Singapore: Asia’s Monte Carlo
Singapore is fast becoming the Monte Carlo of Asia and is often similarly described as the playground for the rich. Just 684 square kilometers in size, Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia and at a mere 2 square kilometers, Monaco is also punching well above its weight. The Asian country shares many characteristics of its European counterpart.
Singapore can boast a low crime rate, a green environment, and an enviable public transportation system. It is considered a great place to live (and in both countries, the life expectancy is over 85 years) as well as work and play, a description that is also attributed to Monaco.
[caption id="attachment_26822" align="alignnone" width="1936"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]In the 1970s, the Singapore Tourism Board started marketing the city as a venue for conventions and other organized events to increase occupancy rates. Eventually, occupancy rose as high as 90%, as a result. Singapore’s manufacturing sector is dwindling, but the services industries, which have been encouraged to thrive, have continued to create jobs. The World Bank has dubbed it one of the world’s “easiest places to do business” as there is high transparency, reliability, and a pro-business government. Singapore also increased its attractions within the last 10 years to include a Universal Studios theme park, gaming establishments, and the famed Singapore Flyer, a huge Ferris wheel experience with air-conditioned pods.
[caption id="attachment_26823" align="alignnone" width="1725"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]Singapore also enjoys a thriving street racing industry. The Marina Bay Street Circuit even closely resembles Monaco, drivers claim, so enthusiasts compete on a stage that feels right at home. The Singapore Grand Prix is Formula One racing’s original night race, run on a 5.073-kilometer street track through the city’s heart. The race is held at night to avoid the blistering temperatures of the day.
[caption id="attachment_26824" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]Singapore, like Monte Carlo, is also famous for its food festivals like the month-long food festival that was born in 1994 and is now an annual event organized by the Singapore Tourism Board. International chefs travel from all over the world to showcase delightful food to suit every palette. Clearly, Singapore is seeking to wrest that title of Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]
Singapore also possesses a unique and diverse culture that will help attract the adventurous food lovers to its shores. Modern Singaporean culture (mod-Sin) merges with contemporary dining and is enriched by the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences.
The safety and cleanliness of the country are comparable to Monte Carlo. Spitting in the street and chewing gum are unheard of. Green spaces are also being created in Singapore, and the country received its first sought-after UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the botanic gardens and
Zouk’s Upcoming Flea Market Is A Paradise For Bargains, And You’re On The Guestlist
Zouk is renowned on our shores and across the border for being the place to go for a wild night out. But one thing it’s also known for? Its Flea & Easy pop-up bazaar!
Next month, the Zouk Flea & Easy will be returning once again, and you can be sure Zouk’s signature cool won’t be missing from this daytime event.
Zouk Flea & Easy X Sunset Pasar
[caption id="attachment_26775" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Zouk Facebook Page[/caption]Happening at Zouk’s new home ground, The Cannery will transform into a space that’s not only family friendly, but pet friendly as well.
A collaboration between Zouk Singapore and Sunset Pasar, this alternative flea market will feature stalls hawking a tightly curated selection of emerging brands and designers, alongside tasty local nosh. Enjoy music from a line-up of live open mic performances and DJ sets!
Keen to sell your wares at the Zouk Flea? Submit your vendor application by 9 June! Want to take the stage and showcase your talents? Open mic sessions are open for sign ups, and it’ll be free.
ZouKiDisco
[caption id="attachment_26776" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Zouk Facebook Page[/caption]If you think Zouk’s flea will be just like any other flea you’ve dropped in on, think again. This flea market will see the return of ZouKiDisco.
With no age limit at the door and Zouk’s resident DJs on the decks, both the young and young at heart will get to bust a few moves on the dance floor.
Also present are kid-friendly activities like face painting and bouncy castles that will keep the little ones entertained for hours. Do note that only kids between the of ages of 1 – 10 are allowed entry, and each child can be accompanied by one adult.
Entry to ZouKiDisco is tagged at $18 per pax for adults and children, and comes with 1 complimentary non-alcoholic beverage!
Looking to get some shopping done while the kids have fun? Head to Zouk Flea & Easy X Sunset Pasar! Bring your kids, your pooch, and soak up the good vibes at this chill bazaar.
Zouk Flea & Easy X Sunset Pasar
Address: Zouk Singapore, 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery, #01-05 Singapore 179022
Date: 9 July (Sunday)
Time: 12pm – 7pm
Also read, 10 ‘Die Die Must Try’ Events And Eats To Rev Up Your First Half Of June [1-15 June]
Food At The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar Isn’t Cheap — Here’s What’s Worth It And What’s Not
In the past couple of days, much has been said about this year’s Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar.
Some have pointed out that Artbox 2.0, and others have said the food there is not worth the price or the queue.
The DiscoverSG team headed down to taste-test the food ourselves, to distinguish those that are worth the money (and the queue) from those that are not. Full disclosure: we picked many of these items based on their insta-worthiness and novelty.
Our conclusion? Some of the most photogenic foods actually tasted the worst.
These are some of the things we liked.
Worth It
1. Katoshka (Muslim owned)
[caption id="attachment_26780" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]One of our favourite stalls at the bazaar–by far– was Katoshka, which serves up russet fries drenched in sauce. Here, you don’t have to worry about running out of sauce for your fries. Not your average cup of cheese fries, this snack packed a punch without being too overwhelming.
We tried the Sambal Cheese ($5.90) and loved how the crispy fries mixed with the spicy cheese. While the serving size is quite small, we think it’s worth every dollar
We also tried the Asam Boi Special ($3.90), a sour plum drink. The drink was on the sweet side, with just the right amount of sourness from the Asam.
2. Banana Cheese Fritters
[caption id="attachment_26798" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]Another sweet treat we tried is the Banana Cheese Fritters ($6)–the humble pisang goreng with a twist. There was barely a queue or a wait when we were there. We went with a classic chocolate flavour from a list of options including chocolate rice and oreos. Served warm, these were the perfect balance of sweet and salty–great for those who want a sweet treat that isn’t too cloying.
The melted cheese brought a very subtle flavour to the fritters. If you’re looking for a stronger cheese flavour, we suggest asking for an extra helping of cheese.
And now, on to the stuff we didn’t like.
Not Worth It
1. Milk Bites (Non-halal)
[caption id="attachment_26781" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]The Singaporean wisdom of ‘if there’s a queue, join it‘ led us to Fried Milk. An interesting concept, these bite-sized squares of fried milk pudding come in 3 different flavours: Original, Pandan and Thai Milk Tea.
We tried the platter ($9), which came with 4 milk bites of each flavour. Freshly fried, these desserts were crunchy on the outside and oozy on the inside. The consistency of the cream was a bit chunky for our liking and the flavour was quite overwhelming. Suffice to say, we weren’t fans of these.
2. WORD (Muslim owned)
[caption id="attachment_26793" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]WORD is no stranger when it comes to cooking up a storm. Their outlet at Upper Thomson Road serves up delicious Western fare alongside crafted sodas and mocktails.
At their pop up stall, we tried the Minah ($8), a bucket of soda dressed to the nines. We were in for a bit of a wait despite the short queue due to a shortage of staff. When we did get our drink creation, we were pretty disappointed. Crafted from Fanta Orange, Ice Cream Soda and two scoops of ice cream, this tasted like diluted Fanta and felt like it could easily have been made at home.
While we appreciate the size of the drink, hauling it around was also a bit of a struggle, especially given the crowd.
3. Loco Loco
[caption id="attachment_26794" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]Loco Loco made a splash at last year’s Geylang Bazaar for offering up flavoured churros. This year, they have 3 outlets spread out over the entirety of the bazaar. We picked up the Chilli Crab Churros ($6) and Beef Scotch Eggs ($6).
The Chilli Crab Churros were warm and the chilli sauce topping tasted like the real-deal, minus the spiciness. Sadly, these Churros were unexpectedly dense. Without the sauce, this snack would have ranked low on our score scale.
The Beef Scotch Eggs were served warm and with a serving of keropok. We waited about 10 – 15 minutes for the Scotch Eggs, so pick this up only if you’re willing to wait around for this dish. While the eggs were nicely done, the beef was pretty plain.
At least they’re photogenic?
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
SOFNADE is one spot you might want to check out for a sweet treat. Serving up Cendol Soft Serve, Galaxy Milkshakes and Donut Balls, it’s no wonder this dessert stall is a favourite among sweet tooths. We managed to grab a Galaxy Milkshake ($6.50) while the line was short and watched as the stall attendant poured the coloured liquids into the cup, layer by layer. A gorgeous work of food art topped with rainbow sprinkles, its flavour was unfortunately, a let down. The milkshake tastes like a vanilla milkshake, except a lot sweeter. We’re sweet tooths ourselves, but this was way too sweet for us. Unfortunately, many of the pretty and novel foods we tried at the Geylang Bazaar were sub-par in the taste department. That said, we also bought ourselves some more “traditional” pasar malam eats like Takoyaki Balls, Vadai and Dengdeng, and we must admit, at the end of the day, these were our top picks. While this year’s Geylang Bazaar may have more of an Artbox vibe compared to the past years, we were still glad we made the trip down. One piece of advice we do have though, is that if the food looks good, it probably won’t taste great. Also read, With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More
IKEA Extends Shopping And Dining Hours Till 12MN This Ramadhan – Adds Halal Buffets To Menu
IKEA is a name that needs no introduction.
Whether you pronounce it ‘ee-kia’, ‘ee-kay-a’ or ‘eye-kay-a’, we can all agree that it’s great for two things: good, affordable furniture and meatballs.
This month, the Swedish company will be celebrating Ramadhan and Hari Raya alongside its Muslim friends by giving everyone a special treat between 26 May – 22 June.
IKEA Tampines Buffet Istimewa
[caption id="attachment_26759" align="alignnone" width="695"] Image Credit: IKEA[/caption]For two weeks in June (12 – 16 June & 19 – 22 June), IKEA Tampines will be holding its very own buffet feast.
Limited to 200 seats, this Buffet Istimewa is priced at $19.90 for adults and $9.90 for kids. The buffet starts at 7pm and with limited seats available, we recommend grabbing a spot early!
IKEA Tampines Buffet Istimewa
Date: 12 – 16 June, 19 – 22 June
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Price: Adult: $19.90, Child: $9.90
IKEA Family Midsummer Buffet Dinner
[caption id="attachment_26760" align="alignnone" width="855"] Image Credit: IKEA[/caption]For one day only, IKEA is set to hold a buffet dinner for IKEA Family members to indulge in IKEA Favourites.
For $20 per pax, an IKEA Family member and 3 guests will be able to feast on a never ending supply of IKEA’s famed meatballs! Tickets are only available for purchase at the IKEA restaurant, so you’ll have to head down early to secure a spot!
IKEA Family Midsummer Buffet Dinner
Date: 23 June
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm, 8pm – 10pm
Price: (Only applies to IKEA Family members & 3 guests) Early bird: $20/pax; Regular: $30/pax; Child: $10
Extended Hours & $2 Meal Deals
[caption id="attachment_26761" align="alignnone" width="860"] Image Credit: IKEA[/caption]For selected weekends in June, IKEA will be extending its shopping hours till midnight! That means you’ll be able to drop by IKEA to pick up that side table you’ve been eyeing, right after work.
IKEA knows that shopping can really work up an appetite, so they’re also offering an assortment of local eats at only $2 a bowl. From Curry Mee to Mee Rebus, dig into a comforting bowl of noodles after shopping the night away!
Extended Hours & $2 Meal Deals
Date: 26 May – 17 June
Time: 9pm – 11pm
Love yourself some IKEA food? Make sure you seize this opportunity to feast, and make sure to share the love with all your Muslim friends!
IKEA Alexandra
Address: 317 Alexander Road, S159965
IKEA Tampines
Address: 60 Tampines North Drive 2, S528764
Also read, Grab Your Foodie Friends And “Buka Puasa” At These 11 Halal Buffets
Here’s How You Can Be One Of The First To Jump Off Singapore’s First Bungee Tower
Always wanted to try bungee jumping? Soon, you won’t have to fly overseas to do it!
AJ Hackett, the company that popularised the extreme sport of bungee jumping, will be making its official debut here in Singapore this August.
A 2,500sq m adventure playground in Sentosa, AJ Hackett Sentosa is guaranteed to give you a heart-stoppingly good time.
AJ Hackett Sentosa
[caption id="attachment_26723" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: AJ Hackett[/caption]AJ Hackett, the man the company is named after, is no stranger when it comes to extreme sports. Not only did he set up the world’s first commercial public bungee in Queenstown, New Zealand, he also bungee jumped off the Eiffel Tower!
The company which was established in 1988 now has adventure playgrounds all over the world, with spots in France, Russia and China.
[caption id="attachment_26726" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image Credit: AJ Hackett[/caption]Not For The Faint Of Heart
Featuring a 47m high bungee tower ($125), adrenaline junkies can leap off the tower and dip their heads and torsos in a 3.5m pool of water waiting at the bottom.
Looking for something more relaxing? Opt for the Vertical Skywalk ($110) and Skybridge ($10), where you’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking views Sentosa has to offer at your own leisurely pace.
[caption id="attachment_26725" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: AJ Hackett[/caption]Don’t want to take your thrills alone? The Giant Swings ($125) will have you swinging high above the treetops at 100km/h with two other friends.
AJ Hackett Pre-Opening Online Auction
[caption id="attachment_26721" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: AJ Hackett Sentosa[/caption]Can’t wait till August to have a go at the bungee tower?
Be one of the first few to hop off AJ Hackett Sentosa’s Bungee Tower! AJ Hackett is holding a pre-opening online auction from 27 May to 30 July, where you adrenaline junkies can put down your bids to be the first.
All of AJ Hackett Sentosa’s activities are up for auction, so take your pick and bid away!
Also read Because Skydiving Is Expensive AF, iFly Singapore Lets You Enjoy The Flight Without Feeling The Burn
(Top Image Credit: Macau Tower)
Goodbye Gong Cha, LiHo Is Taking Over – We Tried Their New Cheese Bubble Tea To See If They’re Worth It
Bubble tea lovers, and specifically Gong Cha lovers, we’ve got some very bad news for you.
Gong Cha will be shuttering all its stores, and in its place will be a new home-grown bubble tea brand–LiHo.
Change is already underway, with 30 Gong Cha outlets already converted into LiHo shops. By 5 June 2017, all 80 Gong Cha outlets island-wide will be replaced. #RIPGongCha
Long story short, this drastic change comes because of a change in ownership of Gong Cha’s parent company, leading to new franchising terms that are no longer favourable to its Singapore franchisee, RTG Holdings.
LiHo – Singapore’s Newest Bubble Tea Spot
[caption id="attachment_26707" align="alignnone" width="816"] Image Credit: Yeo Khee[/caption]Brought to you by the same RTG Holdings, LiHo is Singapore’s answer to Gong Cha with a very cheesy twist!
For those of you who don’t speak Hokkien, LiHo translates into ‘How are you?’.
Not only is the phrase quintessentially Singaporean, it distances the brand from its predecessor. Aside from the name change, here are some things we’ll be saying goodbye to and some new things we can get excited about.
New Flavours
[caption id="attachment_26714" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]The biggest pull at LiHo is their new line of Cheese flavoured drinks. Yes, CHEESE flavoured.
While some of you might recoil in disgust at the mere thought of having cheese added to your bubble tea, the cheese flavour will only be in the froth of the tea! From Cheese Black Tea to Cheese ‘n’ Choc Smoothie, you won’t find these unique flavours at any other bubble tea shop.
We managed to try a few of their cheese bubble teas and were honestly quite underwhelmed by the experience.
There was no discernible cheese flavour, and even when we tasted the foam directly, the cheese flavour was very, very subtle. Some of our colleagues did note that the cheese froth tastes similar to the salty froth you find in some of Gong Cha’s teas, so that’s good news!
[caption id="attachment_26715" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]While there are novel additions to LiHo’s menu, Gong Cha lovers will be pleased to know that there are old favourites that taste exactly the same!
Keen to try something different? The Cheese Guan Yin Ji is a good bet. Traditional Chinese tea with milk, this tea is a refreshing addition to the menu.
Looking for something that’s both sweet and refreshing? LiHo has a range of Lemon & Vitagen beverages. The crowd-pleaser, Fresh Lemon Juice Honey, is tagged at $2.90 for a medium-sized cup and the array of Vitagen beverages go for $3.60 – $4.50.
New Packaging
[caption id="attachment_26716" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]Another change we were pretty psyched about was their new packaging. LiHo has given the old bubble tea cup–complete with its plastic sheet cover–an upgrade. Firm, reusable plastic containers with plastic lids are what your LiHo bubble teas will come in. Not only is it a sleeker option, the lid lets you choose between sipping from the cup or drinking from a straw!
LiHo’s plastic cups are re-usable so we foresee our kitchens filling up with empty LiHo cups!
Price Points
[caption id="attachment_26705" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Image Credit: Yeo Khee[/caption]The classic milk teas at LiHo will set you back between $2.80 – $3.50 for a medium sized cup and $3.80 – $4.50 for a large cup. Cheese smoothie drinks come in a standard large and will set you back a jaw-dropping $6.90!
While the serving is generous, the price tag is pretty steep for bubble tea. That said, most of the large-sized drinks will cost you under $5. (Phew!)
Price-wise, add-ons like custard pudding and Nata de Coco are comparable to other bubble tea spots, with only the cheese froth setting you back $2.
Out With Old And In With The New
[caption id="attachment_26717" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]In all, the new LiHo has a more ‘atas’ vibe, with its sleeker, higher quality cups and lids. They definitely have the novelty factor with their cheese flavoured drinks. Their drink selection is also significantly smaller, at 2/3 the size of Gong Cha’s. The price point is also higher, which is a big deterrent for us long-time lovers of Gong Cha.
With Gong Cha stores still open from now till 5 June, you’ll want to make sure you get as much Gong Cha in before they disappear across the country!
Want to try LiHo for yourself? Head to their outlets at Bedok Mall, Bugis+, Bukit Merah Central and Tiong Bahru. While we were lucky enough to avoid long queues when we headed down, we can’t guarantee the wait time will stay short once word gets out!
Also read, 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button
Sample Some Of The Most Unusual Cocktails In Singapore At This Top Secret Bar Crawl
Think you know where Singapore’s best cocktail bars are? Think again!
[caption id="attachment_26654" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]In fact, did you know that 5 of the top 150 cocktail bars in the world are actually in Singapore? Thanks to BonAppetour’s Secret Bars of Singapore Bar Crawl, we’ll give you the lowdown on 3 of these top secret bars located right here on our little red dot!
You’ll get to drink some top-rated and exotic drinks at these secret bars. And when we say exotic, we’re talking cocktails with egg yolk and even ants…
Tiger’s Milk
Located at the top of The Club Hotel, Tiger’s Milk is Singapore’s first ever Peruvian bar.
Together with the colourful overhanging cut-out sheets, this rooftop bar provides a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding shophouses and Chinatown. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of piscos (a white brandy made in Peru from muscat grapes) and infused piscos in their selection of cocktails.
[caption id="attachment_26655" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Tiger’s Milk (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption]Kick start the evening with a spicy shot of Sex With The Bartender. Be warned, this harmless-looking shot has just a smidge of tabasco in it!
[caption id="attachment_26656" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Sex With The Bartender (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption]For something refreshing and light, go for the Chilcano, which comes with of snap of lime and pisco. With a fizz of gingerella, it’s basically the alcoholic cousin of the familiar ginger ale. If you are simply looking for a Peruvian classic, it would definitely be the Pisco Sour.
[caption id="attachment_26657" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]As the saying goes, it is bad to drink on an empty stomach. Fill those empty stomachs with their signature Waygu Beef Rib Fingers or nibble on some Sweet Potato & Yam Chips!
[caption id="attachment_26658" align="aligncenter" width="519"] Image Credit: NativeNative has risen among the ranks of established cocktail bars with its focus on using regional products and bespoke ingredients.
Tucked above WANTON Seng’s Noodle Bar, this dimly-lit cocktail bar is perfect for a cosy catch up with friends. Featuring unusual ingredients in their cocktails, we highly recommend getting a seat at the bar to catch the bartenders in action!
[caption id="attachment_26662" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]
What draws many, if not most of the patrons here is their bizarre signature cocktail, ANTZ.
The name of the cocktail gives it away–this cocktail contains actual ants! This Fear Factor-esque creation features a basil leaf frozen with liquid nitrogen, which serves as a base for the basil meringue and garnishing of crunchy ants. This is all set atop an anthill-like ceramic vessel that is filled with a concoction of exotic regional ingredients such as homemade coconut yogurt, aged sugarcane juice and agricole-style Chalong Bay rum.
Did we mention that these ants are carefully picked from Ann Siang Hill? Talk about a NATIVE cocktail!
[caption id="attachment_26663" align="aligncenter" width="748"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]If you like your drinks less strong, you will certainly enjoy the Ikura. This fancy cocktail is only made up of three ingredients: sparkling sake, yuzu acid and salmon fish eggs.
[caption id="attachment_26660" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]Pair your cocktail with some of their delicious homemade papadums, which comes with sweet potato and a gula melaka dip. While there, make sure to ask the bartenders about the stories behind these exotic drinks–the friendly bartenders there will be more than happy to share!
Native
Address: 52a Amoy St, Singapore 069878
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 6pm – 12am; Fri: 6.30pm – 12am; Closed on Sundays
Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]
Check out the Dangerous Drinking Water section on their menu–their descriptions are sure to pique your interest. What makes these “drinking waters” so dangerous is that only the ingredients used for each drink are indicated. Essentially, you’re choosing your drink based on your preferred ingredients – the rest is entirely up to the bartender!
If you fancy a sweet and fruity cocktail, order their Peaches+Cream, which is topped with a thick layer of foamy bubbles. Alternatively, their Dirty Martini is a classic favourite among regulars.
[caption id="attachment_26667" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Peaches+Cream (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_26666" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Dirty Martini (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption]Love toffee apple? Then you cannot miss trying the Toffee Apple, the grown-up twist on the classic treat. Similarly, their Inaki will have you intrigued with their savoury-sweet combination of egg yolk, white chocolate, Hokkaido pumpkin and nutmeg.
[caption id="attachment_26664" align="alignnone" width="4032"] Toffee Apple (Image Credit: Verine Ling)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_26665" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Image Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]Finding the exact location of Operation Dagger is like going on a treasure hunt. Operation Dagger is strategically located in one of the most secretive places in Singapore. Here are some subtle clues to look out for to find your way there!
[caption id="attachment_26668" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Website
Gather your friends or take your other half on the unique “Secret Bars of Singapore” exploratory trail with BonAppetour.
Visit 3 of 5 top bars in the world, have 1 personalised signature cocktail and complimentary shots at each bar (worth $75 and $60 respectively), have some yummy bites to eat, and meet like-minded people along the way! With a slew of unconventional cocktails made with even less conventional ingredients, it will definitely be one of those drunken adventures you’ll never forget!
Secret Bars of Singapore by BonAppetour
When: Every Friday, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Price: SGD89 per pax (Advanced booking required)
Website
Also read, Get High (Literally) At This Party – 1-Altitude Is Throwing A Beach Party 68 Floors Above The CBD
(Top Image Credit:
These Epic Concerts Are The Ultimate Gift For Your Gamer Boyfriend
Dating a gamer or are one yourself? If so, you’d know that the soundtrack of a game plays an important role in creating the atmosphere and building the world of the game. Think Super Mario Bros., Diablo and Final Fantasy. Play just snippets of their music and you are instantly transported to a time you played the game.
This year, 2 popular video games we played through our childhood–and even our youth–will see their musical scores being played live in concert!
1. The Legend of Zelda – Symphony of the Goddesses
[caption id="attachment_26513" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image Credit: SISTIC.The Legend of Zelda – Symphony of the Goddesses
Venue: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Date: 26 August 2017
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $65, $95, $115, $135, $155, $215
VIP Box (For 4 seats): S$860
A Reserve Box (For 4 seats): S$620
Box Seats (For 4 seats): S$460
3. Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy
[caption id="attachment_26514" align="alignnone" width="850"] Image Credit: Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy
Venue: The Star Theatre
Date: 21 Oct
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $58, $68, $78, $98, $118, $138, $158, $238
Experience a whole new dimension of the video games that marked your childhood at these concerts. Not only are they an aweseme #throwback to simpler times, you’ll also be able to appreciate the music of the games like you’ve never before!
(Top Image Credit:
8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button
Hands up if you can’t resist snapping a photo of your avocado toast or your latte during brunch.
Most of us are guilty of snapping a pic or two of our food, especially if they’re pretty because #foodgoals. And why shouldn’t you? After all, someone put hard work into plating up or creating these dishes–appreciating it is the least we can do.
If you’re a foodie who loves digging into nosh that not just tastes but looks amazing, we’ve shortlisted 10 beverages from all over Singapore that are not just a treat for the taste buds, but for the eyes as well.
1. Unicorn Tears @ Dapper Coffee
[caption id="attachment_26480" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple User Jeslyn xxx[/caption]While unicorns sadly do not exist, here’s something we’d happily make do with: Unicorn Tears. Created by the good people at Dapper Coffee, a small cafe along Amoy Street, Unicorn Tears is the cafe’s best known product.
A shimmery swirl of aqua blue with flecks of sparkle, this beverage is not just to be consumed–it’s to be admired as well. The one thing you MUST do when you get your hands on a bottle of Unicorn Tears is give it a good shake! This will bring out all the sparkle and the mesmerising shades of blue.
At $10 a bottle, Unicorn Tears does not come cheap, but it is free of alcohol, caffeine, nuts, soy, eggs and it’s gluten-free.
[caption id="attachment_26481" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image Credit: Dapper Coffee[/caption]So what is it made of? We can’t quite pinpoint the ingredients that go into this magical potion but according to the people at Dapper Coffee, Unicorn Tears “is some pure-ass stuff”.
For the animal lovers out there, don’t worry! No unicorns were harmed in the making of Unicorn Tears.
Dapper Coffee
Address: 73A Amoy Street, Second Floor, Singapore 069892.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm; Weekends & PH: Closed
Website
2. Ombre Drinks @ The Juicy Way & The Talad Drink
If you were at Artbox this year, you would have noticed some epic-ly long queues at stalls serving up ombre drinks. The Juicy Way and The Talad Drink were two stalls that saw excited Singaporeans queueing up for hours to get their hands on these colourful bottles of fruit juices and smoothies.
[caption id="attachment_26482" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: The Juicy Way Facebook[/caption]Crafted from an assortment of fruits, The Juicy Way serves up bottles of juice that come in alluring ombre shades. The Big Bang, crafted from dragonfruit, guava, honeydew and blue pea flower is one of the more eye-catching ones with its galaxy-like hues of purple, grey and blue.
Unfortunately, The Juicy Way is primarily a pop up store, so you’ll have to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to get updates on where they’ll be popping up next!
The Juicy Way
Facebook
Instagram
Serving up authentic Thai nosh, alongside an assortment of juices and traditional Thai drinks, the Talad Drink & Thai Kitchen was a crowd favourite at this year’s Artbox. If you missed the chance to try The Talad Drink at Artbox, fret not! They have a kiosk at Toa Payoh just a stone’s throw away from the Toa Payoh Bus Interchange.
While you can expect your favourite Thai drinks here like Thai Ice Milk Tea and Thai Iced Lemon Grass, don’t expect them to come in their usual dull colours–The Talad Drink serves up all their beverages in giant bottles of ombre tones.
Want a refreshing tea? Opt for the An Chan Orange or An Chan Kiwi. The colours are gorgeous and are bound to up your ‘Gram game!
Talad Drink & Thai Kitchen
Address: 190 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #01-520, S10190
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm
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3. Rainbow Lattes @ I AM & Dazzling Cafe
[caption id="attachment_26485" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image Credit: I AM[/caption]At one point, edible rainbows were the only food trend worth chasing (get it?). Food items served in all the colours of the rainbow may seem ridiculous to some, but to Instagram foodies, they spell an Instagram moment.
There are not one but two well known joints in Singapore serving up the photogenic Rainbow Lattes: I AM cafe, a popular halal eatery that serves up Western fare, and Dazzling Cafe, a Taiwanese franchise known for its thick toasts.
For those unacquainted with the concept of Rainbow Lattes, it typically involves dripping food colouring into a pitcher of steamed milk. A skilled barista then pours the milk into the coffee, as with any other cup of latte.
Rainbow Lattes, like most rainbow-coloured food, do not taste any different from their less colourful counterparts, so they really are your average cup of coffee with a colourful twist!
[caption id="attachment_26486" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Daniel Food Diary[/caption]I AM
Address: 674 North Bridge Road, S199486
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 11pm; Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am; Sun: 11am – 10pm
Address: #03-04, Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4, S520940
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 am – 11 pm
Website
Dazzling Cafe
Address: #01-85, Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Rd, S178906Website
4. OTT Milkshakes @ Cake Spade, Robert Timms, Patissez
[caption id="attachment_26549" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Cake Spade Facebook Page[/caption]Known for their deliciously dense cakes and OTT milkshakes, Cake Spade is a cafe that’s truly knows its desserts. From the Matcha Adzuki Cakeshake to their Unicorn Cakeshake, Cake Spade doesn’t fool around when it comes to their monster desserts. The perfect spot to satisfy your sugar cravings, we highly recommend sharing the Freakshakes at Cake Spade.
Another place you can go for your Freakshake fix is Robert Timms. With flavours like Banana Popcorn and Rocky Timms, these OTT milkshakes will have you getting busy slurping everything up!
[caption id="attachment_26550" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image Credit: Patissez Instagram [/caption]The original creators of the Freakshake, Patissez is all about keeping it simple. Patissez has an array of more “traditional” tasting OTT Milkshakes, with flavours like mint chocolate and salted pretzel. Ironically, the creations at Patissez are quite tame compared those from other dessert spots, but we kind of like the fact that these look far less intimidating than the others.
Cake Spade
Address: 83 Tg Pagar Rd, S088504
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm; Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm; Sun: Closed
Patissez
Address: 118 Holland Avenue, #01-06, S278997
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 10am – 10pm; Weekends: 9am – 10pm
Image Credit: Burpple User Kris Lim[/caption]
If you’re all about the ‘gram, Enchanted Cafe is a quaint spot you need to check out. Far from the typical brunch fare we’ve become accustomed to, this cafe offers up food with an enchanting Singaporean twist!
[caption id="attachment_26557" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Image Credit: Burpple User Shali Selva[/caption]The star of the show at this cafe is the Sorcerer’s Elixir.
Served atop a stone dish filled with dry ice, this enticing beverage starts off slightly purple with whispers of shimmer. The staff will come around and pour a slightly orange-y substance into your drink, turning it from a dark red to a deep purple. The whole spectacle of the Sorcerer’s Elixir is mesmerising, so we advise getting your phones ready to capture the magic!
Sip slowly though, because this particular drink will set you back almost $10!
Enchanted Cafe
Address: 88 Rangoon Road #01-04, S218374
Opening Hours: Wed & Thu: 12pm – 10pm; Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat: 10am – 11pm; Sun: 10am – 8pm; Tue: 11am – 10pm; Mon: Closed
6. Heisenberg @ The Lab
[caption id="attachment_26563" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Estée Celestine[/caption]The Lab is one of those cafes that will keep you coming back for more. Located a stone’s throw away from Sultan Mosque, The Lab is known for serving up your usual Western fare, alongside a slew of desserts and drinks. If you’re the kind who can never decide what to eat, this place will make that decision even harder for you.
[caption id="attachment_26564" align="aligncenter" width="516"] Image Credit: The Lab Facebook Page[/caption]Like any dining establishment worth its salt, The Lab serves a good range of coffees, juices and mocktails. However, what sets The Lab apart is the presentation of its drinks. The Heinsenberg, which is served with a syringe in it, is a particularly interesting one. Hot beverages also come with droppers filled with sugar syrup!
Not only are these drinks tasty, they’re a fun experience, and they’re 100% insta-worthy.
The Lab While some food fads are able to stand the test of time (hello salted egg-everything), some quickly fade into obscurity. One that will certainly be a cute addition to your Instagram feed is the Light Bulb Drink. Call it gimmicky if you want, but you can’t deny that these drinks make you want to whip out your phone and snap a picture of it. Bubbs serves your favourite Bubble Tea flavours in plastic light bulbs, from the classic Milk Tea to an assortment of Fruit Teas. But here’s the bad news–Bubbs only has one outlet and it certainly is out of the way for many Singaporeans. Located in Tai Seng, it’s great for those working in the area, and not so great for, well, the rest of us. What’s a light bulb that doesn’t light up, am I right? Oh My Cafe at Westgate takes the Light Bulb drink to the next level but serving it with a glowing straw. Serving drinks in all sorts of eye-catching colours, we have to say, the drinks here have won our hearts. Bubbs Oh My Cafe One caffeinated treat that will have your followers double tapping away is the Coffee In A Cone. No, it’s not as simple as pouring a cuppa into an ice cream cone. Instead, the process involves coating the ice cream cones with different chocolate compounds, giving them that hardened exterior and extra integrity. Warm, slightly sweet and with a crunch, this is a whole new way to enjoy your cuppa. Coffee Academics
Address: 1 Jalan Pisang, #01-01, S199069
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 10pm; Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Image Credit: Bubbs Facebook Page[/caption]
Address: 1 Irving Place #01-06, S369546
Address: #B1-01, Westgate Mall, 3 Gateway Drive , S608532
8. Coffee In A Cone @ Coffee Academics
[caption id="attachment_26574" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple User Dex Neo[/caption]
Address: Scotts Square, #02-01/02, 6 Scotts Road, S228209
Opening Hours: Daily: 9am – 9pm
Forget Sugar Glazed, This Cafe Serves Up Savoury Donuts Like ‘Cheeseburger’ And ‘Bacon’ At Only $2.90 A Pop
Lok² And Load – Prepare Yourselves For This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet For Only $24.60 Per Pax
Steamboat buffets are a Singaporean favourite, and for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like having everyone gathered around a steaming pot of food, taking turns to cook, and having the delicious smell of cooking food wafting through the air.
Steamboats are the perfect opportunity for family and friends to spend some quality time together. After all, they say a family that eats together stays together.
While there is an abundance of steamboat and grill joints around Singapore, Lok Lok is a rarity here. For the unacquainted, Lok Lok is a popular street food found across the border, in Malaysia.
[caption id="attachment_26490" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Image Credit: Eating The Big Apple[/caption]To indulge in this popular street food, all you have to do is take your pick from a variety of food items on satay sticks. These are then cooked and then tossed into a cup of sauce, so you get piping hot food items coated in a thick, dense layer of sauce.
This ‘steamboat on a stick’ is not only cheap, it’s filling and delicious as well!
Malaysia Local Delights
[caption id="attachment_26491" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Malaysia Local Delights Facebook[/caption]From Malaccan favourite Cincalok (fermented shrimp sauce) to crowd-pleaser garlic chilli, there’s a sauce here for every mood and every taste bud.
At Malaysia Local Delights, hungry foodies can choose 2 soup bases from a selection of 8. If you’re looking for the original peanut sauce, you’ll need to top up $6.
[caption id="attachment_26493" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Malaysia Local Delights Facebook[/caption]Can’t wait for you food to cook through? Fret not! Malaysia Local Delights provides a slew of cooked foods so you won’t have to starve while waiting!
No dinner is complete without dessert. At Malaysia Local Delights, there’s an all-you-can-eat ice-cream bar, so you can live your childhood fantasy of drowning in ice-cream!
Priced at $24.80 per pax on weekdays and $26.80 on weekends, it’s a steal compared to other overpriced all-you-can-eat buffets. If you’re looking for a spot that serves up affordable quality eats with a delicious twist, Malaysia Local Delights is definitely worth checking out!
Malaysia Local Delights
Address: 224 Tanjong Katong Road, S437014
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 5pm – 1.30am, Sun & PH 11.30am – 12am
Contact no.: 6440 8378
Also read, This Korean BBQ Joint Serves Up Premium Meats So You Can Treat Mum Right This Mother’s Day