For some reason or another, Mother’s Day always gets more attention than Father’s Day which is a shame because dads deserve to be celebrated as well! As Father’s Day is coming around the corner, how are you choosing to show your appreciation and love for the main guy in your family?

We understand that not all dads are the same—some prefer being outdoors, basking in the sunlight while others enjoy their quiet time indoors. If you are unable to make up your mind, we made things simple with a list of 9 Family Activities To Do On Father’s Day In Singapore.

#1 RIDE A GO-KART

Look no further than an afternoon of go-kart fun if you are looking for an adrenaline rush. There are currently three companies in Singapore where you can sign up—Kartright Speedway in Jurong, The Karting Arena at Bukit Timah and KF1 Karting Circuit located at Kranji.

Compete against Dad and see who is faster!

#2 HIKE SOUTHERN RIDGES

If you have been procrastinating on working out, now is a good time to start. The 10km trail is of moderate difficulty level which will bring you to Faber Peak, the iconic Henderson Waves, Forest Walk and more. You will pass by three parks and one nature reserve during the hike.

#3 CHILL AT A SECRET PUB

Looking for something more challenging? How about visiting one of the few secret pubs in Singapore? Part of the fun is when you try to hunt the locations down because these bars are hidden from plain sight and difficult to spot—one of them even requires a password.

Here is our guide to 13 Best Secret Bars in Singapore.

#4 ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing may be an extreme sport but it is not impossible to conquer. There are plenty of rock gyms in Singapore for you to choose from and they cater to people of all levels. This is also a sport that encourages interaction and trust between participants so trust us when we say, it will be a fun session with Dad!

#5 BOND OVER A FISHING OR PRAWNING SESSION

Fishing is an activity you either love or hate. While some may find it a bore, others feel a sense of satisfaction whenever they manage to secure a catch.

If fishing is not your thing, why not try your hand at prawning instead? This unique activity is all the rage these few years and there are a handful of prawning facilities in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Youth.SG

#6 BE ADVENTUROUS AND TRY HORSE RIDING

Animals lovers have to visit the various stables in Singapore and go close up with the gentle horses. There are many trails for you to choose from, depending on your level of expertise and kids can even go for pony rides!

#7 CYCLE AT PULAU UBIN

Sometimes, we just need to escape from the urban city for a day and focus on time spent with family. Just a few minutes boat ride from Changi Village, Pulau Ubin is a great place for those who are keen to do sports such as cycling, kayaking and so on. Families can also make reservations for an overnight stay in the chalets.

#8 GIVE DAD A MAKEOVER

Oh yes, guys can have a pampering session too. There are a handful of men’s grooming salons in Singapore and they offer a wide range of services such as traditional haircuts, basic shaves, facials, massages and skin treatments.

It is time for a whole new look!

#9 HAVE A FAMILY BARBECUE AT A PARK

One of the most economical ways to celebrate Father’s Day is to have a family barbecue at East Coast Park or your neighbourhood park. After all, nothing brings people together like food does. Just remember to make prior reservations beforehand.

It is not difficult to please a man – just give him the typical man’s comfort food like pizzas, burgers, fried food and steaks and he will grin from ear to ear. So, this Father’s Day, show your dad how much he means to you and bring him to one of the following dining destinations.

Here is our guide to Father’s Day Dinner in Singapore.

Greenhouse

The Sunday vintage champagne brunch ($168++/pax) at Greenhouse, Ritz-Carlton Singapore is one of the best champagne brunches in town, and if you are looking to splurge, this is definitely the place to go. With unlimited flow of Moët & Chandon, pan-seared foie gras, oysters, sashimi, seafood, cheese, and desserts, if this does not please your dad, I do not know what else will.

7 Raffles Avenue
3/F Ritz-Carlton Millenia
Tel: +65 6434 5288
Sun: 12pm – 3pm
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

Grub Bistro

Some of you might have heard of private Chef Mervyn Phan of Cookyn Inc. He has recently opened Grub – a casual bistro serving comfort food like burgers, pasta, pan-seared salmon and grilled steak frites – at Bishan Park. The best part? The main courses are affordably priced under $20.

510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Bishan Park
Tel: +65 6459 5743
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio/Bishan

Huber’s Butchery & Bistro

For a good steak at pocket-friendly prices, Huber’s Butchery & Bistro should be on the top of your list. The 220g US Ribeye Steak ($28.50) offers a great bang for your buck. Otherwise, try the Huber’s Beef Burger ($15) – a good burger with a solid beef patty topped with caramelised onions and melted cheese. In case you have no idea, Huber’s is also a grocery stop for fresh cuts. And with their regular imports of the best meats, there is no way their burgers can go wrong.

18A Dempsey Road
Tel: +65 6737 1588
Tue to Fri: 11am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Orchard

Le Chasseur

Whenever I want a good and affordable meal in town, I go to Le Chasseur — an air-conditioned zi char restaurant at New Bridge Road. For dads who are not fans of fine-dining, this can be a consideration. You get quality food in a comfortable environment.

Perennial favourites include coffee pork ribs ($16), salted fish eggplant ($8.5), fish bee hoon with bittergourd ($7), pork knuckle ($32) and claypot chicken rice ($11).

31 New Bridge Road
Tel: +65 6337 7677
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Park at Holland Village

This new cafe/bar at Holland Village serves decent food at reasonable prices – most of the main courses are under $20. There are still some teething problems – there is much room for improvement for the service, the food is hit and miss – but if you are looking for somewhere to treat your dad without burning a hole in your wallet, mark Park in your list.

281 Holland Avenue
Sun to Thu: 10am – 12 midnight
Fri & Sun: 10am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

Pepperoni Pizzeria

This pizzeria by the Les Amis Group is known for their wood-fired pizzas. For a big family, get their iconic XXL 21 inch Family Pizza ($50) which feeds 4-6 people.

6 Greenwood Avenue
Hillcrest Park
Tel: +65 6465c6556
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Sun: 11am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

95 Frankel Avenue
Tel: +65 6445 5661
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Kembagan

Prive

While the main draw is the fantastic view overlooking Keppel Bay, what makes Prive a place where you can go back again and again is their options of comfort food – think brunch food, pastas, burgers and sandwiches. Make sure you call to make a reservation in advance for Father’s Day Brunch.

For something more substantial, head next door to Prive Grill and satisfy your dad’s inner carnivore with a ‘Nose-to-tail’ platter ($48) which features 100% pure bred Berkshire pork from Snake River Farms. The Father’s Day promotion is available from 10-15 June.

2 Keppel Bay Vista
GF Marina at Keppel Bay
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Daily: 9am – 12 midnight
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison at Mandarin Gallery is one of the best, if not the best, tonkatsu restaurant in Singapore. From Rosu Katsu ($29.8), to Hire Katsu ($29.8), to Katsu Curry ($21.8), to Katsudon ($21.8). With so many options, surely there is something for everyone.

333A Orchard Road
#02-35/36 Mandarin Gallery
Tel: +65 6733 4541
Mon to Fri: 11am–3pm, 5pm–10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11am–10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

Among the steakhouses in Singapore, Wooloomooloo stands out for offering good steaks at relatively affordable prices. For Father’s Day 2013, they are offering a 4-course gourmet lunch at $68++/pax. Start off with their signature Jumbo Shrimp, Steak Tartare or Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. The next option is a choice between Roasted Pumpkim Soup or Cream of Forest Mushroom. For main course, you must get the USDA Prime Rib Eye. And end off the lunch with a Bread & Butter Pudding or Chocolate Marquise.

2 Stamford Road
Level 3 Swissotel the Stamford
Tel: +65 6338 0261
Daily: 12:00 – 15:00
Daily: 15:00 – 23:00
Nearest Station: City Hall

&Made

If your dad loves his burger, bring him to &Made by 3 Michelin Star Chef Bruno Menard – well-made burgers served in a nice ambience. Prices of the burgers range from $17 for a roasted chicken burger to $28 for their beef burger topped with pan fried foie gras. Desserts such as Lollipop Waffle ($8) and Hot Caramel Lava Cake ($15) are also worth trying. If not, have a shake to wash down the burger.

9 Scotts Road
#01-04/05/06 Pacific Plaza
Tel: +65 6690 7566
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Two times Pizza Acrobatics World Champion Chef Pasqualino Barbasso is returning to Palio at Resorts World Sentosa to entertain crowds with his gravity defying pizza manoeuvres.

If you have run out of ideas on how to celebrate Father’s Day, why not take time off your busy schedules, indulge in some family bonding and go for a pizza making class conducted by Chef Pasqualino. This is the great chance to learn a new skill from the master himself.

Chef Pasqualino will be introducing a weekly pizza menu and a 3-course set menu ($58++/pax) to showcase his finest creations during his visit at Palio. To kick-start the meal. you can choose either the Caprese – Italian buffalo mozzarella cheese with vine ripened tomatoes and basil – or a Tuscan Porcini Mushroom Soup with ciabatta bread croutons. For pizza, feast on the Sapori di Bosco – with tomato, mozzarella cheese, spicy, salami, pork, sausage and mushrooms. And Palio’s signature Tiramisu will ensure a sweet ending to the special occasion.

Photos Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Besides getting a taste of authentic, delectable pizzas made true to Italian traditions from Chef Pasqualino’s hometown in Sicily, you also get to watch him perform right before your eyes – be stunned by his showcase of his legendary acrobatic pizza-spinning skills. Definitely something you do not get to see everyday. In addition to that, you can spend some quality time together with your family to learn some tips from the chef at the pizzas’ making classes.

And for 15 and 16 June, Palio will be having a special Father’s Day set menu for 4 at $148++. The highlights include a homemade tagliolini pasta with smoked salmon, grilled kurobuta pork rack, one of Chef Pasqualino’s signature pizzas, and tiramisu. For more information, call the restaurant at +65 6577 6688 or visit Resorts World Sentosa’s website.

Palio
8 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa
Level 2 Hotel Michael
Tel: +65 6577 6688

Pizzas’ making classes (3pm – 5pm):
Adult at $38++: Fri (14/6)
Children (4-12 years old) at $25++: Sat (15/6)

Men are different from women in many ways. One of the most prominent differences is the things we eat; studies have shown that guys love their meat, while women like sweet stuff.

Burgers, steaks, pizzas, chicken wings are some of the favourite foods for men. Throw in beer and chips – you will make them the happiest lad in the world. Below, I have recommended some places for Father’s Day Dinner 2012.

Bella Pizza

Bella Pizza is my all-time favourite pizza restaurant. If you have been there before, it’s time to go back again for a good pizza. If this is your first time hearing about them, you must make a trip there soon.

30 Robertson Quay #01-14
Riverside View Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 0139

Enoteca L’Operetta

Another great place to satisfy your dad’s pizza cravings is Enoteca L’Operetta at Boat Quay. I went there recently, and I have to say they serve one of the best pizzas in Singapore. Prices range from $16 to $28 for a pizza.

78 Boat Quay
Tel: +65 6438 2482

Ku De Ta

With a view overlooking the beautiful Marina Bay area, Ku De Ta is one of the hottest restaurants in town. Unlike fine dining establishments which are too formal, Ku De Ta has a cool and funky chill-out vibe. This is definitely a great location to celebrate Father’s day.

10 Bayfront Avenue Sands SkyPark Tower 3
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Tel: +65 6688 7688

L’Entrecote

Whenever people ask me to recommend a reasonably-priced steakhouse, I would think of L’Entrecote at Duxton Hill. I like the fact that they only serve steak frites ($29) on the main course menu; it tells a lot about the confidence of the restaurant. You know where to go if your father wants to have steak for dinner.

36 Duxton Hil
Tel: +65 6238 5700

Nandos

Everyone loves Nando’s peri peri chicken. nd delicious grilled chicken – that’s all we need for a simple Father’s day dinner. Check out their new branch at JCube.

2 Jurong East Central 1
#03-07/19 JCube
Tel: +65 6684 5387

Roadhouse

For dads who love their burgers, Roadhouse at Dempsey Road is the place to go. They have some of the best tasting burgers in Singapore. The other main courses like BBQ ribs and steaks are also very good.

Go to Roadhouse for Father’s day brunch and have burgers, eggs benedict, BBQ ribs, and milkshake. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this special occasion.

13 Dempsey Road #01-07
Tel: +65 6476 2922

Relish

It is impossible to go wrong with burgers and beer for a nice Father’s day treat. A meal at Relish is perfect as the guys there have mastered the art of pairing burgers with beers from all over the world.

501 Bukit Timah Road
#02-01 Cluny Court
Tel: +65 6763 1547

Father’s Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June each year. I am sure everyone had a good feast during Mother’s Day last month, so it’s only fair to make plans for a good Father’s Day celebration! Every special occasion is an excuse for us to eat.

Here’s my recommendation for Father’s Day Restaurants Promotion 2011:

Where to go for Father’s Day? What to eat for Father’s Day? Read and find out!

Father’s Day Breakfast

Ng Ah Sio Pork Ribs Eating House

I think it is a good idea to wake up early and have Bak Ku Teh with your family to celebrate Father’s Day. What’s better than a bowl of piping hot pork ribs soup from Ng Ah Sio on a Sunday morning?

208 Rangoon Road, Singapore
Tel: +65 6291 4537
Tue–Sun: 6am – 2pm
(Closed on Mon)

Father’s Day Brunch Buffet

10 @ Claymore

On 19 June, 10 @ Claymore is offering a special buffet spread as part of their Father’s Day Promotion. Highlights include Live US Oysters, Boston Lobsters, and a carving station featuring Pork Specialities. There are also Australian Wagyu Sirloin, Gracefield Vension Ioin Kebab and Beer Butt Chicken (served a la minute). All Dads will also receive $20 worth of dining vouchers as Father’s Day gift.

For more recommendations, read my list of Brunch Places in Singapore.

Father’s Day Brunch & Dinner Promotion 19 June 2011
$52.00++ with free flow of fresh juices (Brunch/Dinner)
$82.00++ with free flow of wine and beer (Brunch)
$122.00++ with free flow of champagne (Brunch)

10 Claymore road
2F Pan Pacfic Orchard
Tel: +65 6831 6686

Father’s Day Lunch

Canopy Garden Dining & Bar

Nestled admist the quaint Bishan Park, Canopy restaurant (under the Aramsa Spa group) has a Father’s Day set menu special on 18th & 19th June 2011.

The $38++/pax set lunch includes appetiser: waldorf salad/seafood bisque, main course: salmon spaghetti/duck leg confit/oven baked chicken, and dessert: pineapple sorbet/sticky date pudding. Father’s Day set dinner is available at $60++/pax.

For more recommendations, read my list of Best Set Lunches in Singapore.

1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Bishan Park II Singapore
Tel: +65 6556 1533

Father’s Day Afternoon Tea

Spices Cafe

I know it sounds a little weird to bring your dad for afternoon tea, but hey, who says guys cannot have desserts?

Spices Cafe at Concorde Hotel has a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea Promotion whereby Dad dines for free with a table for 3 or more paying adults. Every father will also receive door gifts and stand a chance to win a prize including a hotel stay for two in their grand lucky draw!

With choices like Lobster Bisque, Roasted Black Pepper Sirloin, Coffee Mousse and Blueberry Cheesecake, enjoy a nice afternoon with your loved ones.

For more recommendations, read my list of Afternoon High Tea Places in Singapore.

Dates: 18 & 19 June 2011
Time: 12 noon – 5 pm
Price: Adult: $40++
*Child: $20++ (3 to 12 years old)

100 Orchard Road
Concorde Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6733 8855

Father’s Day Dinner

Salta Argentine Parrilla Restaurant

Salta Argentine Restaurant has an eat all you can Argentine Asado (barbecue buffet) every Saturday for $35++/pax (add $10 for free flow of house wine). Besides appetisers like cheese/cold cut platter, grilled sausages, traditional empanadas, there are also home made pasta and salmon filled ravioli.

Given that this is an Argentine Asado, you are there for the meat of course. Eat to your heart’s content and have boneless chicken, lamb leg, pork loin, rump steak, short ribs, and flank steak! Wow! For just $35++/pax, I think this is a pretty good deal!

For more recommendations, read my list of Best Buffet Places in Singapore.

12 Gopeng Street #01-56/57
ICON Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6225 8443

Where are you planning to celebrate Father’s Day 2011?

Sweet & Sour Pork from Pu Tien Restaurant

Last Sunday, there was some confusion on twitter as some friends had mistaken it as Father’s day. Just in case you are also confused, Father’s day is the 3rd Sunday of June. During Mother’s Day every year, there will always be a big fanfare with flowers and big feasts, on the other hand – everything seems to be relatively quiet on Father’s day.

Sometimes we tend to neglect our fathers for what they have done for us, and I have to admit I am one of the guilty few. My dad probably knows what is my favorite food, while I don’t have much of a clue what he really likes.

But I do know that he prefers Chinese food, and so to celebrate Father’s Day dinner this year, we are going to have a big feast at a Chinese seafood restaurant!

Here’s some suggestions of restaurants for Father’s Day celebration:

Bedrock Bar & Grill – Fathers dine for free with 1 paying adult

The restaurants that I recommended for Father’s day celebration are mainly Chinese-orientated as my dad love Chinese food. But I had to add in Bedrock Bar & Grill after finding out about their superb Father’s day promotion.

It’s a three course set lunch with a starter of cod fish cake, dessert of profiterloes and there’s three different mains to choose from: Striploin Fillet Steak ($35), Seafood Risotto ($32), or Gnocchi Bolognese ($25). From what I understand after calling the restaurant, it’s basically like a 1-for-1 promotion, whereby the father will dine for free with 1 paying adult getting the set lunch.

Note that this promotion is only available tomorrow, 19th June from 12 noon to 1430 hrs as they are not open on Father’s day. Please call the restaurant to confirm about the promotion and make your reservation.

96 Somerset Road
#01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: +65 6238 0054

Jing Restaurant – For Weekend Brunch Buffet

I have heard a lot about the weekend brunch dim sum buffet at Jing restaurant, One Fullerton. At just $38++ per head, there’s 18 different dim sum, a good selection of barbecued meat, broth, meat, seafood, rice/noodles, vegetables, desserts and a single portion of chili crab and deep fried soon hock to choose from. Currently there’s a promotion where one dines free with every three paying adults exclusively for DBS credit card members.

One Fullerton, #01-02/03
1 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6224 0088
// Weekend Brunch Buffet $38++

Pu Tien Restaurant – For a simple family dinner

Having been to Pu Tien restaurant at Jurong Point a couple of weeks ago, I was impressed with the simplicity yet interesting Chinese food that they offered. It’s a good and affordable place for a family dinner.

127 Kitchener Road
Desker Road Conservation Area
Tel: +65 6295 6358

Seafood Paradise Restaurant – For a scrumptious seafood feast

Paradise group is one of the Chinese restaurants group that caters to almost very segment of the market. With Paradise Inn targeted at family, seafood paradise for the seafood lovers, and the fine dining Chinese restaurant Taste Paradise, everybody will be satisfied when it comes to Chinese food.

91 Defu Lane 10
Swee Hin Building
Tel: +65 6487 2429

Yan Ting Restaurant – For Dim Sum Brunch

What’s there to say about Yan Ting restaurant at St Regis? If you take my words for it, they have the best dim sum in Singapore. Their Weekend dim sum brunch at $88++ is such an extravagant. I’d rather just order from their ala carte dim sum menu and it’s around $20-30 per head.

29 Tanglin Road
The St Regis
Tel: +65 6506 6888

* * *

Where are you going for Father’s Day dinner this year? Oh ya, please give me some ideas for a good father’s day present, there’s only two days till Father’s day and I have yet to get a gift!