Singapore’s most popular year-end event, Christmas Wonderland, has returned for its sixth edition and this time around, it is back bigger and better, filled with exhilarating events that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Santa’s homeland! 

The event, happening at Gardens by the Bay from 29 November to 26 December 2019, promises a merry feast for your senses as it brings you a wide array of gastronomical adventure, fun workshops and a unique shopping experience complementing the majestic luminaries of light sculptures inspired by the Italian region of Tuscany. 

I made my way to Gardens by the Bay on its opening day—29 November 2019—to get a first-hand experience of this whimsical wonderland and was blown away by the vast variety of food and drink choices I had! 

Hence, with a strong sense of responsibility, I took up the task in search of my top six dishes and beverages which I would highly recommend you to try when you are scratching your head, in dilemma on what to indulge on. 

Credit – Gardens by the Bay

The hunt began as I headed first to the Christmas Tree Cafe, set in the heart of The Meadow. As it was drizzling, I was thankful that there was the option to dine indoors in a sheltered tent nearby.

Whilst food shopping, the very first thing that caught my eye was Burger & Lobster‘s Original Mini Lobster Roll with Fries (S$15). I’ve heard many good things about this dish and boy, I was totally not disappointed! The chunks of sweet and fresh lobster meat complemented perfectly with the slightly seared brioche buns, leaving me wanting more after I devoured the entire mini roll within five mouthfuls.

The cool and wet weather made me crave some comfort food, thus, when I saw the word ‘Cheese Quesadillas’ (S$8) written on TONITO Latin American Kitchen‘s menu board, I went for it without any hesitation. The dish was served warm and the tortillas were toasted to a nice crispy around the edges.

As I tore into one of the quesadillas, it was melty, gooey and just beautiful. A perfect cheese pull that tastes as heavenly as it looks.

I continued my feasting in search of a meatless option for our vegan/vegetarian friends and came across Mr. White Wich (S$16) from Mr. White. Also called the Wisely Burger, this dish consists of the impossible plant meat, guacamole, cabbage and melted cheese stacked between two white fluffy steamed milk buns.

The patty was grilled to a nice medium-rare and the flavours went hand-in-hand with the guacamole and cheese. My only dissatisfaction was with the steamed milk bun as it was rather hard and not-so-fluffy by the time I got to it. That being said, I blame myself as I took some time snapping pictures of this beauty instead of consuming it immediately. So, don’t make this rookie mistake as I did!

I bought a Strawberry Mojito (S$12), also from Mr. White, to wash down my food. Not only was this drink picture-worthy, but it was also fizzy and refreshing, leaving a slight strawberry and lime aftertaste after every sip. Be sure to grab a spoon and dig into the sweet fresh strawberry pieces to get every cent of your money’s worth.

Credit – Gardens by the Bay

Ringing sounds of the jingle bells led me to the Festive Market where the Christmas Parade made its debut in Christmas Wonderland this year.

Festive Market houses stores that sell unique craft goods and festive cuisines synonymous with the season. My pick at the Festive Market goes to Butterscotch Beer Fish and Chips (S$12) and Salted Caramel Popcorn Soda (S$8) which are both bought at Street Food Circus SG. These two are just a match made in heaven! 

The fish—coated with a light butterscotch beer batter—was thick, delicate and fresh. Each mouthful was a delight as it was crunchy on the outside, yet, soft and warm on the inside. Paired with the Salted Caramel Popcorn Soda, the creaminess was further enhanced and heightened. I was particularly amused by the presentation of the soda upon first look, as it seemed like the popcorns were toppings on the drink itself.

But I was absolutely wrong; in fact, the drink was separated in a cup hidden under the popcorn and I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated inside. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the flavours of this drink. 

So here you have it! These are the four dishes and two beverages which I highly recommend you to try when you are at Christmas Wonderland. With that said, there are tons of other food choices for you to indulge in and feast your night away. So, gather your troops, head on to Gardens by the Bay and have a belly Merry Christmas!

We might not have the cold weather and neither can we experience real snow in Singapore. However, with our recent cool temperature and the stunning festive decorations at Gardens by the Bay, Christmas never felt so real before!

Dates & Time: 29 November to 26 December 2019 | Refer here for opening hours

Price: S$6 online from 29 November to 12 December 2019, S$8 online from 13 to 26 December 2019 | S$10 on-site