Where to eat, drink and go in Singapore according to He Shuming

Vogue Singapore

6 days ago

Filmmaker and screenwriter He Shuming made his debut in 2022 with Ajoomma , a Singapore-South Korea oddball gem that made waves from Busan to the Golden Horse Awards. He is now moving into unexpected territory: directing this year's National Day Parade music video. But don't expect flag-waving cliché—his take is understated, cinematic and a little tender. Trained at the American Film Institute Conservatory and the guest editor for this 'Home' issue, his storytelling lives in quiet gestures and deeply personal vignettes—the same lens through which he views the city we call home.
For He, home is a place in one's heart that is familiar and comforting—even if it might not be perfect. When it comes to the creative scene, for instance, he hopes to see a space that is more equitable and sustainable. 'That's not just in terms of funding or access, but in how we hold space for different voices and processes,' he explains. 'I'd like to see the scene grow more introspective, to reflect honestly on where we are and who we're making for. Because only then can we build a fuller, more generous creative landscape, one where more Singaporeans see the arts not as a luxury, but as something vital to civil society.'
At the end of the day, he reflects, it is the quiet individuality running through each of us that makes up our local culture. 'The way an auntie dresses to the mall, the underground ballroom scene, or someone opening a home-based pizzeria out of their HDB flat. There's a distinct point of view in all of it. We may not always call it art or culture, but I think it is,' he muses. 'I wish we celebrated that more. Because these choices, these gestures; they're all a reflection of who we are as a society: layered, subtle, and deeply personal.'
Here, the filmmaker shares his favourite third spaces in Singapore—from the local restaurants he'd rather gatekeep to under-the-radar stores, bars and neighbourhoods he keeps coming back to. André Wee
1 / 6 The ultimate destination for a good night out:
Keong Saik Road has everything. Go to Mami's Tamales for dinner—they make excellent tamales which is hard to find in Singapore—then Tian Wang for Chinese desserts. Continue into the evening at No Sleep Club or Salud for a nightcap (and maybe even more food). I don't drink so I always have the bartender make a mocktail for me, usually something bitter and sour. Courtesy of Summer Hill
2 / 6 The local restaurant you tend to gatekeep:
Summer Hill at Claymore Connect. The restaurant is owned by a dear friend of mine, Anthony Yeoh. When he moved here from their first location at Sunset Way, a few friends helped to work on the front sign, the table tops with tiles he sourced and the beautiful copper wall tunnel at the entrance. So, in a small way, it feels like I have a piece of myself there. I always go back to the classics: the duck fat fries and the perfectly brined roast chicken. Simple, honest comfort food. @paraphrase._
3 / 6 The third space where you feel the most you:
Fortune Centre in the Civic District. It's a no-fuss place for a meal or a drink, by yourself or with friends. You can also get your fortune told or see a TCM sinseh . It's a one-stop shop for all your wellness needs. Courtesy of Hock Siong & Co.
4 / 6 A hidden gem shopping address:
I love window thrift-shopping, so Hock Siong & Co is a fun place to visit for pre-loved furniture and just about anything. It reminds me of going into a movie props shop. @somma.world
5 / 6 Best date-night spot:
Somma at New Bahru. Pasta for a date, yes. Out-of-this-world pasta is a double yes, coupled with impeccable vibes and flattering lighting. Sometimes we forget how important lighting is. @apartmentcoffee
6 / 6 Your favourite coffee haunt:
Apartment Coffee along Selegie Road. Lately, with this wretched heat, an iced espresso with tonic water has been my order of choice. Sometimes a Kopi-O Kosong at any Kopitiam is good too.
Photography Zantz Han
Illustration André Wee
Outfit Hermès