7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Where to eat, drink and shop according to Vasunthara Ramasamy
No one hosts quite like Vasunthara Ramasamy. A self-taught chef and MasterChef Singapore alum, she runs Cutlery Optional, a buzzy private dining outfit where South Indian culinary heritage takes centre stage. She is also known as the unofficial Little India whisperer—guiding friends through Tekka's spice stalls and thosai counters like it's a sensory sport. If you want to get to the heart of Singapore's culinary landscape, eating with her is a good first step.
For Ramasamy, home represents ease. 'I have lived in Mumbai and New Zealand for short periods. These experiences were enriching and broadened my view of the world and life. However, now that I'm in my 40s, I'm certain that Singapore will always be my true home. Ultimately, living abroad made me realise how much of a Singaporean I am at heart.'
On her food adventures around the island, Ramasamy has made many discoveries and hidden gems—some of which she believes should receive more recognition. 'I wish that the food cultures of migrant workers could be more acknowledged and celebrated,' she reflects. 'Migrant workers have their own temporary enclaves to gather and relax on their rest days. It is in these spaces where I have found some of the best and most affordable Southeast Asian and South Asian eats.'
Here, the chef share her favourite third spaces in Singapore—from the local eatery she'd rather gatekeep to under-the-radar stores, bars and neighbourhoods she keeps coming back to. André Wee
1 / 6 The local stall you tend to gatekeep:
This is a difficult one to answer as many of my favourite food stalls have shuttered over the years. But Impian Wahyu (Block 462 Crawford Lane) has managed to stand the test of time. My favourite dishes are their Ayam Penyet and Sup Buntut. Their food reminds me of what you find in Indonesian warungs and the sambal they serve on the side has got a good kick of chilli heat too. I've patronised this stall for years and was heartbroken when they closed briefly after the passing of Abang Batman, one of the co-owners. He was incredibly personable and I'm glad that Wahyu Ning, his wife, overcame the odds and reopened at a new location. @vasunthara.r
2 / 6 The third space where you feel the most you:
Does the wet market count as a third space? I spend a lot of time at Tekka Market and the grocery shops all over Little India. There's always some new ingredient to appreciate and learn about from the stall owners. As a private dining chef, these spaces allow me to dream up new dishes and ideas. Courtesy of Atlas
3 / 6 The ultimate destination for a good night out:
I like Atlas Bar for its beautiful interiors and Caffe Fernet for sweeping views of Marina Bay and (most importantly) its Negronis. Courtesy of Jothi Store & Flower Shop
4 / 6 A hidden gem shopping address:
While not really a hidden gem, Jothi Store & Flower Shop has existed since the 1960s and more people should know about it. It's an excellent place for Indian cookware and all types of stainless steel paraphernalia for sauces, dips, prep and service. They have extensive variety at very affordable prices. Courtesy of Ichigo Ichie
5 / 6 Best date-night spot:
I may be biased as I have done two collaborations with chef Akane of Ichigo Ichie, but my husband and I love the food there. Each visit to the Japanese kappo restaurant guarantees a different experience since the menu isn't fixed and chef Akane only uses seasonal ingredients while adding her own artistic flair. I especially love that diners will occasionally taste some Indian elements, inspired by our collabs over the years, like fermented Indian chilli pastes and spices popping up amid Japanese flavours. It makes the experience fun, interesting and very memorable for a special date. Getty
6 / 6 Your favourite coffee haunt:
I have the privilege of mostly working from home so my daily cup of coffee is usually a Lungo from a Nespresso pod. But on days when I really need a caffeine boost, it's a stovetop espresso or South Indian filter coffee using coffee beans sourced from my travels to India.
Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue is out on newsstands and available online.
