Category: Uniquely Singapore

Creamery Boutique Is Gearing Up For National Day With Chilli Crab And Ondeh Ondeh Flavoured Desserts

If you’ve been to Creamery Boutique, then you’d know that they’re famous for their homemade ice cream paired with lava cookies.

With National Day 2018 coming up, they’ve unveiled 2 Singaporean flavours to commemorate Singapore’s 53rd birthday.

Ondeh Ondeh Cookie With Milo Dinosaur Ice Cream ($8.90)

Creamery Boutique pays homage to the traditional Ondeh Ondeh kuih with a crumbly Ondeh Ondeh pandan lava cookie, filled with gula melaka.

That’s not all, it’s paired with their homemade Milo Dinosaur ice cream and garnished with freshly grated coconut.

If you love your traditional kuih, you ought to give this a try.

Chilli Crab Cookie With Bread Toast Ice Cream ($10.90)

This odd combination is Creamery Boutique’s first savoury lava cookie. The chewy brownie lava cookie is filled with a robust chilli gravy that’s made in-house from scratch.

While this brownie lava cookie already sounds odd, Bread Toast ice cream takes the cake. However, this is an interesting take on the usual Chilli Crab and Fried Mantou pairing that we’re all familiar with.

If you’re interested in trying these unique National Day flavours, do note that the Ondeh Ondeh Cookie With Milo Dinosaur ice cream is available from 14 July to 9 August 2018, while the Chilli Crab Cookie With Bread Toast Ice Cream will be available from 9 August to 31 August 2018.

Whacky or wonderful? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

Creamery Boutique
Address: 139 Tyrwhitt Road #01-03, Singapore 207557
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed: 12.30pm – 10pm, Fri: 12.30pm – 10.30pm, Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm, Sun: 12pm – 10pm, Thu: Closed
Contact no.: 8133 1250
Website

Also read Play And Stand A Chance To Win NDP 2018 Tickets In This New AR Game

(Header Image Source: Creamery Boutique)

Play And Stand A Chance To Win NDP 2018 Tickets In This New AR Game

If you loved playing Pokemon Go, then you’ll love this new app created for NDP 2018.

Introducing NDP Jalan!, a new location-based, augmented reality (AR) mobile game!

This app is the first interactive mobile game that’s launched in conjunction with NDP.

NDP Jalan!

While the name of the game is a little tacky (come on, Pokemon GO and this is NDP Jalan! Tell me you see the similarity here), I decided to download the app to try for myself.

To start off, the default avatar is actually quite well-designed. It’s cute.

You’ll get to choose your gender (of course), skin tone, 12 different colours for your clothing, and even the DESIGN on your backpack.

The designs for the backpack were all designed by students from 18 Special Education schools specially for National Day 2018!

After customising and creating your Avatar, you’ll be directed to screen which is basically a tutorial for the game.

The app will lead players on specially curated trails, with various hidden checkpoints and quests to complete at each checkpoint.

As you pass each checkpoint, the app will reveal the location of the next one.

Here’s the zinger: if you’re a Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident and manage to complete EVERY quest in each trail, you will stand a chance to win tickets to the National Day Parade 2018!

There are 3 trails available – Arts and Culture, Nature, and NDP.

Every 5 quests completed will allow players to redeem discount vouchers for selected food and beverage and retail outlets.

Every 20 quests completed per theme will give you the chance to win NDP 2018 tickets!

The NDP Jalan! app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play store for free.

Watch the trailer for NDP Jalan! below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lFAyHz3sgI

Also read How Many S’porean Milestones Have You Achieved? This Card Game Will Tell You How You Fare

(Header Image Source: NDP Jalan!)

How Many S’porean Milestones Have You Achieved? This Card Game Will Tell You How You Fare

Singapore has long been lauded as the best and safest place in Asia to raise your kids. Even better if you’re an expat.

However, as a Singaporean (born and raised), I can tell you that it’s not all roses and daisies. Singapore has consistently topped the rankings for being the MOST EXPENSIVE city in the world to live in.

Cost of living has increased (because capitalism and globalisation waits for no scrub to earn more money), while our wages have not.

The Singaporean dream used to be owning the 5Cs – Cash, Car, Credit Card, Condo, and Country Club (membership).

Now the millennial’s 5Cs consists of Career, Cheap Everything (air tickets, food, clothes), Connection, Cashless Payment, and Crying. Trust me, I’m a millennial.

Our Singaporean Dream is just to have our place, a heated shower, a decent paying job, and hope to be able to retire before we die from work.

If you’re as “optimistic” as I am about living the Singaporean Dream, you can “sign up” for a trial by playing this locally-made card game aptly named “The Singaporean Dream“.

The Singaporean Dream Is (Not) A Game

This card game will see you pit your survival skills with other Singaporeans, as you pay, steal and sabo your way to being the perfect Singaporean.

Pick Your Avatar

You start with 5 personas to choose from – the Auntie, the CBD OL (Office Lady), the Complain Queen, the NSF, and the Ah Beng.

Very local archetypes here.

Live, Collect, Win

There are 3 types of cards in the game – Action Cards, Cash Cards, and Dream Cards.

So the main goal of the game, is to accumulate and amass as many Singaporean Dreams (Dream Cards) as you can before the pile of “Dream Cards” runs out.

There are 2 ways you can collect Dream Cards.

1. Buy Dream Cards with Cash Cards.
2. Gain Dream Cards with Action Cards.

It’s quite an accurate depiction of the Singaporean life though. You’re either rich enough to accomplish a Singaporean Dream, or you work towards achieving the Singaporean Dream, like the rest of us.

Some of the Action Cards include “Getting A Seat In A Crowded MRT”, “Dating An Angmoh”, “Kena STOMP-ed”, and “Cutting A Queue”.

Each turn, you draw 2 cards from the Action Cards pile, and you can play up to 2 actions per turn.

Repeat until the pile of Dream Cards runs out! The player with the most Singaporean Dreams wins the game!

There are 104 illustrated cards in a deck and each card is hand-drawn by the creator, Theresa (She’s a millennial).

So don’t tell me millennials don’t work for anything because I’m sick of it.

If you’ve been to Mind Cafe recently, you might’ve been one of the few fortunate ones to play the game when it was on trial there.

You can pledge an amount for their Kickstarter campaign if you’re looking to get your hands on a deck.

In the meantime, how are you really faring in your real-life quest for the Singaporean Dream?

Also read Popular Filipino Fries Chain Potato Corner Opens A S’pore Outlet At Orchard

(Header Image Source: The Singaporean Dream)

The Ultimate Guide To BeLive’s GSS Flash Sale – Live Reviews, Deals, How It Works

If your life revolves around makeup and skincare products, you know how pricey they can get. Let’s be real, most of us are guilty of spending WAY too much money on makeup that we’ve somehow managed to convince ourselves that we need.

I like to call this an “investment” because we all deserve great things in life.

If you do desperately need a lil pampering, then we have good news. What if we tell you that you can treat yourself without breaking the bank this month?

BeLive is no stranger to many of us. It’s Asia’s premium social live streaming platform that connects you with real people in real-time. You can also catch local influencers such as Naomi Neo and Bong Qiu Qiu on the app as well!

And now that their Flash Sales are back this GSS, you get to shop guilt-free, with beauty products going at 50% off. You better BeLive it! Who said beauty has to be expensive?

Sneak Peek of BeLive’s GSS Flash Sales

You have one more week to enjoy BeLive’s flash sale which will be happening on Monday (25 June) and Thursday (28 June).

They say good things must share so we have insider info of what will be on sale these two days. Here’s what you should camp for.

ColourPop Lippie Stix ($4.50, U.P. $9)

When it comes to affordable lip sticks, ColourPop comes into mind. This brand exploded all over social media in 2015 and for a good reason – they offer pigmented products at affordable prices.

The Lippie Stix reminds me of those twistable crayons we all used to love and went crazy over in primary school. So if you have kids, maybe keep this one away from them in case they plan on using it for their next art piece.

Honestly, where else can you get lip sticks THIS cheap in Singapore? Even drug store lipsticks will cost you at least $10.

$4.50 lipsticks you say? Sign me up!

This product will be reviewed by @caxs on Monday, 25 June, 9.15pm onwards. Mark this date and time on your calendar!

Tarte Glow To Go Palette ($17.50, U.P. $35)

We can all agree that a little bit of glow goes a long way.

Our goal in life is to blind everyone else with our highlight and what better way to do that than with Tarte’s Glow To Go Palette. It’s a compact trio housed in a slim, black cardboard palette with a velvety feel on the outside. This palette includes two highlighters and one contour powder.

Perfect for those day to night kind of looks. Also very handy to carry around in your bag so you can do a quick touch up right after work.

There’s no way you can get a highlight palette at $17.50 in this economy. So if you’re a highlight queen, this is your MUST-HAVE makeup item.

This product will be reviewed by @thatericboy on Thursday, 28 June, 9.15pm onwards. Time to glo-up fam!

How It Works

If you’re already convinced and you can’t wait to get your hands on the items mentioned, then this is how it works!

Step 1: Tune In At 9.15 PM Sharp

Punctuality is key! If you want to steal this product, then you have to get on the BeLive app at 9.15pm sharp to catch the flash sale live stream.

We highly recommend camping on your phone at least 10 minutes before the live stream! Good things come to those who wait.

Step 2: Click To Buy

A shop button will appear in the live stream from 9.30pm. You don’t have to leave the app at all. All you have to do is click the shop button and it will redirect you to the page with a promo code to get 50% off your desired makeup item.

Best part, the live stream will continue playing in the background as the influencer continues explaining the product to you.

Step 3: Fastest Fingers First

Here’s the catch. This deal ends in 15 minutes. So once that shop button appears, you have to be quick before they run out of stock!

All those years of running through Sephora for your last minute make up runs will finally be put to use. Good luck and may the Make Up Gods be ever in your favour.

Shop and Save With BeLive’s GSS Flash Sales

BeLive’s GSS Flash Sale is every shopaholic’s dream come true. In fact, this has taken online shopping in Singapore to a whole new level.

If you’ve ever tried shopping online, you tend to be skeptical of certain items JUST because you can’t find any reliable reviews online. Well this time round, you get to watch a live review of the item before making your purchase.

So YOU get to decide if the product is worth the buy or not. Well in this case, we 100% support buying it because there’s no way you can get beauty products this cheap in Singapore!

What’s more, 5 lucky viewers get to win $20 Gift Cards (Sephora / Watson’s) at every session.

So what are you waiting for? Makeup Lovers, you know where to flock to next week to get the cheapest deals in town.

Download the BeLive app and get your phones ready for BeLive’s GSS Flash Sales!

BeLive Holy Chic! GSS Flash Sale
When: 4 – 28 June, Every Mon & Thurs
Download app: Apple | Google Play
Website

Also Read This Instagram Account Proves Why Yishun Has Always, And Will Always, Be Great

(Header Image Source: BeLive)

This Is Home Truly – S’porean Millennials On Growing Up In Local Neighbourhoods

We all grew up in Singapore. Right? Most of us. Well, after considering the concentration of Singaporeans to foreigners in the country, SOME of us grew up in Singapore.

But anyway, my point is we all grew up in a neighbourhood and have lots of memories tied to a certain area in Singapore.

Since my colleagues hail from different parts of Singapore, I decided to do a little investigation to find out where they grew up.

Bedok

Melissa

“I grew up in Bedok North, Fengshan. It was the quieter side of Bedok because the people living there were mainly elderly. Time moved slowly in the area, which made it very homely and cosy. This was before the trend of food bloggers hyping food in neighbourhoods.

You know how they have the ice cream uncles who would sell ice cream downstairs? Yeah, mine wasn’t an ice cream uncle. It was the kacang putih man.

I moved to Yew Tee in my early Primary years, but to be honest, Marine Parade was more exciting. Don’t put that in.”

Pasir Ris

Farhanah

“I grew up in Pasir Ris all my life. Though I shifted from Pasir Ris East to Pasir Ris West.

But I remember that the area was like a ghost town, because nothing was really developed yet. And the only mall we had at the time was White Sands Shopping Mall, that’s still around today.

There was also West Plaza and Elias Mall. Every outing with friends was always at Downtown East. This was before Downtown East expanded into e!Avenue today.

My Sports Days were a little more special because ours wasn’t conducted in-school, rather the school put up a huge tent and held Sports Day at Pasir Ris Park.

Also, I think every Pasir Ris kid will remember that we had our very own theme park in our neighbourhood. Yes, Escape Theme Park was ICONIC.

I liked that everyone living in Yishun had each other’s backs. The neighbourhood spirit was palpable. Can feel one. There was this sense of unspoken security in the neighbourhood. So actually no need to build wall because we already feel secure.

Even though Northpoint wasn’t much, it was great because it had Toys ‘R’ Us. For a kid, any place that had a Toys ‘R’ Us was a wonderland.

[caption id="attachment_35288" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit: SRX Property[/caption]

That’s not all, we were near Tuas, so factory smog and weird smells were common. Not to mention the presence of Tengah Air Base, which ensured that the 2 or 3 months leading up to National Day was filled with daily sonic booms of passing aircrafts.

I’m pretty sure my hearing is damaged thanks to the RSAF. Patriotism, I guess.

But to be honest, I grew to love Jurong West.

I love that the neighbourhood is quiet, even in the day. I love that we don’t have a huge amount of traffic passing through. I love that I don’t have to deal with crowd when I take the MRT, unlike Jurong East.

I guess there are benefits to living in the corner of Singapore after all.

Where did you grow up in Singapore?

Also read Bishan’s Carnival This Weekend Offers Food, FREE Workshops, And Black Panther Screening

(Header Image Source: Melissa Chan)

This Instagram Account Proves Why Yishun Has Always, And Will Always, Be Great

Tucked away in the northern region of Singapore, Yishun makes news headlines regularly. From drug ring busts and cat murders to civilians trying to attack policemen with stun guns, Yishun has developed a reputation for bad news.

“Build a wall around Yishun”, they said.

What’s up with Yishun? Could it be something in the air or perhaps the water? Is the temperature different in Yishun?

But it turns out, after multiple visits to Yishun, that the problem with Yishun is simple. There’s no problem. Nothing. Zero. Zilch.

Recently, I came across an Instagram (@makeyishungreatagain2018) that aims to make Yishun the greatest neighbourhood in Singapore. And here’s why I believe that Yishun is a pretty damn cool neighbourhood.

Contrary to popular belief, Yishun is a great place to raise your kids. Don’t believe? Come, I show you.

1. Yishun Has President Halimah, Your Neighbourhood Got What?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjtW9HPnsWj/?taken-by=makeyishungreatagain2018

Remember when everyone went crazy about President Halimah living in a flat in Yishun. After being declared President on September 13, President Halimah continued to live in her flat, making her Singapore’s first head of state to live in public housing while in office.

In her Facebook post, she mentioned: “Therefore, as much as I would like to continue living in my current home in Yishun, I have accepted MHA’s recommendation and will make arrangements to move to a new place soon.”

She’s so chill and down to earth. She’s the kind of President we all need!

Who knows, living in Yishun might inspire your kid to be the next President of Singapore.

2. Cheap, Good Food For The Soul

Living in Singapore may be expensive but food doesn’t have to be.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj3rlNPAdRU/?taken-by=makeyishungreatagain2018

You’ll be surprised but Yishun Hawker Centre is home to some pretty darn good and cheap food.

Ah Tan Wings (Yishun Park Hawker Centre)

They’ve managed to perfect Har Cheong Gai that is crispy yet juicy, perfectly cooked, smells like heaven and tastes like an umami bomb.

For just $1.70, you can get a bomb Har Cheong Gai that will keep you coming back for more. Their wings are so good that they sell out quite quickly, so if you’re feeling brave and want to venture into Yishun, don’t waste the trip and stop by Ah Tan’s because where else can you get Har Cheong Gai to die for?

You can read more about Ah Tan Wings here!

$1 Carnival – Reunion @ Yishun Park Hawker Centre

For the longest time, Singaporeans have complained about the increasing prices of food and housing.

But for a day in the month of June, Yishun Park Hawker Centre is taking things back to the old days, when food was still cheap, and a crisp $10 note made you seem like a rich man.

For ONE DAY ONLY, 26 stallholders in Yishun Park Hawker Centre will be showcasing food from its traditional and young hawkers and you get to try the signature dishes from the participating stalls, for just ONE DOLLAR.

You can find out more about the $1 Carnival here.

Raising your kids in Yishun is a great idea if they eat WAY too much. Beats paying $7 for a McDonald’s meal any day.

3. Coolest Playground That’ll Put Other Playgrounds To Shame

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkJZNzZAra8/?taken-by=makeyishungreatagain2018

Your neighbourhood got playground like this? Don’t have right?

Created by US-based light sculptor, Mini Pool consists of 16 pads on the ground that light up and change colour when they are stepped on, according to a Straits Times report.

Complementing the playground’s whimsical theme are three crooked houses that seem to have been plucked straight out of a Dr Seuss book. There is also a kinetic hammock trellis – a swing set with nine seats installed at different heights.

Your kid will thank you for this. This playground is definitely not #basic.

Yishun River Green Playground
Where: Block 330 Yishun Ring Road

4. Home To The Largest Mall in the Northern Part of Singapore

Can we please talk about Northpoint City’s glo-up?

If you’re both busy working parents, figuring out where to bring your kids to over the weekends can be quite a headache.

Well, you won’t have that problem living in Yishun. Northpoint City recently opened their new South Wing and the options are endless.

There are over 100 food and dining concepts so if you have a kid who is a picky eater, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. If you need a quick retail therapy, there’s even Uniqlo in Northpoint City now.

Fun fact, Northpoint City has all major bubble tea brands in one mall. Gong Cha, Liho, Koi, Share Tea, Hi Tea, Teafolia, Yuan Cha etc. Your neighbourhood can beat anot?

Who needs Vivocity when you have Northpoint?

Good things do come to Yishun.

5. HDB Prices Are Considerably Cheaper Than Mature Estates

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkETq4rAQ80/?taken-by=makeyishungreatagain2018

If you work in the northern region of Singapore, or would prefer your abode to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this location might make sense. With prices being correspondingly lower, a unit here could offer great value in the long-term.

If cost of living in Singapore is a major concern of yours, you can consider buying a house in Yishun to start a family.

Not only that, you don’t have to leave Yishun to access markets, schools, parks and even Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital. Everything you need is in one location.

There are also buses to almost everywhere from Yishun. Which makes travelling from place to place a whole lot more convenient.

6. Bowling, Prawning, Paintball, What Else You Want?

There’s no such thing as “nothing to do” in Yishun.

Welcome to the world of ORTO, where fun never sleeps.

Also Read Bishan’s Carnival This Weekend Offers Food, FREE Workshops, And Black Panther Screening

(Header Image Source: @makeyishungreatagain2018 )

S’pore Childhood Icon Mr Kiasu Revives This June With A Limited Edition Box Set And Figurine

Growing up in the 90s, local television was a treasure trove of great programs.

From Under One Roof to Growing Up, our local programs were heartwarming, funny, engaging and relatable.

And none more so, than Mr Kiasu. Local icon, Kiasu King, Singaporean citizen.

Singapore’s True Icon

If you don’t know what kiasu means, you might want to read this article.

Mr Kiasu was a popular icon back in the early 90s.

I remember seeing Chew Chor Meng on TV with his glasses as Mr Kiasu. The character also had merchandise everywhere, including Mr Kiasu toys in a McDonald’s happy meal.

Now, if you were a hardcore Mr Kiasu fan, you probably have a collection of Mr Kiasu comic books.

The good news is, Shogakukan Asia is republishing all 8 original Mr Kiasu comic books, complete with a limited edition box set!

The comic books will be available from 29 June 2018 and can be purchased at all major bookstores as well as ActionCity and TOG (Toy Or Game) outlets.

Each book will cost $10.90.

For the hardcore collectors, perhaps I can interest you in the limited edition Mr Kiasu box set?

It comes with all 8 volumes of the comic books in a serialised box specially designed by the author, Johnny Lau, as well as a 3-inch Mr Kiasu figurine.

(Header Image Source:

9 S’porean Photographers To Follow On IG Who Actually Shoot, Not Steal, Photos

Besides having an Instagram handle, anybody who owns the latest iPhone, a film camera and VSCO is loosely deemed a “photographer” now. All you have to do is aim, shoot, edit and post right?

Easy? Not quite.

What sets a legit photographer apart from the amateur ones is a creative eye that only few posses. Not everyone can find a creative spin to a photo that has been shot multiple times by other photographers.

Don’t get us started on amateur photographers ripping photos from other sites, editing them and claiming it as their own.

We sussed out some of the most talented photographers in Singapore that you should keep a look out for. See Singapore in a new light through the lenses of these talented photographers who are making a name for themselves on social media.

Also, #supportlocal lah.

Through Their Lens

1. Jayden Tan (@jaydenation)

Jayden Tan’s striking photographs will get heads turning for all the good reasons. His work first went viral in 2016 when he posted a series of 4 tongue-in-cheek portraits to celebrate National Day!

The photographer’s “Char Bor” series was created to commemorate Singapore’s 51st Birthday. The series feature the same model reimagined as the various women of Singapore. I mean cmon, who would’ve thought to use chilli packets as earrings?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIz3BgYjCLC/?taken-by=jaydenation

He’s back again this year with a “Make Yishun Great Again” themed photoshoot. I mean just look at the amount of effort that goes into his work.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj7kyg7HOSx/?taken-by=jaydenation

Versatile and striking, there are plenty of reasons why you should be following Jayden’s work on Instagram. This the kind of quality content we should all sign up for!

2. Tim Tan (@perspecgifs)

If you’ve seen Mura Masa – What If I Go MV, then you’ll be familiar with the Wiggle 3D Effect.

The image of the subject is taken in a stereoscopic manner to give it a sense of depth. This effect is so popular that Tim has dedicated his entire Instagram to this Wiggle 3D Effect.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXM2P63BiPG/?taken-by=perspecgifs

If you’re familiar with film cameras, then you’ll realise his images gives off a very old school Fujifilm vibe.

You’ll notice some familiar faces on his feed such as the gorgeous Malaysian singer, Yuna and Korean R&B prince, Dean.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNdsYr0DcHT/?taken-by=perspecgifs

3. Yais Yusman & Yafiq Yusman (@_yaisyusman_ & @_yafiqyusman_)

The Yusman’s are definitely the coolest duo in Singapore. Yes, they’re actual twins.

When the #hypebeast #exploresg trend first kicked off on Instagram, these brothers were out and about exploring the entire Singapore for the sickest shots.

Their Instagram feed is carefully curated with creative architecture shots and clever light play. A prominent feature in all of their photos would be their quirky subjects “hanging off” railings and “playing dead”.

This is how Mondays feel like.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhT5-FUnwET/?taken-by=_yaisyusman_

Most of their shots are taken with an iPhone edited using apps such as VSCO. It’s hard to believe that some of the shots were taken in Singapore.

Like wow damn really, is Singapore THAT beautiful?

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj2MJ_Fg7sn/?taken-by=_yafiqyusman_

4. Khairul Azmas (@khairulazmas)

Khairul’s Hypebeast-esque aesthetic has garnered him a strong following in the photography scene.

He is a self-taught photographer who delved into photography in late 2014 when he bought his first DSLR & iPhone. His Instagram account was also created around the same time was where he shared most of his work.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbBI7gwF0N2/?taken-by=khairulazmas

In 2015, after working for 5 years as a marketing professional, he left the corporate world to pursue a full-time fashion diploma & focused on his photography which brought about attention from brands & secured him jobs.

His photography skills are next level and it comes as no surprise that he is one of Sony’s go-to photographers in Singapore.

#madskills

5. A (@anelephntintheroom)

Although not as known as other local photographers, A’s work is definitely a beauty.

His photography projects are often the result of my encounters with the cycle of redevelopment in Singapore. He is also inspired by the work of photographers such as Aik Beng Chia, Robert Zhao Renhui, Daido Moriyama, Martin Parr and Sim Chi Yin.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd0IF1UH3bF/?taken-by=anelephntintheroom

Did you know he published a photobook called “Ways Of Seeing” which you can get from Books Actually?

With nearly 10, 000 public housing blocks spread throughout Singapore, “Ways of Seeing” is a collection of images that attempts to capture the aesthetic of look-out points and sight lines in and around such estates in Singapore.

From colour coded void decks whose pillars seemingly repeat infinitely to the peonies, diamonds, moon gates and circles found in stairwells and lift lobbies, the architectural motifs found in public housing blocks in Singapore became our Ways of Seeing.

You can get his book here.

6. Fandy Razak (@frazak)

Fandy is mostly known for his wedding photography works and also for being the coolest skate dad to his two kids.

On weekdays, he can be seen sending his two sons to and fro from school. On weekends, he’s busy photographing someone’s wedding.

He’s known for coming up with the most creative wedding concepts for his clients.

Asides wedding photography, Fandy also captures images of his family on their travels.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjtUTM4FPJm/?taken-by=frazak

Someone give this man a “Best Father Award” already.

Check out more of his work here.

7. Yik Keat (@yk)

Yik Keat’s images pretty much sums up this photographer’s mad skills when it comes to producing breathtaking visuals.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi4XuQBFU1D/?taken-by=yk

His saturated shots have garnered him a strong following base, so much so that Singapore’s Biggest Music Festival, ULTRA Singapore roped him in to be the event’s official photographer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkILu9ileGx/?taken-by=yk

For god’s sake, this dude even has his own Lightroom Presets which you can download.

His work is giving us all the FEELS.

8. Lenne Chai (@lenneigh)

Fashion photographer Lenne Chai captures stunning portraits and amazing fashion images.

What sets her apart from other fashion photographers would definitely be her style that is a mixture of romantic and quirky.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkCQT_2n-P1/?taken-by=lenneigh

She also had her very own exhibition at this year’s Oh! Emerald Hill called “Salvation Made Simple”. This installation explores the ways in which spirituality has become commercialised to match our commercial world + erasure of native culture as a result of colonialism.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgYCFY4j5lD/?taken-by=lenneigh

9. Estelle Shing (@estelleshing)

If you love anything from portraits, streetwear and film vibes, then you have to check out Estelle’s work.

One of her photos even received a even received a congratulatory thumbs up emoji from musician ASAP Rocky on Instagram .

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO6_5y1g4uQ/

Estelle’s work is largely inspired by classic photographers such as Mary Ellen Mark and Diane Arbus.

Over at Discover SG, we appreciate creativity and identity. Support your local creatives that put in hours to deliver original content from hard work. Let us know if there are other local photographers that we missed out!

Also Read 15 Things Only S’porean 90s Kids Will Remember From Their School Days

(Header Image Source: @yk, @jaydenation, @khairulazmas)

From Merlions To Durians, These Uniquely S’pore Ice Cream Creations Will Make You Melt

Though we live in the tropics, we never cease to complain about how bloody hot the weather is. Recently, temperatures have managed to hit a high of 35 Degrees Celsius and IT IS NOT OKAY.

In response to this ridiculous heat, I’ve taken at least 3 cold showers per day over the weekend, and consumed enough Magnum ice creams to develop lactose intolerance. Okay, I exaggerate but you get my point.

Speaking of ice cream, Esplanade recently saw the opening of a local artisanal ice cream shop.

Introducing, Leeu SG.

You Mean, We Can Eat The Merlion?

With a logo of a lion’s head that looks way better than LiHo’s, this local artisanal ice cream is making waves across the nation for their iconic Merlion ice pop, The Icy Merlion.

The Icy Merlion is Vanilla and Strawberry-flavoured, because red and white are our national colours.

That’s not all, there’s also a durian ice cream, aptly named The “Esplanade” that’s made to look like a durian.

Other items on the menu include soda floats and soft serve ice creams.

Choose from 4 different soda floats, each with their own locally-inspired names.

The lychee-flavoured Sentosa Breeze, The Red Dot with peach soda, The Zouk-Out Cure with yuzu lemon ginger soda, and The Old Timer which is a pandan-infused milk beancurd float.

Their soft serves are made with Blue Majik. No it’s not a drug. Blue Majik is a new superfood that’s a derivative of sea algae spirulina.

Every soft serve is served (no pun intended) in a normal or charcoal Taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped waffle).

For the month of June, Leeu SG will be selling their local desserts at discounted prices. Get your Merlion Ice Pop at $3.80 (U.P $4.80) and the Esplanade Ice Cream at $8.80 (U.P $11.80).

And lastly, you will be able to buy a unicorn float for $1 with any purchase of a drink.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get myself a Merlion to munch on and get that adorable AF unicorn float. Peace.

Leeu SG
Address: The Esplanade Mall, #02-07, Singapore 039802
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 9489 7433
Website

Also read If You Can’t Cook, This Fish Stall Will Teach You How To Prep And Serve Seafood Like A Pro

(Header Image Source: Leeu SG)

If You Can’t Cook, This Fish Stall Will Teach You How To Prep And Serve Seafood Like A Pro

One of the things that’s synonymous with the old school lifestyle of elderly Singaporeans is the wet market.

It’s a place that bustles with so much life and a gathering spot for the previous generations, yet millennials and the younger generations fervently avoid it.

As a millennial, I can attest that the smell and wet floors bothers me. I do try to avoid the wet market as much as possible, though sometimes I do join my grandfather on his grocery shopping trips.

Now, enter Dish The Fish.

A Modern Fishmonger

This fishmongering business began as an outlet in West Coast Plaza, equipped with a kitchen and cooking studio for cooking demonstrations and sampling.

Equipped with elegant wood-panelled walls, glass displays (so aunties don’t aggressively poke and pick) and iPads for ordering, Dish The Fish might be a modern fishmonger, but they’re not losing out to their traditional counterparts.

Now they have a 2nd outlet in Beo Crescent Market, that looks more like a traditional wet market stall.

They bring in a wide variety of seafood from various sources, with popular Asian fishes such as Threadfin, Grouper (Garoupa?) and Pomfret and even lesser known fishes such as Tongue Sole, Yellow Ribbonfish and Asian Whiting (better known as Sua Jiam).

If you’re lucky, you might even find seasonal catches such as Salmon, Turbot and the rare Kinki (a type of Japanese rockfish).

On a personal note, the Asian Whiting is SENSATIONAL when lightly battered and deep fried. Moving on!

Don’t forget to check their online store to see what’s on sale, in season or out of stock. You can order the fish online and they’ll deliver it to you!

I am ashamed to say that I cannot cook. If you’re like me, Dish The Fish is a godsend.

The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and will assist you with making a choice on choosing the “right” fish and how to determine what’s fresh or not.

Basically, they teach you how to be competent with seafood.

That’s not all, they even give tips on how to prepare the fish and the best way to cook the fish of your choice.

Cooking Studio

While this is formally known as a cooking studio, it’s more of a dine-in restaurant situation. What better way to teach you the best method to prepare a certain fish, than to cook, serve and taste it?

The menu isn’t extensive, and it comprises only seafood. They serve prawns, so if you’re allergic, this is your heads up.

Now, the menu is small, with 4 set meals and 4 à la carte dishes available. However, one thing’s for sure, the seafood is FRESH.

For the set meals that are reasonably priced from $10.80 to $12.80, you have a choice of Teochew Style Steamed Whole Snapper, Thai Style Steamed Prawns, or maybe something different with an Aburi Salmon Bowl.

The à la carte menu showcases 2 curry dishes that uses stingray and fish head respectively. The remaining 2 options allow you to fully customise your dish – choose your seafood of choice and cooking style.

Eh, Can Join Member!

That’s right, this fishmonger even has a membership program.

You will get $5 rebate as a welcome bonus when you register as a member at any of their stalls. As a member, every $10 spent will give you $0.10 cash rebate that you can redeem any time AND you’ll also know about exclusive promotions and products first.

It’s time to introduce my parents to this.

Dish The Fish is a great place to start if you’re new in the kitchen and venturing into handling and cooking seafood. With their friendly and knowledgeable staff, it won’t take long before you’re dishing out seafood dishes at home like a seasoned chef!

Dish The Fish
Address: 38A Beo Crescent Market #01-24, Singapore 169982
Opening Hours: Tue, Wed, Sat – Sun: 7am – 12pm
Contact no.: 8742 8957

Address: 154 West Coast Road, West Coast Plaza, #B1-22/23/24, Singapore 127371
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6988 9271
Website

Also read This App Will Be Your Cheat Sheet When Bae Asks You, “Where Should We Go Ah?”

(Header Image Source: UOB and Dish The Fish)