A new generation of chefs is set on redefining Singapore cuisine with fresh cooking techniques, fusion flavours and innovative plating, yet with unmistakeably familiar flavours that strike a chord. Popular, local dishes are being reinvented, often with strikingly modern visual appeal, served up as classics on restaurant menus.

This is Modern Singaporean cuisine, or “Mod-Sin”, as coined by well-known homegrown chef Willin Low, who helms Wild Rocket.

The quaint establishment is located within the quiet Mount Emily Park. Step inside and you will be in the fierce presence of all things Singapore. Everything – from the lighting to the design of its interior and tableware — has a made-in-Singapore stamp.

Ask for the famed Laksa Pesto Pasta, an update of the local favourite with noodles in spicy coconut broth, as an off-the-menu lunch item.

For dessert, the fragrant pandan-infused panna cotta with salted gula melaka (palm sugar) is recommended. An omakase menu (where dishes are selected by the chef) is also available at the chef’s table, should you decide to leave your meal in Low’s expert hands.

Those with a bolder palate will love Restaurant Labyrinth, helmed by owner-chef LG Han.

The restaurant has been making waves for its unexpected deconstructed plating of local favourites. Each dish is a visual spectacle that is Instagram-worthy. The Labyrinth Chilli Crab, for example, is served sans the thick and spicy dipping gravy that most have come to expect from the dish. Instead, diners are served tempura soft shell crab, delicately perched on a dollop of chilli crab ice cream, surrounded by sprinkles of mantou (fried Chinese bun) crumbs.

If you are in the mood for authentic Peranakan flavours, Candlenutis a must-try. The restaurant offers an unconventional use of theBuah Keluak (a type of nut with a tough shell and piquant liquid inside), a key ingredient in a braised chicken dish. Instead, chef Malcolm Lee serves it up in the form of an ice cream, with the earthy Buah Keluak perfectly balancing out the Valrhona chocolate. It is presented in a yummy cradle of salted caramel, chocolate crumble, chilli specks and warm milk chocolate espuma.

On occasions that call for dining with a view, Sky on 57, located on the 57th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands, is just the place.

At lunch, chef Justin Quek serves up JQ’s Signature (foie gras xiao long bao), steamed dumplings from China’s Jiangnan region re-interpreted with his signature Asian-Franco leanings.

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Dubai is one of the more open and accommodating states of the United Arab Emirates – to an extent it has to be given the huge number of foreign workers. There are, however, a number of regulations that must be adhered to, particularly because you don’t want to inadvertently end up in a Dubai jail. Some rules may be easier to break than you might expect, so we’ve rounded up the key one to remember.

No drinking in public

Dubai is a Muslim state and, while it’s one of the freer ones, with alcohol available for sale and consumption in certain licensed places including restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels (and at home if you have an alcohol license), it is illegal to consume alcohol  in public – which means in the streets. Should you have too much to drink, it’s also wise not to go out in public and show that fact off. The UAE also has a zero tolerance approach to drunk driving.

Follow the rules of the road

The legal driving age in Dubai is 21, and you should never use your mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle. As driver or passenger, always wear your seatbelt. As a pedestrian, jaywalking carries a fine.

Don’t flip the bird

However angry someone might make you – particularly when on the road in Dubai – under no circumstances should you even think about raising that middle finger. Swearing and other aggressive behavior, as well as spitting, will also not be tolerated.

No PDA

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, particularly in the public realm. Should you be in a bar or a club then it’s not as much of a problem but getting too cozy out and about could mean trouble. Pretend you’re a young teen again and stick to holding hands, but even then, only if you are married.

No dancing

Don’t get all David Bowie and Mick Jagger and dance your way down the street. While it may be acceptable in clubs and bars, dancing in public is considered indecent and even provocative, and could be particularly problematic for women.

Don’t kiss and tell

Be careful recounting tales of your escapades in public, particularly sexual ones involving someone who is not your spouse. Fornication outside marriage is haram and even if it is taking place, you should keep it discreet. If holidaying unmarried in Dubai, you cannot share a room, let alone a bed.

No drugs

The UAE has some of the strictest drug laws in the world and taking any kind of illegal drugs in with you is just not worth it. People have been arrested and imprisoned for less than a sugar grain’s size possession of marijuana, and just passing through the airport carrying a banned substance could mean a four-year prison term.

Be careful with prescription medicine

It’s not just illegal drugs that can cause problems for you in Dubai. There are a number of drugs legal in other parts of the world that will have you put away in Dubai. Be careful with Valium, Prozac and a host more.

Smoking rules

Enjoy a shisha at one of Dubai’s many shisha cafes, but when it comes to smoking cigarettes you may only light up in designated areas. Leave the e-cigarettes at home, as they are banned.

Dress respectfully

Be conservative in the way you dress. If you’re by the beach or pool it’s okay to wear shorts and a tank top or swimwear (though going topless is a no). But, if you are out in public, short skirts and shorts, low-cut tops and T-shirts that show off your shoulders are not recommended. Don’t wear anything too tight or revealing and avoid offensive slogans or images. Men should always wear a shirt. If visiting a mosque or religious site, don’t bare your shoulders, arms or legs whether you are male or female and the latter will need to wear a headscarf.

Watch your hands and feet

Nicholas A. Tonelli, Spread, via Flickr CC BY 2.0

It’s considered rude to show the soles of your feet, so if you are sitting with a foot on your knee or legs out in front of you, be aware in which directions the soles of your feet are pointed. Don’t cross your legs if sitting in front of important guests as it is considered rude. Don’t use your finger to point; instead use your whole hand. Always accept food and drink with your right hand, and eat with this hand as well.

Men shake, women don’t

If you are meeting Emiratis as a man, feel free to offer your hand, though it’s wise to take the lead from them. It’s rare a woman will offer her hand to a man and vice versa.

Ramadan regulations

If you choose to visit Dubai during Ramadan – when Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset – nothing must pass your own lips in public during those hours. If you want to even have a sip of water this needs to be done discreetly and ideally in private. At hotels and restaurants those not observing the fast will often be screened off when eating or drinking during daylight hours.

Citizens of the Philippines must obtain a visa when travelling to the UAE.

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