Singapore’s Very First Hello Kitty Cafe Is Opening In Singapore And It’s 24Hrs!
The wait is finally over.
Singapore’s first ever Hello Kitty Cafe, Hello Kitty Orchid Garden, is opening at Changi Airport Terminal 3 this coming May. And superb news, it’s not a temporary pop-up stall. It’s going to be a permanent cafe — and a 24-hour one at that.
[caption id="attachment_4233" align="alignnone" width="700"]According to Lady Iron Chef, the cafe will be adorned with a complementary mix of flowers and greens that will, no doubt, add a splash of pretty colour to the place. The full menu hasn’t been revealed yet, but word is, we can expect an all-day breakfast meals and desserts with a tinge of local flavour.
[caption id="attachment_4230" align="alignnone" width="700"]Besides satisfying our tummies, the cafe will also feature an exciting range of merchandise like postcards, plush toys, DIY plant kits, and tea blends. Is it just me, or does it feel like Changi Airport wants Hello Kitty fanatics to burn a colossal hole in their pocket?
One might wonder, with the launch of the cafe, does this mean that we’re going to have a Hello Kitty-themed hospital in the not too distant future? Only time will tell.
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden
Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3
Arrival Hall Central #01-22
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Featured image credit: Wikipedia
Also read: Local Food So Atas That Even The Coffeeshop Uncles Also Cannot Recognise!
Local Food So Atas That Even The Coffeeshop Uncles Also Cannot Recognise!
One can’t discuss Singapore without mentioning the country’s mouth-watering cuisine. To make things even better, these restaurants serve up high-end renditions of the city’s signature dishes.
Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard
Known for the most expensive chicken rice in Singapore, many fans head to Chatterbox for their version of the local favourite. The aromatic rice cooked in flavourful chicken stock pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, along with the garlic, chili, and soy sauce on the side. Online reviews are mixed as to whether the dish is worth the price tag at Chatterbox, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the mood for a fancier take on the well-loved chicken rice. Apart from that, they have other dishes like lobster laksa too.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/2c-QKduXcb/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/2YM9YFRk2Q/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/uM-1umjfo8/[/embed]Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard
333 Orchard Rd, 238867
6831 6288
Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri, Sat: 11am – 2am
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
For an upscale take on homely local dishes, pay a visit to National Kitchen at the National Gallery, which is best known for their authentic Peranakan cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of local dishes such as Dry Laksa, Ngoh Hiang, Hakka Abacus Beads, Fish Head Curry, Beef Rendang, and the iconic Chili Crab. With nostalgic local flavours that’ll be a hit with the young and old, this would be a great restaurant to book for a fancy family dinner.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCNDYmhOqnw/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCXg-_-OuYg/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCMdH9OIQx4/[/embed]National Kitchen By Violet Oon
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02–01, National Gallery, City Hall Wing, 178957
9834 9935
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Restaurant Labyrinth
Every dish at this establishment is so artistically presented that you’d wonder how they can make even the most simple boiled eggs and teh tarik combination look fancy. (Hint: it’s actually teh tarik creme brûlée and pana cotta encased in egg shells!) Restaurant Labyrinth is famed for inventive, deconstructed takes on local favourites like the Hainanese curry rice with a ball of chicken covered in squid ink, and the oyster omelette that’s rendered almost unrecognisable with sous vide-style eggs and oyster foam.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/-NqbXiEgY_/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/87EryLwd5V/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BBPZMocQd7B/[/embed]Restaurant Labyrinth
8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23 Esplanade Mall, 039802
6223 4098
click the best of Ghim Moh market here.
8 Hidden Places In Singapore Even Hipsters Aren’t Aware Of
Are you sick of visiting all those same old places that you see on everyone’s Instagram feed? Or roll your eyes at all mainstream activities?
The fact that Singapore is small worsens the situation because there is simply nowhere cool to go anymore! (Or is it?) We have discovered 8 different secret places for everyone that even the hipsters don’t know about and even we, are really impressed with them! :O
1. Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Navel Base
The Marsiling WWII Tunnel & Navel Base is an abandoned military tunnel built during the WWII by the British. It was used as a storage facility for fuel for the Navy but has not been used since Singapore’s independence. All those curious and adventurous explorers shouldn’t give this a miss!
[caption id="attachment_3908" align="alignnone" width="495"]https://www.instagram.com/p/BA9latugzze/?taken-at=39468183
https://www.instagram.com/p/mX5ybxiLsM/?taken-at=39468183
Address:
47 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089153
4. Operation Dagger
[caption id="attachment_3868" align="alignnone" width="700"]Okay, so is this another abandoned building that is rumoured to be haunted?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAruFcIHg4P/?taken-at=283853306
No, in fact, it’s a place that would transport you Narnia. Okay, we kid. Operation Dagger was named after the late 1950s movement in Singapore to rid the underground secret society in Chinatown. This creepy dark flight of stairs actually leads you to a hidden cocktail bar.
[caption id="attachment_3869" align="alignnone" width="960"]7. The Projector
This is Singapore’s new secret hipster cinema hidden within the depths of Golden Mile Tower.
[caption id="attachment_3916" align="alignnone" width="641"]5 Fascinating Things Only NYP Graduates And Students Know To Be True!
Before I became a writer, I was a molecular biotechnology student studying my butt off at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Even though I only had a brief stint at the school, I came to know the quirks and best finds like the back of my hand. Here are my five picks:
Riding on the escalator is terrifying
[caption id="attachment_3940" align="alignnone" width="700"]Only a handful of NYP graduates would know this. The year 2011 was a confusing time for the escalators near the atrium. There was a malfunction with the system and for weeks, the escalator would go down insanely fast.
There were no injuries, as it was a short ride and everyone had plenty of time to react. Still, I’m willing to bet my dollars that the experience had scarred their life — including mine. Suddenly, the escalator scene in Final Destination 4 doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.
The food at NYP is glorious
[caption id="attachment_3926" align="alignnone" width="700"]The following statement is coming from someone who enjoys eating packed lunch — so this says a lot. Simply put, NYP is a food paradise. Students who frequent the North Canteen would be familiar with the golden yellow buttered corn; the belly-filling roti prata; the country-fresh waffles; and the naturally tender chicken rice.
Other highlights include the Japanese stall at Koufu, the crispy-fried nuggets at the South Canteen, and the Nasi Ayam Panggang at Foodgle Hub. Just the description alone makes my mouth water.
The garden at Block P is stunning
[caption id="attachment_3925" align="alignnone" width="700"]Golly, this is even more attractive than the rest areas below our HDB blocks. This area used to be an empty space where students would walk across it to get to the escalators. Kudos to the school to make this eco-friendly garden such a blooming (pun intended) success.
Instagram fanatics, this calls for a selfie!
Finding a seat at the library is no walk in the park
[caption id="attachment_3924" align="alignnone" width="700"]During my last holiday as a secondary school student, my friend — a NYP first-year student — asked if I would accompany her to the library at her school. Since I was curious about exploring the polytechnics in Singapore, I immediately took up her offer.
I couldn’t understand why we had to go early in the morning, but by afternoon, it all became clear. An army of students against a limited number of sitting areas? Draw your own conclusion.
Two words: Jackie Chan
[caption id="attachment_3923" align="alignnone" width="700"]The beloved star made everyone’s day when he popped by NYP to promote Aversion, a new anti-drug mobile game that centres on the concept of steering away from the dangers of drugs and inhalant abuse.
It was created by the Preventive Education Unit (PEU), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and a group of students from NYP School of Interactive & Digital Media (SIDM).
Take a minute and look at the expression everyone had on their face. Jackie Chan at NYP? Yeah, you can’t top that.
I don’t know about you, but I certainly miss my days at NYP. How did time fly by so fast?
Featured image credit: Today Online
Also read: 12 Peculiar Things Only NTU Students Will Nod Silently In Agreement
Tired Of Our Increasingly Aloof Society? Here Are 11 Organisations You Can Volunteer At!
Let’s be honest here. Mandatory volunteer work aside, not many of us will go out of our way to make a difference to someone else’s life. In our modern society, almost everyone has tight schedules to follow and dreams to pursue. We get so caught up in our worlds that we forget what it’s like to take a look at others’. We forget what it’s like having to do things without expecting any returns. We forget what it’s like to extend help to those who are truly in need. We forget.
Feeling guilty and ashamed? You should be.
Okay but seriously, instead of grumbling about the aloofness of our society, let’s turn our disgruntlement into much-needed positive energy. Let’s look up from our phone screens and instead, look at the society around us. From rehabilitating those with special needs to playing mahjong with the elderly, listed below are several volunteer organisations you can help out at. Remember what they always say, a little help always goes a long way. Be it a one-off event or a long-term commitment, know that we’ll be equally proud of you!
All Rounded Volunteer Projects
1. Youth Corps Singapore
[caption id="attachment_4040" align="alignnone" width="960"]If you’re searching for a wide spectrum of volunteering opportunities, look no further. By providing an array of ad-hoc and regular volunteer projects, Youth Corps Singapore is a national platform that encourages youth volunteerism. With its recent initiative, Common Space for Common Good, the organization has, with its one-day event cum carnival, advocated for volunteer causes for the elderly, special needs, youths, and low-income families. From raising environmental awareness to addressing the needs of Cambodian villagers, you’ll be sure to find a suitable cause to volunteer for at Youth Corps Singapore.
Tel: 6734 4233
Email: [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer projects here
2. Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
[caption id="attachment_4042" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Waiii-M-C-A!
While many are familiar with this one liner and its unique tune, not all are acquainted with [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer programmes Image Credit: App.singapore.sg[/caption]
Founded since 1967, 4. Riding for the Disabled Association of Singapore (RDA)
[caption id="attachment_4045" align="alignnone" width="500"] Image Credit: Connexion.sg[/caption]
That’s right, we have horse-riding therapy. Conducted by 5. Brain Tumour Society (BTSS)
[caption id="attachment_4046" align="alignnone" width="525"] Image Credit: Braintumorsociety.org[/caption]
Seeing a loved one be diagnosed with a terminal illness can be beyond heart breaking. Not only does [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about being a volunteer 6. Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME)
[caption id="attachment_4047" align="alignnone" width="672"] Image Credit: Home.org.sg[/caption]
Having to assimilate within a society whose language you can barely speak can be pretty daunting. Besides advocating the rights of migrant workers, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about being a volunteer 7. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)
[caption id="attachment_4048" align="alignnone" width="1010"] Image Credit: Channelnewsasia.com[/caption]
[email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more the different types of volunteer work 8. Beyond Social Services (BSS)
[caption id="attachment_4049" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Thesmartlocal.com[/caption]
With a unique target group in mind, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about BSS’ volunteering events Image Credit: Babes.org.sg[/caption]
Possibly one of the more unknown organisations, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about ways you can volunteer 10. Touch Community Services
[caption id="attachment_4051" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Touch.org.sg[/caption]
With its Befriender and Meals-on-Wheels programme, Touch Community brings home services to the elderly. Happen to own a car? Join Touch’s meal delivery programme to meet the daily needs of the usually homebound elderly. If not, you can also befriend the elderly and offer services such as accompanying them to various medical appointments.
Tel: 6337 0122
Email: [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer positions 11. Man Fut Tong Nursing Home
[caption id="attachment_4052" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Man Fut Tong Nursing Home[/caption]
Also a day rehabilitation centre, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer activities
Need A Breather From Work? Here Are 5 Therapeutic Activities To Help Rest Your Tired Soul!
After trudging through the weekly work mountain, you exhale slowly whilst slamming your laptop shut; it’s finally Friday. It’s been a long week and you’re seriously in need of a recharge. However, instead of binge watching Breaking Bad over the weekends, you’re looking for something a little more invigorating. But besides short getaways, what other activities can you indulge in, to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life?
Fret not, Discover SG is here to rescue your tired, working soul! Below is a list of therapeutic weekend activities we’ve come up with, to keep you refreshed for the upcoming workweek(s). Besides keeping you from lashing out at your colleague, these activities will keep you slightly more motivated. Until the next weekend at least.
1. Pick Up Modern Calligraphy
[caption id="attachment_2600" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Always been fascinated with hipster fonts? Here’s your chance to master these fonts. A rising trend, learning the art of modern calligraphy, can help relax and unleash creativity. Plus, nothing makes a more unique gift than a hand-printed card, right? Calligraphers such as ($140/hour) conduct ad hoc calligraphy workshops that are usually held in creativity-inspiring cafés. Nothing like a good calligraphy and coffee session to kick start a relaxing weekend, really.
Workshops can fill up pretty fast so do register in advance. Do note that Happy Hands Project is currently on a mini hiatus but do keep a lookout for upcoming workshops!
2. Art Jamming
[caption id="attachment_2604" align="alignnone" width="640"]They say life is an open canvas and you’re the artist. For folks like us, we’re more than pleased with an actual canvas and a brush. For now. At café-studios such as , unleash your inner Monet and let your imagination (or pent up stress) go wild. But if you can’t seem to locate your inner artist, worry not as these café-studios offer tutors who will have you discover your artsy side in no time.
Arteastiq is located at Mandarin Gallery, Plaza Singapura and Turf City. Click
3. Maketh Your Own Leather Accessories
[caption id="attachment_2607" align="alignnone" width="960"]Leather maketh man.
At Maketh, a mini studio dedicated to leather lovers, you’ll get to design and create your own leather products ranging from cardholders to satchels. An afternoon at this studio will have you feeling like a medieval craftsman (in a good way) as you hammer your stress away. The price and duration of each session depends on the product you wish to craft so do contact Maketh beforehand to work out the details or pop by to say hi if you’re in the area.
Maketh is located at 751 North Bridge Road #02-02, S198719.
4.Indulge In Pet Therapy
[caption id="attachment_2609" align="alignnone" width="630"]As fellow animal lovers, we understand the wonders of pet therapy. Teeming with pet farms such as the , Pasir Ris Farmway is the place to be. Let your tension melt away as you visit countless fur balls from different pet farms. To top it off, a relatively unknown Jomando Adventure & Recreations at Punggol Waterway, cycle through Coney Island and to Paris Farmway! This can be helpful for north-easterners who find travelling to the East a hassle.
5. Go Trampoline-ing
[caption id="attachment_2611" align="alignnone" width="640"]If you’re more of an adrenaline/sports junkie, trampoline is the one for you. It may be a full body workout, but jumping on the trampoline is may be more therapeutic than one thinks (probably has to do with the floating-jumping sensation). With trampoline parks such as [email protected]
Zoom Park
200 Pandan Gardens #01-14, S609336
+65 6334 4615
So the next time you’re looking for an activity to take your mind off the long weekdays, you know whom to call upon. We may not be the hero you need, but maybe we can be the hero you deserve.
6 Local Brands That Make & Create Beautiful Products – We Really Love #2!
Singapore’s artisanal scene is amazing. We’re talking about scented hand-poured candles to fierce and edgy arm candies. Whether you’re bored of the same old or looking for something unique, these 6 local brands will definitely have something in store for you.
1. Matter prints
Everyone wants to look good when they’re on vacation and here’s a little something that can give your OOTD the extra edge.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCiNbskGbl2/?taken-by=dresswelldogood[/embed]Matter is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that produces fun yet functional pants using artisan printed and loomed fabric. These effortlessly chic pants are made for movement and comfort without sacrificing style. Just pair it with a plain top and you are ready to go. While you are at it, do check out their scarfs and reversible pouch too. Price ranges approximately from SGD 65.00 to SGD 206.00.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCnQzAtyTr9/?taken-by=singaporefashionweek[/embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCu71daJy0F/?tagged=matterprints
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCCxWmnpyyo/?tagged=matterprints
Matter As much as we love our Givenchy, strutting a Ling Wu arm candy with pride is a different story. Known for their usage of butter soft leather and hand-polished exotic skin, this homegrown luxurious handbag brand is stocked in Japan and Europe, and is a popular choice among celebrities. Every piece of Ling Wu is made using sustainably-sourced animal skin (relax animal lovers) and is rolled with glass bottles by artisans in South East Asia. Ling Wu is available at Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Orchard, Tangs, and in Ling Wu Studio. Ling Wu Life at the Little Red Dot can be hectic and tiring, but here’s a dose of something local to help put your scent… we mean Zen on. Hand poured candles from A Dose of Something Good are made using the finest quality wax blends, natural fibre wicks, as well as scents that use a blend of fine fragrance materials, natural extracts and essential oils, tucked in hand-cast porcelain containers. You can purchase their candles online or check out the following stores that stock their products. A Dose of Something Good Naiise Website:
Online Shop: 3. Ling Wu
Ling Wu Studio, National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road #03-10 188969
+65 9696 31185. A Dose of Something Good
available at:
Keepers
Changi Airport, T1 Departure, Transit East Hall
National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd. 188969
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Central, #02-23 059817
112 East Coast Road 112 Katong, #01-31/32, 428802
Note: Clients are only served on an appointment basis only. An advance booking of at least 24 hours before the appointment is required. Click
Ghim Moh Market Has Re-Opened, Here’s The Very Best Food That Will Make You Drool!
Rejoice foodie! The Ghim Moh market and food court is finally back after a well deserved face lift. Guess what is the best thing about this comeback? Many of the original stalls that have been around since 1970 are back too! Yes, the chwee kueh aunty will still be serving her signature dish.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCrI4K2R-e9/?taken-at=30224646&hl=en[/embed]Remember how stuffy and humid it got when you took a sip of your favourite fish soup during lunch time at the temporary food centre? We can’t promise you a chilly windy lunch but according to stall owners and residents around that area, ventilation has greatly improved. On top of that, the food centre has also been scrubbed clean of years of grease and grime, and a wider walkway so foodies like us can manoeuvre around with ease.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZPwYYJQIl/?taken-at=30224646&hl=en[/embed]Ever Wondered Why There Are So Many Chu Kangs In Singapore? We Uncover The Mystery!
Just the other day I came across this Facebook post from FiveStarsAndAMoon and it sparked a surge of curiosity within me.
Why do we have so many places named “___ Chu Kang” in Singapore?!
To many of us Singaporeans, Choa Chu Kang, Yio Chu Kang and Lim Chu Kang all sound like they were named after the same person, but with different surnames. However, “Chu Kang” wasn’t the name of a person at all…
Unless you’re talking about a certain “Ah Beng” Contractor who declares himself as the “best in Singapore, JB and some say Batam”.
[caption id="attachment_3664" align="aligncenter" width="328"]Don’t Play Play ah! Okay, let’s get back on track.
The origins of these names find their roots in the Kangchu system adopted by 19th century chinese agricultural settlers in Singapore.
So what is the Kangchu system? the Kangchu system is kind of like an administrative system made up of a collection of villages and plantations that’s usually situated around the mouths of rivers.
[caption id="attachment_3662" align="aligncenter" width="701"]Back then, the dominant clan in each village held the title of Kangchu 港主(which means lord of the river), and their respective areas were marked with their clan names, which eventually resulted in the modern-day names of three of Singapore’s well-known districts.
As you would’ve guessed, Yio Chu Kang was controlled by the Yio clan, Lim Chu Kang by the Lim clan and Choa Chu Kang by the Choa clan. These were the only three that found a permanent place in our progressive society. Chan Chu Kang which was situated around Yishun, later became Nee Soon Village while Tan Chu Kang and Lau Chu Kang became relics of the past.
So, here you go! Mystery solved!
A Peek At The Very Beautiful Cherry Blossoms In The Flower Dome, You Won’t Want To Miss This!
You no longer have to visit Japan to catch a sight of the lovely cherry blossoms blooming. You’ve heard the news, for the very first time ever, Gardens By The Bay has decided to bring in a variety of cherry and peach blossoms. Talk about having the best of both worlds!
The flowers are exhibited at the Flower Dome. These flowers last for a very short time – only 1 to 2 weeks. Also, half of the sakura trees have already bloomed. Don’t wait too long to visit, you won’t want to miss the beautiful sight!
[caption id="attachment_3838" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]There are all in all, 20 varieties of cherry blossoms on display. Special mention goes to the sakura trees with hanging branches, Prunus Fujishidare, those with striking white flowers, Prunus Yedoenis Yoshino, and those with lovely pale pink blooms, Prunus Accolade. As for peach blossoms, there’s the unusual and very special, Prunus Genpei Shidare, that has flowers of two different colours – red and white – on the very same plant.
[caption id="attachment_3842" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]The whole Flower Dome will be styled after a traditional Japanese garden, complete with a tori gate, Japanese screens and kimono. Perfect for a photo opportunity with your date, parents, children, or anyone whom you’d want to share this special moment with.
[caption id="attachment_3843" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]Gardens By The Bay has really outdone itself this time. This totally beats the previous hot exhibition – Tulipmania. You don’t have to go to Japan just to catch the cherry blossoms anymore!
We can’t be more proud of our very best garden.
Blossom Beats Floral Display
Date: Now till 27 March
Time: 9am – 9pm (last admission 8:30pm)
Tel: 6420 6848
Location: Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT station
Parking lots available
Admission charges for locals (flower dome only):
Adult: $12
Senior Citizen: $8
Child: $8
We recommend buying your tickets online to avoid the queue. Click here. Discover SG brings you up-to-date news on the latest events, local news, festivals, and anything else exciting happening in Singapore. Copyright © 20123 GRVTY Media Pte Ltd (Co. Reg. 201431998C). All Rights Reserved.
For ticket prices and other activities,
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