Award-winning bars, a beloved Singaporean institution, and a Michelin-starred chef are coming to Makati to take over some of Poblacion’s hottest spots.
Singapore’s food and beverage scene is one of the region’s most progressive, vibrant, and diverse—and Manila’s food lovers are about to be treated to a preview this August with SingaPob 2025.
An event by the Singapore Tourism Board, some of the Lion City’s most well-known establishments—from award-winning bars to a beloved zi char eatery, as well as one of the most highly respected Peranakan chefs—are coming to Makati’s trendy Poblacion area to take over some of its best spots from August 28 to 30.
Local food lovers are invited to experience the flavors and creativity of Singapore’s culinary talents and the rising stars of its burgeoning bar scene. They will be collaborating with prominent local counterparts who are likewise fixtures of Makati’s eclectic food and beverage industry, representing the Philippine hospitality scene’s finest—on par with their Singaporean collaborators.
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Hapag x Candlenut (August 28 and 29)
It took almost six years of coaxing and planning, but finally, this collaboration dinner between Hapag chefs Thirdy Dolatre and Kevin Navoa and Candlenut Singapore’s Malcolm Lee is coming to fruition. “The timing was just right,” Chef Lee admits, on finally being able to focus on this six-hands, multi-course dinner that brings together his modern take on nostalgic Peranakan favorites with Hapag’s fine-dining spin on treasured Filipino dishes.
Diners can expect a tasting menu composed of true collaborations, as the Hapag team visited both Chef Lee’s Candlenut on Dempsey Road and his ode to Straits cuisine, Restaurant Pangium (both Michelin-starred concepts), to brainstorm with Lee and his team. For more details and reservations, please follow Hapag’s Instagram account.
Keng Eng Kee’s Kitchen takeover at Super Uncle Claypot (August 28, 29, 30)
What started as a casual zi char eatery has become a Singaporean institution—so much so that a visit to the city-state feels incomplete without sampling fish head curry, black pepper crab, or moonlight hor fun at Keng Eng Kee Seafood.
Third-generation owners Paul, Wayne, and Jia Min Liew keep their culinary heritage alive, continuing to serve the family’s heirloom recipes that stay true to zi char cuisine’s simple yet delicious philosophy. “Zi char cuisine is everyday food, using simple ingredients,” explains Paul. “It’s about taking these cheap and simple ingredients and using them to create something delicious.” Experience some of their signature dishes as they take over the kitchen of Poblacion’s Super Uncle Claypot from 6 to 9 pm.
Onlypans Taqueria Offers Singapore-Inspired Menu (August 28, 29, 30)
The popular Poblacion pitstop is also taking part in SingaPob 2025, offering its own dishes with Singapore-inspired flavors. Onlypans Taqueria founder and CEO Audrey Cruz explored the Lion City in search of pastes and spices, drawing inspiration from its markets and food haunts to bring back for the three-day event. While she admits to being partial to sweet paprika (“I love sprinkling it on fries and patatas bravas!”), Poblacion revelers can expect fresh and creative twists on their favorite tacos and snacks when they serve their SingaPob exclusives from 6 to 9 pm
Bar takeovers from 9 pm to midnight (August 28, 29, 30)
Singapore’s bar scene is home to some of the world’s best mixologists, and several are making their way to Poblacion once again for SingaPob 2025. From kitschy reinterpretations of Singapore flavors (Mama Diam) to refined renderings of classic concoctions (Jigger & Pony / Offtrack / Origin) to creative re-imaginings of the future of beverages (Fura / Night Hawk), there’s something for every cocktail connoisseur. Plan your weekend well and make sure to visit all participating Poblacion bars.
- Mama Diam @ Polilya
- Jura @ Aya
- Jigger & Pony @ Oto
- Night Hawk @ Opal Bar
- Offtrack @ Run Rabbit Run
- Origin Bar @ The Spirit Library
