Author: Natalie Choy

9 Sneakers So Timeless, You’ll Never Go Out Of Style With Them

Who says we’re sloppy dressers? Walk down Orchard Road and you will easily find Singaporeans clad in the latest kicks. Sneakers have taken the sartorial world by storm, and we are well caught up in this booming trend. Casual, comfortable and effortlessly chic, these shoes are going beyond functional footwear, fast evolving into a wardrobe staple.

However, with new styles and colourways dropping faster than you can say hypebeast, it can be challenging to hop on the sneaker bandwagon and actually stay on it. Here’s our take on 9 classic designs that have stood the test of time – if you could only wear one pair of shoes for the rest of your life, one of these will be it.

1. Adidas Stan Smith

S$119-339, available at Image credit: Image credit: Saints and selected Nike outlets 

5. New Balance 574

[caption id="attachment_11494" align="aligncenter" width="700"] source: hypebeast[/caption]

Fans of New Balance, you probably already own a pair of 574s – the label’s mothership model. This is the most popular sneaker from the brand’s lifestyle and retro category, and has since been released in every colourway imaginable. Versatile, casual and wearable, the 574s deserve a permanent place on the shelf.

S$74.90, available at New Balance Concept store

6. Adidas Superstar

This three-striped sneaker with its all-leather upper and iconic shell-toe design needs no further introduction. Superstars were inspired by basketball shoes in the 70’s and are deeply favoured by indie punks, basketball fans and high street models alike. It made a phenomenal resurgence in 2014, and shows no signs of abating.

S$149, available at selected Adidas outlets 

7. Puma Suede

First made popular by Olympic track star Tommie Smith and legendary basketball player Walt Frazier, the Suede has remained a highly coveted pair of Puma kicks to date. The classy suede upper and stitched rubber outsole scream retro chic. Pair this with jeans and you’re good to go.

S$79-129, available at selected Puma outlets 

8. Nike Cortez

A pioneer in the running world, the Nike Cortez is a long time cult favourite amongst sneaker fans. It is one of the first sneakers that kickstarted the athleisure trend, and has since been released in many different colourways. Our favourite will always be the original Cortez Classic with its varsity red Nike Swoosh and herringbone patterned outsole.

S$99.90, available at selected Nike outlets

9. Onitsuka Tiger Corsair

The Corsair oozes old school cool. Its track shoe silhouette and iconic curvaceous ‘tiger stripes’ weaving on the sides have crowned it one of the most recognisable and timeless sneakers of all time. It strikes the perfect balance between timeless and retro – an ideal pair for everyday casual wear.

S$99.90, available at Onitsuka Tiger stores and selected Tangs outlets

While it is not easy to keep up with volatile sneaker trends, you don’t need to sell and arm and a leg to own all the latest releases in an attempt to stay in style. Sometimes all you need to do is to stick to the classics – a pair of timeless kicks goes a long way.

(header image: askavetquestion)

Also, read Rope Yoga & Kitesurfing? 6 Thrilling Sports For Adrenaline Junkies

Besides Nathan Hartono, Check Out These 6 Local Youtubers Too!

The age-old notion that Singaporeans don’t have talent has since been debunked by the rise of singer-songwriter Joel Tan (better known as Gentle Bones), folk-pop quartet The Sam Willows, comedy-skit channels Wah! Banana and Night Owl Cinematics, and recently trending Nathan Hartono who impressed even Jay Chou! These promising local YouTubers have been making waves online, spearheading the blossoming YouTube scene here.

While we sing along to Geniuses & Thieves in the shower, swoon over Ben Kheng’s ridiculously perfect facial features, and share every NOC video on Facebook, you will be elated to know that #localpride doesn’t stop here – we have shed light on 6 other undiscovered local YouTubers that are equally deserving of your support.

1. Cilla Chan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYQkN3mxu-A

Cilla has definitely put our tiny nation on the musical map by being the first Singaporean to appear on The Voice, one of the world’s biggest singing competition. Her powerful vocals and stripped-down arrangements of some of our favourite pop hits are sure to win you over. I mean, country music sensation Blake Shelton swivelled his chair around for a reason.

YouTube: cillachan429
Instagram: @cilla_chan

2. Jude Young

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr7m6ivx08w

22-year-old Jude Young is an emerging musician in the local scene with a strong sense of individuality. This home-grown lyrical genius took his music a notch higher by penning “Waves of Tomorrow”, a heartfelt, patriotic number for last year’s SG50 celebrations. Jude has since gone on to drop a new single this year, “Young”, an empowering anthem about chasing your dreams and seizing the day.

YouTube: splatterdashed
Instagram: judeyoungmusic

3. Howard Chan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFFuNkiB9tE

It’s hard to believe that this soulful, multi-talented YouTuber is barely 20. Possibly our budding, local equivalent of international YouTube star Kurt Hugo Schneider, Howard produces, arranges and mixes all of his covers on YouTube. Check out his rendition of Sorry by Justin Bieber – he makes it entirely his own!

YouTube: howducation
Instagram: howardchanman

4. Jonathan Chan (Jawn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBdZqB0kjs

Jonathan Chan, who goes by his stage name Jawn, is a melancholic crooner with gravelly vocals. His country-folk single, “Fade to Black”, tells a bittersweet tale of letting someone go and wishing them well. Fans of John Mayer and James Bay, we reckon you will really dig Jawn’s music. We’re loving the raw and heartfelt lyrics in his original songs.

YouTube: thetumbleweedproject
Instagram: jawnchan

5. Sabrina Lim (SabyLoves)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlZajE08Rx4

Local talent should not be limited to music. Independent designer Sabrina Lim – or SabyLoves on YouTube – takes to this video-sharing platform to showcase her artistic craft talent. Using polymer clay, Sabrina moulds everything from kaya toast to our favourite chilli crab. Apart from her DIY clay miniatures, Sabrina also gives us a glimpse of her bubbly personality by sharing her first world problems in the form of light-hearted and entertaining sit-down videos.

YouTube: sabyloves
Instagram: sabyloves

6. Roseanne Tang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymZVrm69tH8

This beauty guru is a professional make-up artist with her own beauty school, Bloom by Roseanne. When she is not busy conducting make-up classes, Roseanne channels her passion for make-up in the form of beauty tutorials and product reviews on YouTube channel. Her easy-going personality paired with her vast knowledge of make-up makes her videos both informative and engaging. Check out her latest hot pink lips make-up tutorial – perfect for our sunny climate.

YouTube: roseannetangrs
Instagram: roseannetangrs

These six individuals are just a handful of many rising local YouTubers with so much to offer. There is a strong sense of pride in witnessing our fellow Singaporeans flourish, fearlessly chasing their dreams in a highly competitive industry. It is time to #supportlocal and show some love to these aspiring home-grown talents.

Also, read The Perfect Shot – DarylAiden’s Photography Journey & DreaChong

Can You Believe It? This Dinner In Singapore Costs SGD $2.7M!

Money can’t buy you everything, but lots (and lots) of it – SGD $2.7M to be exact – can now buy you the world’s most expensive dining experience in Singapore.

Russian diamond group World of Diamonds (WOD) and Credit: by Rezwana Manjur[/caption]

Most Expensive Dining Experience – Getting There

This eight-hour expensive dining experience with your partner kicks off with a 45-minute helicopter ride. The ride will give you an unobstructed view of the city skyline against the backdrop of a setting sun. A Rolls-Royce pulls over upon landing, and you proceed to get chauffeured in style to catch a luxury private cruise along the Singapore River. This opulent river adventure ultimately takes you to your end destination – Marina Bay Sands.

source: cnn[/caption]

2.08-carat Jane Seymour Vivid Blue Diamond Ring

Fireworks promptly go off in the night sky as your approach the end of your meal. The starry highlight of the evening – a 2.08-carat Jane Seymour Vivid Blue diamond ring – is presented alongside Louis XII de Rémy Martin cognac to cap off the expensive dining experience. This masterpiece of a jewellery is in a class of its own. Blue diamonds of this size and saturation are known to be among the rarest and most sought after gems in the world. An overnight stay at this 5-star hotel is complimentary, if desired. You will wake up the following morning wanting to relive the moment over and over again.

[caption id="attachment_11099" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] Credit: by Rezwana Manjur[/caption]

Be it a wedding proposal, an anniversary or a celebration of a good, good life, this elaborate execution by WOD and CÉ LA VI is one of epic proportions. There is a catch, though – this diamond-studded package will only be sold to qualified individuals. You will need both the riches and the fame to be worthy of this beyond royalty experience. The rest of us? We can just dream.

(Header image source: by Rezwana Manjur, words by editor)

Also, read Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

Orchard Road has always been a convening point for us Singaporeans. It is a glitzy, world-famous shopping stretch that is adorned with restaurants dishing out fine dining selections. However, when it comes to eating at Orchard, we know how you feel; hunting down affordable (apart from fast food) comfort food can be tougher than scouting out the best bargains during GSS.

If you’ve got your head in your hands about what to eat at Orchard, fret not! We’ve discovered this hidden food gem of a place, and we’re letting the cat out of the bag. The reopening of Food Opera at Set C ($25)[/caption]

The white bee hoon at this new stall differs slightly from the Singaporean version we’re familiar with – Xing Lou’s unique rendition has wok-fried vermicelli simmered in shellfish gravy. The gravy is not as viscous as our local version but has a complex depth of flavour and a sweet aftertaste. The bee hoon has an ultra-soft, springy bite that breaks easily with each mouthful.

We all know how grimy stale seafood tastes like, and Xing Lou goes the extra mile to ensure this never happens. Expect only the freshest of crustaceans as seafood is imported from Endau, one of Malaysia‘s largest fishing ports, almost every other day.

Set C is perfect for sharing as it comes with a generous serving of bee hoon and an impressive seafood medley of prawns, crayfish, scallops and clams. If you’re not into sharing (we totally understand), you can opt to have your own bee hoon with any crustacean of your choice from just $6.90.

2. Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh

[caption id="attachment_10887" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Signature Prime Ribs ($10.50)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10888" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Claypot Tofu ($8.70)[/caption]

Bak kut teh (pork bone soup) has always been a familiar favourite; a warm and comforting broth that fills both your heart and stomach with joy on a cold day. Ya Hua, a long-time contender in the bak kut teh scene, is helmed by founder Madam Gwee Peck Hua who believes in cooking healthy, unpretentious food that is humble yet comforting at best.

This bak kut teh recipe of hers underwent countless revisions after years of trial and error before the broth was finally perfected. Boiled for hours, the soup is flavourful with just the right hint of pepper – it won’t leave that burning sensation down your throat, yet will warm the cockles of your heart. The meat is well-cooked and tender and glides off the bone effortlessly. If you find chewing off the pork bone a hassle, Ya Hua also has a boneless sliced pork soup option ($7.50) – now you’ve got no excuses.

Apart from her iconic bak kut teh, Madam Gwee has also introduced new, homely dishes into her menu at her new stall. The Claypot Tofu – silken tofu simmered with steamed egg and pork balls – is laced with a nostalgic taste of home. Every mouthful of this humble dish will remind you of grandma’s cooking.

3. Ah Yat Kitchen

[caption id="attachment_10890" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ah Yat Shredded Roasted Chicken with Fries ($6.50)[/caption]

Ah Yat may be a new tenant at Food Opera, but it has been a household name since the 1970s. While they’re undeniably known for their abalone, do give their Roasted Chicken a try! With meticulous care, the chicken is marinated and roasted to coax out flavours that will delight your taste buds. After the chicken is roasted to perfection, it is seasoned with sesame oil and sesame seeds to further enhance the flavour of this traditional Chinese dish.

The texture of the shredded chicken is impeccable – you won’t have to worry about it being too dry! All these tedious preparations contribute to fragrant, hand-pulled chicken so tender you have to try it to believe it – it might possibly give your favourite Hainanese chicken rice stall a run for its money. For $6.50, you get a quarter-chicken serving of meat and a choice of crispy fries or a bowl of rice on the side.

Another gem to try Ah Yat would be their Abalone Baked Rice ($8.80); a fragrant and delectable mix of egg fried rice with baby abalone.

4. Scotts Hwa Heng Beef Noodle

[caption id="attachment_10891" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Beef Noodle Combo Set Meal ($7.50). Credit:

Fishball Noodle ($5.50)[/caption]

Fishball noodle – a satisfying, fuss-free Singaporean dish that needs no further introduction. Forget about all day breakfast! Fishball noodle has been a go-to for breakfast, lunch and even supper for as long as we can remember.

Here at Li Xin, they take great pride in serving quality, handmade fishballs. Their fresh fishballs are made of top-grade yellowtail fish meat and chilled in cold water (no freezing!) to ensure freshness. According to second-generation owner Mr. Eddie Lim, this is an age-old method used to keep the fishballs bouncy and succulent. These rustic balls have a unique, ‘meaty’ texture to them – a world apart from the processed ones you find in supermarkets, in a good way of course.

The dry version of their mee pok noodles is tossed in an otherworldly concoction of chilli and ketchup, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It does not have that strong vinegar sourness but rather a mild, tangy aftertaste, much like good sourdough bread. As for its soup counterpart, the broth is refreshingly addictive – you will be down to your last slurp before you know it. Fans of pork lard, you’re in luck. Li Xin is extremely generous with their self-prepared, fried pork lard – sinful at best but irresistibly good.

6. Riverside Indonesian BBQ

[caption id="attachment_10894" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ayam Panggang Set ($6.50)[/caption]

You can’t call yourself a true blue Singaporean if you haven’t heard of Riverside. We’re kidding, it’s never too late to introduce this hearty dish into your world. Their bestseller, the Ayam Panggang (Indonesian grilled chicken) set, heralds snaking queues at Food Opera daily.

Riverside goes to great lengths to serve this scrumptious dish. The chicken thigh is first dipped in a secret sauce – a combination of Indonesia spices. After being set to rest, the thigh is barbequed till it exudes a smoky aroma. That’s not all! Before being served, the thigh is dipped in a homemade special black sauce. This is THE sauce that defines their legendary ayam panggang.

The dish is served with a slab of omelette, homemade sambal chilli and rice slathered with curry gravy. The coconut-heavy curry is slightly on the sweeter end and is not too spicy, so go ahead and raise the spice level with their killer sambal chilli. All in all, this divine combination of grilled chicken in black sweet sauce, rice smothered with curry and sambal chilli gets a resounding nod of approval from us – and probably half the population in Singapore already.

Seafood lovers, you can also rejoice! Riverside serves up equally delish BBQ squid and fish too.

7.  Padang Padang

[caption id="attachment_10897" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ikan Assam Pedas ($3.50),
Ayam Kari ($3.50/drumstick or $5.50/quarter chicken)[/caption]

If you, like every other Singaporean, live for cai png (economical rice), then this Indonesian version of our everyday staple provides a refreshing twist. You are more than free to mix and match a variety of meats and vegetables that are prepared daily, but we’d say go straight for the Ayam Kari and Ikan Assam Pedas.

The Padangnese-style ayam kari is essentially chicken simmered in a rich, coconut curry gravy that boasts a blend of at least seven spices. The chicken has a firm, silky texture and slides off the bone with a simple tug.

The ikan assam pedas, on the other hand, is a sour-spicy stingray dish prepared with a medley of fresh laksa leaves, tamarind and lemongrass – so rejuvenating, it’s almost like a wake-up call for your taste buds. The stingray is fresh with a nice succulent texture. We absolutely love the spot-on tanginess of the gravy – it is not too sour and has an addictive aftertaste that leaves you salivating for more.

The folks behind Padang Padang only cook with raw spices specially imported from Indonesia. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Padang Padang uses no preservatives or MSG in any of their dishes. Kudos to them! We now have the liberty to order anything here without setting the MSG alarms off.

8. Ice Shop

[caption id="attachment_10899" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Bobo Chacha with Taro Balls ($3.20)[/caption]

You know what they say, there is always a dessert stomach – the happy ending to any meal. We love our rainbow cakes and churros, but traditional desserts will always hold an uncontested place in our hearts. This stall has a lengthy menu of over 35 hot and cold selections to satisfy your sweet cravings. The portions are not monstrous, so you won’t get jelat of the milk-based treats.

The Chendol here is remarkably different from the ones served elsewhere. Topped with jackfruit, it is a rich and flavourful thirst-quencher in a bowl. The red bean and sago jelly balances out the sweet and salty coconut milk nicely, and the shaved ice is doused in the ever familiar Gula Melaka. No doubt an ideal finish to a satisfying meal, or a midday indulgence.

If your palate gravitates more towards the warm desserts, the Bobo ChaCha with Taro Balls is a traditional option with a twist. The usual, transparent tapioca pearls you would expect to find in this coconut milk-based broth are replaced with taro balls instead. These purple, jelly-like balls have a strong, natural taro taste to them. No bobo chacha is complete without sweet potato and yam chunks, and the ones at Ice Shop are delightfully soft, but not to the point of mushy.

The next time you’re in town (we’re guessing soon), do drop by Food Opera for your local hawker and street food fix. Apart from old favourites, the new tenants are also part of a carefully curated bunch with authentic and quality food to offer – all in the comfort of air-conditioning. Now you’ll know where to get the best eats at Orchard.

Food Opera @ ION Orchard
Address:
#B4-03/04 Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel:
+65 6509 9198

Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, and Public Holiday 10am – 10pm
Eve of Public Holiday, Friday to Saturday 10am – 11pm

Brought to you by Discover SG x

Majestic Peking Duck: The New 5-Star Hawker Dish?

You heard us right – the Peking duck has made its way into our local hawker scene! Helmed by award-winning chefs Yong Bing Ngen and Yang Lai Fatt from the is dishing out restaurant quality fare at economical hawker prices. Gone are the days when you require special occasions to indulge in this plate of 5-star goodness.

Also read: Knickers+Bockers – Create Your Very Own Pizzas And Eat Them Too!

Seafood So Fresh, They’re Still Alive! 6 Best Places To Get Them

Cooking with seafood is a delicate process. While it requires both meticulous preparation and the right techniques, working with quality ingredients is also paramount in the execution of the perfect seafood number.

Here in Singapore, we often find ourselves limited to the measly seafood selection at chain supermarkets (no offence NTUC). Sometimes, sourcing for the freshest seafood can be more challenging than cooking itself. This is why we’ve taken upon ourselves to uncover a list of places to buy the best of seafood. These 7 honest-to-goodness places are guaranteed to sell you only the freshest seafood. In fact, for Ah Hua Kelong, Eating Crabs, Emporium Shokuhin, and Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro, some seafood can be bought or delivered live!

1. Song Fish Dealer Pte Ltd

The super ulu location may not be as convenient as your Giant or Cold Storage. However, the fresh and extensive range of seafood sold at wholesale prices make the visit to Taman Jurong worthy. At black cod, king crab leg, lobster, rohu, shark fillet, tuna loin.

Song Fish Dealer
Address: 19 Fishery Port Road (retail showroom)
Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Mon-Sat), 830 am – 12 pm (Sun & PH)
Tel: 6777 3939

2. Ah Hua Kelong

[caption id="attachment_9217" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: ahhuakelong[/caption]

Situated amongst the hipster vendors at PasarBella is 

Fish is only hauled up on the actual day of your delivery to ensure optimum freshness. Ah Hua Kelong’s highlights include the barramundi, pearl grouper, live mussels, flower crabs and seabass.

Picking out fresh seafood isn’t exactly second nature to us millennials so major props to them for providing an Seafood that can be bought or delivered live: clams, mussels, and crabs.

Ah Hua Kelong
Address: #02-K2 PasarBella, 200 Turf Club Rd
Opening Hours: Mon to Thu, 1 pm-930 pm; Fri to Sun 12 pm -10 pm
Tel: 8655 3074

3. Tekka Wet Market

[caption id="attachment_9167" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: macomberproductions[/caption]

This vibrant, two-storey wet market located at Little India is possibly the largest and most iconic wet market in Singapore. Housing over 284 tenants, expect to find a good handful of stalls selling fresh ocean catches at Tekka. This is also where you’ll experience bargaining – a quintessential aspect of the authentic wet market experience. The better the vendor knows you, the lower the prices. If you are a first-time buyer, put on your sweetest smile and maybe bat your eyelashes a little. For the guys, try flexing a little and see how far that gets you. Be sure to look out for squids, snappers, salmon, tiger prawns.

Lee Yit Huat Trading is one of the stalls to check out. They are known for their bountiful array of seafood, including squid and stingray. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much cheaper the seafood here can be. Tekka is open until late afternoon, so you have the luxury of sleeping in and avoiding the jostle with the morning marketing crowd.

Tekka Wet Market
Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, L1 Tekka Centre S210665
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30 am-5 pm

4. Eating Crabs 

[caption id="attachment_9219" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: crabtowkay[/caption]

This one’s for all crab lovers out there – Apart from crabs, they also offer a range of fresh Canadian oysters, sea bass, green or blue mussels and prawns of all varieties.

Seafood that can be bought or delivered live: oysters, mussels, clams, lobsters, and crabs.

Eating Crabs
Opening Hours: Daily 9 am – 6 pm (4pm last order)
Tel: 83337436

5. Emporium Shokuhin

[caption id="attachment_9168" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: wheretoeat[/caption]

This new Japanese supermarket at Marina Square has its own in-house, live seafood market with fresh imports from Japan, US, Australia and Europe. Armed with 22 specially-designed water tanks that house over 20 variations of live fish and shellfish, chances are you will be able to find what you are looking for at Oyster lovers, this is also the place to get your indulgent fix – Emporium Shokuhin has over 10 live oyster varieties freshly imported from countries like France and Canada. If you find the traditional, rowdy wet markets and giant warehouses too overwhelming, you can now shop for all your favourite seafood at this gourmet supermarket – all in the comfort of air-conditioning without compromising on quality.

Oysters aside, keep a look out for their Alaskan king crab, Dungeness crab, abalone, flounders, Japanese saba and Boston lobsters. Delivery is also available for those who prefer shopping from the comfort of their homes.

Seafood that can be bought or delivered live: crabs, oysters, lobsters, and more.

Emporium Shokuhin
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, #01-18 Marina Square
Opening Hours: Daily 8.30 am-10 pm
Tel: 6224 3433

6. Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro

[caption id="attachment_9169" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: thesilverchef[/caption]

This cosy neighbourhood fish market and bistro is dedicated to bringing in only the freshest of seafood. Greenwood Fish Market and Bistro specialises in importing cold water fish from the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.

The staff here is well trained and extremely knowledgeable. They’ll dish out recommendations and cooking tips to ease you into the seafood-buying process. They also have a bistro section; you can choose to bring your buys home or have their in-house chef prepare it for you on the spot. Highlights include its smoked Haddock, swordfish, mahi mahi, tuna steak and live Boston lobsters.

Seafood that can be bought or delivered live: lobsters and oysters.

Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro
Address: 34 Greenwood Ave
Opening Hours: Daily 11 am-1030 pm
Tel: 6467 4950

7. Senoko Fishery Port

For the benefit of those who have no idea what Senoko Fishery Port is, this one’s for you.

A familiar name to most, the Senoko Fishery Port, unlike our local wet markets, only roars to life when the sun is down. Open from 2am-6am, be prepared to stay up if you want to snag the freshest ingredients at this wholesale fish market. As this is a wholesale market, you can expect an extensive range of seafood; from fish to squid to the ever indulgent lobster and even guitar sharks at bargain prices. Do also check out the stingray, shark, sea bass, tilapia, red and white snapper.

For those keen on exploring the market, you can find an informative guide to Senoko So the next time you’re on the hunt for fresh seafood, do check out the aforementioned places. You no longer have to be confined to the limited range at your nearest supermarket or settle for anything less than fresh. Apart from obvious health reasons, the quality of the seafood you use does make a world of difference to your final dish.

Also, read Watermelon Fried Rice In Singapore, Have You Tried It?

6 Things We Only Miss About Singapore When We’re Overseas

Wanderlust is a bittersweet concept. Having spent a good part of our lives in such a tiny island, we Singaporeans constantly have an innate longing to venture out into the vast unknown, tread on uncharted territories and take in all the sights and sounds the great big world has to offer.

We harbour big, big dreams to explore every nook and cranny in the world, one city at a time. We make ever-growing bucket lists and follow Instagram accounts with feeds that only serve to fuel our travel fantasies. But as much as we “can’t wait to escape the heat”, a part of our heart will always belong to our lion city. Here are some aspects of Singapore we only come to miss when we’re not around.

1. Sometimes It’s Good to be Small

If you’ve been to countries like Australia, you would know that life crawls to a slow by sunset. Shutters go down by 5 pm and everyone is back home for dinner come nightfall. While this laid back way of life may be a relaxing respite from our hectic lifestyle, sometimes we can’t help but crave a prata and teh tarik combo from a 24-hour coffee shop, or hit the clubs for a night of TGIF partying.

4. The Grass is Honestly Greener on Our Side  

Outsiders mock us relentlessly for being a fine city, and we’ve heard about our chewing gum law from foreign friends about a thousand times. But because these laws are in place, what we have is a relatively spotless cityscape and most importantly, public toilets that are actually clean. We may not be at Japan’s level, but we’re not too shabby ourselves either. Ask any tourist what they like about Singapore and they will, apart from our impeccable food, gush about how clean our public spaces are. We’ve got an army of cleaners, dustbins at every corner and NEA officers patrolling the streets to catch litterbugs.

5. Public Transport

[caption id="attachment_8511" align="alignnone" width="700"] Source: Source: foodie paradise we call home. Being a multi-racial nation comes with perks – a vibrant foodscape with cuisines from all over the world. Ask anyone who has lived abroad for a substantial period of time and chances are they won’t say they miss food from Michelin star restaurants or the cafés in Tiong Bahru. Singlish echoes of “Katong laksa!” or “prawn mee!” will reverberate loud and clear. There’s nowhere else in the world you can get a satisfying plate of Hainanese chicken rice with a bomb-ass chili paste for just $3 – cheap and good hawker food is something we take pride in.

There are about a hundred and one complaints we can easily list about Singapore. From our inferno-like weather to our absurd COE prices to our exponentially growing population, right down to the treacherous waiting time at polyclinics. But at the end of the day, there are still certain overlooked aspects about Singapore to be grateful for.

(Header image credit: from pictures above. Gardens by the bay picture credit: zoe lai. Words by editor)

12 Best Breakfasts To Start Your Day Like A Typical Local

The concept of brunch –  sipping a cuppa in between mouthfuls of “insta-worthy” eggs benedict in a café ornamented with wooden furniture – has evolved into a millennial lifestyle. Brunch is now everyone’s favourite meal of the day, and our city is abuzz with an abundance of cafés serving beautifully plated food. While we wholly embrace this global trend, it should not keep us away from our local breakfast spread.

From good ol’ kaya toast to a fluffy egg prata, these are some humble and familiar food options that are authentically Singaporean. Take a step back from the hype of fancy cafés and fusion cuisines, we’ve compiled 12 of our favourite places for your local brekkie fix. One more thing: they are all open before 11 am. Sometimes breakfast is better than brunch.

1. Keng Wah Sung

[caption id="attachment_8446" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: slurploveforfood[/caption]

The pudding-like beancurd (think Lao Ban) craze once hit our shores and drove Singaporeans to queue for hours on end. However, it couldn’t stand the test of time in the end.

At the end of the day, we will always go back to our traditional tau huay. Tau huay is the ultimate comfort food and there’s no better way to start your day than with a warm bowl of velvety goodness dosed in sugar syrup. This traditional offering at Chen Shun Mei has an impeccably silky texture and a homely taste to match.

Chen Shun Mei Tau Huay
Address: Serangoon Gardens Market & Food Centre, 49A Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 550267
Operating Hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (Tue-Sun)

3. Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak

[caption id="attachment_8474" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: eatingsumo[/caption]

There’s something about steamed rice cakes and chye poh (preserved radish) eaten together that makes it so divine. This unassuming local delight deserves more love than it gets, and Ghim Moh is a long-time bigwig in the chwee kueh scene.

Helmed by the original owner who has 37 years of experience under his belt, rest assured that the quality of this traditional treat will always be top notch – the saltiness of their chye poh complements the supple rice cakes perfectly.

Ghim Moh Chwee Kueh
Address: Ghim Moh Road Market and Food Centre, Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road #01-31, Singapore 270020
Operating hours: 06:00 – 19:00 (Daily)

5. Zhen Zhen Porridge

[caption id="attachment_8456" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: therantingpanda[/caption]

Needless to say, a staple in our local food culture. Think fluffy-on-the-inside-crispy-on-the-outside prata dipped in a tangy curry sauce. The dough is made in house, and Mr Mohgan has over 30 years of prata-making experience.

They have the standard plain, egg, mushroom and cheese variations, but we recommend the kosong prata which is the crispiest out of the lot. Their freshly made pratas and fragrant curry have won the hearts of prata lovers all over Singapore.

Mr & Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata
Address: Poh Ho Restaurant, 7 Crane Road, Singapore 429356
Operating Hours: 06:30 – 13:30 (Closed Tue & Wed)

7. Tian Tian Lai (Come Daily) Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee

[caption id="attachment_8457" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: thick yellow noodles and bee hoon is perfect to soak up the fragrant gravy at Tian Tian Lai. Forget chopsticks, scoop your noodles up with a soup spoon for a mouthful of rich, flavourful gooiness.

Apart from seafood, pork lard is also fried together with the mee for added depth in flavour. They serve $4, $5 and $10 portions so you can slurp to your heart’s content!

Tian Tian Lai Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee
Address: 127 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, #02-27 Toa Payoh West Market & Food Centre, Singapore 310127
Operating Hours: 09:30 – 21:00 (Daily)

8. Ghim Moh Carrot Cake

[caption id="attachment_8458" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Ghim Moh Carrot Cake
Address: #01-16, Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road Market & Cooked Food Centre, 20 Ghim Moh Road, Singapore 270020
Operating Hours: 06:30 – 12:00 (Tue-Sun)

9. Serangoon Gardens Bakery and Confectionery

[caption id="attachment_8459" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: Chomp Chomp.

This traditional bakery kneads and prepares their own dough, and bakes over ten variations of old school buns and cakes everyday. Do drop by early to try their best-sellers; the potato curry buns and luncheon meat buns! These hot favourites are usually sold out by noon.

Serangoon Gardens Bakery and Confectionery
Address: #01-45, Serangoon Garden Market and Food Centre, 49A Serangoon Garden Way
Operating Hours: 0700 – 1200 (or when buns are sold out, closed on Mon)

10. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle

[caption id="attachment_8460" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source:

[caption id="attachment_8461" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source:

[caption id="attachment_8462" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Source: churros and we Singaporeans have our you tiao, a local equivalent. You tiao (fried dough fritter) has been a breakfast staple for as long as we can remember.

Best savoured with kopi or a warm cup of soya milk, the handmade you tiao at Xin Xin has a crispy exterior and also comes with a generous spread of kaya on the side. Truly is the epitome of shiok.

Xin Xin You Tiao
Address: Hainanese Village Food Centre, Blk 105 Hougang Ave 1 #02-19, Singapore 530105
Operating Hours: 06:00 – 11:00 (Closed on Mon)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so do it right with these delish, time-tested local treats. No one deserves to stomach a mouthful of disappointment first thing in the morning!

(Header image source: foreword)

Also read: Hipster Hawkers: 5 Stalls That Are Redefining Hawker Culture

10 Instances Singaporeans Restored Our Faith In Humanity

“Kind” and “gracious” are not adjectives commonly associated with Singaporeans. We are often stereotyped as selfish and inconsiderate, and sites like STOMP, to our dismay, constantly perpetrate the ugly side of us.

While that may have been true in the past, Singaporeans have dispelled that notion in recent years as more and more acts of kindness are beginning to surface. Here are 10 commendable deeds by our local heroes that will warm the cockles of your heart.

1. Image credit:  five-day trip to Korea. Singapore Civil Defence Force also presented

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   Image credit: You don’t necessarily have to give a part of yourself to make a difference – sometimes the smallest act of kindness is enough. A thoughtful student warmed the hearts of commuters on a cold rainy day when he opened his umbrella to shelter passengers at the bus stop from the rain, just so they could board the bus without getting wet.

   6. Image credit: Willing Hearts distributes free food to the underprivileged – all 365 days of the year. Spearheaded by good Samaritans, 3000 meals are cooked and delivered to those in need everyday. “When I was poor, I was helped without any questions asked,” founder Tony Tay had said, “So now, I give.”

      With over 50 volunteers in the kitchen preparing food every morning, this is truly a step towards active citizenry as our own people are taking it upon themselves to help the less fortunate in our community.

      7. Image credit: A Republic Polytechnic student filled 20 red packets with the money he received over Chinese New Year. With S$5 in each packet, he handed them out to workers at a construction site to show his appreciation for their hard work. This young man’s empathetic behaviour is a leading example for our younger generation.

         8. Image credit: The owners of Strangers’ Reunion and sister branch Curious Palette raised over S$40,000 to fund head chef Sebastian Tan’s medical bills when he was diagnosed with lung cancer last December. Staff volunteered to work for free and the owners, baristas and managers pulled 7-day work weeks. Crowds thronged both cafés and also contributed monetary donations to help Mr Tan during the fund-raising period.

            Thanks to the generosity of Singaporeans and the compassionate nature of his bosses, Mr Tan was able to undergo treatment with less worry about the hefty medical bills.

            9. Image credit: When a customer demanded a dishwasher suffering from a skin condition to be fired, Ms Sharon Guan Xue-er defended her employee without hesitation. She retorted that she would rather lose the customer than 53-year old Jimmy Wee.

               Mr Wee was rejected by eight employers before Ms Guan finally hired him. “Don’t cast aside the unfortunate,” she had said. Since the incident went viral, many customers also made the effort to visit Mr Wee to offer him support and kind words of encouragement.

               10. Image credit: While most people would have been repelled at the stench, and distance themselves, it is heartening to know that Madam Noriza Mansor voluntarily cleaned up an elderly stranger who had soiled himself in public. She even bought him a new pair of shorts. Madam Noriza was subsequently named Singaporean of the Year by the Straits Times, but remains unfazed by her act of kindness. It is humbling to know that she took the uncommon initiative to offer help given the circumstances.

                   These uplifting stories about our own people suggest that Singapore is making promising progress towards becoming a more gracious and thoughtful society. It really doesn’t take much for us to extend a hand of kindness and offer help to those in need. We hope that these ordinary Singaporeans have inspired you, just as they have inspired us!

                   (Header image: Also read: Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG