Singapore Changi Airport is more than just an ordinary airport, it is a delectable gourmet world with many restaurants, eateries and cafes serving cuisines from all over the world. And we swear this feature will have you develop a newfound love for dining at an airport.

Whether you are in transit, need to fill your tummy before a flight, or just simply want a good family dinner, our airport can be your answer for any occasion and with this post, we will prove the typical perception of airports having the worst food options wrong. Yes, you’ve got that right – you do not have to settle for horrible food with ridiculous price tags. Whatever your craving is, however much your budget is, even if you are on a mission to catch your plane and running out of time, there will always be food. You just have to decide what cuisine you like.

Changi Airport is kindly giving away 3 X S$50 Changi Dollar Vouchers which you can use at your favourite shops or restaurants at the airport. To win the vouchers, leave a comment in this post to tell us your favourite dining option in Changi Airport. For more details of the giveaway, please read more at the end of this post.

Welcome to a gastronomical experience at our lovely world class airport. Here is a guide to dining at Changi Airport, featuring 20 restaurants, eateries and quickbites in the public and transit areas.

QUICKBITES AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Spent too much time shopping at the duty-free shops that you do not have much time left to have a proper meal before catching your flight? Or just feeling peckish and want a snack? There are many food and beverage outlets at Changi Airport that offer ready-to-eat items and simple snacks that you can just grab and go. There will not be anymore reasons to go hungry when you are at the airport – even if you are running late.

Gong Cha (T2 Public Area)

For as far as we are concerned, bubble tea makes one happy. And it is definitely a good idea to grab a cup of your favourite sweet drink before your flight. Pudding Milk Tea for us, please!

Terminal 2 Arrival Hall (South)
Daily: 24 hours

Killiney Kopitiam (T2 Transit Area)

We miss local food the most whenever we travel overseas, so we always make sure to satisfy our craving for our favourite kaya toast. Killiney Kopitiam, one of the most established names for kaya toast and local coffee, is the place to head to. Fuss-free and comforting!

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge (South)
Daily: 24 Hours
Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge (Central)
Daily: 6am – 1am

Paris Baguette (T2 Public Area)

Fans of Paris Baguette will be delighted to know that the famous Korean bakery chain is now open at the airport. Besides their signature pastries, cakes and breads, sandwiches and salads, the branch at Changi Airport is also serving an exclusive brunch menu.

Terminal 2 Arrival Hall
Daily: 24 Hours

Toast Box (T3 Public Area)

Another place that we always frequent is Toast Box because it not only has popular local classic dishes – like kaya toast, laksa, curry chicken, and peanut butter thick toast – but it also opens for 24 hours, making it the perfect place to have a quick bite.

Terminal 3 Departure Check-In Hall, Level 2
Daily: 24 Hours

Tip Top (T2 Transit Area)

Pick up a piece of Curry Puff – the locals’ favourite snack – and enjoy the fragrance of the curry and diced potatoes from Tip Top, an established brand since 1979.

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge (Central)
Daily: 6am – 1am

DINING AT CHANGI AIRPORT PUBLIC AREA

The best thing about Changi Airport is the mind-boggling selection of F&B outlets; even when you are not hungry, you feel compelled to dine there. Whether you are going for a holiday, sending your loved ones off, or to simply hangout and have a meal – there is always something to eat at Changi Airport. Here are some of the restaurants and eateries in Changi Airport’s public area that you should include in your list:

Central Thai (T2 Public Area)

From tom yum to Thai mango salad, green curry seafood and phad thai, Central Thai serves a great variety of classic Thai dishes prepared by native Thai chefs at pocket-friendly prices.

Terminal 2 Viewing Mall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Itacho Sushi (T3 Public Area)

Salmon skin sushi for S$0.40 – everyone will know Itacho Sushi because of this. But more than that, they offer a wide variety of sushi creations at very pocket friendly prices. When dining at Itacho, treat yourself to a selection of makis, rolls and nigiris made with fresh ingredients.

Our picks have got to be the wagyu nigiri – quality beef that is so rich in flavour and well-marbled, the salmon aburi that is torched to perfection, and sweet makis with creamy avocado and soft-shelled crab. Itacho Sushi always satisfies.

Terminal 3 Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Gurney Drive (T3 Public Area)

Gurney Drive presents the best of Penang hawker food like Penang laksa, prawn noodles, and char koay teow – which was, in particular, quite a plate of heaven with a generous serving of juicy prawns and sausages atop rice noodles. The food is pretty authentic and pleasantly affordable.

Terminal 3 Viewing Mall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Dian Xiao Er (T3 Public Area)

This traditional Chinese restaurant is another popular haunt for families to have a simple and casual meal. Its renowned herbal roast duck is always immensely satisfying.

Terminal 3 Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

O’Coffee Club (T3 Public Area)

Need some sugar rush? Go for O’Coffee Club’s signature Mudpies. The picture speaks for itself.

Terminal 3 Departure Check-in Hall
Daily: 24 Hours

Ramen Champion (T3 Public Area)

Pork base, chicken base, miso base… whatever you are feeling, Ramen Champion has a bowl to feed that craving. Our favourite has got to be Keishoken by Chef Kazuo Sukuraoka, who exhibited his concept of colors via the toppings – black, red, orange and yellow. The red topping deserves a special mention for its sizzling spiciness atop rich pork broth.

Terminal 3 Basement 2
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Saboten (T1 Public Area)

Tonkatsu is ever popular, and Saboten does theirs well. Which explains why they are always packed, but we really would not mind the wait just to have a serving of the gorgeously-fried hire Katsu (pork tenderloin cutlet); we never leave Saobten without a serving of that. And the cheese katsu is a fabulous alternative that we always add-on, too! The various sets is another reason why Saboten is an ideal option for families.

Terminal 1 Viewing Mall, Level 3
Daily: 8am – 11pm

Seafood Paradise (T2 Public Area)

If you need your crab fix before your holiday, or if you are returning from a holiday with a major craving for our local crabs, head to Seafood Paradise and indulge in a luxurious seafood spread. Crabs aside, we really love their cheese lobsters – fresh, chunky crustaceans lavishly soaked in a bed of cheese. Eat it with deep-fried mantou! Also, the cuttlefish with kangkong is a favourite among locals, too!

Terminal 2 Viewing Mall
Departure Check-in Hall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm

Soup Restaurant (T2 Public Area)

Serving an unparalleled menu of daily brewed soups, families can always count on Soup Restaurant for a good meal. Its quality comfort Chinese food with reasonable price tags includes the all-time favourite Samsui Ginger Chicken.

Terminal 2 Viewing Mall
Departure Check-in Hall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Swensen’s (T2 Public Area)

We always end up at Swensen’s when we are back in Singapore on a midnight flight because it opens for 24 hours, and also because of the variety of dishes on the menu – there is something for everyone to choose from.

Terminal 2 Arrival Hall
Daily: 24 Hours

DINING AT CHANGI AIRPORT TRANSIT AREA

We are huge advocators of arriving and checking in early at the airport so as to enjoy the facilities and amenities. Treat yourself to a good meal before your flight! With so many restaurants and eateries in the transit areas, you will be spoiled for choices on what to eat. Here are some places that you can go.

Cedele (T2 Transit Area)

The ladies’ favourite, Cedele, offers a delicious and healthy menu of sandwiches, soups and desserts that are prepared using the freshest ingredients.

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 24 Hours

La Cave Wine Bar (T1 Transit Area)

Head to the rooftop Cactus Garden to enjoy fresh air and a pint of beer or glass of wine at La Cave Wine Bar.

Terminal 1 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 7am – 2am

Peach Garden Noodle House (T1 Transit Area)

Signatures like the wasabi salad cream prawn, golden salted yolk prawn, braised ee fu noodle with baby lobster, and to-die-for custard buns is why this casual dining eatery has our loyalty. Peach Garden always dishes out consistently good Chinese food that is hard to not love.

Terminal 1 Departure Transit Lounge
Mezzanine Level 3
Daily: 6am – 12am

Tai Hing (T2 Transit Area)

Tai Hing is one of the most well-known roast meat restaurants in Hong Kong, with more than 30 branches dishing out its much-lauded roast goose and other cooked dishes. If you are not heading to Hong Kong anytime soon, we would definitely recommend coming here for a meal before going off for your holiday.

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 24 Hours

The Green Market (T1 & 2 Transit)

For the health conscious, head over to The Green Market, a modern casual Japanese Restaurant that offers a salad and appetiser buffet (11am – 1am) for S$20.

Terminal 1 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 6am – 1am
Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 6am – 1am

Changi Airport x ladyironchef Giveaway

1. 3 X S$50 Changi Dollar Vouchers
2. Leave a comment in this post to tell us which is your favourite dining option in Changi Airport and why?
3. Closing Date of Contest: 17 March 2013 2359 Hours
4. Winners will be notified by email

// Updated on 18 March: The three winners are Chan Jian Da, Theresa, and Sean.

We can stay at the airport for a week and not run out of ideas on where to eat! Have you shortlisted your favourites, and mapped out an eating plan for your next trip to the airport? And if you have time after your meal, remember to check out the other wonders. Read our previous guide on 12 Things You Never Knew about Changi Airport.

For more information, go to www.changiairport.com. Follow Fans of Changi on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.

This post is brought to you by Singapore Changi Airport.

For frequent travellers like us, Singapore Changi Airport feels like our second home. But even though we head there on a monthly basis, we were somewhat astonished by how little we knew about our beloved airport – until a recent life-changing tour that had us falling in love with our world class airport on a whole new level.

From catching a free movie at the airport’s theatre, to taking a stroll at the Sunflower Garden and the Butterfly Garden – there are so many things to do, see and eat at Changi Airport before catching your flight. The next time you go on a holiday, be sure to arrive early at the airport because your holiday truly begins at Singapore Changi Airport.

Here are 12 things you never knew about Changi Airport.

#1 Make friends with butterflies at the Butterfly Garden

Spend some time at the butterfly garden – the first of its kind to be featured in an airport – with 47 species, and more than 1000 butterflies roaming around the garden. Yes, you read that right. A butterfly garden within our very own airport.

Unlike wild butterflies which are very cautious towards humans, the butterflies here are very accustomed to visitors, and they won’t fly away in fright even if you are close enough to count the spots on their wings. It is quite an amazement to be so “up close and personal” with the butterflies. There are also educational corners and individual enclosures which will give you more insights into the life cycle of a butterfly. And if you are lucky, you will be able to catch the birth of a butterfly as it emerges from the pupa.

#2 Take a stroll at the Sunflower Garden

A Sunflower Garden in the airport? This is surely one thing in Changi Airport that most people never knew about. No flower quite like the sunflower to brightens up our days. The next time you are in Changi Airport, remember to drop by the rooftop sunflower garden at level three of departure transit lounge at Terminal 2.

#3 Catch a free movie at the theatre

If you have some time to spare before your flight, why not catch a show at the movie theatre? Movie buffs will be delighted to know that the movie theatres are open 24 hours daily, and the screenings are free!

The movie theatres can be found at Terminal 2′s departure transit lounge south on level three, and at Terminal 3′s department transit lounge north on level three. The films are all up to date and we swear by the comfort level of the seats, too! The movies at terminal 2′s theatre are from FOX movies, while the ones from Terminal 3′s theatre are recently released movies specially curated by the team at Changi Airport.

#4 Play games at the Entertainment Deck

The Entertainment Deck at the departure transit lounge at level 3 of Terminal 2 has an array of entertainment facilities such as Xbox Kinect Room, MTV booth, XBOX360 and Playstation 3 consoles, music area and the aforementioned movie theatre.

#5 Watch the latest sports events at the Xperience Zone

Sports lovers can head to the Xperience Zone to watch the latest sports events on large screen in the comfort of plush, cushioned seats which come with its own set of speakers for a surround sound experience.

#6 Kids’ Friendly Playgrounds

For families with kids in tow, Changi Airport has several children’s playgrounds at the three terminals. Your kids can not only make new friends with the other kiddos, but also run around in comfort – a great way for them to work off their excess energy so that you can enjoy a peaceful flight later.

#7 Go for a slide

Singapore’s tallest slide, The Slide @ T3 is a four-storey tall slide, and is every kid’s favourite playground. The best part is that the slide is located in the public area of Terminal 3′s arrival hall – all you have to do is to spend S$10 at Changi Airport in a single receipt to redeem a free ride.

Watch this cool video to see the making of the slide.

#8 Go for a Fish Spa or a massage

After shopping, head to Fish Spa & Reflexology at Terminal 1 for a pampering quick treat. For those who prefer something more traditional, they also provide a range of massages like foot reflexology, neck & shoulder massage, TCM Tui-Na, Thai yoga massage, and hot stone massage.

#9 Free massage

If not, there are plenty of massage chairs – scattered all over the airport – to provide relief for your tired feet.

#10 Take a nap at the Snooze Lounge

If you are feeling tired before the flight, go straight to the Snooze Lounge at Terminal 3 – with comfy leather chairs and a relaxing environment. Quite the perfect place to catch forty winks. Just don’t oversleep and miss your flight!

#11 Capture memories at the Social Tree

The Social Tree is one of the newest additions to Terminal 1. Changi Airport’s memory capsule is like no other – there are eight photo booths where you can capture memories via photos and videos and have them archived permanently, and retrieve them on subsequent visits to the airport. Just imagine: you can take a photo with your loved ones during this trip. One year, two years, ten years down the road, you will be able to rekindle the good times every time you are back at Changi Airport.

This is after all what our beloved airport is about. From sending off your friends for their overseas studies, to going on a holiday with your family, and receiving friends who are visiting Singapore, every memory at Changi Airport is priceless. The bonus is that you are also able to upload the photos and videos on your own social networking profiles.

#12 iShopChangi – Duty Free Shopping Online

Before you go to the airport to explore all the facilities, there is actually a chance to do some duty free shopping before flying. Everyone knows about the awesome duty free shopping at Changi Airport, but not many people have heard of iShopChangi, which allows you to enjoy tax and duty-free shopping at the comfort of your home. It is essentially an e-commerce platform which curates the most popular duty-free products from Changi Airport’s retail shops – including beauty, wine & spirits, chocolates & delicatessen, IT & Electronics, as well as timepieces.

All you have to do is to click to purchase via the website, and pick them up when you are at the departure terminal before going to the flight gate. It is that easy! What’s more, there is a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. For those who are not satisfied with their purchases, they can return the product within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

You can make your online purchases on iShopChangi from as early as two weeks to 24 hours before your flight. Shop away at www.ishopchangi.com

There are too many facilities at Changi Airport that it is impossible for us to highlight all of them in this feature. Other noteworthy mentions are Kinetic Rain, Enchanted Garden, Koi Pond and an open-air rooftop Cactus garden.

We have previously shared a guide to Changi Airport - featuring some of our favourite dining options, places to go, and things to see at the World’s best airport – and next month, we will be bringing to you our guide on where to eat at Changi Airport.

For more information, go to www.changiairport.com. Follow Fans of Changi on Twitter, Facebook, andInstagram for the latest updates.

This post is brought to you by Singapore Changi Airport.

Chasing planes is always a thrill that adds on to the entire travel experience, and this was what we used to enjoy, until we got spoilt by Changi Airport and decided we all need a travel ritual to kickstart a true blue holiday.

No two airports are identical, and for that, Changi Airport is outstanding and amongst the best in the world. A holiday actually begins at Changi Airport, because our award-winning international airport has an enthralling list of offerings that makes it all worthwhile to check-in early so as to enjoy the facilities and amenities to its best.

Need to fill your tummy? The F&B options cater to different taste buds and time allowances. Whether you are rushing for a flight and need a quick take-out, or looking for a cosy diner to enjoy a meal with family and friends who are sending you off, there are plenty of options in both the public and transit areas.

And if you need to pick up duty-free items, the shopping is so irresistible that we strongly advise putting aside more time for some retail therapy. From perfumes and cosmetics, to books and electronics, you can find everything you need at Changi Airport.

Here is a guide to Changi Airport, featuring some of our favourite dining options, places to go, and things to see at the World’s best airport.

For a start, checking-in is a breeze because there are ample rows and counters that clearly segregate the airlines and flights, and there will always be staff patrolling and doing crowd control. We have been to many airports – both domestic and international – and we say it with utmost certainty that Changi Airport has the most seamless experience in this aspect.

Photo credit: Changi Airport

Things to see and do at Changi Airport

Catch a free show at the movie theatre, or watch the latest soccer match on large screen at the Xperience Zone. For the kids, there are several playgrounds located at all three terminals.

Or how does a spa indulgence sound? Head to Wellness Spa for some self-pampering! For the brave-hearted, try the fish spa where you have your feet submerged in a pool of tiny fishes, and they will rid the dead skin off your feet.

To relax your mind, take a stroll at one of the five gardens – Butterfly Garden (T3), Enchanted Garden (T2), Cactus Garden (T1), Orchid Garden (T2), and Sunflower Garden (T2) – in Changi Airport.

There are so many things to see and do at Changi Airport that it is impossible to share everything in this post. Next month, we have lined up a special guide on the 12 Things to do at Changi Airport, where we will share some of the things that you never knew about our beautiful airport.

Shopping at Changi Airport

Changi Airport is truly a shopping heaven. Melody always goes crazy at the perfume and cosmetic shops because there are so many brands to choose from, and enticing promotions that no one can resist. The guys have it good too. The latest gadgets can be found at the electronic stores. If not, head to the bookstore and pick up a good read for your flight.

When you shop at Changi Airport, you will get to enjoy 7% GST savings, which can be a substantial saving especially for big-ticket items. The 7% GST savings also applies to all shops in the public area. And the best part is there is a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. For those who are not satisfied with their purchases, they can return the product within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

Dining at Changi Airport

Melody and I go to Changi Airport so often that it feels like our second home. When our family is sending or picking us, some of the places we dine at include O’Coffee Club, Swensen’s, Itacho Sushi, Saboten, and Ramen Champion.

Swensen’s and O’Coffee Club at Changi Airport open for 24 hours daily, making them the ideal spots to grab a bite when we touch down in Singapore late at night. Both of us are big fan of Japanese food, so it is no surprise that Itacho Sushi is our favourite haunt as it serves good quality sushi at reasonable prices.

Another Japanese diner that we really like is Saboten, which has consistently good tonkatsu and is great for a quick meal before boarding the plane. For ramen lovers, a stop to Ramen Champion will have you spoilt with different renditions from 4 carefully selected chefs from Japan, who each dishes up their specialties in the individual booths.

The transit area has even more options. Peach Garden Noodle House, Cedele, Bakerzin, Killiney Kopitiam, Tai Hing Roast Restaurant, The Green Market, just to name a few.

In March, we will be sharing a more comprehensive guide on where to eat in Changi Airport.

The World Airport Survey is conducting polls for the World’s Best Airport Award. You can vote for your favourite airport via this link – let’s do our part for our beloved airport!

Changi Airport is often the talk of the town (or the world), and it is with great pride that as a Singaporean and as the first social media ambassador of Changi Airport, I share with you the best of our award-winning international airport. With infinite possibilities, a myriad of shopping and dining options and endless entertainment, your holiday starts at Changi Airport.

For more information, go to www.changiairport.com. Follow Fans of Changi on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.

This post is brought to you by Singapore Changi Airport.