Category: Just For You This Weekend

Farmers’ Markets in Singapore – Unearthing Their Locations

For a concrete metropolis like Singapore, having plots of farms dedicated to growing our own produce sounds rather incredulous. But in the recent years, there has been a growing trend towards locally-produced food and ingredients harvested or made by our very own Singaporeans. Boasting a slew of environmental and health benefits, many of these local farmers are starting to sell their produce at farmers’ markets.

While this concept might be relatively new here, it is one that has been embraced for a long time by other countries. If you’re planning to lay your hands on some of the freshest produce and locally-made products, try popping by these farmers’ markets that’s sprouting around our little red dot.

Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market

Image credit: Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market

The Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market is the brainchild of the Kranji Countryside Association, which hopes to spread awareness for local agriculture and food sustainability. Through their quarterly held sale, expect stalls from local farm produce, locally-made artisanal food and products and even community workshops suitable for the whole family.

Image credit: Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market

As you shop the premises, strike up a conversation with some of these ‘farmpreneurs’ who’ll be more than happy to share their preparation process or farming practices. Educational shopping? Count me in!

To find out when is their next market, head over to their facebook page.

Bolly Jolly Farmers’ Market

Image credit: Bollywood Veggies

On most weekends on the grounds of Bollywood Veggies, Bolly Jolly Farmers’ Market plays host to a range of vendors selling everything from homemade food products, natural insect repellant and even eco-friendly home cleaning products.

Image credit: Bollywood Veggies

When you’re done shopping, explore the expansive 10 acres farm where you’ll see fruits and vegetables growing at every corner. Otherwise, grab a bite at the Poison Ivy Bistro which incorporates the farm’s produce in their dishes.

To find out more about Bollywood Veggies, head over to their 

Image credit: chowandthecity

This cosy farmers’ market held on the third Saturday of every month plays host to different vendors each time. No two visits will be the same, and you can expect more than just the usual fruits and vegetables.

Image credit: Bakeries and food vendors will peddle their goods, while activities such as face painting will keep the young ones satisfied as you browse through the various stalls.

Check out the exact dates of the market on their

For full details of their next market dates, head over to their facebook page.

The Weekend Farm

Image credit: The Weekend Farm

Run by Kok Fah Technology Farm, which is a Singapore based vegetable farm established back in 1979, this longstanding farm in Singapore has now caught up with the modern concept of farmers’ market.

Image credit: The Weekend Farm

Selling varieties of freshly harvested leafy vegetables, dried products, fruits and even potted flowers, this farm is also known for some uncommon varieties which cannot be found in your supermarkets. The Weekend Farm is only opened during weekends and public holidays.

Farmers’ markets make for a great place to shop, and to learn about the local farming and craft community. With many of them holding workshops as well, pop by a farmers’ markets for a different kind of shopping experience that’s unlike what you’ll get in the urban jungle.

(Header image: Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Markets)

Also read: Get Going! Try Something New This Weekend With These 6 Activities

8 Kampong Glam Places For Cool Vibes, Best Drinks, And Music That Will Soothe Your Soul

1. Going Om

Decent dive bars are hard to come by, yet Going Om ticks all the criteria of a good bar on our list. Tucked in the eclectic Haji lane, this bar brings a homely and cosy atmosphere. You can sit on little stools with small tables and listen to great live music. Chill at this bar and enjoy the relaxed vibes. This hidden gem is definitely a good getaway from the busy city life.

Drink prices here are pretty decent with a daily happy hour from 5pm to 9pm and house pours from $8.

63 Haji Ln, Singapore 189256
Tel: 65 6396 3592
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu 530pm-1am, Fri 5.30pm-3am, Sat 3.30pm-3am, Sun 3.30pm-1am (Closed on Mon)

Unwind and relax while you listen to live band performances at Blu Jaz Cafe. This cafe is a bohemian-style pub that has pretty cool interiors and a laid back feel. Set up in a restored shophouse along Bali Lane, Blu Jaz features authentic live jazz, resident DJs and comedy sessions. While the 1st floor usually plays host to local Jazz and Funk banks, the 2nd floor is frequently taken up by local DJs playing 90s Hip Hop to Reggae. On its top floor, expect a quieter lounge catering to their frequent spoken word and poetry performances by local troops.

Whether you are looking for an intimate cosy corner, or prefer outdoor seatings at the courtyard, this place provides it all. Blu Jaz has an extensive menu which features bar snacks to Western comfort food, Asian local delights, and a large selection of beers, spirits and cocktails.

 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848
Tel: 65 6292 3800
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am (Closed on Sun)

Chill the night away with authentic Mexican food at Piedra Negra. Opened by the same management at Blu Jaz, Piedra Negra serves up delightful Mexican food in an affordable casual dining style. Covered in colourful murals with eclectic pieces of furniture, this place is hard to miss.

Don’t worry about getting a seat here. The restaurant is pretty big and there are tables that are built in as part of the walls that can be unfolded out. Head in if you prefer relaxing in its plush cushioned bar stools casted in soft dim lights with Mexican music playing in the background.

Piedra Negra
Address: 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
Tel: 65 6291 1297
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-1am

4. Bar Stories

Located on the 2nd floor of a shophouse, Bar Stories is a quirky little bar. Don’t expect to refer to a drinks list, there is no menu. Every drink here is crafted by a team of mixologists who will bring out the best flavours. As this swanky spot gets a little packed in the evenings, it is recommended that you make a reservation before you make your way down.

Bar Stories
Address: 55/57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Tel: 65 6298 0838
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm – 1am, Fri-Sat 3pm – 2am, Sun 3pm-1am

5. Maison Ikkoku

If you’re looking for a great brunch on a weekend, drop by this quaint little cafe. Exposed brick walls, old furniture and bare bulbs light the cafe with its industrial-retro interior. Maison Ikkoku serves up quite a good range of brunch items and is famous for their quality coffee.

While the 1st floor of the shophouse houses a cosy cafe, its 2nd floor is a cocktail bar by night. Head up to its cosy bar after a good meal at the cafe. Select from the menu of cocktails or simply let the bartenders serve you a cocktail specially catered to your taste buds. With the recent trend of mixology bar openings, this bar is a cut above the rest and is sure to leave you refreshed after a drink or two!

Tel: 65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-7pm

Tel: 65 6294 0078
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am

If you’re looking for a chill out spot with good coffee, Working Title is the place to go. This cafe is connected to the hostel right above. It has a relaxed, slightly hipster, and indie vibe, with an eclectic choice of furniture that was collected from preloved stores. Pop in for a relaxing time with a friend or with your laptop after the long afternoon exploring the area around Arab Street and Haji Lane. If you’re looking for some extra peace with free wi-fi and sockets, you’ll find an unexpected light and breezy outdoor area to get some work done. The backyard space of the cafe also hosts musical performances at times.

Check out their wide variety of food
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

7. The Lab

As you can tell by their name, The Lab is all about experimenting and trying new things especially when it comes to food. Designed somewhat like an underground laboratory, with assorted lab equipments and copper pipes running down their walls, this cafe is a sight to behold.

The Lab serves up a mixture of experimental Western and European cuisine. You’ll find food from cuisines such as Dutch, Hungarian and Russian on the menu. When you’re here, do try their interesting drinks which are served in beakers and syringes of syrup or coffee.

The Lab
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang #01-01,Singapore 199069
Tel: 65 6299 5681
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 1230pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-930pm

8. I AM Cafe

Located at the junction of North Bridge Road and Haji Lane, I AM cafe is inspired by the city of Amsterdam. Halal Certified and opened by 3 Muslim friends, this cafe is an open space concept which serves hearty sandwiches, burgers, pastas and pizzas. One of the must try dishes on their dessert menu is the Rainbow Mille Crepe and Red Velvet Cake baked by one of the owners’ mothers. If your definition of a good chill out place includes good cakes and drinks or a comforting lunch, I AM Cafe is the place to visit!

Do note that this cafe doesn’t take reservations so do drop by early to snag your seats!

I AM Cafe
Address: 674 North Bridge Road #01-01, off Haji Lane, Singapore 188804
Tel: 65 6295 5509
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 1130am-11pm, Fri-Sat 1130am-1am, Sun 1130am-10pm

Awed by all the bohemian vibes and cosy atmosphere at the Kampong Glam district? If your definition of a good chill out place includes good music, delightful desserts or a good meal, be sure to make your way down this weekend to explore the Kampong Glam area!

(Header image by expatliving, edited by writer)

Also read: Beerfest Asia 2016 – Bottoms Up To Your Favourite Beers & More!

Beerfest Asia 2016 – Bottoms Up To Your Favourite Beers & More!

Nothing can be better than spending your weekend having a good cold beer, chilling out to live music and comedy acts, and playing exciting games! This 16 to 19 June, Beerfest Asia returns for its 8th edition featuring over 500 international brews from more than 35 exhibitors. Drop by Marina Promenade’s waterfront and be ready to taste, sample, and compare craft brews around the world.

Don’t fret if you’re not a beer lover, there’s something for everyone at Beerfest Asia 2016! Read on to know more about the exciting events happening during this four-day booze extravaganza, an event definitely not to be missed!

You’ll get to sample over 500 beers

At Beerfest Asia, visitors can expect the largest selection of over 500 international beers from more than 35 exhibitors. To help you out with the wide array of selections, beer sampling platters are available from $8 per platter. Each platter has six portions (50ml each) of beer. Be ready to pick up a reusable sampling glass from any exhibitors and be on your way to taste as many beers and ciders as you can! This is a good way to find out what you like before chugging down on its bottles. Click  Image credit: Harry’s[/caption]

At Beerfest Asia, you’ll never go hungry. Good food is necessary to pair with those cold beers, ciders and spirits. To feed your hungry pangs, an extensive selection of delicious grub and treats are available from Harry’s, Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s and Tiger’s Milk.

Be spoilt for choice as you chomp on a wide range of snacks from Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s popular wings to Tiger’s Milk Peruvian Para Picars.

Not to be missed tribute acts and local bands

Once you’ve filled up on those good beers, head down to one of the three music stages featuring 30 International tribute acts, local bands and DJs. Sing along to your favourite rock ballads and classic hits at the Rock Marquee while you enjoy internationally acclaimed beers. If you are looking for a more chill out atmosphere, the Blue Marquee is the place for you. Surrounded with craft beers from around the globe, relax as you unwind to the blue vibes. Newest to the festival is the Electronic Marquee with an all-female DJ line up to get you partying and dancing through the night.

With non-stop music at all hours of the festival, you’re guaranteed of good entertainment and vibes! Be sure to drop by all the different marquees to discover different beers. Click

If you’re in for a laugh, make your way to the Comedy Lounge on site. Catch comedy acts Lars Callieous, Wes Zaharuk from Canada, and regional acts as well as our local heroes. The prefect way to destress and enjoy your weekend.

Tickets to Comedy Show are priced at $28 (in the form of Beerfest Currency).

Enjoy a fun time of pub games

Once you’re full, entertained, and satisfied, gather your friends for a fun time of pub games. From a game of Beer Pong to Darts and Pool Ball, fight to fierce competition or simply enjoy a friendly match to begin with. You’ll have a ball of a time!

Kids get their own fair share of fun too

On Sunday, The Comedy Lounge will be turned into a recreational room for 3 to 12 years old kids. An indoor bouncy castle and art & crafts activities will be available. The area will be all supervised by the Beerfest Asia crew. So don’t worry, enjoy a couple of beers while you leave your kids in the good hands of the crew!

Do note that a $10 (in the form of Beerfest Currency) fee is required and the last kid must be picked up by 6pm sharp! Parents are able to enter the Brew Kids Playard for free if they’d like to accompany their children.

Beerfest Asia – Details

There’s no better way to bring on the weekend than having a nice cold pint of beer and some good company. With so many choices of beer to choose from, it can be confusing, but whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or a tippling amateur, Beerfest is definitely the festival you must visit! Soak up the fun and be entertained by live music and comedians, we’re sure you’ll be in for a good time.

For more information, visit their official

Getting there
Via MRT: Alight at Circle Line’s Promenade Station. Exit via A.
By Car: Park at Singapore Flyer’s Car park (Limited lots available). Other car parks to consider are Marina Square, Suntec City and Millenia Walk. 
By Taxi: Drop off at the taxi stand of Singapore Flyer and take a 3 minute walk. 

16 to 19 June (Thu-Sun)
Admission: From $25 for a one-day advance pass to $180 for a one-day VIP Package.
Festival Hours: Thu 6pm-1am, Fri 6pm-2am, Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 2pm-10pm
Location: Marina Promenade