SINGAPORE INSIDER TIPS

of Beats CHEF MAX LEVY Bites & Cocktails on his preferred Sing hangouts

What can people expect from BBC and what would you recommend they order?

Beats Bites & Cocktails ( beatsbitescocktails.com) is a contemporary lounge space focusing on an experience of small plates, wine, cocktails and upbeat playlists from DJ Shigeki. The traditional shophouse is transformed into one long bar station with the kitchen, bar and DJ all working collaboratively to provide a unique experience where the same attention to detail I have on food is also represented in the cocktail and music programmes. The ash biscuits, made from scratch using our Bertha wood, coal-fired oven and served with a honey miso foie gras, are a must-try with a glass of Lepanto P/X Sherry.

What’s your favourite place to grab a coffee and a snack in the city?

Strong and/or sweet coffee is the fuel of Singapore, and from hawker centres to third- wave roasters, I enjoy the full range. If I had to pick one, Nylon Coffee Roasters has been around a long time as they are passionate about great coffee, which they roast inhouse, as well as sourcing truly fair trade offerings. The Guatemala T’Zun-Wit’z as a Japanese-style pour over, offers bright notes of chocolate and strawberry from a 36-hour wet fermentation. It’s a short walk from Beats Bites & Cocktails.

What’s your favourite district and why?

Tanjong Pagar. There’s a good mix of traditional food hawkers and contemporary cafes, bars and restaurants there.

Favourite hawker market?

Chinatown Hawker Centre. Tons of old school vendors offering traditional food, alongside really cool craft beer stalls that pair really well with the Southeast Asian palate. This is also my favourite place for duck in Singapore.

Where do you go to get away from it all?

Quarantine? To get away from it all, I visit the bowling and driving range at the Orchid Country Club. I’m a 1970’s kid.

Describe Singapore in three words

Crazy Rich Asians… lah

What’s one misconception about Singapore you’d like to challenge?

Getting caned for chewing gum.