I'm constantly looking for new dining experiences in Singapore, and I was thrilled to discover White Shades, located in Telok Ayer, the bold and creative new restaurant by owner, Jiawei Bai, of Stay Gold Flamingo, one of Asia’s Top 50 Bars.
Stepping through the front doors into the cheerful ice cream shop on the first floor, I knew this would be a different experience. The bright and colourful décor and lighting at White Shades match the eclectic Perspex tables and comfy seating. You have a feel-good mood with hits from the '80s and '90s playing in the background.
The real stars here are the twelve tempting ice cream flavours - four boozy choices like the white truffle and coffee rum, four classics like vanilla, pistachio and chocolate, two refreshing sorbets, and two experimental seasonal options. The juniper-flavoured wafer cones are made on-premises and add a delightful complement.
I managed to sneak a sample of the White Truffle, Coffee Rum, Gin Cucumber, and Mascarpone Wasabi. They were super good. My favourite was the Gin Cucumber, closely followed by the Wasabi ice cream. You can also buy these to bring home.
White Shades also has cold-brew teas and coffees with a splash of alcohol, providing a nice balance. I had the Lapsang made with the very distinctive lapsang sochong tea. A few of these, and hic! Next time, I must taste the aged coconut water… this piqued my curiosity.
On level two, the decor switched to dark, elegant tones with mellow R&B music in the background – an excellent spot for an intimate cocktail and conversation. The cocktails here are incredible and thoughtfully crafted to tell a story. For instance, the Savi Galloping cocktail evokes images of horses racing across a plain. Much theatre is involved in serving the Savi Galloping, so put this on your must-try list. Meanwhile, the Bomber J is a nod to the staff's uniform bomber jackets.
The food and plating are works of art. The Beef Tartare comes with spicy sambal matah and quail yolk. It is a delicious starter served with fried wanton skins. Next up was the Clams with miso butter. There’s never enough meat in clams but look in the bowl; there is a delicious miso butter sauce for dipping with the bread. I tried the Double Cheeseburger with jalapeno mayo and caramelised onions. It was as good as a burger gets, and I loved the cotton-wool soft bun. The sweet endings came as Chendol and truly robust Tiramisu. The chendol at White Shades is a masterful deconstruction of the iced sweet dessert, usually containing shaved ice, green rice flour jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.
Level three is still a blank canvas event space that awaits creative minds to customise it for any occasion, such as birthday parties or corporate events. Finally, the rooftop bar provides affordable, laid-back cocktails on level four. There will also be a live band to give the music-under-the-stars atmosphere, precisely what Jia Wei wants to achieve for this rooftop bar. It is sure to become a neighbourhood favourite.
Come over and meet the founder, Jia Wei. He will be the good-looking guy with an infectious smile. His passion shines through in the sheer variety of experiences offered. White Shades transported me into his vibrant world from the ground floor to the rooftop. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun exploring a restaurant.
With four different themes, colour schemes, and soundtracks, each floor offers something unexpected. The hospitality also stands out, from the exceptional service in the cocktail lounge to the friendly rooftop bartenders. Thoughtful touches like double-sized coasters and aptly branded glassware show attention to detail.
In today's competitive bar and restaurant scene in Singapore, finding a concept that genuinely pushes boundaries is rare. White Shades does just that by merging art, design, drinks, and cuisine into one sensational journey. If you are a curious foodie, you will be utterly captivated and talk about this restaurant for years. Check it out…you won't regret it!
White Shades is located at 25 Boon Tat Street. For reservations, please make your booking via this link.
Opening timings differ for each level, as stated below:
Dessert (L1): Mon-Thurs, 12 pm to 10 pm and Fri-Sat, 12pm to 11 pm Cocktail (L2): Mon-Sat, 5pm to 12am
Rooftop (L4): Mon-Sat, 5pm to 12am (Opening soon)
a. 25 Boon Tat St, Singapore 069622
e. [email protected]
About The Reporter
Expat writer and reporter Douglas Peris is a passionate foodie and avid traveller originally from Australia; now living in Singapore since 2000. With an appreciation and curiosity for street food, unique travel destinations and diverse cultures, Doug enjoys indulging in culinary delights primarily across Asia during his work and leisure travels. When Doug is not seeking out the best local eats, you can find me in the kitchen trying new recipes, cycling along the east coast of Singapore, watching rugby matches, or planning his next beach getaway or guest visit as a well-known writer and reporter for Expat Choice Asia. His varied experiences allow Doug to provide unique perspectives on the vibrant local food scenes across this dynamic region where his recommendations are regarded as honest and reliable. So join Doug as he shares his food and travel adventures through thoughtful reports and articles published and distributed on www.expatchoice.asia - if you would like Doug or any of the Expat Choice reporting team to visit your property as a guest to report on your special experience and have this report published on our network you can contact Expat Choice HQ on email with details about your offering at [email protected]
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