Hathaway Autograph at Varel Singapore: Where Southeast Asia’s Culinary Memories Are Reimagined in Extraordinary Style
A New Chapter for Hathaway, A New Culinary Destination for Singapore
There is something quietly captivating about restaurants that are born not from market trends or fleeting culinary fashions, but from memory. The finest dining destinations often begin with a story—a childhood recalled through flavour, treasured family recipes preserved across generations, or dishes so deeply woven into one’s identity that recreating them becomes an act of homage rather than mere gastronomy. Hathaway Autograph, the flagship restaurant of the Hathaway brand, is built upon precisely that foundation. Every plate, every carefully layered spice blend and every considered detail reflects a deeply personal narrative, inviting diners to discover Southeast Asia not simply through its cuisine, but through its collective memories.
Located within the newly unveiled Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hathaway Autograph immediately establishes itself as one of Singapore’s most exciting new dining destinations. This is far more than another hotel restaurant designed to serve resident guests. Instead, it has been conceived as a destination in its own right—a restaurant worthy of seeking out, whether for a leisurely breakfast bathed in natural light, an elegant business lunch, refined afternoon tea or an intimate evening of exceptional dining.
For those familiar with Hathaway’s much-loved beginnings at Dempsey and its continuing success at Capital Tower, this latest opening represents the brand’s most assured evolution to date. Rather than simply expanding its footprint, Hathaway has refined its identity, placing the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia firmly at the heart of its philosophy. It is a confident progression that honours its heritage while embracing a more sophisticated and contemporary expression of the brand.
In a city celebrated for its extraordinary culinary diversity, where new restaurants emerge with remarkable frequency, Hathaway Autograph distinguishes itself not through spectacle, but through sincerity. It understands that truly memorable dining experiences are built upon stories, emotion and authenticity. It is this deeply personal approach that elevates Hathaway beyond being simply another new restaurant in Singapore, positioning it instead as one of the city’s most compelling culinary destinations.
Architecture That Invites Guests to Linger
Before the first dish arrives, Hathaway Autograph begins telling its story through its remarkable setting. Designed by the award-winning FDAT Architects, the restaurant embodies an effortless sophistication that feels both contemporary and timeless. Every line, texture and material has been thoughtfully considered, creating an environment that is luxurious without ever appearing ostentatious.
Guests enter a magnificent dining room defined by soaring ceilings that immediately create a sense of openness and tranquillity. Suspended above, reflective metallic panels capture the changing daylight, allowing the room to evolve naturally from morning until dusk. The shifting light dances gently across polished surfaces, lending warmth and movement to the space throughout the day.
Flanking the dining room are verdant al fresco terraces that overlook the historic Selegie–Mount Sophia enclave. The lush greenery softens the modern architecture, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior. Gentle breezes, filtered sunlight and mature foliage combine to produce an atmosphere more reminiscent of a private tropical residence than a bustling city restaurant.
The versatility of the space is among its greatest achievements. In the morning, Hathaway feels bright, uplifting and invigorating, making it an inviting destination for breakfast meetings or relaxed weekend brunches. By afternoon, the restaurant settles into a quieter rhythm, perfectly suited for lingering lunches and elegant conversations over coffee and dessert.
As daylight gradually fades, Hathaway undergoes an enchanting transformation. Soft amber lighting reflects gently against the metallic ceiling while the surrounding greenery disappears into shadow, creating an atmosphere of remarkable intimacy. Conversations become quieter, the pace naturally slows, and the restaurant assumes an unmistakably romantic character. It is precisely this seamless transition from day to night that makes Hathaway Autograph one of Singapore’s most versatile luxury dining destinations.
A Menu Rooted in Memory and Heritage
At the heart of Hathaway Autograph lies a philosophy that feels increasingly rare in today’s dining landscape. Rather than chasing fleeting culinary trends or creating dishes solely for visual impact, the restaurant draws inspiration from something infinitely more meaningful: memory.
For its Indonesian-Chinese owner, the menu is deeply autobiographical. The recipes are inspired by dishes that shaped childhood, family gatherings and everyday life—humble comfort foods whose significance extends far beyond the plate. Memories of Bakso Urat, Wingko and Rawon become the emotional compass guiding the restaurant’s culinary direction, celebrating the flavours that have quietly nourished generations across Southeast Asia.
There is an honesty to this approach that resonates immediately. These are not recipes reinvented beyond recognition in pursuit of novelty. Instead, they are thoughtfully refined, preserving their essential soul while embracing contemporary techniques and premium ingredients. Familiar flavours become more elegant without ever losing the warmth and generosity that made them beloved in the first place.
This philosophy permeates every aspect of the menu. Every dish tells a story, every spice blend carries history, and every recipe reflects a profound respect for the generations who prepared these meals long before they appeared in refined dining rooms. Hathaway reminds diners that some of the world’s greatest culinary treasures are found not in extravagant creations, but in recipes passed lovingly from one family kitchen to another.
In doing so, Hathaway Autograph offers something increasingly valuable: a dining experience with genuine emotional depth. Guests leave not simply remembering what they ate, but the stories those dishes quietly conveyed.
Chef Lawrence Lim: Refining Tradition with Quiet Confidence
Bringing Hathaway’s culinary vision to life is Executive Sous Chef Lawrence Lim, whose distinguished career spans decades across some of Southeast Asia’s most respected kitchens. His impressive résumé includes time at the legendary Ku Dé Ta before continuing with CÉ LA VI, experiences that have shaped his disciplined technique and sophisticated understanding of regional cuisine.
Yet despite his international experience, Chef Lim’s cooking displays remarkable humility. Rather than imposing elaborate modern interpretations upon traditional recipes, he allows heritage to remain firmly in the spotlight. His role is not to rewrite family recipes, but to elevate them with precision, balance and exceptional craftsmanship.
That philosophy becomes immediately apparent throughout the menu. Broths are lighter yet more deeply flavoured. Curries reveal extraordinary complexity without becoming overwhelming. Familiar appetisers are presented with contemporary elegance while preserving every nuance of their traditional identity. Every adjustment feels purposeful rather than performative.
Perhaps Chef Lim’s greatest strength lies in his remarkable restraint. In an era where culinary innovation is often measured by complexity, he demonstrates that refinement frequently comes from knowing precisely what not to change. His cooking is quietly confident, allowing outstanding produce, disciplined technique and time-honoured recipes to speak with clarity.
The result is a menu that feels effortlessly luxurious. There are no unnecessary flourishes, no theatrical distractions and no ingredients included simply to impress. Instead, every component exists in harmony, creating dishes that are sophisticated not because they are complicated, but because they are executed with unwavering precision.
The Promise of an Exceptional Meal
Singapore has never lacked extraordinary restaurants. It is a city where Michelin-starred tasting menus coexist effortlessly alongside beloved hawker stalls, where global culinary influences converge to create one of the world’s most dynamic dining landscapes.
Against such formidable competition, Hathaway Autograph succeeds because it understands something profoundly important. The future of contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine does not lie in abandoning tradition, but in celebrating it with renewed confidence.
Every detail reflects this philosophy. The architecture provides a serene backdrop without overshadowing the cuisine. The service feels warm and intuitive rather than formal. The menu balances nostalgia with refinement, inviting diners to rediscover familiar flavours through an entirely new perspective.
Most importantly, Hathaway never loses sight of its emotional core. It reminds guests that the finest meals are rarely those built upon extravagance alone. Instead, they are the meals that evoke memories, create new ones and leave diners feeling that they have experienced something deeply personal.
With anticipation quietly building, the first course finally arrives. It is one of Singapore’s most iconic Peranakan dishes, presented with elegance, precision and just enough contemporary refinement to remind diners that while traditions may evolve, their soul should always remain untouched.
A Symphony of Heritage, Elegance and Extraordinary Flavour
If the opening chapters of Hathaway Autograph establish the restaurant’s philosophy, the menu provides its most eloquent expression. Rather than relying on culinary theatrics or fleeting gastronomic trends, every course celebrates the flavours that have nourished generations across Southeast Asia. Familiar dishes are elevated not by reinvention, but by exceptional produce, meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering respect for their origins.
There is a quiet confidence that flows through the entire menu. Nothing feels contrived, and nothing exists merely for visual spectacle. Every plate arrives with understated elegance, allowing flavour, texture and balance to become the true centre of attention. It is this remarkable restraint that distinguishes Hathaway Autograph, proving that refinement often lies in knowing precisely when to do less.
Every dish carries with it a story. Some recall childhood kitchens filled with the comforting perfume of slow-cooked spices, while others pay tribute to recipes that have travelled faithfully through generations. Together, they create a culinary narrative that is both deeply personal and unmistakably Southeast Asian.
Heritage Kueh Pie Tee with Shrimp
Golden Nyonya top hats handmade pastry cups, slow-braised jicama and carrots, succulent shrimp, signature chili
Every memorable meal deserves an opening worthy of anticipation, and Hathaway Autograph delivers precisely that with its elegant interpretation of one of Singapore’s most cherished Peranakan classics. Arriving like delicate golden jewels upon the table, the handmade pastry shells possess an almost ethereal lightness. Their beautifully crisp exterior hints at the remarkable craftsmanship required to achieve such delicate perfection, while their understated presentation allows the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves.
Within each fragile shell lies a carefully composed filling of slow-braised jicama and carrots, patiently cooked until their natural sweetness emerges with remarkable clarity. The vegetables retain just enough texture to provide gentle contrast while becoming wonderfully succulent through hours of attentive preparation. Crowned with a perfectly cooked shrimp, the composition acquires another dimension entirely. The shellfish contributes a delicate sweetness and subtle salinity that lifts the vegetables without ever overwhelming them, resulting in a beautifully harmonious balance of flavours.
Completing the experience is Hathaway’s signature chilli, which deserves recognition in its own right. Rather than relying on aggressive heat, it introduces brightness, gentle acidity and measured spice that awaken every component already present. It binds the ingredients together with remarkable finesse, enhancing rather than dominating the palate. Every bite unfolds with effortless elegance, revealing a careful balance between sweetness, savouriness and restrained warmth.
What makes this Heritage Kueh Pie Tee particularly memorable is its remarkable emotional resonance. It instantly evokes the warmth of festive family gatherings and the comforting familiarity of recipes lovingly prepared across generations. Yet it never feels trapped by nostalgia. Hathaway respectfully elevates the dish through refined execution, demonstrating that even the humblest classics can assume extraordinary sophistication without sacrificing the very qualities that made them beloved in the first place.
Otak-Otak Mousse
Velvety spiced fish mousse, charcoal cornets, topped with golden tobiko.
Few dishes are as deeply embedded within the culinary fabric of Southeast Asia as otak-otak. Traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and gently grilled over charcoal, it has long been celebrated for its fragrant spices, smoky aroma and comforting familiarity. Hathaway Autograph pays homage to this beloved classic while presenting it through an entirely contemporary lens, producing one of the most elegant interpretations imaginable.
Served inside dramatic charcoal cornets, the Otak-Otak Mousse immediately captivates through its striking simplicity. The contrast between the deep black cornet and the delicately coloured mousse creates a composition of understated beauty, while tiny pearls of golden tobiko catch the light with quiet brilliance. Every visual element has purpose, yet none distract from the story the dish seeks to tell.
The mousse itself is nothing short of exceptional. Silken, airy and almost impossibly smooth, it melts effortlessly upon the palate while preserving the unmistakable character of traditional otak-otak. Fragrant lemongrass, warming spices and aromatic herbs reveal themselves gradually, each note unfolding with measured precision. Rather than competing for attention, the ingredients exist in perfect harmony, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to remain beautifully expressed throughout.
The addition of tobiko introduces delightful bursts of salinity and texture, creating a lively contrast against the luxurious creaminess beneath. Meanwhile, the crisp charcoal cornet provides the final textural dimension, transforming every mouthful into an intricate interplay between crispness, silkiness and delicate bursts of flavour.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of this dish lies in its sensitivity. Hathaway has not attempted to modernise otak-otak simply for novelty’s sake. Instead, the restaurant has preserved its soul while presenting it with remarkable elegance, proving that tradition and innovation need never exist in opposition. It is a masterclass in refinement, one that beautifully reflects the restaurant’s overarching philosophy.
Wagyu Buntut Broth
Classic Wagyu Oxtail Elixir, slowed cooked for 8hrs, nutmeg, star anise and clove infused broth, root vegetables.
Patience is among the rarest luxuries in modern kitchens, yet Hathaway Autograph celebrates it with extraordinary conviction through its magnificent Wagyu Buntut Broth. Slow-cooked over eight painstaking hours, the dish is a testament to the belief that exceptional flavour cannot be hurried. Every stage of its preparation reflects remarkable discipline, transforming humble ingredients into something profoundly elegant.
Served with understated refinement, the broth possesses extraordinary clarity. Its crystal-like appearance conceals astonishing depth, offering an immediate reminder that appearances can be wonderfully deceptive. The first sip reveals remarkable concentration without heaviness, coating the palate with velvety richness before gradually unfolding into layers of extraordinary complexity.
Nutmeg, star anise and cloves provide the aromatic foundation, lending gentle warmth and perfume without ever overshadowing the magnificent essence of the Wagyu oxtail. Their presence is subtle yet indispensable, supporting rather than dominating the broth. The result is beautifully balanced, allowing every ingredient to reveal itself in graceful succession rather than competing for attention.
Tender root vegetables complete the composition with thoughtful restraint. Having absorbed hours of slow cooking, they contribute delicate sweetness and comforting substance while preserving the remarkable elegance of the broth. Every spoonful feels restorative, warming both body and spirit with quiet sophistication.
There is an unmistakable emotional quality to this dish. It recalls the nourishing soups lovingly prepared in family kitchens throughout Southeast Asia, where patience, generosity and care have always been the true secret ingredients. Hathaway elevates those cherished memories through impeccable technique and exceptional produce, creating a broth that feels both deeply familiar and undeniably luxurious.
Among an already impressive menu, the Wagyu Buntut Broth emerges as one of Hathaway Autograph’s defining achievements. It demonstrates with quiet confidence that true luxury often resides not in extravagance, but in craftsmanship, restraint and the willingness to devote time to perfection.
Ah Nya’s Fish Curry — The Heart and Soul of Hathaway Autograph
Fresh Barramundi fillet poached in Hathaway’s heirloom spice recipe curry served with crispy okra and duan kesum.
Every great restaurant has a dish that captures its philosophy in a single, unforgettable expression. At Hathaway Autograph, that distinction belongs unequivocally to Ah Nya’s Fish Curry. More than a signature dish, it is the emotional heartbeat of the restaurant—a recipe that carries the quiet weight of family history, lovingly preserved through generations before finding its place on today’s table. It is a dish that speaks of home, heritage and the enduring power of food to connect people across time.
Its arrival is announced first by its intoxicating aroma. Gentle notes of turmeric, toasted spices and fragrant herbs drift gracefully from the bowl, filling the air with a perfume that is at once comforting and deeply evocative. Unlike many contemporary curries that seek to impress through sheer intensity, Hathaway’s heirloom recipe is composed with remarkable restraint. Every spice has purpose, every ingredient contributes balance, and every element works in quiet harmony rather than competing for attention.
The curry itself is beautifully layered, revealing remarkable complexity with every spoonful. A gentle sweetness unfolds before warming spices slowly emerge, followed by delicate acidity and lingering herbal freshness that continue to evolve across the palate. It is the sort of curry that encourages diners to pause between bites, discovering new nuances with each return. Rich without ever becoming heavy, luxurious without sacrificing elegance, it exemplifies the confidence that comes only from recipes perfected over decades rather than months.
The barramundi is treated with equal reverence. Cooked with exceptional precision, the fillet remains beautifully moist, its pearlescent flesh separating effortlessly into delicate flakes. The curry embraces rather than overwhelms the fish, enhancing its natural sweetness while allowing its pristine freshness to remain unmistakably present. It is a remarkable exercise in balance, demonstrating that refinement often lies in knowing when to hold back rather than add more.
Adding both texture and vibrancy are crisp okra and fragrant daun kesum. The okra provides a pleasing contrast against the velvety curry, while the herb introduces a distinctive freshness that gently brightens the richness of the dish. Together, they prevent the curry from ever feeling overly indulgent, creating a composition that remains elegant from the first spoonful to the last.
Served alongside is Hathaway’s Signature Blue Pea & Thai Berry Rice, a companion that proves every bit as considered as the curry itself. The striking hues of butterfly pea blossom lend understated visual drama, while the Thai berry rice contributes subtle nuttiness and a satisfyingly delicate chew. Far more than a colourful accompaniment, the rice becomes an integral part of the experience, absorbing the aromatic curry while adding another layer of flavour and texture.
Together, the curry and rice achieve something genuinely memorable. They transcend the notion of a simple main course to become a deeply emotional expression of Southeast Asian cooking—one that honours family tradition while embracing contemporary refinement. It is undoubtedly one of the defining dishes of Hathaway Autograph and one that deserves to be counted among the finest examples of fish curry in Singapore.
Wok Fried Mixed Asian Vegetables with Sambal
Sayur Campur – brinjal, ladyfinger, green bean, and stinky bean ‘petai’ in spicy sambal
Vegetable dishes are often overshadowed by more elaborate creations, yet Hathaway Autograph demonstrates that simplicity, when executed with conviction, can be every bit as captivating. Its interpretation of Sayur Campur is a masterclass in balance, allowing exceptional produce and disciplined technique to become the stars of the plate.
A vibrant medley of brinjal, ladyfinger, green beans and petai arrives glistening from the wok, each vegetable retaining its individual identity while contributing to a harmonious whole. The cooking is impeccable. Every ingredient remains vibrant and full of character, preserving its natural sweetness while acquiring just enough caramelisation to deepen its flavour. The unmistakable breath of the wok lends a gentle smokiness that quietly ties the entire dish together.
At its heart lies a sambal of extraordinary finesse. Rich, aromatic and beautifully layered, it offers far more than heat alone. Notes of sweetness, savouriness and gentle spice intertwine effortlessly, coating every vegetable with just enough intensity to enhance rather than overpower. It is sambal crafted with maturity and confidence, displaying remarkable complexity without ever becoming aggressive.
Even the famously divisive petai is handled with admirable sensitivity. Its earthy, unmistakable character is balanced so thoughtfully that it enriches the overall composition instead of dominating it. For enthusiasts, it is deeply satisfying; for newcomers, it offers one of the most elegant introductions imaginable.
Perhaps what impresses most is the honesty of the dish. There are no unnecessary embellishments or theatrical flourishes. Hathaway simply allows exceptional ingredients, careful seasoning and precise technique to shine. In doing so, it quietly reminds diners that some of the most memorable dishes are often the simplest.
Sago Gula Melaka
Glistening sago pearl, decadent gula melaka syrup infused pandan
The finest meals deserve an ending that lingers gently in the memory, and Hathaway Autograph achieves precisely that with its refined interpretation of Sago Gula Melaka. It is a dessert that embraces nostalgia while presenting it with an elegance entirely befitting the restaurant’s philosophy.
Translucent pearls of sago shimmer beneath generous ribbons of dark gula Melaka syrup infused with fragrant pandan. The presentation is understated yet undeniably beautiful, demonstrating once again Hathaway’s confidence in allowing timeless flavours to take centre stage rather than relying upon unnecessary embellishment.
The texture is beautifully judged. Each pearl retains a delicate bite before yielding effortlessly, creating an addictive contrast between gentle chewiness and silky smoothness. The gula Melaka possesses exceptional depth, revealing notes of caramel, toasted coconut and warm molasses that envelop the palate without ever becoming cloying. Meanwhile, the fragrant pandan introduces a gentle floral lift, balancing the richness with remarkable finesse.
There is something profoundly comforting about this dessert. It recalls childhood afternoons, family celebrations and recipes that have quietly endured through generations. Yet Hathaway elevates these familiar memories through meticulous execution, reminding diners that refinement need not come at the expense of authenticity.
It is the perfect conclusion to a meal built upon heritage, memory and craftsmanship—a dessert that leaves diners not with overwhelming sweetness, but with quiet contentment and the lingering desire to return.
A New Icon in Singapore’s Culinary Landscape
In a city celebrated as one of the world’s great gastronomic capitals, opening a restaurant capable of making a lasting impression is no small achievement. Hathaway Autograph succeeds because it understands that truly memorable dining extends far beyond technical excellence or beautiful surroundings. It is built upon stories, traditions and genuine emotional connection.
From its elegant setting within Varel Singapore to the sophisticated interiors conceived by award-winning FDAT Architects, every element has been carefully orchestrated to create a sense of effortless refinement. Under the assured guidance of Executive Sous Chef Lawrence Lim, family recipes are elevated with exceptional technique while preserving the warmth, generosity and authenticity that define Southeast Asian cuisine.
What ultimately distinguishes Hathaway Autograph is its unwavering confidence. It never seeks to astonish through spectacle or excess. Instead, it celebrates heritage with sensitivity, allowing remarkable ingredients, patient craftsmanship and deeply personal narratives to speak with quiet eloquence. Every course feels purposeful, every flavour considered and every detail thoughtfully composed.
Some restaurants are remembered for a single remarkable dish. Others for an unforgettable dining room or impeccable service. Hathaway Autograph achieves something far rarer. It leaves diners with the feeling that they have shared in a family’s story—one told not through words, but through the quiet poetry of extraordinary food.
In a city renowned for its remarkable dining scene, that may well be Hathaway Autograph’s greatest accomplishment.
Hathaway Autograph
Level 2, Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
189 Selegie Road, Singapore 188332
Tel: 6450 3416
