Small Laude & Karen Davila On a Singapore Bonding Trip

What happens when you let two super fun, stylish, and worldly women go on a no-holds-barred excursion in the Lion City? Loads of fine dining, designer shopping, and day-drinking—complete with a whole lot of giggles!

That’s exactly what viewers can expect in the third and last installment of It’s a Small World: Singapore, a partnership between the Metro Channel and the Singapore Tourism Board. In the 30-minute show, socialite and YouTube superstar Small Laude explores SG’s newest hotspots with her longtime bestie, renowned broadcast journalist Karen Davila.

Reminiscing about how long they’ve known each other, Karen shares that she was still pregnant with son David when she and Small became close friends. David is now 21 years old. “[That’s] 22 to 23 years of friendship!” the two proudly declare.

Discover all the hip and happening destinations on the ladies’ jam-packed itinerary here.

Euphoria

Foodies, attention! A trip to Singapore warrants a meal at this Michelin-starred gem on Tras Street, offering a premium culinary experience with a botanical focus—a cuisine termed “Gastro-Botanica” by its chef, Jason Tan. This refers to a cooking style that celebrates high-quality vegetable produce in all forms. Opened just in 2020, it’s already garnered much buzz in the culinary world, even ranking 25th on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List for 2023. 

Among this restaurant's stars is the humble onion, elevated as the hero of the plate. “I don’t eat onions!” Small admits—but changes her mind when she tries Euphoria’s signature dish, the Oignon Doux Des Cevenne, made with slow-cooked egg, onion, confit, onion puree, chives, and some black truffle. She and Karen also indulge in other favorites such as the Mochishire, a mix between Brazilian mochi cheese bread with English Yorkshire pudding, and Lait Blanc, which means white milk, for dessert.

View the menu and make reservations via www.restaurant-euphoria.com

Nutmeg & Clove

An iconic bar nestled in Singapore's Chinatown, Nutmeg & Clove captivates patrons with its innovative cocktails and unique dishes inspired by local heritage. “Our menu has always been about paying tribute to Singapore’s culture and heritage,” Sim Sze Wei, the bar’s Group Operations Manager, tells the ladies. The cozy and intimate ambience—reminiscent of an old-world colonial setting infused with modern interiors—also makes it a great spot for relaxed conversation with friends.

Among the memorable offerings that Small and Karen got to try? The Rendang Mac and Cheese featuring cheesy, fork-tender beef; Mee Siam, stir-fried rice vermicelli served with deep-fried spiced soft shell crab; and their iconic drinks called Garden City and Fry Your Banana. Their verdict? “Masarap!”

Visit www.nutmegandclove.com to know more

Tigerlily Patisserie

A must-visit for dessert adventurers, this cafe and bakery offers a sweet sanctuary within Singapore’s bustling city streets—a spot that’s sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. The brainchild of renowned pastry chef Maxine Ngooi, Tigerlily creates pastries using fresh seasonal produce, blending refined techniques with vibrant flavors inspired by nature’s beauty.

Be wowed by their ultra inventive treats, like the Chili Crab Danish, their famous Beehive Cake with honey and yuzu, and the chef’s personal favorite, the Pistachio Marimo, made of 100% pistachio: from the crunchy base and the oozy layer made with pistachio praline, down to the pistachio mousse. “It’s rich—because it’s so pure,” says Karen. 

Check out all their offerings on www.tigerlilypatisserie.com

Ginlee

Matchy-matchy fashion is something all stylish girls can relate to, and what better way to celebrate a longtime friendship than by getting matching bestie bags? The duo gets to do exactly this at Ginlee Studio, a contemporary womenswear label by designers Gin Lee and Tamir Niv. A haven for fashionistas seeking contemporary yet timeless pieces, Ginlee marries understated elegance with eco-consciousness. They’re quite known for their pleated tops and dresses, with perfect pleats all done by hand.

At their Make Station, unused materials and deadstock fabric are used and repurposed into stylish creations. Here, Small and Karen try their hand in creating beautiful bespoke bags for each other. Spoiler alert: It’s an interesting process with fascinating results!

View their catalog via www.ginleestudio.com

Design Orchard

Fancy more shopping? Shopaholics are sure to get a retail rush at Design Orchard—found on Orchard Road, no less—a vibrant hub showcasing the best of local design talent. Boasting a curated selection of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brands, it’s an integrated space that nurtures both emerging and established Singaporean designers.

Whether you're looking for one-of-a-kind wardrobe pieces or hunting for unique souvenirs or pasalubong, you can find what you need (and more!) here. Some noteworthy brands: Reckless Ericka, known for their unconventional cuts and prints, Een + Eelie, a socially conscious boutique jewelry brand, and The Animal Project, which offers novelty items by artists with autism. Karen finds herself particularly drawn to the last one, as her son David has autism and is also an artist. “This is close to my heart—you know naman,” she tells Small.

Discover more at www.designorchard.sg

Atlas

For their last stop, the BFFs find themselves mesmerized by the grandness of Atlas, an Art Deco-style bar featuring lavish interiors and a stunning 15-meter tall gin tower. Located on the ground floor of the iconic Parkview Square in the historic Bugis neighborhood, it celebrates the rich culinary and beverage traditions of 1920s Europe.

Here, Small and Karen release their inhibitions and indulge in must-try cocktails, like the Atlas French 75, a shaken drink with saline, gin, and champagne; the Atlas Martini, featuring vermouth, orange bitters, and champagne vinegar; and the Espresso Martini, a strong, coffee-spiked cocktail. “[My husband] Philip, he doesn’t drink but he’ll love this,” gushes Small.

Discover more via www.atlasbar.sg

Don’t miss Small’s adventures in the Lion City in It’s A Small World: Singapore, airing on Metro Channel every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Metro Channel is available on Sky Cable channel 52 (SD) and channel 174 (HD), Cignal channel 69, and GSAT channel 70. For more details, follow Metro Channel PH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and check out the previous episodes of It’s A Small World on Metro.Style’s YouTube channel.