Why dine at home when you can eat in a stranger’s residence? These private chefs have opened up their abodes for the ultimate home dining experience.
Let’s be honest: Singapore’s culinary scene is beyond exceptional. Yes, we said what we said! Our little red dot boasts a slew of Michelin-starred restaurants, establishments peddling outstanding international cuisines, hawker centres proudly showcasing our fave local dishes, and delicious food events throughout the year. But one epicurean experience that should be talked about more is private home dining in Singapore.
Think of it as having a personal chef, except everything is done at someone else’s home. You don’t have to worry about shopping for ingredients, portioning food, and the dreaded cleaning up afterwards. Hurrah! These are the private dining experiences you’d want to be on the waitlist.
Enjoy a delicious meal at private home dining experiences in Singapore
1. Little Social
Skip the Peranakan restaurants for once and savour an authentic eight-course experience in a pre-war heritage shophouse. Launched by chef Danial Chua and Dennes Yeo in 2021, this private dining experience includes a short tour where diners learn more about the chef’s family history. After a walk through the indoor garden, guests are invited to the opulent second-floor space, where they’re served a welcome drink (lemongrass gula melaka) before dinner commences. A minimum of eight persons is required for the booking. Bonus points if you turn up in a Nyonya kebaya!
Little Social, Level 2, 77 East Coast Road, Singapore 428783; enquire via WhatsApp
2. Med@59JCT
Everyone knows Joo Chiat as a charming neighbourhood filled with top-notch food spots. We know another place to add to the growing list. Introducing Med@59Jct, a private dining venture by Natalie and Alban “Al” Salord. Their concept centres around Mediterranean cuisine that takes place in a gorgeous Moroccan-themed shophouse. The open kitchen lets guests peek at the dishes they’ll be noshing on. Al will regale visitors with stories about the food and his journey to becoming a chef as he works the stove. Those keen to pick up cooking can attend a session conducted by Al, followed by dinner.
Med@59JCT, 59 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427221; enquire online
3. Primateve
Although the idea of foraging for your feast may not sound appealing, it’s part of Primateve’s allure. The menus are partly inspired by the team’s visits to far-flung and off-the-grid destinations in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Fancy a Mongolian feast? Or perhaps a cajun seafood binge is more up your alley. You’ll get some fascinating insights behind the meals and might even be invited to help prepare some dishes! Yes, fine dining this is not, but it’s a culinary adventure worth experiencing and sharing with others afterwards.
Primateve, 30A Holland Close, Singapore 271030; enquire online
4. The Chinoiseries
As they say, a couple that cooks together stays forever. (We don’t claim that as a legit quote.) Founders Lionel and Karyn enjoy cooking up a storm and hosting guests, so naturally (and eventually), the couple decided to dive headfirst into Singapore’s private home dining scene.
The six-course East meets West tasting menu is a unique combination of flavours and culinary styles. Seasonally available premium produce is typically used in the dishes, which include foie gras, sea urchin, oscietra caviar, and monkfish. Kids are invited to tag along; the duo is adept at preparing a children’s menu too.
The Chinoiseries, 289B Bukit Batok Street 25, Singapore 651289; enquire online
5. Fork in the Jungle
What started as a passion project became a culinary adventure for Italian-born, Singapore-based Federico Folcia. He transformed his Bukit Timah home into a modern Balinese villa where visitors can devour a six-course Italian feast made with locally sourced and produced ingredients. Talk about loving and supporting local! One thing guests can look forward to is its secluded location – not great for commuting but more than ideal for dining away from the crowds.
Are you a business owner? Strike up a conversation with Federico about all things entrepreneurship. Fyi, he founded Crane, a social networking platform that brings people together through community-led activities.
Fork in the Jungle, 19A Yarwood Avenue, Singapore 588015; enquire via WhatsApp
6. Lynnette’s Kitchen
Formerly a violinist and founding member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Lynnette Seah has moved on to orchestrating symphonies in the kitchen. The Cultural Medallion winner is renowned for her version of buah keluak fried rice and grilled jumbo squid with glutinous rice, which are available on the menu. Diners can choose between standard and premium meals and bring their own wines and alcohol to pair with their courses. Like the sauces and condiments Lynette uses in her dishes? You can order them directly from her.
Lynnette’s Kitchen, 118C Jalan Membina, Singapore 163118; enquire via WhatsApp
7. Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen
Anyone into Cantonese food? We found a private home dining experience in Singapore that might be your cup of tea. Chef Sam Wong puts his heart and soul into his cooking, which translates to heartwarming, honest dishes you’ll thoroughly enjoy. We must give our tens to his dining setup, which is the tried-and-true definition of “homely”. You’ll really feel like you’ve just rocked up to someone’s home, ready for a feast. Here’s a teaser of what to expect: roast duck, crayfish omelette, and steamed garoupa. Who’s hungry?
Lucky House Cantonese Private Kitchen, 267 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 466413; enquire online
8. No Burn No Taste
Here’s another culinary experience where guests shouldn’t expect “fine dining peekaboo BS” (their words, not ours). Chef Sam Chablani, who worked at Lolla and the now-defunct Fat Lulu’s, first coined the term “no burn, no taste” while training a chef. The phrase stuck around long enough to evolve as the basis for his private home dining concept in Singapore.
What can diners expect when they sign up? A hearty eight-course meal barbequed over a wood-fired grill to burnt perfection. It doesn’t sound appetising now, but trust us, you’ll be stuffed when you’re done. P.S. Chef doesn’t offer this experience in his home anymore, so you’ll be hosting it at your place. Check the Google form for his list of requirements.
No Burn No Taste; book online
9. Bonus: Kra Sanctuary
It’s not just humble abodes that are offering this experience. Kra Sanctuary, a Singapore-based ceramic tableware brand, has launched its inaugural private dining food tour. The team partners with four acclaimed chefs for a series of immersive one-time-only gourmand experiences where participants can connect with the chefs and discover the stories behind their dishes.
There are three sessions left: diners can go on an Italian journey with chef Muhammad Imran of A Mano SG (17 August); savour local cuisine by chef Shen Tan of Ownself Make Chef (7 September); or sink their teeth into a tantalising South Indian feast by Vasunthara Ramasamy of Cutlery Optional (5 October).
Kra Sanctuary; book online
Go forth and enjoy your feast at these private home dining experiences in Singapore.
