Author: Farhanah

15 Best Stalls To Visit At Twilight: Flea & Feast – Indoor Bazaar With All-S’porean Food, Clothes And Crafts

Did you hear? The highly anticipated Twilight: Flea and Feast is back again for it’s third edition! If you missed out on #TWILIGHT18 earlier on in February, don’t fret. From 3 – 5 August, make your way down to the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre for a day of browsing through dozens of flea stalls, free movie screenings and of course, sinking your teeth in tasty eats!

This indoor bazaar houses over 100 stalls selling popular street food, clothes, accessories and handmade crafts. This time round, you guys are in for a real treat as you’ll find more than 50 F&B vendors – you probably won’t know where to start!

For the first time since its inception, all vendors showcased at the event will be local. Which is why this year’s edition of TWILIGHT will be themed “Proudly Local” so both vendors and visitors get to celebrate everything we love and remember about Singapore.

To help you out with your upcoming shopping and gastronomic adventure, we’ve listed out some of our favourite makan and shopping vendors that you HAVE to visit!

What To Makan

1. Saiko

Think of Saiko as the elevated version of your typical pasar malam takoyaki joint!

Serving up Japanese street food realness, Saiko serves takoyaki in sizeable portions with full bite-sized fillings. You can choose from 3 different fillings – octopus, chicken and braised mushrooms. You also have the option of mixing 2 different fillings in one serving.

Other selections include Classic, Dashi (takoyaki with dashi broth, bonito flakes and scallions) and Miso (takoyaki with miso butter and rice krispies). Top it all off with a perfectly cooked onsen egg for just an additional $2!

We promise you that the takoyaki from Saiko won’t disappoint!

2. Burgernomics

Burgernomics got everyone raving over them when they first opened at Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre. They aim to differentiate themselves by keeping their burgers honest and simple, but with a distinctive Asian twist.

This time round, you get to satisfy your burger cravings without having to travel all the way down to Pasir Ris!

We heard that their burgers are really popular at events so head down early to avoid the long queues.

3. Inariku

If you eat, sleep and breathe all things Japanese, then you’re going to love this one.

Trained at the Tokyo Sushi Academy to fortify her passion for Japanese cooking, you can expect her highly raved lobster inari which comes in small sets of 4, ramen, unagi bento and more!

We recommend getting her lobster inari which is a combination of lobster and squid salad which sits atop a bed of sushi rice. All these premium ingredients are nestled within some Inariage aka Aburaage (the sweet beancurd pouch) and finished off with some Japanese mayonnaise.

4. O’Braim

O’Braim entered the pasar malam circuit around 2016 selling goreng pisang (banana fritters) with a modern twist.

They sell banana fritters in different flavours, including chocolate and cheese with condensed milk, while using a goreng pisang recipe passed down from their grandmother.

You’ll always find long queues at their stall which also means “confirm plus chop good”.

5. Ikan1986

A must have at every BBQ, their freshly grilled otah is one of the best we’ve had at any pop-up events!

Based on a traditional family recipe dating back to 1986, their staple menu item has fed scores of people ever since.

Made with fresh mackerel and a select number of equally fresh herbs and spices, their freshly grilled otah remains a delightful way to please the palate and tummy; either as an afternoon snack or part of a meal.

6. Egg Stop

Opening early August 2018 at Paya Lebar Square, you’ll get to try their sandwiches first at Twilight Flea & Feast.

Although we don’t know much about them yet, their sandwiches look like the perfect mid-afternoon snack.

Just look at all that filling spilling out of their sandwich. We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely excited to try this one out!

7. Katoshka

Katoshka needs no introduction from us. They’re seen at almost every bazaar/pop-up events that they’re pretty much a household name by now.

They go by a very simple concept: good ol’ fries served in cups laden in different sauces, from special cheese, sour ranch, chilli beef and sambal cheese.

If you love their fries as much as we do, then go get yourself a cup (or two) at Twilight!

8. Naughty Boyz

Known for their spicy mac and cheese, this is the perfect meal for sharing.

Their mac and cheese is bound to be a gooey delight. I mean, who doesn’t like cheese?

9. BOO:EH

BOO:EH serves up inspired butterbeer like the ones you see in Harry Potter World. This homemade brew consists of 2 parts – soothing liquid gold and dreamy butterscotch foam.

The flavour is so rejuvenating and unique that it transports you to a magical world at the first sip.

What To Buy

10. The Rattan Baby

Every season the fashion world brings with it a corpus of new bag trends. So much so, that deciding which one to add to your already swelling collection can be a task in itself.

A woven hand-held basket, a tote or an oversized shopper, whichever style you choose, it’s sure to be a failsafe option that works for all occasions from a casual walk in the park to a dinner date.

Get your stylish woven rattan bags for The Rattan Baby at very affordable prices!

11. Soul Singapore

For all you mummies and daddies looking for a new sling to carry your baby around comfortably, check out Soul Singapore!

If you’ve been looking for a brand new baby carrier for awhile now, then you’ll love how airy their material is especially in Singapore’s crazy heat.

Comfortable, easy to use, safe and stylish products for all your baby carrying needs!

12. Pindemic

Wear your heart on your sleeve with their pins – literally. Pledge your allegiance, indulge in your daydreams, celebrate the everyday, decorate your possessions and publicly declare your obsessions.

Each design is based on an original work of art and is then crafted to high standards to ensure that the beauty of the art is carried through in each pin.

If you love switching things up with your wardrobe, then you’ll love these pins from Pindemic.

13. Raf Raf Baby

Are you a sneakerhead? Do you wish your kids have cool and stylish kicks as well?

Get your babies or toddlers some stylish new kicks that they’ll wear and love!

14. 13Rushes

Step aside Morphe, Singapore has their own line of brushes that you should look out for!

If you’re a make up freak and you need a new set of brushes, then check out the ones by 13Rushes.

They’re made of synthetic materials and are cruelty-free as well.

15. Speca

If you like to be extra with your eyewear, then you’ll go crazy at Speca’s booth.

We completely understand if you’re addicted to collecting sunglasses. If this sounds like you, then you’ll love the designs that Speca carries as they are fun, quirky and most importantly, not #basic.

We know finding the perfect sunglasses can be difficult, but hopefully you’ll find the perfect eyewear at Speca!

If you’re wondering what to do in Singapore this weekend, then you HAVE to check out Twilight: Flea & Feast. This is the perfect weekend activity for your friends and family.

No need to worry about the weather, head on down to flea and feast!

Twilight: Flea & Feast “Proudly Local”
Address: Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre (Halls 401 & 402)
Date: 3 – 5 August
Time: 10am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram

Also Read Mark Your Calendars – Singapore’s First Meme-Themed Pool Party Happening Aug 5

(Header Image Source: Discover SG, @specaeyewear, @boo.eh)

I Paid $400 To Make My Own Watch From Scratch – And It Was Totally Worth The Price Tag

In an era where we grew up with technology, having a timepiece on your wrist is a pretty outdated idea.

Think about it. Why do we need watches when we all have smart phones with very accurate clocks on them? Heck, even our computers/laptops have the time right there in the corner. It’s pretty easy to find out what time it is.

Yet. I like watches. I have over the past couple of years acquired several. From Timex to Seiko, my mom used to love buying watches for my birthday.

However, I’ve realised that I never knew how to repair any of my watches when they died so I end up spending so much money just because the seller tells me, “You need to do a complete overhaul.”

So the lovely folks at Watch Wonderland invited me down to their Academy to learn how to assemble my own watch and leather strap, so I’m better prepared the next time someone tells me my watch needs a complete overhaul.

The Academy

Located in Suntec City, Watch Wonderland is more than just a watch shop. It’s also an academy and a concierge. This retail space carries big names such as Seiko as well as micro-indie brands from the US, France and more. In addition to that, they also carry a total of 6 brands that are made with love by our very own Singaporean watchmakers.

At Watch Wonderland, they place a strong focus on their selection of watches. You can purchase your watches with an ease of mind because their selection process is one that covers everything from aesthetics to mechanical testing before they allow a brand into their portfolio.

Apart from buying watches, Watch Wonderland is also a place for watch enthusiasts to convene with other likeminded people to learn more about this fascinating universe.

I was honestly scared shitless at this moment because 1. I’m terrible at fixing things and 2. I’ve never attended a single leather making class in my entire life. However, the course instructor, Mr Vincent Goh, assured me that I’ll do just fine.

Have you seen me in D&T class, Mr Goh?

Nonetheless, we dove right in and learned how to assemble the basic parts, oil and regulate the timing of the watch.

They first opened The Academy in November 2017 and have since been consistently hosting classes through The Academy to broaden the knowledge and perspective of their audience.

“I’ve had participants flying in from all over the world JUST to attend this workshop. In fact, my youngest participant was only 12 years old and she managed to complete the workshop,” Vincent exclaimed.

So I calmed down, rolled up my sleeves, put on my finger gloves and got to work. Vincent started off with a video explaining how a mechanical watch works. He printed out a step-by-step guide for us so we always knew what to do next.

I was lost and struggling half the time but Vincent was patient and kind enough to guide me on where to place the different parts and constantly checked on my work to ensure that I didn’t miss a step.

To be honest, if I never knew who he was, I’d mistake him for some random uncle who loves to lepak at the kopitiam with his friends but I was completely wrong. Vincent is an extremely talented and experienced watchmaker who has worked on restoring 500 vintage watches in the US back in the 90s.

Being posted to China for 11 years also saw him having more opportunities to learn from highly experienced watchmakers and veterans, giving him an advanced knowledge of watch repair that no book has ever documented.

So I knew, I was in very safe hands.

“Eh Farhanah, come come I take your photo. You wayang a bit lah, pretend you fixing, don’t look at camera ah! 1…2…3…!” he shouted.

After 2 hours of putting the watch together and using the TimeGrapher to regulate the watch timing, I was extremely satisfied with my final product. Vincent gave me a little pat on my back and told me I did a pretty great job for a first timer.

You’re too kind sir.

Leather Crafting

No watch is complete without a strap. Especially one that further tells your audience about your personality.

We were guided by our leather craft instructor, Mr Jeremiah Ang who established J.Myers Co six years ago, and has since grew from a one-man show, to creating numerous products in collaboration with brands such as Bentley, Vertu, Red Army Watches and Bang & Olufsen.

He first introduced to us the different types of leather and finally gave us two colours to pick from.

After a brief introduction as to how to use the tools, we got to marking and cutting out our leather strap using a template that he prepared for us. We crafted our very own leather NATO strap for the watch that we assembled earlier on.

Once that was all done, we used a “burning” tool to help us create the pattern which makes the entire watch look a lot more polished and refined.

The process to making your own leather strap was not easy at all. The last step, which was to stitch the holes we created was definitely the toughest part of it all. After an hour of poking my thumb and messing up my stitches, there were tiny beads of sweat formed on my forehead and I was pretty much ready to get it all over and done with.

Leather crafting is an amazing art form and I’m glad that I finally have a deeper appreciation for artisans and designers who are dedicated to creating quality leather products, with the sole objective to bring about a deeper appreciation of craftsmanship. One stitch at a time.

After 5 gruelling hours, my face glowed (or maybe it was the sweat) when I finally assembled my watch together. Wearing it for the first time felt so satisfying because I knew I put in all my effort into making this watch.

Watch Wonderland has changed my expectations of a brick-and-mortar store forever. This chic space doesn’t just sell watches but it also doubles up as an Academy with a workshop space right in the middle of the store.

Welcoming their customers with a giant neon logo emblazoned across a wall, it’s the opposite of typical luxury watch boutiques with intimidating grand entrances and snooty judgey salesmen clad in suit and tie.

So if you’re ever looking at doing something out of the ordinary in Singapore, then Watch Wonderland is a great place for watch enthusiasts to come together and learn about leather crafting or watchmaking from the masters themselves.

The Academy at Watch Wonderland
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-470/472 Suntec City Mall
Price: $400 (Watchmaking Workshop), $100 (Leather Crafting Workshop)
Hours: 10am – 6pm (Watchmaking Workshop), 10am – 3pm (Leather Crafting Workshop)
Day: Every Fortnight, Weekends (Check their FB page for sign ups)
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Also Read Singapore Night Festival Returns On Aug 17 With Luminous Horses, Lightning Duels And More

(Header Image Source: Watch Wonderland)

Not Your Average Sweet Treats – The M Plot’s Macarons Come In Flavours Like Salted Egg X Curry

What’s there not to love about macarons?

You might remember the snaking queue at Ladurée when they first opened in Singapore. Suddenly, almost every bakery stocked macarons. The two light and crisp cookie shells sandwiching jam or buttercream filling – is the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers.

We recently came across The M Plot which offers macarons that are handcrafted with a unique flavour selection, ranging from Classic Dark Chocolate to their signature – Salted Egg Yolk x Curry, which was inspired by the Singaporean all-time favourite dish “salted egg yolk prawn”.

For Your Sweet Tooth

Prior to starting his business, Ryan Yong, co-founder of The M Plot was a former Senior Quantity Surveyor in the construction industry.

Despite his initial lack of knowledge in the F&B industry, he spent years learning how to perfect the texture and flavour of his macarons. “I did not go to culinary school, it was self-taught. I had done a lot of research on how to make macarons,” he added.

4 years ago while on a long break from his former job, he took a trip to Paris to visit his sister and immediately fell in love with French desserts. He was intrigued by the flavours, textures and how each dessert was eye-catching and delicious. Ever since that trip, Ryan decided to put all of his time into making macarons.

One of their iconic signature flavours would definitely be the Salted Egg Yolk x Curry macaron. While most Singaporeans would be more familiar with the sweet macarons, we were pleasantly surprised when we first tried the Salted Egg Yolk x Curry flavour.

“The Salted Egg Yolk x Curry was inspired by a local all-time favourite dish, “salted egg yolk prawn”, it took us 3 months in order to achieve the right ratio and flavour layering!” he exclaimed.

With just one bite, you will be delighted with a mouthful of salty creamy egg yolk and curry spice flavours. It’s truly a rollercoaster ride for your tastebuds.

One of their best selling flavours would be the Lychee x White Chocolate. So if you’re not as adventurous and looking for something on the sweeter side then this is the perfect choice for you.

Ryan also mentioned that his personal favourite flavour would be the Ginger x Chocolate. The chocolate ganache is infused with blended ginger and a slice of candied ginger in the middle of the macaron which elevates the overall taste of the dessert.

Their macarons are also 100% handmade and natural – they use only natural extracts like fruit purée to get the colour and flavouring, so they can only produce limited quantities each day.

Since their first debut at Artbox 2017, they see more returning customers and are starting to take on more events. They have taken on events such as Winter Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay and a pop-up at Orchard Central back in August.

The M Plot does their macarons right. They’ve got everything from texture to the flavour nailed down and not only are they Instagram aesthetic worthy, they taste pretty damn good too.

They cater to events, parties or corporate so if you want to swap out that birthday cake for something unique, they’ve got you covered.

Check out The M Plot here!

The M Plot
Website

Also Read This Young S’porean Sells Traditional Nonya Kueh On Instagram Using His Ah Mah’s Recipes

(Header Image Source: The M Plot)

You Can Order Mao Shan Wang Durians Via GrabFood For Just $20/Box

Nothing unites Singaporeans like the love for durians.

Now if you love durians as much as the team at Discover SG, then you’ll understand the struggle of transporting your durians home especially if you don’t own a car.

You can’t bring durians on public transport and if you’re lucky, you might find a taxi driver that is willing to sacrifice his car for your durians.

To solve your durian dilemmas, Good Guy Grab is back with #GrabDurian so you can get fresh durians delivered to your doorstep!

Have Your Durian And Eat It Too

You’d be glad that #GrabDurian is back for the fourth year running and best part, delivery is free!

If you still haven’t got your durian fix or you’re just craving for more, GrabFood has got you covered from  27 – 29 July from 2 – 5pm.

All GrabDurians are 100% Pahang Mao Shan Wang. This is a province traditionally known for having exceptional MSW durians grown from old trees. The durians were freshly delivered to Singapore on the morning of the day that you would’ve received them.

Each box of GrabDurian costs S$20, and is guaranteed to have at least 400g of freshly de-shelled durian inside (at least one durian’s worth of flesh), packed for your convenience and ready to be consumed.

Here’s how you can order your GrabDurian:

1. Launch your GrabFood app from 27 to 29 July,  2 – 5pm 
2. Find “GrabDurian” under the Featured partners section at the top
3. Add as many box of durians as you like
4. Apply the ‘GRABDURIAN’ promo code to enjoy free delivery

Do take note that they only deliver to the following areas, and those within the vicinity of these locations: Jurong West, Jurong East, Bukit Panjang / Choa Chu Kang, Buona Vista, Tiong Bahru, Toa Payoh, Mountbatten, Bedok, Simei, Pasir Ris, Paya Lebar, Ang Mo Kio, Punggol, Yishun, Woodlands.

GrabDurian will be available for pre-orders at 1pm on Friday 27th July, and at 2pm for regular orders on Saturday and Sunday the 28th and 29th of July. Keep an eye on your GrabFood app then!

So what are you waiting for? Download the GrabFood app so you and your family can enjoy freshly picked durians delivered to your doorstep this Friday!

#GrabDurian
When: 27 – 29 July, 2 – 5pm
Download the GrabFood App here: Apple | Google Play

Also Read Popeyes Goes Local With Their Limited Edition Fried Mantou Sliders With Chilli Soft Shell Crab

(Header Image Source: Grab, Discover SG)

8 Unique And Underrated Photo Spots In S’pore Along The Downtown Line

If classic shots of Singapore’s skyline and landmarks aren’t your thing, keep reading.

We get your Instagram struggles. You’re sick of seeing photos taken at Coney Island and Tuas Lalang Field.

So we’re here to save your Instagram feed from being #basic. We found a couple of Instagram-worthy places along the Downtown Line so you can up your photography game.

1. Tekka Market Mural

Little India has always been a vibrant, upbeat neighbourhood with plenty of things to see and do. Did we mention that there’s plenty of murals scattered around Little india?

If the weather is too hot or you’d rather stay in a shaded area, there’s a colourful mural right at Tekka Market itself! Best part, Tekka Market is a 3 minute walk from Little India MRT so you don’t have to lug your bags and heavy cameras in this crazy heat.

If you do plan on going on an early weekend morning, do take note that Tekka Market can get pretty crowded and crazy. Just be patient and get your cameras ready for the perfect shot.

Tekka Market Mural
Address: 665 Buffalo & Serangoon Roads, Little India
Nearest MRT: Little India MRT, Exit C

2. Stalls Along Little India

Who would’ve thought that fruit stalls would make a good backdrop for your couple shots? You can find plenty of stalls selling fresh produce all around Little India. The stall owners are really friendly as well so don’t be afraid to approach them for a picture!

Just remember to be respectful and TRY not to drop the fruits on the floor.

Nearest MRT: Little India MRT (DT12)

3. Little India Alleyways

One of our favourite things about Little India would definitely be their alleyways. Sure, they’re not the most romantic or cleanest place to shoot at but it makes for an amazing street photo.

Besides, there’s barely any crowd at these alleyways. So go ahead and act crazy and take your wildest shots!

If you’re lucky, you might just find an abandoned Mustafa Centre Trolley which will be an extremely useful prop for your pictures.

Nearest MRT: Little India MRT (DT12)

4. Mustafa Centre

There are 1001 reasons why Mustafa Centre is the greatest place to have ever existed in Singapore. Every week, tens of thousands of people shuffle their way through Mustafa’s narrow aisles in search for a ‘fun’ way to pass their day.

The interior of Mustafa Centre is confusing enough to put The Maze Runner to shame. This also means that there are plenty of hidden photo opportunity spots so keep your eyes peeled for them!

Who would’ve thought that you could find a mini Gardens By The Bay in Mustafa Centre?Image Credit: Melissa Chan | Vulcan Post

Sike. We found a row of flowers on the 3rd floor of Mustafa Centre and decided that it’d be the perfect backdrop to fool all your friends with. Tag Gardens By The Bay on your picture and your friends probably can’t even tell the difference.

If you’re into all things retro and you believe that John Lennon is the next closest thing to God, then you’ll be pleased to know that Mustafa Centre has an aisle dedicated to old school vinyl records. You’ll find everything from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay here.

Do take note that the aisles are pretty narrow so be smart and try not to block others from viewing the vinyls!

Mustafa Centre
Address: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
Nearest MRT: Little India MRT (DT12)

5. Rubbish Dumps along 632 & 634 Veerasamy Road

Yes, you read that right.

This amazing wall is in fact a rubbish dump. Go right around the corner and you’ll find a long wall with this quirky mural. Get creative with your poses and you might just get that perfect shot. No one can tell that you took this shot at a rubbish dump.

The smell? Trust us, it wasn’t that bad.

Rubbish Dumps
Address: 632 Veerasamy Road
Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT22)

6. Selegie House

Now that National Day is just around the corner, here’s where you can go to show your love for Singapore. This is the perfect place to get that very Singaporean shot for your Instagram.

We highly recommend bringing a friend here in case you’d like to take a photo like this.

Do note that this is a residential area so be respectful of the neighbours!

Selegie House
Address: Blk 8 & 9, Selegie Road
Nearest MRT: Rochor MRT (DT13)

7. Bhai Sarbat Stall

If you’re a Bugis crawler, then you know that this is the BEST place to get your teh tarik fix after a long day. Previously known as the “No Name Teh Sarabat Stall”, they have finally gone digital and created their very own Instagram account AND fixed a shop signboard to help wondering Singaporeans and clueless tourists to find their stall!

Whether you love teh or not, buy a cup (or two) and strike a pose.

Check out their Instagram page here!

Bhai Sarbat Stall
Address: 21 Bussorah St, Singapore 199439
Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (DT14)

8. Queen Street Bus Terminal

This terminal serves buses and taxis which take passengers to and from Malaysia.

Before the taxi terminal was built in 1984, taxis plying between Singapore and Johor Bahru parked at Rochor Road. The bus terminal started in 1985, bringing Malaysia-bound buses – which previously picked up passengers from bus stops at Queen Street and Waterloo Street, all under one roof!

If you’re looking for that old school vibe, this bus stop will give you that P.Ramlee and Saloma or Yuen Wah and Yuen Qiu feels.

The best time to check out this place would be in the evening so you can catch that golden hour glow!

Queen Street Bus Terminal
Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (DT14)

Have we inspired you? Now that you know these places, it’s your turn to grab your cameras and some friends and go on an Instagram adventure!

Do you know of any places we should go to next? Let us know!

Also Read 9 S’porean Photographers To Follow On IG Who Actually Shoot, Not Steal, Photos

(Header Image Source: Melissa Chan | Vulcan Post)

This Young S’porean Sells Traditional Nonya Kueh On Instagram Using His Ah Mah’s Recipes

Making Nonya Kueh is not a typical career path most Singaporean men would take fresh out of National Service.

Most of us would dream of being teachers, doctors, engineers but this 23 year old decided to take on a whole new challenge and sell Nonya Kueh using his Ah Mah’s recipes.

Meet Keith Su, a 23 year old whose love for kueh spurred him to take his fondness for pastries a step further – by making them from his kitchen and selling them on Instagram (@ahmahzingsg).

Exploring Traditional Food With Ah Mah

Operating out of his kitchen in his family flat in Ang Mo Kio, Keith started taking in orders in April 2018, selling nonya treats like Kueh Salat and Kueh Bingka Ubi via Ahmahzing‘s Instagram Account.

The name is a play on  the words ‘ah mah’ (meaning grandma, in hokkien) and ‘amazing’.

“I wanted a name that reflects the concept of heritage and tradition,” he shares. Which led him to to think about his grandparents and that his happiest childhood memories stem from being pampered by ah mah.

“While I was serving National Service, I spent my free time visiting public libraries and borrowing cookbooks,” he added.

He would study the recipes and experimented with them until he got it right.

“The Kueh Salat took me about four attempts before I actually got it right and when I did, the feeling of satisfaction was indescribable,” he quipped. His first successful attempt at making the technically-challenging Kueh Salat, spurred him on to try other recipes, building up his repertoire, one kueh at a time.

It wasn’t just the positive comments he received that spurred him on, it was his personal interest and love for kueh that motivated him to do better.

While most millennials would prefer a sugar-packed cupcake to a more traditional Ang Ku Kueh, Keith believes that kueh is something that we are all familiar or grew up with, and hence we will crave for it from time to time. It is this symbolic value about kueh that makes it more than just a commoditised product.

One of the best-tasting kueh in his arsenal would definitely be the Ang Ku Kueh. The chewy red skin is made from sweet potato which he boils and then mashes before adding coconut milk and oil to get that supple, chewy texture. Tucked within is generous filling of mung beans.

Keith also recently started selling Soon Kueh which took a lot of trial and error to get the right texture and thickness of the skin. He shared that the Soon Kueh requires a lot of effort from start to finish: from slicing the turnip into thin strips, to rolling out the dough and stuffing them into dumplings. Lots of attention to detail is required to ensure that the dumplings are not overstuffed or else they will split open while steaming.

Always on the adventure to explore other kinds of Kueh, Keith expressed that his current interest is in Teochew Kueh. He is also intrigued by the Hainanese Yi Buah, which is less commonly known. He also plans on doing more pop-ups and looking at more locations to set up shop. Who knows, Ahmahzing might just set up shop at a neighbourhood near you.

“Kueh is more than just a snack; it is part of our childhood and unique to our local culture,” he added.

I mean, let’s be real. Most of us would rather eat a real good Kueh Salat over a lemon meringue tart any day.

Interested in Keith’s homemade Nonya Kueh? Check out Ahmahzing’s Instagram page and maybe order a few for your Ah Mah to try!

Ahmahzing
Website

Also Read Meet S’pore’s Spice Boy And His Muji-Style Spice Shop In AMK

(Header Image Source: @ahmahzingsg)

Work Out At Singapore’s First 24-Hr Container Gym For Only $7/Hr

My 2018 New Year’s Resolution was to get fit and stay in shape.

I told myself,

“Alright, time to get a gym membership, get new workout clothes, a yoga mat and start fresh!”

This resolution of mine only stuck for a month because 1. gym memberships are CRAZY expensive and 2. all those hulk-like bodybuilders can be pretty intimidating.

Besides, all they do is grunt and hog the equipments 90% of the time.

Just recently, I was introduced to a 24 hour container gym that is automated and only charges you based on the hours you book your pod for. Talk about a dream come true.

Time To Get Fit Fam

The Gym Pod is Singapore’s first 24 hours automated container smart gym. It is designed such that you can enjoy an undisturbed and private workout at anytime of your choosing.

Thanks to The Gym Pod, you can now have your very own private gym containers to exercise in. This is a complete dream come true for those who can’t deal with the crowd! No more competing for gym equipments with other gym goers and crazy gym memberships.

The Gym Pod doesn’t come with a buffet-spread worth of gym equipments but you can definitely get the basics such as a treadmill, dumbbells ranging from 1kg to 20kg, an adjustable bench as well as a guided weight-plate-loaded bar, also known as a Smith Machine.

Their equipments may not be as fancy as compared to a typical gym, but they’re sufficient to provide you with enough challenging exercises to build your body in a safe way.

But the best part of this container gym is definitely the fact that they only charge you $7/hour. They don’t run on memberships so you no longer have to stress out about that gym membership you’re paying for every month.

First-timers get to enjoy a free hour of workout as well!

Users are not allowed to stay in the gym for hours in one session which means you get guaranteed access to space and gym equipments at your booked timings. You get your own private space to workout and not be affected by crowds as the gym container only fits a max of 3 people at each time.

Open all day, every day, feel free to gym away past midnight if that’s what you like. Don’t worry, the gym is fully automated and monitored 24/7 for your safety.

The process is entirely fuss-free. After your successful booking, a SMS with a 4 digit passcode of The Gym Pod’s door at the location of your choosing will be sent to you.

At the time of your booking, simply go to The Gym Pod, key in the 4 digit passcode, and you can enter and start your workout!

While there’s only 1 pod at located at the JTC Launchpad (next to Timbre+) for now, the lovely people being The Gym Pod are working with authorities now to place more Gym Pods at convenient locations.

Or, you can drop them an email of your suggested location and who knows, you might just see a Gym Pod near your place.

Gymming in Singapore just got a whole lot easier and a lot less intimidating. So, who’s up for a good workout session?

The Gym Pod
Address: JTC Launchpad @ one-north, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore 139957
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Price: $7/hour
Website

Also Read Cycle Up A 7-Storey Carpark In This Race – Don’t Say You’re ‘Two-Tyred’ For It

(Header Image Source: The Gym Pod Facebook)

Forget Geylang – This Durian Stall In Punggol Is A Hidden Gem, Serves Everything From D24 To MSW

The thing about us durian lovers is that we’re all slightly crazy.

There’s just something about this thorny, creamy, pungent fruit that sparks a certain obsession in us.

Durian season is back in full swing and we definitely can’t wait to stuff our faces with durians. We recently came across a Durian spot that was set up “For Punggolians, By Punggolians”. Of course we had to check this place out.

Know Your Liu Lian

When we hear Punggol, we only think of BTOs and….Waterway Point? If you’re a hardcore durian fan then you know the best places with old school durian sellers would be in Geylang.

Nonetheless, we headed down to Durian Empire at Punggol Plaza to check what the hype is all about.

We arrived at 7pm but there was already a long queue of Singaporeans waiting for their durians. And just like any typical Singaporean, we joined in the fun because our mothers always say, “Long queue means must be good”.

The queue may seem intimidating but it was constantly moving so you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for too long. They even gave out complimentary bottled water for their customers – 10/10 service.

We met with Martin, one of the founders of Durian Empire to ask him every question we ever wanted to ask a Durian Seller.

1. How do I know if the durian I picked is fresh?

A lot of people assume that watery durians are not good quality durians, but some people prefer this over the more creamier durians. So “freshness” is subjective in a sense.

Sometimes some durians may look good on the outside but the inside may still be underripe. You can also hit the durian to hear if it makes a “hollow” sound.

2. Are the durians that are pre-packed in plastic/styrofoam sold in supermarkets fresh?

I think most Singaporeans don’t really like the packaged ones because of their perception that they’re “low-quality durians”. A lot of my friends have feed-backed that a lot of durian sellers pack the nice looking durians on the first row and the bad ones on the second row.

We want to be honest and have a long term relationship with our customers instead.

3. Do names (D24, Mao Shan Wang, Jin Feng) really matter?

The taste is really different. Taste is really subjective.

Not everyone loves Mao Shan Wang, some prefer XO because of the texture. Last time, I don’t think they got all these different types of durians. Only now, because of the cross-breeds, there’s all these different durians like Black Thorn etc.

4. Is there a sequence to eating durians?

Yes there is. Because of the overwhelming taste, if you taste something too strong and then go for the lighter one afterwards, it will just cover all the flavours and you won’t taste anything at all.

You should eat the lighter ones first and save the stronger ones for last. For example, go for the D13, XO and save the Mao Shan Wang for last.

5. What durian would you recommend for first timers who are intimidated by the taste and smell of this fruit?

D13. This durian is not so overwhelming.

I would compare the D13 durian to cheddar because the taste is milder. The Musang King is like Blue Cheese because it is more flavourful. The Musang King is an acquired taste because not everyone would like the overwhelming flavour.

6. Are you sick of durian yet?

I still enjoy durian a lot. I’m not here every day so I don’t face durians as often as they (his colleagues) do.

I’m still okay, I still enjoy my durian.

The durians sold at Durian Empire are extremely cheap now. Their Mao Shan Wang durians are going for as low as $13/kg and their D13 for $8/kg. If you’re looking for a durian feast with your makan kaki, then this is the perfect place for you.

https://www.facebook.com/durianempiresg/photos/a.680391182164265.1073741828.675783929291657/783596661843716/?type=3&theater

We tried two different MSW, one from JB and the other from Pahang. Both had intense flavours but I prefer the one from Pahang. It had a slight nutty taste to it making it not as jelak as the one from JB.

The Pahang MSW’s flesh was thicker and had a heavier bitterness as compared to the JB MSW which was more watery and had a sharper sweetness to it. We tried their D13 and XO durians as well. Although not as intense as the MSW, they definitely did not lack in flavour.

Their selection of durians are definitely some of the best I’ve had in Singapore. They were smooth, creamy and almost buttery even. The durian instantly melts in your mouth once you eat it.

In other words, you know its a good durian when you go “OOOOOHHH” or “AAAHHH” on your first bite. It was shiok lah.

The durians here are so good that they have customers from Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang coming all the way to Punggol for their durians. Now that’s what you call dedication.

Unfortunately they don’t do delivery but if you’re lucky, you might just be able to reserve some durians for yourself if there’s enough for the walk-in customers as well.

If you’re a durian connoisseur, then you can’t miss out on the best and freshest durians from Durian Empire.

Durian Empire
Address: 168 Punggol Field, Punggol Plaza B1 Atrium, Singapore 820168
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 4:30pm – 11pm, Fri – Sat: 4:30pm – 12:00 am
Website

Also Read Stuff Your Face With Cake At This Bake Sale Pop-Up – Happens Every Weekend Till August

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

A Poke Theory Is S’pore’s First Halal Poke Place – Customise Your Bowls From $9.90

If there’s one thing I’ve noticed growing up as a Muslim in Singapore would be the lack of healthy Halal-certified food options.

Most salad bars and poke bowl restaurants in Singapore aren’t halal so imagine my happiness when A Poke Theory finally announced that they finally got their Halal-certification.

Of course I had to head down and try it out for myself and finally understand what the hype surrounding poke bowls are all about.

Life’s Too Short To Eat Bad Food

If you have no idea what poke bowls are, it’s a traditional Hawaiian “salad” filled with rice, covered with chunks of raw, marinated fish (usually tuna) and topped with lots of vegetables and umami-packed sauces.

What you get is an Instagram-worthy poke bowl that looks good and tastes amazing as well!

In Hawaii, it’s often found everywhere, from gas stations to roadside stands. Diners get to pick out the kind of poke they want and get it to go in a Styrofoam container.

Stepping into A Poke Theory instantly brought me back to the time I first had my poke bowl in LA. It’s modern, minimal and even the music selection was a 10 out of 10. Definitely a great place to gather your friends or family for a healthy meal.

A Poke Theory has been around since July 2016 and it only made sense for them to move towards feeding a community even larger than what they they were already catering for.

There were several major changes that the owner, Joey Lee, and his head chef had to make to the recipes in order to maintain the same taste and quality. They spent over 3 weeks making changes to the soy sauce which was a major part of the marinade as well as coming up with their own furikake which took over a month and half.

Despite all the delays and challenges that they faced, they managed to re-engineer their prized marinades with Halal-certified ingredients to achieve the same taste as their original non-Halal marinades.

I spoke to one of the founders of A Poke Theory, Joey Lee, who is the mastermind behind all the recipe creations.

“Normally if you already have a winning formula, you wouldn’t want to change it. However, if we can make the Halal ingredients taste the same or even improve the recipe, it pushes us out of our comfort zone.”

In fact, they taste almost similar that regular customers could barely see the change in the recipes as adaptations to include Halal ingredients have already been incorporated to gradually over the last 4 months so as to keep quality control at its peak.

Ordering a Poke bowl here is simple. All you have to do is pick a size ($9.90, $12.90, $15.90), your choice of base, poke (up to 2 options), free toppings and additional premium toppings that are freshly made daily.

If it’s your first time ordering a poke bowl, we highly recommend you getting the Lemon Herb Quinoa which pairs really well with the poke. It’s definitely a lighter option as compared to the signature sushi rice.

Be adventurous and get both the tuna and salmon! Their two best-selling poke would be the Spicy Garlic Sesame Tuna and Avocado Miso Salmon. The Avocado Miso sauce is a hit at A Poke Theory as the sauce is thick and creamy from the combination of olive oil, fresh spinach leaves and greek yoghurt. No mayo is included which makes it completely healthy and guilt-free!

They’ll be releasing new seasonal special flavours as well. Diners can look forward to their Romesco Salmon soon which is a bold step away from their typical Asian flavours.

With the smallest bowl priced at $9.90, it’s definitely an affordable and healthy lunch option especially if you’re working around the CBD areas.

If you’re looking for a healthy sweet treat, A Poke Theory makes gorgeous looking Superfood smoothie bowls which makes for a great post-gym fuel or after-work tête-à-têtes.

Swap your morning coffee for their cold pressed juices which ais packed with lotsa wholesome goodness, all bottled and ready to go for you. Their juice recipes are improvised from whatever leftover ingredients which is in line with A Poke Theory’s aim to minimise food wastage and making the most out of anything salvageable.

For those can’t get enough of their premium toppings especially their highly raved ‘Spiced Roasted Cashews’, you can get them in to-go snack packs for $6 each.

Look no further when it comes to healthy lunch options, pop by A Poke Theory for affordable and fresh poke bowls that won’t leave you in a post-lunch food coma.

A Poke Theory (Telok Ayer)
Address: 27 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069623
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm, Saturdays: 11am – 4pm, Closed Sundays & Public Holidays
Contact No.: 6904 8189

A Poke Theory (Bugis)
Address: #01-36/37, DUO Galleria, 7 Fraser St, Singapore 189356
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 9pm,  Sat – Sun: 11am – 4pm, Closed on major Public Holidays

A Poke Theory (Kent Ridge)
Address: #02-12, One@KentRidge, 1 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119082
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm,  Sat – Sun: 11am – 3.30pm, Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

A Poke Theory (Marina One)
Address: #B2-52, Marina One, The Heart, 5 Straits View, Singapore 018935
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm,  Closed on Weekends & Public Holidays
Contact No.: 6284 3100
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(Header Image Source: @apoketheory)

ZoukOut 2018 Returns This December For 1 Day Only – DVLM Among Headliners

Rally your squad and get ready for this year’s edition of ZoukOutSG!

After five years as a 2-day music festival, ZoukOut returns to Singapore this year as a 1-day festival.

Taking place on December 1 on the shores of Sentosa Siloso beach, this year’s event will feature a full-fledged festival site complete with a food village, custom installations, mind-blowing stage production as well as roving acts.

Are You Ready?

Headlined by the likes of Marshmello and DJ Snake last year, the ZoukOut 2018 line-up is set to be packed with a stellar and diverse line-up of international, regional and local acts across dance music genres.

Acclaimed DJ duo Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike also known as DVLM, will be making their Singapore debut. This will also be their only performance in Southeast Asia this year!

Known for their massive hits like “When I Grow Up” featuring Wiz Khalifa and “Tremor” with Martin Garrix, this duo can’t be missed. They were also awarded the second spot in DJ MAG’s 2017 Top 100 DJ list, arguably making them the biggest EDM duo in recent years.

https://www.facebook.com/ZoukOutOfficial/videos/1697669233660252/

Tickets for ZoukOut2018 will be sold in 3 phases.

Phase 1: Super Early Bird (6 July ONLY)

General Admission –  $98

*Only 300 tickets available. Exclusive for DBS Live Fresh cardmembers.

Phase 2: Early Bird (6 – 23 July)

General Admission – $128

*For DBS/POSB card members and Zouk members only

**First 100 tickets purchased with DBS LIVE FRESH cards receives Priority Entry access

Phase 3: Advanced (24 July – 14 Sept)

General Admission – $148

Bundle for 4 – $580

Standing VIP – $248

*10% discount for DBS/POSB card members (limited to first 500 tickets)

Regular (15 Sept – 30 Nov)

General Admission – $158

Bundle for 4 – $620

Standing VIP – $248

At The Door (1 Dec)

General Admission – $178

The limited super early bird tickets are now available on their site! Hurry and get your tickets to save yourselves some tears and regrets.

While no other details surrounding ZoukOut have been released, this year’s festival will be one partygoers definitely can’t miss!

In the mean time, here’s what went down at ZoukOut last year,

https://www.facebook.com/ZoukOutOfficial/videos/1734441353316373/?hc_ref=ARSGtWLOs5C7WR4xahimGG1FQY0lgtYHVcRn70ysCRpQ214SbWHgq2CvaN-3XOiZg3E&fref=nf

ZoukOut 2018
Date: 1 December 2018
Ticket Prices: From $98 – $178 (General Admission)
Website

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(Header Image Source: ZoukOut Facebook)