Singapore has always had a vibrant French community, and right now it’s growing rapidly. We find out where they shop, what they like to cook and eat, and where they go for the finest French dining out of the island’s many restaurants.
Isabelle Persenda
General manager and director at In Situ Design
4.5 years in Singapore
Where do you shop for French ingredients?
The bigger Cold Storage supermarkets may seem expensive, but my secret is to wait for Casino product deliveries and then buy in multiples – yoghurts, crème fraîche, olive oil, grated cheese, pastry dough and so on. I recently discovered Le Petit Depot, and they literally have everything. For dessert, the individual cakes, éclairs and tartelettes at Brunetti (Tanglin Mall) are equal to those of the best patisseries in France.
Which is your favourite French restaurant in Singapore?
Le Bistrot du Sommelier at 53 Armenian Street, for excellent, delicious, unpretentious, genuine French food in a great, casual bistrot atmosphere.
Lynda Adraste
Owner of frenchlingerieshop.com
Five years in Singapore
How do you shop for French ingredients?
We used to shop at Carrefour, like the whole French community. We were very sad when they decided to close down. Now, I like to shop at Marketplace because they have the brand Casino and a good range of ham and cheese. For bread and pastries, I like Tiong Bahru Bakery and ABC bakery.
Your favourite French restaurant here?
Singapore has a lot of good restaurants at a range of prices. For a casual lunch, I like Bistro du Vin, which is excellent value. But Jaan is definitely the best for food, creativity, service and the view.
Catherine Michelet
19 years in Singapore
Are you a keen cook, and where do you shop?
Yes, I am, and I do most of my shopping at FairPrice or FairPrice Finest, or from time to time at Cold Storage. Since living here, I cook a lot of home-created “fusion” cuisine.
Your favourite French restaurant here?
Actually, when I patronise a European restaurant, I love Etna – though it’s Italian, the food is very similar to our South of France dishes. I also like Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro, where the grilled fish is outstanding.
Ines Ligron
Owner of Dream Factory by Ines Ligron
Four years in Singapore
Where do you shop for food in Singapore?
I buy cheese at Jones the Grocer on Dempsey Hill, and I buy my fresh organic vegetables from a warehouse in Outram Road called Nature’s Glory. I go to Eat Organic in Bukit Timah for organic necessities such as Himalayan pink salt, olive oil, coconut oil, cereals and so on.
Your favourite French restaurant here?
Le Bistrot du Sommelier – for the great quality of the food, the passion of the owners, the informal bistrot menu and the great wine!
Delphine Granger
Volunteer
Two years in Singapore
Where do you shop?
I like Marketplace for general shopping, and I buy my bread at Fine Life.
Your favourite French restaurant in Singapore?
Paul – the salads, soups and quiches are made using simple ingredients and reflect the simplicity of the best French food.
Sara Hdiguellou
Teacher at the French Studio
Three years in Singapore
Where do you shop for ingredients?
At Cold Storage, and at the French grocery Quartier. I sometimes buy bread at Maison Kayser.
Your favourite French restaurant in Singapore?
Nicolas Le Restaurant, close to Outram Park, for original cuisine made from very fresh ingredients.
Amélie Recroix
Director of the French Studio
Five years in Singapore
Where do you shop?
Marketplace or Cold Storage. I don’t buy a lot of bread, but when I do I get it from Paul or from Tiong Bahru Bakery.
Which is your favourite French restaurant in Singapore?
I like Brasserie Gavroche. Their steak tartare is very good.
Valerie Faneco
Yoga teacher, founder of Being in Yoga
10 years in Singapore
Where do you shop for food?
I shop online at Quartier, and buy Casino products at Cold Storage and Marketplace. I like Culina for fresh vegetables like mâche salad (lamb’s lettuce).
Your favourite French restaurant in Singapore?
None – I cook at home.
Alex Jones
Vice-president at Oldendorff Carriers
Two years in Singapore
Where do you shop?
Online at Le Petit Depot.
Your favourite French restaurants here?
Bistrot du Sommelier for its relaxed, authentic feel; Gavroche for its lunchtime ambiance, and Gunther’s for its high quality.
Martine Faraut
Administrative director at Scorpio Asia Singapore
10 months in Singapore
Where do you shop?
I buy my ingredients at The French Grocer, and bread from Maison Kayser.
Your favourite French restaurant in Singapore?
Saint Pierre, at Quayside Isle, Sentosa – fresh, elegant, creative and just divine!
