Indulge in modern reinventions of classic desserts with fluffy gula melaka sponge layered with chendol mousse and white chocolate glaze in the Chendol Gâteau, or a rich and nutty Gula Melaka Crème Brulee. Live in your own slice of local heritage in newly-renovated rooms, colourfully represented by wall art of Singapore's old shophouses. See our review here.

The deets: Book the Best Available Rate+S$54 from now until 30 August 2019, valid for stays from 1 to 31 August 2019. From 7 to 11 August, National Day highlights at Carousel start from S$32++ per adult and S$20++ per child. Click here for more prices and information.

Royal Plaza on Scotts is located 25 Scotts Road, Singapore 228220, p. +65 6737 7966.

SALTWATER

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Don't like crowds? Make your way then, to the quintessential slice of Singapore life that is Changi Village for Saltwater where you'll be entirely spoilt for choice between local delights - think Nonya Laksa and DIY Traditional Nonya Kueh Pie Tee - as well as their selection of grilled meat and seafood. One highlight of Saltwater's Chill & Grill dinner buffet is the array of 15 tantalising sauces at the a la minute barbecue station, including spicy Gochuchang, refreshing Cucumber and Yoghurt and a rich Sambal Belado.

The deets: Available every Friday to Sunday, 6.30pm-10pm. The buffet is priced at S$58++ for adults and S$29++ for children aged 6 to 12. See the full menu here.

Saltwater is located at 1 Netheravon Road, Village Hotel Changi, Level 1, Singapore 508502, p. +65 63797018, e. saltwater@kitchenlanguage.com.sg. Opens Mon-Sun 6.30pm-10pm.

CAFFE FERNET

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Caffe Fernet brings you spectacular views of the National Day fireworks - so don't panic if you didn't get a seat at the parade! In fact, who needs a goody bag when you have a delicious spread of sharing dishes and free-flow drinks? From special features like Beef Rendang in coconut polenta to house specialties like Burrata Mozzerella and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, watch the firework display in comfort. The folks will also keep you well watered with alcoholic libations like the signature Caffe Fernet Negroni and, of course, the Singapore Sling.

The deets: Available on 9th August, 5.30pm -8:30pm (Doors open at 5pm). Tickets are priced from S$120-S$160 for adults, and S$60 for children 7-12. Children under 7 dine free. For tickets, click here.

Caffe Fernet is located at 70, #01-05 Collyer Quay, Customs House, Singapore 049323, p. +65 9178 1105. Opens Mon-Thu 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 11am-5pm.

DEAN & DELUCA

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Here's something new that you probably haven't tried yet: Chili Crab Waffles. Ring in another new year for the nation by ticking off yet another twist on the iconic local speciality at Dean & DeLuca. A combination of crisp waffles topped with deep-fried soft-shell crab with lashings of the famous sweet and savoury gravy. If you're looking to commemorate the occasion, get the exclusive, limited-edition Merlion Tote Bag, available from now at all outlets or while stocks last.

The deets: The Chili Crab Waffles are priced at S$16 nett. The Merlion Tote Bag is priced at S$35 nett.

Dean & DeLuca is located at Far East Square, 47 Pekin Street, #01-01, Singapore 048777, p. +65 6536 2460. Opens Mon-Fri 7am-8pm and Sat-Sun 7am-12pm. Their second location is at HillV2, 4 Hillview Rise, #01-01, Singapore 667979, +65 6710 7282. Opens Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm.

MAO FABER

Durian lovers, if this year's Durian Guide got you jonesing for some, swing by for One Faber Group's first-ever "Mao" Faber Durian Night on 10 August, for premium-grade quality Mao Shan Wang, durian-themed interactive stage games, and other local delicacies in a collaboration with local enthusiasts from Spikes of Love. Accompanying the local King of Fruit will also be a variety of local favourites such as a variety of satay, barbecued chicken wings and grilled seafood.

The deets: Mao Faber will be happening on 10 August, 6pm-10pm at Faber Deck. Admission is free. The first 200 guests that pre-register for "Mao" Faber Durian Night through One Faber Group's website will receive a $5 discount.

This article was first published in City Nomads.