A breathtaking twilight perspective from above, capturing Singapore’s skyline featuring Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands.
Image: Pexels/ Sergey Guk
Travel is a passion that goes beyond words for me. There is a profound sense of empowerment in visiting a new country and immersing myself in its unique culture, energy and people.
The lessons gained are vast, regardless of whether a journey brings positive encounters or difficult hurdles. In the end, the act of travelling transforms your perspective in ways you could never anticipate.
When I can't travel, I find inspiration from the experiences of trusted industry names. One such person is Dale Herbst, better known to his social media audience as That Food Guy.
Aside from having followers drool over his culinary exploits, his recent international trips have been giving us travel envy, too.
During his visit, Dale Herbst checked out BreadTalk, which is popular bakery chain in the city.
Image: Dale Herbst
I recently had the chance to interview the celebrated food photographer and strategist, a key figure in South Africa’s culinary world. We discussed his recent trip to Bangkok, Thailand, which was followed by a visit to Singapore.
He shared: “Singapore was a last-minute addition to my Bangkok trip en route back to Cape Town, and I’m so happy I did it. I love the calm, structured energy of Singapore, the incredible food scene, and the coffee culture is massive.”
The city clearly left a lasting first impression as Herbst plans on returning in October.
Renowned for its avant-garde skyline and a diverse culinary landscape, Singapore offers a premier global dining experience.
The best way to get the sense of a city is to explore it by foot that is exactly what Dale Herbst did during his visit to Singapore.
Image: Dale Herbst
How does Singapore’s Peranakan heritage continue to colour the city’s identity in an age of glass skyscrapers and high-speed tech?
What Singapore does beautifully is preserve culture through its heritage neighbourhoods and food.
I ate at Rempapa, where the menu blends Singaporean Chinese, Peranakan, Eurasian, Indian and Malay flavours, a true reflection of the city’s rich cultural identity.
Does it feel like a city built within a nature reserve or a nature reserve built within a city, where is the line drawn?
Not sure as I’m not too familiar with it yet, but what stood out to me was the amount of greenery, so many trees, gardens and parks everywhere, which was amazing to see.
In a global financial hub, why are the humble hawker centres still the most sacred cultural space for every Singaporean?
The hawker centres are such an important part of the city’s energy and culture. I visited quite a few across Singapore, but I especially loved the food in Little India, vibrant, flavour-packed and full of atmosphere.
How has Marina Bay's evolution from a basic waterfront into a futuristic destination altered the international perception of Singapore?
Marina Bay is incredible; a diverse mix of people, world-class food offerings and a buzzing energy that feels alive day and night. I found myself returning there often during my trip.
From lunch at Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, to matcha from HEYTEA and picking up my favourite chocolate from Läderach, it became one of my favourite parts of Singapore.
What stood out as the key highlights of your trip?
Singapore offers such a beautiful mix of culture, modern city experiences and incredible food.
I had lunch at Odette, the three-Michelin-star restaurant that completely lived up to the experience, and also explored some of the city’s standout coffee spots, including Apartment Coffee, Narrative Coffee Stand, Alchemist and Nylon Coffee Roasters, all incredible brands doing coffee exceptionally well.
Singapore Changi Airport is renowned for its exceptional hygiene standards and overall traveller experience. Its Jewel Rain Vortex is a major drawcard.
Image: Instagram