One of the best meals that I had in Bali during my recent trip was at Merah Putih, a classy restaurant that serves traditional Indonesian cuisine for the purists, and at the same time, dedicating another column in the menu to providing options for Indonesian food with a modern interpretation.

Indonesian cuisine is a communal affair, and this is reflected in Merah Putih’s offerings of dishes in small and large plates. The dining concept is actually inspired by the local nasi padang, where you have an array of dishes to choose form – hence the small plates to share. The owner told us that he created the restaurant because whenever someone asked him where they could go for Indonesian food in a nice setting, he did not have an answer as there was not many options. So he created the answer by conceptualising and building Merah Putih where you can enjoy the classic dishes and also discover something new.

The dining space is gorgeous, with a high ceiling and solar filtered glass walls which allow light to shine in and fill the restaurant.

The menu, as mentioned, is divided into two sections – traditional and modern, and further segmented by portion – small plates and large plates. Prices range from Rp 55,000 to 90,000 (S$7 to S$11.50) for a small plate, while you can get a large plate from Rp 145,000 (S$18) – which I believe to be fair given the quality of the food and the ambience of the restaurant.

One of the traditional small plates that we had was the Jangkang (Rp 75,000/S$10) – fried soft shell crab with salted egg, chilli and leek. It was good, but nothing to write home about. What made us sit up and take notice was the Bebek Goreng Sambal Manga (Rp 80,000/S$10.40). The crispy boneless duck with mango sambal was flawless. Every bite was so good and savoured to the last morsel.

Also good was the Balinese Yellowfin Tuna (Rp 80,000/S$10.40) – with wing beans, chilli and sambal kluwak and lemon grass – from the modern small plates menu. Every chunk of the flesh was a medley of flavours, and every bite was a mixture of invigorating spices so sensational for the taste buds.

For something more substantial, go for the large plates such as the Ayam Taliwang (Rp 145,000/S$18.80), a chargrilled Lombok spring chicken, or the Ikan Bakar, a whole chargrilled Jimbaran fish with green tomato and ginger flower. The Sumatran Duck Leg (Rp 160,000/S$20.70) and the Chargrilled Angus Beef Short Rib (Rp 160,000/S$20.70) are also tempting options on the menu.

The highlight for us was the Babli Guling (Rp 170,000/S$22). Merah Putih does a modern intrepretation of the famous Balinese suckling pig. Served with long bean kalasan, and crackling by the side, it was utterly delicious.

The humble Nasi Goreng (Rp 75,000/S$10) – with baby corn, wild mushroom, local greens, egg and fried egg – was also surprisingly good.

The folks at Merah Putih Restoran have done a fantastic job at pushing the boundaries of Indonesian cuisine. Judging by the crowd during dinner, Merah Putih is already very popular even though it has only been around for a few months. It has the potential to become one of the best restaurants in Bali.

Merah Putih Restoran
Jalan Petitenget No 100x
Kerobokan, Badung, Bali
Tel: +62 0361 8465950
Daily: 5.30pm – 11.30pm

There are many places where you can catch a glimpse of the fireworks, but they are more often than not packed with people who reserve their spots as early as the day before. We always prefer enjoying the spectacular display in comfort, and that is when we think of our favourite dining haunts which offer an unparalleled view all the same.

Here is our guide on waterfront restaurants to watch fireworks in Singapore.

Boathouse

Located at the historial Fullerton Waterboat House, Boathouse is an intimate restaurant to go for that special occasion. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant before heading up to Prelude – the rooftop bar on the third floor – for drinks and to enjoy the splendid view.

#03-01 The Fullerton Waterboat House
3 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Catalunya

In the past two years, we have seen the opening of many Spanish tapas restaurants, and among them, Catalunya at Fullerton Pavilion is one of the fanciest spots to go for a glass of sangria and some tapas. The kitchen is helmed by the team formerly from elBuli Restaurant in Spain, so you can be assured that the food is always excellent.

A meal at Catalunya is as much about the atmosphere and view as it is about the classic tapas it offers. It is perfect for a night’s out with your girlfriends, or a special date with your partner.

The Fullerton Pavillion
82 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6534 0188
Daily: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Forlino Italian Restaurant

Helmed by Chef Kentaro Torii (previously from Ochre restaurant), Forlino serves modern Italian cuisine with some Japanese touches. This is a place where you know everything will be perfect – romantic ambience, good Italian food, and a fantastic spot to admire the glittering Marina Bay skyline.

1 Fullerton Road
#02-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6877 6995

Kinki Japanese Restaurant

Funky, playful and full of energy, Kinki Japanese Restaurant combines modern Japanese cuisine with an extensive drink list. The rooftop bar at the top of Customs House is one of the best vantage points to watch fireworks in Singapore.

70 Collyer Quay
#02-02 Customs House
Tel: +65 6533 3471

La Brasserie

What we love most about La Brasserie, other than its exquisite offerings, is that it is effortlessly chic and a gorgeous place to dine in. This restaurant at Fullerton Bay Hotel is a venue that works perfectly for all occasions – be it a business luncheon with work associates, a gathering with your pals, or a romantic date with your partner.

The outdoor dining area of La Brasserie offers a marvellous view of the entire Singapore skyline, making this the perfect place to watch fireworks.

80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Tel: +65 6597 5288

Lantern Rooftop Bar

With its prime spot at the top of The Fullerton Bay Hotel, the Lantern Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore which is an extremely popular after work drinks venue in Singapore. With an unobstructed view of the Marina Bay area, this is the best place to go for drinks and enjoy the beautiful fireworks on festive occasions.

80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6597 5299

Orgo Bar Esplanade

Located on top of The Esplanade, Orgo bar has a great view of Singapore’s beautiful skyline. The rooftop terrace bar is known for its extensive list of original mixology and classic drinks.

1 Esplanade Drive #04-01
Roof Terrace Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
Tel: +65 6336 9366

Oyster Bar

Located beside the Fullerton Bay Hotel, the Oyster Bar is a gorgeous standalone building with full-length glass windows that overlook the waterfront. It is one of the best places to watch fireworks in Singapore while sipping champagne and slurping oysters.

#01-01 Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6534 5534

Paradise Pavilion

Regular readers will know that I am a fan of Paradise Pavilion at Marina Bay Financial Centre. Not only is it one of the most gorgeous Chinese restaurants in town, it also serves Chinese food of unimpeachable quality. I have been to Paradise Pavilion on several occasions, and they have always maintained a high standard.

Paradise Pavilion on level 2 of Marina Bay Link Mall has an excellent view of the Marina Bay area – definitely the place to go to watch fireworks on National Day, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year.

8A Marina Boulevard
#02-01 Marina Bay Link Mall
Tel: +65 6509 9308

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant

Tucking in to a scrumptious seafood dinner while watching the fireworks sounds like the formula for a perfect evening. Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant at One Fullerton is an established name in the local dining scene, and the food is consistently good. Be it a gathering with family, or entertaining your clients, you can never go wrong with Palm Beach Seafood.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-09 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6227 2332
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Southcoast

Located along the Marina Bay Sands Promenade, Southcoast is an Australian bistro that offers salads, pizzas steaks or the traditional fish and chips.

10 Bayfront Ave
#L1-85 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 7600
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Sky on 57

Sky on 57 may not be located along the waterfront, but with its position at sky park on level 57, it has one of the best, if not the best, view of the fireworks.

57F Marina Bay Sands, Sands Skypark Tower 1
10 Bayfront Avenue
Tel: +65 6688 8857
Daily: 7am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

The Landing Point

One of our favourite afternoon teas in Singapore, The Landing Point at the lobby of the gorgeous Fullerton Bay Hotel commands a good view of the waterfront, and is an ideal spot to escape from the crazy crowd. Indulge in delicious cocktails at the chic and swanky bar as you enjoy the captivating fireworks.

80 Collyer Quay Lobby Level
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6597 5277

The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill

Located at One Fullerton, The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill has an inviting setting with plush sofa, and wall panels that are made of copper plates, and they look like pieces of glitters. Not to mention that it also has the perfect spot to watch fireworks.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-01, One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Zafferano

Perched at the top floor of Ocean Financial Centre, Zafferano not only offers hearty Italian fare, but also a panoramic 270-degree view of Singapore’s skyline.

Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43 10 Collyer Quay
Tel: +65 6509 1488
Nearest Station: Raffles Place