We’re taking you on a whirlwind tour around the globe this issue, with an action and stomach-packed roundup of our top picks to try if you’re heading somewhere outside of Borneo. From Michelin star eats to must try personal favs, you’ll find something new to call home about!
SEVEN DIALS MARKET @LONDON
Foodies must visit this cracker of a market in London! There’s over 20 food businesses spread across two floors in a buzzing exciting atmosphere, filled with delicious halal and Muslim-friendly options. We particularly love the Soft Serve Society’s Chocolate Affogato — vanilla ice cream, shot of hot chocolate, oreo crumbs, rice krispies and a brownie bite. Dairy aficionados, head straight for Pick and Cheese, where you can dine on 40 meters of rotating rounds of expertly chosen cheese pairings.
Location: Earlham St., London WC2H 9LX
CHABAA CHIANGMAI @THAILAND
In a world of minimalism and block colours, Chabaa stands out for its technicolour whirlwind of styles, textures and colours that make you happier just looking at their clothes. Even demure black pieces get the signature Chabaa treatment with plenty of sparkly bits and clever cuts to make things fun. Chabaa represents Thai style through handmade clothes and accessories that support master Thai craftspeople. The brains behind Chabaa and their always cheery IG posts are sure to make anyone’s day just a little brighter.
Location: 14, Nimman Promenade, 32 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang, Chiang Mai District
FRENCH CONNECTION
Outgoing Ambassador of France to Brunei, Mr. Bernard Regnauld-Fabre, sat down with BIG on the eve of his departure to reflect on his three years in the Sultanate and matters of French trade and tourism.
Please share some thoughts on your time as Ambassador of the French Republic to Brunei.
Mr. Regnauld-Fabre: Of course, it is a pleasure. My first impression of Brunei, where I had never been before was, as for many of my colleagues arriving in 2021, a medical one! As I left the airport on November 12, 2021, an ambulance was waiting for me with two nurses dressed as if they were walking on the moon! On a more serious note, I quickly came to appreciate the seriousness with which the authorities have taken the fight against the pandemic very effectively. My deepest impression of Brunei, where I lived and worked for almost three years, is that of having had the good fortune to live in a harmonious society where the signs of attention, support and solidarity between inhabitants are very important. This is exemplified, of course, by His Majesty the Sultan, who maintains a very close relationship with his people. This, and the strength of family ties, seem to be essential characteristics of Brunei.
The recent trade meeting in Singapore between the Franco-Bruneian Business Association (FBBA) and trade advisories in Singapore, seems to reflect growing interest from Brunei for French imported products. Is Borneo becoming a point of interest for French trade?
Mr. Regnauld-Fabre: Bruneians have been interested in French products (particularly beauty products) for many years, although it is difficult to know exactly how much is imported. Many products pass through Singapore, where they are re-labelled before arriving in Brunei therefore making it impossible to trace their French origin. The FBBA, which has been in existence for some twenty years and has around 70 members from the business community, has organised exhibition of French products on several occasions. Recently, Honorary Chairman Mr. Musa Adinin, its President Jérôme Saniez, and Vice-President Mr. Ti Eng Hui, Director of Baiduri Bank, wanted to get to know the French business community in Singapore better. Most of the regional headquarters of French companies are located there. A delegation of 15 FBBA, including myself and Mr. Saniez, visited Singapore in June 2024 for the first time. Numerous contacts were established, in particular with the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and the Foreign Trade Advisors, a select group of the most influential businessmen and women. A working lunch was offered to Dato Amin Liew, Minister to the Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy and Finance two.
I’m not in a position to give you any concrete results from this trip, but I can confirm that avenues for cooperation have been identified in the fields of renewable energy and maritime transport. The French authorities also intend to cooperate with Bruneian officials in the field of energy transition.
Are there any statistics on the trade imports from French businesses into Brunei?
Mr. Regnauld-Fabre: Yes, there are statistics on the volume of trade between the two countries. It remains modest (around €10 million) but it is important to bear in mind, as I pointed out earlier, that a significant proportion of Bruneian imports do not appear to be of French origin because they transit through third countries which are mentioned as being the countries of origin.
What are your hopes regarding increasing French tourism to Brunei and vice-versa?
Mr. Regnauld-Fabre: French tourism is still underdeveloped in Brunei. It concentrates on visitors who are already resident in Asia or who take cruises on ships that call the Sultanate. I firmly believe that there is a potential to be developed and that travel agencies should make attractive offers at trade fairs. I’m thinking of the discovery of Brunei’s natural environment and eco-tourism, which has many fans among young people in search of change of scenery. For Bruneians, Paris is a very attractive city that they often visits from the U.K. The recent Olympic Games have put the spotlight even more firmly on the ‘City of Light’, as we call it, which is still a popular destination for Bruneian visitors despite the lack of a direct air link.
RAU KYOTO @JAPAN
You’ll find mesmerising desserts to experience at this Kyoto-based cafe that’s located in the equally wonderful Good Nature Station hotel. Chef Patissier Yusuke Matsushita and Chef Chocolatier Yukio Takagi have created bean to bar chocolates and contemporary pastries that look more akin to art or sculpture laid out on the display ‘runway’. Impossibly sharp quadrangle-shaped biscuits sit just as comfortably next to a realistic apple or lemon, or a glossy bottle shaped raspberry dessert. The level of detail and story to each component here will certainly leave any visitor in awe.
Location: 318番6 Good Nature Station, Inaricho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8022, Japan
BRUTALISTEN @SWEDEN
In the saturated world of the food and beverage industry, Stockholm’s Brutalisten stands out for its uniquely rigid rule — single ingredient plates where only water and salt may be added in circumstance. Referencing Brutalist architecture which is renowned for its linear and blockish appearance, the concept restaurant follows the ‘Brutalist Kitchen Manifesto’ for food preparation which is available on their website. There are two tasting menus, ‘Brutalist’ and ‘Total Brutalist’, for you to enjoy. Brutalisten’s focus on high-quality produce with minimal accompaniments creates dishes that are surprisingly joyful and thought-provoking.
Location: Regeringsgatan 71, 11157 Stockholm, Sweden
THE WHITE LABEL @SINGAPORE
Award-winning Halal French-Malayan restaurant, The White Label, looks to recreate its success with the reopening at its location in The Sultan Heritage Hotel. Under the guidance of the new Group Head Chef, Chef Nelson Chua (Formerly from Les Amis, Au Petit Salut & Atout), the menu has been meticulously curated to showcase a fusion of flavours inspired by local heritage spices while staying true to its traditional French roots. You must try the French Charcuterie here — The White Label is the only Halal restaurant in Singapore to offer a traditional French charcuterie platter made in house!
Location: 101 Jalan Sultan, #01-02, The Sultan, Singapore 199002
SAGA CITY OF LIGHT @CHINA
French theme park brand ‘Puy du Fou’ has branched out to Asia with the opening of a massive new attraction in Shanghai city. SAGA City of Light will incorporate the same interactiveness the brand is known for and takes place at the former Shanghai Everbright Convention and Exhibition Centre in Xuhui District. SAGA City of Light spans 46,000 square meters with a performance area of 12,110 square meters. It hold the Guinness World Record™ for the ‘Largest Immersive Theatre Show (Area Covered)” offering a new benchmark in immersive entertainment.
Location: No. 88, Caobao Road, Shanghai
ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM @SINGAPORE
‘Studio Ghibli who?’, said no one ever. The Japanese animation studio run by Hayao Miyazaki is debuting ‘The World of Studio Ghibli’ at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands starting from the 4th October until February 2025. In one of its biggest transformation to date, the ArtScience Museum will bring The World of Studio Ghibli to life across 11 galleries spanning 2,400m², taking visitors on an unforgettable journey through well-loved films such as My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004). Main highlights include 16 large scale theatrical sets that will transport visitors into iconic scenes of the movies — from waiting in the rain with Totoro and entering the Howl’s Moving Castle to hopping on a train with No-Face. There is much more in store so be sure to keep up via their IG updates!
Location: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
NA OH @SINGAPORE
It might seem strange to make your way to an automotive manufacturing facility to have food prepared by a three-Michelin star chef, but that’s exactly where you’ll find Na Oh. Created in partnership by Corey Lee (who also helms critically acclaimed ‘Benu’ in San Francisco) and the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS), the restaurant is a breathtaking contract to the tech-heavy environment of the centre’s compound. Refined minimalism comes to mind when you step into the space or view the menu. Clean lines and an earthy, muted colour palette complement the elegantly plated dishes that reflect the deep trenches of Korean culture and tradition.
Location: Level 3, Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore, 2 Bulim Link, Singapore
