New movies in Singapore: What shows to watch in cinemas this month

Netflix might have us glued to the couches, but sometimes, the siren’s call of the cinemas, freshly-buttered popcorn, and that deafening Dolby Surround Sound advert can prove too tempting to ignore. But what to watch? August’s cinematic offerings feature monsters both on the catwalk and the skyline as well as Clint Eastwood’s biographical piece on The Miracle on The Hudson. Prepare for a month of on-screen magic with our top movie (and TV) picks for September!

The Neon Demon

Nicolas Winding Refn’s (Valhalla Rising, Drive) latest romp transforms the fashion industry into a nightmarish, neon-drenched landscape as we follow a doe-eyed dilettante model (Elle Fanning) manoeuvre her way to fame and fortune. In her way are predatory managers (Keanu Reeves) and dead-eyed veterans of the catwalk, eager to pounce on fresh meat. It’s more than just a fashion fable though; the trailer strongly hints towards horror elements and we’re eager to see what The Neon Demon has in store for us.

Opens September 22.

Shin Godzilla

The King of Monsters goes back to his roots in this Toho-produced reboot of the series. Godzilla’s last two movies by American directors, while fun flicks in their own right, were very obviously aimed at Western blockbuster audiences. Toho’s Shin Godzilla, on the other hand, is a loving homage to the original Japanese Kaiju films, which, unfortunately, bring to mind campy fight scenes in rubber suits and miniature cities. But this time, updated CGI has given us a truly horrific (and upsized) rendition of Godzilla that wreaks havoc across Tokyo. Despite the subject matter, some parts of the movie are a little dialogue-heavy, so non-Japanese speakers should be prepared to read subtitles.

Released 25 August.

Sully

The Miracle on The Hudson gets the cinematic treatment in Clint Eastwood’s Sully. The autobiographical movie follows Captain Chesley Sullenberger’s, played by Tom Hanks, ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both the aircraft’s engines. The crash scene is spectacular piece of cinema in itself, but the film also explores the aftermath and psychological state of Sully after the traumatic incident. Fans of Robert Zemeckis’ Flight will find plenty to love in this film.

Opens September 8.

Café Society

The eccentric Woody Allen is back on form with his whimsical 1930s period piece featuring a star-studded cast – Steve Carell, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively and Kristen Stewart. Bobby Dorfman (Eisenberg) moves to Hollywood to work for his uncle (Carell), a hot-shot talent agent and, rather predictably, falls for his beautiful secretary (Stewart). Of course, hijinks ensue involving affairs, mistresses and forbidden love.

Opens September 8.

Narcos Season 2

All eyes are on famed Columbian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, once again as Netflix’s popular Narcos returns for a second season. This season puts a focus on humanising Escobar’s character further, and on the flipside, puts the spotlight of the often-questionable ethics of the law enforcement agents who are after him. The screen presence exuded by the charismatic Wagner Moura – who plays this notorious real-life criminal – is a show-stealer in our books.

Available on Netflix.

Best quinoa dishes in Singapore: Cafes and restaurants with unique renditions of the healthy superfood

Health buffs are probably already well-aware of the benefits of quinoa, but we reckon some of you still need some convincing! Hailed as the “super grain of the future”, quinoa is a nutritious grain that prevents diabetes and hypertension. What’s even better? It’s packed with protein, low on calories and fats, and can also slow down the aging process. But apart from being a highly nutritious superfood that’s good for your body, quinoa can – believe it or not – also taste amazing especially when incorporated into chef-curated dishes. So to hush all you cynics, we’ve sussed out seven cafes and restaurants in Singapore with unique quinoa dishes that will make a convert in no time.

DW Workshop

Aside from its well-curated interior that encapsulates the juxtaposition of old with new, DW Workshop also packs quite a punch with its contemporary food fare – especially with its make-your-own healthy lunch bowls that are only available during weekdays. Can’t live without quinoa? Then opt for red quinoa (top image), instead of brown or basmati rice, for your delicious lunch bowl that you can assemble with savoury grilled chicken or sweet potato frittata, and sides like wild mushrooms, marinated chickpeas and guacamole.
DW Workshop, 41 Rochester Drive, Singapore 138582, p. 6659 0879.

Afterglow

Specialising in raw and vegan plates, this intimate, industrial-chic café serves up tasty quinoa dishes that would even make the most insatiable carnivores give meat a miss. Try its popular quinoa and spinach ‘hash brown’ burger with romaine lettuce as a bun, decked with quinoa, spinach, goat cheese, rolled oats, breadcrumbs and drizzled with macadamia cheese sauce; or its herbed quinoa bowl that is deliciously marinated with herbs and spices, cherry tomatoes, green apples and dried cranberries, and topped off with a bed of lettuce and mesclun greens. And if you drop by at the right time, you might be able to have a slurp of its seasonal take on the Italian minestrone, the Quinoa-strone soup.
Afterglow, 24 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089131. p. 6224 8921.

The Living Cafe & Deli

Joined at the hip with holistic wellness centre, Balanced Living, The Living Cafe & Deli serves up a healthy yet delectable Quinoa Veggie Burger. This is made up of carrot, celery, spinach, bell pepper sauce, onion, mushrooms, basil, balsamic reduction, and raw cashew mayo – making it a perfect option for burger lovers who are also vegans or are merely watching their weight!
The Living Cafe & Deli, 779 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269758. p. 6468 4482.

Red Baron

A cafe, bakery, and bar all rolled into one, this stunning standalone bistro offers a unique spin-off of a familiar local dish, nasi goreng (fried rice). Instead of white rice, Red Baron’s Quinoa Goreng uses quinoa as the base, which is then served with shrimps, chicken, chilli padi and topped with a sunny side egg and ikan bilis (fried anchovies).
Red Baron, Blk 45 Malan Road, Singapore 108937, p. 6334 6734.

The Bento People

A firm believer of quinoa as a healthy staple – they also view quinoa as a viable substitution for refined processed rice or wheat products – The Bento People is your go-to spot to get your quinoa fix. A must-try here is surely its bestseller Quinoa Fried Rice Yangzhou-style dish that uses tricolour organic quinoa and served with tender pork char siew and eggs. But if you’re searching for a heartier meal, your best bet would be its quinoa lemak bowls (white quinoa with virgin coconut oil, sambal, sous vide Cajun chicken, walnuts, almonds and kyuri), or its ultimate quinoa bowls available in both beef or chicken.
The Bento People, #02-17, CT Hub, 2 Kallang Avenue, Singapore 339407, p. 64432006.

A Poke Theory

This cosy new poke joint in Telok Ayer provides a range of fresh Hawaiian poke bowls, but what’s unique is that they also offer lemon herb quinoa as one of the options for the base of your bowl – just in case you’re avoiding carb-y sushi rice or don’t feel like munching on green romaine lettuce. Here, you’ll also find quinoa-incorporated desserts with its Blackberry Binge Smoothie Bowl and Cacaoholic Smoothie Bowl that are sprinkled with quinoa puffs.
A Poke Theory, 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623.

East Manhattan Bakery Cafe

On top of its artisanal bread cakes and pastries, East Manhattan Bakery Cafe also dishes out two health-conscious, gluten-free (and most certainly guilt-free!) mains that have innovatively incorporated quinoa in them. Relish its basil chicken quinoa that’s made of chicken bake with basil pesto, quinoa, and potato gratin; or satisfy your fish cravings with its salmon quinoa that comes with pan-seared salmon, quinoa, and mushroom.
East Manhattan Bakery Cafe, #01-04, Katong V, 30 East Coast Road, Singapore 428751, p. 6672 0109. 

Condiments and sauces in Singapore: Where to buy local dressings, dips and chillis for cooking

Life in the kitchen would be dull without our local condiments.Situated along the Straits of Malacca, Singapore is naturally a place where you’ll find loads of spices unique to our shores. But we’re not just talking about your everyday spices and sauces; we mean the hot-shots (and underdogs) of the city’s meal-transformers: super-spicy sambal (hot sauces), tropical-flavoured jams, artisanal kayas and organic salad dressings. We list 14 best Singaporean condiments to try – from sweet to savoury – including handmade chillies (proceed at your own risk!) and local-inspired marmalades.

Savoury condiments and chillis

Final Destination by MOFO Chilli

Described as a “smouldering choice for the fearless”, the Final Destination sauce is made with (heaps of) fragrant chillies and doesn’t contain preservatives, stabilisers, additives or salt. At Level 10, it ranks the highest on a scale of spiciness for its product range.
Use it as: Marinades for spicy chicken wings, steamboat sauces and dips, or even healthier alternatives to the MSG-laden condiments found in instant noodles.
Buy it for: $12 at Isetan Scotts, Naiise and Megafash

Dodge the Bullet by MOFO Chilli

Good news if you can’t handle (much) heat: Unlike Final Destination, Dodge the Bullet is on the milder side of the spicy scale at just Level 5.
Use it as: A milder chilli; you can use this for dinner dishes for the fam – think spicy fried rice, grilled fish, and vegetable dishes like kang kong. It also makes a fiesty dip for tacos and chips.
Buy it for: $10 at Isetan Scotts, Naiise and Megafash

Crispy Prawn Chilli by Tean’s Gourmet

Despite its slightly pungent smell, we’re officially hooked on Crispy Prawn Chilli. Aside from its tolerable spiciness and balance of sweetness, the chilli’s crispy prawn bits makes it absolutely moreish and a real treat when paired with plainer dishes.
Use it as: A spicy sauce for noodles, condiment for fried rice or a sambal on the side for plain rice dishes.
Buy it for: $3.20 at Fairprice outlets.

Cilicuka by Shermay’s Singapore Fine Food

Based on a hand-written recipe by her grandmother from forty years ago, Shermay’s Cilicuka is a traditional red chilli sauce infused with a tangy vinegar flavour. It caters to all sorts of dining preferences too: it’s gluten-free, vegan, Halal-certified, and contains no MSG or artificial flavouring.
Use it as: A dipping sauce for keropok (fried crackers) and other fried Asian snacks. Drizzle onto popiah or kueh pie tee or stir with chicken stock for a flavoursome chilli for Hainanese chicken rice.
Buy it for: $9.95 at Naiise, Tangs stores, The Providore Pasarbella, Simply Flower stores, Huber’s Butchery and Bengawan Solo.

Sambal Hijau by Shermay’s Singapore Fine Food

Traditionally known as ‘cabe ijo’ in Indonesia, Sambal Hijau is a punchy, garlicky green chilli sauce usually served with nasi padang dishes. Green chilli sauces aren’t exactly familiar to local eaters, so be prepared to be surprised by its complex flavours.
Use it as: An accompanying sauce for fried chicken, a condiment for stir-fried dishes or as a mandatory sambal for rice dishes.
Buy it for: $9.95 at Naiise, Tangs stores, The Providore Pasarbella, Simply Flower stores, Huber’s Butchery and Bengawan Solo.

Pumpkin Black Pepper Dressing by Mekhala Living

Forget mayonnaise; this pumpkin dressing is just as creamy and boasts an additional, peppery taste. Made from beta caratone-laden pumpkins, the dressing contains no artificial preservatives, colours of flavours and is gluten-free.
Use it as: A pasta sauce, or pour over grilled chicken or stir-fried tofu.
Buy it for: $7.80 at Four Seasons Organic Markets, The Providore Pasarbella, Meidi-Ya Supermarket, Naiise, Isetan Scotts, Daily Staples Co and SPRMRKT.

Plum sauce by Mekhala Living

This three-ingredient (coconut sugar, picked plums and filtered water) plum sauce nails the balance between sweet and sour.
Use it as: A dressing, marinade for meats, to glaze pork and duck meat or a dip for spring rolls and dumplings.
Buy it for: $7.20 at Four Seasons Organic Markets, The Providore Pasarbella, Meidi-Ya Supermarket, Naiise, Isetan Scotts, Daily Staples Co and SPRMRKT.

Sweet spreads and jams 

Ginger Garden Marmalade by Straits Preserves

A spoonful of this marmalade transports you to the Ginger Garden of Singapore Botanic Gardens; it combines the three Zingiberaceae ginger species that grows there. Coupled with turmeric, cardamom and citrusy notes, it’s wonderfully fragrant.
Use it as: A zingy topping; warm it up and drizzle over cold yogurt for a delicious contrast, or bring out its flavours by pairing it with your favourite cheese.
Buy it for: $15.50 from Isetan Scotts, Naiise, Tangs at Tangs Plaza, The Providore Grocer

Saffron kaya by Ujong Gourmet

This ain’t your average coconut kaya; the typically creamy flavours of the coconut jam are lifted up by the clean and earthy notes of the Spanish saffron, while wild honey accentuates its sweetness.
Use it as: A toast spread or pair with cheese like mozzarella and manchego.
Buy it for: $9.50 from Isetan Scotts Supermarket, Meidiya and NTUC Finest

Singapore Sling by Straits Preserves

Yup, you can now enjoy the flavours of a good ol’ Singapore Sling first thing in the morning. This award-winning marmalade replicates the flavours of the gin-based cocktail with its tropical freshness and hint of cherry.
Use it as: A spread for toast and scones or even as a glaze for cakes.
Buy it for: $15.50 from Isetan Scotts, Naiise, Tangs at Tangs Plaza and The Providore Grocer.

Salted Egg Yolk Kaya by Baba Chew’s 

Still can’t enough of the salted egg yolk frenzy? Thanks to its infusion into Baba Chew’s kaya, you can now slather your toast with this rich, sweet-salty flavour.
Use it as: A spread for toast.
Buy it for: While diners can enjoy it on the resto’s breakfast menu, it’s not yet available for retail. Keep a look-out for its release at the Mama Stall, the small convenience store located in the pavilion of Hotel Indigo.

Dragonfruit and Lychee Jam by GSH Conserves

Still put off by the spiky-skinned exterior of the dragonfruit? Sample its sweet flesh sans the troublesome skinning with GSH Conserves’s handmade creation. The delicate taste of the shocking fruit is combined with the saccharine sweet lychee flavour, resulting in explosive, tropical flavours.
Use it as: A spread for toasts, a sweet addition to oatmeal or yoghurt bowls.
Buy it for: $4.90 for small, $12.90 for large from Naiise, Isetan Scotts, Jones the Grocer and The Providore.

Traditional kaya by Ya Kun Kaya

Up your basic brekkie game with this bottle of original goodness by the pioneering kaya maestros of Ya Kun Kaya. This age-old concoction is deliciously eggy and boasts a heavenly pandan flavour.
Use it as: A spread for toast (best if it’s extra crispy).
Buy it for: $4.80 at Ya Kun Kaya outlets and Tangs at Tangs Plaza.

IndoChinese food in Singapore: Eazy Gourmet and HSBC Credit Card discounts at Thai, Vietnamese, and fusion restaurants

It’s that time of the month again: HSBC and Eazy Gourmet have unleashed their latest round of discount gourmet offerings, and this time, it’s IndoChinese cuisine taking centre stage. Fans of Thai, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Asian fusion nosh rejoice! Now is your chance to chow down on your favourite food without breaking the bank. How does it all work? Simply head down to one of Eazy Gourmet’s participating restaurants, flash your HSBC card, and you can get up to 20% off swiped off your bill. So which IndoChinese restaurants are participating this month? Here’s the full list.

1. Cafe Siem Riep

This cosy nook in Holland Village serves up twists on Vietnamese and Laotian bites that are the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer. The eclectic mix of tunes on loop in the background will definitely put you in holiday mode too.

Cafe Siem Riep, 15% discount with a HSBC card. 44 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village S277697, p. 6468 5798.

2. Folks Collective

Thai comfort food is totally our bag, and these two CBD outlets from Folks Collective bring Bangkok-inspired street eats conveniently close to the doorstep of Honeycombers HQ. Serving up everything from authentic salads, curries, and wok stir-fries to contemporary twists on your faves, it’s a little taste of Thailand not to be missed.

Folks Collective, 15% discount with a HSBC card. Marina View, #01-01 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960, p. 6443 9820.

#01-04, Capital Square 3, 25 Church Street, Singapore 049482, p. 6222 6289.

3. Gin Khao

East Coasters, heads up! You too can get your Thai street food fix thanks to the affordable nosh at Gin Khao. Taking humble street food and elevating it to a whole new level of delicious-ness, this modern bistro also has a handy CBD outlet to boot. Huzzah!

Gin Khao, 15% discount with a HSBC card. #01-01, 1020 East Coast Parkway , Singapore 449878, p. 6604 8996

#01-12, Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, Singapore 098375, p. 6570 2208

#04-29, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616, 6532 2387

4. IndoChine

Check out the Cambodian-Laotian flair of IndoChine. With two locations to choose from (the first sitting atop Suntec City’s revamped Sky Garden, and the second in the pretty surroundings of CHIJMES), these greenery-hugged habitats serve Euro-Asian fare with Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian influences.

IndoChine, 15% discount with a HSBC card. #03-300/301 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983, p. 6332 0323.

#01-21/22 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996, p. 6332 1595.

5. Kombi Rocks

There ain’t many places you can chow down on delish grub while riding in a vintage VW Kombi. Thankfully, KombiRocks fills this niche gap in the market and has curated a menu packed with Teochew-Thai fusion dishes. Unique date location? Check.

Kombi Rocks, 15% discount with a HSBC card. 66 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 545568, p. 6288 1206.

6. Pho Stop

Get your pho fix here! Serving up steaming bowls of this Viet noodle classic, alongside other staples including summer rolls, buns, zingy salads, and more. In other words, stop by Pho Stop, and you’ll find yourself in Vietnamese foodie heaven.

Pho Stop, 15% discount with a HSBC card. 72 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088493, p. 6534 8178.

7. Savanh

This quaint yet modern Club Street stalwart houses a bistro serving up the mighty trio of Laotian, Cambodian, and Vietnamese grub. We’re also fans of its sleek bar and zingy cocktails.

Savanh, 15% discount with a HSBC card. 47 Club Street, Singapore 069424, p. 6323 0503.

8. Sen Bar & Restaurant

For a taste of homemade Vietnamese cuisine, Geylang’s Sen Bar is where it’s at – a hidden gem serving up seriously good nosh at reasonable prices. Be sure to order the spring rolls; word on the street is they are pretty special.

Sen Bar & Restaurant, 20% discount with a HSBC card. 704 Geylang Road, Singapore 389620, p. 6841 5653.

9. Tamarind Hill

Thai food gets fancy at this swish resto; housed in a restored colonial black and white building and nestled among the lush greenery of Labrador Park, this is a stunning setting for a special occasion. Feast on authentic Thai and IndoChinese cuisine in what is, arguably, one of the most tranquil settings in Singapore.

Tamarind Hill, 15% discount with a HSBC card. 30 Labrador Villa Road, Singapore 119189, p. 6278 6364.

10. Som Tam

Mix it up at Som Tam; this Mod-Thai fusion resto takes all of the classics and adds a unique twist to tantalise those taste buds. Tom yum truffle fries, krapow chicken burger, and green curry pasta are just some of the delish, fusion creations

Som Tam, 15% discount with a HSBC card. #08-13 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896, p. 6238 6872.

11. Thanying

Dine like Thai royalty at Thanying; it really doesn’t get more traditional than this. Feast on Thai classics while soaking up the fancy atmosphere and spiffy decor.

As well as bagging a discount on your bill every day of the week, up the ante by booking a table on 30 September, and indulge in a fancy five-course feast for a mere $80++ (HSBC cardholders, or $100++ for other cardholders). Count us in! Who’s with us?

Thanying, 15% discount with a HSBC card. #02-00 Amara Hotel, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539, p. 6222 4688.

Can’t wait to find out what’s in store for the rest of the year? Take a look here to get the inside scoop on participating restaurants, exclusive events, and be the first to find out the next monthly foodie theme. For more HSBC dining privileges, click here.

This article is sponsored by Eazy Gourmet and HSBC Cards.

Co-working spaces in Singapore: Shared offices for freelancers, budding entrepreneurs, and start-up companies

Working from home in comfy PJs sounds like the ideal office situation, but it can also spell trouble when you’re trying to meet deadlines. Resist the temptation to camp out at your local Starbucks or hipster cafe, and check into fancier, more constructive digs with these cool co-working spaces in Singapore. Goodbye procrastination and hello productivity!

The Working Capitol

Housed in a historic Art Deco-style building along Keong Saik Road, The Working Capitol is a beautifully appointed space – complete with calming, minimalist decor and oodles of natural light. The amenities are nothing short of stellar, with an in-house café, screening rooms, private phone booths, and even a beer garden for after-hours fun. Depending on your working needs, rates start from $150 for a Workspot.

The Working Capitol, 1A Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109, p. 6805 4050 

Workhouse

This tenant on the bustling Veerasamy stretch is Little India’s first co-working space. It’s no surprise that the converted three-storey shophouse was conceptualised by award-winning local design studio FARM – the industrial-chic space is pure design heaven. With both open-plan and semi-private workspaces, Workhouse ‘citizens’ can also enjoy rad features like discussion pavilions, a central pantry and lounge. Rates start from $40 a day for a ‘crasher’.

Workhouse, 60 Upper Weld Road, Singapore 207413, p. 9853 1641.

BW Club House

Brought to you by the folks of BW, Clubhouse truly is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Tucked away cosily on Cross Street, it ticks all the boxes: the modern concept space kitted out with contemporary furniture by BW and even better: it’s open to anyone – just purchase a cuppa Joe or a tasty snack from the in-house café, and you can enjoy the facilities for free. But what really cinched the deal for us is its handy location: just a stone’s throw away from Club Meatballs!

BW Club House, 20 Cross Street, Level 1 atrium China Square Central (China Court), Singapore 048422

Woolf Works

Attention, aspiring #girlbosses: Woolf Works is Singapore’s first women-only co-working space dedicated to developing female business leaders – awesome stuff. What’s even cooler is the space’s chic interiors – a beautiful space to host events such as Pilates classes and sketchbook art classes from time to time. Rates range from ‘Lite-timer’ (one day per week for $200 per month) or ‘Citizen Woolf’ (three days per week for $400 per month).

Woolf Works, #02-01, 176 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427447.

The Refinery Workspace

Proving that co-working spaces aren’t just for white-collar professionals, The Refinery Workspace is a dedicated workshop space for creative craftsmen who work with their hands. With drafting tables littered around the minimalist space, tenants will get access to equipment and the chance to collaborate with other artisans. And yes, there’s even a grill bar downstairs – perfect for winding down after work with tipples and bar bites.

The Refinery Workspace, 115 King George’s Avenue, 208561, p. 6293 1204

The Co

With big name tenants like Sequoia Capital (a big-name US fund), The Co. means serious business. There are eight levels (!) of space, which means ample room from everyone – ranging from pods to breakout spaces, meeting rooms, and even private offices for larger enterprises. It also houses not just one, but three event venues for networking opps. Factor in its central location (Fort Canning Park is only five minutes away), it’s easy to see why The Co is a winner. Rates range from $45 a day for a desk to $990 per month for a private office space.

The Co, 75 High Street, Singapore 179435, p.6595 6288. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Art Social Haus

Started by account manager and part-time printmaking artist, Sheau Chen, Art Social Haus provides a space for emerging creatives who can’t afford their own studio. It’s open 24 hours a day for members, who can also use the building’s pool and gym on weekends. Not an artist? Look out for their public events such as poetry appreciation, art exhibitions and crafty workshops.

Art Social Haus, #10-08 Oxley Bizhub 2, 62 Ubi Road 1, Singapore 408734.

Make Space

Despite its less-than-glamorous surroundings (in an old small-scale manufacturing neighbourhood in Lavender) Make Space is a collaborative space that feels like a home away from home – sans distractions. Besides the sweet amenities like indoor bike parking, showers (!), Nespresso coffee, and personal lockers, Makespace’s key selling point is its cosy, café-esque pantry – perfect for a breakfast meeting or company drinks. Rates range from $30 a day to $375 per month for a desk.

Makespace, 318C King George’s Avenue, Singapore 208563, p. 6293–6275. Open Mon-Fri 930am-6pm

Springboard

Located in The Quadrant, a heritage building that began life as the regional headquarters for the Kwangtung Provincial Bank more than 80 years ago, Springboard houses cool architecture and a still-functional old gated elevator (score!). The unconventional co-working space surrounded by skyscrapers is a welcome respite in the CBD, and is located just one floor up from European bistro The Black Swan – how convenient! And did we mention the private rooftop? Rates range from $300 a month for a hot desk membership to $6,000 for a private office with 8 to 10 desks.

Springboard Singapore, #04-00 The Quadrant at Cecil Street, 
19 Cecil Street
, Singapore 049707, p. 9008 7947.

Trehaus

Hands up if you’re a working parent struggling to get the job done. Singapore’s first family-friendly co-working space is a godsend for harried mums and dads. The swish set-up includes child-minding and learning facilities alongside varied work areas for different levels of privacy. Everything you need is here for a fruitful day of work: private offices here for meetings and client calls, a sunny deck for socialising with like-minded parents, and a kitchenette with drinks and snacks. As for the little ones, there’s plenty to do, with painting and sensory play amongst the many activities provided.

Trehaus, #03-01 Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road,  Singapore 238879. 

Just Co 

Not content with being just a gorgeous co-working space, Just Co takes the competition up a notch with its entertainment factor. Meeting rooms and a well-stocked pantry aside, the breezy space is also home to a ping pong table and an arcade room for you to blow off steam after a long day of work. Its location near Lau Pa Sat is also a winner in our books; cheap hawker food all day, everyday? Hell yes.

Just Co, 120 Robinson Road, Singapore 068913. 

Smart Space

With two studios under its wing, Smart Space is no minor player amongst co-working spaces here. Its Clementi location at Enclave Hostel is geared towards entrepreneurial students and young start-ups (yup, you can even slog overnight here). But it’s its sprawling 8000-square feet Bras Basah locale that’s best suited for the CBD bees, with meeting rooms, showers, kitchens and even a table tennis area. Rates are reasonable, at $30 a day and up to $600 a month.

Smart Space,#03-32/36, 261 Waterloo Street, Singapore 180261.

The Great Room 

Most of us can only dream of an office as cosy as home. Good news for hot deskers: your wish is granted, thanks to Asia’s first hospitality-inspired co-working space. Recently opened in One George Street, the envy-worthy space boasts chic Mad Men-inspired interiors with its rich, tan colour palette, sumptuous leather sofas, sleek timbre desks and brass-finished shelves. You’ll be cared for in this space; complimentary brekkies (with freshly brewed Papa Palheta coffee – available all week) and 10-minute massages are available on Mondays. And if you’re working late, a turn down cart makes its rounds to reward hard workers with warm cookies.

The Great Room, 1 George Street #10-01 Singapore 049145. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. 

Sparkk Space

Best for designers and photographers, this industrial loft-style space features a handy studio space. All of a shutterbug’s needs are catered to here, including affordable studio rates (an average of $35 per hour for minimum two), extra support from  a junior photo assistant, as well as lighting and equipment rental. The working space on the second floor is equally affordable, with hot desks available at $45 a day, or between $350 and $500 a month.

Sparkk Space, Oxley Bizhub 2, 62 Ubi Road 1, Studio 03-17, Singapore 408734. Open Mon-Fri 7am-11pm and Sat-Sun 7am-10pm.

Collective Works 

A prestigious location in the heart of the CBD? Check. Premium interiors? Check – solid oak, leather and a linen interior game. But what truly separates Collective Works from the rest of its pack is its thoughtful environment. All of its seating are certified ergonomic, desk heights are adjustable, overhead lighting is carefully adjusted to minimise glare and low VOC (low-level toxic emissions) paints are used for its walls.
Collective Works, The Globe Building, 100 Cecil Street, Level 10,  Singapore 069532. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm.

K+

Newly opened curatorial space K+ isn’t just a quirky retail space; it also houses K+ community: a co-working space where art and design creatives can freely mingle, interact and work separately as a like-minded community. It even doubles up as an exhibition space to showcase the work of local art schools and associations, with pop-up bazaars happening now and then.

K+ Curatorial Space, #03-11/12/13 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209, p. 6694 8896. Open daily 11.30am-8.30pm.

Collision 8

Specially catered to innovators, Collision 8’s space regularly hosts an interesting mix of entrepreneurs. With its sleek interiors, this place creates an inspiring environment for members to experiment and create as they wish. Panoramic views of the Marina Bay skyline greet visitors in its workshop space, while common spaces like its library and lounge are nothing short of decadent.

Collision 8, 1 North Bridge Road, #08-08, Singapore 179094. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 8am-1pm. 

The Hive

Occupying four floors of three combined shophouses, The Hive Singapore is the latest addition to its lineup of Asia locales (which includes Bangkok and Hong Kong) with more in the works. This spells good news for frequent jetsetters; members are entitled to Hive Passports, which allows you access to all of its other locations. Bonus if you’re a budding entrepreneur: the space regularly hosts networking events, ranging from informal drinks to specialised meet-ups.

The Hive, 59 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059405, p. 6532 2119. 

Spacemob

Spacemob’s got all the right bases covered: An accessible location in Orchard Road, cosy workspaces and assorted facilities (meeting rooms with smart TVs, whiteboards, projectors and speakerphones) as well as an on-premise barista to keep you fuelled with cuppas. The benefits don’t stop there either; teams receive free health insurance, members have access to partner privileges as well as corporate hotel rates for travels.

Spacemob, 8 Claymore Hill, #03-01, Singapore 229572, p. 9858 2798.

Where to brunch in Singapore this month: Kinki Bottomess Brunch for a Japanese buffet experience in Marina Bay

At The Honeycombers, we make it our top priority to constantly suss out awesome brunch deals happening in town, making sure that you’ll have the best mid-morning dining experience that’s worth dragging your butts out of bed on the weekend. And this September, we went hunting around the Marina Bay area and found an appetising new brunch at urban, trendy Japanese joint, Kinki Restaurant + Bar. Start getting hungry for Kinki’s Bottomless Brunch – if a free-flow selection of sashimi, maki rolls, donburi rice bowls, prosecco and sake excites you, this one’s definitely for you.

Kinki’s Bottomless Brunch is happening every Saturday from 12pm to 3pm

Tucked away in a historic building that sits in front of Singapore’s beautiful Marina Bay waterfront, Kinki Restaurant + Bar is a contemporary Japanese dining spot that packs a punch with its modern take on Japanese dishes (think playfully decadent items like foie gras sushi and snow crab tofu). 43 of these delish picks will be available for an a la carte buffet brunch every Saturday, showcasing the bold, unorthodox approach that Kinki is renowned for amongst weekend warriors and post-work chillax-ers.

Grub galore for Japanese food aficionados 

Pegged at just $52++ per person (that’s real affordable, in our books!), you’ll be transported to culinary heaven with this all-you-can-eat spread. Kudos to you if you can clean up all of this Bottomless Brunch’s 43 selections on your plate! But in case you feel overwhelmed by this vast assortment, we’ve got you covered. Menu highlights include signatures like the hotate aburi – a pan-seared Hokkaido scallop sushi, maguro sashimi, and Hot Dynamite – a maki of fried salmon and yellowtail roll, scallion and cayenne pepper. Other than that, look out for Kinki’s wagyu foie gras donburi – an exquisite dish of thinly sliced wagyu beef, and pan-seared foie gras served over Japanese steamed rice.

Complete your meal with sake and more

It gets better! Your free-flow feast is certainly incomplete without bottomless alcoholic concoctions. Kinki’s Bottomless Brunch also offers all-you-can-drink alcohol options such as sake, shochu and prosecco at an additional $35++ per type of liquor, and beer such as bottled Carlsberg, Asahi Super Dry and Kronenbourg 1664 at an additional $25++. Our pick to go with all this Japanese fare? Give the sharp, sweet Echigotsurukame Shofukujin Junmai sake a shot.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar, #02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323, p. 6533 3471. Kinki’s Bottomless Brunch is available on Saturdays, 12pm-3pm, for $52++ per person with an additional charge of $35++ per person per type of liquor, and an additional charge of $25++ per person per type of beer.

Best music festivals in Asia 2016: Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand and more for electronic music and indie concerts

Earlier this year, we lined up some of the best summer music festivals to check out all around the world; if you managed to end up at one of them (like the Hideout Festival in Croatia), good on you! But if you’ve yet to hit your festival quota and your party animal is still craving some dancey action, you can still catch these music festivals in Asia before we bid farewell to 2016 – it’s looming closer than you think! From indie marathons to EDM extravaganzas, these festivals are worth making a quick escape to. 

Arcadia Landing: 9 Oct in Taiwan

Nothing much to see here… just a stage taking the form of a gargantuan 50-ton mechanical, steampunk spider (see above) with smoke jets, lasers, fireballs and dangling acrobats!! The only one in the world, this larger-than-life, 360-degree spider stage will be landing in Taipei for an immersive extravaganza, with the world’s top DJs dropping EDM bombshells from its belly.
Top acts: Nicky Romero, Kaskade, Andrew Rayel, Vicetone.

Arcadia Landing, 9 October, Dajia Riverside Park, Taipei, Taiwan. Buy tickets here.

Quest: 4-6 Nov in Vietnam

Combine the frolicsome madness of a festival with fantastical folklore, and you get this North Vietnamese jamboree that looks to be one surreal head-trip. The theme of Quest, now on its sixth year, revolves around mountain and sea gods and their love triangle with an emperor’s daughter (much drama!), and this will be portrayed in elaborate, artsy performances and exhibitions. But if you’re more music-minded, you’ll find both bands and DJs paying homage to the gods in their own way; expect a cyclone of genres including hip-hop, funk, drum & bass, psy-trance, shoegaze, house and folk.
Top acts: Say Yes Dog, IPHAZE, Windstar Soul, Me & Her, Liquid Ross.

Quest Festival, 4-6 November, Son Tinh Camp, Dong Mo, Ba Vi, Hanoi, Vietnam. Buy tickets here.

It’s The Ship: 4-7 Nov in Malaysia

Party sailors and first mateys, who’s up for round three?! You guessed it – It’s The Ship 2016, the massive Malaysian music festival is back to rave and roam the open seas. We can personally vouch for this swashbuckling voyage (see our It’s The Ship 2015 review), and this third edition will feature stopovers in Penang, even more blistering EDM acts, and special guest host, David Hasselhoff (yes, The Hoff himself!).
Top acts: Andrew Rayel, Dada Life, Knife Party, Sanver van Doorn.

It’s The Ship 2016, 4-7 November, sails off from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018947. Buy tickets here.

Clockenflap: 25-27 Nov in Hong Kong

Definitely Hong Kong’s biggest arts and indie music festival that hipsters all over Asia flock to, Clockenflap has brought down class acts and legendary icons in the last eight years, including New Order, The Libertines, and Primal Scream. Its eighth edition will continue to push the envelope with film tents, mind-melting installations, and top-notch stages set against the dazzling skyline of the Pearl of the Orient.
Top acts: Foals, Sigur Rós, Crystal Castles, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.

Clockenflap Festival, 25-27 November, Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong. Buy tickets here.  

ZoukOut: 9-10 Dec in Singapore

The crown jewel of Singapore’s dance festivals is organised by none other than it most iconic club, Zouk. The humongous, annual, beach spectacle often attracts punters from all over the region, with a balanced line-up of international commercial EDM acts, underground house and techno artistes, and the cream of the crop reppin’ the local dance scene. We’ve even begun putting together our ZoukOut 2016 guide!
Top acts: Hardwell, Zedd, more TBA.

ZoukOut 2016, 9-10 December, Siloso Beach, Sentosa, Singapore 099538. Buy tickets here.

Djakarta Warehouse Project: 9-10 Dec in Indonesia

Casually recognised amongst festival troopers as the Jakarta counterpart of ZoukOut, DWP is another alternative for EDM star power if you don’t happen to be in Singapore at the time. What started out as a warehouse concept – hence its name – in the mid-2000s has bloomed into a phenom in the Asia festival scene, garnering tens of thousands of ravers each and every year. Did we also mention the legendary Carl Cox is playing?
Top acts: Carl Cox, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Yellow Claw

Djakarta Warehouse Project, 9-10 December, Jalan Benyamin Suaeb, Pademangan Timur, North Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia. Buy tickets here.

808 Festival: 10-11 Dec in Myanmar

Any festival that gets its name from the iconic Roland drum machine is an instant hit amongst dance enthusiasts. This year will be the first time the 808 Festival – originally only in Bangkok – expands to the city of Yangon, with a musical programme that has attracted both EDM heavyweights (like Armin van Buuren) and underground trendsetters (such as Jamie Jones). Details are still scant, but we’re certain it will give us yet one more reason to swing by Myanmar this year.
Top acts: TBA. Pasts acts include Clauve VonStroke, Porter Robinson and Jack Ü.

808 Festival, 10-11 December, full venue in Myanmar TBA.

Wonderfruit: 15-18 Dec in Thailand

Many large-scale music festivals tend to guzzle tonnes of energy that bear negative impacts on the earth, but this sustainable festival hopes to generate some change. On its third year, Wonderfruit – that takes place in the rural countryside of Pattaya – scores a point for Gaia by partnering up with biodiversity reserves to reduce its carbon footprint, so rest assured you’ll be partying without polluting. Entertainment-wise, Wonderfruit 2016 features an eclectic mix of dance and live acts, fashion and design areas, eco-friendly art installations, and even glamping options so you can boogie in your backyard.
Top acts: Young Fathers, Rudimental, Wolf + Lamb, Matador.

Wonderfruit Festival, 15-18 December, The Fields at Siam Country Club, Pattaya, Thailand. Buy tickets here.  

Sunburn: 27-30 Dec in India

India’s undoubtedly a cultural capital, but did you know it’s also home to one of the biggest music festivals in Asia? Dance culture, too, is epitomised along the beachy shores of Goa, with a juggernaut of a fest (it drew over 350,000 punters last year) that flaunts colossal stage design, monstrous sound, fringe activities like bungee jumping and hot air ballooning, and top global acts. Sunburn 2016 looks to be even more special, as this will be its even-grander 10^th edition.
Top acts: TBA. Past acts include Seth Troxler, Martin Garrix, David Guetta and Art Department.

Sunburn Festival, 27-30 December, full venue TBA. Buy tickets here.

Happy hour of the week in Singapore: Cheap cocktails at these bars, lounges, and restaurants

Think dirt-cheap prices that come with happy hours, and we won’t fault you for associating them with bland, weak drinks that barely hit the spot. But what if we told you that you could find happy hour promos that go beyond ordinary housepours and beers? If you fancy a signature cocktail instead, we’ve gathered this bunch of affordable drink deals on margaritas, martinis, daiquiris, sangrias, and even bespoke creations at some of the best cocktails bars in Singapore. You’re welcome!

Cafe Iguana

Happy hours on: Margaritas
Have a drink by the riverside at this contemporary Mexican bar that’s known for its potent margaritas. Aside from half-price margaritas every day after 10pm, the bar also currently offers $6 margarita deals from Monday to Thursday, 4pm-7pm. We can’t think of a better way to get loco!
Café Iguana, #01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, Singapore 058282, p. 6236 1275

10 Scotts

Happy hours on: Champagne cocktails
If you prefer to spice things up a bit and not just have an ordinary glass of bubbly, why not grab a Champagne cocktail at 10 SCOTTS at Grand Hyatt? Psst, it also happens to be one of our fave spots for high tea! From 6pm to 9pm every day, all Champagne cocktails – as well as wine and cocktails – are 50% off per glass, so you’ll be drinking ’til your cheeks are ravishingly rosy.
10 Scotts, 10 Scotts Road, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore 228211, p. 6738 1234

Hopscotch

Happy hours on: Bespoke local cocktails
Prefer quirky to classic? Head down to this delightfully kitschy little bar tucked away in the Red Dot Traffic Building – one of our favourite buildings in Singapore. Pick from an incredible variety of absolutely zany Singaporean-inspired cocktail offerings, from bandung shots to an alcoholic rendition of chicken soup. Head down with a friend between 4pm and 8pm, and get two glasses for the price of one with their 1-for-1 happy hour!
Hopscotch, 28 Maxwell Raod, #01-04 Red Dot Traffic Building, Red Dot Traffic Building, Singapore 069120, p. 6327 4820

Sque Rotisserie & Alehouse

Happy hours on: Classic cocktails
At Sque – run by the Emmanuel Stroobant Group – indulge in a one-for-one of selected cocktails like the Singapore Sling and Mojitos. Don’t worry about missing this offer; Sque’s happy hours are generously stretched out from 11.30am to 7pm, and 9pm-11pm every day; or stop by on Sunday, where the party lasts from 11.30am ’til 11pm!
Sque Rotisserie & Alehouse, #01- 70, The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059817. p. 6222 1887.

My Little Tapas Bar

Happy hours on: Sangrias
No Spanish tapas feast is complete without a swig of sangria! Come by after a hard day’s work, and indulge in sweet sangria drinks at just $3 per glass. Happy hours are from 5pm to 7pm on Mondays ’til Saturdays; just order a side of tapas to enjoy their $3 offer.
My Little Tapas Bar, 42 Club Street, Singapore 069420, p. 6223 8048

Waku Ghin

Happy hours on: Samurai Mule
This 25-seater Michelin star restaurant by Tetsuya Wakuda may feature an expensive selection of European-Japanese fusion dishes, but getting your tipples at Waku Ghin does not need to be a costly affair. Stop by on Tuesday between 6pm and 9pm, and enjoy their signature Samurai Mule cocktail, which is a twist on the Moscow Mule, at half price. Now that’s a deal we can roll with!
Waku Ghin, L2-01, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956, p. 6688 8507

Oxwell & Co.

Happy hours on: Piña Coladas
This iconic British gastropub of Ann Siang Hill dispenses three types of kegged cocktails during happy hours, and you’ll find that their Piña Colada on tap is a consistent favourite with patrons. Happy hours here start at 4pm and last ’til 8pm daily, but we’re certain you’ll be swinging by as early as you can for that refreshing, pineapple-y bevvie.
Oxwell & Co., 5 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069688, p. 6438 3984

Standing Sushi Bar

Happy hours on: Martinis
Cheap sashimi and drinks: Best. Combo. Ever. Aside from the fresh nigiri sushi, Standing Sushi Bar serves up some pretty attractive drink promotions that’ll make you come back again and again! Head down to their Raffles Place or Marina Bay branches on weekdays from 5pm to 7pm, and enjoy $10 martinis together with $5 izakaya bites and salmon sashimi.
Standing Sushi Bar, Unit 02-02, Income at Raffles, Singapore 049318, p. 6534 4983. Refer to Standing Sushi Bar’s website for more information on other locations.

Sugarhall

Happy hours on: Daiquiris
This upbeat rum and grill joint is offering up sweet deals for cocktail connoiseurs; head down to Amoy Street between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, from Monday to Saturday, and sip on their happy hour cocktails for just $14 a glass! Pick out classical faves like the daiquiri and Planter’s Punch, and pair your bevvies with bar bites of antipasti skewers and paprika fries.
Sugarhall, 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922, p. 9732 5607

Lime House

Happy hours on: Rum cocktails
This laidback Caribbean establishment located along Keong Saik Street is the place to be if you are a believer of ‘liming’, or the art of doing nothing but having a good time (we are fervent devotees). Head up to Bago on the second floor from 6pm to 8pm, and enjoy a 50% discount on rum bar cocktails such as the Hemingway daiquiri and Bushfire drinks – we’ve tried these, and they pack a punch!
Lime House, 2 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089260, p. 6222 3130

Holidays to Australia from Singapore: Things to do in Canberra, direct flights and more

With its relatively close proximity to Singapore, Australia’s a popular holiday destination; and no wonder, since there’s so much to do Down Under – stunning sights, amazing food and cool, indie coffee shops serving great coffee. But besides cruising along the Gold Coast or traipsing down the arty alleyways of Melbourne, don’t miss a stopover at the nation’s tranquil capital city too. With direct flights from Singapore to Canberra launching on 20 September, getting there has never been easier! So if you’re planning a trip this year-end, read on for more reasons to book a flight from online travel agency CheapTickets.sg to Canberra during the holidays.

Visit major attractions for free

With Canberra’s main attractions located within a 20-minute drive of each other, it’s easy to plan an entire day visiting these stops! First off, anthropology enthusiasts will have a field day at the National Museum of Australia, that covers the history and stories of Australia and its people through exhibitions and guided tours. For a fee, you can also attend headlining international shows there – we have our sights on A History of the World in 100 Objects from the British Museum, happening from 9 September to 29 January 2017.

Lest you thought we forgot about the art lovers, the city’s teeming with art galleries, and one of these gems is the National Portrait Gallery, which showcases over 400 portraits of Australian icons ranging from artists to musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes, and even royalty. If you’re a fan of Aussie musician Nick Cave or Mad Max director George Miller, then put this on your to-do list!

Otherwise, immerse yourself in the capital’s political history at the iconic Parliament House, where visitors can take a sneak peek at a live parliamentary sitting, and view over 200 significant works that shaped Australia’s culture and identity, such as an art piece by Aboriginal artist Nelson Jagamara, featuring a mosaic comprising 90,000 hand-guillotined granite pieces. Bonus: we’re all about taking pretty holiday pictures, and the building’s a stunning architectural marvel that looks absolutely impressive during dusk – you can walk up to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city.

Book an alternative hotel experience

Can’t get enough of Canberra’s wildlife? Then check out a one-of-a-kind zoo tour at Jamala Wildlife Lodge. You’ll find guided tours, private animal feeding sessions and rustic accommodations set in treehouses located next to the animal enclosures. Lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears and giraffes are all part of this exciting walk on the wild side!

Take a leisurely road trip away from the city

One of the best ways to admire the views of the country is to go on a drive. With plenty of flights, accommodation and car rental choices available on the website, Cheaptickets.sg makes planning your itinerary a breeze. All you have to do is to book your flights, accommodation and car using their trip guide for the best deals!

Whether you’re driving your way to Sydney or making a trip down to Canberra from the bustling city, dropping by Poacher’s Way is a must. Just 35 minutes outside of Canberra, this charming countryside enclave includes a traditional smokehouse, award-winning wineries, a farm-to-table restaurant, a woodwork gallery, and a chocolatier – perfect for a bout of sightseeing or a feast with a picturesque view. And don’t forget to visit gorgeous nature attractions like the Morton National Park on your three-and-a-half-hour journey to Sydney, or the Snowy Mountains near Canberra, for a scenic stop like no other.

For a sight to behold, sign up for a whale watching tour on a cruise around Jervis Bay, available from May to November. Who knows, the lucky few may even spot one in the waters, where seals and dolphins can be found swimming around too!

Catch the sunrise on a hot air balloon

Admire Canberra in its full glory at dawn, atop a spectacular hot air balloon. Lasting between 45 minutes to an hour, this experience takes you up to breathtaking heights of 2,000 feet and more – so don’t forget to bring your smartphone or camera for plenty of photo opportunities of the cityscape, as Canberra is the only place in the world where you can travel over a parliament house in a hot air balloon! After which, you’ll be toasting to your trip with a sparkling wine celebration and a commemorative flight certificate. Hope you aren’t afraid of heights!

Special offer

Enjoy a $30 discount on all flights from Singapore to Canberra or Sydney when you book from Cheaptickets.sg, using the code HONEYCOMBERSCBR by 30 September 2016.

For more trip ideas and affordable flights, visit their website.

This article is sponsored by Cheaptickets.sg

Wedding gift registries in Singapore: Crate and Barrel launches home furnishings gift list

He liked it, he put a ring on it, the invites have been sent out, the venue is booked, you’ve found the dress – you’re almost there! Though it may be tradition in Singapore to bestow newlyweds with ang paos (money packets), for those of you looking to deck out your newlywed nest with cute loot and fancy gadgets, gift registries are the way to go. Trust us, your guests will thank you for taking the hassle out of gifting! Whether your big day is coming up, or you’re planning a mammoth house-warming shindig, there is one gift registry service you need to know about, and it just so happens to be at one of our favourite interior stores in town.

Crate and Barrel has long been our go-to for pad zhoosh-ing, from soft furnishings and home accessories, to kitchenware and lighting (and everything in between); it’s nigh impossible to walk out of the store without dropping a ton of cash on stylish must-haves for your home. But thanks to this handy gift registry, the home of your dreams is within touching distance! Just think; no more unwanted gifts (“Oh thanks, another blender!”), no more duplications (“More cutlery? Just what we need!”), and no more asking for  embarrassing refunds or exchanges. Huzzah!

Each neatly compiled gift list is easily accessible online and in-store to your guests, and they can even arrange for delivery; true story (it really is that easy!). What’s more, if there are any items on your list that don’t get snapped up, Crate and Barrel will give you an additional year to bag those items with a 10% discount.

Want to find out more?

Make a beeline for Crate and Barrel on 9 October for an exclusive wedding party event and launch of the gift registry! A curated, boutique bridal fair showcasing creative vendors is set to take over the ION Orchard store; roll up for wedding inspo and top tips on how to style an uber-chic yet functional home.

From 11am ’til 2pm, entrance is RSVP only. Expect special goodie bags (while stocks last) containing Crate and Barrel’s best selling wine glasses and exclusive gifts from participating vendors. Plus, there will be plenty of in-store activities that will leave you feeling pumped for your big day. RSVP here to ensure your spot on the guest list!

If you don’t make the cut, fret not! From 2pm to 8pm, the fun continues and all members of the public are welcome.

This article is sponsored by Crate and Barrel

Melted Cheese Dishes in Singapore: Best places for cheese fries, grilled cheese, raclette, fondue and more

From chocolate to chicken wings, there are numerous guilty pleasures we resort to whenever we’re feeling greedy. And if there’s one sinful treat that never gets us cheesed off (we just had to), melted cheese surely takes the cake. Apart from fruits and most desserts, we’re hard pressed to think of any other dish that can’t be amped up with the addition of an ample portion of gooey cheese.. Here’s our guide to nine melted cheese dishes in Singapore that are simply irresistible.

OverEasy – Good Ol’ Fashioned Mac & Cheese

American comfort food is OverEasy’s forte, so it should come as no surprise that it offers not one, not two, but three Mac & Cheese dishes. Purists can opt for the Good Ol’ Fashioned Mac & Cheese (pictured above), while the truffle lovers can opt for a mushroom and truffle version. If you’d like a meatier option, definitely opt for its newest creation, the Mac & Cheeks which adds braised beef cheeks to this cheesy dish.

OverEasy, two locations.

L’Entrecote Wine Bar – Raclette

Head over to L’Entrecote Wine Bar at Duxton Hill for a truly unique cheese experience. The star of the show is the raclette – Melted cheese dripping over new potatoes and zingy gherkins is truly our kinda dinner. We recommend ordering an extra side of cheese; sounds excessive, but you’ll need unwavering willpower to stop after the already-generous portion starts disappearing!

L’Entrecote Wine Bar, 37 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089615, p. 6690 7561.

Draft & Craft – The American Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Do you swear by melted cheese? Well then, you’ll probably agree that cheese, bread, and butter is one of the purest, most unadulterated ways to enjoy melted cheese. While ostensibly a craft beer bar, Draft & Craft also offers some classic Southern Californian comfort dishes like the American Grilled Cheese Sandwich – crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, roma tomatoes and the unconventional addition of orange marmalade. This one’s best enjoyed with one of the bar’s many amber ales and porters.

Draft & Craft, 31 Circular Road, Singapore 049387. p. 6532 0604.

999.99 (Five Nines) – Lobster Gratin

It’s no secret that we’re a fan of lobsters, so it’s not a shocker to find us raving about Five Nines’ decadent lobster gratin. You’ll get a whole lobster served with the meat scraped out, chopped into chunks and drenched in a rich béchamel sauce, and baked until the cheese melts and browns. Sure, this is a sharing dish, but with a treat this good, you won’t want to.

999.99, 29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136. p. 6221 7098. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-12am.

Gyoza-Ya – Cheese Gyoza

Melted cheese isn’t often found in Asian dishes (due to propensity for lactose intolerance among Asians; Google it!), but Gyoza-Ya’s Cheese Gyoza is proof that cheese does work in some Asian dishes. You’ll get five plump Japanese dumplings slathered in rich, gooey melted cheese and filled with tender pork.

Gyoza-Ya, 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-56 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801. p. 6509 4647.

Loof – Chilli Crab Cheese Fries

You’ll struggle to find a bar or café that doesn’t serve their own delightfully cheesy rendition of this classic, but our cheese fries pick goes to Loof. The rooftop bar amps up its offerings with the inclusion of blue crab chunks and thick, sweet chilli crab-style sauce. Pairs ideally with their happy hour drink offerings.

Loof, #03-07 Odeon Towers, 331 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188720, p. 6338 8035.

ZOTT’s True Alps – Fondue

Need to carbo-load for that marathon, or just want to indulge in a hot pot of melted cheese? Head down to this Swiss resto on Telok Ayer with your mates, and sit down to a steaming, bubbling pot of cheese fondue. To dip, you’ll get an ample portion of bread, potatoes and vegetables. How’s that for a hearty Alpine feast?

Zott’s True Alps, 97 Amoy Street, Singapore 069917, p. 6223 0913. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2.30pm & 6pm-11pm; Sat 6pm-11pm. Closed on Sun.

Seorae – Melted cheese Korean BBQ

Meat and cheese are a match made in heaven, and hopping on the melted cheese bandwagon is Seorae Korean BBQ. Specialising in the tender, galmaegisal pork, Seorae also gives diners the option of a moat of melted cheese around the barbecue plate for you to dip your grilled meats in.

Seorae Galmaegi, #02-01 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839, p. 6238 8429. Open daily 11am-10pm.

Ladyboy Mookata – Cheese Mookata

We love Thai BBQ as much as Korean BBQ; we even recently did a whole feature on Thai mookata. Like Seorae, Ladyboy Mookata offers a cheese moat upgrade for you to dip the resto’s impressive offerings of seafood like lobster, prawns, salmon and scallop, for a price that won’t break your bank, This one’s open ’til 2am too, so you can get your melted cheese cravings sorted even in the wee hours.

Ladyboy Mookata, 644 Geylang Road, Singapore 389574. p. 8444 4487. Open daily 6pm-2am.

Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore: We review Saigon Alley for its take on Ho Chi Minh street food

From the spices to the streets, there are numerous unforgettable things we soak up whenever we make a visit to Vietnam. And while Ho Chi Minh isn’t exactly a long flight away, we’re always looking for authentic joints that evoke the grittiness of its alleys and the freshness of its food culture in our own backyard. So when we heard that Hidden Door Concepts – the folks behind Angie’s Oyster Bar and Spathe Public House – had just opened a new restaurant that hopes to recreate and refresh the concept of Vietnamese street food, we jumped at the opportunity to give it a visit.

Saigon Alley’s interior is an intriguing one. Exuding an industrial, grunge-y vibe, this dining dig mashes rebellious American street art with softer, traditional Vietnamese elements. Silk lanterns hang above the counter as a large neon-lit star reminiscent of Vietnam’s flag glow with a garish splash of blue and magenta. A graffiti mural of a sloshed octopus stares out lazily from the back of the shop.

Stomachs growled in anticipation, as the kitchen promptly served up a plate of crab spring rolls for starters. Wrapped in crispy spring roll skin, this crunchy exterior crackled easily to reveal savoury fillings of crab meat and fungus. The Lot leaf beef roll was no slouch either, with its mildly salty fillings of minced beef wrapped in wild betel leaves, as was the North Vietnamese beef salad that followed – prepared with laksa leaves, coriander, and sliced chilli, the piquant ingredients paired well with the juicy, smoked beef in the dish.

Otherwise, help yourself to a plate of fried silken tofu which is topped with a colourful garnish of basil, garlic, and peanuts; or a basket of deep fried corn cake fritters which comes with a sweet, spicy dip of plum sauce, chilli, and lime. These appetisers weren’t overly filling, and, like any decent starter, made us hungrier for what was next.

No Vietnamese meal is truly complete without fish sauce, and we weren’t disappointed when the chef brought out a plate of roasted chicken drizzled with the salty, tart condiment. Left overnight to marinate in a mixture of fish sauce, onion, chilli, and coriander, the chicken is pan-roasted for 30 minutes once the order is placed to maintain its succulent juiciness when served. A long wait for a dish, but one that is totally worth it.

But as delish as the roasted chicken was, it can’t beat the braised pork belly with lemongrass marinade that came next! Garnished with sliced lemongrass and chilli. and served with jasmine rice, the pork belly here is melt-in-your-mouth fatty (this writer couldn’t stop giggling in glee after just one mouthful).

And what’s Vietnamese cuisine without bánh mì and pho? The resto’s signature Saigon Alley bánh mì distinguishes itself with crispy handmade bread, generously filled with chicken liver pate, sliced pork, ham, coriander, spring onion, and chilli. And aside from the standard pho bò, the restaurant also offers a spicier Australian sliced beef noodles. Tuck into this huế-styled noodle dish, and you’ll be surprised to find the standard flat noodles replaced with a rounder variety; yet, it’s still delightfully springy, and absorbs all that tingy spiciness of the hearty beef broth.

Even ’til the very end of the meal, Saigon Alley’s creative spins don’t fall short. Dessert was fried bananas with a scoop of ice cream; but instead of frying it a la goreng pisang, the banana was wrapped in a spring roll skin and fried ’til crispy, allowing for a crisp texture while preserving the moist fruit within. The blend of ice cream, banana, and a tinge of jackfruit brought the meal to a tasty conclusion.

Whether you are stopping by for your morning coffee, finding a new lunch spot to visit, or a place to chill after work, we believe this laid-back Vietnamese resto has what you need. With unpretentious food with enthralling tastes, and prices that are easy on the wallet, Saigon Alley may just be the next gourmet hotspot in Novena.

Saigon Alley, 273 Thomson Road, Novena Gardens, Singapore 307644, p. 6256 0261. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 12pm-11pm.

Visiting Singapore: The go-to visitor’s list of things to do in Singapore

As an ‘old-timer’ expat, as well as someone that runs a digital lifestyle media business (you might know it, Honeycombers), I get asked a lot for my personal list of things you must do as a visitor. So for my convenience, and yours, please save this list to your favourites. Oh, and send it to your cousins, aunties and overseas friends in advance. You can thank me later.

1) Get up high on a roof top bar

Rooftop bars are a big ‘thing’ in Singapore. My personal favourites are CÉ LA VI at Marina Bay Sands or 1-Altitude. Another tip: if you are here for the F1, make sure you get a ride on the Singapore Flyer at night. The city looks amazing, and the track just glows like some kinda out-of-this-world galaxy ring – it’s very pretty, and gives you a great perspective of the city.

2) Try some Chinese foot reflexology (and if you like it, do it daily!)

You can find Chinese foot reflexology centres everywhere in Singapore. It’s hugely popular, but depending on your tolerance for pain, I’ll admit it’s not for everyone! My personal favourites are the old-school ones at the top level of People’s Park Shopping Centre, Chinatown (where you can also find interesting buys like Mahjong sets). Another is My Foot at Great World City; although the therapists there are visually impaired, their massage techniques are spot-on. It’s 40 minutes of heaven – ahhhh.

3) Soak up the neighbourhoods of Tiong Bahru, Chinatown, Little India and Haji Lane

Jump in a taxi and ask the driver or ‘uncle’ to take you to these neighbourhoods. Soak up the beautiful architecture, street art, great cheap eats and local shops. You need at least one to two hours in each neighbourhood. See our guide to shopping in each neighbourhood here. Finish off the day with dinner at one of Singapore’s top 50 restaurants, because every outing needs to include food in Singapore. Those are the rules.

4) Stuff yourself with local hawker delights

Come hungry, and work through our guide of what to eat at Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most iconic hawker centres. I love going in the early evenings as they close Boon Tat Street, and it becomes a ‘satay street’, where stringray, satays (grilled meat skewers) and refreshingly cold Tiger Beers are the order of the day. Want more hawker food? I recommend you go more ‘local’ to Maxwell Food Court, which has less charm and some serious queues at lunchtime, but incredible local food – all for $3.50-$6.50 a dish.

5) Wander along Telok Ayer and Amoy Street

The crossroads of the business district and Chinatown, Telok Ayer and Amoy Street are not to be missed. Whether you are there for coffee at Sarnies, lunch at Park Bench Deli, or a stroll through the Thian Hock Keng Temple and dinner at Meat Smith – this is one little area that is full of gems. (See our street guide for more details).

6) Shop ’til you drop

I love The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and the throng of malls along Orchard Road: Paragon, ION Orchard, Robinsons and Scotts Square. on’t miss Pedder on Scotts – a divine temple for shoe and handbags worshippers.

7) Do a high tea or free-flow brunch

Singapore is famous for its free-flow Champagne Sunday brunches, and we have some pretty special ones on Saturday too. My pick: Mandarin Oriental for Saturday, and The Fullerton for Sunday. If you are not up for midday drinking, maybe opt for a high tea instead. Again, so many to choose from… for old-school charmm Raffles Hotel is a winner. For modern-day opulence, my vote is the St. Regis. Still not sure? See our full list of weekday high teas and take your pick!

8) Get out on the water

If you have time, get on a yacht and cruise out to see Singapore from a distance – it’s pretty spectacular. If you are short on time, do a bumboat river cruise – you get to see the beautiful blend of the traditional shophouses along the water and the shining, modern high-rises gleaming behind them.

9) Pamper yourself at a five-star spa

You probably already know the hotel experience in Singapore is second to none, as too are the Singapore spa experiences. My top three would be the Auriga Spa at Capella (Sentosa), Damai at Grand Hyatt, and Remedi at St. Regis. Most of them include access to the pool, so you can really make an afternoon of it.

10) Get lost amongst the greenery and jungles

I love walking in the lush greenery of Singapore’s tropical gardens. Whether it’s in the Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay or even further afield like MacRitchie Reservoir (which has a 3km walking trail) or Kent Ridge Park, it’s worth an early morning or late afternoon excursion to see the stunning tropical greenery and wildlife. Just be prepared to sweat a little.

Looking for more? Check out our guide on the best souvenirs, and our full guide of 60 things to do in Singapore, and our favourite local designers. Enjoy!

Fine dining in Singapore: Art at Curate invites three-star Michelin Chef, Esben Holmboe Bang, for modern Norwegian cuisine

To say that there’s been plenty of buzz in the local dining scene lately is an understatement. New restaurant openings, food and drink festivals, and queues at Michelin-starred hawker stalls may now be an everyday affair, but we still get starry-eyed at the mention of a celebrity chef appearance here!

Stoking the appetites of foodies in Singapore is the third edition of Art at Curate, a series of culinary pop-ups featuring a lineup of renowned Michelin chefs at CURATE, the region’s first Michelin chef showcase restaurant by Resorts World Sentosa. They have brought in the creme-de-la-creme of international fine dining, such as three-star Michelin chef, Massimiliano Alajmo of La Calandre and two-star Michelin chef-owner, Guy Martin of Le Grand Vefour. And the star power isn’t stopping there – acclaimed culinary wunderkind, Esben Holmboe Bang of three Michelin-star Norwegian restaurant Maaemo, is taking over the kitchen come 16 September.

This chef extraordinaire has scooped up an impressive number of accolades since he opened Maaemo in 2010 – the modern fine dining restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars in 2012, instantly catapulting this establishment from obscurity to fame. Maaemo received its third star in 2016, making it the only restaurant in Norway to do so (impressive!).

If we haven’t got you all hungry and excited yet, wait ’til you see what he has up his sleeves! Known for using organic, biodynamic or wild produce, the chef’s all about whipping up New Nordic plates while keeping the original flavours of the ingredients as natural as possible. Keep your eyes peeled (and taste buds ready) for menu highlights like the emulsion of raw Norwegian oysters, drizzled with mussels and dill sauce; grilled scallops accompanied by winter apples and celeriac; and skate with fermented white asparagus, caviar and ramson. Of course, you can’t miss Bang’s signature Langoustine dish, inspired by a bird’s eye view of Norway’s forests and sea. The crustacean is brushed with pickled pine and rapeseed oil, and served with brown butter ice cream, molasses and roasted hazelnuts.

For those who have already snagged a table, good on you! CURATE’s collaboration with Esben Holmboe Bang is on ’til 25 September, and making this a complete experience are expert wine pairings by Robert Parker Wine Advocate, featuring top quality wines from all over the world.

Meals are priced at $250++ per person for a four-course lunch, and $450++ per person for an eight-course dinner (both including wine pairings). To book a reservation, call 6577 7288 or email curate@rwsentosa.com.

CURATE, Level 1 The Forum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269, p. 6577 7288.

This article is sponsored by Resorts World Sentosa

Skincare products in Singapore: We review The DRx Clinic’s beauty routine for clear skin

When it comes to all things beauty, the constant pursuit of perfection almost always involves going on endless trials in search for ideal skin care treatments. This can get especially trying if there is little or no breakthrough in solving your beauty issues (boo!). I’m no stranger to these hits and misses – lately, I’ve found myself stuck in a beauty rut. While I haven’t got any complaints about my existing skincare regimen yet, I was getting a little concerned about skin aging, since I’m fast approaching my 30s.

The problem

I have to admit: I didn’t know what to expect when I dropped by The DRx Clinic for my consultation; it wasn’t as if my complexion was crying for help – or so I thought. But according to Dr. Edwin Lim, an aesthetic doctor with the clinic, pigmentation caused by sun exposure was starting to set in, and there were a number of comedones on my forehead and temples, which are basically clogged pores caused by increased sebum production. The horror!

Lucky for me, it’s not too late to try to reverse the effects of excess melanin production or prevent those pesky comedones from developing into full-blown acne with the right products. Still, I wasn’t comfortable with ditching my current routine, so Dr. Edwin suggested augmenting my regimen with a specially-formulated skincare range developed by the clinic’s in-house scientists, to complement my dry and sensitive skin.

The solution

I’m usually too lazy to slather on layers of cream, so my typical routine consists of only three to four products – well, no more skimping on my regimen! For night, Dr. Lim prescribed the Derma-Rx Comedone Formula that helps reduce new comedone formation and contains natural botanical extracts that’s supposed to keep sebum in check. The Derma-Rx Illuminator, a skin brightening serum that contains Resveratrol, is said to help protect against free radical damage and encourage cell renewal. This is followed by the Derma-Rx Intensive Lightener, that aids in reducing pigmentation by targeting melanin production at a cellular level while boosting your skin’s defense against UV damage and radiation, and the Derma-Rx Advanced Skin Renewal Serum, to combat visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. The ultralight Derma-Rx Hydrator contains Azulene, a herbal ingredient that helps soothes and moisturises my face, so my easily-irritated skin could get a breather.

But that’s not all. The complete routine also includes daytime application – it starts with the Derma-Rx Comedone Formula before moving on to the Derma-Rx Max-C, a formula containing Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant against free radicals, helps increase collagen production and suppress pigmentation of the skin, before finishing with the Derma-Rx Hydrator again.  

The verdict

I’m a stickler for keeping to a tried and true beauty regimen – why change what works for you? However, my consultation with Dr. Edwin changed everything I thought I knew about my skin. After testing out my new routine for more than a week, I looked more radiant and well-rested (even though I clock an average of six hours of sleep daily), and my skin no longer feels dry and tight. There were lesser comedones on my forehead, and while it would take a month before the appearance of sunspots on my cheeks gets reduced significantly, I was surprised to see that they were already starting to fade a little. Sure, I may not be giving my beauty regimen a complete overhaul anytime soon, but these new additions are definitely a keeper.

Special offer

Get a complimentary skin consultation or scalp analysis  by certified medical doctors at all outlets under The DRx Group when you trade in unwanted bottles of skincare or haircare products in sizes of 30ml and above – this offer applies to any brands that you find ineffective to your beauty or haircare routine.

New customers can enjoy 30% off the three lowest-priced products. Plus, they will also receive samples of the Derma-Rx Hydrator and Soap Free Cleanser, free of charge!

The DRx Group has provided skin and hair care solutions by certified medical experts since 1999, and offers services spanning from hair and skin treatments that target blemishes, pigmentation and signs of aging, to hair rejuvenation and organic keratin therapy sessions for your scalp and tresses.

The DRx Clinic, #16-01 Tong Building, 302 Orchard Road, Singapore 238862, p 6733 1555

This article is sponsored by The DRx Clinic

F1 Singapore 2016: Where to eat and drink at Marina Bay Sands during the Singapore Grand Prix season

It’s that time of the year again (no, we’re not talking about Christmas… yet). Breathtaking race car action, glitzy parties and the biggest concerts are all happening this September at the Singapore Grand Prix – and it’s bound to make one hungry! Coming together for some action from the kitchen are a couple of restaurants at Marina Bay Sands. From 15-27 September, boozy brunch parties, wine dinners and affordable feasts will be getting your heart pumping (and stomachs growling) during this annual motor-racing event – these are the ones to book.

Osteria Mozza

Start your night by fuelling up at Osteria Mozza’s Blood of Jove five-course wine dinner. We know what you’re thinking: it sounds like an experience straight out of a Game of Thrones episode. But thankfully, this feast is more gastronomical than gory; the menu revolves around wine pairings featuring the sangiovese, a type of red Italian grape named after Jove, the Roman King of Gods, with dishes like Iberico pork chop and wagyu beef tagliata to satiate your meat cravings.

When: 15 September, from 7pm
How much: $130++ per person

Adrift

One of our favourite ways to celebrate the F1 weekend is, of course, with plenty of bubbly (we dare you to say no to that!). At the Adrift Sunday Brunch Party, help yourselves to vintage 2006 Dom Perignon Champagne ($48 per glass or $228 for free-flow) while you tuck into fresh fruits and salads, chilled seafood, desserts, and delicious brunch plates. Naturally, it’s not a party without a slick DJ set to rev up the mood, so bring your dancing shoes to shake off the food coma!

Free flow Dom Perignon Champagne
When: 16-18 September, 12pm ’til late 
How much: $250++ per person (3 hours)

Adrift Brunch Party
When: 18 September, 12pm-3pm
How much: $88++ per person

Bread Street Kitchen

Formula One champion or not, everyone can feel like a winner with a cocktail – or two – in hand. Order a signature drink named after famous F1 stars (Kimi Tini, anyone?) or chug a glass of Domaine Chandon Brut (two for $35++), this year’s bubbly-of-choice. Boozy celebrations aside, the restaurant is offering a one night-only four-course dinner on 27 September, complete with wine pairings from Rhone Valley’s E. Guigal.

When: 16, 17, 18, and 27 September
How much: $129++ per person (for dinner)

Cut by Wolfgang Puck

This one Michelin-star restaurant may be famous for its fancy nosh, but it’s got an affordable lunch menu created specially for the F1 season. For one day only, try hearty signatures like the Snake River Farms flat iron steak, the U.S.D.A prime sirloin burger, the Maine lobster club sandwich and pan-roasted Norwegian salmon, all starting from $35 for entrees. Don’t forget to save some space for dessert too – restaurant favourites like the kaya baked Alaska are going at $24 a pop.

When: 18 September, 12pm-3pm
How much: From $24 for desserts

db Bistro & Oyster Bar

Vino enthusiasts, get your wine glasses ready for this exclusive one night-only Cape Mentelle Wine Dinner by executive chef, Jonathan Kinsella. Sample an eclectic mix of contrasting flavours found in the grilled hamachi with grapefruit, avocado, and tomato vinaigrette; and the Harrisa saddle of lamb, spiced with Maghrebi hot chilli pepper paste. These yummy dishes are further enhanced by wine pairings from acclaimed Margaret River winery Cape Mentalle, so your taste buds are in for a treat!

When: 27 September, 7.30pm
How much: $158++ per person

Or for a more casual meal, gather your posse and indulge in the restaurant’s famous seafood platter to share. And just for the month of September, you can enjoy this with a refreshing Pierre Riviere Menuts Bordeaux Rose with every order of the Petit Platter ($125), Grande Platter ($175) and Royale Platter ($375).

When: Through September
How much: From $5 for a petit carafe (paired with the Petit Platter), $10 for a carafe (paired with the Grande Platter) and $15 for a bottle (paired with the Royale Platter)

Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, p. 6688 8868.

This article is sponsored by Marina Bay Sands

Kitchenware stores in Singapore: Where to buy cooking utensils, baking tools, crockery, cutlery and tableware

Sure, we love dining out at some of Singapore’s best restos as much as the next person (if not more). But is there anything better than a hearty home-cooked meal, prepared with your own two hands? We think not. If you fancy honing your domestic goddess skills in the kitchen but find yourself lacking the necessary tools, fret not; equip yourself with Top Chef-worthy appliances and accessories from these ace kitchenware stores in Singapore.

Mayer

Yearning for that dream kitchen? Mayer might just do the trick. Touted as Singapore’s leading kitchen specialist, this one-stop-shop stocks an impressive range of appliances and kitchen accessories – from top to bottom. Even if you’re not in the market for a new dishwasher, there’s still plenty to be found here, like fancy KitchenAid mixers in a rainbow of colours.
Mayer, 5 outlets islandwide. See website for more info.

Pantry Pursuits

Another online store you’ll want to check out is Pantry Pursuits. Catered more for the pros (rather than amateurs chefs and bakers), this handy site stocks no-frills, high-quality kitchen essentials from pots and roasters to pate moulds, pasta-making machines, carving knives, and flatware. The site ships internationally and ships to Singapore for free for orders above $149.

Crate & Barrel

No surprises here; one of our fave home décor stores is a treasure trove of chic kitchenware for the savvy homeowner. Think of Crate & Barrel as IKEA’s more sophisticated older sister with a selection of accoutrements for your kitchen ranging from speciality appliances (a pizza oven or popcorn maker, anyone?) to fancy cookware, stylish bar accessories, and pantry essentials.
Crate & Barrel, orchardgateway@emerald, 218 Orchard Road, Singapore 238851, p. 6634 8488 & #03-25 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, p. 6634 4222.

Kitchen Story

Find shopping for kitchenware a chore? Now there’s no excuse; you can browse online for appliances, cookware, kitchen gadgets, and baking ingredients at Kitchen Story! Yes, this e-tailer stocks them all and is home to top brands like Magimix, KitchenAid, Bamix, and Mauviel. The best part? Kitchen Story offers free delivery right to your doorstep for orders over $180.

Sia Huat

We’ll let you in on the secret that is Temple Street, home to kitchenware specialist Sia Huat. Boasting over 30,000 kitchen items from top-grade pots and pans to cooking tools, fine bone china, and baking utensils in every size imaginable, you know that Sia Huat is the real deal. After all, this is the place where chefs and restaurateurs come to shop. We recommend coming here if you’re planning to purchase in bulk – Sia Huat offers wholesale discounts.
Sia Huat, 7, 9 & 11 Temple Street, Singapore 058559, p. 6223 1732. Open Mon-Fri 830am-630pm, Sat 830am-530pm.

ToTT

With a smorgasbord of over 11,000 products in store, it’s easy to see why ToTT is a kitchen wonderland come to life. If you’re furnishing your kitchen from scratch, this is certainly the right place to start. Hit the aisles for fancy appliances, restaurant-quality cookware, speciality knife sets, baking tools, and even organic ingredients from renowned brands like KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Jamie Oliver.
ToTT, #01-01A, 896 Dunearn Road, Singapore 589472, p. 6219 7077 & #02-427 Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983, p. 6238 1578.

Robinson’s

We’ve repeatedly waxed lyrical about Robinson’s; the upmarket department store is chock-full of high-end makeup, gorgeous home interiors and must-have kitchenware. We love strolling through the cookware aisles, admiring the sheen of the many branded kitchen appliances (we’re talking CuisinArt and Le Creuset here) and picturing the traditional British coffee jars and bread bins sitting pretty in our own homes.
Robinson’s, Stores in The Heeren, JEM and Raffles City.

Phoon Huat

Any baker worth her salt knows this name by heart. The leading baking specialist has everything you need for the perfect confection: every ingredient imaginable, accessories of all kinds, and tools and trays for everyone from amateur bakers to cake bosses. Its many locations – including Holland Village and Toa Payoh – across the island don’t hurt either.
Phoon Huat, Various locations islandwide, including Simei, Toa Payoh and Marsiling.

Bake King

Like its name suggests, Bake King is pure baking royalty. You’ve probably seen the brand’s signature blue logo (with the chubby chef) on local baking ingredients umpteen times. But unbeknownst to many, the brand also offers all the essentials for the right bake: tins and pans of assorted shapes and sizes, decorating tools, linens as well as packaging and display for both amateur and professional bakers.
Bake King, Block 10 Haig Road #01-363/365, Singapore 430010, p. 6742 8388.

Bake-it-yourself

At Singapore’s largest cake decorating retail store, you’ll find leading brands like Wilton, Silikomart, Jamaree and Jem. The three-storey store is stocked with kitchen prep tools, accessories to up your baking game (including oven thermometers and cooling grids), as well as decorating tools. And if you’re new to this, the top floor houses a course centre offering the renowned Wilton Method of Baking decorating courses and popular short term classes.
Bake-it-yourself, 9A Circular Road, Singapore 049365.

Kitchen + Ware

For quality kitchen goods, you can’t go wrong with Kitchen + Ware. The speciality store has all the necessary accoutrements: baking accessories, woks and pans, as well as kitchen utensils and appliances. It’s worth nothing that the “+” in its name is symbolic – it represents the store’s pocket-friendly premium products.
Kitchen + Ware, Stores in Star Vista and Waterway Point.

Lau Choy Seng

Lau Choy Seng’s ascent from its humble roots as a clog-making biz to a famous supply store for chefs and restaurants is well known. Much like Sia Huat, Lay Choy Seng is another open secret amongst the cooking community. Its dazzling range of over 20,000 products includes appliances like mixers and pasta machines, stainless steel pans, and top-of-the-range knives. Best of all? Prices are reasonable.
Lau Choy Seng, 23,25,28 Temple Street, Singapore 058568. 

Review: We try A Poke Theory at Boon Tat Street for its poke and smoothie bowls

The thing is, when you live in country obsessed with food, you’re bound to be tempted by the next food trend that emerges from the scene. Truffle fries, fro-yo, bao sandwiches and salted egg yolk everything – there’s always something popping up to keep foodies fidgety. One in particular, that’s especially popular amongst health buffs and salad munchers (and those who really love their Japanese sashimi), is the Hawaiian poke bowl – raw fish salad served with your choice of sushi rice or greens. And like all food trends in Singapore, it’s really taken off.

Aloha Poke at Amoy Street was one of the first joints to get poke off the ground in Singapore, and there have been a few who follow suit – Rollie Olie at Suntec City’s PasarBella, the new Katto at Fusionopolis, and one that’s just down the road from our office at Boon Tat Street, A Poke Theory. I’ll admit: I had a lot of acquaintances on social media who were plugging and raving about this new CBD spot, so I gave it a few weeks for the hype to settle down before I tried A Poke Theory for myself. So how was lunchtime on a Tuesday afternoon? Still clearly packed.

Sitting within its simplistic, fuss-free space were both casual diners and corporate folks who looked like they could use a break. The restaurant is laid out functionally to accommodate as many customers as possible; shiftable square tables with stools are scattered about neatly, between clean white walls and sleek monolith-shaped shelves with glass jars and herbs for ornamentation. It’s not the most Instagrammable place, but with food this alluring and aesthetically pleasing, however, you won’t run out of photo opps.

Typical of a salad bar, you choose your layers one by one, mixing and matching as you go down the line (the queue was a tell-tale sign of poke’s popularity). You start by choosing a base; select from sticky Japanese sushi rice, crunchy romaine lettuce, or a nutty lemon herb quinoa. You then choose your type of sashimi; raw salmon is available in both spicy mayo and avocado miso flavours, or raw tuna in original shoyu or spicy garlic. Pick your size – $12.50 for a 100g bowl and $16.50 for 150g – and go crazy with your toppings after. Regular toppings like carrot strips, edamame beans and cherry tomatoes are included in the price, but you have to top up an extra $2 (each) for premium toppings like crispy salmon skin, kalua pork or Thai mango. In other words, your poke choices are almost endless.

Slightly starving, I ordered two bowls for myself – the original shoyu tuna and spicy mayo salmon. In a carb-y mood, I ordered the sushi rice for both my bases, and for toppings, I asked for a lil’ bit of everything. On hindsight, the latter decision wasn’t the wisest. Since, in my case, my heap of toppings fully blanketed the fish and rice that were beneath, it made scooping for them a tad cumbersome, even when tossed – though I won’t deny that my final product looked perfect for an Insta-shot.

Each topping was undoubtedly fresh and distinguishable – the sweetness of the sliced cherry tomatoes, the juiciness of the cucumbers, the sharp tanginess of the pineapple, the sour, spiciness of the kimchi. Mixed together, however, the combination of ingredients wasn’t quite as harmonious as I’d hoped, and this essentially drowned out the seasonings of the sashimi and the vinegared flavours of the sushi rice. Eaten separately, however, both the shoyu tuna and spicy mayo salmon were both delightfully done – the chunks were soft, thick (think bara chirashi), and oozing with flavour with every munch. My tip? Choose your toppings sparingly; you don’t want too much competing with these goodies.

But poke isn’t the only health boost you can find at A Poke Theory. Also available – at $6 a cup – are Superfood Smoothie Bowls. Essentially a cross between smoothies and soft serves, these nutritious treats are perfect for a scorching day, and are generously topped with fruits (like pomegranates, mangoes, raspberries and bananas) and superfoods (sunflower seeds and quinoa puffs). I had a sweet, milky Raspberry Tropic to go for my colleagues to dig into; this was not an easy task as, unlike smoothies, these bowls melt really quickly once you take them outta the restaurant. You have been warned!

Your best bet is to just take an hour off work (this is healthy for you too), plonk yourself down in this trendy joint, mix up your customised poke bowl and have it mix up your lifestyle if you’ve had too much of sinful, guilty nosh. I’ll practise more discretion the next time I concoct my poke bowl, but ’til then, we’ll continue keeping our eyes on A Poke Theory. After all, the lunchtime queues don’t lie.

A Poke Theory, 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623. Open Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Ultra Singapore 2016 review: The highs and lows of the Ultra Music Festival

On 19 September, 2015, music festival history was made when Singapore became the newest city to open its arms to Ultra. To the uninitiated, the Ultra Music Festival is unequivocally one of the biggest dance spectaculars in the world, having originated in Miami in 1999 and spreading its ravey reach worldwide ever since. While EDM-centric punters had a mere, bite-sized sampling of this festival’s stratospheric reputation at last year’s Road To Ultra showcase, their ardent support was rewarded just a few days ago at the inaugural full edition of the Ultra Music Festival. But like most first-time events – especially when they’re of such a humongous scale – there was always room for improvement.

This isn’t going to be a whine-fest on our parts; we staunchly salute the Ultra organisers for giving it their all and bringing down top heavyweights of the EDM industry, stellar live acts and even left-field elites. But if you were on the ground, like us, you wouldn’t have been able to ignore certain aspects that could’ve been executed better. With that said, was Singapore’s first Ultra Music Festival one of the most exhilarating dance events of the year? Oh heck, most definitely. With ears blissfully ringing and all, we’re gonna dive into some of Ultra’s most memorable highlights (happy birthday, Kygo!), though, as festival fans, we won’t turn a blind eye to areas that could’ve gotten a bit more love. Here are the euphoric highs and crummy lows of the Ultra Music Festival.

Low: “Are we there yet?”

Ask anyone who attended the first day of Ultra, and the biggest gripe is undoubtedly a universal one. Queues into the festival area – a massive 30,000sqm space outside of Marina Bay Sands – stretched for over an hour if you arrived before sunset, and that paled in comparison to the monstrous lines for the food and drink booths. Sets were missed, and the patience of punters was gruellingly tested – not the best way to kick off Ultra’s first day given the sweltering heat. But on the flipside, this crisis was rectified on the second day, with plenty more staff and smoother payment processes in place. Good recovery from what could’ve been a disastrous stumble.

Low: U didn’t light up our lives

Granted, the stage designs were magnificent, even the sheltered Resistance Stage catered to underground acts (the side screen panels were trippy) and the sizeable Live Stage. The Main Stage, however, was the crown jewel; this was where the headlining EDM acts were spinning, set against a marvellous backdrop of three giga-sized screens, and the Marina Bay Sands building in the background. So naturally, fans were a bit dumbfounded when the giant U structure – the centrepiece of the Main Stage – failed to remain lit during day one’s performances. Sure, it wasn’t essential to the performances of acts like W&W or DJ Snake, but considering that it was the largest ornament of the entire stage setup, its failure to dazzle stuck out like a sore thumb. Like the queues though, this was too repaired in the second day, thankfully.

High: Mystery man Marshmello – More than a gimmick

We caught Marshmello, with, admittedly, more than a little scepticism after Tiesto’s prank ‘reveal’ of himself as the mystery DJ at this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival. The masked man, however, proved himself as more than just a publicity stunt to local partygoers, blazing through his original tracks and signature synths with unwavering high-energy. The crowd lapped it all up, dutifully fist-pumping and singing along to tracks like his monster hit “Alone”, and the closing remix of Adele’s “Hello”.

High: ZHU’s splendid Ultra debut

Over at the far end of the festival grounds was the Live Stage, where formerly-anonymous Chinese-American, ZHU, electrified the crowd with his winning combination of wispy falsetto vocals and genre-bending mish-mash of future bass, nu-disco and deep house. He far surpassed the expectations of a headlining act by bringing out the big guns: a guitarist and saxophonist joined him through his live set. The crowd dutifully responded to his dedication, throwing shapes and singing along to the massively dark “Faded” and the Skrillex/They collab of “Working For It”.

Low: Alesso stayed safe

Alesso’s an excellent performer; we know this from catching numerous of his sets in Singapore, including the Road To Ultra preview just last year. And while he played many of his go-to anthems that’ve helped cement his young career, we were just hoping to see a lil’ more diversity from this Swedish star. Under control? A bit too much, Alesso.

High(?): Afrojack played all sorts of stuff… and we’re not sure what to feel

When this Dutch dynamo made his breakthrough as one of the hottest DJs in the industry, he was celebrated as a champ of Dutch house. But as he erratically dropped everything from prog-house to trap – and even some of Desiigner’s “Panda” for good, hip-hoppy measure – we couldn’t help but feel we were at some average night out with an innocuous open-format DJ. He was definitely a crowd-pleaser, but what we wanted was a riotous, guns-a-blazin’ Afrojack, just like the good ol’ days.

High: Carnage lives up to his name

Carnage killed his afternoon set on day two with his characteristically aggressive, stadium-style bangers laced with trap swagger, hardstyle, hip-hop and throwback big room tracks. It also had an element of surprise that had festival-goers ‘turnt’; his set featured remixes of Bhangra smash hit, “Mundian To Bach Ke”, and our fave reggaeton track (and guilty pleasure), Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina”.

High: About damn time we had a female DJ headlining a stage

Providing more than just a shelter from the unforgiving heat, the Resistance Stage was a sanctuary for those who wanted an escape from EDM; for underground house and techno, this was the place to be. Homegrown DJs like Maurice Simon, Godwin P, Zig Zach and Oliver Osborne did us proud, as did other international guests like Technasia and Matador. But if there was one leading lass who stole the show, it was Nigerian techno veteran, Nicole Moudaber. Not only was her set through the roof with deafening kicks and belligerent grooves, but it was an absolute triumph to witness a female DJ headline an Ultra stage. For two whole hours, we were in her church.

High: Kygo’s sublime sunset set was a fitting birthday celebration 

The tropical-house God brought his A-game, beginning with crowd fave “Stole The Show” and his renowned remixes of Seinabo Sey’s “Younger” and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”. With ocean-inspired visuals and relaxed beats from his Cloud Nine album, the crowd was instantly transported from (the temporary) downtown dance city of Marina Bay to a Caribbean-style beach party. Everyone around us was shuffling and shimmying with huge smiles on their faces. But it was, naturally, his breakout hit of “Firestone” that brought the house down and more than a few tears to our eyes. It was the perfect way to celebrate the Norwegian DJ/producer’s homecoming to his birthplace of Singapore, and his 25^th birthday – watch as the crowd dutifully sings him a birthday song in this stirring clip.

High: Music Above and Beyond the young masses

Grammy-winning and trance legends, Above and Beyond, brought their signature live-typed text, spellbinding visuals, and heartfelt tracks to exhausted partygoers. Plenty trickled out for drinks and a sit-down before Axwell’s set, which worked fine for the duo (third member Tony McGuinness was absent); the crowd that remained were either a) more mature, b) trance devotees or c) both. Notably, “Sun and Moon” – the group’s most famous track to date – was amiss from their entrancing set. But the closing soulful track of “Thing Called Love” made up for it; it was an impeccable embodiment of the group’s famously uplifting messages of love and hope.

Low: The polarising effect of deadmau5

You would’ve either loved or hated it. Closing the Main Stage of day one after DJ Snake’s cutthroat, bass-blistering set, was the helmet-donning deadmau5. Some would say that his set mellowed the high of the frenetic crowd, who embarked on an exodus to Far East Movement at the Live Stage. While others would argue that his set was spiritual and sensational; a welcome change of scenery from the gung-ho audial artillery from prior sets. Amongst day one’s talents, deadmau5 definitely had the biggest star power. But too confusing an act to put your faith in as a closing headliner? This time, perhaps.

High: Electro euphoria even sans Ingrosso

Despite Ingrosso’s (the other half of the slated Axwell Λ Ingrosso) absence due to an ear infection, Axwell closed the festival on a high with a power-packed set of non-stop bangers, extravagant confetti showers and the best visuals of the two-day fest. The second night ended with their colossal and infectiously optimistic hit,  “Sun Is Shining”.

To sum up, Ultra accomplished something that’s much easier said than done – it listened to its fans, and didn’t rest on its laurels. Despite harsh criticism surrounding travesties that plagued day one, these were, for the most part, resolved the next day – and everyone could see, hear, and feel the difference. This is what, we think, is crucial for a festival to survive, even for a big-time player such as Ultra that isn’t invincible against scrutiny. Witnessing its quick recovery and overall production value, we’re more than certain the next Ultra Music Festival will ring in an even bigger victory for the EDM scene, and we already can’t wait to be a part of it.

 Ultra Music Festival Singapore 2016 was reviewed by Nafeesa Saini and Kevin Ho. 

Tiong Bahru guide: Hip hotspots – from bars to galleries

Here’s the truth: we can’t get enough of Tiong Bahru. Exuding old-school charm within its quiet streets, this hip ‘hood is also where you’ll find some of the island’s best cafes, restaurants, and stores. We point you in the right direction with our guide of Tiong Bahru (psst, for another shopping guide to Tiong Bahru, head here!).

Eat & Do

Tiong Bahru Bakery

Helmed by French baker, Gontran Cherrier, this iconic bakery at Tiong Bahru is arguably a top spot for French pastries. Hot sellers such as their butter croissants and chocolate croissants look almost too good to eat – the layers are distinctly fanned out and provide a great crisp to the pastry. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, you have to give the Kouign Amann a go; and don’t get us started on their rich, fudgy brownies!
Tiong Bahru Bakery, 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 160056, p. 6220 3430

Le Halo

With too many industrial-chic cafes looking like one another, this new spot is a breath a fresh air. The space is a riot of bright colours and everything is delightfully mismatched – there are cutesy illustrations on the walls, cushion covers and furniture are in various shapes, patterns, and sizes, plus a whole lot of vintage treasures to pick up (they’re for sale) and fiddle around with. The menu is mish-mash of Asian and French flavours with seriously decent plates such as the piggy stew, otak egg and mushroom carbonara.
Le Halo, #01-162, 4 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, Singapore 162004, p. 9736 8087. Open Mon 9am-6pm, Wed-Sun 9am-6pm.

Bincho

Mee pok stall by day and Japanese bar by night, there’s definitely more than meets the eye at Bincho. In the evenings, this yakitori and sake bar serves up izakaya-style dishes such as chicken skin salad, yakitori don, and tsukune with egg yolk, as well as a fine selection of sake to go with skewer platters. Don’t forget to check out our review of Bincho here!
Bincho at Hua Bee, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078, p. 6438 4567

Day & Night Bistro

This dual concept resto sells old-school yong tau foo and kopi-o by day. And come evening, Day & Night becomes a pizzeria and tap-room restaurant that serves up a variety of yummy nosh such as the har chong gai, or shrimp paste chicken. Get a load of their signature margherita pizza and Day & Night burger, which comes with a tantalising minced ribeye patty and grilled cheddar on top.
Day & Night Bistro, #01-46, 56 Eng Hoon St, Singapore 160056, p. 6222 6881

Drips Bakery Cafe

If you’re looking to get your sweet treats and caffeine buzz at the same time, then head over to Drips Bakery Cafe. Alfred Chan, the former pastry chef at Shangri-La Hotel, serves up excellent fruity tarts at this retro joint. Bite into scrumptious macadamia tartlets, and pair your baked treats with their signature cold drip coffee.
Drips Bakery Cafe, #01-05, 82 Tiong Poh Rd, Singapore 160082, p. 6222 0400

Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh

Located just a block away from the hip offerings of Yong Siak street, Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh serves up the local peppery pork ribs soup most Teochew diners are familiar with. Go for their perennial staples like Teochew-style pork ribs soup, as well as sides of braised offal, oyster sauce veggies and you tiao (fried dough stick). Don’t forget the mandatory pot of floral tea to cleanse your palate after the meal!
Tuan Yuan Bak Kut Teh, 127 Kim Tian Road, #01-01, Singapore 160127, p. 6684 0123

IKYU

The sushi at this sleek Tiong Bahru establishment are things of beauty, and we like them slightly-charred, aburi-style. If you like a variety of modern Japanese plates to go along with your exquisite, bite-sized morsels, order creations like the wagyu tsukune and hotate truffle carpaccio, as well a platter of assorted premium sashimi.
IKYU, 5 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168643, p. 6223 9003.

The Providore Warehouse

Head up to the fifth floor of the Tan Boon Liat building and you’ll find the Providore Warehouse, an artisanal grocer which stocks a variety of gourmet food, wine, spirits, and seasonal produce sourced locally and overseas. Looking for new recipes? You’ll have a field day browsing through their collection of cookbooks.
The Providore Warehouse, 315 Outram Road 05-03, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074, p. 6221 7056

Plain Vanilla Bakery

Don’t let its name fool you; the cupcakes at Plain Vanilla are far from plain. Head down to this bakery-slash-cafe along Yong Siak street and get a taste of their light, fluffy cupcakes. The classic red velvet and cinnamon brown sugar are worth trying, but we gotta say that the earl grey lavender treat wins hands down.
Plain Vanilla Bakery, 1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641, p. 8363 7614

Forty Hands

Stop by this cosy cafe for brunch and get a load of their 40 Hands Cubanos sandwich or eggs Benedict with steak. And we won’t judge if you’d like a pint of craft beer or cider with your meal! Come early as this place gets full by mid-day.
Forty Hands, 78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12, Singapore 163078, p. 6225 8545

Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant

Sin Hoi Sai recently got the thumbs up from the Michelin Guide Singapore 2016, and rightfully so too. This seafood resto serves up a plethora of delicious delicacies such as crabs and abalone, or go straight for their signature salted egg yolk and spicy crabs. But don’t forget to order other tasty bites such as the fried mantis prawns and chilli oil fish fillets.
Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant, Block 55, Tiong Bahru Road #01-59, Singapore 160055, p. 6223 0810

Open Door Policy

Open Door Policy is definitely a feast for both the eyes and tums; this industrial-decor restaurant serves up beautifully plated dishes that look almost too good to eat. What’s more, OPD’s recently launched its gluten- and dairy-free menu too: tantalising starters include tapioca and borlotti beans soup and vegan macaroni with portobello gratin, then, savour a selection of braised veal with watercress harvested from their indoor garden.
Open Door Policy, 19 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168650, p. 6221 9307

Flock Cafe

FLOCK café’s practically an old-timer at Tiong Bahru, but it’s still winning hearts with their well-executed all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and gourmet coffee and teas. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, they have just what you need too. Start your day right with their portobello mushroom salad, or tuck into their popular pork cheek gruyere sandwich.
Flock Cafe, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25, Singapore 162078, p. 6536 3938

Tiong Bahru Bar

Tiong Bahru isn’t hip just because of its daytime cafes. Once the sun sets, the area becomes a hotspot for tipples, and Tiong Bahru Bar is one of the places to hit. Affectionately known as TBB, the bar is home to a great selection of wine, spirits, and cocktails, as well as local-inspired bar bites. Don’t miss out on their daily happy hour, happening from 5pm to 8pm!
Tiong Bahru Bar, 3 Seng Poh Rd, Singapore 168891, p. 6438 4380

Coq & Balls

This cheekily named bar sports a raw, gritty decor, as well as a vast variety of spirits, wine, and beers that’ll cater to all palates. We are definitely digging their Kung Fu-themed cocktails, with names like Chuck Norris and Enter the Dragon.
Coq & Balls, 6 Kim Tian Rd, Singapore 169246, p. 6276 6609

Big Mama Korean

Bring a friend, or make that three if you’re dining at Big Mama, ’cause the portions are huge! This homely Korean resto serves up a delectable selection of dakgalbi (pan-fried chicken with vegetables), suyuk (sliced pork belly), and kimchi jeon (kimchi pancake). Drink it all down with an ice-cold glass of soju with your meal.
Big Mama Korean, 2 Kim Tian Rd, Singapore 169244, p. 6270 7704

House of Peranakan Petit

Peranakan cuisine doesn’t get more authentic than this! Helmed by Chef Bob Seah who is a Baba himself, the restaurant serves up homely Nyonya dishes such as ayam buah keluak, itek sioh, and claypot crab soup. We’re also huge fans of the pulut hitam – the coconut milk tart on the black dessert looks too beautiful to be eaten!
House of Peranakan Petit, 42 Eng Hoon St, Singapore 169785, p. 6222 1719

The Tiong Bahru Club Singapura

We thought we didn’t need another nostalgia-ridden eatery, but turns out we were wrong. The Tiong Bahru Club may be doing what many old-meets-new restaurants are doing, but it’s doing it well, offering a slew of dishes spanning across Singapore’s many different cultures. There’s Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian cuisines, which are getting increasingly hard to find in one place, and pack a punch at that. And if you haven’t already, be sure to get yourself acquainted with a Eurasian favourite – Devil’s Curry.
The Tiong Bahru Club Singapura, #01-88, 57 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 267208, p. 6438 0168. Open Mon-Thu 8.30am-11pm, Fri-Sun 8.30am-11.30pm.

Whisk Café

Helmed by patissier Tricia Lim, who interned at Dominque Ansel’s Bakery (the brains behind the Cronut) post-graduation, this clean, minimalist café rolls out a pretty selection of cakes, cookies, brownies, croissants, cinnamon rolls, macarons, and all sorts of other sweet (and some savory) treats that make our knees go weak.
Whisk Café, #01-15, 58 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 160058. Open Tue-Thu 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm.

Lee Tai Fu

Well-loved restaurant Potbellies is gone, and in its place is this beer garden and casual diner with a fresh new look and name. The eclectic food menu, however, hasn’t changed, and we’re not complaining. It’s still a mix of Asian, Western, and Mexican fares and all of its great signatures including otah pizza, crispy pork knuckle and special pasta are in there to make your tastebuds really happy.
Lee Tai Fu, 16 Kim Tian Road, Singapore 169251, p. 6376 2338. Open Tue-Sun 3pm-12am.

Cheng’s 27

The 25 year-old Hainanese coffeeshop has undergone a spiffy renovation mid last year, and there’s now a new dessert counter displaying their homemade cakes, traditional kuehs and signature savoury pumpkin pie. Hainanese curry rice and cooked dishes like vinegared pork belly and deep fried prawn rolls are still served, alongside more trendy creations such as a gula melaka chiffon cake.
Cheng’s 27, 27 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168654, p. 6223 7883. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8.30pm; Sat-Sun 9am-3.30pm.

Shop & Do

Curated Records

If you’re on a hunt for indie music on vinyl, this little Tiong Bahru hangout is probably your best bet. There are over 1000 records to dig through, and recent additions include Morcheeba’s Head Up High, Ingrid Michaelson’s Be Ok, and Stardeath and White Dwarf’s Wastoid. It sure sounds like Laneway on vinyl to us.
Curated Records, #01-53, 55 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 160055, p. 6438 3644, Open Mon-Sun 12noon-9pm.

Degios Art

Former banker Giuseppe De Giosa is fascinated with Asian art and antiquities and it’s evident in his calming, whitewashed art gallery that’s filled with a very eclectic mix of furniture, carpets, objet d’art, sculptures, paintings, lighting and textiles. If you’re not sure how a particular piece could fit into your home, ask Mr de Giosa – the avid collector has much experience helping friends and colleagues build their collections and decorate their homes.
Degios Art, #01-82 Eng Hoon Road, Singapore 281285, p. 6341 5358.

Grey Projects

More than just an art gallery, this cool multi-concept space also houses a library, a studio and a live-in residency that provides creative folks from Singapore and aboard a platform to publish, exhibit, and curate experimental works. Pop into its Facebook page to know what’s coming up.
Grey Projects, 6B Kim Tian Road, Singapore 169246, p. 6655 6492. Open Wed-Fri 1pm-7pm, Sat 1pm-6pm.

BooksActually

It’s been eleven years since BooksActually opened in Tiong Bahru, and this famous bookshop is now home to readers, local writers, artists, designers, and independent publishers. We stop by from time to time to pick up a good local read, but you know as well as we do that we’re there to play with their in-house felines!
BooksActually, 9 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168645, p. 6222 9195

Hui Aesthetics

Even beauty salons need a little makeover once in a while. To keep up with the times, Hui Aesthetics has given its dreary Balinese-inspired space a much-needed nip and tuck last year, and the shop now sports a brighter, cleaner décor that rivals its trendy neighbours. Check in for a manicure at $25, a pedi at $35, an hour-long massage from $100 and facial treatments from $98.
Hui Aesthetics, #01-80, 57 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore, p. 6323 2821. Open Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-8pm.

Yoga Movement

Finally, an om-chic yoga studio in a café-saturated Tiong Bahru, thanks to the arrival of Yoga Movement. Book a mat at just $25 per class (or $190 for a 10-class pack – super affordable!) and their yoga classes come with Hot and Non-Hot options. Classes can get a bit crowded, but the clean, tranquil environment and focused lessons make up for that. We’ll be spending our weekends at their popular Monster Hot classes!
Yoga Movement, 11 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168646, p. 8223 3540. Open daily 7am-8pm.