Where to eat and drink on National Day 2017

As foodies, we all celebrate National Day in a different way. What Singaporeans are blessed with (and sometimes take for granted) is a vibrant and thriving dining scene that serves up a diverse range of cuisines. In celebration of our 52nd birthday, these F&B venues have added a local touch to their National Day offerings. Don't know where to go? Whether it's sky high dining with a view of the fireworks or a chillout spot away from the traffic, we've got you covered.

FOR A BREATHTAKING FIREWORKS DISPLAY
You want front row tickets to the entertaining fireworks but hate jostling with the crowds at the National Day Parade. Well, these four restaurants provide the view without the human crush.

ME@OUE will serve a meat fiesta ($188) from 6pm to 9pm on 9 August. Diners can look forward to a row of live stations offering Chinese, French and Japanese style roasts, such as pork belly char siew, dried rubbed Wagyu tomahawk, and charcoal-grilled robatayaki. Adding to the generous spread are Saint Vaast oysters, a selection of tantalising canapés, and a free-flow of Me@OUE Singapore Sling Cocktail. Rooftop Level. OUE Bayfront Rooftop, 50 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6634 4555

Forlino launches a five-course dinner menu (till 8 August, $148/person) and a semi-buffet dinner (9 August, $280/person). The restaurant will also inject a local twist into its Italian dishes. For the five-course dinner, you can expect a fragrant Gnocchi Laksa (think gnocchi, milky-creamy laksa sauce, sautéed scampi and coconut); and Oven Baked King Crab (oozy burrata cheese, chilli crab sauce, and mango tapenade). #02-06, One Fullerton, One Fullerton Road. Tel: 6690 7564.

Also adding a local touch to its Italian cuisine is Monti. The restaurant will offer five- and six-course sets ($188 and $288, inclusive of two glasses of Champagne) featuring dishes such as the Chilli Crab Agnolotti with spicy chilli crab sauce, curry leaf, and Sawakani (Japanese fresh water crab). The rooftop bar is where you can admire a fiery burst of colours over the night sky while sipping on the Kampong Boy Cocktail. Made with lemongrass, kaffir lime lime leaf, passionfruit, grapefruit, rum, triple sec and tequila, this concoction is a toast to our Little Red Dot’s rich cultural diversity. Available on 9 August. The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6535 0724

Situated high up on Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 is LeVeL33, a popular expat  and after-work hangout. It's a great vantage point to watch the fireworks while sipping on their interpretation of the Singapore Sling ($25), a refreshing concoction of pineapple, angostura bitters, cherry brandy, Cointreau and Benedictine. Next, dig into the Singapore Platter (perfect for two, $50), which takes inspiration from local dishes. The Pan-seared Coconut Brioche with Pandan Jam, for example, pays a nod to kaya toast. You can also enjoy savoury items such as Black Vinegar Roast Pork and the unique Chicken Rice Arancini served with tangy pickled chilli mayo. Available on 9 August. #33-01, 8 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. Tel: 6834 3133.

FOR LOCAL DELIGHTS + TIPPLES
What’s a National Day celebration without our local flavours? Not much, we think.

Gather the whole family clan for a slew of sumptuous local favourites at Edge. Their National Day Heritage Buffet ($88, till 9 August) offers more than 20 heritage dishes under one roof. Gracing the spread: an Otak Otak Fried Rice, White Salmon Tandoori, Nynonya Style Chicken Curry, and the perennial favourite, the Signature Nandu Crab Briyani. Get a sugar rush from desserts like Gula Melaka Chiffon Cake and Earl Grey Tea Tiramisu Gateau. Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6826 8240

Nutmeg & Clove, a bar known for cocktails richly infused with native botanicals to reflect Singapore's culinary heritage, will delve deep into the history books to present a National Day menu inspired by William Farquhar's natural history drawings. The four tipple options ($22 each, 1-for-1 during happy hour) offer balanced flavours and harmony on the palate. Our pick: the King and Queen. A tropical twist on the milk punch, it's a wonderful blend of rum, milk, durian, mangosteen, coffee, pandan and lemon.
10A Ann Siang Hill. Tel: 9389 9301

Sitting on Ann Siang Hill in a three-storey shophouse, popular gastro bar Oxwell & Co is known for homey and comforting British fare. From now till 12 August, you can, however, savour local flavoured cocktails and bites. Enjoy the classic Singapore Sling ($19) garnished with pineapple and cherry, or the Bandung Sour ($19), a delectable concoction of spiced rum, rose syrup, calamansi juice and evaporated milk. Then move onto the Chilli Baby Crab ($16) served with deep-fried golden-brown mantou buns and the refreshing Kueh Dadar & Vanilla Ice-cream ($14). 5 Ann Siang Road. Tel: 6438 3984