If all you’ve wished is for Hollywood to portray other cultures accurately, this is the move you’ve been waiting for. The highly anticipated best-seller novel-turned-movie Crazy Rich Asians is the first to feature an all-Asian cast in 25 years. It gets crazier than that in the RomCom movie.
A Lil' bit more about the movie
Singaporean author Kevin Kwan wrote the original novel and published it in 2013. Jon M. Chu, who also directed G.I Joe: Retaliation and Now You See Me 2, is directing the upcoming movie with the same title. The adapted novel entails the hilarious, dramatic, and romantic story about Rachel Chu and Nick Young in the contemporary Asian country Singapore. Rachel first met Nick at New York University, where the lovebirds worked as professors. The juicy drama enhances when Nick brings Rachel to Singapore to meet his family. Rachel then struggles to fit into Nick’s glamorous family so much because his wealthy lifestyle is over-the-top.
The film is filled with dazzling scenes you’ll wish you were Rachel and had your own Nick. Fresh Off The Boat actress Constance Wu stars as preppy Rachel Chu while Malaysian Henry Golding stars as irresistible bachelor Nick Young. Other renowned Asian artists like Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr., and Awkwafina are also part of this revolutionary movie.
Without further ado, I present to you the hottest places for you to feel like an expat in Singapore.
1) L’Espresso at the Goodwood Park Hotel
The Goodwood Park Hotel is an inspiration for the Kingswood Hotel as mentioned in the novel. This is the place for a perfect afternoon tea in one of the most enchanting hotels in Singapore. They offer a good selection of sandwiches, desserts, pastries, and scones that will leave you drooling for more. Come for their afternoon tea buffet, and you’ll get a glass of champagne along with your choice of TWG teas for drinks. How bougie can your afternoon get?
2) PRIVE @ Keppel Bay
PRIVE is situated right by the boat docks, offering perfect views of the Harbourfront. The cafe is tucked away in the marina, a charming place for a break from the city. My personal fave Asian-fusion item off their brunch menu is their savory Aglio Olio with crispy pork belly. The salty flavor of the crispy pork and the pasta go hand in hand with each other. Can’t decide what to order? Go big or go home with their Super-Ultimate Breakfast Platter, which includes eggs benedicts, avocado toast, a 6-inch Bratwurst, and a side salad among other mini side-dishes (as seen above).
3) Osteria Mozza
Feeling hungry after walking in the grand Marina Bay Sands shops? Visit Osteria Mozza for some delectable pasta dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but I especially loved their tagliatelle with oxtail ragu. The sauce was not at all overbearing, and the tender oxtail ragu creates a flavorful blend. Pair your pasta with their strong-and-smooth Singapore Sling cocktail, the country’s signature gin-based drink.
Pro-tip: their lunch and dinner menu offers different items, so watch out for that. I highly recommend going to this place during dinner because there will be a broader selection, plus the ambiance is cozier at night.
4) Arteastiq
Wanna have a fun brunch date? Come to Arteastiq, a boutique tea house with a social art studio. With paint and brushes supplied, sip on some tea while you paint your heart out no matter your artistic abilities. In the cafe itself, relax on their spacious couches and brightly-lit interior as you bite into their light-bites displayed on a gorgeous high-tea display. They have an array of tea flavors you’ll debate on getting. If you must go for brunch, I suggest the delicious Aphrodite’s crab cake breakfast that’s not too filling.
5) Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Restaurant
Duck meat cannot get any better than this. While the Imperial Treasure specializes in Peking duck, there are other Chinese dishes on the menu as well, such as dim sum. For those who are curious about the Peking duck, there will be a chef who will cut the duck skin right by your table and wrap it in thin Chinese steamed pancakes with slices of cucumbers and green onion. Imagine all the divine flavors in a roll.
Pro-tip: Their signature Beijing-style roasted duck takes a day to make, so make your reservations and order in advance.
If you find yourself in Singapore, try these top restaurants to feel like the bougiest person alive. Wanna know more about Rachel and Nick’s lavish life? Catch Crazy Rich Asians on theatres on August 15, 2018. It’ll leave you wishing your lifestyle was over-the-top like theirs.
The inspiration for this article came from a casual conversation with an old friend of mine, Benedictus Jovan.