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Options in Singapore for scrumptious dining are many and varied so if you can tear yourself away from the magnificent marina area for an evening-with-a-difference, then make your way to Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar. Originally the go-to street for over-the-top wedding dresses, Tras Street has developed into an international culinary hub. Michelin-starred protegés, bespoke cocktail masters and a tapas & sake bar offer an eclectic mix of flavours and environments in old shophouse style.

At Jekyll & Hyde (49 Tras Street) mention cravings to the bar staff and they’ll prepare a signature cocktail for your current mood. No idea? They’ll be happy to inspire you with talk of sweet, sour, tall, short and “tini”. A fun experience for when it’s quiet but the individual service may slow delivery at busier times, so pop in early and enjoy some focused attention. Since December 2015, the kitchen has been in action so enjoy appetisers of foie gras, yellow tail or crab with your cocktails. Alternatively, settle in and indulge in pasta, risotto and mains of salmon, pork and beef. A short yet confident menu from where I’ve noted Shirobuta Pork as a must-have when we return.

Across the road at Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar (38 Tras Street), Spain and Japan connect deliciously. Chef Pepe Moncayo‘s experience of pairing sake with western food at a sake brewery dinner in Japan opened his eyes and palate to “Shu-do”, sake-way in Japanese or simply sake appreciation. His take on “Modern Shu-do” is the experience at Bam!. Select from a la carte or leave it to Chef Pepe to create your 7-course Omakase surprise menu. Go all out by pairing his menu with sake selected by one of 3 sake sommeliers on site. If sake is not your thing there’s a tight selection of Spanish wines on offer. Take a seat at the bar and watch as chefs prepare your dishes in the open kitchen. The end result is not just delectable, but a work of art. Menus change based on market fresh daily produce and receive an overhaul on a regular basis.

Should Pork “Noodles” be available do not hesitate. The “noodles” are made from pork rind served al dente with an intense pork flavour. Slow cooked lamb shank filled gyoza are outstanding and my personal favourite; perfectly sliced scallop sashimi served with jamon and Autumn truffle. This, I could consume on a daily basis. If the pigeon is there, give it a go. Served with a green mango salad and coriander on our visit, it was tender and juicy. A stark industrial fit-out with bare bulb lighting ensures the food is the focus while large portraits of Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery add an air of sophistication. Bam! Tapas-Sake Bar is definitely worth revisiting.

After 6 years working under world renowned Michelin starred chef, Alain Ducasse, Alexandre Lozachmeur spread his wings and arrived in Singapore. Following stints in 5-star hotel restaurants, he is now Chef and owner of Fleur de Sel (64 Tras Street). Another open kitchen concept with bar seating, the Chef’s personal service resembles a private dining table. Offering a very affordable 3-course Set Lunch Menu, 3  and 4-course Set Dinner menus, an 8-course degustation menu and a la carte, Chef Alexandre has considered everyone from the French cuisine novice through to the indulgent foodie. Private dining is also available seating up to 12 guests with bespoke menus prepared in advance. For home dining, orders for mince pork, chicken and chestnut stuffed French Chicken served with garlic jus, sautéed potatoes and braised Brussels sprouts to feed 6 may be ordered. Chef Alexandre’s flavoured salts make great gifts and French Brie filled with black truffle paste is a cheese lovers dream.

Thanks to City Nomads for updating their Tras Street review last year. We could only get to 3 of their recommendations in a night but that creates a reason to return. Have you been to these 3 or others on their list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Tras Street Singapore: it’s a place we love….