Category: Editor’s Pick

Not Ulu Anymore! Here’s A Peek At Decathlon’s City Square Mall Store

Last month, we wrote about Decathlon’s flagship store. It’s all the way at Bedok, so far away from the rest of Singapore, that we aptly named the article – ‘Decathlon: So Ulu But You Still Must Visit‘. Clearly, we’re great fans of Decathlon.

This French-based sporting goods retailer has brought affordability and a massive variety of sports apparel and equipment to our sunny island. Do you know that all of Decathlon’s products are designed, tested, and manufactured within their own facilities? This enables them to maintain the high quality of their products and keep prices affordable.

Being typical Singaporeans who want to try everything before we buy, Decathlon’s testing zones have been a huge plus point – you can do a test run of a scooter or bicycle before you buy.

So, when we heard about Decathlon opening a new store at City Square Mall, we literally did a little dance. Decathlon is no longer ulu! Thanks to the gracious folks at Decathlon, we were given a sneak little peek at their City Square Mall outlet yesterday. Here goes!

Decathlon City Square Mall

The regular Decathlon store is usually stand-alone, like their flagship store at Bedok. But this new store at City Square Mall is conceptualised as a sMall – a store-in-mall concept to adapt to the dense city scape of Singapore.

Situated at a central location at City Square Mall (closest MRT is Farrer Park), this new outlet is much more convenient than the one at Bedok.

Despite being smaller in size, this store carries almost everything. It boasts about 80-90% of the variety of products offered by the flagship. Both stores also provide sporting gear for more than 50 different sports. From kayaking to hiking, you name it, they have it.

Having visited Decathlon so many times, we’re still amazed at how indisputably affordable Decathlon products are.

Just like this Arpenaz 10 bagpack which costs only $3.90! Cheaper than chicken rice, they say. We wholeheartedly agree!

(Our editor bought this bag in the same colour as the one shown above. When she bought it, it was $4.90.) Decathlon made a decision to further drop the price to $3.90, permanently. Wow, we’re mind-blown.

Just like the Bedok store, testing zones have also been set up for customers. Feel free to get a feel of your product before purchase. This is some next-level customer service, especially for sporting goods retailers.

Also available here is their bicycle workshop where customers can bring in their bicycles for repair and maintenance for a fee, regardless of brand.

Other than this new outlet, Decathlon plans to increase their store-count in Singapore to the 20s within the next 10 years. If you’ve been putting off your visit to this sporting goods mega-store because of its previously ulu location, your excuse is no more!

Decathlon City Square Mall
Opening day: Sat, 21 May 2016
Location: 180 Kitchener Road, #02-03 City Square Mall, S208539
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Closest MRT Station: Farrer Park MRT (North-East Line)

If you’re still not sure what Decathlon is about, also read Decathlon: So Ulu But You Still Must Visit. Here’re 5 Reasons! to learn more about Decathlon’s affordable prices, wide range of products, and attentive staff, to name a few.

We also enjoyed this funny video of theirs.

Have a blast at Decathlon’s City Square Mall, and let us know how your trip went!

Brought to you by Discover SG x Decathlon.

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

Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

Picture this: you’re on a bicycle gliding down the beautifully paved roads of Singapore under the bright moonlight, only stopping for pedestrians and some of the best supper dishes in town. A breeze comes and goes, and the sights keep changing.

Not only is night cycling fun, it is also healthy. According to an Al Ameen Eating Corner
Address: #01-11, 35 Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3 (Along Woodlands Ave 5), Singapore 739065
Tel: +65 6891 0893
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Boon Tong Kee
Address: 399/401/403 Balestier Road, Singapore 329801
Tel: +65 6254 3937
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 AM – 4.45 PM, 5.30 PM – 4.30 AM, and Sunday 11 AM – 4.45 PM and 5.30 PM – 3 AM

The Roti Prata House
Address: 246M Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Tel: +65 6459 5260
Opening Hours: Friday to Saturday 24 hours, Sunday to Thursday 7 AM – 2 AM

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar
Address: 187 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574335 / 1 Jalan Rajah #01-01 Singapore 329133
Tel: +65 6252 8780 / +65 6268 8690
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 PM – 12 midnight, Friday to Sunday 12 PM – 12 midnight

The Bay Watch

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE_a3GmN_Ge/?tagged=hollandvillage

https://www.instagram.com/p/pWARjnFXul/?tagged=mountfaberroad

This has got to be one of the most underrated cycling paths in Singapore, especially if you don’t happen to live in the neighbourhoods mentioned in the route. Not only will you get an insight into what each estate is like, from the changing architecture to late night food options, you might even get to see various animals, from otters to roosters, going about their day in the concrete jungle.

https://www.instagram.com/p/xwEOu-q3K-/?tagged=noocheng

Food options nearby include Alexandra Village Food Centre and Zion Riverside Food Centre. If you’re hitting up the Zion Riverside Food Centre, make sure to reach by 1030 PM to dine like royalty. Famous stalls there include Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle and Zion Road Fried Kwayteow.

Route (45 minutes): Holland Village, Commonwealth Crescent, Margaret Drive, Alexandra Canal Linear Park, Alexandra Park Connector, Zion Road, Gardens by the Bay

Alexandra Village Food Centre
Address: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Singapore 150120

Zion Road Fried Kway Teow (Stall 17)
Address: 70 Zion Road, Singapore 247792
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 PM – 2.30 PM, 6.30 PM – 11 PM (Closed every other Monday)

Noo Cheng Adam Road Prawn Noodle (Stall 4)
Address: 70 Zion Road, Singapore 247792
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11.30 PM, Saturday to Sunday (as well as PH) 12 PM – 1 AM

So, which route will you go for? Whichever path you choose, just don’t forget to follow Singapore’s PCN etiquette guide. If you’re cycling at night, ensure that your bicycle lights are turned on, and keep a safe distance from others on the road, even when there’s no traffic! It’s time to work out… and enjoy some good food while you’re at it.

Did we miss out your favourite night cycling route? Drop us a tip!

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

Hipster Hawkers: 5 Stalls That Are Redefining Hawker Culture

It seems like the growing wave of hipster hawkers might just be the solution to Singapore’s dying local hawker culture. Undeterred by the long operating hours and uncomfortable heat, a bunch of young hawker-preneurs are reinvigorating the local hawker culture. They bring with them a youthful drive and modern sensibilities, resulting in a curious mix of bold new flavours served in a rustic and unassuming environment.

So the next time you find yourself at one of these kopitiams, be prepared to be greeted with more than just your usual hawker fare.

1. The Truly Test Kitchen

Image source: rachrx

Driven by a desire to serve authentic and quality dishes, a group of graduates – Joel Chia, Deniece Tan and Joshua Chia – opened their very own eatery on the seventh floor of an industrial building. Spanning a total of five different stalls, Truly Test Kitchen serves up a diverse range of cuisines from traditional handmade yam cake to the American classic chicken and waffles.

“I want to make my food so good, people will come up seven floors for it,” said Chia in an interview with Makansutra. 

And the trio have succeeded in doing that. Everything they serve is prepared painstakingly from scratch every morning.

Not to be missed is their Hainanese curry rice served with an assortment of homely side dishes. The curry sauce is the perfect blanket over their plain rice and crispy pork cutlet. It might be shy on spiciness but the fragrance from the spices used makes it a truly delicious dish.

The Truly Test Kitchen
Address: 153 Kampong Ampat, #07-05
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 7am – 2pm
Price: From $3

2. Fishball Story

Image source: Fishball Story

Opening a noodle stall right in the heart of a school campus, it is rather evident that the owner of Fishball Story, Douglas Ng, 25, is dedicated to keeping the hawker culture alive. Located in the National University of Singapore, Ng started selling fishball noodles since he was 22.

Dedicated to providing a traditional and authentic dish that is true to its roots, the fishballs that the stall serve are blended and made by hand. Right down to the sambal used, this $3 per bowl of fishball noodles is as genuine as it can get.  

Ng said in an interview with Toggle: “We use 100% fish meat. To me, authentic fishballs taste like this. I just want to serve what I feel is authentic and traditional.”

Fishball Story
Address: 2 College Avenue West, #02-01
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 8:30am – 8pm
Price: From $3

3. Hambaobao

Image source: Hambaobao

Aptly named, this humble stall in Beauty World Center serves up hamburgers with an Asian twist. They might have a modest menu, but the flavours are certainly something to brag about.

Some of their must-try include the Crispy Pork Belly burger ($5) and the Ayam Buah Keluak ($5), which is their take on the quintessential Peranakan dish with buns sandwiching a buah keluak infused chicken patty and topped with chap chye and homemade chilli.

The young owners, Ryan Wee, 26 and Claire Ng, 23, attributed the reason for opening a food court style eatery to lesser overhead costs. They can thus focus on providing unique east-meets-west flavours at affordable prices. So skip the usual fast-food chain and try Hambaobao the next time you have a burger craving.

Hambaobao
Address: 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-49
Opening hours: Wed- Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Price: From $4.50

4. Ballistic Meatballs

Image source: Ballistic Meatballs

You’ll be surprised at the variation of meatballs served at Ballistic Meatballs, a stall located in The Bedok Marketplace. With an extensive menu that serves up everything related to meatballs and more, it feels almost like a cafe packed into a humble stall.

The owner, 30 year old Ryan Chuang, is certainly giving the meatballs from IKEA a run for their money. 

Their crispy Signature Ballistic Meatballs ($5.90) come with a cheesy center with a side of highly addictive furikake mayonnaise. This sesame-battered creation literally blends a world of flavours together in one meatball.

Also addictive is their Crispy Crab Balls ($10.50) that feels like a deconstructed chilli crab and their Plain Jane meatballs that’s used to go with everything from pasta, sliders, sandwiches to even wraps.

Ballistic Meatballs
Address: 348 Bedok Road, #02-02/03
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:30am – 10pm
Price: From $4

5. Lad & Dad

Image source: Lad & Dad

While it might be hard to find restaurants that serve up traditional British stews with fluffy yorkshire pudding, it certainly is easy to find a hawker stall that serves just that. Helmed by a father and son duo, Lad & Dad, brings you new kind of comfort food in a kopitiam setting.

Located in Serangoon Gardens, Keith Koh, 26, dishes out warm and hearty stews choked full with tender meat and root vegetables after picking up his culinary skills from London. His father, Desmond Koh, 57, helps out with the preparation and operation of the stall. As a side dish, the yorkshire pudding serves as the perfect canvas to soak up all the luscious broth, or have it as a sweet dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Lad & Dad
Address: 49A Serangoon Garden Way, #32
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 8pm
Price: From $3

It certainly is heartening to see the younger generation innovating and keeping our local hawker culture alive. Do give them a try the next time you plan to head out with your friends.

(Header image: Hambaobao, words by editor)

Also read: A.R.C. – The Café All Hipsters Dream About

Travelling to Bangkok? We’ve Compared All The Flight Prices For You!

With the upcoming long weekends and June holidays, many of us are likely to be in search of a quick getaway. Some of us may already be enjoying the start of our long coveted summer holidays! How does the Land of Smiles, Tom Yum Goong and Mango Sticky Rice sound to you?

A mere 2h and 10 minutes away from Singapore*, Bangkok is a popular destination for both local travellers and visitors from Asia Pacific alike. The vibrant capital of Thailand has more to its name than palatable street food, and being a shopper’s paradise. Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, explore the floating markets on a wooden boat, and experience the bustling nightlife of the city. There is much to do in this multi-faceted city whether you are interested in food, shopping, museums, architecture, palaces and temples, or simply unwinding.

Ready to travel to Bangkok? Here’s an airline flight price comparison for a one-way trip from Singapore’s Changi Airport.

In a nutshell, the low-cost carriers are your best bet if you want to skimp on the airfare. Scoot, from the information presented above, offers the cheapest flights to Bangkok. If you’re willing to spend more, experience the hospitality of the Thais when you fly with Thai Airways, or splurge on a ticket with our homegrown Singapore Airlines.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flights, pack your bags, and we hope you have a pleasant trip!

*estimated flight time from )

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

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Happn – How I Connected With The Girl I Crossed Paths With

“There she is again,

looking perfect as always,” I thought to myself. Sitting on the bench while waiting for the train, I nervously took a quick glance at her direction. Did she recognise me from the other times we’ve crossed paths at the MRT station?

She didn’t look like she did. Her fringe covered her eyes slightly as she looked down at her phone. Every now and then, she would type something and a smile would break across her face. She must be chatting to some dude, I obviously stand no chance.

Chance encounters

I sighed. Ever since I began my new job at Tanjong Pagar, I have to go through this uncomfortable situation every week. It was strange. Uncomfortable it was, but I still looked forward to seeing her. The sight of her messy hair but immaculate work clothes was enough to send me all aflutter. Her pretty smile and squinty eyes charmed me from the day I met her.

But I could never summon the courage to approach her. Why would someone like her even entertain the likes of me? I am far from the epitome of handsomeness, and neither am I close to the likes of Channing Tatum nor Tom Hardy. My geeky interests – Star Wars, video games, and Marvel comics would probably end the conversation between us very quickly.

Movement at the corner of my eye stirred me from my deep thoughts. The train was already on the platform and she was nowhere in sight. Pushing away any lingering emotions, I picked up my bag pack and quickly boarded the waiting train.

The world is too small for us not to meet

I trudged out of the train, more than glad to be off the packed carriage. Peak hours are not exactly the best time to travel on the MRT, especially after a long day at the office. Exhausted, I brightened up at the thought of KOI. Surely that would perk me up!

As I neared the venue, I did a double take. Isn’t that her? The lady I always crossed paths with at the MRT? As I squinted my eyes to verify, thoughts quickly raced through my mind. That can’t be anyone else, can it?

It is definitely her; I distinctly remember that she is wearing a blue dress today. And she is holding a cup of Ovaltine Macchiato, the same drink that I am planning to buy! Can’t believe she likes that same unconventional drink.

To approach her, or not?

My heart began to race. This is it, a perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with her! Should I introduce myself immediately? Or play it cool instead by asking her for the price of the Ovaltine Macchiato? No, that would be stupid, there’s a price list on the screen for that very reason!

Should I mention that I’ve seen her plenty of times before this, to make things less awkward? Probably not, it would paint me as a stalker instead. Argh, this is agonising! But this is my chance, and I don’t want to miss this opportunity!

As I slowly approached her while figuring out the best one-liner, I saw her heading towards a group of ladies. There goes my chance. They began to laugh and talk animatedly, while sharing sips of each other’s drinks.

Stopping dead at my tracks, I knew that there was no way I could go through with the plan. Being all flustered over one lady was bad enough, but to be rejected in front of a group of ladies would probably spell the end of my self-confidence.

One of the girls noticed me staring and turned to my direction, a questioning look on her face. Swiftly turning away, I suddenly decided that it would be best to have a nice cup of cold water at home instead.

When I heard about Happn

As I poured hot coffee into my mug at my office’s pantry, I overheard a conversation.

“Oh, in that case, have you heard of Happn?” he pulled his phone out and showed the other colleague. “It’s like a dating app, but it’s about people you’ve crossed paths with or encountered before!”

My interest perked at the mention of this new dating app.

Rather than wait for a stroke of luck, create your own

Sitting at my office chair, I stared at my phone screen. I had downloaded the application, and had spent the previous night tinkering with my profile. So far, I’ve seen a few other profiles but not hers.

Opting for a short break from work, I launched a quick game of Tetris or two.

I stopped when I saw a new notification by Happn, asking me to check out new partners. I was about to swipe the alert away when a thought stopped me. No harm in checking the application out again.

I opened it and saw the same ones as just now. As I scrolled down, my jaw dropped.

Discovering her on Happn

I am staring at that lady’s profile page! Rubbing my eyes to make sure I wasn’t seeing things, I stared at her picture for a few more minutes before clicking on it with a trembling finger.

I let out a tiny squeal. She likes Star Wars! She is a big fan of Marvel Comics and loves a whole bunch of video games. Her taste in music is almost similar to mine, from Coldplay to Imagine Dragons, it was all too much to take in.

I grinned like a silly cheshire cat. This is all too surreal, for her to share so much common interests with someone like me! I knew that I had to do something or I’ll never forgive myself for a very long time.

Like or Charm?

Taking a deep breath to calm myself down, I brought up the happn application again. I could either click on like, in hopes that she would eventually click like on my profile and realise that I was similarly interested, or click on charm and go direct with my intentions.

Charming was unnerving for me, as I feared a cold response, but liking would probably mean no reply at all. But I also know that we will cross paths many, many times. Enough times for her to at least take notice of me eventually. My finger hovered over the like button and inched closer to the screen.

Everything happens by chance, but it all comes together perfectly

“Aaron! Stop using your phone and get back to work! Those reports are due today!” Startled, I stuffed my phone in my pocket and muttered a quick apology to my supervisor, who was glaring at me from the side of my table.

Waiting until my supervisor was out of sight, I pulled my phone out. My eyes widened with disbelief. I set my phone on the table and placed my hands on my face, groaning miserably.

I’d clicked the charm button.

Waiting

Standing in the populated train back home, I stared at my phone’s screen for an eternity. A whirlwind of thoughts was going through my head. Why did I click the charm button? Why hasn’t she replied to the accidental charm? How will I face her at the station when she knows that I’ve sent her a charm?

I put my phone away and willed myself to calm down. There’s no use worrying. It’ll happen if it does.

At that moment, my phone began to buzz. I tenatively picked my phone out from my pocket, as if I was afraid of what’ll be displayed on the screen.

Two parallel lines never meet, unless they are made for each other

“Hi! I’m on the same train as you! J”

My heart froze. It was her, messaging me through happn. Was this some kind of dream? I had to pinch myself to make sure this wasn’t a figment of my imagination. No, I am definitely awake and reading the message on my phone.

And she is on the same train as me, right now! I slowly looked up from my phone, my heart racing.

Full circle – There she is again,

standing at the opposite side of the carriage, the same messy hair and cheeky grin. The quick smile, squinty eyes, and her phone were all familiar to me. I stood rooted. She waved at me, motioning me to come towards her. My heart is beating so fast, it is going to jump out of my chest.

I stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. Eventually, a warm smile crept over my face, and I began to make my way towards her.

–

Inspired by true events

Have you crossed paths or had a chance encouter with someone that left you impressed? With only your memory of his or her face, and without a name or number, you can’t reach out or connect. With

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Keong Saik Carnival: The Event All Hipsters Shouldn’t Miss

Those who love the rustic charm of the shophouses and bars along Keong Saik Street won’t want to miss the first-ever Keong Saik Carnival. This all-day family-friendly affair is organised by the team behind Potato Head Folk, the popular hipster bar at Keong Saik.

With the theme ‘Old Streets New Treats’, the carnival will celebrate the heritage of the historic neighbourhood – Tiong Bahru, “where past inspires present, traditions meets contemporaries”.

Street Bazaar

During the carnival, explore the street bazaar where you’ll find everything from antiques, to vinyl records, to a limited edition fashion collection by Fergadelic created for Three Buns.

Activities

That aside, expect art installations, heritage tours, pop-up food stalls, and cultural workshops as well. Plus, families with children will be glad to know that there will be a lion dance troupe putting on a show, a story telling session, balloon sculpting, along with an Uncle Ringo to keep the young ones occupied.

Music

The carnival will also see collaborations of traditional Chinese musicians with cutting-edge electronic DJs, as well as the freshest beatsmiths livening up the atmosphere with sounds of Hip-hop, Bass, House, Funk, Soul and Disco. From international names like Beijing’s Howie Lee to homegrown acts including Pushin’On and Syndicate, the live music stages are to be anticipated!

Details

MUSIC:
HOWIE LEE + ZHANG YANG (LIVE)
CHACHA (LIVE) & HOWELL
AL ROCCO & BLOW FEVER
THE OBSERVATORY
SYNDICATE (KIAT, KOFLOW, INTRIGUANT)
ATTAGIRL!
PLEASURE (BERGAS, TARA)
SUN DOWN CIRCLE
MR. HAS
SA
PUSHIN’ON (MARVIN GOLD, TOM SHELLSUIT)
FAUXE
HOME (DJR, KNIVES, JERLS, REIKI)
DARKER THAN WAX (FUNK BSTRD, KAYE, DARYL C)
DONN
#VINYLOFTHEDAY (KURT, EDEN)

VISUALS:
EMPYREAL
HOODLAM
TELL YOUR CHILDREN

STREET BAZAAR:
A Juicery
Behave Behave X Oak & Bindi
Curious creatures
Custom Burner
Gallery & Co
get.give
Hounds of the Baskervilles
kapok singapore
Leica Store Singapore
Lime House
Luxe Singapore
Magpie
Sundays Sg
Sunday Market
Supplies & Co.
The Analog Vault
Three Buns
Underscore X Triceratops
Vinyl of The Day #vinyloftheday

SPONSORS:
Official Credit Card: UOB YOLO (UOB Cards)
Official Food on Wheels: Deliveroo
Official Projector Sponsor: Epson
Official Photography Partner: Leica
Official Ride: Uber
Official Hotel: Park 22 hotel Singapore
Official Beer: Heineken
Official TV: LI TV Asia
Official Bespoke Motorcycle: Custom Burner
Official Irish Whiskey: Jameson Ambassador Singapore
Official Rum: Mount Gay Rum
Official Gin: The Botanist
Official Soda: Fever Tree – Singapore
Official Music Partner: W Hotels Worldwide
Official Radio Station: Lush99.5
Official Magazine: JUICE Singapore
Official Production House: Blackvine Pte Ltd
Official Sound & Light: The Show Company

SUPPORTED BY:
The People’s Association
Urban Redevelopment Authority

BAR PARTNERS:
Ketel One
Tanqueray
Pimms
Hendrick’s Gin
Sailor Jerry

Schedule

Map

Keong Saik Carnival has also tied up with Uber for up to $20 off your first ride to or from the carnival with promo code “KSC2016”. Do note that this promotion is only valid for first time Uber riders. Download the Uber app for more details.

Excited for the carnival yet? Let your friends know about it and have a blast this Saturday!

Keong Saik Carnival
Date: Saturday, 28 May 2016
Time: 12:00NN to 10:30PM
Address: Keong Saik Road

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

Also read: Everything For Free? Introducing SG’s Really Really Free Market!

Star Wars Day Singapore 2016 Set To Storm Kallang Wave Mall This Weekend

Star Wars fans, listen up! Whether you’re a Sith or a Jedi, Imperials or Rebels, Star Wars Day Singapore is set to take Kallang Wave Mall by storm from 30 April to 1 May, 2016! Now, isn’t that the perfect way to celebrate the long Labour Day weekend? *cues The Imperial March anthem*

May the 4th is an important day to all Star Wars fans and is celebrated worldwide. Although ‘Star Wars Day’ is not created by Lucasfilm, the film company that created this worldwide phenomenal has embraced the spirit of fandom that makes this day so special.

Partnering #MAYTHE4THSG, a Singaporean-based Star Wars fan collective, Kallang Wave Mall promises a fun-filled two-day celebration for all Star Wars fans, collectors, and families.

With their ‘base’ at the OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub, the festival will showcase all things Star Wars – from the original trilogy that began in 1977 to the latest Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Visitors can look forward to an eye-opening galactic experience and get up-close with screen-accurate Star Wars costumes, courtesy of the 501st Legion and Rebel Outpost.

If you think that sounds cool, we have even greater news for you. The Force Awakens’ panel by Lucasfilm will take place over both days of the event! Yes, you’ve heard people raving about it during Comic Con and now it’s your time to witness it with your own eyes.

For the juniors, check out FightSaber Kids Workshop and get into some ‘bdzzew bdzzew’ action. While they’re at it, sign them up for the Kids Fashion Parade too!

And the force doesn’t stop just right there. Spend $60 and above at any of Kallang Wave Mall’s tenants (or $100 at Fair Price Xtra Kallang Wave) to receive a free express pass to the Star Wars Day Singapore photobooth. If you spent over $120 (or $180 at Fair Price Xtra Kallang Wave), you’ll walk away with a BB-8 umbrella! This promotion is only valid from 30th April to 1st May.

For those who want to stock up on some collectibles, there will also be a pop-up concept store selling Star Wars merchandise at the atrium of the mall over the weekend.

Our next dose of galaxy battle, ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’, will only come by this December. While waiting for it to arrive, why not storm down to Kallang Wave Mall this weekend like a Trooper and celebrate the force! May the 4th be with you!

Star Wars Day Singapore
Kallang Wave Mall – OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub
Address: 1 Stadium Place, 397628
Event Date: 30 April – 1 May 2016
Time: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Admission: Free
Event schedule:

Also read: Stuff Yourself Silly! 7 Best Buffets Below $30

Stuff Yourself Silly! 6 Best Buffets Below $30

Rebel Wilson famously said, “The way I was brought up, if you see a buffet, you take some home for later.”

We daresay that’s the way we feel about these cold tables. Especially when the price of the buffet is sky rocket high.

Are you sick of going through list after list of yummy buffets in Singapore, trying to find one that is pocket-friendly? Yeah, us too. But to paraphrase from Eames, it’s not impossible, it’s just bloody difficult. So, we’re here to help. After tireless sourcing, we’ve found these buffets that are below $30! They’re not just cheap, they’re delicious, to boot. Now you can buffet all day long – lunch, tea, dinner, desserts.

Tip: To avoid disappointment, email or give these restaurants a call to reserve a spot.

1. K.COOK (Korean)

Apparently, you can eat and watch K-pop music videos at the same time. How’s that for entertainment? Many regular customers keep coming back for the mouth-watering food and efficient service. Some of the restaurant’s highlights include the marinated beef short rib, chicken wings, and Korean glass noodles. Mouseover to Facebook to reserve a spot.

K.COOK Korean BBQ Buffet
Price: Lunch buffet, S$14.90++; Dinner buffet, $24.90++, add $2 on weekends, PH eve, and PH
Buffet hours: Lunch, 11.30am to 3pm; Dinner, 5.30pm to 10pm
Address: 181 Orchard Road
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am to 10pm
Contact: 6884 7282

Also read: Korean Food ‘Seoul’ Good That You’ll Visit All Day Every Day! Here Are The Best 8 Spots!

2. Bar B Q Tonight (Pakistani & Afghani)

Out of all the buffet restaurants in this list, Bar B Q Tonight has by far the highest number of positive reviews on the internet, and for good reason. The food is authentic and the dining experience is unforgettable. One Facebook user even shared, “Even after one year, I [can] still feel the taste of the lovely food.”

Famous for its kebabs, this is the place to go if you have an unfathomable bottomless stomach.

E-book your spot at this page!

Bar B Q Tonight
Price: Lunch $17++, Dinner $25++, and Sunday Brunch $25
Email: [email protected]
Stanley branch:
Address: 11 – 12 Stanley Street
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 10.30pm
Contact: 6327 9280
Roberts Lane branch:
Address: 10 Roberts Lane
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Contact: 6299 5210

3. Yum Cha Restaurant (Dim Sum)

Yum Cha’s weekday dim sum high tea buffet kicks off at 3pm and lasts to 6pm. If you don’t mind having an early dinner, look no further. The food is delicious and thoughtfully made. Some of its highlights are the egg tarts and garlic soft shell crab.

Yum Cha’s only downside is that the service tends to be on the slow side. No surprise there, the place is packed! Still, we’re willing to let this minor hiccup slide, because the food is glorious.

Yum Cha Restaurant
Price: $21.80++
Opening hours: Weekdays 11am – 11pm, Weekends 9am – 11pm
Address: 20 Trengganu Street, #02-01 Chinatown
Contact: 6372 1717

Also read: 9 Best Dim Sum Places In Singapore That You Won’t Feel Guilty Splurging On!

4.  Image credit: Swensens[/caption]

Let this sink in for a minute: 50 ice-cream flavours with more than 40 toppings.

[caption id="attachment_6376" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image credit: goawaylobster[/caption]

Can we get a hallelujah? Dessert, here we come!

Swensen’s Ice Cream & Dessert Buffet
Price: $18.90++
Opening hours: Weekdays 10.30am – 10.30pm, Weekends & Public Holidays 10.30am – 10.30pm
Address: Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B1-31
Contact: 6884 5967

5. Kiseki (Japanese)

What’s that you say? You can’t afford a plane ticket to Japan to grab a bite of the delectable cuisine your friend has been raving about? Fret not, because Kiseki brings the Japanese dishes to you. The buffet restaurant has an impressive selection, such as salmon sashimi, ribeye steak, and tempura. Free-flow drinks are also included.

To reserve a spot, either give the Japanese buffet restaurant a call, or fill in the reservation form. Itadakimasu, let’s eat!

Kiseki
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #08-01/02/03
Contact: 6736 1216
Price:

6. The RiceTable (Indonesian)

Even though the buffet does not include drinks and dessert, the selection at The RiceTable make up for it. The dishes are pretty darn fantastic. The lunch menu, comprises of 15 exotic dishes like the daging rendang (beef simmered in coconut milk), and tahu telor (an Indonesian bean curd omelette).

The dinner menu does not disappoint either. There’s the perkedel jagung (corn fritters), terong recap (eggplant) and sotong asa (squid) that will have your stomach grumbling for more.

The RiceTable
Price: All-You-Can-Eat Set Lunch at $17.85, All-You-Can-Eat Set Dinner at $28.50
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Address: 360 Orchard Road, International Building, #02-09/10
Contact: 6835 3782

After stuffing yourself silly, don’t forget to exercise and burn off all that extra energy! Don’t keep the good things to yourself! If you know of any great buffets, drop us a shout out on Facebook!

(Header credit: roy_lukito, words by writer)

Also read: A Japanese Funfair You Won’t Want To Miss – Super Japan Matsuri

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

What maketh a man? Manners or leather? Sure, manners are crucial, but what’s more impressive? Spending three hours handcrafting and stitching your own leather product or pulling out a chair for the lady?

Okay seriously, if you’re as much a fan of leather products or into crafts as we are, you’ll love what we’re bringing you today. With the recent swing towards handcrafted artisanal goods, we’ve had the privilege of getting our hands dirty with Maketh Project by attending one of its leather crafting workshops.

Maketh Project is the brain child of three friends Adlina Adil, Addynna Azlinor and Rozeryna Rothma, who share the love of leather crafting. Located on the second level of a shophouse, the unmistakable whiff of leather and hammering sounds echoing throughout the studio will have you feeling like a craftsman in no time.

For this workshop, we’ve chosen to craft a key holder and have informed Maketh of the chosen design in advance. For potential leather crafters, your first task after confirming your design will be to choose the type of leather. If you’re as anal particular as we are, expect to spend a fair amount of time going through the selection. We recommend taking your time to make the decision because well, it is your product!

After a quick introduction, we were shown a short demonstration on leather cutting and were just a teeny bit terrified after knowing how we could cause irreparable damage to our products. Funny story, almost immediately after the demonstration, we’d accidentally sliced through the leather meant for the key holder’s strap. Heh.

But worry not, because the friendly leather crafters of Maketh will be there to guide and assist you! We swear cutting in a straight line is tougher than it looks. Much kudos to Addynna who stuck with us throughout our mini panic-attacks!

Following this, we were told to glue the two leather pieces together before punching holes in the almost finished product. After meticulously marking out the holes, we proceeded to preform the task with our hearts in our mouths. One uneven punch is all it takes to ruin all your previous work so y’know, no pressure here.

The stitching was up next and after choosing the color of thread we wanted, we were all set to complete our key holder! After completing the stitch, we had Addynna put on some finishing touches and we were done! We think it looks great so it doesn’t matter if you think the button is slightly off center. It’s not.

We must say, despite the self-imposed pressure to perfect our product, the experience of crafting a leather good we can call our own is nothing less than fun. The level of satisfaction is pretty insane and we can’t help showing our handcrafted key holder to our friends. We cut and sew one hor.

Itching to craft a product of your own? Here’s some good news; Discover SG, together with Maketh Project, are delighted to offer one lucky reader a

COMPLIMENTARY LEATHER-CRAFTING WORKSHOP AT MAKETH

That’s right, here’s your chance to experience the joy of crafting your own product. You get to choose from a range of small leather crafts – a cardholder, key pouch, coin pouch, or a braided bracelet!

How to win:

Simply comment on our facebook post with which leather product above you’d like to craft – card holder, key holder, coin pouch or braided bracelet (not pictured). Proceed to LIKE and SHARE the post and you’ll be good to go! The reader with the craftiest answer will walk away with a free pass to Maketh’s leather-crafting workshop. Winner will informed through Facebook.

The giveaway will end on 2359 26th April 2016. So what are you waiting for? Comment and stand a chance to win the opportunity to be a craftsman for a day now!

Brought to you by Discover SG x Maketh Project

Maketh Project
Address: 751 North Bridge Rd #02-02
Contact: [email protected]

Also read: A Festival You Won’t Want To Miss – Super Japan Matsuri!

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Japanese Carnival This Weekend – Food, Games, And More!

If you love Japanese culture like we do, mark your calendar! Super Japan Matsuri will be held from 20 to 22 May 2016 at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from 5pm to 10pm daily.

Food

Like every other Matsuri (festival), you can look forward to a weekend of traditional Japanese festival food such as Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), soft serve ice cream, and of course, Japanese beer.

Games

Those who want to try your hand at Japanese games, you might want to start practising your Yo-yo tsuri (water balloon fishing), Senbonbiki (lucky strings game), Katanuki (candy moulding), Shateki (shoot prizes down), and many more.

Senbonbiki is a game where treats or prizes are attached to long strings. The game player will pull on a string, not knowing which treat is attached to it. Apparently, this is usually a ‘sure-win’ game.

Dress up

On top of that, if you dress to match their nightly theme (see image below), you’ll receive one free game coupon to be used at the festival.

This sure sounds like a great opportunity to dress up, cosplay, or put on a yukata (summer kimono)!

Details

Super Japan Matsuri
Date: 20 – 22 May 2016 (Fri – Sun)
Time: 5pm – 10pm (Fri), 3pm – 10pm (Sat & Sun)
Address: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Entry fee: Free admission, coupons required for games
Event page: Super Japan Matsuri

A Matsuri is all about having fun with friends and family. Call your friends, bring your family, get dressed for the theme, and play some games! Fun and laughter guaranteed.

Follow us for more updates!

(Header image credit: antoniotajuelo.com, words by editor)

Also read: 5 Free Events & Shows All Lovers Of Japanese Culture Must Attend!

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