Milli Sky Dining & Bar @ National Gallery - Singapore’s All-Star Rooftop Dining & Nightlife Entertainment Destination

Perched atop the iconic National Gallery Singapore, Milli Sky Dining & Bar arrives as one of the year’s most anticipated openings, redefining the city’s dining and nightlife landscape with a bold, multi-sensory concept. Helmed by an all-star collective — LG Han, Vijay Mudaliar, and the team behind Bae’s Cocktail Club led by Sheen Jet Leong and Dharma Wang — Milli is conceived as a seamless journey that flows from refined daytime dining to high-energy nightlife, all set against panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.

Milli unfolds across two distinct spaces. Upstairs, Milli: Sky Dining & Bar offers an intimate and polished setting where the focus is on thoughtful cuisine and progressive cocktails. Downstairs, Milli: Lounge channels a completely different energy — a vibrant, music-driven enclave inspired by the DNA of Bae’s, spinning everything from disco and funk to hip hop and R&B, bridging nostalgia with contemporary beats until the early hours.

Chef Han's Kacang Putih 4/5

Chef Han’s Kacang Putih ($10) is a nostalgic opener elevated with finesse — rempah-spiced macadamias, crunchy muruku and candied pistachios come together in a fragrant medley that reflects the harmony of Malay, Indian and Chinese influences. Each component is carefully seasoned in-house, resulting in a snack that is both familiar and refined.

Popiah Tarts 4/5

Equally inventive are the Popiah Tarts ($18). Built on delicate tart shells fashioned from popiah skin, each bite delivers a complex interplay of textures — from the sweetness of braised jicama to the umami richness of gambero rosso prawn and lap cheong, punctuated by dashi jelly and bursts of finger lime. It’s a one-bite experience that captures the essence of popiah in a completely new form.

Cereal Corn Ribs 4.2/5

The Cereal Corn Ribs ($24) offer a playful nod to zi char culture, swapping prawns for sweet corn ribs, fried to a crisp and coated in an aromatic cereal mix. Paired with a nostalgic sweet curry dip, it cleverly evokes familiar flavours while presenting them in a lighter, vegetarian-friendly format.

Chef Han’s Signature Chilli Crab Ice Cream 3.8/5

Pushing boundaries further is the Signature Chilli Crab Ice Cream ($32), an unexpected yet surprisingly harmonious combination of Japanese zuwaigani crab, tomato, and strawberry elements. Each spoonful balances savoury, sweet and tangy notes, challenging perceptions of what a dessert can be.

Alaskan King Crab Leg 4.2/5

The Alaskan King Crab Leg ($108) is simplicity at its finest — charcoal-grilled and brushed with brown butter, letting the crab’s natural sweetness shine. The accompanying white pepper and salted egg sauces offer diners a choice between elegance and indulgence.

MIL-LY Smashed Burger 4.2/5

The MIL-LY Smashed Burger ($28) pays homage to Singapore’s beloved Ramly burger, upgraded with juicy Wagyu patties, caramelised onions, and a rich house-made sauce. Messy, satisfying and indulgent, it captures the spirit of late-night supper culture with a premium twist.

Grilled British Cod’s Head 4/5

One of the more intriguing dishes is the Grilled British Cod’s Head ($36), a bold reinterpretation of assam fish head curry. The use of beurre blanc introduces a French touch, while pickled vegetables and crispy prata anchor the dish in local familiarity.

Chicken Rice Paella 3/5

Meanwhile, the Chicken Rice Paella ($24) bridges two comfort food icons. Cooked with pandan-infused stock and finished with a coveted crispy base, the glutinous rice is paired with roasted chicken and classic condiments, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Peranakan Spritz 

Under the direction of Vijay Mudaliar, the cocktail programme is just as thoughtful, weaving local narratives into each glass.

The Peranakan Spritz ($26) is light and aromatic, combining Hendrick’s Gin and St-Germain with clarified calamansi, coconut and ginger flower. The addition of kueh salat as a garnish ties the drink back to its cultural inspiration.

Whisky Green Tea 

The Whisky Green Tea ($26) revisits a familiar nightlife staple, elevating it with sencha distillate, yuzu and a delicate matcha foam for a more refined expression.

The Milli 

The Milli ($28) is a playful revival of the forgotten Million Dollar cocktail, originally created in Singapore by the same bartender behind the iconic Singapore Sling. This modern rendition swaps in a house-made mandarin grenadine, lifted with bright notes of yuzu and pineapple, before being rounded off with fino sherry and dry vermouth. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that leans dry yet aromatic, offering a refined, contemporary take on a historic classic.

The Singapore Breakfast 

For something playful, The Singapore Breakfast ($26) transforms the idea of kaya toast into a slushie-style cocktail, blending Martell Noblige with kaya, coffee liqueur and gula melaka — comforting yet refreshingly modern.

Bandung Kakigori 4/5

Ending on a high note is the Bandung Kakigori ($28), a collaborative dessert that encapsulates nostalgia and creativity. Layers of pickled fruits, nata de coco, ispahan sorbet and sake kasu come together beneath a cloud of shaved ice, finished with meringue and rose liqueur. Each spoonful evolves in flavour, making it as dynamic as it is refreshing.

Milli Sky Dining & Bar is more than just a restaurant — it is a multi-dimensional experience that captures the spirit of modern Singapore. By weaving together heritage flavours, contemporary techniques and an immersive nightlife concept, the team has created a destination that feels both ambitious and deeply rooted in local identity. Whether you’re here for a sunset dinner, inventive cocktails, or a late-night dance session, Milli offers a compelling new way to dine, drink and celebrate in the city.

Note: This is an invited tasting.



Milli Sky Dining & Bar
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
#05-02
Singapore 178957
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Tue: 11am - 1am
Wed-Fri: 11am - 3am
Sat: 11am - 4am

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to Coleman Street. Turn left onto Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Leila @ Teck Lim Road - A Contemporary Blend of Middle Eastern and Balkan Flavours

Leila at Teck Lim Road is a gastrobar serving up a vibrant mix of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a stylish, contemporary setting.

Kubana Bread 2/5

Spicy Plate 4/5

We started with the Kubana Bread ($15), a traditional Yemenite Jewish yeasted bread beloved for its pillowy-soft texture. The dough is typically generously layered with butter before being shaped into pull-apart rolls and baked until golden. While ours arrived with an enticing crust and a soft interior, the bread was slightly denser than expected and seemed to lack the rich, buttery flavour that defines a good Kubana. Thankfully, the accompanying tahini and grated tomato helped elevate it, as did the additional Spicy Plate ($13), which featured earthy grilled peppers, smoky harissa and mellow garlic confit that paired well with the bread.

Nabulus Salad 4/5

The Nabulus Salad ($17) is a chopped salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled onions and mint, providing a refreshing accompaniment to the richer dishes.

Manseef 3/5

The Manseef ($33) comprised minced chicken served over a bed of creamy hummus, finished with harissa and an extra drizzle of tahini. While the dish was enjoyable, I felt that lamb or beef would have been a more suitable choice. Their richer, more robust flavour profile carries the Mediterranean spices and aromatics more effectively than chicken does, adding greater depth and dimension to the dish alongside the creamy, nutty hummus.

Green Chilli Shrimp 4/5

One of Leila’s signatures, the Green Chilli Shrimp ($27), showcased beautifully grilled prawns coated in a herbaceous green tatbila sauce. The freshness of the herbs came through nicely, though a touch more citrus would have brightened the dish and added greater vibrancy.

Knafeh 2/5

For dessert, we had the classic Middle Eastern sweet Knafeh ($21). Ours was finished tableside with a pour of sugar syrup, which wasn’t necessary as it sweetened the ice cream as well. I had expected delicate floral notes of rose or orange blossom to perfume the dessert, but the flavours were rather muted. Although the fried kataifi encased a layer of cheese, the pastry seemed slightly overfried, resulting in a dessert that lacked the aromatic complexity and balance I had hoped for.

Leila offers an interesting interpretation of Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a contemporary gastrobar setting. With a little more refinement, the menu could better showcase the rich culinary traditions it draws inspiration from.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Leila
12 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088387
Tel: +65 8016 4117
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 6pm - till late
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Walk down Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Baia @ Esplanade Mall - Rooftop Dining with Marina Bay Views and Mediterranean Fare Under $30

Baia at Esplanade Mall is a rooftop dining lounge bar by the ilLido Group. It has recently revamped its menu, introducing a refreshed lineup of Mediterranean dishes available for both lunch and dinner. The menu is thoughtfully structured, spanning bar bites, starters, mains, and desserts, with concise selections for each course. All food and cocktails are kept under $30, alongside a rotating three-course weekday lunch set ($28++), which further enhances its appeal for daytime dining.

Hamachi Tartare 4.5/5

We started with an elegantly plated Hamachi Tartare ($16), topped with salmon pearls. The dressing was vibrant and herbaceous, with acidity, and the saltiness of the ikura complemented the diced hamachi, creating a bright and tantalising start.

Duck Samosas 4.8/5

Moving on to richer flavours, we had the Duck Samosas ($18) with whipped foie gras and pistachios, as well as the Mezze Platter ($24). The duck filling in the samosas was deeply satisfying, reminiscent of a duck rillette. At the same time, the slightly funky whipped foie gras was velvety and luscious, adding depth and mouthfeel to each bite.

Mezze Platter 5/5

The Mezze Platter was particularly moreish, featuring six distinct dips — from whipped feta and avocado hummus to muhammara (roasted red pepper dip), baba ganoush, and tzatziki with olives and pickled peppers. Each component was vibrant and flavourful, making the platter highly addictive. The pita, aromatic and fluffy, is worth an additional order ($8) to fully enjoy the dips.

Pacific Halibut 3.8/5

For mains, the Pacific Halibut ($26) was served with pumpkin bisque and topped with maitake mushrooms. While the fish fillet was rather bland, the pumpkin bisque lent a subtle crustacean sweetness, while the maitake added a pleasant chew and earthy depth.

Grilled Octopus 4.5/5

The Grilled Octopus ($29) came glazed with a lip-smacking cowboy butter, a compound butter zingy with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne, and chilli flakes. The octopus was well-executed with a nice char, and the addition of Brussels sprouts provided a delectable textural bite and balance to the dish.

Knickerbocker Glory 5/5

Dessert was a satisfying throwback in the form of a Knickerbocker Glory ($18). Originating in the 1920s, this classic layered ice cream sundae is traditionally served in a tall conical glass with a long spoon and is particularly popular in Great Britain and Ireland, I learnt. Baia’s version struck a nice balance of sweetness and fruitiness, layered with fresh cream, vanilla ice cream, mango, and raspberries, and topped with mini cheesecakes and macarons for an indulgent finish.

Baia offers a relaxing view of Marina Bay paired with a beautifully designed interior, making it well-suited for both daytime and evening dining. Their cocktail menu is also worth exploring, featuring a mix of familiar classics and creative house signatures.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Baia
Esplanade Mall
Level 4
8 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 9173 8182
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Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 1130am - 12midnight
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 1am
Fri-Sat: 1130 - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to Raffles Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Mama Shelter @ Killiney Rd - Indulgent Mama's Happy Meal At Half-Price, $39.90 for 2 pax

Mama Shelter Singapore, located along Killiney Road, marks the iconic French lifestyle brand’s first foray into Asia, having opened its doors in the final quarter of 2025. The brand adopts a playful and welcoming approach to hospitality, with signature concepts Mama Loves You and Mama Feeds You shaping the overall experience.

Mama’s Happy Meal

One of the easiest ways to get a taste of Mama’s hospitality is through Mama’s Happy Meal. Crafted as a playful, grown-up take on a childhood favourite, this set is currently available at a special half-price offer of $39.90 for 2 persons (U.P. $79.90). Each set comes with two mains, free-flow fries, two drinks, and a tin of caviar, for a fun touch of indulgence.

Beef Burger 4.5/5

For mains, we tried two handcrafted burgers from Mama’s kitchen. The Beef Burger features double Black Angus patties, smashed and caramelised for that juicy, lip-smacking flavour. While the burger is slightly smaller, it comes loaded with sweet caramelised onions and just the right amount of gherkins for acidity. The buns held everything well without being too dense.

Fish Burger 4.8/5

The Fish Burger, made with beer-battered red snapper and Mama’s tartare sauce, was equally enjoyable. The crust was light and airy, while the fillet remained firm, moist and flaky. While caviar would pair nicely with seafood, the burger stood well on its own, with the tangy tartare sauce bringing everything together. The free-flow skin-on fries were spot on, reminiscent of Belgian-style fries, and definitely easy to keep going back for.

Cucumber Martini, Espresso Martini

For drinks, you can choose from a curated selection of draft beers, gin and tonic, wines, or non-alcoholic options. We went with the signature cocktails: the Cucumber Martini and the Espresso Martini. Both were well balanced, especially the Espresso Martini, which I appreciated as many tend to be overly sweet. If you’re planning to linger, you can continue with free-flow fries alongside your next drink at an exclusive price of $9.90 when you extend the Happy Meal.

Nasi Lemak Arancini 3.5/5

Beyond the set, we also tried the Nasi Lemak Arancini ($18), which brings a local twist. They definitely got the flavour combination right, with coconut-infused rice and a punchy sambal to go with. Should the Arancini be shaped larger, more of the pearly, coconut-infused rice would come through.

Fresh Morel Risotto 4.8/5

The Fresh Morel Risotto ($38), a seasonal item, features sautéed morels, Parmigiano Reggiano, crisp and shaved black truffle. It was a well-executed dish, with a good balance between the rice and the ingredients, and flavours that were rich yet controlled, complementing each other without overpowering one another.

Sweet Belgian Waffles 4.5/5

We ended with the Sweet Belgian Waffles ($18). Loved the caramelised exterior and how it wasn’t overly sweet, making it a satisfying finish to the meal.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Mama Shelter Singapore
110 Killiney Road
Singapore 239549
Tel: +65 6050 3250
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Mon: 7am -10pm
Tue-Sat: 7am - 12am

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Turn left and walk to Killiney Road. Turn right onto Killney Road. Walk down Killney Road to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

Coucou @ Craig Road - A Charming, Cosy Spot For Authentic Swiss Fare

Known for its Swiss cuisine, Coucou at Craig Road can be easily overlooked amid its louder neighbours. The menu features Swiss staples such as fondue and rösti, complemented by a curated selection of Swiss wines.

Malakoff 4.5/5

Over at Coucou, a great starter to your meal is always the indulgent Malakoff ($12), a traditional dome of Gruyère cheese, deep-fried to form a golden, crusty exterior with a gooey, molten centre.

Fondue à la Truffe et Champagne 4.2/5

One of the biggest drawns of Coucou I would say is the fondues. We tried Fondue à la Truffe et Champagne ($45/pax), a luxurious pot of melted Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyère, elevated with truffle and champagne, served with crusty bread. Add-ons like potatoes and pickles are available. Compared to the regular Fondue Moitié-Moitié, the truffle adds an additional depth of flavour. That said, I reckon the simpler version would offer a more profound cheesy and boozy taste.

La Fameuse Salade Coucou 4/5

La Fameuse Salade Coucou ($12) is another staple, often ordered by regulars to balance the richness of the other dishes. It features curly chopped salad tossed in a tart house-made “Grand Père” dressing, a recipe passed down from co-owner Yves’ grandfather.

To complement the rich cheesy starters, crisp Swiss white wine is perfect, or you can opt for a more casual Coucou Sour or Aperol Swifz.

Magnifique Faux-Filet de Boeuf 4.8/5

For mains, we had the Magnifique Faux-Filet de Boeuf ($48), featuring grass-fed striploin aged 55 days, served with the signature Morel Mushroom Sauce. Cooked evenly with a blushing pink centre, the meat had a slight charred crust on the exterior, adding a satisfying bite. The flavour was excellent even without sauce.

Le Rösti Classique 5/5

On the side was brilliantly executed Le Rösti Classique ($16), fluffy on the inside with a delectably crisped exterior. To accompany the main, we enjoyed a light-bodied Swiss Pinot Noir.

Crème Brûlée XL au Toblerone 3.5/5

Concluding our meal was Crème Brûlée XL au Toblerone, served with an expertly caramelised crust. The chocolate and nutty flavours were comforting, although the texture was slightly grainier than the classic version.

Coucou’s menu is concise but distinctive, serving dishes with a flair unique to the brand. With its cosy ambience and consistently genuine food and service, it’s easy to see why regulars keep coming back for more of their Swiss fare.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Coucou
9 Craig Road
#01-01
Singapore 089669
Tel: +65 9642 1624/+65 6226 0060
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230 pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]