Cultural comforts: InterContinental Singapore

While InterContinental-branded hotels are well known for being luxurious, contemporary and impeccably styled, they also offer something unique – insight into the local cultures of where they’re based. The Singapore iteration is no exception, blending the modern with the historical. Touches of Peranakan significance are thoughtfully placed throughout the Main Tower, Heritage Wing, and guest suites, curated and displayed to tell the stories of the past.

There’s the bespoke carpet that makes reference to the phoenix, a common symbol of peace and prosperity in many traditional Chinese households; the porcelain pillows dating back many years; and the decorative antique Straits Chinese Spittoons used by women during the late eighteenth to twentieth centuries, among other items.

The skyscraper itself – with its 403 rooms – sits in the heart of a vibrant heritage precinct, deeply rooted in the cultural art districts of Bugis and Bras Basah. It’s also close in proximity to a number of diverse city enclaves such as Arab Street, Kampong Glam and Little India.

Historical locale

InterContinental Singapore encourages guests to learn more about the local
culture through its Guided Heritage Trail. Launched in partnership with the Society of Tour Guides (Singapore) in January 2016, the historical walking tour takes visitors through areas of particular interest around the buzzing vicinity of the hotel.

The aim of the trail is to embrace the connection to the cultural enclaves that surround InterContinental Singapore, and deliver authentic and enriching experiences for guests to constantly be ‘in the know’.

InterContinental Singapore hopes that the heritage trail will provide them with insider tips as they explore the vibrant precinct. The hotel is also conveniently located next to Bugis Junction shopping centre – the city’s first glass-covered, air-conditioned shopping street – to satisfy all your retail therapy needs.

Dine in style

From handcrafted dim sum to charcuterie and cheese boards, the hotel has on-site dining options to suit an array of tastes. Man Fu Yuan is taking Cantonese fine-dining cuisine to the next level. The restaurant is helmed by Executive Chef Kwan Yiu Kan, whose menu has a strong seafood focus.

Along with his team, he takes guests on a journey into the rich and intricate art of Chinese cooking – and he’s well equipped for the job, having served 40 years working in the capital of Cantonese cuisine, Hong Kong.

Mouth-watering dishes include the Alaskan King Crab, which comes steamed with Chinese wine and egg white; smoked duck with Chinese tea leaves and brown sugar; and the house-made dim sum selection – think crystal dumpling and preserved vegetables, bamboo pith with beef balls, and glutinous rice dumplings. To complement the food, there’s an option to book in for a traditional tea-pairing experience.

If European flavours are your preference then Ash & Elm is the place to go. The brasserie comprises three ‘live’ culinary theatres to create an unforgettable dining experience – a charcuterie and cheese room, a wood-fired oven, and an open charcoal-grill kitchen.

Try a share plate such as the Ash & Elm platter featuring house-cured beef pastrami and air-dried pork belly, before sampling something a bit more hearty from the grill, while sipping on a wine hand-picked by the sommelier and finish off with a dessert designed and created by Pastry Chef Ben Goh.

The third restaurant offering is Chikuyotei, which proudly represents traditional Japanese culinary culture. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the signature live Japanese eel, or stick to other authentic dishes such as sashimi, sushi and Kagoshima Wagyu beef. While enjoying the meals crafted by Chef Kishio Watanabe, it’s recommended you sip on some premium sake to complete the experience.

Impeccable service guaranteed

InterContinental Singapore opened its doors in 1995 and has earned itself a robust reputation for an outstanding level of service. This is reflected in the awards it has received over the years, including the 2016 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating and the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.

To add even more value to its guests, the hotel recently brought in a bespoke privilege for those staying in the Executive, Royal, Ambassador and Presidential Suites – round-trip limousine transfers per stay to any destinations across the city.

InterContinental Singapore is a hotel that perfectly marries modern-day comforts with hints of locality, and is an excellent pick when heading to Singapore for business or pleasure.

For more information and bookings, visit www.singapore.intercontinental.com