Pasir Ris Will Be Getting Its Own Version Of Timbre+, But With More Diet-Friendly Options

It’s time to make hawker centers cool again.

A new hawker center is scheduled to open in Pasir Ris Central in November, and it sounds like the next up-and-coming hipster enclave.

Divided into two stories, the Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre will offer both traditional hawker fare and more ‘hipster food’ and is the first . The hipster food area will be called Fareground, and will house 22 stalls featuring modern Singapore cuisine (read: fusion food)

NTUC Foodfare, who will be managing the space, intends on using Fareground to host arts and crafts markets and music gigs. Good news for Easties because the fairs and markets are finally heading your way!

Making life easier for you

Becuase we are in the Smart Nation age, the hawker centre is all about making eating out a breeze.

All stalls will offer cashless payment through Plus! Cards/ Plus! Pay and DBS Paylah! You can also redeem your Link Points at the hawker centre – your meal is pretty much free!

https://giphy.com/gifs/singapore-11gj07TLSDeily

Even hawker food is now becoming healthy

Hawker food has a history of being unhealthy, oily and really salty. But not Foodfare and Fareground.

Every single stall must have at least one Healthier Choice meal under 500 calories on the menu. All hawkers must also use healthier oil in their food preparation. Eating out is now possible, even for those health buffs!

If you ever wanted to open up a new stall, now is the time. Foodfare and Fareground is opening up applications for their stalls on Monday, 11 September. Stalls are a good chance to tread the waters in the F&B industry if you are not confident about committing to a cafe.

Applications will close on 22 Sept, and you’ll be able to view a list of all the exciting food offerings then.

Based on what we’ve heard, we think everyone will be rushing to visit Pasir Ris this November. Healthy hawker food? We’ll be there.

Also read Placing Your Order In Sign Language Will Get You A 10% Discount At This Cafe

(Header Image Source: NTUC Foodfare)

At Just $10 A Bowl, This Wagyu Beef Donburi Will Have You Dashing For It Like A Mad Cow

If you’re a meat lover and your ideal meal is one that’s piled high with meat – and specifically beef – Gyu Nami is a lunch spot we think will quickly become one of your favourites.

Newly opened in Amoy Street Food Centre, Gyu Nami is easy to spot with its minimalist white, black and red signboard, and logo resembling Japan’s famous wave print, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa“.

[caption id="attachment_29778" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Gyu Nami Facebook[/caption]

Priced at an affordable $10, the young foodies behind Gyu Nami wanted to make high quality gourmet-fare available for the masses – and they do not stinge on their ingredients.

A Mountain Of Beef

Order a bowl of their Beef Donburi and you’ll find your bowl piled high with slices of beef so that you can barely see the rice beneath!

[caption id="attachment_29775" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple User Sephiria Ng[/caption]

Slow roasted to a nice medium rare, the beef is tender and juicy.

A creamy yoghurt sauce is poured over the mountain of beef, with a sous-vide egg to go along. If the thought of eating so much meat puts you off, don’t worry, the bright, tangy yoghurt sauce offsets the meatiness of the dish, while also giving it that extra dimension of flavour.

[caption id="attachment_29777" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple User Russell Leong[/caption]

The next time you’re in Amoy Street Food Centre for lunch, stray from your typical order and try one of Gyu Nami’s beef Donburi bowls! Delicious and great value for money, your first time at Gyu Nami will likely not be your last.

Gyu Nami
Address: Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111 
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 3pm 
Contact no.: 9066 3566
Facebook

Also read This Local Instagram Account Is Turning Dabao-ed Hawker Food Into Works Of Art

(Header Image Source: @gyunamisg)

This Bakery Makes Millennial Lao Po Bings With Flavors Like Tokyo Banana, Thai Milk Tea And More

If you frequently travel to Thailand, you’ll probably have heard of or seen April’s Bakery around.

With 60 outlets scattered across the country, their home-made pies are now available in Singapore not just in Tampines, but also in the CBD. Located at the bustling food hall at the basement of One Raffles Place, this branch is much more accessible to those of us who, well, don’t live in the extreme east of Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_29516" align="alignnone" width="1484"] April’s Bakery at One Raffles Place[/caption]

While April’s Bakery has its roots in Thailand, their pies are unmistakably Cantonese at heart. Bearing some similarity to the traditional Wife Cake, or lao po bing, April’s Bakery puts its own spin on the pie by switching up its flavours and fillings!

Think Thai Milk Tea, Matcha Latte, Tokyo Banana, Sweet Potato… The list goes on.

[caption id="attachment_29454" align="aligncenter" width="958"] Flavors from top to bottom: Thai Milk Tea, Taro, Matcha, Tokyo Banana, Purple Potato (Image Credit: @oo_foodielicious)[/caption]

Some of their pies come filled with a tasty paste and custard combo, while others have a purely paste filling.

Priced at at just $2, these affordable pies are perfect for breakfast or a midday snack when you get a case of the munchies.

The Story Of April’s Bakery

The original April’s Bakery in Thailand started out as a small, obscure bakery in Central Plaza Ratchada-Rama III shopping centre. Selling cakes, biscuits and pastries, its founder, Nathanaporn Euawanthanakhun, started baking pies after discovering a love for roast pork pies during a trip to Hong Kong.

[caption id="attachment_29517" align="alignnone" width="1484"] April’s Bakery Pies[/caption]

That inspired her to come up with her own signature pie recipe, which eventually led her to expand her range to include flavours like Taro, Custard and Matcha Latte. To date, the bakery has over 30 pie flavours in Thailand, including both sweet and savoury varieties!

Pies For Every Preference

Unfortunately for us, April’s Bakery’s Singapore outlets currently only sell their sweet pies.

The signature flavour at April’s Bakery is Thai Milk Tea. Filled with a mixture of custard and paste, fans of Thai milk tea will likely enjoy this pie that’s rich and creamy, without being overly sweet.

Other custard-paste pies include the Matcha Latte, Custard and the Singapore-exclusive Tokyo Banana. Not available even in Thailand, this is hands down one of our favourites of the lot.

[caption id="attachment_29518" align="alignnone" width="4233"] April’s Bakery pies all cut up![/caption]

Some favourites among the health-conscious (and apparently, the gym-going crowd at One Raffles Place) are the Pumpkin and Sweet Potato pies that come with no added sugar. While much more subdued in flavour, the natural sweetness of Pumpkin and Sweet Potato really come through in these pies.

Durian lovers, here’s another durian-flavoured pastry to add to your must-try list. The latest flavour to hit the shelves at April’s Bakery, these will surely not disappoint.

[caption id="attachment_29456" align="alignnone" width="1180"] durian season should be all year round (Image Credit: @aprilbakerysg)[/caption]

While most of these pies are best enjoyed warm, we were told that you can also enjoy the custard-paste pies cold – and even with a scoop of ice cream!

If you’re working in the CBD area and are ever feeling peckish, grab one of April’s Bakery’s delicious pies. With such a wide variety of flavours, it’ll take you a while to work your way through all the pies to figure out which ones are your favourites.

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, something healthy, or something to fill you up, April’s Bakery got just the thing!

April’s Bakery
Address: #B1-38 1 Raffles Place, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 7pm
Contact: 8122 7604
Website

Also read This Cafe Created A Diner-Themed Dessert Menu, And Our Eyes Are Confused 

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Kat X, Burpple User Amanda Ang)

Gentle Monster To Open First SEA Flagship Store At ION, So You Can Up Your Streetwear Game

If your Insta-feed is filled with picture perfect snaps of fashion bloggers, Gentle Monster is a brand you’ll be no stranger to. After all, nothing makes a better accessory (or prop for the ‘gram) than a stylish pair of shades.

A Korean designer eyewear brand, Gentle Monster has grown a cult following from its experimental – and sometimes, over the top – line of eyewear.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfBIEGFJ1a/?taken-by=gentlemonster

A brand that’s been worn by stylish Hollywood-folk the likes of Miranda Kerr, Gigi Hadid, as well as fashion blogger Aimee Song of Song Of Style, Gentle Monster will be opening its first flagship store in Singapore – and Southeast Asia – in Ion Orchard come mid-September.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR1p5URl4ow/?taken-by=gentlemonster

Gentle Monster At Ion Orchard

If you’ve been eyeing a particular pair of Gentle Monster’s stylish frames, you’ll be excited to know that you can shop its full eyewear range at the store, which includes Gentle Monster’s recent collaboration with Tilda Swinton.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRH2RE6Fe5I/?taken-by=gentlemonster

One of the most recognisable frames at Gentle Monster is Love Punch, a wire rimmed style that you’ll surely have seen while scrolling through your Instagram.

[caption id="attachment_29238" align="alignnone" width="1348"] Love Punch (Image Credit: Gentle Monster)[/caption]

Right on the coloured lenses trend, Gentle Monster also has multiple styles with lenses tinted yellow and pink.

[caption id="attachment_29239" align="alignnone" width="1365"] Image Credit: Gentle Monster[/caption]

To browse Gentle Monster’s sprawling catalogue of chic frames, head over to their Andsoforth’s Unique Dining Experience Serves Up Dinner With A Side Of Theatre

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.

[caption id="attachment_28582" align="alignnone" width="6720"] Automated Check-In Kiosks[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28585" align="alignnone" width="6720"] Automatic Boarding Gate[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28586" align="alignnone" width="6720"] Cleaning Auntie Robot[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28591" align="alignnone" width="1521"] Image Credit: Changi Airport Group[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28580" align="alignnone" width="1738"] Image Credit: Changi Airport Group[/caption]

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

This Cafe Specialises In Dark Chocolate – And The Darker The Chocolate, The Bitter

Craving some chocolate?

A new chocolate joint has just opened up at Millennia Walk, and it’s what all your chocolate-y dreams are made of!

The Dark Gallery specialises in the bittersweet dark chocolate (hence the name), but don’t worry, fans of milk and white chocolate will also be well taken care of here.

[caption id="attachment_28399" align="alignnone" width="1815"] Feast your eyes on all that chocolate![/caption]

Offering a wide selection of goodies from artisanal ice creams to hot chocolate, to pastries, to macarons, The Dark Gallery lets you enjoy chocolate in all its delicious forms.

Only the finest grade of single origin chocolate sourced from Madagascar, Ecuador, Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela, from premium brands such as Valrhona and Cacao Barry are used at this chocolate specialist cafe.

The people at The Dark Gallery take the business of chocolate very seriously, and here, you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the nuances between different single origin chocolates and chocolate blends!

Taste The Difference

To help choco-holics taste the difference between different kinds of chocolate, The Dark Gallery offers up four curated tasting platters, each of which comes with at least three single origin chocolate items that vary in cacao content.

[caption id="attachment_28357" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Single Origin Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Platter[/caption]

These are set on a print-out that describes the flavour profile of each chocolate, so you can better pinpoint the finer differences between them!

Dark chocolate lovers, their dark chocolate ice creams are a MUST try. With ice cream of different cacao percentages, differentiated by the region they’re sourced from, every scoop delivers a punch of rich chocolate flavour. These ice creams are smooth, creamy and not overly rich or sweet – a real delight on the tastebuds!

[caption id="attachment_28401" align="alignnone" width="3024"] Chocolate Ice Cream[/caption]

Choose from the Single Origin Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Platter ($12), the Single Origin Hot Chocolate Shots Platter ($8), the Single Origin Chocolate Pastries Platter ($12) which includes 2 macarons, a tartlet, a s’more and a trifle, or get the best of all three worlds with the Single Origin Chocolate Medley ($10), which comes with 1 pastry, 1 scoop of dark chocolate ice cream, and 1 hot chocolate shot.

For The Love Of Chocolate

We managed to try the Chocolate Rhapsody ($18), which comprised 3 scoops of chocolate ice cream – dark, milk, and white – served with chocolate meringue, chocolate mousse, cacao tuille, and chocolate soil.

[caption id="attachment_28358" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Chocolate Rhapsody[/caption]

As expected, the dark chocolate ice cream was a standout among the three ice cream flavours, and the milk and white chocolate weren’t too sweet, which we liked as well! Giving us a little taste of all three ice cream flavours, we also enjoyed the biscuit-y tuille and the silky smooth mousse that added to the texture and flavour of the dish!

[caption id="attachment_28400" align="alignnone" width="1660"] Signature Frozen S’mores[/caption]

We also got to try the Signature Frozen S’mores ($7.50), a toasted marshmallow cube with a surprise chocolate ice cream (80% cacao) centre. Torched just before serving, the s’more is nicely charred on the outside. The bitterness of the chocolate ice cream contrasted nicely with the sweetness of the toasted s’more, making for a delightful adult version of everyone’s favourite camping treat!

A cafe that truly celebrates chocolate, The Dark Gallery puts out amazing chocolate treats for a reasonable price. With desserts you can’t go wrong with, make a trip down to The Dark Gallery the next time you’re craving something (bitter)sweet!

The Dark Gallery
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-K5 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.00am – 9.30pm
Contact no.: 6255 0368
6 Irresistible Molten Lava Desserts That Will Melt Your Heart

10 Fresh Events And Food Spots That Have Just Popped Up In The Second Half Of July [16-31 July]

We’ve been having a whale of a time the first half of July.

The rest of the month doesn’t disappoint too! There’s a whole host of amazing activities and yummy new eats we can’t wait to try out.

This month’s line-up includes a Disney concert, international football stars on our shores, a dainty tea festival, and new food spots your tastebuds will thank you for. Whether you’re a music fan, party animal, or self-confessed foodie, here are some ways to keep busy the second half of July!

Here’s a calendar of 10 of the freshest events and eats to head to this month!

1. Disney in Concert: A Dream Is A Wish

“A dream is a wish your heart makes”.

So if you’ve been dreaming of reliving your childhood, let Disney In Concert take you back!

[caption id="attachment_28342" align="aligncenter" width="2780"] Image Credit: This is one magical concert that’ll transport you to the musical world of new and old Disney Animated Feature films.

Join in to awaken a little mermaid who longs to be human, a lion cub who struggles to find his place in the circle of life, two sisters who wish to warm a frozen relationship, and more!

Their stories are told through the talents of four Broadway-caliber singers, original Disney film footage and sweeping orchestral scores performed by Base Philharmonic Orchestra.

Here, the magic of Disney storytelling comes to life once again and reminds us that anything is possible!

Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Where: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956
When: 14 – 15 Jul | Fri: 8pm; Sat: 2pm & 8pm
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website

2. Baybeats

Grab your gear, roll up your cuffs, and gather your troops.

Baybeats is back, and it’s the biggest music festival of its kind in Singapore and the region!

[caption id="attachment_28334" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Baybeats Festival[/caption]

This year, it presents a fist-pumping line-up of both Singapore and international acts.

The line-up covers genres including folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, electro and everything in between.

Baybeats aims to gather the best of our homegrown talent in music-making, while creating a festival village that brings together local indie crafters.

Best of all–it’s free!

So reach out, touch faith and rock on at Singapore’s very own alternative music festival.

Baybeats
Where: The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
When: 14 – 16 July
Contact no.: 6828 8222
Shout out to all the party people!

The first edition of the Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party is just around the corner!

[caption id="attachment_28336" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit:
After a week of Rasa Fiesta Singapura Bar Adventures, come to Jiak Chuan street for the hottest party this month.

On the street, you will find dancers, limbo games, beer pong, live DJs and workshops.

Then, duck into participating outlets Lime House and Phat Cat Laundry for a drink, or check out the street booths!

Food vendors from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the French Carribbean will also be here to satisfy your appetite.

There’s even a special free kids playground area so Mums and Dads can also have a drink!

Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party
Where: Jiak Chuan Road / Keong Saik Street
When: 15 Jul, 3pm – 10.30pm
Facebook

4. TED x Pickering Street

If you spend your time on YouTube binge-watching TED Talks, you’ll wanna check this out.

TED x Pickering Street is a self-organized TED event for our own little community in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_28340" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: TED believes that great ideas and stories are not found only in the movers and shakers of the world, but in the most ordinary everyman.

Great ideas can and should be shared, regardless of language, and TED hopes to achieve this with this bilingual, language-blind TEDx event.

At TED x Pickering Street, live speakers from all backgrounds will spark deep discussions and connections.

Because sometimes, inspiration lives right next door without us even knowing it!

TED x Pickering Street
Where: ArtScience Musuem, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
When: 15 Jul, 1pm – 6pm
The Botanic Gardens is known for its occasional chill, picnic-style concerts.

This month, we have one supported by The Straits Times!

[caption id="attachment_28335" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: The Ladies Room[/caption]

Join the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor Jason Lai at the park for an evening of well-loved classics.

The more musically inclined may recognize some pieces from the line-up, which includes “Morning Mood” from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, Third movement (Poco allegretto) from Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90.

There are also selections from West Side Story, Cinema Paradiso: Theme, First Youth, Love Theme, and “Ritual Fire Dance” from El amor brujo.

What’s best? Admission is free!

So make it a day to remember, and don’t forget your picnic mat!

The Straits Times Concert at Gardens
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
When: 22 Jul, 6pm
Contact no.: 6602 4200
Website

6. The xx: I See You Tour

If indie music is your groove, this indie phenomenon must be a central part of your playlist.

London-based band The xx is landing on our shores this month with their I See You Tour!

[caption id="attachment_28341" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: Following two spectacular headline shows here in 2013, The xx are set to bring the house down in their biggest Singapore show yet.

Formed in 2005, The xx are Romy Madley Croft (vocals, lead guitar), Oliver Sim (vocals, bass guitar), and Jamie Smith (beats, MPC sampler).

The xx reveal that they are exploring a more playful, eclectic and expansive musical direction, winning new and old fans with singles such as ‘On Hold’ and ‘Say Something Loving’.

They’re also travelling with electronic/R&B musician Sampha, one of the UK’s most soulful rising artists!

This one-night-only concert promises to be an unforgettable experience – don’t miss it!

The xx: I See You Tour
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 397691
When: 25 Jul, 7pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Heads up, football fans!

The 2017 International Champions Cup is set to be held in Singapore this month.

[caption id="attachment_28337" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit:
The International Champions Cup (ICC) is the world’s premier summer football tournament, bringing the best in football to iconic venues around the globe.

ICC Singapore will feature Chelsea FC, FC Bayern and FC Internazionale in a round-robin three-match tournament.

The fixtures in July will mark the first time these top European teams have played each other in Singapore.

So grab your jerseys and head to the Singapore National Stadium to catch your teams in action!

2017 International Champions Cup
Where: National Stadium,  1 Stadium Dr, 397629
When: 25, 27, 29 Jul, 7.35pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Website

8. The O.P.E.N.

Ready to gain new insight into our world?

The O.P.E.N. is a public engagement initiative from the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) that offers just that.

[caption id="attachment_28339" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image Credit: Singapore International Festival of The Arts[/caption]

A pre-festival of ideas before SIFA, The O.P.E.N. presents 5 weeks of exploration.

It presents a curated selection of events through diverse platforms, including film and creative displays.

You’ll be sure to come across fascinating questions and eye-opening insights about our world and humanity.

The curatorial theme for SIFA 2017 is “Enchantment”, so be prepared to be taken in with the unusual and unexpected of everyday life.

The O.P.E.N.
Where: Various Locations
When: 28 Jun – 9 Sep
Website

Eat

9. Singapore Tea Festival

If your answer to the standard “coffee or tea” question is always the latter, read on.

The inaugural Singapore Tea Festival (STF) will be making its debut at the upcoming Food Festival!

[caption id="attachment_28343" align="aligncenter" width="1984"] Image Credit: Singapore Tea Festival[/caption]

Organised by The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., STF celebrates one of the world’s most popular beverages with a showcase of 17 homegrown tea brands.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiasts and just tea-curious, there’s something for you.

The weekend festival will feature new tea collections and signature tea blends, tea-inspired wares and modern tea bites, alongside tea-themed workshops and a tea heritage exhibition.

Adding to the mix are tea-related lifestyle offerings such as tea-pairing literature titles curated by BooksActually, lifestyle products from Naiise, and ceramic wares by Mud Rock.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, be sure to head on down!

Singapore Tea Festival
Where: B4 ION Station, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 238801
When: 22 – 23 Jul, 10am – 10pm
Facebook

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10. Sunset Social Market

It’s no secret that our biggest national pastimes are eating and shopping.

Well, Open Farm Community (OFC) combines the best of both in its popular Social Market.

[caption id="attachment_28338" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Expat Living Singapore[/caption]

The market’s tenth edition is extra special.

It’s its first foodie-friendly edition, and also the first time it’s held in the evening instead of during the daytime.

Taking its cue from local foodie culture, the two-day market will bring together some of the island’s best artisanal bakers, gourmet grocers, small-batch producers, and modern-day hawkers.

More than just a day of feasting, the market grounds will also play host to communal activities for all ages.

Think a cocktail masterclass, DIY flower crowns, and leisurely strolls through OFC’s flourishing outdoor farm.

Sunset Social Market
Where: Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
When: 22 – 23 Jul, 3pm – 8pm
Contact no.: 6471 0306
Website

What’re you waiting for?

With so much happening this month, your weekends are bound to be a rollercoaster of fun-filled activities!

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

At The Affogato Bar, It’s Never Too Early To Get Drunk On Coffee And Ice Cream

Singapore has plenty of cafes offering quality cuppas to perk you up.

The same, however, cannot be said about affogato, which is not as commonly served in cafes. So, imagine our delight when The Affogato Bar opened in Singapore!

Tucked away in a little spot in Cluny Court, this coffee and affogato bar is the latest addition to Bukit Timah’s bustling food scene.

Asia’s first affogato bar in Singapore

In its most basic form, affogato is a scoop of ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. As such, the key to a delicious affogato is good, quality coffee. In this case, The Affogato Bar uses the award-winning Dimattina Coffee that hails from Melbourne.

[caption id="attachment_28153" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image Credit: Eater[/caption]

At the bar, choose from 5 different types of affogatos: Death by Chocolate ($13.90), Pot of Honey ($11.90), Carota Carota ($13.90), Banana Ramble ($12.90), and Classic White ($10.90). Each affogato comes with two shots of espresso for that hit of caffeine!

[caption id="attachment_28157" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple Guides[/caption]

Our pick goes to Death by Chocolate ($13.90), a rich and decadent dessert that will delight chocoholics. Served in a martini glass, the chocolate sorbet is topped with brownie chunks, chocolate streusel and a thin round of dark chocolate.

[caption id="attachment_28155" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Image Credit: @uwmr_28[/caption]

For those who prefer something less chocolate-y, try the Banana Ramble ($12.90)! It’s served with banana pecan ice cream, soft banana cake, banana slices, pecans, and is topped off with double shots of Mocharoma.

[caption id="attachment_28158" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Sarah Wong[/caption]

Affogato aside, you can choose from a selection of savoury items which include bagel sandwiches in flavours such as cream cheese, dill & onion and sun-dried tomato, just to name a few!

[caption id="attachment_28150" align="aligncenter" width="721"] Image Credit: Burpple User Muriel A[/caption]

As for drinks, the bar also serves up a full-bodied chai latte ($5.50 Hot/ $6.50 Cold) which is worth a try!

Ultimately, while we love the desserts, our only gripe is that the 15-seater is rather small. Be prepared to wait if you are patronising the bar on a weekend!

The Affogato Bar
Address: 01-04B Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 11pm
Contact no.: 9238 9005
Website 

Also read West Your Case, East-siders – You’re Missing Out On These 8 Dessert Spots At Jurong

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Sarah Wong & Xing Wei Chua)

These Exotic Ang Ku Kuehs Are On A Kueh-st To Conquer Your ‘grams And Tastebuds

Before all the fad foods that exist today, there were good old traditional pastries like Ang Ku Kueh.

A traditionally red pastry consisting of a sticky, chewy skin, wrapped over a sweet filling, this kueh was a regular feature on the dining table when many of us were children.

Kueh Ho Jiak, which literally translates to ‘kueh nice to eat‘, hopes to bring the humble kueh to the ‘gram-loving, health-conscious generation by changing up its flavours and appearance.

[caption id="attachment_27986" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Kueh Ho Jiak[/caption]

Located in the CBD, at Tanjong Pagar Plaza Food Centre, every one of the kuehs here is handmade with love.

[caption id="attachment_27989" align="alignnone" width="1296"] Kueh Ho Jiak storefront[/caption]

Think multi-toned kuehs in purple, brown, yellow, and black hues. These kuehs come in a variety of shapes: bear, Hello Kitty, flower, heart, and circle. This facelift feels fresh, while still pointing to the kueh’s traditional roots with the banana leaf at the base of each one!

A Fresh Spin On Kueh

While Ang Ku Kueh skins are traditionally made of glutinous rice flour, the skins of Kueh Ho Jiak’s Ang Ku Kuehs are made of 5 different varieties of sweet potatoes: Japanese sweet potatoes, Purple sweet potatoes, Jewel sweet potatoes, Hannah sweet potatoes, and Garnet sweet potatoes.

The different coloured sweet potatoes are also what give these kuehs their unique hues. No artificial colourings are used in the making of these little snacks!

[caption id="attachment_27994" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Kueh on display[/caption]

Appearance aside, what lies within the skin is even more intriguing. Some of the more unusual flavours include durian ($1.60) and hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp) ($1.60). Other flavours you’ll find are mung bean ($1.20), red bean ($1.20), peanut ($1.20), coconut ($1.20), and yam ($1.60).

While hae bee hiam Ang Ku Kueh may sound odd, don’t write it off without giving it a try! Spicy without being overly salty, this is likely to be a winner among those of you who love your savoury foods.

Generally, the kuehs here are less sweet than those you may be used to eating. While this threw us off at first, the more we had of it, the more we grew to like it! The skin of these kuehs is also softer than others we’ve tried – another thing we really like.

The crowd favourite here is the durian Ang Ku Kueh, so make sure to give that a try if they’re available when you stop by!

Made With Love

Everything at Kueh Ho Jiak is handmade with love.

In the evening, the people at Kueh Ho Jiak start making the kuehs. At around 1am, they start to steam them, and at 6am, the kuehs are delivered to the coffee shop to be sold. Some of the kuehs are brought to the store uncooked and are steamed fresh at the store once the previous batch is sold out.

[caption id="attachment_27987" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Kuehs ready to be steamed[/caption]

Aside from Ang Ku Kuehs, some of the other things you must try while you’re here are the Bomb Puffs ($1.50) and the Ubi Kayu (cassava) ($2.20).

[caption id="attachment_27995" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Bomb Puffs[/caption]

The Bomb Puff is the bomb. A curry puff with a crispy, fluffy pastry, its filling is chunky and very flavourful. Eating it, you can tell that the people at Kueh Ho Jiak have put a lot of effort into perfecting every element of the puff.

[caption id="attachment_27997" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Ubi Kayu[/caption]

The Ubi Kayu here is delicious as well. Served with a fancy pair of toothpicks, these cassava balls are fragrant and so soft, they melt in your mouth!

A New Lease Of Life

Kueh Ho Jiak is all about inventing new recipes and giving traditional kuehs a new lease of life. A novel idea, these photogenic kuehs are sure to capture your heart and tastebuds!

[caption id="attachment_27985" align="alignnone" width="5184"] Kueh Ho Jiak[/caption]

Made with no preservatives, no pork, and no lard, you can even request for vegan versions to be made! Every kueh is made using healthy, fresh ingredients, so you can be sure you’re putting only good things into your body.

Looking to get your hands on these goodies? Place an order with Elizabeth at 9028 4359 because the kuehs here tend to sell out quite fast. While officially, Kueh Ho Jiak opens until 2pm, most days, it is closed by noon because it has run out of kuehs to sell!

Affordable, delicious, and so photogenic, you won’t regret trying these little treats!

Kueh Ho Jiak
Address: 6 Tanjong Pagar Road, #02-20 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Food Centre, Singapore 081006
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 7am – 2pm; Closed on Sun
Contact no.: 9028 4359
Facebook

Also read We Tried Glamping For The First Time And It Was As Awesome As It Looks

Melissa’s Latest Collection Celebrates The Power Of Girls With Edgy Shapes And A Sprinkling Of Glitter

Melissa shoes – they’re fun, they’re comfortable, and they’re super cute to boot (pun intended)!

Melissa has just launched its MDREAMS flagship store in Singapore, and at 1,700 square feet, it is currently the largest MDREAMS retail outlet in the world!

[caption id="attachment_27920" align="alignnone" width="1721"] Melissa Flagship Store Singapore[/caption]

Situated in the heart of Singapore’s CBD at Raffles City Shopping Centre, you’ll immediately notice strong curved lines in the stark white space. From the display shelves to seats, to the fixtures on the ceiling, curves feature prominently in this store, taking inspiration from dance and movement which characterize the Melissa shoe.

[caption id="attachment_27909" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Melissa FlyGrl FW’17[/caption]

We popped in for a preview of their latest FlyGrl FW 2017 collection, which celebrates girl power. With bold, edgy shapes in muted fall/winter tones, as well as some glitter and metallics, these shoes are for the girl who’s not afraid to own her power.

Even the boys can join in on the fun at Melissa! Some of the styles, such as the Melissa Free ($125), are actually unisex, and it’s not altogether unusual for men to buy these fun kicks to wear on their feet. We’re not kidding – there were guys sporting their Melissas at the MDREAMS launch, some even pulling them off better than we did!

Some of the new styles we fell head over heels for were the edgy Panapana Mule ($170)

[caption id="attachment_27910" align="alignnone" width="1258"] Melissa Panapana Mule[/caption]

the square-toed, lace-up Wonder ($190) boot that makes you feel all-powerful…

[caption id="attachment_27911" align="alignnone" width="1473"] Melissa Wonder[/caption]

and Melissa’s plastic spin on the hot sneaker trend, the Be ($135).

[caption id="attachment_27912" align="alignnone" width="1517"] Melissa Be[/caption]

Other styles to keep your eye out for are the statement Cosmic Sandal ($135), the barbie-esque Mule ($140), the understated Panapana ($160), and the Melissa Rain Drop Boot ($180) that’s perfect for looking fab this rainy July.

[caption id="attachment_27913" align="alignnone" width="1187"] L-R: Rain Drop Boot, Panapana, Cosmic Sandal, Mule[/caption]

Also, expect new colours and details on your favourite styles like the Ultragirl!

Make sure to check out all of the styles in-store. While these shoes look great in photos, they look and feel even better in person!

*Take note that the Panapana Mule, the Wonder and the Rain Drop Boot are only available at the MDREAMS flagship store at Raffles City Shopping Centre.

MDREAMS (Raffles City Shopping Centre)
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #B1 – 28, Singapore 179103
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 9pm

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