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What’s a part of Singapore’s history or urban landscape that you find particularly inspiring?
AY: I’m endlessly fascinated by places where history lingers just beneath the surface. Bukit Brown Cemetery is one of those—it’s not just a cemetery, it’s a quiet archive of Singapore’s layered past, filled with stories of early pioneers. (Just… maybe not during Hungry Ghost Month!) I also love walking from Gillman Barracks down to Labrador Park. That journey—moving from a former military camp now reclaimed by contemporary art, into a protected coastal stretch—perfectly captures Singapore’s constant evolution between past, present, and reinvention.
Beyond the luxury boutiques, where do you go in Singapore to find unique, locally-made items that reflect the city’s creative spirit?
AY: I gravitate toward independent art spaces like STARCH, where emerging artists test ideas before they hit institutional walls. The new Chip Bee Bistro even has sexy Jimmy Ong drawings hanging casually on the walls—I love when a café has properly nice artworks!
Where’s the best place for a pamper or escape from the hustle and bustle of the city?
AY: Nature walks are my form of spa therapy. Labrador Park’s beach trail is beautifully underrated, especially at golden hour. There’s something grounding about being able to walk from an art enclave like Gillman Barracks straight into a stretch of sea breeze and quiet.
Where are your favorite places to eat that we won’t find in guide books?
AY: Love Yang Ming for lobster noodles, and I will happily get sentimental over a plate of Chwee Kueh at Tiong Bahru Market—simple, local, perfect. Little India in the evenings has a magic of its own; most of the Indian restaurants along Race Course Road are reliably good. I’m also obsessed with MTR’s thosai masala—it’s like a warm buttery hug, though it might be “too local” unless you’re adventurous in the best way.
For a night out on the town and to let your hair down, what would be your recommendation?
AY: Offtrack is my go-to because it’s chill—you don’t have to try hard, the music is consistently good, and it attracts people who actually enjoy sound over scene. It’s the kind of place you stay longer than planned because the vibe is comforting rather than performative.
ART SG 2026 City Guides: The Art of Living Locally invites gallerists, artists, and cultural insiders to spotlight Singapore’s most compelling destinations from a local perspective. Created for collectors, fair guests, and art enthusiasts alike, the guide offers an insider’s look at the city’s creative energy and cultural rhythm beyond the fair.