Labyrinth

Labyrinth is the restaurant of chef LG Han, who left a career in banking to cook, and it holds one Michelin star. Set inside Esplanade Mall on the Marina Bay waterfront, it is dedicated to Singapore's food heritage: the kitchen reinterprets the island's culinary history, from hawker staples to older dishes that are fading from memory, through a modern tasting menu.

The idea is that familiar flavours appear in unfamiliar forms. A dish might borrow the taste of chilli crab, chicken rice or rojak, or revive a recipe that has all but disappeared from home kitchens, using contemporary techniques to bring it to the table in a new shape. The restaurant places strong emphasis on local produce, sourcing from Singapore's farms and fishermen where it can, which helps tell the story of what the island grows and catches today. The menu changes over time as the kitchen works through new ideas and ingredients.

Dining here is an event rather than a quick meal. The tasting menu runs to many courses and takes the whole evening, and each dish is usually explained at the table, which makes the meal particularly rewarding for visitors who want to understand Singaporean food more deeply. Reservations are essential and are best made well in advance through the restaurant's booking page. Tell the team about allergies and dietary requirements when you book, as the menu is set.

Labyrinth suits couples, food enthusiasts and anyone marking a special occasion. It is less suited to young children or diners who prefer to choose dishes, and prices reflect its fine-dining status. Smart-casual dress is appropriate, and arriving a little early gives you time to settle in. If you want to understand where the dishes come from, a few meals at hawker centres such as Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Food Centre earlier in the trip will make the references on the menu far more rewarding.

The restaurant is in Esplanade Mall at 8 Raffles Avenue, part of the Esplanade arts centre, and Esplanade and City Hall MRT stations are both a short walk away. Before or after dinner, walk along the waterfront promenade towards the Merlion and the Fullerton, or catch a free performance at the Esplanade's outdoor theatre. Long Bar at Raffles and the Civic District's museums are also close by.