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Love at First Bite: Valentine’s Food and Drink Pairings
- 10 Feb 2025
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be all about roses and clichés. Great food, perfectly paired drinks, and that significant someone is all you need to create a night worth remembering. With the help of our foodie guide, you’ll come out looking like a pro at planning the perfect evening by being effortlessly prepared, undeniably charming, and ready to impress without breaking a sweat. So grab a fork, pop the cork, and let’s get started.
Korean Barbecue & Soju – Seorae Jib
Show them who’s the boss of the BBQ by grilling your own meat for your date — just try not to burn it. Seorae Jib’s Korean barbecue is a feast for both the senses and the soul, featuring juicy, marinated cuts that are as mouthwatering as they are fun to share.
Serving authentic Korean Charcoal BBQ, their smoked meats are prepared using Singapore's first-ever combination of smoking meats with hay and oakwood in Onggi, an ancient Korean smoking method. This technique infuses the meats with a rich, distinctive flavour. Dig into their Signature Pork & Beef Set, where the star of the show is their Smoked Black Pork Samgyeobsal (pork belly) — tender, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The set comes with your choice of a refreshing and tangy cold noodle or the hearty kimchi jjigae, a spicy, savoury stew that packs a punch.
Balance all that smoky, savoury goodness with their Subak Cocktail — a refreshing blend of premium watermelon juice spiked with soju. The sweetness from this fruity cocktail cuts through the richness of the barbecue and complements the spice of the stew, making every bite and sip a perfectly harmonious pairing.
Pro Tip: Order their signature Korean pork skirt meat, and let the soju work its magic to ease those date-night nerves. By the end of the meal, you’ll be meeting at the Apateu with a smile and a full belly!
Sharing Platters & German Beer – Marché
Forget the candlelit dinners—say it with Marché's soul-warming chowder, rich red wine braised chicken, and a decadent dessert that are made for romance.
Start with the Hearty Vegetable Chowder, a comforting bowl of warmth served with Garlic Parmesan Sourdough Bread—perfect for cozying up together. Then, indulge in the Red Wine Braised Chicken, slow-cooked to tender perfection, paired with Potato Mousseline and a Roasted Vegetable Medley for a meal that’s as rich in flavour as your love story.
Pro Tip: Dessert is a must on a date night. The Chocolate Crème Brûlée with Mövenpick Vanilla Ice Cream is smooth, luscious, and guaranteed to impress. Crack into that caramelised top and let the romance unfold, end the night on a sweet note.
Steak & Malbec – Jack’s Place
If Valentine’s Day were a meal, it’d be a perfectly cooked steak, and Jack’s Place delivers every time. From ribeye to sirloin and even the indulgent T-bone, they’ve got every cut to match your appetite. Want to turn up the drama? Order the Fire Steak, a tenderloin flambéed with brandy right at your table for a dish that says, “I’m here to impress.” Pair it with decadent starters like garlicky escargot in shells or oysters Kirkpatrick for a little extra flair. And yes, you can quietly get excited about choosing your baked potato toppings like the rest of us. Just play it cool when loading up on bacon bits and sour cream.
Pair your choice cut with a bold Malbec and let the wine’s robust flavour enhance the steak’s juiciness, creating a pairing that’s as timeless as your love story (hopefully).
Pro Tip: Save room for dessert! Try their cheeky Happy Tipsy Gelato with a shot of Kahlua drizzled over soft vanilla gelato for a boozy sweet treat, or go classic with a romantic chocolate sundae made for sharing. It is the cherry and the chocolate on top of a perfect date.
Kushikatsu & Highballs – Tonkatsu ENbiton
For those with food as their love language, Tonkatsu ENbiton is definitely on Cupid’s list. With their signature Hokkaido-flown pork and free-flow mixed cabbage, rice and tonjiru, they’ve got something special for those in the know. Their kushikatsu is a standout list of crispy, golden skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables that are basically the edible equivalent of a mic drop.
And what’s kushikatsu without the perfect drink? Pair these irresistible bites with refreshing Jim Beam highballs, served classic or in fruity flavours. The smooth Jim Beam bourbon whiskey with crisp soda and a splash of citrus perfectly balance the crispy, golden batter, enhancing every bite without overpowering it. Whether you prefer highball the classic way or reinvented with a fruity flavour, you’ll find yourself toasting to love, life, and the genius who thought of frying things on sticks.
Pro Tip: Not a fan of sake? Try Tonkatsu ENbiton’s Japanese beer on tap and kick back for great convos over a crisp Suntory Pilsner or a bold Black beer.
Bar Bites & Craft Cocktails – Tipsy Bunny
When casual and fun is the vibe, Tipsy Bunny steps up with its lively atmosphere, mouthwatering eats, and drinks that keep the good times flowing. Start with any 2 Tipsy tapas for $26 — favourites like Prawn Paste Wings and Bite-Sized Fish Tacos. For mains, spice things up with the Asian-Inspired Tipsy® Chips and Dips or the bold Triple Pork Mala Noodles. Their new signature pizzas are perfect for sharing while you sip on a Tipsy® cocktail.
Looking to take it up a notch? Dive into their shots and bombs selection, perfect for fun drinking games to get the party started.
Add in live band entertainment, and you’ve got the perfect soundtrack for a lighthearted Valentine’s celebration. Between the cocktails, the bites, and a playlist that might include your new favourite love song, it’s the ideal spot for a laid-back date that’s all about going with the flow.
Pro Tip: Dedicate a song to your Valentine with the live band, it’s more memorable than a card and way safer than karaoke.
Fruit Tarts & Specialty Teas – Fruit Paradise
When the date heats up and it’s time to get sweet, Fruit Paradise is your best wingman. Their luscious fruit tarts, made fresh daily with only the finest handpicked fruits by Japanese Patissiers, are pure, natural temptation. No additives, no preservatives, just indulgence in every bite.
And the drinks? Let’s just say they know how to keep things steamy or chilled, depending on where your evening vibe is going. Their Specialty Teas bring a light, delicate tease, while the Matcha Tea Latte delivers a creamy, decadent finish. Pair it right, and dessert might just steal the spotlight. For something to share, try the Frozen Berry or Matcha s’mores that are sweet enough to set the mood.
If you’re in need of a quick bite before diving into dessert, Fruit Paradise also offers a savoury menu featuring cha-nabe udon or rice, perfect for warming up before the sweet finale.
Pro Tip: Pair the seasonal fruit tart with a Matcha Tea Latte for a flavour combination that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable. The perfect way to end your meal on a high note.
It's all about the effort
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be an over-the-top production, it’s about making the effort count. Pair the perfect drink with a dessert that whispers sweet nothings, or enjoy a meal that says I’m into you, but also really into this pork knuckle. Whatever your style, these tips are here to help you pull off a date that feels thoughtful and effortlessly fun.