The Ultimate Guide To Cafe Hopping In Melaka – 17 Hipster Cafes That Will Give You #Goodvibes

Bored of the sights and sounds of Singapore, and frankly need a short getaway from everything? The understated charm of Melaka awaits, just a bus ride away!

More than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vibrant historical past and beautiful architecture, Melaka is undoubtedly a foodie’s paradise – whether it be street snacks, cafe grub or quick eats by the roadside.

The list of tastebud teasers is growing as we speak, so we’ve wasted no time in bringing you this list of cool cafes that’ll surround you with all kinds of #goodvibes.

1. Calanthe Art Cafe (Pork-free)

Tucked away in a quiet alley, stepping into this cafe is akin to entering another world.

A master of revival, this is where television sets are reborn as aquariums, antique furniture is given a new lease of life, and timeless quotes artfully adorn the walls.

Must-try: Baboon Beef Burger, Oriental Chicken Burger, Pork Belly Burger, Terriyaki Porkchop Burger, Cheese Burger, Mango Smoothie, Fresh Juices

The Baboon House
Address: 89 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit Cina, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 5pm; Closed on Tue

3. Geographer Cafe (Halal)

Must-try: Unique and tasty coffee blends

Mods Cafe
Address: 14 Jalan Tukang Emas , 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 6pm

5. The Daily Fix Cafe and Restaurant (Pork-free)

The cafe’s retro decor with painted blinds, wooden sofas and potted plants all add a touch of je ne sais quoi that makes this cafe stand out. Together with their delicious pancakes and mean cups of coffee, The Daily Fix has us pledging our loyalty for a long time to come.

Must-try: Pandan Gula Melaka Pancakes, Durian Pancakes, Salted Egg Pancakes, Durian Cheesecake, Duck Aglio Olio

The Daily Fix
Address: 55 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 11.30pm; Sat – Sun: 8.30am – 11.30pm

6. Locahouz Breakfast and Brunch Restaurant

An oasis of cool comfort away from Melaka’s hot and busy streets, the sister cafe of Baboon House offers a Western-style menu too, albeit with greater emphasis on desserts.

An antique shop that doubles as a port-of-call for hungry diners, here is where you can enjoy simple, authentic Malaysian fare in a cosy and homely environment.

The friendly pakcik and makcik prepare the food on the spot, ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and each dish is piping hot. If you’re vegan, this place offers tofu options as well.

Must-try: Laksa, Lontong, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ambeng

Sayyid Antique & Cafe
Address: 74 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 8.30am – 5.30pm; Closed on Tue

8. The Stolen Cup

A quaint hole-in-the-wall coffee stop along Jonker Walk, The Stolen Cup has stolen our hearts with its rustic interior decorated with wooden planks, old clocks and posters.

Besides the barista specialty of iced gula melaka coffee, enjoy their freshly-toasted, crispy croissants which go down with a buttery crunch.

Must-try: Iced gula melaka latte, croissants

The Stolen Cup
Address: 21A Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 9am – 9.30pm; Closed on Tue

9. Backlane Coffee

Must-try: Mr Owl Coffee (owl-shaped coffee ice cubes), Pesto Pizza, Teh Tarik Macaron, Passionfruit Surprise Macaron, Salted Caramel Tart, Raspberry and Praline Mille-Feuille, Backlane Passion (passionfruit cream with chocolate mousse on a white chocolate base)

Backlane Coffee
Address: 129 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, Sun: 9.30am – 11.30pm; Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am

10. Ola Lavanderia Cafe

Well-located within walking distance of the heritage site, this all-white, minimalistic cafe is perfect for a pop of caffeine.

What’s best is it doubles as a launderette – at only RM 4.80, pop your feet up while your clothes get washed, folded and ironed. Cue Instagram hashtag #taitailife.

While you’re here, be sure to order their famed cheesecakes.

Must-try: White Melaka Cheesecake, All Day Breakfast

Ola Lavanderia Cafe
Address: 25 Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 5pm; Sun: 8am – 1pm

11. Handmade Bakery Cafe (Halal)

Upon entering this cafe, you’ll be hit with the ridiculously yummy fragrance of freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes.

Sweet treats aside, the cafe serves up a large range of savoury dishes such as pizza and salad which will please your growling tummy.

Must-try: Chocolate Guinness Cake, Baked Polish Cheesecake, Tunisian Orange Cake, Oreo Volcano

Handmade Bakery Cafe
Address: 77 Jln Kota Laksamana 3/8, Taman Mahajaya, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

12. The Coffee Jar (呷珈琲)

A quaint little coffee shop with its own mini roaster, its specialty, lightly roasted coffee, will tickle the tastebuds of third wave cafe-goers. Apart from coffee, The Coffee Jar also stocks a selection of pies and cakes for you to munch on while you sip away.

Must-try: Coffee, Earl Grey Tea Cheesecake, Jar of Pie (a unique in-house rendition of Shepherd’s Pie)

The Coffee Jar
Address: 38 Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am to 6pm; Closed on Tue

13. Plat Kitchen

While it may be a coincidence that Plat rhymes with “fat”, this is where we wouldn’t mind piling on the calories at.

For those with more adventurous tastebuds, you’ll find the ingenious play on local ingredients very intriguing and tempting indeed.

Keeping up with the Joneses has never been this fun.

At this family-run music bar, kick back with their wide selection of freshly-squeezed health juices and alcoholic mixes. The music is the highlight here, so don’t drop by on an empty stomach! Come jam with the owner, Hawk, and his wife, Joan, as they sizzle up this vibrant, energetic bar with music ranging from blues to rock-and-roll.

Must-try: Freshly-squeezed health juices

Me & Mrs Jones Cafe
Address: 3 Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 7pm – 1am; Closed on Wed

16. TPC Home Cafe

At this cafe that’s housed in a homestay, you’ll truly feel like you have balik kampung. 

Retro wooden tables, paper lanterns and old-style Chinese swing doors adorn the establishment. Unlike the modern Western dishes served in most cafes, their home-style dishes are a refreshing change.

Sample their signature crystal dumplings, roast pork and egg over rice, and handmade noodles or ban mian.

As a added perk, they serve yummy cups of coffee too, with some even adorned with cool latte art.

Must-try: Crystal dumplings, handmade noodles (ban mian), roast pork rice with egg

TPC Home Cafe
Address: 35 Jalan Bukit Cina, Kampung Bukit China, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue – Sun: 12pm – 12am; Closed on Mon

17. Halia Inc. (Halal)

Located right next to the river and at the heart of the historical district, Halia Inc. is the perfect pit stop for a casual brunch.

The atmosphere is tranquil and restful, elevated by the spacious cafe’s high, open ceiling which gives it a touch of industrial chic. This cafe is much larger than most, so it’s the perfect stop if you’re touring with a big group of friends.

(Header Image Source: Nitalovestoeat Wordpress)

Live Out Your Wizard Fantasies At Platform 1094 – Dine On Magical Food And Bewitching Drinks

Fancy yourself a bit of a wizard? At this cafe, you can pretend to be it for a day–or at least a couple of hours.

There’s a wizard themed cafe in town and here, you can leave the muggle life behind by donning the elaborate cloaks, witches’ hats, and accessories like wands and broomsticks that are provided free of charge.

At this cafe reminiscent of The Three Broomsticks (the wizarding pub you may recognise from the Harry Potter books), a brick wall with a mystical-looking crest forms the perfect backdrop for all your photo-taking needs.

No mere muggle or wizard will be able to resist grabbing some nosh at this pretty place, and we quickly succumbed to their quirky menu that was filled with magical-sounding drinks, finger foods and desserts.

Where else can you find food that sounds like it came straight out of a spell book?

Drink, drank but not drunk: Mrs Lich’s Butterscotch Ale ($10)

Intense black sesame panna cotta, crispy charcoal cake, squid ink profiterole filled with mango creme and crackly lace tulle… Eat this, and embrace your dark side.

Here at Platform 1094, wizards and muggles alike are bonded by food, laughter and cosy camaraderie. Whiz by on your broomstick (or drop by on your two feet) whenever you’re craving a little magic in your cafe-hopping spree!

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tues – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6204 6003
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Welcome To The Dark Side – These 13 Black Foods Will Surely Soot Your Tastebuds

Black – we love to wear it, we love it on makeup, we love to… eat it?

Black coloured foods seem to be the next big food trend and we think you’ll be seeing more of these dark, moody foods all over your Insta-feeds. From sinful desserts to devilish mains, with foods as black as our hearts, we’re not going to say no.

We’ve rounded up some of the blackest foods in Singapore, so let your inner goth come alive with these cold, black treats.

1. 黑 “Hei” Rice ($22) – Paddy Hills

This signature dish consists of the OG black food, squid ink pasta, tossed with a generous amount of crayfish, scallops, prawns, clams, and squid. The pasta is infused with the natural taste of the sea from the squid ink, and the sauce is briny and flavourful. While squid ink pasta is not hard to find across our little island, this is one of the better squid ink pastas you can get in Singapore.

Pasta Brava
Address: 11 Craig Road, Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.45am – 2.15 pm (lunch), 6.15pm – 10.15pm (dinner); Closed on Sun & PH

4. Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns ($14) – Dolcetto by Basilico

Black Magic[/caption]

You may have chanced upon this all-black dessert before. Now, it’s back again in all its glory. The magic unfolds in an intricately designed medley of black sesame panna cotta, squid ink profiterole, crispy charcoal biscuit, lace tulle, black berries, with a chocolate wand. A tasty and quirky combination that works wonders!

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat & Sun: 10am to 10pm; Closed on Mon

10. Foie Gras Macaron ($12) – Hashida Garo

[caption id="attachment_27604" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: 

To beat the heat, come to the dark side with KokoPanda’s black frozen yoghurt, made with charcoal and roasted coconut husk.

It’s a tangy, refreshing and absolutely yummy alternative to ice cream. What’s more, it’s also a much healthier choice as it comes topped with superfoods. These include dried strawberry, apple, pear, persimmon and Jeju tangerine, as well as caviar bubbles made with real fruit juice.

A single topping with the base froyo will cost $4.90, while a froyo with 3 toppings will cost $5.90, with additional toppings priced at $0.80 each.

KokoPanda
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B2-60, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm

12. Homemade Black Soy Ice Cream ($4.90 for Regular, with 2 toppings) – Dofu

This grand tower consists of fine milk shavings topped with a generous layer of black sesame and kinako powder, a heap of red beans, and a scoop of ice cream. Feast your eyes on the Black Sesame Bingsu, a slayer at Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café that for good reason, has garnered its own fan club.

Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café
Address: 534 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188749 | #02-25 Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509 | 227 Upper Thompson Road Singapore 574359 | The Midtown Singapore, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road #01-14, Singapore 534785
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily (North Bridge Road branch) | Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm (Century Square branch)

It seems when it comes to food, black is now the new black. With all the multi-coloured and ombre foods and drinks we’ve been seeing lately, this is definitely a refreshing and much welcomed change.

If you’re in the mood to try something new, check out these deliciously dark eats. And of course, make sure to bring a mirror with you–you don’t want to be out in public with black stuff all over your teeth!

Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button

These 15 Hipster Cafes In Johor Bahru Are Worth Braving The Customs For

Love discovering new cafes?

So do we! Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a surge of new cafes popping up all over Singapore, and it seems the cafe scene has grown across the border too. With plenty of hipster cafes with cool, unique decor and delicious brunch-fare in JB, there’s one more reason to cross the border.

If you live for decadent brunches, chill vibes and lazy, care-free afternoons, you’ll fall in love with these hipster cafes. Not only do they have their own distinct aesthetic, they also have signature foods (and drinks!) you won’t find in Singapore.

Here are 15 hipster cafes in JB we think are worth crossing the border for.

1. Bev C (Halal)

Housed along the street, along with a string of other hipster cafes is this nook that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. With its entrance bedecked in rustic, earthy tones of wood and brick, it certainly has a homely quality to it.

With its in-house boutique merging seamlessly with its cafe, Bev C proves that one can master both the crafts of coffee and fashion with finesse. Check out its clothing label here.

Feast your eyes on their Chocolate Mint Pies that you’ve probably squealed over a thousand times on Instagram. For fans of Windowsill pies, you’ll love this one as well.

Yummy pies aside, this cafe offers the renowned Ice Cube Espresso with Milk and Caramel, which ensures diluted coffee will not be an issue as you sit and chat with your pals.

Must Try: Charcoal Croissant with Smoked Salmon, Chocolate Mint Pie, White Chocolate Truffle Pie, Ice Cube Espresso

Bev C
Address: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 1 pm – 11 pm; Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 11pm, Closed on Mon

2. B.LO.C. (Halal)

B.LO.C, short for The Banana LOver Cafe, will take your goreng pisang love to new heights.

Situated opposite Taman Sentosa, at B.LO.C, you can drown your crispy goreng pisang in cheese or dark chocolate; you can even dunk it into creamy ice cream! Better yet, coat it with crunchy golden cereal, drizzled with hot caramel sauce. The flavour combinations are limited only by your imagination.

Handcrafted artisan teas with 5 bases, 15 flavours (e.g. saffron rose, pure yoghurt, winter melon) and a selection of 9 different toppings (e.g. coffee jelly, pearls, nata de coco), these customisable drinks are the perfect pick-me-up as you go on your cafe hunt.

Must Try: Thai Iced Milk Tea, Iced Chai Latte

Chaiwalla & Co. Honest Tea
Address: Lot 2810, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Bandar Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 9.30am – 6.30pm; Fri – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm, 8pm – 1am

4. Coffee Signature

It’s raining, it’s pouring Sweet Little Rain. As its name would suggest, expect a large, poofy cloud to deliver melted droplets of cotton candy into your piping hot black coffee or tea.

Other beverages served here include Green Tea Latte served in a big light bulb, and their unique Huevos Rancheros egg dish that’s more than just a run-of-the-mill Eggs Benedict.

In Mini Sunshine Brilliant, you’ll find a crispy ham bowl bearing a yummy mixture of eggs, cream and cheese.

Must Try: Sweet Little Rain, Huevos Rancheros, Mini Sunshine Brilliant, Ice Blended Green Tea

Coffee Signature
Address: 53, Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat, 12pm – 11pm

5. Coffee Valley (Halal)

The feasting doesn’t end there; their waffles are pretty sensational too.

Must Try: Egg Slut, Four Seasons Waffle, Mixed Berries Waffles

Coffee Valley
Address: 12A Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000 | L2-550A, Sutera
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu – Sun: 11.30am – 8pm; Closed on Wed

6. EH HE Art Cafe

Stepping through the doors of this cafe is almost like entering the home of a quirky collector who’s obsessed with art in all its forms. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be greeted with one-of-a-kind sculptures and paintings.

If you’re craving something a little different, give the coffee here a shot. You’ll notice their coffee has a distinct aroma, for they use traditional beans that are homegrown in Johor, unlike the trendy Arabica beans brewed in countless other cafes.

Besides their old-timey drinks, EH HE serves up wonderfully old school nosh too. Red Bean Soup, Chendol, Nasi Lemak and Curry Chicken are some of the items that make an appearance on their menu.

Must Try: Chendol, Kopi-O, Fried Mee Siam, Red Bean Soup

EH HE Art Cafe
Address: No. 1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor Bahru (Around the corner of Hiap Joo Bakery)
Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm daily

7. Faculty of Caffeine (Halal)

Great interior decor aside, this cafe offers food and drinks that’ll exceed most expectations. Sink your teeth into Madam Lim’s chewy chocolatey brownie, and feast on their waffles for some great food therapy.

Must Try: Dark Churros with Salted Egg Yolk Dip, Curry Soft Crab Waffles, Friendly Eggs Benny

Faculty Of Caffeine
Address: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily

8. Flowers in the Window  

Brought to us by the same team behind the famed Roost cafe, this two-storey cafe is lush with greenery and overflowing with flowers from every nook and cranny.

If you’ve ever fantasised about stumbling onto a Fairies’ Tea Party in the woods, this comes very close.

In keeping with its theme of flora and fauna, this cafe sells flowers and plants, and incorporates edible greenery and flowers in its food. That makes for some pretty whimsical food which will no doubt gain you several more Instagram followers.

Their cakes, freshly-baked daily, come in a bunch of unique and yummy flavours, such as their Rose Pistachio Cake, Pina Colada Cake and Pomegranate Brownie.

For a real surprise, try the Rosemary, Chilli and Lemon Drink. It’s unexpectedly tasty! Who knew these flavours would work so well together?

Must Try: Rose and Pistachio Cake, Lemon Meringue Tart, Pina Colada Cake, Rosemary, Lemon and Chilli Drink, Watermelon Strawberry Juice

Flowers in the Window
Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm daily

9. The Ice Cream Project

It turns out that the secret to creamy, delicious ice cream is liquid nitrogen, as we learnt at this cosy, yet roomy cafe.

The Butterscotch Ice Cream is a silky dollop of milky cream and smooth butterscotch–an utterly tasty combo. While savouring the ice cream, sip on some of their many teas for an interesting flavour contrast.

Must Try: Butterscotch Ice Cream, Brownies & Cream Ice Cream

The Ice Cream Project
Address: 31 Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 1pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 1pm – 12am

10. Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio

At this quaint little space, you’ll be able to find refuge from the busy, modern cafes and their ubiquitous hipster decor.

Inspired by Japanese elements, the cafe space doubles as a music studio where instruments are displayed, complementing the serenity of the place. Here and there, mini potted plants add a touch of life to the otherwise zen space.

Not only do they offer plenty of matcha-flavoured foods for those who love their matcha, their menu features a wide variety of good ol’ cafe nosh too.

Must Try: Matcha Red Bean Pancake, Crushed Oreo Belgian waffle, Chocolate and Banana Pancake, Matcha Latte

Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio
Address: 16A, Jalan Bendahara 12, Tmn Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai, Johor
Opening hours: Sun – Wed: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm; Closed on Thursday

11. Maco Vintage

Started up by Singapore pastry chef, Maco, this cafe is famed for its mille crepe cakes.

As photogenic as they are tasty, the cakes come in flavours ranging from Trio Chocolate to Musang (mao shan wang 猫山王) durian flavour. You won’t have trouble finishing a slice all by yourself, as the cream is light and not overly gelat like some cakes can get. 

If you’re thinking of having it to go, their dry ice sachets will keep the cakes chilled for about an hour.

Besides the cakes, you’ll find a satisfying selection of appetizers, mains, desserts, and hot and cold beverages served here.

Must try: Matcha Azuki, Bailey’s, Rainbow, and Musang Mille Crepe Cakes

Maco Vintage
Address: Jalan Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 12.30pm – 11pm; Sat: 11am – 12.30am; Sun: 11am – 11pm

12. Miyakori Cafe (Halal)

Coffee with cute, stenciled animals and cakes with faces–these are some of the things you’ll find at this lovely cafe. It was an immense struggle deciding on the animals for our cakes and drinks. Not to mention, having to destroy these cute works of art killed us a little bit inside.

Sip on a cute kitty with this “Cat-puccino”, a brew with a nutty, chocolate-y aroma and a lingering sweetness. If you’re wondering, Miyakori’s coffee beans are imported from El Salvador, Sumatra, and Brazil.

Their cutesy image is backed up with substance, for the cafe serves pretty good cheesecake and brownies. The cheesecake is warm and light, while the brownie leaves no chocolate lover in want with its rich and dark aftertaste.

Must Try: Oreo Cheesecake, Brownie, Strawberry Shortcake, Matcha Latte, Cat-puccino

Miyakori Cafe
Address: 41, Jalan Indah 22/14, Bukit Indah 2, Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily

13. Monsta Cafe

Old school meets cute-slash-psychedelic at this cafe. Retro school lockers, carpet grass and cloud motifs on the walls… We love the eclectic vibe of this coffee spot. At the entrance, look out for a large pink behemoth, the guardian of this 2-storey cafe.

Try their much raved about Cold Brew coffee, and sip on one of their lattes, which come with customisable latte art. Pick your design, or let the barista surprise you!

Dig into their Monsta Espresso Chicken Chop that comes with a shot of Espresso, lending the sauce a unique kick of flavour. The Monsta Mamee Burger is also crunchy and addictive, but we advice eating it deconstructed, as it’ll fall apart after a bite.

Must try: Cotton Candy Affogato, Cold Brew Coffee, Monsta Mamee Burger, Monsta Espresso Chicken Chop

Monsta Cafe
Address: 157 Jalan Bestari ⅕ Taman Nusa Bestari Skudai. 81300 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 12mn; Fri – Sun: 11am – 1am

14. Roost Repurposed & Recycled

An old beer crate, a plastic container and empty glass bottles are given a new lease of life at this cafe that really knows how to turn waste into wonder.

Not only are they pros at recycling, they’re just as adept at serving tasty grub. Share a plate of chicken meatballs and mashed potatoes with your friends. After that, have a bowl of their signature frozen yogurt for dessert.

Must Try: Frozen Yogurt, Chicken Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Salmon Salad, Eggs Benedict

Roost Repurposed & Recycled
Address: 14 Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 12am; Sun: 6pm – 12am

15. Victoria Rossa English Tea Room (F.K.A. The Teavana)

In this English princess-themed cafe, you’ll can’t help but lift your pinky while taking a sip of your latte.

With its porcelain tea sets, pastel colour scheme and floral printed furniture and crockery, dining here will awaken your inner princess.

Not only do they serve delicious mains, their deserts and pastries do not disappoint. Choose from cakes, scones or muffins, and a selection of coffees and teas.

Must Try: Pasta Sampler, Korean Beefy Cheesy Fries, Cloudy Toast, Lavender Latte

Victoria Rossa English Tea Room
Address: 128 Jalan Dato Sulaiman Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily

If looking at these pictures worked up an appetite, there’s only one thing left to do: cross the border for some delicious, wallet-friendly eats! Plus, there’s no better time than now, with the KTM shuttle charging ridiculously lows prices and taking you to JB in under 10 minutes.

Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button

(Header Image Source: @bevccafe)

This Korean BBQ Joint Serves Up Premium Meats So You Can Treat Mum Right This Mother’s Day

While it’s no secret that Tanjong Pagar is a hot spot for Korean BBQs, we’ve discovered a new gem. You won’t have to travel into the CBD for this one.

Nestled in a corner of Plaza Singapura, this restaurant can be easy to miss. Seorae is known for its interesting mix of authentic Korean cuisine as well as creative twists on familiar favourites.

Unlike most other Korean BBQ spots where gas canisters are used, customers at Seorae get to enjoy premium meats grilled over flaming charcoal, which adds that extra oomph and fragrance to the dishes.

Aside from its unique charcoal grill, this Korean eatery has also made a name for itself in Korea as a leading barbecue chain selling the much-loved skirt meat, or galmaegisal.

Recently, Seorae has also revamped its menu to include sizzling new selections, sharing sets, soju cocktails and makkoli mixes.

Needless to say, we couldn’t resist a taste.

1. Galmaegisal – $21.90

The very first Korean BBQ joint in Singapore to serve galmaegisal, Seorae is pioneering this tasty trend by offering up 3 flavours of the much-loved cut-garlic soy sauce, spicy and original.

Once served exclusively to Korean royalty, now you too get to feast like a king with Seorae’s signature dish, premium pork skirt meat marinated with authentic Korean spices.

Grilled to perfection using a unique ‘circle grilling’ technique, the galmaegisal is reminiscent of wagyu beef–rich in flavour with a tender and juicy bite.

Meat lovers, chew on this: The precious galmaegisal meat, located between the rib and belly, amounts to only 250 grams of a full-grown pig. That’s how precious it is!

2. Mixed Kkochi Platter – $21.90 (a la carte)

Next up, we got a taste of this platter that caters to even the most fickle of eaters. It was a sensational experience, with charcoal-grilled skewers of melted cheese, kimchi and spicy enoki wrapped in samgyeobsal (premium pork belly) and woosamgyeob (US prime beef shortplate).

It even came with skewers of pyogo buseot (shiitake mushroom), which were tasty and juicy, serving as a much welcomed palate cleanser among the wide array of meat skewers.

Silky Egg and Gooey Melted Cheese

Surrounding the grill are silky grilled egg and melted cheese, which allow diners to add a delicious mix of texture and flavours to their meal.

Despite being left on the grill for quite some time, the egg remained extremely fluffy and moist, with a soft and smooth, pudding-like texture. The top layer of the egg, on the other hand, was crispy and aromatic. Diners get 4 free refills of egg, so don’t hold back!

The creamy, buttery flavour of the stretchy cheese added an explosive umami burst to the galmaegisal and samgyeobsal, a lethally tasty combination.

3. Woosamgyeob – $22.90

With a good ratio of lean meat to fat, woosamgyeob, otherwise known as US beef shortplate, is characterised by a rich flavour and pleasant bite.

Marinated with Seorae’s in-house sauce, the beef strips were nicely browned on the grill and dripping with flavour. We were pleasantly surprised as the beef remained juicy and tender instead of being tough and dry.

4. Spicy Samgyeobsal – $17.90

Crisp, sweet and perfectly browned, the slices of samgyeobsal kept our chopsticks busy.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, this samgeyobsal will offer the flavours of chilli without the searing heat. The other options are regular and hangari samgyeopsal.

5. LA Galbi – $29.90

These succulent prime beef short-ribs called out to us to sink our teeth into them, and we gladly agreed.

The meat fell off the bone easily, and was sweeter and more flavourful than the other cuts of meat as the meat was cooked with the bone.

6. Sundubu Jjigae – $14.90

If there was a go-to dish for a cold, rainy day, this would be it. A rich soup that nourishes and revitalises, this is Seorae’s secret: their special spicy soft tofu stew has a broth full of minced pork, fresh vegetables, clams and eggs.

We were initially worried the clams would be fishy, but the broth captured the sweetness of the clams without any hint of fishiness. The egg was beautifully cooked, partially gooey and slightly runny. Mixed with the flavourful soup and tofu, it was comfort food at its best.

7. Budae Jjigae – $35.90 (a la carte)

Unlike most other army stews, this version tasted much more wholesome, with a cleaner flavour. Simmered in a specially prepared Gochujang spicy sauce, the stew contained all the essentials and more. There was sausage, spam, fish cake, tteokboki, beans, and even bacon! They also included fresh vegetables to balance out all the meat.

If you’re not a fan of soggy ramyeon, Seorae’s staff can cook your ramyeon just right, making sure the noodle stays springy and chewy.

8. Cheese Mandu Tteokbokki –  $35.90 (a la carte)

Guess what, more cheese! Not that we’re complaining.

Otherwise known as rambokki (ramyeon + tteokbokki), this Cheese Mandu Tteokbokki covers all the bases. It consists of Korean rice cake cooked in Seorae’s hot sauce, served on a hot pan with fried fish cake, egg, corn-cheese mandu (dumplings), ramyeon and pineapple. The ramyeon and tteokbokki is meant to be stirred into the hot sauce, where tasty, gooey cheese lies within.

Cheese lovers, you will not be disappointed by the corn-cheese mandu, a crispy golden packet that gives an audible crunch when you bite into it. It oozes stringy melted cheese, sprinkled with bits of sweet corn. We’re definitely ordering this again the next time we’re here!

9. Pineapple Soju Cocktail – $22.90++

A Korean BBQ feast is not complete without some soju. Accompanying our feast was this refreshingly fruity twist on the conventional Korean soju. This summery drink featured an entire pineapple spiked with soju, laden with fresh pineapple bits scooped straight from the husk. We downed one glass after another, keeping pace with our fervent feeding frenzy.

Enjoy Seorae’s Mother’s Day Promotion!

This Mother’s Day, grab the opportunity to treat your mum to some delicious, authentic Korean cuisine at Seorae! A Mother’s Day promotion will be going on from 12 – 14 May, and you’ll get a FREE Pineapple Soju (worth $22.90++) with every reservation made.

Seorae offers much more in terms of taste and variety than the typical Korean BBQ restaurant. What really awed us were their fruity sojus and their famed galmaegisal. We’ll definitely be back, and very soon too!

Seorae
Address: Plaza Singapura #02-01, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11.30am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11.30am – 11pm; Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 9181 2709
Website

Also read This Korean Cafe Serves Pork Ribs Wrapped With Stringy Cheese – And It’s Grate

This S’pore Bar Charges You Based On The Hour – The Earlier You Drink, The Happier Your Wallet

Hey there, Singapore After Nine is back with a new find!

Situated just off Clarke Quay, this new gem is located at the peaceful 11 Keng Cheow Road. For those in the know, Stickies Bar has come to be synonymous with 3 things: food, fun and affordability. 

It’s a game cafe, diner and bar, all rolled into one – the Holy Grail for lovers of games, food and booze.

While the merry-making usually begins after dark at most bars, Stickies Bar keeps its fires burning round the clock.

This means you’ve got a good option for lunch, and a place to chill after the sun goes down. Stickies Bar offers great promotions and dishes up some tasty food, so you don’t go hungry in between shots.

We at DiscoverSG popped in to take a look and lo and behold, it was indeed all fun and games at Stickies Bar.

They’ve got game…

It has a pool table that’s open at all hours, which you can play to no end.

There’s also a PlayStation 4, with a huge range of games including Mortal Kombat and FIFA 17. The best thing? Stickies Bar doesn’t charge any user fees!

If darts are more up your alley, dart boards are also on the ready.

What’s a game place without some good ol’ party games? Stickies Bar has a shelf packed full of them including Exploding Kittens, Uno-Jenga, Saboteur, and more! If you’re a sucker for the classics, they’ve even got chess!

And finally, how can we do without party favourite, Beer Pong?

Games aside, we loved how customers could plug their music devices to the speaker system and play their own songs! Blast your favourite tunes and feel right at home with your own jams playing in the background!

Next, we got a taste of what the kitchen had to offer.

What’s for dinner?

1. Appetizer Party Platter (NA)

To start things off, we were served a very special party platter—special because it’s nowhere on the menu. We got to try a mix of cheesy curly fries ($11), popcorn chicken ($11), chicken karaage ($12) and sesame wings ($14).

These bites stayed crisp long after they were served and we loved that they didn’t come dripping with oil!

2. Soup of the Day ($4)

The soup of the day when we were there was tomato soup, a rich, tangy soup topped with crisp squares of garlic bread. The tomato flavour was strong, but it was a little too sour for my liking. Then again, if you like your soup with a little more zestiness, this would be it.

The soup of the day here is changed up regularly. Some days, they serve the classic mushroom soup, and on other days, they serve a cheesy broccoli soup. As for the others…. We’ll leave you to discover them for yourself!

3. 10-inch 4 Cheese Pizza ($13)

Think you know what a pizza looks like? This thin-crusted wonder will surprise you!

Topped with a decadent mix of 4 cheeses–mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and nacho cheese–this pizza is a serious game changer. The crust was crisp, and there was (surprisingly!) enough crust to balance out all that cheesy goodness. The cheesy flavours were complemented by the additional top-up of turkey ham, and the pizza came lightly seared.

4. Beef Lasagna ($14)

Beef layered between sheets of pasta, bathed in flavourful bolognese sauce… If that sounds good, it tasted even better. As we sliced our forks through the layers of meat and pasta, they came away with stringy strands of cheese. The pasta could have done with a little more resistance, but hey, we all have our preferences. The dish was served with a salad on the side, drizzled with a yummy homemade sesame dressing.

5. Flamélicious Spicy Chicken Quesadilla ($18)

This Flamélicious Spicy Chicken Quesadilla was the highlight of our night!

Spicier than Stickies Bar’s waitresses, this dish had us gulping down cups of water in between mouthfuls. Sandwiched within a crispy, toasted quesadilla shell was a generous helping of gooey, stringy cheese and fiery chicken pieces, tender and marinated with 3 secret spices.

Thankfully, the shell managed to stay intact despite the substantial fillings inside it, making it a much less messy affair than it could have been.

Food & Drink Promotions at Stickies Bar

Besides the array of games and facilities, Stickies Bar has some sweet deals you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Considering the quality of the grub here, these promos are the real deal.

If you love your drinks, Stickies Bar has got your back…

With that, Stickies Bar definitely makes it to our list of go-to places after hours, both on weekends and on weekdays.

Westies, you won’t have to travel all the way to town for your Stickies fix soon enough! The bar will be opening its second outlet at Sunset Way in May. For more updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram!

To many more happy hours,

Singapore After Nine

Stickies Bar
Address: 1 Keng Cheow St,#01-10, Singapore 059608
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am

In Need Of A Happy Hour? This ‘Atas’ Food Hall In The CBD Has A Bar That Offers Drinks For Just $5

As they say, old is gold.

This time, Singapore After Nine is casting the spotlight on an oldie but a goodie: Five Square (FIV五 Square) in the busy CBD.

It’ll have you covered from lunch through to dinner and drinks, and with live performances, no less!

Just like its name, food and drinks here go at the unbeatable rate of $5 each, every hour of everyday.

Take your pick between dining indoors or out at the alfresco area.

The Bar

Chill out with your pals over sake, wine or beer at just $5 a glass.

To liven up the party, have a go at Five Square’s pool table or dart booths. Sports fans will feel right at home here too, as Five Square often screens games on their large-screen televisions.

Their drink menu features an extensive selection of premium whiskies, a hundred or so different brands of wines, and various labels of icy cold beer.

The Bazaar

Next to the bar is a large, open food hall that can hold a total of 300 diners. Home to 5 gourmet food stalls with extensive menus, take your pick from international cuisine ranging from Japanese to Spanish!

The dishes are reasonably priced, making them a popular choice for those working in the CBD, and attracting crowds from farther away.

It’s no wonder, as the dishes beat what regular food courts can offer in terms of taste and quality, yet are not as pricey as those in upscale restaurants.

Cinqo Tapas

A take on the popular Five Tapas Bar at Cuppage Terrace, Cinqo Tapas brings on a whole host of palate pleasers.

1. Carbonara Fettucine ($9.90)

This plate of pasta was worth every dollar–and every calorie! We swear we’re not exaggerating when we say we could literally smell the aroma of the smoky prosciutto ham and rich cream while it was on its way out from the kitchen!

The fettucine was topped with thinly shaved parmesan slices and a glistening orb of an egg. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the rich creaminess of the sauce was complemented by the smoky ham, which was chewy and crisp.

2. Angus Beef Cubes ($12)

Fried beef topped with a generous smattering of golden sautéed garlic–yum! The beef cubes were well-marinated and packed a punch of flavour. Texture-wise, however, it was a tad too chewy for my preference. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it, and the fresh rocket leaves at the side were a refreshing accompaniment to the meat.

3. Bacon Mushroom ($6)

Springy, juicy mushrooms wrapped in bacon is what this dish is all about.

It was a pity the juices from the mushrooms softened the otherwise crispy bacon. Still, it was a winning combination, as the sweet taste of mushroom offset the savoury flavour of the bacon.

Just Pho Fun

Don’t let that name fool you–this place takes its food seriously.

4. Fresh Summer Roll (2 pcs, $5)

Stuffed with vermicelli, fresh prawns, mint leaves and assorted vegetables, these rolls were a delight to crunch into. If the rice paper wrap had been a little bit softer, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, the sweet-sour chilli dip lent the roll a kick of flavour, and was very pleasing on the whole.

5. Dry Vermicelli with BBQ Pork ($10)

The texture of the noodle was good, and the accompanying sweet-spicy-sour sauce was thoroughly interesting on the taste buds. However, the pork leaned slightly on the dry side and could have been more tender. A generous shower of ground nuts, fried shallots, and freshly julienned carrots and turnips added some colour to the dish and was the perfect way to round it off!

6. Rice Noodles with Sliced Beef Soup ($10)

The rice noodles were cooked to just the right degree of springiness, and the beef slices were cooked to tender perfection. The soup was less savoury than we had hoped, but well-flavoured nevertheless!

As a bonus, with each main dish ordered at this stall, you get a free mango salad!

Teppei

A branch-off of its renowned parent outlet at Tanjong Pagar, this stall at Five Square serves equally good grub.

Without missing a beat, it continues to spread chef Teppei’s legacy in the form of top-notch taste, quality and affordability.

7. Kaisendon, Seafood Donburi ($16)

The cubes of salmon and tuna sashimi were fresh and tender, well-marinated and flavourful.

Small chunks of sweet scallop were nestled in the middle of the sashimi pyramid. Along with the tobiko, which exploded with savoury goodness with every bite, they went perfectly with the Japanese rice. A lick of wasabi to the side of the dish cleared our palate in between mouthfuls.

8. Seared & Salmon Sashimi, Seafood Donburi ($16.80)

This was really, really good.

The salmon sashimi was fresh and chopped into thick slices. Marinated with what tasted like a mixture of soy sauce and mirin, it was the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

The seared salmon, on the other hand, had just the right amount of smokiness to it. Even though we were too full to eat all the rice, we devoured every single bit of the salmon.

The Grill Knife (Western)

An offshoot of The Soup Spoon, The Grill Knife also offers nutrition-packed meals made with fresh ingredients, paired with their delicious homemade sauces.

9. Chicken Combo ($13.80)

Grilled over high heat, the chicken thigh was tender and moist, as were the Bratwurst sausages.

As the saying goes, the more the merrier! This was true of the Herbivore salad that came with more than 5 different vegetables! Our only gripe was that the fried wanton skins that came with the salad could have been crispier. Apart from that, this dish was a tasty balance of protein and fibre.

Gogibox (Korean)

The Gogibox offers a unique twist on Korean cuisine, with the Gogi Taco ($6.80), and the Gogi Dog ($6.80).

It also sells bentos such as the Gogi Plate above ($8.50). Take your pick from fried rice, 8 different choices of meat and a salad. Unfortunately, we did not manage to sample food from the Gogibox as it was closed, but we will definitely be back to get some!

All things considered, Five Square is definitely a top contender on our list of chill out spots. Not only does it provide affordable food and drinks with great taste and quality, it’s also conveniently situated near the workplaces in the CBD.

It’s never too late for food and drinks at Five Square. Supper, anyone?

Cheers to the next round of great food and beer,

Singapore After Nine

All prices are subject to 7% GST and 10% Service Charge. 

Five Square
Address: 1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre, #01-03, Singapore 04865
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 12am (Closed on Sundays and PH)

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

Step Aside Pastamania, This Resto Chain Serves Legit Italian Fare For Under $30

Running overtime tonight? That’s not a problem.

At Singapore After Nine, we bring you the scoop on tried-and-tested, late night gems for you to rest your work-weary self.

This time, we’re featuring Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Alternatively, enjoy the breeze at the alfresco dining area:

[caption id="attachment_23921" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Here is where you’ll find genuinely good Italian food that doesn’t call for a pound of flesh. They’re generous with their portions, do not scrimp on their cheese (cheese lovers take note) and use fresh, quality ingredients. Read on to see what’s good.

Starters

1. Caesar Salad from the Cheese Wheel Menu ($19++)

[caption id="attachment_23902" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Prepared in a uniquely traditional Italian method right by our table, the salad was tossed in the middle of a 20kg Grana Padano cheese wheel.

[caption id="attachment_23919" align="alignnone" width="871"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

While the salad was being mixed, the server scraped off fluffy cheese from the wheel to add a creamy, sweet-salty zing to the salad. Smoked chicken and light, crispy croutons were the cherry on top. It was such a refreshing accompaniment to our meal, and also doubled as an effective palate cleanser.

2. Wagyu beef carpaccio ($18++)

[caption id="attachment_23904" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish consisted of finely sliced wagyu, topped with fresh rocket leaves and mushrooms, and drizzled with truffle oil. Amidst the bed of rocket leaves lay delicately-shaved pieces of 24-months old Parmesan cheese. All in all, it was a tasty, clean and refreshing dish. There were no hints of fishiness from the beef, which was sweet and tender. The rocket leaves were fresh, and tasted great with the dressing.

3. Oven Baked Eggplant Alla Parmigiana Style ($16++)

[caption id="attachment_23910" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish of eggplant gratin proved to be a delicious, well-executed twist on the popular potato gratin. Baked to a pleasing softness without being overly mushy, the eggplant pieces were doused in a tomato-herb based sauce that had more flavour and depth than regular pasta sauce.

While potatoes might have weighed the dish down, the eggplant added a lighter touch that was delightfully refreshing. We bet you’ll love the chewy golden Parmesan crust atop the eggplant base. It was generously thick and stringy, and crispy at the edges.

Pizza

4. District 10 Pizza ($19++)

[caption id="attachment_23905" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish was the highlight of the night. The pizza arrived warm and toasty, brimming with the aroma of a good ol’ stone oven. The crust was fluffy and so chock full of ingredients that it bent under their weight when we tried to pick up the pizza slices. The Pancetta ham was smoky and savoury, its fatty juices adding a flavour burst in every bite. Refreshing zucchini pieces were thoughtfully added to counter the richness of the ingredients, which included a sunny side up egg and mushrooms.

Pasta

5. Spaghetti Carbonara with Black Truffle ($24++)

[caption id="attachment_23908" align="alignnone" width="871"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

This dish was another one of our favourites. Al dente pasta coated with creamy carbonara sauce and infused with truffle – what’s not to like? The dish arrived with a sprinkling of finely-shaved black truffle, and a perfectly poached egg that oozed golden yolk.

6. Homemade Angel Hair with Live Lobster, Chilli, Basil and Fresh Tomatoes ($34++)

[caption id="attachment_23909" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

Looking ever so tempting, this dish no doubt lived up to its appearance. The tomato-based sauce was tangy and appetizing, which made us lose track of how much pasta we were eating. The zesty hit of tomato also went very well with the half-shell lobster, which could have been a tad bit more springy.

7. Warm Lava Chocolate Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream ($14++)

[caption id="attachment_23912" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Image Credit: Chong Yi Sze[/caption]

All it took was a gentle cut and the chocolate lava flowed like an endless river. Safe to say, this tops our list of chocolate lava cakes. The chocolate flavour was intense and the consistency of the lava was great. It wasn’t too runny, nor was it too thick. The cake itself was moist and fluffy, which was a major plus point.

8. Traditional Italian Tiramisu ($14++)

[caption id="attachment_23996" align="alignnone" width="6000"] Image Credit:

Likewise, the tiramisu was another crowd pleaser.  Topped with cocoa powder and garnished with a berry and holly leaves, it looked like Christmas came early. The light cream sat atop a fluffy cake base flavoured richly with coffee, and was not as bitter as some other tiramisus out there.

While District 10 is known for serving up great-tasting Italian fare, its latest outlet at Suntec City specialises in something rather more unique, but equally delicious. There, choose from an ample variety of flavoursome, dry-aged meats that are beautifully marbled and paired off with premium red wine.

Last but not least, what better way to round off the night than with these sweet deals?

Traffic Forecasts For 2nd Link & Woodlands Causeway This Chinese New Year

If you’re heading to Johor Bahru (JB) this Chinese New Year, you’re definitely not alone. Welcome to the club for all motorists who will be utilizing the Causeway and the 2^nd Link. Like Sun Tzu heading to war, it’s best to enter JB with a solid strategy…by arming yourself with these.

We’re referring to these amazing traffic jam forecasts we’ve uncovered! This way, you’ll be able to plan your entry into JB with maximum efficiency.

Be assured that this forecast is pretty accurate, as the reference data is based on the traffic statistics in Chinese New Year 2016.

2 days before Chinese New Year – 26 January 2017 (Thursday)

As the eve of Chinese New Year is on 27 January 2017 (Friday), most Malaysians tend to return home the day before, which is 26 January 2017. This explains the spike in the traffic from Singapore to JB at both the Causeway and the 2^nd Link, which will start to build up from 2 pm onwards. It’s best to be a bit more kiasu (aka wiser) and set off earlier if you can.

Eve of Chinese New Year – 27 January 2017 (Friday)

On Chinese New Year’s eve, set your alarm clock to ring even earlier. As you can see from the graphs, traffic flowing into JB will build up as early as 4am. However, it’s possible that traffic may ease before evening as most people would already be at their reunion dinners.

Chinese New Year – 28, 29 January 2017 (Saturday, Sunday)

In the mornings of the 1^st and 2^nd day of Chinese New Year, we can expect traffic to be at a low volume. However, the trends show that traffic will start increasing around noon at both sides of the border, probably due to Malaysians visiting Singapore or PRs returning home early.

Last day of the Chinese New Year Holiday – 30 January 2017 (Monday)

On the last day of the holiday, it is expected that many will be returning to Singapore in preparation for work the next day. It appears that the 2^nd  Link will be more affected as most of the people travelling back from the North of Malaysia will choose this route. In this case, it’s best to take the Causeway!

One day after the Chinese New Year Holiday – 31 January 2017 (Tuesday)

Given that it’s a work day, most people would already have arrived home the day before (30 January 2017). However, it’s not uncommon for some to take a day off or two. As such, do note that there may be more traffic heading into Singapore after lunch hour, especially on the 2^nd Link.

We hope that these forecasts do come in handy. Share this information with your friends and loved ones so they can enter JB or Singapore quickly and with ease.

Everyone gets frustrated in a jam, but don’t forget that safety is paramount. Drive safely!

Information credit and for real-time traffic forecasts at the Causeway and 2^nd Link: causewayjam.wordpress.com

Header image credits: HD Wallpaper

Also, read Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Rise and shine, peeps! It’s time to add another resolution to your list, “to make 2017 the greatest year ever” (if you haven’t already done so). In keeping with that, our calendars are fully marked till 15 January and we’re GOOD TO GO!

Calendar of Events (1 – 15 January 2017)

1. Singapore Art Week 2017

The fifth edition of Singapore Art Week is back with a dazzling array of installations ranging from visual treats, exhibitions, art workshops, to tours and performances.

All this will be take place across art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces across the island.

Singapore Art Week 2017
When: 11 January 2017 – 22 January 2017
Where: Various venues
Explore: https://www.artweek.sg and Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

2. Legend of the Moon 3D Musical

Known as the first 3D musical of its kind, the Legend of the Moon showcases the life, culture and art of the Dong people, a minority race in China.

3. Chinese New Year 2017 happenings at Chinatown

Usher in the year of the Rooster with a bang!

[caption id="attachment_20948" align="alignnone" width="740"]

[caption id="attachment_20945" align="alignnone" width="960"] 5. Pongal Festival 2017

With its name derived from the Tamil term “pongu”, meaning to “boil over” or “overflow”, this Tamil harvest festival is traditionally celebrated from 14 – 16 January in India.

[caption id="attachment_20949" align="alignnone" width="640"] 6. DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class

[caption id="attachment_21028" align="alignnone" width="800"] Eventbrite[/caption]

If raw fish was never your thing, there’s no better time than now to learn how to DIY this Yu Sheng dish. What’s best is, vegans can dig in too.

DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class
When: 14 January 2017, 10.30 am – 12 pm
Where: Mahota Commune, Kitchener Complex, Level 3, 809 French Road
Explore: Eventbrite – DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng with Vegan Raw Fish

7. Simply Organic Brunch (Cooking Class Series)

8. Thaipusam Festival 2017

Join throngs of devotees as they partake in a traditional kavadi ceremony

[caption id="attachment_20955" align="alignnone" width="3456"] 9. Art Stage 2017

[caption id="attachment_20960" align="alignnone" width="1600"] 10. PJ Harvey (Mosaic Music Series 2017)

Musician, poet and artist PJ Harvey started out two decades ago, earning numerous Grammy and Brit awards nominations along the way. That’s not all – the iconic master of all trades has also worked alongside Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, Björk and more.

[caption id="attachment_21026" align="alignnone" width="752"] Esplanade Mosaic Music Series[/caption]

Stopping over in Singapore for her international tour, she and her band present music from her latest release The Hope Six Demolition Project.

PJ Harvey
When: 13 January 2017, 8 pm – 9.15 pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Explore: Esplanade Mosaic Music Series 2017 – PJ Harvey 

11. Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro

In this fifth instalment of the Local Chef Showcase, pursue the legacy behind renowned Szechuan delicacies with 2-star Michelin chef Chen Kentaro.

Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro
When: 13 January 2017, 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Shisen Hanten, 333 Orchard Road, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Explore: Eventbrite – Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase (Chen Kentaro)

12. CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

Ready for a tipple or two, or heaven forbid, three?

[caption id="attachment_21031" align="alignnone" width="650"] Eventbrite – CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

If you thought this was all, well… We’re right smack in the middle of the Singapore Biennale which winds up on 26 February.

On top of that, Mulan the Musical is currently in full swing at the Resorts World Theatre till 5 February. Now, the countdown begins… Here’s to ticking off these unmissable activities on your bucket list!

Header image credits: Blacklimosg

Also, read Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!