Author: Amelia Ang

4 Abandoned Hiking Trails In SG For The Bravest Of Hikers

Sick of the usual hiking routes? Up for a challenge? Try these abandoned hiking trails that will lead you to post-war ruins, tombstones, and what-have-you.

Serapong Trail

Take a hike along the abandoned trail that leads to Fort Serapong, an old fort left behind from the WWII era. The fort is built atop Mount Serapong, located in Pulau Blakang Mati, aka Island of Death… which is present-day Sentosa. (Doesn’t sound so frightening now, does it?) While Sentosa’s flashy attractions draw in the tourists, Serapong attracts the paranormal seekers and adventurous hikers, who venture in to explore the fort’s post-apocalyptic ruins.

Woodneuk Trail

This is another trail that will bring you to a popular spot for ghost-hunters. Trek up the steep hill of overgrown vegetation bounded by Tyersall Road and Holland Road, and you’ll end up at a dirt path that leads to the abandoned former palace of Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor. Having been through the Japanese bombings and a savage inferno, it’s a wonder how the structure still stands today.

Keppel Hill Reservoir Trek

This forgotten reservoir (also once a private pool) was abandoned since the fifties, and was rediscovered by the National Heritage Board in late 2014. Remnants of its past include old water pipes, a diving board, broken concrete steps, and a mysterious lone tombstone at the top of the hill. This trail snakes through a dense jungle and also leads to another abandoned path leading to Mount Faber.

Bukit Brown Trail

Yes, Bukit Brown as in Bukit Brown Cemetery. While touring through a cemetery might sound creepy, this trail probably isn’t as scary as the others on this list, since it is a heritage site that sees a fair amount of (human) visitors and isn’t quite as “abandoned”. That said, we don’t recommend setting foot on this trail at night though.

Many of these abandoned trails seem to double as great spots for paranormal seekers too – they definitely aren’t for the faint-hearted!

(Header image credit: original image by Divij Sood, edited by author.)

Also read: 10 Stunning Beaches Near Singapore That You Must Explore

5 New & Exciting Restaurants In SG You Should Check Out

You won’t run out of dining options with the numerous new restaurants that have been springing up these couple of months! Here are some exciting restaurants to check out:

1. Redpan

A joint effort by the team behind the Esplanade (DP Architects) and the owners of Grub, Redpan is where design and food come together in a casual bistro concept. Unlike many fancy dining spots that serve up a menu of foreign cuisine, Redpan brings the spotlight back to local flavours with fusion dishes like the Hae Bi Hiam Pasta and Char Siew Fries. The menu, which features food illustrations instead of photos, is a unique touch as well.

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Redpan
Address: #02-03/04, 6 039594, 12 Raffles Blvd, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
Phone: 6255 5850
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 9am-10pm, Sat & Sun 11am-10pm

2. Aryaa

Offering to take you on a “food route of Alexander The Great”, Aryaa offers Mediterranean, Turkish, and North Indian cuisine in a fancy Moroccan-inspired setting. Their lunch specials are an affordable way to taste their dishes, from the Greek beef meatballs to the Cheese Saganaki with feta cheese and baby figs. And for happy hour, their cocktail menu includes a cheeky rendition of the iconic Singapore Sling.

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Aarya
Address: 7500 Beach Rd, 199590
Phone: 6291 6009
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon to Sat 6pm-11pm

3. Wok°15 Kitchen

This restaurant serves up traditional Chinese cuisine, right in the fancy yacht club of Sentosa Cove. At Wok°15 Kitchen, you’ll find perfectly fried spring rolls, smooth E-Fu noodles, and not to mention, the iconic local dish, the spicy chilli crab. Fill up on these Chinese delicacies and wok-fried favourites, then end off with an evening stroll and enjoy the beauty of the yachts outside.

Wok°15 Kitchen
Address: #01-01 Oneº15 Marina Sentosa Cove, 11 Cove Dr., Singapore, 098497
Phone: 6305 6998
Opening hours: Tue to Sat 11.30am – 2.30pm & 6pm-10pm, Sun 11am-2.30pm & 6pm-10pm

4. Mo’mor Izakaya

This modern Izakaya fuses Japanese and European elements to create the tapas and grills that it is best known for. Headed by chef Martin Woo, who has worked with famed hotels like Hilton Singapore and Rome Cavalieri, Mo’mor Izakaya boasts a range of signature dishes including the Hokkaido Scallop Tartare, and Australian Wagyu on Skewer, among others.

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Mo’mor Izakaya
Address: #B1-01, 56 Tanglin Rd, 247964
Phone: 6463 8080
Opening hours: Sun to Wed 11am-11pm, Thurs to Sat 11am-1am

5. CURATE

A fancy new restaurant in Sentosa, CURATE features various Michelin-starred guest chefs who whip up an exclusive menu of their best creations, in a series of showcases called Art at Curate. This concept is the first of its kind in Asia, with the first series kicking off at the end of this month. Read our previous article on CURATE for more details, and book your tickets here.

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CURATE
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway #01-231/232, Resorts World Sentosa
Book your tickets here.

From Singaporean and Japanese to Mediterranean cuisine and more, there’s no lack of new restaurants to try out, it seems. Which of these places is next on your list?

Also read: [GIVEAWAY] Maketh Project – It’s Time To Get Crafty!

(Header image credit: original image by Redpan, edited by author.)

10 Stunning Beaches Near Singapore That You Must Explore

We bet you haven’t heard of these hidden beaches that are conveniently located in our neighbouring countries! Expect gorgeous views, soft sand, and crystal clear waters- minus the crowd. Note: You might get a serious case of wanderlust after reading this.

THAILAND:

1. Nai Harn Beach

Flanked on both sides by mountains with dense jungles, Nai Harn Beach is a peaceful beach at the southern end of Phuket. Snorkel, dive, or surf the afternoon away, and as the sun goes down, dine in one of the restaurants along the beach while enjoying the sunset.

P.S. For a bird’s eye view shot of this secluded beach, head to the Windmill Viewpoint.

2. Railay Beach

This beach is a short boat ride away from Krabi’s town of Ao Nang. It is surprisingly tranquil considering its proximity to the popular and often crowded tourist destination of Krabi – and we hope it stays that way. Apart from chilling out with an ice cold beer, the rocky limestone formations around the beach make it a great spot for rock climbing too.

3. Lao Liang Beach

Head north to Koh Lao Liang, a small island that’s one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. The island is where the quiet and idyllic Lao Liang beach is hidden. Explore nature at this beach with rock climbing, snorkelling, and kayaking. Or just take a relaxing dip in the waters and spend an afternoon suntanning along the beach.

MALAYSIA:

4. Pulau Lang Tengah

On Malaysia’s East Coast, between Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, lies the lesser known beach of Pulau Lang Tengah. This often overlooked island offers a peaceful retreat with nature. Trek through the tropical jungle, swim among the coral reefs, sit along the jetty to watch the sunset, and laze on the beach with the occasional squirrel keeping you company.

5. Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu is located off the west coast of the nearby Johor, and is even closer to Singapore than Pulau Tioman, making it a great spot for a quick getaway. Clear turquoise waters to snorkel and dive in is a given, but Pulau Sibu also has a rocky shoreline and mangrove swamps for you to explore.

6. Pulau Tiga

With unspoilt nature and a beautiful stretch of beach, this is the first ‘secret’ location where the Survivor series was shot. Take a dive in the waters, have a bath in the island’s natural volcanic mud, and don’t be surprised to meet the resident snakes of the island while you’re there too.

7. Pulau Mabul

Who knew a former fishing village would make such an awesome beach getaway? Stay in one of the water bungalows and wake up to the sound of the lapping waves. Plus, the sloping reefs and crystal clear waters are a diver’s dream. And if watching the sunset isn’t enough, Pulau Mabul is an excellent spot for stargazing as well.

BALI:

8. Green Bowl Beach

Referred to as Green Bowl Beach due to the moss-covered reef that appears when the water recedes, this beach in Ungasan is hidden some 300 steps down from a tiny road. This secluded beach paradise is worth the journey though, with its fine sand and some of the best waves for surfing. Oh, and the caves are a great photo spot – just don’t wake the sleeping bats inside.

9. Atuh Beach

This beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and mountains that provide the perfect vantage point to admire the spectacular scenery. Located on the island of Nusa Penida, southeast of Bali, Atuh Beach is just a bike ride away from Nusa Penida Harbor. Venture away from the blue waters of this beach and you’ll find natural caves that house swallows’ nests as well.

10. Karma Beach

You can’t get more exclusive than this private beach at Karma Kandara. Did we mention that former guests include supermodel Kristy Hinze and actor Jeremy Piven? This is the perfect place to indulge in a relaxing getaway with world-class Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood. As night falls, lounge by the beach with a cocktail in hand.

We’ve got so many beaches to add to our bucket list now. Which of these are on yours?

(Header image credit: original image by Dennis Keller, edited by author)

Also read: Decathlon: So Ulu But You Still Must Visit. Here’re 5 Reasons!

CURATE: Asia’s 1st Showcase Restaurant For Michelin Star Cuisine In SG

Sentosa draws in throngs of visitors for its beaches, marine attractions, and of course, the popular Universal Studios theme park. But come April, you might have another reason to head to this popular island. CURATE promises to be Asia’s first Michelin Chef showcase restaurant where you can taste the finest culinary creations of visiting Michelin-starred chefs, right within the tropical paradise that is Resorts World Sentosa.

Not to be confused with your typical Michelin-starred restaurants (although those are worth visiting too of course!), CURATE is unique in that it allows customers to savour multiple Michelin-starred chefs’ creations through their Art at Curate series. Each series will see a different chef helming the kitchen at CURATE, with the restaurant being a stage for them to showcase their best works of culinary art.

And as with any fine-dining affair, you can expect the highest quality wines to go with your meal as well. In partnership with the influential wine authority, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Art at Curate will have the expert wine reviewers from their team hand-pick the best wines to complement each meal.

CURATE’s debut showcase will feature La Calandre’s chef, Massimiliano Alajmo. Being the world’s youngest chef to be awarded the coveted three Michelin stars when he was just 28 years old, Alajmo has a knack for bringing out the truest flavours of the ingredients that he uses to create multi-sensorial dishes in his distinctive style. Along with his love for exquisite seasonal ingredients and flair molecular gastronomy, you’ll be in for a gourmet treat at the inaugural series of Art at Curate.

If you’re into gastronomic adventures, you’ll probably like this. And don’t be surprised to find yourself coming back for multiple return trips to taste the creations that other guest chefs have in store for you too.

Prices start from $220-280 for a four-course lunch, $290 for a champagne brunch, to $380-480 for an eight-course dinner. CURATE accepts advanced bookings only, book your tickets here. 

CURATE is located at 8 Sentosa Gateway #01-231/232, Resorts World Sentosa.

(Header image credit: original image by Resorts World Sentosa, edited by author.)

Also Read: A 3 Minute Rundown Of Timbre’s Newly Launched Container & Food Truck-Style Food Court

What’s Down This April: Rooftop Disco Party, Gourmet Feasts, Kampong Memories & More

Fancy a tiki-themed disco party at a hipster rooftop bar? Or indulge in the best of gourmet Japanese cuisine? Expect to have fun drinking, eating, partying, and more this April!

TK Disco (13 Apr)

Having launched its revamped rooftop with a tiki disco party, Potato Head Folk has made it a monthly disco affair due to popular demand. If you haven’t experienced chilling out at their rooftop with fairy lights and the night sky above your head, what better way than to join the party? Head over on 13th April for TK Disco, a tropical party with shots, skewers, cocktails, and a live tiki band.

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TK Disco by Potato Head Folk
Time: 7pm till late
Address: Potato Head Folk, 36 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089143
Phone: +65 6327 1939

iPose uSketch weSip (14 Apr)

If you haven’t figured out what it means, this is a cocktail and art event at Hotel Vagabond, where you can get your portrait drawn by emerging artists from Pinacotheque gallery’s Uncanned Art project.  As the event name suggests, you’ll be posing, and the artists will be sketching, and everyone will be sipping on cocktails as the sun goes down. Sign up here.

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iPose uSketch weSip
Time: starts at 6.30pm
Address: Hotel Vagabond, 39 Syed Alwi Rd, 207630
Phone: +65 6291 6677

Gourmet Japan 2016 (20 Apr- 31 May)

Gourmet Japan is back for their 5th edition with an impressive list of chefs from top restaurants who will demonstrate their culinary prowess during this month-long festival of gourmet Japanese fare and innovative drinks. Whether it’s a cocktail dinner, teppanyaki feast, or modern Japanese cuisine, their exclusive dining events will also feature the best wines, sakes, and whiskies. Details of individual events on their website.

Gourmet Japan 2016
Date: 20 Apr – 31 May
Time: Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm
Contact: 6319 2153

Kilo Under Pressure (28 Apr)

We reckon almost every Singaporean out there is a foodie. But if you’re a foodie who can also whip up your favourite cuisine, Kilo Orchard will welcome you into their kitchen for Kilo Under Pressure (which is back back after a hiatus) at the end of this month. You’ll have full reign of their kitchen to cook for an entire restaurant of guests – it’ll be like running your own restaurant! 

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Kilo Under Pressure
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #02-16/18 Orchard Central, 238896
Phone: +65 6884 7560

Heritage Fest 2016 (29 Apr- 15 May)

Curious about the evolution of our street food? Or how a legendary swordfish story relates to Bukit Merah? Then you’ll have to check out the events at Heritage Fest 2016, where you can experience kampong life in an interactive exhibition, relieve the memories of olden-day attractions like the Great World Amusement Park, and much more. This seems like an intriguing and informative festival, if past editions are any indication!

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Whether you’re in to parties, food, or culture, there seems to be something for everybody this April. Which of these events will you be checking out?

(Header image credit: original image by Kilo, edited by author.)

5 Best Stores To Get A Scandinavian-Style Home Without Ikea!

With all things Scandinavian gaining popularity nowadays, we thought we’d suss out the best furniture stores stocking Scandinavian-style pieces for your dream home. And no, we’re not talking about Ikea. 

What is Scandinavian design anyway? In the words of a Scandinavian designer, it refers to the style of design originating from Nordic countries, which is known for “prioritizing functionality without eliminating grace and beauty”. That is, simple, aesthetically pleasing, and practical design- thus the current minimalist trend.

Now, on to the picks:

Danish Design Co

Adopting the philosophy that form follows design, Danish Design Co stocks high quality items from award-winning and socially responsible brands from Denmark. From Holmris’s innovative adjustable desks, to Montana’s colourful modular storage units, to Gubi’s rustic furniture in warm neutrals, this store promises “a true quality slice of Scandinavia”.

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Danish Design Co
Address: Century Warehouse, #06-03 100E Pasir Panjang Road Singapore 118521
Phone:+65 6270 8483
Opening Hours: 11am to 6pm daily

Click here for branch location at Harbourside Building.

Foundry Store

Among their range of furniture from global brands, you’ll be able to find pieces from Scandinavian labels at Foundry, such as the form-pressed birch lamps from Finland’s Secto Design, and the oak-framed Fly sofa with foam and feather pillows from Denmark’s &Tradition. They also have a namesake collection that adds to their selection of timeless designs.

Foundry Store
Address: 3 Seah Street Unit 1/1 Singapore 188379
Phone: +65 6339 6381
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 10am to 7pm

Grafunkt

Another store that carries furniture from &Tradition, along with other Scandinavian labels like Wendelbo and HAY, Grafunkt is a lifestyle brand with a focus on well thought out design. Helmed by Jefery Kurniadidjaja and 2008 Designer of the Year Nathan Yong, the company’s dedication to stocking the best products is reflected in their wide range of furniture labels, sourced from America to Milan to Slovenia and more.

Grafunkt
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard #02-34/35/36 Millenia Walk Singapore 039596 (flagship store)
Phone:  +65 6336 6046
Opening hours: 11.30am to 8.30pm daily

View here for branch location at Conde House.

Galanga Living

Galanga Living is known for their collection of Scandinavian and European pieces, ranging from minimalistic items like ivory couches and marble utensil holders, to attention-grabbing pillows and rugs in bright fuchsia and aquamarine hues. This furniture and lifestyle store also stocks pieces with an Asian edge, such as their range of rattan home accessories.

Galanga Living
Address: 211 Henderson Road #01-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552
Phone: +65 6475 2633
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily

DREAM

DREAM is a luxury, multi-label furniture brand that includes works by acclaimed designers including Finnish designer Eero Saarinen and Swiss-born French designer Le Corbusier. Whether you’re creating a cosy, wood-themed home or a sleek, monochromatic space, you won’t be disappointed by their selection of the finest furniture from premium brands all around the world. 

DREAM
Address: 456 River Valley Road Singapore 248342
Phone: +65 6235 0220
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 11am to 7pm, Sun 11am to 6pm

Comfort Design Furniture

Having designed the interior for not only homes but also Empire Bar & Lounge, Sear Restaurant, and others, Comfort Design Furniture specialises in chair and table designs. Minimalists would love their Scandinavian themed collection of simple and functional pieces, including their Hexio Coffee Table that’s a hexogonal piece in dark wood, and their modular Aziz Wall Shelves with a slidable design for easy customisation.

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Comfort Design Furniture
Address: 110 Eunos Ave 7, Comfort Design Building, Singapore 409573
Phone: +65 6747 4809
Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm, Sun 10am to 6pm

So it turns out that Ikea isn’t the only place to stock up on Scandinavian-style furniture for your home! Now that you’re in the know, which of these stores will you visit?

(Header image credit: original image by Danish Design Co, edited by author.)

A 3 Minute Rundown Of Timbre’s Newly Launched Container & Food Truck-Style Food Court

We’re sure you’ve heard of the newly opened Timbre+ by now. And if you haven’t, you’ll want to drop by for a meal after reading this. Here’s all the juicy highlights in less than 3 minutes.

As many an Instagram post would show, this container and food truck-style food court features vibrant graffiti, high ceilings, and neon store signs. Started by the team behind Timbre, a popular night’s out option for drinks and live music, Timbre+ seems to give off a more food-oriented version of Timbre’s laid-back appeal.

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Maybe it’s because of the novelty of this new gastropark, or maybe it’s because of its cool hipster quotient, but the lunch time crowd is no joke, so you might want to avoid the lunch hour if you’re not a fan of crowds. But more importantly, let’s talk about the delicious and extensive food selection at Timbre+.

Food

With 21 hawkers and 14 restaurant brands, you won’t be disappointed with their mix of well-loved local favourites and affordable restaurant-level cuisine that caters to different price points. (Note: the restaurants mostly open for the evening crowd after 3pm.)

From the Nasi Padang store’s fluffy pratas, to Teppei Daidokoro’s Kaisen Don, to Fishball Story’s handmade fishball noodles, to Dancing Crab Shack’s Cajun seafood, to Chit Chaat Chai’s North Indian street bites, to Portico’s Spanish tapas and indulgent churros, you can look forward to tasting all sorts of cuisine at Timbre+.

That said, we think pictures certainly speak louder than words, especially where food is concerned, so have fun scrolling and we’ll let the pictures do the talking.

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And when the sun goes down, grab a beer and wait for the party to begin.

Music & Drinks

Get a drink from Timbre+’s very own bar and chill to Timbre’s resident live bands right at Timbre+. Having had SuperSonic perform during its launch on 1st April, drop by from Wednesdays to Saturdays for the live music affair with more local bands like Sweatshop Jam, The Common People, and O.K. READY!  jamming on Timbre+’s stage.

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If you’re into live music, good food, or anything hipster and alternative, you’ll probably love this place. More details on the Timbre+ website– keep an eye out for future events like festivals and pop-up markets too!

Address: 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent JTC LaunchPad @ one-north Singapore 139957
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 6am to 12am, Fri & Sat 6am to 1am, closed on Sun

(Header image credit: original image by Timbre+, edited by author.)

Also Read: 8 Delish Meals Under $10 In Orchard That Will Leave You Satisfied! – Part 2

A Food Guide To Holland Village – Booze, Sweets, International Cuisine

Perhaps you’ve been to Holland Village one too many times but always find yourself going back to the same old spots, or maybe you’re unfamiliar with the area and want to check out this popular district. Here are some delicious places that you should check out- you’ll realise that options are abound!

Sanpoutei Ramen

Their classic Shoyu ramen is deliciously savoury, as is the creamy Tonkatsu ramen with generous slices of char siew. That said, their amazing broth would probably make any type of ramen taste good. The broth is boiled for six hours with vegetables, chicken, pork bone, and other ingredients specially flown in from Japan.

Breko Cafe

Breko is a casual joint serving Western mains and regular cafe fare. You’ll find everything from eggs on toast, to steak and pasta, to beer bites and alcohol at night. This cafe isn’t known for any fancy themes or decor, but its laid-back ambience and welcoming vibe makes it easy to step in for a bite when you’re wandering around the area.

Kinara

If you can’t get enough of the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine, head to this understated dining spot for authentic North Indian food. Popular favourites include the creamy butter chicken, the flavourful Kastoori kebab, and the spicy chicken masala.

Also read: Where To Get Your Salted Egg Yolk Croissant Fix!

Cafe Siem Reap

At the corner of the street, Cafe Siem Reap serves up delectable regional fare, bistro-style. The cafe is named after the gateway to the iconic Angkor Wat temple, and offers everything from Vietnamese spring rolls to Laotian laksa. They have happy hour promotions too, so grab a drink and chill out with your friends after the meal!

Cafe Siem Reap
Address: 43 Lorong Mambong, 277698
Phone: 6468 5798
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 3pm-1am, Friday & Saturday 3pm-2am, Sunday 3pm-12am

d’Good Cafe

This three storey cafe is known for being an Instagram-worthy hangout, with beautiful decor and the oh-so-hipster glass-bottled cold brews. Expect to face crowds that flock to the place, even on weekdays. That aside, they serve up coffee, cakes, and standard cafe fare, including mains like pasta and sandwiches.

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar

Can’t get enough of pizza? Try the pizza from Crust, they’re a level above your typical pizza. Every pizza is freshly made, with gourmet sauces and generous toppings. The half-and-half is perfect for the fickle-minded; just share two different pizza flavours with your crew if you can’t decide! While you’re at it, try their BBQ chicken as it’s a fan favourite.

Gaia Korean Restaurant

At this Korean grill, the BBQ meats take the spotlight with a selection of tender chicken, pork, and beef. Wrap your meat of choice in a piece of lettuce, throw in some garlic, top it off with some gochujang, and eat it the way Koreans do. Apart from the meat, crowd favourites include their seafood pancake and the army stew.

Nakhon Kitchen

Craving some pad thai or some rich green curry? Nakhon Kitchen has got you covered. This popular Thai spot draws in the crowd for a good reason- the food tastes amazingly authentic. If Thai cuisine is your meal of choice, Nakhon Kitchen is the perfect place to go.

El Patio & Wine Bar

Fans of Mexican food, you’ll be glad to know that there’s a Mexican joint along Holland Village. The decor is as colourful as the food, with vibrant murals on the walls. Head in for some of their meaty tacos with generous toppings and a classic sangria. Expect to hear the beats of Latin American tunes livening up the space especially as the night draws near!

The Pit Restaurant & Bar

This quiet restaurant is best known for being a microbrewery, with unique handcrafted brews. Coupled with bar snacks like their savoury Buffalo Wings and perfectly marinated Pork Ribs, this makes a great spot for a chill night out.

Also read: 12 Irresistible Snacks You Would Have Loved As A 90s Kid!

2am dessert bar

A fine-dining restaurant that boasts an amazing menu of deconstructed sweet treats, 2am dessert bar is on our radar for some of the most intriguing dessert items. Highlights include the Cassis Plum, a sweet yet potent alcoholic sphere that incorporates tastes of cassis and elderflower with yoghurt foam and plum liqueur. The crumbly green tea tart is a hit as well.

Project Acai

This is the place to go for health nuts and smoothie-lovers. As its name suggests, Project Acai is known for their acai fruit bowls and smoothies, topped with a variety of other fruits like strawberry and banana. This is also the first acai-themed cafe of its kind in Singapore.

Project Acai
Address: 27 Lorong Liput, Holland Village, 277738
Phone: 6463 1957
Opening hours: 11:30am–10pm daily

With handcrafted brews, deconstructed desserts, and everything from Korean to North Indian cuisine, prepare to eat your heart out at Holland Village. Which of these places do you want to try?

(Header image credit: original image by Qi Wei Fong (Flickr), edited by author.)

Local Food So Atas That Even The Coffeeshop Uncles Also Cannot Recognise!

One can’t discuss Singapore without mentioning the country’s mouth-watering cuisine. To make things even better, these restaurants serve up high-end renditions of the city’s signature dishes.

Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard

Known for the most expensive chicken rice in Singapore, many fans head to Chatterbox for their version of the local favourite. The aromatic rice cooked in flavourful chicken stock pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, along with the garlic, chili, and soy sauce on the side. Online reviews are mixed as to whether the dish is worth the price tag at Chatterbox, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the mood for a fancier take on the well-loved chicken rice. Apart from that, they have other dishes like lobster laksa too.

Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard
333 Orchard Rd, 238867
6831 6288
Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri, Sat: 11am – 2am

National Kitchen by Violet Oon

For an upscale take on homely local dishes, pay a visit to National Kitchen at the National Gallery, which is best known for their authentic Peranakan cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of local dishes such as Dry Laksa, Ngoh Hiang, Hakka Abacus Beads, Fish Head Curry, Beef Rendang, and the iconic Chili Crab. With nostalgic local flavours that’ll be a hit with the young and old, this would be a great restaurant to book for a fancy family dinner.

National Kitchen By Violet Oon
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02–01, National Gallery, City Hall Wing, 178957
9834 9935
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm

Restaurant Labyrinth

Every dish at this establishment is so artistically presented that you’d wonder how they can make even the most simple boiled eggs and teh tarik combination look fancy. (Hint: it’s actually teh tarik creme brûlée and pana cotta encased in egg shells!) Restaurant Labyrinth is famed for inventive, deconstructed takes on local favourites like the Hainanese curry rice with a ball of chicken covered in squid ink, and the oyster omelette that’s rendered almost unrecognisable with sous vide-style eggs and oyster foam.

Restaurant Labyrinth
8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23 Esplanade Mall, 039802
6223 4098
click the best of Ghim Moh market here.

Set A New World Record & Enjoy A Free Concert At This Year’s Earth Hour! Here Are The Details.

This year’s Earth Hour promises to be an exciting one, with a carnival, a world-record challenge, and a free concert to boot! Join in on 19 March, from 6 to 10pm at The Float @ Marina Bay. Here are all the details.

Earth Hour 2016 aims to shine light on haze pollution, and will be hosted by Youtube stars Munah & Hirzi, along with radio DJs Cheryl Miles and Joshua Simon.

The event will kick off with an eco-carnival, games and workshops, including one where you can learn how to make your own terrarium for a low-maintenance indoor plant that’ll add a dose of greenery to your desk space. Of course, don’t forget to snap a picture with the WWF’s panda mascot too.

Next, prepare for a yoga session while the sun sets in the horizon. This is also the opportunity to set a world record for the most number of people (plus a panda mascot) holding the “tree pose”.

Chill out with some music and dance after the challenge! The free concert will see the likes of singer-songwriter Inch Chua, Emerged Dance Crew, soul singer Roze Kasmani, OneFM radio DJs Cheryl Miles and Shan Wee performing for a good cause. Lastly, the event will end off with a dance party to the expert beats by Zouk DJ Aldrin.

Are you stoked for Earth Hour 2016 yet? Register for free and view the event schedule here.