Traffic Forecasts For 2nd Link & Woodlands Causeway This Chinese New Year

If you’re heading to Johor Bahru (JB) this Chinese New Year, you’re definitely not alone. Welcome to the club for all motorists who will be utilizing the Causeway and the 2^nd Link. Like Sun Tzu heading to war, it’s best to enter JB with a solid strategy…by arming yourself with these.

We’re referring to these amazing traffic jam forecasts we’ve uncovered! This way, you’ll be able to plan your entry into JB with maximum efficiency.

Be assured that this forecast is pretty accurate, as the reference data is based on the traffic statistics in Chinese New Year 2016.

2 days before Chinese New Year – 26 January 2017 (Thursday)

As the eve of Chinese New Year is on 27 January 2017 (Friday), most Malaysians tend to return home the day before, which is 26 January 2017. This explains the spike in the traffic from Singapore to JB at both the Causeway and the 2^nd Link, which will start to build up from 2 pm onwards. It’s best to be a bit more kiasu (aka wiser) and set off earlier if you can.

Eve of Chinese New Year – 27 January 2017 (Friday)

On Chinese New Year’s eve, set your alarm clock to ring even earlier. As you can see from the graphs, traffic flowing into JB will build up as early as 4am. However, it’s possible that traffic may ease before evening as most people would already be at their reunion dinners.

Chinese New Year – 28, 29 January 2017 (Saturday, Sunday)

In the mornings of the 1^st and 2^nd day of Chinese New Year, we can expect traffic to be at a low volume. However, the trends show that traffic will start increasing around noon at both sides of the border, probably due to Malaysians visiting Singapore or PRs returning home early.

Last day of the Chinese New Year Holiday – 30 January 2017 (Monday)

On the last day of the holiday, it is expected that many will be returning to Singapore in preparation for work the next day. It appears that the 2^nd  Link will be more affected as most of the people travelling back from the North of Malaysia will choose this route. In this case, it’s best to take the Causeway!

One day after the Chinese New Year Holiday – 31 January 2017 (Tuesday)

Given that it’s a work day, most people would already have arrived home the day before (30 January 2017). However, it’s not uncommon for some to take a day off or two. As such, do note that there may be more traffic heading into Singapore after lunch hour, especially on the 2^nd Link.

We hope that these forecasts do come in handy. Share this information with your friends and loved ones so they can enter JB or Singapore quickly and with ease.

Everyone gets frustrated in a jam, but don’t forget that safety is paramount. Drive safely!

Information credit and for real-time traffic forecasts at the Causeway and 2^nd Link: causewayjam.wordpress.com

Header image credits: HD Wallpaper

Also, read Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Rise and shine, peeps! It’s time to add another resolution to your list, “to make 2017 the greatest year ever” (if you haven’t already done so). In keeping with that, our calendars are fully marked till 15 January and we’re GOOD TO GO!

Calendar of Events (1 – 15 January 2017)

1. Singapore Art Week 2017

The fifth edition of Singapore Art Week is back with a dazzling array of installations ranging from visual treats, exhibitions, art workshops, to tours and performances.

All this will be take place across art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces across the island.

Singapore Art Week 2017
When: 11 January 2017 – 22 January 2017
Where: Various venues
Explore: https://www.artweek.sg and Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

2. Legend of the Moon 3D Musical

Known as the first 3D musical of its kind, the Legend of the Moon showcases the life, culture and art of the Dong people, a minority race in China.

3. Chinese New Year 2017 happenings at Chinatown

Usher in the year of the Rooster with a bang!

[caption id="attachment_20948" align="alignnone" width="740"]

[caption id="attachment_20945" align="alignnone" width="960"] 5. Pongal Festival 2017

With its name derived from the Tamil term “pongu”, meaning to “boil over” or “overflow”, this Tamil harvest festival is traditionally celebrated from 14 – 16 January in India.

[caption id="attachment_20949" align="alignnone" width="640"] 6. DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class

[caption id="attachment_21028" align="alignnone" width="800"] Eventbrite[/caption]

If raw fish was never your thing, there’s no better time than now to learn how to DIY this Yu Sheng dish. What’s best is, vegans can dig in too.

DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class
When: 14 January 2017, 10.30 am – 12 pm
Where: Mahota Commune, Kitchener Complex, Level 3, 809 French Road
Explore: Eventbrite – DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng with Vegan Raw Fish

7. Simply Organic Brunch (Cooking Class Series)

8. Thaipusam Festival 2017

Join throngs of devotees as they partake in a traditional kavadi ceremony

[caption id="attachment_20955" align="alignnone" width="3456"] 9. Art Stage 2017

[caption id="attachment_20960" align="alignnone" width="1600"] 10. PJ Harvey (Mosaic Music Series 2017)

Musician, poet and artist PJ Harvey started out two decades ago, earning numerous Grammy and Brit awards nominations along the way. That’s not all – the iconic master of all trades has also worked alongside Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, Björk and more.

[caption id="attachment_21026" align="alignnone" width="752"] Esplanade Mosaic Music Series[/caption]

Stopping over in Singapore for her international tour, she and her band present music from her latest release The Hope Six Demolition Project.

PJ Harvey
When: 13 January 2017, 8 pm – 9.15 pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Explore: Esplanade Mosaic Music Series 2017 – PJ Harvey 

11. Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro

In this fifth instalment of the Local Chef Showcase, pursue the legacy behind renowned Szechuan delicacies with 2-star Michelin chef Chen Kentaro.

Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro
When: 13 January 2017, 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Shisen Hanten, 333 Orchard Road, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Explore: Eventbrite – Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase (Chen Kentaro)

12. CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

Ready for a tipple or two, or heaven forbid, three?

[caption id="attachment_21031" align="alignnone" width="650"] Eventbrite – CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

If you thought this was all, well… We’re right smack in the middle of the Singapore Biennale which winds up on 26 February.

On top of that, Mulan the Musical is currently in full swing at the Resorts World Theatre till 5 February. Now, the countdown begins… Here’s to ticking off these unmissable activities on your bucket list!

Header image credits: Blacklimosg

Also, read Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

If you haven’t heard, the Singapore Biennale is in town right now, as part of Singapore Art Week 2017!

From now till 26 February, grab your friends and family and attend this eye-opening arts exhibition. We visited Project Dreamcatchers 2016: Into The Looking Glass and it was a rewarding experience.

Project Dreamcatchers 2016: Into The Looking Glass

Project Dreamcatchers is an initiative to help youths with chronic illnesses express their aspirations through art. Despite the many odds these youths face, they soldier on and reveal their struggles through the art they produce.

This year, the exhibition at the Singapore Biennale is called ‘Into The Looking Glass’. Aptly named, this exhibition invites visitors to see the world through the artists’ eyes. ‘Into The Looking Glass’ certainly caught our eyes with its display of vulnerability and invitations to connect with its viewers.

Here are four reasons why you should drop by!

Support Local Artists

These budding local artists are partnered with mentors who guide and help them through the production of their art pieces.

Mentors include local artists Samantha Lo, Ho Wai Kit, Noor Iskandar and Tan Jia Hui, who worked closely with the youths to bring their messages to life through art.

Sparked by the initial question of what they wish to tell the public, these artworks are personal messages from the youths.

A Stunning Array of Unique Artwork

The artists and youths used mixed mediums and materials ranging from mirrors to plants. They were chosen carefully to best represent the artist’s journey and message, and to elicit the desired response from the viewer.

While touching the artwork is not permitted, viewers can interact with the artworks in different ways, like seeing themselves in the reflections of Rayna’s art piece.

From this, we can better experience and appreciate the depiction of the artists’ personal journey through life.

Touching Stories

Accompanying each art piece is a personal message by the artist about the inspiration behind their artwork.

Titled ‘Imperfect’, this plywood art piece was painted over with acrylic paint, and the words were scratched out using pigment ink.

Her words of truth, as of those of the other artists, come from a yearning to be heard, recognised and understood.

End Discrimination

Art is an expression of oneself, and a means throughout history of breaking down barriers. When we take the step to understand and look from the perspectives of these youths, we’re helping to end the discrimination they face.

In this art piece, items essential to the artist are put together and held up. When light is projected on these items, a silhouette of a human heart is formed.

Syringes and tablets may not be our essential items, but Toh’s art piece reminds us that we’re all the same inside.

With ‘Into The Looking Glass’, visitors stand to appreciate and support the fight against the discrimination of our youths. Listen to their stories through their art and acknowledge the difficulties they face, and their creativity and presence.

In our ever-increasing world of connectivity, it is exhibitions like Into The Looking Glass that will truly connect us with others on a deeper level.

Disconnect from the bombardment of stories and listen to individual ones by our local youths and artists.

A List Singapore – Your Guide To The Arts And Culture Scene In Singapore

If this exhibition has ignited a desire in you to attend more of such arts and culture happenings in Singapore, why not follow A List Singapore?

As Singapore’s first full-fledged arts and culture guide, you can find comprehensive event listings from music to dance, visual arts to theatre, and literary to family activities. Besides event listings, you can also be updated to the arts and culture scene with their plethora of thought-provoking articles.

Be in the know as they feature up-and-coming promising artists and the shakers and makers of the art industry.

For the latest arts & cultural events happening in Singapore, follow them on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you love the smell of a fresh magazine, keep a look out on their social media channels for when their January hard copy issue will be distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide!

Take the step to explore the rich and rewarding art and culture scene in Singapore; you never know what you might learn and experience along the way!

Also, read 10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore!

Tonight’s Fireworks: Alternative Places To Go To So You Don’t Squeeze With The Crowd!

What do you think of when someone mentions New Year’s Eve? Parties? First Kiss of the New Year? If you’re like us, you’re probably thinking of the spectacular fireworks over at The Float @ Marina Bay!

However, watching the fireworks can be less than pleasant when you’re pressed up against thousands of other people who had the same location in mind. Here are some alternative places to catch the fireworks if you want to avoid the massive crowds.

Bay East Garden

The lesser known portion of Gardens By The Bay, this tranquil park is filled with lush lawns, elegant palm trees, and an unobstructed view of the fireworks!

Open daily 24 hours, admission is absolutely free, so bring your picnic mats and hunker down for a peaceful night.

Bay East Garden
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Faber Peak

Get an unobstructed view of the fireworks right at the peak of Mt Faber!

With Cable Cars, bars and restaurants, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury with food, drinks, fireworks and tons of breathing space this New Year’s Eve.

Faber Peak
Telok Blangah Rd, Singapore 099448
Tel: 6377 9688

Smoke and Mirrors

The National Gallery’s snazy rooftop restaurant and bar boasts a gorgeous view of the MBS and CBD.

Smoke and Mirrors has been gaining a rather loyal following for their cocktail menu, so grab a drink and settle in for the upcoming fireworks!

Smoke and Mirrors
St Andrew’s Rd, 01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Tel: 9234 8122

The Helix

Located right next to where the fireworks will be released, but a good distance away from the crowd at The Float @ Marina Bay, The Helix may get crowded, but is nonetheless better than squeezing at The Float.

What’s more, with 4 viewing platforms, it is a great place to get up close and personal with the fireworks!

The Helix Bridge
Helix Bridge, Singapore

Starbucks at The Fullerton Waterboat

Not one for alcohol? Start your new year with a caffeine fix at Starbucks at The Fullerton Waterboat House!

With its full length windows and a great view of the MBS, you’ll be able to catch the fireworks in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.

Tel: 6536 0849

St. John’s Island

Fireworks too loud for your liking? Hate the crowd?

[caption id="attachment_20704" align="alignnone" width="1000"] (Photo Credits: https://arrowtransports.com)[/caption]

Take a boat to St. John’s island and appreciate the muted thundering from afar without compromising on the view. Enjoy the clean air, gentle lapping waves, and fireworks in the distance. You can even stay the night at one of their Bungalow Chalets!

St John’s Island
Find out more With these alternative places to view fireworks, we hope you’ll have a great New Year countdown! For supper after the countdown, read this. For information about the extended opening hours for buses and trains, click here. Here’s wishing you a ball of a time bidding goodbye to 2016 and welcoming 2017!

Also, read It’s Never Too Late For A Decadent New Year’s Eve Feast At FOO’D by Davide Oldani!

10 Jaw-droppingly Strange Items On Carousell That Will Make You Go WTH!

As you return home, your mom screams at you while she is doing spring cleaning, “Ah boy ah, you bought so many caps last time. You only have one head, what are you going to do with all these caps?!” The nagging continues for another 5 mins until inspiration strikes.

“Mom, I can sell it on Carousell! I just have to take a picture and upload it online” you say.

Does this situation sound familiar to you?

When Carousell first launched, everyone rejoiced as its easy-to-use platform is convenient for selling and buying knick knacks. All you need to do is snap, chat and voilà your item is sold!

While it is true that you can score some useful items at a bargain, you may also be surprised by some of the strange items on sale.

Be prepared, our discoveries below will make your jaws drop and eyes pop.

Weirdness on sale: Strange items/Antiques on Carousell

1. Famous Trump Toilet Paper Roll ($18.88)

Seller’s description: “Donald Trump Humour Toilet Paper Roll Novelty Funny Gag Gift Dump with Trump.”

With this roll of toilet paper, everyone will have the chance to get to know President Elect Donald Trump “at a deeper/intimate level”. We say buy this if Trump bashing is your thing.

Link

2. Boyfriend ($0)

This is certainly one human item that left us speechless. At $0, this item is waiting for the right girl to take it off the shelf.

Seller’s description: “Virgin. Has very exaggerated reactions. Current PES E soldier. Drinks a lot of water. Shits white. Best friends with the other 2 boyfriends up for grabs. Calls people for a living. Note not a telemarketer. All A student. Potential class 3A driver. No, this is not a sale but a matchmaking. Disclaimer: no refunds. Missing gall bladder.”

Apart from the aforementioned item, the seller also has two more $0 boyfriend listings for you to check out. While stocks last.

Link

3. Breast enlargement pump with twin flanged cups for superior suction/electric air pump machine ($59.99)

4. NTUC bonus points ($5)

Seller’s description: “Selling 10 bonus points for 5$, postage included. Use the points to get hefty discounts on Phillips appliances such as toaster, blender, kettle, air fryer.”

Know someone who has sworn his/her allegiance to NTUC for the rest of his/her life? This will be the best gift for him/her.

Link

5. Vintage GV Minions Movie Ticket ($10)

Seller’s description: “VINTAGE COLLECTIBLE”

The Minions movie was shown one year ago so we were scratching our heads when we saw the label “vintage”. In any case, we can all start selling our used movie tickets. Lelong lelong, anyone wants to buy from us?

Link

6. Outdoor Portable Female Urinal Device ($13)

Seller’s description: “[X’mas Promo – 2pcs in 1 box Deal] A female urination device (also called FUD) that allows you to urinate while standing up. Ideal for camping, hiking or places where there are no proper toilet facilities or have poor and disgusting sanitation. Discreet, hygienic and flexible. Made of medical grade silicone. Just lower your panty and put the FUD against your body forming a seal, aim and pee. Dispose of it after use or clean and reuse as you like. Practice a time or two and you’ll pee like the men!”

When we first read this, our eyes popped!

This could be a #life-saver when you go camping or when there’s a crazy long queue outside the ladies. And of course, if you want to learn how to pee like a man – like what the seller said.

 Link

7. A packet of water lettuce

Seller’s description: “I have a big bag of water plants to let go. There are no snail or any pest that come with the plant. As I put in my organic water plant fertilizer and these plants just overgrown, so selling to allow my fishes to breath better !”

This is certainly one strange listing. According to the seller’s disclaimer, the seller is also not quite sure if these plants are really water lettuce, so buy at your own risk.

Link

8. Rainbow slime ($3)

Seller’s description: “VV PRETTY ISTG”

This reminded us of the play-doh that we used to play with when we were young.

Seller obviously needs to work harder on the rainbow, because real rainbow slimes look like that:

[caption id="attachment_20322" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Credit: Youtube[/caption]

Nonetheless, the price is cheap – $3 a piece so if you are adventurous, you can chat with the seller to find out more.

Link

9. Victoria’s Secret paper bag with tissue ($2)

This listing gives all the shopaholics hope to recoup their losses from crazy shopping sprees.

Seller’s description: “Small size from VS”

After you buy, buy, buy, you can stem the bleed of your wallet by trying to sell your paper bags.

Link

10. Old Brass Spittoon/chamber pot ($125)

Seller’s description: “Diameter 22cm. Ht20”

Alas, we have saved the best for the last. This is the highest priced item on our list and it sure is a heavyweight.

A look at the seller’s items shows that he/she specialises in vintage products.

However, there is no indication of how old this spittoon is and we don’t dare to imagine how many people have used it.

Link

We hope this list of strange items people sell on Carousell will inspire you. When you have something you don’t need, you know where to sell them.

Also, read Broken Phone Or Laptop? Here Are 6 No Fail Repair Shops For Electronic Devices!

The Prosperity Burger IS FINALLY BACK!

McDonald’s has always been a go-to comfort food for Singaporeans. Convenient, affordable, and always consistent in great taste, McDonald’s has hundreds of outlets all over the island so that we can get our fix anywhere.

While we love the McSpicy, the French Fries, and of course the curry sauce, what we love best about McDonald’s are the special promotions! From Twister Fries to the exclusive Hello Kitty plushies, McDonald’s keeps us constantly salivating (and queuing) when it comes to their exciting new offerings!

Chinese New Year Decadence

Chinese New Year is upon us and that can only mean one thing… THE PROSPERITY BURGER IS BACK!

Blessing us with its yearly appearance once again, the Prosperity Burger has become a favourite among Singaporeans, many of whom wish that it isn’t just a time-limited menu item.

Because really, what’s not to love about the Prosperity Burger?Dipped in a generous serving of fragrant black pepper sauce, the succulent grilled beef or chicken patty is topped with slivered onions and served in-between soft sesame seed buns.

What’s a meal without a little appetizer on the side? The long-awaited Twister Fries also makes its come back this festive season! Lightly coated with the right amount of seasoning, it’s no wonder that the Twister Fries is a crowd-favourite.

Not just the Twister Fries, this new year, McDonald’s is spoiling us with even more exiting food. Complete your meal with a set of sweet and savoury BBQ Drumlets. Available in 2 and 10 piece options, these juicy mini drumlets will have you fighting with your meal buddies for more!

Ending the meal on a sweet note, McDonald’s also offer Gula Melaka McFlurry with Rainbow Bites, that hits all the right spots in the most local way ever. This limited-time-only treat gives that extra bit of sweetness that goes oh-so-well with the classic vanilla ice-cream. Topped off with Rainbow Bites, this dessert is the perfect end to a satisfying meal!

So one thing’s for sure – we are super excited about Chinese New Year already, and we can’t wait to lay out hands on the new Prosperity Burger after one full year!

Also Read: Count Yourself As A True Blue Singaporean Only If You Have Tried These 9 Local Dishes!

It’s Never Too Late For A Decadent New Year’s Eve Feast At FOO’D by Davide Oldani!

The New Year’s weekend is upon us, and everyone is already gearing up for a long weekend of gatherings and the oncoming slew of treats.

However, while most would have already made plans for New Year’s Eve dinner weeks ago, there are some of us who are…busier (*ahem* procrastinators), and are still on the look out for a spot to indulge in a year end feast.

Don’t fret! We’ve found an elegant restaurant that will be serving up some mouthwatering and decadent eats this festive season!

FOO’D by Davide Oldani

Located within the iconic Victoria Theatre, FOO’D by Davide Oldani serves modern European fare. Fusing tradition with innovation, the food at FOO’D by Davide Oldani strikes the perfect balance between simple and refined.

Founded upon the principles of Cucina POP, which simultaneously means “for everyone” and “belonging to everyone”, the menu at FOO’D was conceptualized by Italian celebrity Chef Davide Oldani.

Chef owner of Michelin-starred D’O in Cornaredo, Italy, Oldani strives to blur the lines between fine dining with accessibility, and tradition with innovation.

Hazelnut And Lambrusco Sorbet Dessert

Chef Davide Oldani’s hazelnut and lambrusco sorbet dessert is a testament to his creative culinary journey. Pairing hazelnut, lambrusco sorbet, and popcorn, this impeccable dessert showcases Oldani’s gift for intertwining complementary textures in his dishes.

The satisfying crunch of popcorn matches well with the refreshing and slightly sweet lambrusco sorbet. A unique and decadent culinary creation, this modern dessert is the perfect end to a decadent meal at FOO’D!

Oldani’s Marsala And Truffle Risotto

Looking for something a tad more traditional?

Then Oldani’s risotto is a must-have!

Crafted with handmade sourdough breadcrumbs, peppercorn, Marsala and Umbrian truffle, the risotto has the rich creaminess of a perfectly cooked risotto.

With a dash of vinegar and the underlying touch of sweetness from the Marsala, Oldani’s risotto is an innovative culinary creation that is a must-have for any self-proclaimed food connoisseur.

The sleek and modern interior that diners at FOO’D enjoy alongside their meal is also due in part to Oldani dabbling in industrial design.

Seeking to make every diners’ experience comfortable, Oldani has utilized innovative flatware such as wine glasses with one rim set higher than the other, allowing diners to not only fully appreciate the full bouquet of the wine but maintain eye contact with their partners as well. An overall elegant and comfortable dining experience, FOO’D puts diners’ needs at the forefront.

New Year’s Eve isn’t complete without a mouthwatering decadent feast. Tagged at $158++ and $188++ for its 5 and 7 course New Year’s Eve Dinner Menu, end your 2016 right with FOOD’s by Davide Oldani decadent feast.

So experience a culinary adventure with loved ones at FOO’D by Davide Oldani, as you indulge in modern European fare that pushes the boundaries and tantalizes the taste buds!

[email protected]

Also Read: Dessert Buffets In Singapore: So You Can Gorge On Ice Cream, Cakes & Chocolate!

A Look Back At 2016: 7 Food Trends That Got Singaporeans Queuing

As true blue Singaporeans, we are definitely no strangers to crazy long queues. And by crazy, we mean queues lasting for a good 2 hours and more. Year after year, we see them forming. Year after year, we joined them. Now that 2016 is coming to an end, let’s do a quick round-up on the food trends that got us voluntarily joining the queues.

1. Michelin-Starred Hawker Stalls

Earlier in July, when two hawker stalls were awarded a Michelin star each, we witnessed people of all ages chiong down in throngs to try their food.

Who wouldn’t, if it means getting to taste Michelin-approved food for less than $5?

Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle at Chinatown Food Complex dishes out its famous chicken rice at $2 per plate. Even its most expensive dish, the Pork Ribs Rice, is priced at $3.

At Crawford Lane, the other Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle also saw long queues forming. Singaporeans wanted to have a go at their $5 bowl of Bak Chor Mee.

We Singaporeans know our stuff. When we see good deals like this, we flock down like birds, even if it means queuing for hours in the heat.

Also, read The Full List Of Michelin Guide Singapore 2016 – How Many Have You Tried?

2. Salted Egg Yolk Anything and Everything

Remember that period of time, when almost every other food item seemed to be infused with salted egg yolk? Even McDonald’s had hopped on the bandwagon.

Salted egg yolk croissant, salted egg yolk chips, salted egg yolk lava toast… the list goes on.

Snaking queues in eateries, bakeries and even coffee shops became a common sight when the salted egg yolk craze was at its peak. And we reckon it will still be that way in the new year ahead.

Also, read 6 Seriously Addictive Salted Egg Yolk Snacks You Must Try In SG!

3. Cheese Tarts

The cheese tart trend started when Hokkaido based BAKE opened its first store in Singapore in April.

With its signature yellow box, this is a brand most cheese lovers are familiar with. Yet eating BAKE cheese tarts do not come easy at all. It comes at the expense of having to queue for more than 2 hours for them.

In its heyday, cheese tarts were the rage. Even neighbourhood bakeries jumped on the bandwagon and hawked cheese tarts. Prominent bakeries like BreadTalk and Prima Deli created their own versions of the cheese tart too.

Perhaps there is just something about that measured sweetness of fluffy cheese atop a flavourful crust that draws in the crowd.

Also, read BAKE Cheese Tart Continues Singapore Invasion At Its Second Outlet In Westgate Mall!

4. Themed Cafés

The feverish craze for cutesy cartoon characters seemed to have translated to widespread popularity in their themed cafes as well.

When Hello Kitty Café first opened at Changi Airport in May, more than 100 people waited to enter, queuing for two hours or more just to get inside.

Sounds long? Wait till we get to Pokemon.

At Pokemon Cafe’s first opening, which was also in May, fans of Pokemon had to wait for as long as 5 hours just to enter the café.

Yet the most amazing thing is, 5 hours was not any form of deterrence at all.

The latest themed café to open its doors to customers with much fanfare is the Gudetama Café.

Queues stretched for up to 2 hours and are expected to remain this way for the upcoming few months at least.

5. Tai Cheong Bakery

Famous for its egg tarts and other pastries, Tai Cheong Bakery, a renowned Hong Kong brand, made its way onto Singapore shores in mid-November.

With a dine in-concept introduced, it has become common for customers to queue for close to 2 hours to get seats. Yet the crowd just keeps growing.

At a slightly pricey cost of $1.90 per egg tart, egg tart lovers have no qualms about waiting in line to have a taste of the buttery crust that is all the rage in Hong Kong.

6. Froyo

It all started with Llao Llao, queues were formed for a cup of frozen yogurt with toppings that cost $6.95. With that, new players entered the fray.

Kokopanda serves your regular froyo, but with a twist. It has a new product called Black Yogo Frozen Yoghurt, which is made from edible activated charcoal as well as roasted coconut husk.

This latest innovation to the frozen yoghurt family has led to long queues for froyo stores once again and it certainly does not look like it’s going to become a dying trend anytime soon.

7. Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant

Unagi may not have caught on with Singaporeans quite as well as some other items on this list, but this sweet Japanese eel looks like it has the potential to become something big.

Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant opened in October this year to healthy crowds and looks set to maintain its strong customer base. Perhaps it might even become a trend of 2017.

Now that we have looked back on the food trends that got us voluntarily joining long queues in 2016, perhaps it is time to take a step back for a quick reflection. Which of these queues resulted in a new experience and were worth our time?

Come 2017, a host of new food options may take our country by storm. But how many of 2016’s trends will remain? Will froyo continue to evolve in 2017 and become more popular? Will our love for cheese tarts disappear?

Whatever it is, I am sure we can all agree that Singaporeans know no boundaries when it comes to food. The amount of time and money that we are willing to spend on food trends is astounding, but at least we can be comforted that our F&B industry will continue to thrive even in a slowing economy.

Also, read Serious Foodies Only: Here Are The Best Restaurants In Singapore For 2016!