Audience: Foodies

Food, Flowers & Fun! Don’t Miss Singapore Garden Festival @ Gardens By The Bay!

A much-anticipated international garden and flower event, this year’s Singapore Garden Festival marks 10 years since its start in 2006, and it promises to be bigger than ever!

Whether you are a gardening enthusiast, a fan of past Gardens by the Bay exhibitions, or are simply keen to admire some beautiful landscaping designs, you’ll be delighted by what Gardens by the Bay has in store for you. Apart from the Singapore Garden Festival, you can look forward to nightly concerts and dining deals too!

Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) 2016

[caption id="attachment_11657" align="alignnone" width="600"] Orchid Extravaganza
Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com[/caption]

Let’s start with the SGF 2016, which is on from now until 31 July. This year’s edition of the festival features the best of tropical horticulture and floral artistry. Local and internationally­-acclaimed designers have taken part to create enchanting masterpieces at Gardens by the Bay. Spanning a 9.7-hectare space, there are interesting highlights for every type of festival goer.

Landscape & Fantasy Gardens

Check out the Landscape & Fantasy Gardens for landscaping inspiration by award-winning designers. Designers include local talents like John Tan and Raymond Toh who clinched the Silver-Gilt award at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show 2015. There’s also Ann Teo who received the Outstanding Award of Excellence and two Gold Awards at the 2015 Singapore Landscape Architects Award.

[caption id="attachment_11653" align="alignnone" width="600"] Landscape & Fantasy Gardens
Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com[/caption]

Floral Windows to the World

The exquisite Floral Windows to the World features both international names and budding local amateurs. This is the first year where local participants were identified through a public competition held in April this year. The top three winning displays are featured at the festival alongside international designers. Pay the exhibition a visit and be amazed by our upcoming design talents!

[caption id="attachment_11652" align="alignnone" width="600"] Floral Windows to the World
Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com[/caption]

Celebrations! Floral Table Series

For more floral designs, the Celebrations! Floral Table Series showcases a myriad of delicate flower arrangements that will take your breath away. Plus, you can also learn how to bring such beautiful designs to life at the exhibition!

Celebrations! Floral Table Series
Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com

Orchid Extravaganza

If you’re a fan of our national flower, this is a must-see. At the Orchid Extravaganza, you’ll get to walk through a colourful orchid wonderland, surrounded by countless gorgeous blooms.

[caption id="attachment_11654" align="alignnone" width="600"] Orchid Extravaganza
Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com[/caption]

SGF Rocks! Free Nightly Performances

[caption id="attachment_11658" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com[/caption]

As the sky turns dark, anticipate the performers that will take to the Meadow Stage and the Alfresco Stage (Free admission!) at the Marketplace.

The night will be livened up by the likes of Gentle Bones, Jack & Rai, Shirlyn & The UneXpected, and many more local musicians! With an extensive lineup, you can expect to hear a range of music genres, from R&B to pop and rock- there’ll definitely be something for everyone.

More information on the lineup here.

Dining Deals

Flowers aside, don’t miss the dining promotions that are running right now at Gardens by the Bay too!

Pollen

[caption id="attachment_11655" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image credit: Pollen Singapore Facebook[/caption]

Boasting a lush Mediterranean garden setting, Pollen is located within the Flower Dome, with stunning waterfront views and vegetables coming straight from an in-house garden. Pollen is having an early dinner deal, where you can savour a sunset dinner at S$88++ per person for three courses. Booking and more information Image credit: Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant Facebook[/caption]

Right below the Flower Dome is this seafood restaurant that serves up iconic crowd favourites like the Chili Crab and for an innovative twist on the dish, the ‘Kopi’ Crab. Majestic Bay has a promotion for OCBC credit card holders, where S$88++ spent entitles you to a Signature Baked Rice with Assorted Seafood (U.P. $88) along with your meal. Booking and more information singaporegardenfestival.com, edited by author.)

Also, read [WIN] Tickets To A Romantic Movie With Your Date Under The Stars!

[WIN] An Extravagant Dinner Buffet For 2 At The Line, Shangri-La!

This National Day, get ready for a huge treat! The Line (at Shangri-La Hotel), one of Singapore’s best international buffets, is taking Singaporeans on a journey through our unique food culture!

You can expect innovative twists of our local favourite dishes! Exactly what kind of twists? We’re talking about out-of-this-world bizarre creations.

Have you heard of Chendol – but served in bubble form? What about Tau Huey Popcorn, or Oyster Omelette served on an Oyster shell? As weird as these dishes sound, you need not fret!

We’ve gone ahead to taste and savour these not-to-be-missed unique creations. They’re as good, if not, even better than the originals of our local favourites.

The best part? You can enjoy these local delights alongside the best international selection. That’s right – there’ll be fresh cuts of sashimi, seafood on ice, beef, and not to mention, a wide selection of desserts and pastries, including the best chocolate lava cake (we had 2 servings, guilty as charged).

Without further ado, we’ll quickly take you through a few highlights. There’s just so much good food, that we can only pick and choose the very best. Keep reading, because you will stand a chance to win this dinner buffet for two as well!

Flavours of Singapore at The Line

In celebration of National Day, Shangri-La’s famous buffet dinner at The Line will transform into a traditional food street from the 1960s.

Local Delights

Chef de Cuisine Vincent Wong is a figure you won’t miss at the buffet – passionate, tattooed, and engaging, he stands out among the others. The brains behind the delectable and innovative dishes, he brought us through the story behind each dish he conceptualised.

Chendol Bubbles

Take, for example, the Chendol Bubbles. Deftly and expertly, these bubbles of goodness were scooped into this cup. It looks deceivingly bland, but trust us, this is full of flavour. Its intriguing appearance is due to pockets of Chendol-infused air. There’s red bean mousse, and standard Chendol toppings waiting at the bottom of the cup. This is the epitome of guilt-free dessert – all the flavours you want in a Chendol, but without the guilt.

Tau Huey Popcorn

If you’re in the mood for another dish that’s out of this world, try the Tau Huey popcorn! You heard us right! Here’s a hint: the futuristic kitchen at The Line uses nitrogen gas. Our local soya bean beverage will be chilled to a point where it solidifies.. and resembles popcorn! Its extremely light and delicate texture will melt in your mouth in mere seconds, only to leave you begging for more.

Keep a lookout on our FB and IG for videos of Chef Vincent preparing and explaining these dishes!

Other Creations

There are more favourite old-time delights that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Think Chicken Rice Maki Rolls (with the best chicken rice chilli), Chilli Crab Brioche, Kaya-flavoured Arabic Bread and Nasi Lemak: canapé style!

Our local Oyster Omelette takes on an imaginative twist with deep fried egg artistically placed on each fresh and tender oyster. We couldn’t help filling our plates with these mini crowd-pleasers!

A Durian Alfresco Fruit Stall!

Durian lovers will be ecstatic to note that there will be an alfresco fruit stall full of specially-imported tropical fruits! When we were there, we were treated to D13 and Pheonix durians, all opened fresh in front of you by a charming and jovial Durian Master. So rich, creamy, sweet, and good, we had a few servings each! There may also be other tropical fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, longan, and jackfruit.

All the durians you see in the picture were wiped out at about 9:30PM! Yea, that’s how good it is.

Other Delights

Besides all these, there are stations serving Satay, Laksa, Drunken Prawn, warm food dishes, childhood snacks and drinks, and local pastries and desserts – the coconut durian cake was the best!

International Spread

Marine Harvest Seafood

The Line is well known for one of the largest buffet spreads in Singapore. Its fame stems from its generous selection during the Marine Harvest Seafood nights (Tuesday & Thursday). You name it, they have it! A few types of lobsters, oysters, clams, mussels, shrimps, crab claws, prawns, are served on a cold bed of ice.

The Oysters are also shucked live and fresh in front of you!

Other Stations

In addition, there is also a Roast Station offering salmon, and different kinds of beef. The Japanese station serves up a wide selection of sashimi; Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Swordfish, Octopus, and more!  If you like to have some greens for every meal, you can count on the Salad Bar. Lovers of cheese, we counted at least 5 different types of cheeses to go with biscuits, bread, or ham!

Tip: You can request for salmon belly at the sashimi station.

Unlimited Wines, Beers, Juices, & Drinks

Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for Marine Harvest night, enjoy a selection of unlimited sparkling, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks, and juices!

Dessert

Our best advice? Always save space for dessert. We adore the delicate toffee and nut tartlets, chocolate lava cake with matcha ice cream, and durian coconut cake. There is even a selection of local sweet treats such as kuih and traditional cream cakes for those who want to take a walk down memory lane.

Tip + food hack: Drizzle olive oil, and sea salt (from the salad bar) on their vanilla soft serve for a delightfully sweet treat with a salty crunch. Our initial scepticism about this combination melted away the moment we took a bite.

We Never Wanted To Leave

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/videos/2051248505100841/

The Line undoubtedly remains one of the best buffets to be found on our island. We loved how approachable the chefs were at their stations. They entertained the crowd as they cooked on the spot, engaged and explained the dishes, and served up hot and fresh food along with a joke or two.

If you’d like to enjoy Shangri-La‘s The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet at The Line, make a reservation here and revel in old-world charm, makan-style! You could also stand a chance to…

Win a dinner buffet for 2 at The Line, Shangri-La!

Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook, and LIKE Shangri-La’s Facebook to stand a chance to win The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet* for two! Yes, it is that simple! That’s all you need to do for a chance to feast at The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet. This giveaway ends 4th August, and the lucky winner will be notified through Facebook.

*Not valid for use on the eve of and on public holidays

The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet will run from 18 July to 14 August 2016.
Monday, Wednesday, Sunday: $79 per adult, $39 per child
Friday and Saturday: $92 per adult, $46 per child
Tuesday Marine Harvest: $98 per adult, $44 per child
Thursday Marine Harvest: $108 per adult, $44 per child
The Marine Harvest dinner buffet includes an enhanced seafood selection, and a selection of unlimited sparkling, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks, and juices.
Click here to book a table.

All prices exclude 10% service charge and 7% GST.

This was an invited food tasting session. Thoughts and opinions are our own.

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Shangri-La Hotel

https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/2050764938482531

Also, read [WIN] Tickets To A Romantic Movie With Your Date Under The Stars!

The Game Plan – Explore The Best Of Bedok Cafes With This Trail!

Ever wanted to Cafe Hop without going through the hassle of planning your route and researching on cafes? Those nightmares are officially a thing of the past with our Bedok Cafes Trail!

We’ve combined all the directions and must-try menu items from 4 of our favourite Bedok Cafes in this post. That’s right; all you need to do is grab a friend (or two) and embark on this extraordinary food adventure!

The Game Plan

Firstly, let’s take a look at the route. The map above illustrates the entire trail which covers all 4 Bedok Cafes, as highlighted in red by Google Maps. It starts and ends at Bedok MRT and Bedok Interchange which are side by side. The best part is that you’ll only need to take one bus (222) throughout the entire journey! How great is that?

First Stop: To-gather Cafe

Directions: Upon alighting from Bedok MRT, take exit A and board 222 at the bus stop. Get off at the 5th stop (Opp Blk 85).

We’re starting off with an east side favourite. To-gather Cafe is the perfect place to well, gather. Its gorgeous interior and spacious tables make for an ideal dining option for families and friends. To-gather is also celebrated for its pocket-friendly prices. All its mains (only excluding the Grilled Ribeye Steak- $17.90) don’t exceed a modest $12.90; certainly, a steal when it comes to cafe prices!

Cafe highlights

Be sure to try out their exotic Grilled Pandan Chicken Chop ($9.90) drizzled with Coconut and Pineapple Salsa. Also, don’t forget the crowd pleasers: Pork Cordon Bleu ($11.90) and To-Gather Breezers ($3.80) which come in Passionfruit, Strawberry and Green Apple. Lastly, the one must-try is definitely the highly-raved Matcha Lava Cake with Vanilla Gelato ($7.20). This warm and cold dessert also comes in a decadent chocolate flavour that will definitely leave you craving for more!

Second Stop: Milk and Honey

Directions: take a 5-minute walk from To-Gather to this cafe located just beside 85 Market!

There’s a saying that goes, “you’re never too full to have another helping of dessert”. This takes us to Milk and Honey, a cosy cafe loved for its flavourful gelato topped waffles. Seats are known to be virtually unattainable here which simply pays testimony to their quality desserts!

Cafe Highlights

We recommend their Quaffles Set which gives you a bit of everything and is ideal for sharing. A Buddy Meal Quaffles Set takes you back $14.50 and includes 2 scoops of creamy gelato, 1 quarrel (waffle!) and 1 lemonade. They even serve up savoury ice cream flavours for the bold and adventurous! In addition, Milk and Honey also makes Cakes which can be collected at their store with a pre-order. We personally recommend the divine Cookie Monster Gelato Cake ($68) pictured below!

Third Stop: Nakhon Kitchen

Directions: Go back to the bus stop you came from (Blk 85). Next, take 222 and alight at the 3rd stop (Bedok Ctrl Po). Finally, cross the road to Nakhon Kitchen.

Thirdly, we introduce Nakhon Kitchen. While we know this isn’t exactly a cafe, Nikon does serve up mouth-watering Thai dishes that capture beautifully in a flat lay. Its delicious cuisine and photogenic dishes definitely qualify in our Bedok food trail!

Cafe Highlights

We love their Tom Yum Soup ($6) which is served with either prawn, chicken or seafood in a clear or coconut milk base. Further, their Green Curry ($8) is the bomb dot com and the Stir-fried Kang Kong Belachan ($6) is as good as it gets. And, as with all Thai places, refresh yourself with a glass of Thai Iced Tea ($3)!

Last Stop: Percolate

Directions: Take a 1-minute walk to Percolate Cafe from Nakhon Kitchen.

Finally, let’s end the Cafe trail with a coffee and dessert place! Percolate is full of those chill vibes everyone looks for in a cafe. Its classy interior features lots of wooden panelling, robin-egg blue accents and even fairy lights. Group photos are therefore best taken in this picturesque cafe – preferably with a table of dainty desserts in front of your squad!

Cafe Highlights

Percolate Cafe serves up a plethora of drinks. You’ll be spoilt for choice with regulars like the Iced Black Coffee ($4.50) and the Hot Tea ($6 per pot). For a walk on the wild side, we’ll recommend the Mexican Sodas ($5) and Bananut Smoothie ($6.50). Furthermore, Percolate also serves up a varying selection of baked cakes and pastries every day to keep things fresh and unique!

Heading Home

Directions: Cross the road and board 222 at the bus stop you came from. The next stop will drop you off at Bedok Interchange which is right beside Bedok MRT.

To End it Off

In conclusion, while this trail doesn’t cover ALL the Bedok cafes, we’re convinced that the tasty food you’ll enjoy will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Happy Cafe-hopping, Cafe lovers!

Also, read Under $15 Best Food Places That Make Our Hearts Go Bedok Bedok!

Clearing All Your Doubts – How Exactly Does The Michelin Guide Work?

Singapore is known to be a food paradise and after soooo many years, we finally have our very own Michelin Guide Singapore!!

We’re pretty sure you’ve heard a thing or two about the Michelin Guide but what exactly is it? Why is a tyre maker involved in the dining scene?

What Is the Michelin Guide?

Michelin-Starred Chef or Michelin-Starred Restaurant?

It’s true that there are many Michelin-starred French restaurants but do you know that Tokyo has a mind blowing number of 226 Michelin-starred restaurants? Paris has a mere 94 (as of 2015). While about 50 of the 226 restaurants in Japan are French restaurants, most starred restaurants serve traditional Japanese cuisine (Kaiseki, sushi, ramen, and even poisonous blowfish).

The Michelin Guide panel of inspectors who are in charge of rating hotels and restaurants in over 24 countries live in different continents of the world. They have an open mind towards the cuisines of very culture.

Michelin Guide Inspectors Are Not Always Anonymous?

[caption id="attachment_11586" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image source: Michelin Guide Singapore and order a physical copy at $39.95 now!

Header image: The Full List Of Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 – How Many Have You Tried?

The Full List Of Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 – How Many Have You Tried?

The wait is finally over! We now have our very own Michelin Guide Singapore! And the best part of all, we’re the first Southeast Asian country, and only the fourth Asian nation after Japan, Hong Kong and Macau, to be rated by the Michelin Guide.

Michelin Star classification

The Guide conveys its review through brief summaries and with every prestigious ‘star’. Restaurants may receive zero to 3 stars for the quality of their food. The Star classification:

Without further ado, here are the starred dining establishments that made it to the 2016 Guide!

1 Starred Dining Establishment

1. Amla by Juan Amador – Goodwood Park Hotel

2. Bacchanalia – HongKong Street
3. Beni – Mandarin Gallery
4. Candlenut -New Bridge Road
5. Corner House – Botanic Gardens

10. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle – Chinatown Food Complex
11. Jaan, Swissotel – The Stamford
12. Lei Garden – Chijmes

5. Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro – Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Chop Chop Kali Pok – Explore Melaka In Just 14 Hours!

A month ago, I visited Melaka for the first time. At least it is the first time that I could recall (my mother tells me we visited Melaka more than a decade ago, but I have no recollection). Melaka, also known as Malacca, is a state in Malaysia most well known for its historic past and amazing food choices. Just four hours from Singapore by bus, it is an ideal place to check out for a day trip or weekend jaunt.

If, like me, you have heard a lot about Melaka but have never been to the historic state, don’t fret. There are so many things to do in this UNESCO World Heritage City, but we’re telling you that you’ll be able to accomplish a lot even in just 14 hours.

Don’t believe us? Read on to find out what you should try:

Melaka in 14 hours – 8 AM: Breakfast

Whether you’re in the mood for a fruit platter or a plate of warm, yummy chicken rice balls, Melaka’s got you covered for the best local breakfast dishes you can try.

For breakfast, we avoided the “famous” restaurants with a queue and popped by one of its quieter competitors across the road. It was a risk, but to be fair, most restaurants in the Jonker Street district are pretty decent, so you won’t go wrong with a few dishes of chicken and rice. Plus, by doing that, you effectively gain another 20 to 30 minutes in your itinerary. Yay to trying more food and exploring even more!

If you’re up for dessert, try Christina Ee’s Nyonya Cendol. While it may come in a small bowl, it is deceptively filling. It’s affordable at RM 3.80 per bowl and it hits the spot every time. Furthermore, with the shop hidden away in an alley on Jonker Street, you’ll definitely get a seat and good service.

However, if you want something healthier, try Melaka’s Tropical Fruit Farm for a morning of fruit plucking and eating. Only 20 minutes from Melaka Town via car, you will be able to enjoy fruits like durian, rambutan and others. What’s more, the entrance fee is extremely affordable at only RM 4 for adults and RM 2 for children!

Christina Ee Pineapple Tarts & Cendol
Address: 75200, 8, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-281 2023
Opening Hours: 10.30 AM – 7 PM except Thursdays

Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm
Address: Sungai Udang, Malacca, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-351 0130
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily except Saturdays

Also, read Comfort Food Always Wins! 7 Local Desserts That Steal Our Hearts

Melaka in 14 hours – 10 AM: Sightseeing

By 10 AM, you must be ready to hit the attractions. Having secured its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, Melaka has quite the heritage to boot. If you’re a history buff, you’ll find yourself enamored with old churches, and what is left of forts, museums and palaces.

A Famosa Fort

The image below is a photograph of the A Famosa Fort gate, which was built by the Portuguese after conquering Melaka.

Nonya and Baba museums

Plus, don’t miss out on the Nonya and Baba museums that will give you a better insight to Melaka in the late 1500s when the Chinese had migrated to the Malaysian city to trade and do business. Many interracial marriages, between the Chinese and local Malays, were formed in that period and resulted in what is now called ‘Peranakan’ culture. For the Baba Nonya Heritage Museum on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, there is an entrance fee of RM 16.

A Famosa Fort
Address: Jalan Parameswara, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-552 0888

Baba Nonya Heritage Museum
Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-283 1273
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 12.15 PM, 2 PM – 4 PM daily

Melaka in 14 hours – 12 PM: Lunch

It’s noontime! Are you hungry again? If your feet hurt, try sitting down at a restaurant like Nancy’s Kitchen. It boasts scrumptious Peranakan dishes. The owner and chef — Nancy, obviously, is a Peranakan lady who was born and raised in a small town called Batu Berendam in Melaka.

Growing up, she watched and helped her mother in the kitchen, and learnt to cook at a tender age. The restaurant is pretty popular with travellers, and everything is fresh, so Image Credit: @marygem / Instagram[/caption]

And if you are not a fan of sitting down, or prefer standing while you finish your lunch, try Jonker 88. If you’re lucky, you might just get a seat but going to an extremely popular restaurant might just mean you won’t be resting your legs any time soon. Our favourite is probably the Assam Laksa, which is just the right amount of spicy.

Nancy’s Kitchen
Address: 13, 13-1, 13-2, Jalan KL 3/8, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 3, 75200, Melaka, Malaysia.
Tel: +606-2836099 / +6013-6183608
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM Sundays to Thursdays, 11 AM – 9 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 11 AM – 9 PM Public Holidays, Closed on Tuesdays.

Jonker88
Address: 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 19-397 5665
Opening Hours: 9.30 AM – 5.30 PM Sundays to Thursdays, 9.30 AM – 8.30 PM Fridays to Saturdays

Also, read 8 Best Laksa In Singapore For Thick, Flavourful & Spicy Broth

Melaka in 14 hours – 2 PM: More sightseeing!

Check out a few more attractions like the Royal Malaysian Navy Museum, Christ Church Melaka or even the official Mamee Jonker House, a great place to relive your childhood days.

The Royal Malaysian Navy Museum is an indoor-and-outdoor facility that offers you an insight into the role of the Royal Malaysian Navy since it was established. You will be able to see actual uniforms worn by the navy officers, medals awarded, and the sort of communication devices used back in the day. If you’re feeling tactile, leave the indoor premises of the museum to visit the Sri Terengganu Warship, which looks like quite a wonder. Pity you won’t be able to sail it any time soon!

Originally painted in white, Christ Church Melaka is an Anglican church built in the 18th century. Today, it is still functioning as a church, and conducts three services within its premises every Sunday. Regardless of religion, many travellers are interested in the church for its Dutch Colonial architectural flair and its role in Melaka’s Dutch era.

Founded in Melaka, snack brand Mamee can be seen everywhere, especially in the city centre, plastered on walls and advertising billboards. So, while you’re in town, why not check out the Mamee Jonker House? See how the company makes its famous noodle snack and get a few souvenirs for friends back home who grew up eating this fantastic crunchy delight.

Royal Malaysian Navy Museum
Address: Muzium Tldm, Jalan Merdeka, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-283 0926
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5.30 PM daily except 12.15 PM – 2.45 PM on Fridays

Christ Church Melaka
Address: Gereja Christ, Jalan Gereja, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 17-824 6391

Mamee Jonker House
Address: 46 & 48,, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 & Jalan Hang Tuah, Taman Bukit Terendak, 76300 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-286 7666
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM Mondays to Fridays (closed on Tuesdays), 10 AM – 7 PM Saturdays to Sundays

Melaka in 14 hours – 4 PM: Chill out

Take a break from visiting attractions and learning more about the historic nature of Melaka by sipping some coffee at a cafe. Melaka has many amazing cafes that you can sit back, relax and chill at. We have selected three for you to visit!

Backlane Coffee Shop is exactly what it sounds like – a cafe tucked away in the back alley of a street. Take a breather with a beverage and some refreshments. With glass windows that almost go from wall to floor, and high ceilings, the bistro is a breath of fresh air. It has quite a range of desserts and drinks to choose from. Plus, borrow one of their many board games to kill some time.

Calanthe Art Cafe and Restaurant is another brilliant choice if you’re looking to escape from Singapore’s hustle and bustle with some artsy respite. Plus, it boasts coffee offerings from all 13 states in Malaysia, making your coffee adventure a little more exciting than usual.

Truly Two Cafe is the sort of place you’ll want to visit if you have a particularly sweet tooth. Indulge in slightly over-the-top milkshakes and other desserts at this cafe — no regrets needed!

Backlane Coffee Shop
Address: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-282 0542
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 11.30 PM Sundays to Thursdays, 11 AM – 12 AM Fridays to Saturdays

Calanthe Art Cafe and Restaurant
Address: Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-292 2960
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 11 PM Sundays to Wednesdays, closed on Thursdays, 9 AM – 12 AM Fridays to Saturdays

Truly Two Cafe
Address: No. 9, Jalan PNBB 2, Pusat Niaga Seksyen IV, Mukim Bukit Baru, Melaka, 75150 Melaka, Malaysia
Tel: +60 6-284 3488
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 9.30 PM daily except Thursdays

Melaka in 14 hours – 6 PM: Jonker Street

In the day, Jonker Street may look just like any other street in Melaka, but do not be fooled. At night, the street comes alive with hawkers selling all sorts of things, from malt candy to watermelons to radish cake to little knick knacks.

Go slightly earlier and take your time while walking down this street because chances are, if you see something you like, it’ll be pretty difficult to go back to that specific stall later on.

Melaka in 14 hours – 8 PM: River Cruise

For only RM 15 per adult, you will be able to enjoy an unmissable opportunity. Learn more about Melaka and enjoy scenic river view at night for 45 minutes on its signature River Cruise. It’s best to go on this cruise at night since it’ll be a lot breezier and well, your legs are probably tired from all that walking.

The ticket also comes with a complimentary gift pack, which includes a beverage and some snacks, in case you get hungry on the cruise! We would recommend buying your tickets about 30 minutes earlier.

Of course, there is a lot more to Melaka than a 14-hour itinerary, but if this is your maiden expedition to a food paradise/ historically alive state/ wonderful land of fresh air and places to chill, check out these suggestions!

As for us, we’ll just count down to the days we have till we visit Melaka again. To the most scrumptious Peranakan dishes, the graffiti on the walls, the beautiful cafes and river view…

(Header image credit: Hung Nguyen Leong/Shutterstock, words by editor)

Also, read True Thoughts – Singapore From The Eyes Of A Tourist

Steam-potting – Better, Healthier & Just As Delicious As Steamboat!

Touted as a healthier way to enjoy steamboat, Hong Kong’s steam-potting trend has hit our shores. Steam-potting is known to be more nutritious as the process (which we will get into in a bit) seals in the ingredients’ nutritional value better than the usual steamboat. If you enjoy a hearty meal with a warm homely fare, you’ll have to check this out.

Instead of the conventional hot pot, steam-potting, as its name suggests, involves steaming the ingredients rather than boiling them.

Menu

The menu includes fresh greens, tiger prawns, crabs, wagyu beef, and even dimsum. If you can’t wait for the food to be steamed, order up some century egg congee or the crowd-favourite egg custard buns while the food is cooking.

Another feature of steam-potting is that the soup is enjoyed last. While the ingredients are being steamed, the natural juices of the food flow to the bottom of the pot, seeping into the rice grains and soup base. This creates a delicious soupy congee that is packed with flavour to end off your meal.

Details

Now, where do I enjoy this pot of goodness, you ask? Head to Steam Box at Serangoon Gardens to have a taste of the steam-potting trend!

We’re sure you won’t regret your steam-potting experience. Steamboat is delicious enough as it is, but with an upgraded method boasting more flavour and nutrition? We’re in.

Steam Box
Address: 68 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555962
Phone: 6281 6939
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm & 6-11pm, Sat & Sun 11.30am-11pm

(Header image credit: Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!