Category: Culture

There’s An Art Exhibition Called ‘Singawhore’ And It Makes Brutal Jabs At Local Culture

Different people have different ways of celebrating our nation on its 52nd birthday.

Some people launch crazy, never-before-seen deals, some people pay homage to our country through inside jokes we Singaporeans are all privy to, and some people… create profane works of art in the name of celebrating Singapore culture and the Singaporean identity.

We’re talking about A Good Citizen, a.k.a ‘好公民’.

Helmed by Citizen Dan, The Good Citizen is known for its brutally honest, unfiltered works of art that traverse themes such as politics, gender, race and religion.

Pop culture-Singapore crossovers are not unusual for the group, who’ve likened the recent #FamiLEE drama to an episode of Game Of Thrones…

depicted how even a Xenomorph (Lee No Morph, get it?) would be tamed into subservience in our strict, regimented society, and more.

From 11 August – 3 September, A Good Citizen will be bringing Singaporeans a series of brand new works in an exhibition called ‘Singawhore‘. Given the name of the exhibition and A Good Citizen’s track record of creating unabashed depictions of trending events in Singapore, we can only imagine what we’ll see once it opens.

This FREE exhibition will be happening at ARTBLOVK GALLERY, and there will also be a sharing session with Citizen Dan on the opening day, 11 August 2017 at 7pm – 9pm, at the same location. Refreshments will also be provided.

If you like the works you see, limited original artworks will also be available for purchase!

Can’t get enough of satire and have a dark sense of humor? If you do, make sure to check out what the people at A Good Citizen have up their sleeves!

SINGAWHORE
Address: ARTBLOVK GALLERY, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #03-05
Date: 11 Aug – 3 Sep
Admission: Free

Also read These 10 Crazy Twists On The Classic French Fries Are Bound To Satis-fry Your Tastebuds

F1 Drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen Singlish CMI – Try To Guess The Words They’re Describing

The Singapore Formula One Grand Prix 2017 is now less than 2 months away!

Always wanted to meet your favourite drivers in person?

If you’re a Singaporean through and through, this will be a cinch for you!

To win the chance to get up close and personal with these drivers, all you have to do is hop on over to Red Bull’s Official Facebook Page, watch the video, figure out the Singlish words the boys are trying to figure out, and then go on over to  Image Credit: Changi Airport Terminal 4 Automated Not Just The Departure Process, But Also Its Cleaning Aunties

(Header Image Source: Motorsport)

Changi Airport Terminal 4 Automated Not Just The Departure Process, But Also Its Cleaning Aunties

Changi Airport has long been a source of national pride and joy.

A world class airport that’s received multiple awards and accolades, it seems Changi Airport can do no wrong. With the unveiling of Terminal 4, Changi Airport has upped the ante, especially on the tech front.

The theme of Changi Terminal 4 is “vibrant, fun and positively surprising”, and passing through the airport, there are fun, surprising features lurking in places you might not expect. With petal motifs, an eclectic array of chairs and seating surfaces, and rounded lines permeating the space, the vibe of this terminal is certainly a change from that of Changi’s other terminals.

A Fully Automated Departure Process

One key difference between Terminal 4 and the rest of the terminals is that T4 boasts a fully automated departure process – a feature that may be particularly exciting for those of you who are constantly travelling.

This automation is helped by state-of-the-art facial recognition technology that’s integrated within the self-service stations that span every point of the departure process, from check-in to bag drop, to immigration, to boarding.

The benefit of that to travelers? Less queues, less waiting around, and greater convenience in general.

Many of you may already be familiar with some of these technologies, such as the automated check-in kiosk, automated bag drop and automated immigration gate. While not entirely new, T4 has implemented an added layer of security (i.e Facial Recognition Technology) to several of these self-service stations, i.e. bag drop and immigration.

At these stages, the self-service station will verify your identity with the use of photo captures of your face.

The boarding gate is also automated, and will also comprise a photo verification step. Hopefully, this will mean shorter waiting times when boarding your flight!

Centralised Security Screening

Owing to its relatively small size, Changi’s Terminal 4 will have a centralised security screening. That is, instead of getting your carry-on items checked at your gate, all passengers will have their carry-on luggage screened at one place.

This stage of the departure process boasts some shiny new pieces of tech and a long overdue solution to the bottlenecks that happen in the carry-on items screening process.

Instead of having to use multiple trays and to remove your laptop, phone, and all your devices at this point, at T4, you can just dump all your carry-on items into one large tray, and push that onto the conveyor belt. The items are then passed through a stronger hospital grade Computed Tomography scan for screening.

Bags that are good to go are streamed into one lane, and bags that are flagged are streamed into a second lane, where a security officer will instruct you to open your bag for a manual check. For bags that have no issue, simply remove your item(s). The tray will then disappear down a slot and be returned to the start of the line!

Automated Cleaning Auntie

Another thing – or job – that’s been automated at Changi’s Terminal 4 is cleaning.

You’ll notice adorable robots like these rolling around the airport, keeping the complex clean.

Dressed in the same yellow uniform as Changi’s cleaning staff, these “cleaning aunties” are able to detect objects in front of them, and will stop when an obstruction is detected; just make sure you don’t get in the way of them doing their jobs!

Immersive Entertainment Experiences

Those of us who’ve been to the airport often enough will know one thing about Changi Airport – it’s big on art.

With T4, Changi delivers a spectacular art-entertainment display in 2 locations – the Central Departure Security Screening Area and the Heritage Zone.

At the Central Departure Screening Area, you’ll find a 70m x 5m Immersive Wall. The LED display will show 1 of 17 different immersive pieces of content, each of which lasts between 2 – 4 minutes. Every 10 minutes, you’ll be treated to either a mesmerising display of ASEAN landmarks, the iconic sights and skyline of Singapore (e.g the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade), or an animation that will delight both young and old!

Another feature that floored us was the Peranakan Love Story at the Heritage Zone.

Upon entering the Heritage Zone, you’ll see a stretch of colourful shophouses. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that if viewed from left to right, it shows the evolution of this style of home, from the Baroque design (1880 – 1900), to the Rococo style (1910-1920), to the Peranakan style (1920 -1936), to Modern decor (1936 – 1950).

A beautiful facade, you wouldn’t think two of these shophouses are in fact LED screens – that is, until it transforms into a theatre.

The digital wall transitions seamlessly into a theatre, screening the stunning Peranakan Love Story. The six-minute musical tells the story of a romance between two next door neighbors who are both passionate musicians. Look closely and you’ll notice familiar faces including Adrian Pang, Benjamin Kheng, Koh Chieng Mun and Amy Cheng. Created in collaboration with Singaporean composer and artiste, Dick Lee, the film is a visual spectacle with its effortless transitions and charming story.

See It All For Yourselves!

Curious to check out the tech and art for yourselves?

You won’t have to wait much longer because Changi Airport Terminal 4 will be conducting an open house from 7 – 20 August!

Head down, check out all the brand new features, and fantasize about your next adventure abroad while you’re there!

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

Young, Wild And Free – Live It Up This Youth Month At These Places Because You Are Only Young Once

Young, wild and free – a motto we all wish we could live by, but unfortunately, often find it difficult to because of the many stresses of living in Singapore.

Between struggling to maintain a good grade – or to pass that horror module – and juggling the expectations of all the people around us, it’s easy to forget how young we are and how these should be the best years of our lives.

For the month of July, we celebrate youth. Our youth years should be vibrant, fun and carefree, so let’s bring all that back into our lives! For the entire month, many of the places and experiences we love, or have always wanted to try, will be offering exclusive promos just for youths – thanks to the National Youth Council!

This month, let’s live it up at these 7 places. And don’t worry, each of them comes with a super sweet deal.

1. Bounce

If you haven’t heard of Bounce, where have you been? The largest trampoline park in Singapore, this grown-ups playground lets you jump, somersault, do twists and all kinds of crazy tricks!

With a variety of trampoline zones and a Ninja-Warrior-like obstacle course, X-Park, test your mental and physical limits at Bounce.

Jump and play to your heart’s content at the Free Jumping Area, a large area comprising 28 interconnected trampolines that includes long tumble tracks and banked walls. Here, you can even defy gravity and run up walls!

Looking to try something that pushes your body even further? Attempt the insane X-Park! An obstacle course that combines elements of climbing, jumping and free-running, discover abilities you never knew you had at X-Park.

If reading this has got you raring to go, gather a bunch of your best friends and make plans to head down together! Conveniently located at Cathay Cineleisure, put your youthful energy to good use at Bounce.

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off on weekdays throughout the month of July. This promo only applies for general admission tickets and student session tickets. Use this to enjoy your promo.

Bounce Singapore
Address: Cathay Cineleisure, #09-01, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 10pm; Fri: 10am – 11pm; Sat: 9am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6816 2879
Price: General Access: $25 first hour, $20 each additional hour | Students: $21 first hour, $16 each additional hour
Website

2. Concrete Everything

Get creative this July with a material you’ve probably never worked with before – concrete.

Started by a fellow youth with a deep passion for design, Concrete Everything doesn’t just sell beautifully crafted homeware in the natural colours and texture of cement; it also conducts workshops teaching you how you can make them!

From luxe marble lamps to concrete versions of Darth Vader and StormTroopers, the items on their slim catalogue is a minimalist’s dream.

Courses they offer include marbled planter casting, concrete mini stool casting, marble square lamp casting and more. You even get to make your own Vader and StormTrooper! Each workshop will last 2 days, and everything you need to create your own concrete masterpiece will be provided.

It’s time to unleash your creativity and get crafty at Concrete Everything!

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off all products and workshops throughout July. Workshops need not fall in the month of July, and need only be booked and paid for during July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

Concrete Everything
Price: Workshops from $45 – $110
Website

3. Climb Central

Always wanted to try indoor rock climbing, but find it too expensive? This July, you’ll be able to enjoy the sport without burning a hole in your pocket!

Climb Central is the tallest indoor climbing venue in Singapore, boasting about 1,000 square meters of climbing wall space. Fully air-conditioned, it is conveniently located in Singapore Sports Hub.

First timers, you’re in for a real treat because for the month of July, you get a 20% discount on all off peak First Timer Sets. That’s about $7 off the $32 adult entry fee that includes registration, 1 adult day pass and 1 equipment set!

Climb Central
Address: #B1-01 Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6702 7972
Price: Click 4. Bossaball

Looking for an experience you’ve NEVER tried before? We bet you’ve never played Bossaball, and boy are you missing out.

Bossaball
Address: 10 Raeburn Park #02-08, Singapore 088702
Contact no.: 6100 6292
Price: Public Session (2 hr): $20 Per Pax | Private Group Session (2 hr): $600 (20 pax)
Website

5. HolyCrab

If gorging on delicious food is your idea of living it up, Holy Crab! We’ve got just the place for you.

HolyCrab is a cosy restaurant located along charming Tan Quee Lan. Big enough to seat only 24 people, this diner is always packed with foodies with an appetite for Holy Crab’s next level Singapore-style crabs.

Made with the freshest crab from the shores of Singapore, Holy Crab is the place to go for an affordable plate of quality crab.

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off your total bill throughout the month of July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

HolyCrab
Address: 2 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-03, Singapore 188091
Contact no.: 8444 2722
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.00pm – 10:30pm; Sun: 6.00pm – 10.30pm
Website

6. 8 Korean BBQ

If you love pork belly, you’re in for a feast at 8 Korean BBQ, a Korean BBQ franchise that serves 8 different flavours of decadent pork belly including Original, Wine, Ginseng, Garlic, Herb, Curry, Miso Paste, and Red Pepper Paste.

A tender, juicy meat that’s seasoned with a variety of perfected flavours, treat yo’ self this month with this unique K-BBQ experience!

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off your total bill throughout the month of July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

8 Korean BBQ
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-79/90 The Central, Singapore 059817
Contact no.: 8692 1188
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm; Sat – Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm

Address: Shaw Centre #04-20/21, 1 Scotts Rd Singapore 228208
Contact no.: 9018 9212
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm; Sat – Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Website

7. Joo Bar

No list on living it up is complete without at least one watering hole for you and your buddies to knock back a few.

Fans of Korean alcohol and Korean fare in general must check out Joo Bar, Singapore’s first Makgeolli Bar & Restaurant. Located within a heritage shophouse, Joo, which means ‘alcohol’ in Korean, offers modern Korean bites and creative drinks in an edgy setting.

Order their multi-coloured Makgeolli sampler if you can’t decide on just one makgeolli! For a sweeter experience, go for their Makgeolli cocktails! The bites here aren’t shabby too, with tasty finger food like Baby Eel Paper, Warm Kimchi with Tofu and Spam, and more!

Drink and eat to your heart’s content at Joo Bar – just make sure you’re 18 and above!

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off your total bill throughout the month of July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

Joo Bar
Address: 5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094
Contact no.: 8138 1628
Opening Hours: Daily, 5.30pm – 12am
Website

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a total of over 40 brands collaborating with the National Youth Council to bring you exclusive perks in celebration of Youth Month.

With brands like Lazada, Crossfire Paintball, GoPro, Klipsch, The Juicy Way, Udders and more participating to give you great deals, there’s no better time than now to live it up!

For all promotions, check out Youth Month Perks 2017.

The Entertainer App

If you’re all about getting good deals and making the biggest bang for your buck, The Entertainer is an app that will make all of that much easier.

An app that gets you amazing deals on food, attractions, spas and even hotels in Singapore, live it up every month of the year with The Entertainer.

As part of Youth Month, you get to purchase The Entertainer app for just $70 (U.P. $125)! All you have to do is use to promo code ‘SHINEWITHUS’ when you download The Entertainer App. You can also purchase the Cheers app (The Entertainer app for alcohol) at a discounted $40 (U.P. $125) when you quote the promo code ‘CHEERSHINE’.

Another app that will come in handy in your hunt for some of the best deals in town is the Lazada app, which gives you access to app only deals (daily!), app only vouchers, and app first updates!

With all these handy tools at your fingertips, enjoying the good things in life will come at a drastically reduced cost, making your experiences all the more sweeter!

They often say youth is wasted on the young, and that’s true for the most part, especially when you live in Singapore.

Let’s not be in such a hurry to grow up. Have fun, live a little, do crazy things you might regret! There will come a time when we must grow up, when we become responsible for other people, other lives, and when the stakes are truly high. But that time is not now.

We are only young once, so let’s enjoy ourselves while we can and live a life with no regrets.

To enjoy all the above promotions, make sure flash the appropriate e-vouchers to participating merchants, or use the promo code(s) stated within the relevant e-voucher. Make sure to read the fine print for all Terms & Conditions.

This article is written in collaboration with National Youth Council.

Also read Here’re 7 Of SG’s Best Prawn Mee – Soupy, Flavourful, Fragrant

(Header Image Source: Chope)

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)

This Restaurant Deep Fries Their Chicken Rice Balls And The End Result Is Super Shiok

Chicken rice is a dish that has a special place in all our Singaporean hearts.

Our national dish, ask any Singaporean where their favourite chicken rice stall is and you will see people fiercely defending their favourites.

Enter Roost, a restaurant that focuses on the iconic dish, and that celebrates it by reinterpreting it in a variety of interesting ways!

Located at The Centrepoint, in the heart of Orchard, this is the place to go for a plate of your favourite chicken rice after a whole day of shopping in town!

A Unique Spin On Chicken Rice

One of the most inventive dishes sold here is the Chicken Sushi ($4.90 for 4), Roost’s signature soya chicken and chicken rice assembled in sushi-form, and glazed with Teriyaki Sauce. Perfectly bite-sized, these are great for popping into your mouth!

Another is the Crispy Chicken Rice Balls ($4.90 for 4), a chicken rice ball that is coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Served with a saucer of homemade chilli sauce, the crispy chicken rice balls are lightly battered and deliver an explosion of flavour when you bite into it. Can’t fully enjoy your chicken rice unless there’s chilli? Dip it into the sauce for a spicy kick!

Torn between Poached and Soya Sauce Chicken Rice? Get the best of both worlds with the Yin Yang Chicken Rice ($8.90), a must try at Roost. Serving up a tasty rendition of Soya Sauce Chicken, this is definitely our pick of the two.

Yin Yang Chicken Rice (Image Credit: Time Out)

Machine-Cooked Chicken

A unique feature you’ll notice about this restaurant is the cooking method employed here. The chickens at Roost are cooked using an automated poultry machine called the ‘iKook’.

Inspired by the automated machines Krispy Kreme uses for the production of their donuts, the iKook is the world’s first automated poultry machine. It can poach, braise, and sous-vide chickens, ensuring the chicken is of a consistent quality!

So, onto the million dollar question: How does machine-cooked chicken taste?

The answer is not bad, not bad at all. With a silky skin and flesh that is tender and moist, the all-important chicken at this chicken rice restaurant fares decently. Not the best, but definitely decent.

Here, the standout dishes are undisputedly the starters – especially the Crispy Chicken Rice Balls! Crispy on the outside, packed with chicken flavour on the inside, and with a great chilli sauce to go along, this was definitely a unique taste experience for us chicken rice fans.

The next time you’re feeling peckish when in town and have no idea where to eat, make a stop at Roost for their unique spins on everyone’s favourite chicken rice! With both an unusual way of cooking their chickens and an unusual array of chicken rice-related dishes, Roost is a unique food spot worth checking out!

Roost
Address: 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint #B1-17/18/19, 238843
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6909 0411
Burpple User Xing Wei Chua &

Our 100% #notspon Review On McDonald’s Nasi Lemak Burger, Chendol McFlurry And More

By now, I’m sure we’ve all caught wind of the news that McDonald’s has released some new limited edition flavours in conjunction with Singapore Food Festival 2017.

While some of these sounded odd from the get-go (e.g Nasi Lemak Burger), some of these sounded like they had the potential to taste really, really good (e.g Chendol McFlurry)!

Curious about how these new local-inspired items would taste, we got our hands on all of them and here’s our verdict:

1. Nasi Lemak Burger

The Nasi Lemak Burger – the dish we were the most curious about. Does it taste like Nasi Lemak? Does it work as a burger?

The answer to that is yes, and somehow, yes. The fried chicken, fried egg, cucumber, and SAMBAL are all in there. The sambal is on the sweet side, coating everything in its sweet flavour and pulling all the ingredients of the burger together.

If you prefer your sambal spicy, or prefer spicy food in general, you might be a bit disappointed by the lack of heat. But overall, it was a tasty burger! While the coconut rice was missing in action, we didn’t miss it too much. After all, if we wanted something that tasted exactly like Nasi Lemak, we’d just order Nasi Lemak… right?

Worth trying at least once, this is definitely something we see ourselves returning for again and again, as long as they’re available in McDonald’s.

2. Chendol McFlurry

Chendol McFlurry – another item we were super stoked to try. Being people who appreciate a good bowl of chendol, an ice cream version of it sounded like a fantastic idea.

With green chendol jelly bits and gula melaka sauce, the Chendol McFlurry has all the makings of a good chendol dessert. Taste-wise, the soft serve complemented the chendol elements very well. The DiscoverSG team was torn on whether or not we liked this – some of us thought it was too sweet, while others (read: fans of chendol) thought it was nice, even if sweet.

Our verdict? Share it with a friend because it might get jelat after a while! Also, eat it quickly as it melts pretty fast!

3. Coconut Pie

The Coconut Pie, we initially weren’t too excited about. But after getting a taste, we were sold.

With the same crunchy, flaky crust as McDonald’s usual pies, the filling is not too sweet. The coconut flavour doesn’t come through strongly, but that’s actually what we love about it! The nata de coco was also a nice addition, giving you something to chew on between bites.

While coconut lovers may not be a big fan of these, those of you who typically steer clear of coconut should definitely give this a try. Those of us who aren’t the biggest fans of coconut had a change of heart after a bite of this!

4. Bandung McFizz

Finally, we’re left with the Bandung McFizz.

The Bandung McFizz is a fizzy twist on the classic rose syrup drink. Like Bandung mixed with 7-up, this drink is not too sweet and not too milky – the perfect pick-me-up for a hot day in Singapore!

And that concludes our verdict on the latest additions to McDonald’s menu!

To round up, definitely try the Nasi Lemak Burger and the Coconut Pie. The Chendol McFlurry too, is worth a try, especially for sweet tooths and chendol lovers. As for the Bandung McFizz, drink it or don’t – you won’t be missing much!

These brand new flavours are available from today (Jul 13) onwards at all McDonald’s outlets, so hurry and be one of the first to try them!

Also read Korean Food Is All The Rage Now – Here Are 11 Ways To Eat And Drink Like A True Korean

Korean Food Is All The Rage Now – Here Are 11 Ways To Eat And Drink Like A True Korean

K-dramas, K-pop, Korean food… It seems Singaporeans are crazy for all things Korean, and for good reason.

Their heart wrenching drama storylines tug at our heartstrings. Their very successful reality-variety shows like Running Man leave us in fits of laughter. Their virally catchy pop tunes stick in our heads and are fun to sing along to.

But although Singaporeans do enjoy Korean food, do you know that some of us may unknowingly be flouting Korean table manners?

To help us better appreciate their cuisine and get the full Korean dining experience, here are 11 ways you can eat and drink like a true Korean.

How Koreans Eat

In Korea, rice is a staple food with most of South Korea’s agricultural policies centred on rice. Though we are seeing more unique Korean food creations, the Koreans still love their usual meal of rice with side dishes.

This is one act we are guilty of. While it’s that much more shiok to hold up your soup bowl for big gulps of the soup, it’s not recommended to do so in public, especially not so when you’re having Korean food – you’ll just seem rude.

3. Don’t reach across the table for food

As mentioned, a traditional Korean meal consists of a wide assortment of small side dishes that usually fill up the table. While it may seem normal for us to reach across the table for dishes placed further away, it isn’t for the Koreans.

It’s considered poor manners to extend your arm across the table to reach for food. The general rule is to bring the dishes closer to you, and if you really need to, get your friends to pass the food over to you.

4. When you’re done with your meal, place your utensils on the table

Once you’re finished with your food, don’t stick your chopsticks into your bowl, because they look like joss sticks offered to ancestors. It is regarded as disrespectful and a sign of bad luck. Place your utensils back on the table instead. But only do it after the elders have placed their utensils on the table, and make sure that you place them neatly.

Always wait for everyone to have their glasses ready before you toast and drink up together.

4. Do not refuse alcoholic drinks

The Koreans consider it rude when someone turns down a drink, especially when the elders offer it to you. So… bottoms up!

Remember to also hold your cup or glass with both hands when someone is pouring drinks for you.

5. Turn sideways when you drink liquor

Like the Japanese, Koreans emphasise a lot on societal ranking. One way that juniors show respect to elders, especially those higher in the corporate ladder, is to turn away when drinking.

6. Alcohol-food pairings

Did you know that some Korean alcohols were meant to be eaten with specific foods?

Korea has a long history of having alcohol when celebrating special occasions. Besides long-stemmed beliefs (like consuming Soju during the new year as a way to drive away bad spirits and illnesses), these alcohols actually make Korean cuisine that much more enjoyable.

Soju + Anju

While Anju is a general term for side dishes consumed with alcohol, Anju is most commonly paired with Soju.

These side dishes aren’t just any kind of foods. These are usually finger foods like nuts and fruits, or salads like Golbaengi-muchim (a mix of moon snails and vegetables).

Soju is also best paired with grilled meat like Samgyeopsal (pork belly).

Makgeolli + Jeon

The best food to eat with your makgeolli is Jeon, a fried pancake that at its most basic, consists of meat and/or vegetables, coated in flour and egg.

You can find all kinds of jeon—crispy, soft, doughy, and less doughy jeons versions, and they all pair deliciously with makgeolli.

Beer + Chicken

If you haven’t already heard of Chimaek, it’s about time you learnt of this.

A combination of “chicken” and “Maekju” (beer), Chimaek very literally means chicken and beer. The Koreans love their chicken with beer, particularly spicy and fried chicken. There are even Korean restaurants like Chir Chir that specialises in selling just that.

Learning from Asian Masters at e2i’s Taste Of East Asia

Wondering where we learnt all of this? It was at e2i’s Taste Of East Asia event that happened in May 2017, where Dr Dr Kim Sang-woo, Chairman of the East Asia Cultural Project[/caption]

A session intended to introduce people to the cultural, economic and political aspects of Korea, Dr Kim gave us a peek into Korean food and cultural traditions that went beyond the glitz and glamour we’ve all come to associate with the country.

We Singaporeans love Korean food, and so does the rest of the world. Interestingly, food is one of the mediums through which Korea has forged closer, friendlier ties with other nations.

Taste of East Asia is one of many masterclasses organized by the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to help working people.

For Taste of East Asia, people working in the F&B industry attended the professional development workshops by Korean, Japanese, Sri Lankan and Hong Kong masters, to increase their knowledge and mastery of food techniques.

Attendees also got to mingle with the masters, participants and booth exhibitors to expand their professional networks.

To find out more about future e2i events, you can contact e2i here.

This article is written in collaboration with e2i to help trade professionals upskill and network via trade events such as curated masterclasses.

Ambassador Highlights #11 – High Tea, Custom Tendon, DIY Perfume & More!

The month of June is done and dusted!

At DiscoverSG, we love looking back on and celebrating all the exciting activities our ambassadors dropped in on in the month.

This month’s highlights include plenty of electrifying events and scrummy eats!

1. Arteastiq

If boutique tea houses are your thing, you’ll love this dainty yet unique one.

Arteastiq is a teahouse/restaurant/art jam studio tucked away in Mandarin Gallery.

Our ambassadors Cheryl, Diana ,Nicholas, Rachael, Vanessa were treated to a luxurious high tea experience there!

That means a full fancy 3-course meal (normally $48) prepared just for us!

The brunch menu consists of hearty and healthy dishes, while the dinner menu features creative Asian fusion dishes.

For appetisers, the ambassadors had the signature pan seared duck foie gras.

Next up was the Herb-Crusted Codfish served on a bed of mash potatoes, asparagus, scallops and balsamic reduction sauce – a dish that was crunchy on the surface, while tender underneath.

Other must tries are the Australian Wagyu ribeye with sweet potato fries, and mango strudel that has actual popping candy in it.

To complete our meal was an exclusive range of teas, brewed pot by pot on the spot with the finest tea leaves and herbs. (Psst! They even have alcoholic ones!)

Arteastiq
Address: Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6235 8370
Whether or not you got the chance to go to Ultra Singapore, it’s hard to miss the hype that took over all our social media platforms.

We sent a whole bunch of our ambassadors down to join in the fun at the hottest party this year!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVZOTtkAu_o/?taken-by=claregwendolyn[/embed]

Just like last year, the 2-day electronic dance music festival in Singapore was ultra wet, ultra muddy, and ultra amazing!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVWwn1BBPF6/?taken-by=dtynx[/embed]

We partied the day and night away to music by headlining DJs, including Hardwell, Nicky Romero, Steve Aoki, Dash Berlin, Steve Angello, Tiësto, and Don Diablo.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVSMesTDQka/?taken-by=gracekowie[/embed]

Other famous names include Dubfire, Martin Solveig, Nic Fanciulli, Sasha & John Digweed and Showtek.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUKSfegYXu/?taken-by=isapiaoz[/embed]

Not to forgot our local acts on the Live stage: homeboy ShiGGa Shay, DJ Duo Rave Republic, and singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVRo6nFnIgL/?taken-by=siowjiamin[/embed]

With stunning lights, visuals, sound and special effects, it was easy to stay upbeat and pumped even through the rain.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKW19whTl_/?taken-by=victoinette[/embed]

You know a party is ultra good when it’s hard to go for one set and not have #FOMO from passing up on the others; that’s exactly how we felt about Ultra Singapore’s crazy line-up this year!

3. Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ

Can’t decide between steamboat and BBQ?

You don’t have to at Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ, where they let you cook your food both ways at the same table.

[caption id="attachment_28052" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] Image Credit: Choose from 5 types of soups: Ma La, Tom Yam, Chicken, Double Boiled Herbal & Tomato, to cook them all in.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVmWW8_ANco/?taken-by=chel.sea.ang[/embed]

We sent our hungry ambassadors Chelsea and Nicholas down for a hearty meal.

They especially loved – and couldn’t stop eating – the prawns that were super fresh and sweet!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BV_VUEHArQc/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]

They went for the specialty Ma La broth that added a zing to all the ingredients – perfect for lovers of spicy food.

Why not have your next family dinner here? Its unique steamboat in a crystal pot and smokeless BBQ will not disappoint!

Hao Lai Wu Steamboat and BBQ
Address: 8 Sago Street, Singapore 059012
Open: Daily, 11am – 3am
Tel: 62210065
Facebook

4. Oo La Lab

“Fragrance is a powerful personal ritual… It is the right to see and to be seen in ways that are not made from words.”

If that speaks to you, or if you’re just a sucker for nice-smelling things, you’ll love Oo La Lab’s sensorial workshop session!

[caption id="attachment_28047" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: This craft fragrance lab lets you select from the finest raw ingredients to build your very own fragrance.

The perfume ingredients you pick are mixed on site and hand-poured to order.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVt4uXqACEX/?taken-by=chel.sea.ang[/embed]

Our ambassadors Chelsea and Cheryl headed down for a whiff, and got the chance to mix their own perfect scent!

They had a lot of fun reliving their days of mixing chemicals in science class, and were extremely satisfied with their final product!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BVt6heyjJoT/?taken-by=cherzinga[/embed]

Whether you like floral, oriental or sporty scents, Oo La’s mixologists will guide you on how to achieve the perfect mix!

Or you could just go ham and create your own crazy scent that’s sure to be a conversation starter!

Oo La Lab
Address: Commune Home, 02-51/52/53 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, 039596
Contact no.: 6338 3823
Kogane Yama

Calling all tempura fans!

Kogane Yama is the newest Japanese restaurant in town specializing in premium tendon bowls.

[caption id="attachment_28164" align="alignnone" width="1023"] Kogane Yama[/caption]

Here, you get to choose your tendon toppings, base and spiciness level for a fully customisable tendon, just for you.

The 4 flavours are Mixed Bowl ($15.80), Chicken Bowl ($13.80), Prawn Bowl ($13.80) and Vegetable Bowl ($11.80).

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BV35F5JhTKd/?taken-by=rachaelwong[/embed]

Our ambassador Rachael headed there for a taste.

She tried the Mixed Bowl, which had everything she could’ve asked for. She really loved the prawn tempura, chicken tempura and the green pepper, which were all so juicy under the crisp tempura crust!

[caption id="attachment_28049" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Fussy about what goes into your tendon? Now, you can have it just the way you like!

Kogane Yama
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #02-50 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Open: Sun – Thu: 11am – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Facebook

6. Ô Batignolles

Bon Appetit!

Ô Batignolles is an open-air concept wine bar that serves up food and wine with authentic French flavours.

[caption id="attachment_28051" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: It pays tribute to a stellar range of wines, curated from small batch independent and passionate winemakers throughout France.

The elegant and chic bar also offers a large selection of quality air-flown cheese, and iconic French fare.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BWIED1-A53-/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]

Our ambassadors Nicholas and Rachael went down for a relaxing afternoon meal.

They discovered that Ô Batignolles had just added a new French Tapas selection to their menu – a new way to enjoy and share their signature French dishes, appetizer-style.

[caption id="attachment_28050" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: They’ve also revamped their popular weekend brunch, which now includes free-flow croissants!

That sure sounds like something we’d get out of bed for!

Ô BATIGNOLLES
Address: 2 Gemmill Lane 069247 Singapore
Contact no.: 6438 3913
Website

7. The Bridge Bistro & Beacon Bar

Love a relaxing view of the sea while you eat?

The Bridge Bistro & Beacon Bar is a seafront bistro located at RSYC, Asia’s oldest yacht club.

[caption id="attachment_28166" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Image Credit: This seafront bistro offers a selection of modern European cuisine with an Asian touch.

Their Signature bar lets you sip away on cocktails while watching the sun set in the horizon.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BV4YFWtB2nl/?taken-by=piinkmasquerade[/embed]

Our ambassadors Nicholas and Stephanie got to chill out at this lovely little bar and bistro.

They were spoiled for choice – the newly revamped menu included a more comprehensive selection of yummy mains.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BWPqghlgYuQ/?taken-by=nicholaslgl[/embed]

The beautifully plated dishes also made the whole meal experience a feast for the eyes as much as it was for the belly.

The bar will also be updating their drinks menu really soon, in particular to lower prices.

So come and grab a drink with your friends and family! Here, you won’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket!

The Bridge Bistro & Beacon Bar
Address: Level 2, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, 52 W Coast Ferry Rd, Singapore 126887
Contact no.: 6768 9443
If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and want to introduce products or services both old and new to more Singaporeans, drop us an email at [email protected]. We would love to work with you!

We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on a mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore. If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, drop us an email at [email protected].

Also read 10 Amazeball Events And Makan Places To Jazz Up The First Half Of July [1-15 July]