My Singapore secrets: The ANZA Exec Committee reveal all!

As Singapore turns 60, who better to give us the lowdown on where to go, what to see, and what to eat on the red dot than our very own ANZA Executive Committee? Their love for ANZA isn’t just about our association; it spills over to the island itself. From must-visit icons to secret foodie finds, they’ve shared their go-to spots so you can celebrate the Lion City’s anniversary in some of the most special places.

“The Pinnacle@Duxton offers fabulous views of the southern coast”

Toph Brown, ANZA PRESIDENT

Fave bar?
Kult Yard, Pearl Hill. Tucked into the courtyard of the old police barracks (now an arts hub), it’s got great cocktails, craft beer, and delicious food.

Where do you go to recharge?
Objectifs Centre for Photography & Film. The team has been championing creativity in Singapore for over 20 years, and the exhibitions never fail to provoke thought.

Local celebration every newcomer should experience?
Doing a lo hei to bring in the Chinese New Year. Unique to Singapore, it originated in the 1960’s from a recipe developed by four local chefs.

You’ve got a friend in town for 24 hours … go!
I’d take them to the viewing deck at The Pinnacle@Duxton. Accessible with an MRT card, it’s near the top of this inspired HDB block and offers fabulous views of the southern coast and downtown core.

Favourite restaurant?
Forma, Tembeling Road. It makes its own extruded and hand-shaped pasta, seasonal menus keep things interesting, and the quality of food is rarely seen outside Italy.

Neighbourhood you love?
Jalan Besar – a fascinating mix of industrial and hip with cool cafes, bars, canvas workshops, and hardware suppliers with a range to rival Bunnings.

“Volunteering introduces you to so many new people, places, and perspectives”

Joseph Keats, Committee Member

What one local experience makes you feel more connected to Singapore?
Volunteering. From soup kitchens to soccer fields, it introduces you to so many new people, places, and perspectives.

What SG spot gives you a “Wow!” feeling?
Emerald Hill Road gets me every time. Turn your head slightly and you go from looking at stunning, leafy conservation shophouses, to gleaming modern towers. Throw in good bars, friendly neighbourhood dogs, cats, and people, and it makes me smile every visit.

You’ve got a friend in town for 24 hours … go!
We’d go to MacRitchie Reservoir. Most people get a kick out of monkeys, and it’s a nice escape from the city bustle.

Go-to hawker stall order?
Chicken murtabak at Ghim Moh. It’s like a pastry stuffed with various fillings and usually a lot of onion! I have three kids, so leaving at least one of them at a table is an effective way to chope it.

Top family-friendly activity?
The new Rainforest Wild ASIA experience at Mandai is great.

Where do you go in SG to recharge?
Fort Canning Park. It’s central, but very green and peaceful, and rarely crowded.

Favourite bar and restaurant?
Meatsmith, Telok Ayer. Great atmosphere, awesome staff, and killer food. My favourite bar is Deviate Wine Bar because it’s mine!

“There’s so much at the Science Centre for kids to play with and explore”

Nicola Mifsud-Houghton, Committee Member

Nicola (left) on Sentosa with her daughter and pals

Favourite restaurant?
Miznon North on Amoy Street. The food is phenomenal, but if you book the 8pm seating, it becomes a party by 11! The lights go down, the bar comes into its own, and the whole restaurant dances.

Which SG spot gives you a “Wow!” feeling?
Riding through the Green Corridor. It’s so lush and peaceful. You feel like you’re in the jungle, right in the middle of the city.

Where do you go to recharge?
We love spending a relaxing day at a beach club. Since we have a young daughter, we usually head out in the morning and stay through lunch. Our favourites are Rumours, Tanjong Beach Club (tanjongbeachclub.com), and Ola. Palawan is also an awesome spot for kids.

Your top family-friendly destination?
Science Centre Singapore is great.

“Chingay Parade is a celebration of the cultures that make Singapore so unique”

Mel Speet, Vice President

Which SG spot gives you a “Wow!” feeling?
The Esplanade Bridge when I cross it on the way home from the airport. The view is unbeatable with Marina Bay on one side, the CBD ahead, and The Fullerton Hotel on the other. It’s a reminder of how proud I am to live here.

You’ve got a friend in town for 24 hours … go!
If they’re into cycling, I’d take them on a ride we call ‘The Chicken Run.’ It starts in Orchard, hits Mount Emily, loops down Haji Lane, swings past the Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Cruise Centre, before ending with a coffee at 6oz Espresso Bar in the CBD. Fun fact: the route looks like a chicken on Google Maps!

What’s your go-to hawker stall order?
I head to Zion Road Food Centre for dumplings – they’re amazing and half the price of Din Tai Fung across the road. Pair with an ice-cold Chang beer from the drinks stall and you’ve got the perfect meal by the river.

What’s one local experience that’s helped you feel more connected to Singapore?
Taking my daughter to the Chingay Parade this year was brilliant. It’s loud, colourful, and gloriously over-the-top – a celebration of the cultures that make Singapore so unique.

Your favourite restaurant?
Lucca’s Trattoria in Tiong Bahru. It’s a warm, cosy Italian spot that reminds me of the neighbourhood restaurants I used to go to in Sydney. The service is top-notch, the food is hearty, and they’ve got a great wine list too.