Social Dining: 10 Best places in Singapore to snack on sharing platters

huibing 29 Jun 2017

1/10
Club Street Social
From its name, it’s easy to surmise that Club Street Social is a place for social dining. Tucked away in a corner on Gemmill Lane, their newly-launched all-day menu makes this place even more perfect for social gatherings. With a unique list of small plates and sharing platters, you and your friends can happily munch on the wide selection available. Try the beef short rib fritters and the churros, if you’re looking for a little recommendation!

5 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069261

Photo: Club Street Social Facebook
2/10
My Awesome Cafe
For food served with the freshest of ingredients, you cannot go wrong with My Awesome Cafe. The co-owner selects each component of the dish with great care, getting some from the nearby market and importing others from Australia. Though their salad is delicious (rightfully named My Awesome Salad), opt for their wrap platters and cold cuts if you’re dining with a large group, so you can eat to your heart's content.

202 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068639

Photo: My Awesome Cafe Facebook
3/10
The Disgruntled Chef
From the very beginning of the meal, be prepared to be wowed. Kickstart your meal with the truffle brioche and nori butter or the onion charcoal bread, and prepare to dig into their selection of small and big plates that will suit the tastebuds of any. The crackling suckling pig is cooked to perfection, while the wagyu beef remains a favourite of many. And, after that, end your meal with their roquefort & honey “magnum" and churros bowl — to die for!

26B Dempsey Road, Singapore 247693

Photo: The Disgruntled Chef
4/10
Esquina
Based on the tapas bars found in Spain, Esquina elevates group dining to a whole new level. Housed in a shophouse that meticulously blends together modern and traditional elements, the establishment seems to be perpetually full, so don’t go before making a reservation prior. Begin the meal with the Tsarskaya oysters and the omelette, before delighting your tongues with the variety of options available.

16 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089267

Photo: Esquina Facebook
5/10
Firebake
Of the newer additions to East Coast Road, already known for the offerings of tasty food, Firebake is located right below Yoga Movement and offers bread that brings the basics back. Their pièce de résistance is the wood-fired oven that is over 100 years old, but this place is not just about the bread. With a variety of shared plates to choose from, you know you will definitely have a great time here at Firebake.

237 East Coast Road, Singapore 428930

Photo: Firebake Facebook
6/10
Ash & Elm
The Intercontinental is home to more than a few good options, and Ash & Elm has joined the ranks with its European cuisine that proves itself to be a brilliant place for group dining. Upon stepping in, be prepared to be dazzled with the flow of natural light that really opens the space up, offering a pleasant experience from the get-go. Their daily buffet breakfast is amazing, but the sharing platter truly makes this an experience for group meals.

Level 1, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966

Photo: Ash & Elm Facebook
7/10
Don Ho
Don Ho can be a bit hard to find for first-time visitors but, once you’ve arrived, it’s difficult not to make this place your watering hole. Located in The Working Capitol, the entrance to Don Ho is at its back, through the graffiti-lined alley. The wallpaper would make you feel like you’re truly in the Garden City, and the open-kitchen concept gives you a sense of coziness that’s hard to find. Their menu divides up the origins of the food, with earth, land, and sea, but the best part is their sharing plate for big groups.

1 Keong Saik Road, The Working Capitol, Singapore 089109

Photo: Don Ho
8/10
Salted and Hung
Salted and Hung was originally named 5th Quarter but has since moved to their current location at Purvis Street. This Australian dining establishment showcases the skills of Drew Nocente that focuses on in-house curing and smoking of meat. Though their restaurant was not formed specifically for group dining, their brilliant suckling pig makes this a good option for groups. Do take note that you have to order a few days in advance, but it’s so worth it!

12 Purvis Street, Singapore 188591

Photo: Salted and Hung
9/10
Original Sin

For delectable vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine, Original Sin is the place to go. Opened since 1997, their dishes have left strong impressions on anyone who has ever tried it. Try out their risotto and Kashmir pizza, but the Mezze platter for two with its selection of dips and bread will not disappoint as well! Good service, affordable prices, all while serving up a delicious fare, Original Sin scores on all fronts!

Blk 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-62, Singapore 278115

Photo: Original Sin Facebook
10/10
Dharma’s Kebabs
Right next to Boat Quay’s famous BQ Bar, Dharma’s Kebabs was founded in 2004 and has since then been serving up delicious kebabs. The naan is made fresh, accompanying grilled meats that are both fragrant and mouthwateringly delicious. While this place is closed on Sundays, the cajun fries that accompany the kebabs are to die for, so don’t forget to properly indulge in one (or several) kebab sticks the next time you’re around.

40 Boat Quay, Singapore 049829

Photo: BQ Bar

When eating out with groups, you can’t go wrong with sharing platters!

When it comes down to it, there’s nothing Singaporeans love more than eating (except, perhaps, a good sale, of course). So it is no wonder that our streets are perpetually lined with eateries, ranging from superb omakase restaurants to epic vintage-themed cafes and hawker centers! Even so, dining with a big group of friends can sometimes be tricky. From consolidating orders to awkwardly tasting each other’s dishes across the table, there still isn’t an elegant way of properly eating with groups of friends, no matter how often we’ve done it. Or, is there?

These 10 restaurants will show you how it’s done — with large, communal-style dining platters that can comfortably feed many people, you can be sure that dinner is done in the most uncomplicated of ways, no muss and no fuss required.

Lee Hui Bing

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