Like Staying Up Late? Check Out These 6 Night Activities!
Suffering from insomnia? Or perhaps your body clock is all over the place after a week of hardcore midnight studying? With most malls only operating until 10 PM, there are not that many night activities to do.
In addition to exploring Singapore after dark, here are six night activities you can participate in to tire yourself out!
1. Night Cycling
[caption id="attachment_12034" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: @lynnholilin / Instagram[/caption]Get in touch with your sporty side and learn more about Singapore while you’re at it! Night cycling is a superb way to explore the island without having to spend a ton of money. All you need is safety gear, a pair of headphones, a bicycle (you could also rent), and a bottle of water!
If you’re a first-timer, check out the East Coast Park to Changi Village cycling path for a night of yummy eats, amazing finds, and quiet roads. If the East is a little far for you, you can also try cycling around the Holland Village neighbourhood down to the city where you can watch local attractions twinkle in the moonlight.
Also, read Cycling Routes In S’pore Just Got Better – Round Island & Coastal! & Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG
2. Chit Chat
[caption id="attachment_12035" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: @ig_rb/ Instagram[/caption]What’s better than staying up? Staying out! Since there are not that many 24/7 coffee shops in Singapore, your best bet would be to hit up Starbucks for a coffee/ tea or two while you catch up on some studying, work or just people watch/ chit chat the hours away.
We suggest going to a 24/7 coffee shop where there is outdoor seating, so you can enjoy some fresh night breeze, and not have to endure hours of nose-drying air-conditioning. Plus, free Wifi… What a score!
Starbucks at Orchard Cineleisure (other outlets available)
Address: 8 Grange Road Singapore 239695
Tel: +65 6733 0684
Opening Hours: 24/7
3. Watch a Midnight Movie
[caption id="attachment_12037" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: @emyslacker / Instagram[/caption]We love midnight shows! With only a handful of people in the cinema, the experience becomes a lot more private and intimate. Best of all, movies selected to screen in the middle of the night are usually pretty scary. Imagine walking out of a horror movie at 2 AM and strolling down an empty street. A lot more intense than 9 PM, right?
4. Put the Sing in Singapore
[caption id="attachment_12038" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: @andrewpheefifofum / Instagram[/caption]What do you think of when you see strangely irrelevant music videos (usually of varying backdrops of Singapore and/or models running down a beach), microphones, a tambourine and snacks? Of course, Karaoke. Sing to your heart’s content with affordable midnight karaoke options. Many of these karaoke operators also serve food and drinks, so there is absolutely no need to worry about being hungry.
Teo Heng KTV Studio (other outlets available)
Address: 865 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 437844
Tel: +65 6345 6513
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 1 AM Sunday to Friday, 12 PM – 2 AM on Saturdays
Party World KTV (other outlets available)
Address: 177 River Valley Road #03-03 Liang Court Shopping Centre Singapore 179030
Tel: +65 6333 5533 or +65 6333 5588
Opening Hours: 2 PM – 6 AM Daily
5. Go prawning
[caption id="attachment_12040" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: @yytoh / Instagram[/caption]Allergic to seafood? We are sorry! But for everyone else, prawning remains as a great option to kill some time. Enjoy the cold night air while you wait for these orange fellas to take your bait! Even better, this is an excellent opportunity to spend some time with your friends as you talk over fishing rods. At the end of the night, you could even munch on what you’ve caught and cooked. Talk about a perfect way of enjoying what you worked hard for.
Hai Bin Jurong
Address: 241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, The Village, Singapore 629143
Tel: +65 6265 2598
Opening Hours: 24/7
East Coast Prawning
Address: 1020 East Coast Parkway, #01-06, Singapore 449878
Tel: +65 62273330
Opening Hours: 24/7
6. Dim sum for supper
[caption id="attachment_12062" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: @winstontbf / Instagram[/caption]Get your fill of dim sum, also known as dian xin, for supper! These restaurants tend to open till late. In fact, some even operate until the morning, just so you can eat all the xiao long baos that you want. Our favourite dishes include the custard egg buns (also known as ‘liu sha bao’), rice noodle rolls (or ‘chee cheong fun’), and salted egg and butter ribs!
Mongkok Dim Sum
Address: 214 Geylang Road Lorong 8, Singapore 389274
Opening Hours: 4 PM – 5 AM Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 5 AM Saturday and Sunday
Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
Address: 183-191 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882
Tel: +65 6225 7788
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 6 AM daily, closed on Tuesdays
Go ahead, tell all your night owl friends about these night activities. After all, the night is always still young. Don’t forget that while the MRT closes by midnight, there are still Night Rider buses you can take to save some money and get home safely!
Also, read Play Till Late! 5 Hangout Spots So You Can Munch & Play The Night Away
Singaporeans Are Going Crazy Over Pokemon Go! Here’s The Evidence!
When baked cheese tart hit our shores, we thought the queue was crazy. But when Pokemon Go landed in Singapore, Singaporeans take crazy to a whole new level!
Day or night, shine or very hot sunshine, Singaporeans are all out Poke-hunting and we have the evidence!
1. Hougang is gungho…real gungho
[caption id="attachment_12166" align="alignnone" width="780"] Image source: @WEIXIANGLIMSG[/caption]When word about “rare” Pokemon such as Gyarados was spotted at Block 401 of Hougang Avenue, the precinct gained notorious reputation overnight.
2. ….doesn’t matter day or night
[caption id="attachment_12167" align="alignnone" width="593"] Image source: @plince83[/caption]Hot sun? What hot sun? Nothing is hotter than a Charizard that I’m about to catch!
3. Punggol Park is not spared either
[caption id="attachment_12168" align="alignnone" width="690"] Image source: Image source: Lim Zhuang Chen[/caption]It’s normal to see a park with people in sports attire but in flip flops and their smartphone on their hands? That’s the Pokemon effect!
5. Yishun Park at night
[caption id="attachment_12173" align="alignnone" width="850"] Image source: @amiehetfield[/caption]Dear, we’re not going to the movies tonight. Instead, let’s go catch some Pokemon! Pokemon Go – redefining date nights.
6. Orchard Road
[caption id="attachment_12170" align="alignnone" width="1179"] Image source: Razergo[/caption]How to get a bunch of youths going on a public holiday? Organise a Poke-crawl on National Day!
[caption id="attachment_12171" align="alignnone" width="690"] Image source: Razor[/caption]The event started at 1pm (read: hottest time of the day) and yet our Singaporean youths braved the heat to be the very best! In fact, the turnout was so massive that Poke-crawlers were chased away by the security staff of ION!
7. Orchard At Night
[caption id="attachment_12172" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Pokemon GO SG Hunt[/caption]Just look at how everyone sits together so uniformly! It sure looks like they’re about to start a choir performance! Actually, they’re sticking as close as possible to leech from each other’s lure.
8. Chinese Garden, Jurong
[caption id="attachment_12174" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: PokemonGO SG[/caption]It may look less crowded in this picture but the Chinese Garden is a hot spot for Pokemon GO players as it houses 20 rest stops and 3 gyms. It’s very spacious so it’s great for people who don’t like crowd.
9. Vivo City
[caption id="attachment_12175" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Pokemon GO SG[/caption]We Singaporeans are all about efficiency. If we can get our shopping done at Vivo and catch some Pokemon too, why not?
10. Bishan Park
[caption id="attachment_12176" align="alignnone" width="595"] Image source: @euniceleong[/caption]Remember how people used to say that Bishan Park is really scary at night? This was taken at 1:30am and the park is still lively and buzzing!
11. East Coast Park
[caption id="attachment_12177" align="alignnone" width="595"] Image source: @camemberu[/caption]East Coast Park is home to one of Singapore’s most haunting ghost stories. It’s one of those places people try to avoid going to at night. But ever since the launch of Pokemon Go, we’ve seen some really brave Singaporeans. And it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival now…
Do you have evidence of the Pokemon Go craze in your neighbourhood? Drop us a comment and share with us!
Header image source: Straits Times
Also, read Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All
Who Knew That These 4 Weird-Looking Produce Are Actually From S’pore
When you think of Singapore, the phrase ‘local produce’ probably seems odd. Given our country’s (occasionally intolerable) sunny and humid weather, limited land mass and natural resources, growing any form of produce here would prove to be a challenge. However, local farmers are working to elevate Singapore’s local produce scene.
You will be as surprised as we were when we found these 4 premium local produce growing within our shores! Get ready for the unexpected…
1. Hashima
[caption id="attachment_11888" align="alignnone" width="2448"] Image Credit: neddely.wordpress[/caption]Firstly, Hashima! With such a mysterious name, you probably won’t guess that it really refers to the dried oviducts (fallopian tubes) of female frogs! In fact, you’ve probably had Hashima while enjoying traditional Chinese desserts such as Snow Jelly or Double-boiled Hashima with American Ginseng. Previously only available to emperors, this highly-prized dessert ingredient is sold in a dried form, then rehydrated before use. It is typically boiled with rock sugar for a sweet aroma.
How is Singapore able to produce Hashima locally? Well, our own Jurong Frog Farm has conquered the challenge of Singapore’s sweltering climate. American bullfrogs have been bred since 1981 at a whopping 20,000 frogs at a time! And that’s excluding their 80% mortality rates. We know, we’re as amazed as you are.
Hashima from Jurong Frog Farm Next up, every foodie’s dream! Pacific oysters are native to Japan and have been cultivated for centuries. It is usually eaten by itself and can be recognised by its flat shell and radical sharp folds. These delicious oysters tend to be sweeter in taste compared to the briny characteristics of Atlantic oysters. Singapore’s only oyster farm, Farmers @ Ubin, has been in business for 5 years now. It is located behind Pulau Ubin and faces Malaysia. It has declared that it has the “freshest LIVE oysters in town”! While it is widely believed that oysters don’t grow in warm waters, Singapore’s tropical conditions are surprisingly more favourable than most people realise. Our warmer waters are no hindrance to the thriving oyster farm, whose quality remains consistent throughout the year. In fact, their premium Pacific Oysters are available from farm to table on the very same day to anyone on our island! How cool is that? Oysters from Sea Farmers @ Ubin Thirdly, we have the delectable pink oyster mushrooms! These highly perishable mushrooms are a pretty sight to behold, and are also found in gold and blue. They are usually found in pasta, risotto, stir-fry dishes, and are even known to top sushi! European restaurant Portico cleans oyster mushrooms before they are sautéed and deglazed with dashi and teriyaki sauce. Even the bits that are trimmed off is put to good use. Portico includes them in their stock for dishes such as the three-grain mushroom risotto. Pink oyster mushrooms require cooler weather ranging from 18 to 27 degrees to grow which is a tough feat for our 32-degree afternoons. Thankfully, Kin Yan Agrotech has ingeniously made use of technology to control temperatures and humidity with great precision. Do pay them a visit to see how these picturesque premium mushrooms bloom in our sunny island! Pink Oyster Mushrooms from Kin Yan Agrotech Lastly, we have purple sorrel! This exquisite plant is renowned for its rich colour and lemon-like taste. However, it is too tangy to be eaten alone. Chefs prize it for its ability to brighten up salads. In fact, sorrel serves as a wonderful compliment to chicken, fish or sauces! Purple sorrel is known to be an extremely delicate plant to grow. It thrives between 15 to 27 degrees celsius and is thus especially vulnerable in Singapore’s intense weather. Too high a temperature and the plant wilts and browns. Too much rain and humidity will effectively rot the bulbs or attract pests. Though an uncommon plant to find in tropical climates like Asia, Comcrop has found success in harvesting Sorrel here. Singapore’s first commercial rooftop farm can be found at- wait for it- SCAPE! That’s right, these greens are grown and can be bought in the heart of Orchard road. Purple Sorrel from Comcrop It’s pretty cool to find out that these rare edibles grow in Singapore against all odds. With innovative trends such as urban rooftop farming, who knows what the future holds for our farming scene? All we can say is, only time will tell. Also, read Green Homes In S’pore So Out Of This World, They’re Almost Unbelievable!
56 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, Singapore 719164
Website Image Credit: expatliving[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11894" align="alignnone" width="4866"] Image Credit: Farfoodnation[/caption]
Pulau Ubin
Website Image Credit: Michelin Guide[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11893" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: circahappy.com[/caption]
220 Neo Tiew Cres, Singapore 718830
Website Image Credit: Michelin[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11887" align="alignnone" width="660"] Image Credit: cookwithwhatyouhave[/caption]
#04-01, 2 Orchard Link
Website here
Bounce Your Way To A Stronger Core And Toned Muscles – Trust Us, It’s SUPER Fun
If you’re in search of a sure-fire way to shed those pounds, smoothen out nasty cellulite, and have crazy fun all at the same time, BBOUNCE it out! BBOUNCE was opened only a few months back by former national swimmers Joel Tan and Leslie Kwok. It is the first of its kind in Singapore!
Bbounce in Singapore – Hybrid Rebounding
BBOUNCE is known to laypeople as “the trampoline thing”, though not to be confused with free-and-easy trampoline parks. BBOUNCE requires so much more than being an energizer bunny. The workouts in this studio are in fact called Hybrid Rebounding – an intense cardio session that is two times more effective than running.
In addition, it also helps in toning muscles and building up core strength. You are forced to keep your core tight to gain momentum and maintain your balance.
Disclaimer: a strong core is not necessarily determined by whether or not you have a six-pack, so don’t feel demoralised if your abs have not made an appearance after your tenth class!
However, you can trust that your core has indeed become stronger – and a strong core is extremely important in helping to protect the spine!
Our experience
The fun begins when you grab a pair of 1kg weights (or 2kg if you’re up for the challenge) and pick a trampoline. If you bring along a bunch of friends just like I did, the class will be more fun and less painful. My first class was a beginner’s class called BBOUNCE Lite, where all of 50 mins was spent on the trampoline.
Other classes such as Hybrid Rebounding, BBOUNCE’s signature class, has you on the trampoline for 30 mins. You’ll spend the rest of the time off the trampoline, working your way to your dream bod.
We were lucky enough to have the founder, Joel, push us to our limits during our first beginner’s class. Joel mentioned that a single class can burn up to an insane amount of 500 calories. Indeed, he worked us hard to reach that goal. We bounced to the rhythm of club hits and Mambo beats (who could forget Zouk’s iconic Mambo nights).
https://www.facebook.com/bbouncestudio/videos/379927725679272/
The class became tougher when hand movements and weights were incorporated, and when we were instructed to shuffle our feet. The friction between my shoes and the trampoline net made my quads work extra hard. My core was burning from making sure that my feet stayed within the confines of the trampoline.
The workout wasn’t just a test of stamina, but also a test of coordination – and boy did it feel good to be in sync with the music. My total calorie count at the end of it all: 352. I blame my lack of stamina for disallowing me to lift my feet off as high as I wanted to. However, I do see how 500 calories is possible if you gave your hundred percent.
Tip: Wear flat-soled shoes or cross-training shoes instead of running shoes. Running shoes are designed to make you go forward, but at BBOUNCE, the only way is up.
BBOUNCE Studio
Location: 176 Orchard Road #06-09, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Tel: 6262 2273
Website F45 Training In Singapore: The Most Intense 45 Minutes Of My Life
Thought You Knew All About Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places That’ll Guarantee A New Experience
Even if you’re not going abroad, you can look to our very own humble abode for fun things to do and places to explore. Singapore isn’t just about Orchard Road or Gardens by the Bay. We’re almost as sick of these places as you are!
Well, fret not! Come the weekend, you can look forward to something else to do! Here are 10 interesting and uncommon places to visit for a different kind of fun.
1. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle & Dragon Kiln
[caption id="attachment_11369" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image source: Helmindra[/caption]Dubbed one of Singapore’s most well-kept secrets, the Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a place that combines heritage, history, discovery, and fun. It gives vibes of an old museum and you can actually buy proper pottery and art at a reasonable price!
There’s also the Dragon Kiln (a furnace/oven for burning pottery), one of the oldest surviving brick-built kilns in Singapore for wood firing. If you’d like to learn more about pottery, Thow Kwang also hosts a series of workshops that will give you your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze “Ghost” pottery moment.
[caption id="attachment_11370" align="alignnone" width="594"] Image source: wjleow[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11371" align="alignnone" width="597"] Image source: lioncityboyzach[/caption]- Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
- Address: 85 Lorong Tawas, off Jalan Bahar
- Contact number: +65 6268 6121
- Operating Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
- Website: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
2. Lazarus Island
[caption id="attachment_11300" align="alignnone" width="600"] Image source: bhevzdelica[/caption]Are you looking for a beach to visit, but find that those at Sentosa are overpopulated? Why not try Lazarus Island instead? Accessible by a causeway from St John’s Island, Lazarus Island is home to an untouched tranquil beach.
You could take a dip in the clear turquoise waters, and bring along a picnic basket for a picnic on the pristine white sand. For the best beaches in Singapore, read this.
[caption id="attachment_11302" align="alignnone" width="599"] Image source: fadz_h[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11303" align="alignnone" width="602"] Image source: jsonlah[/caption]3. The Observatory at Science Centre
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/2-58ZTB_3J/?taken-at=214335698[/embed] [caption id="attachment_11387" align="alignnone" width="596"] Image source: anodization[/caption]Stargazing, anyone? With a location near the equator, Singapore has an advantageous location. It allows stargazers to catch a glimpse of the constellations in both the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. If you happen to be in the west, drop by the Science Centre to check out the exhibits and end off your visit with a sky full of stars!
[caption id="attachment_11388" align="alignnone" width="596"] Image source: Image source: xinrongy[/caption]- Science Centre Observatory
- Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, 609433
- Contact number: +65 6425 2500
- Operating Hours: Friday 7:45pm- 10:00pm
- Facebook: SCOB
4. Pulau Ubin
[caption id="attachment_11270" align="alignnone" width="740"] Image source: catching the sunrise, or even catching some fish at a kelong, this island literally spells fun under the sun!It’s a great destination for those who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (especially from the crowd!). Just swap the MRTs for rental bikes and enjoy nature.
[caption id="attachment_11297" align="alignnone" width="514"] Image source: Travelling Our Planet[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11298" align="alignnone" width="599"] Image source: skyblue25[/caption]5. MegaZip Adventure Park
[caption id="attachment_11311" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Sentosa[/caption]Up for an adventure with your buddies? Head down to Sentosa’s MegaZip Adventure Park to get your adrenaline going. Hang 450-metre high up and swing across a jungle, beach, and the sea at a speed of up to 60 kilometres!
Not a fan of swinging across Sentosa? Check out Climb Max, an obstacle course consisting of three levels of aerial ropes at 15 metres high. That sure sounds like the next Singapore Ninja Warrior course!
[caption id="attachment_11328" align="alignnone" width="605"] Image source: xx.staygirls[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11329" align="alignnone" width="478"] Image source: sveta_persik[/caption]- MegaZip Adventure Park
- Address: Imbiah Hill Rd, Sentosa Island, 098967
- Contact number:+65 6884 5602
- Operating Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
- Entrance fee: $50++
- Website: Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]
The thought of hanging around Orchard as something fun to do probably did not cross your mind. But how about bouncing around the latest indoor adventure park that is strategically located in Orchard?
Bounce Singapore is an epic urban playground that consists of interconnected trampolines, Freerun Terrain Park (like the one on American Ninja Warrior), and “Leap of Faith” – jump on a raised platform and leap out to catch hold of the trapeze. Best part of all? It’s indoors and you won’t get sunburnt from all that fun.
[caption id="attachment_11345" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11346" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Bounce Singapore[/caption]- Bounce Singapore
- Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01
- Contact number: +65 6816 2879
- Operating Hours: Sun-Thurs (10am – 10pm), Fri-Sat (10am – midnight)
- Entrance fee: $24++ (general admission), $19++(student discount)
- Website: Bounce SG
7. Singapore Botanic Gardens
[caption id="attachment_11381" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image source: Image source: Image source: blognacarona[/caption]- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
- Contact number: +65 6471 7138
- Operating Hours: Daily 5am-12am
- Website: Singapore Botanic Gardens
8. Mint Museum Of Toy
[caption id="attachment_11431" align="alignnone" width="586"] Image source: gridho[/caption]You’re never too young or too old for toys! This toy museum will delight both adults and kids with its vast collection of vintage toys and memorabilia from around the world.
With over 50,000 pieces of vintage toys, this collection is considered one of the finest in the world. Even the five-storey building that houses the museum is a work of art and has gained international recognition at Architectural Awards.
[caption id="attachment_11437" align="alignnone" width="602"] Image source: Javier Wu[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11439" align="alignnone" width="601"] Image source: afiq_castello[/caption]- Mint Museum Of Toys
- Address: 26 Seah Street, 188382
- Contact number: +65 63390660
- Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm
- Entry fee: $15
- Website: Image source: Souce: Image source: The Natural Traveller[/caption]
- Changi Chapel & Museum
- Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N, 507707
- Contact number: +65 6214 2451
- Operating Hours: Daily 9:30am-5.00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
- Entry Fee: Free admission
- Website: Image source: Image source: puripurikan_daus[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11458" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image source: addgrainonearth[/caption]
- Singapore City Gallery
- Address: 45 Maxwell Rd, The URA Centre, 069118
- Contact number: +65 6321 8321
- Operating Hours: Monday- Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
- Entry Fee: Free admission
- Website: Singapore City Gallery
With 10 uncommon places to check out with your friends for a different kinda fun (and some really pocket-friendly ones), which one would you visit first? While you’re at it, also check out The Singaporean Bucket List – 10 Challenges You Die Die Must Complete.
Header image source: Tiny Pieces Of Paper & Quirky Imagination Was All It Took For Instagrammer To Make SG Fun Again
[WIN] An Extravagant Dinner Buffet For 2 At The Line, Shangri-La!
This National Day, get ready for a huge treat! The Line (at Shangri-La Hotel), one of Singapore’s best international buffets, is taking Singaporeans on a journey through our unique food culture!
You can expect innovative twists of our local favourite dishes! Exactly what kind of twists? We’re talking about out-of-this-world bizarre creations.
Have you heard of Chendol – but served in bubble form? What about Tau Huey Popcorn, or Oyster Omelette served on an Oyster shell? As weird as these dishes sound, you need not fret!
[caption id="attachment_11716" align="alignnone" width="4912"] Chendol Bubbles – it looks cute, but you’ll be surprised – each sip you take is full of flavour![/caption]We’ve gone ahead to taste and savour these not-to-be-missed unique creations. They’re as good, if not, even better than the originals of our local favourites.
The best part? You can enjoy these local delights alongside the best international selection. That’s right – there’ll be fresh cuts of sashimi, seafood on ice, beef, and not to mention, a wide selection of desserts and pastries, including the best chocolate lava cake (we had 2 servings, guilty as charged).
Without further ado, we’ll quickly take you through a few highlights. There’s just so much good food, that we can only pick and choose the very best. Keep reading, because you will stand a chance to win this dinner buffet for two as well!
Flavours of Singapore at The Line
In celebration of National Day, Shangri-La’s famous buffet dinner at The Line will transform into a traditional food street from the 1960s.
Local Delights
Chef de Cuisine Vincent Wong is a figure you won’t miss at the buffet – passionate, tattooed, and engaging, he stands out among the others. The brains behind the delectable and innovative dishes, he brought us through the story behind each dish he conceptualised.
Chendol Bubbles
Take, for example, the Chendol Bubbles. Deftly and expertly, these bubbles of goodness were scooped into this cup. It looks deceivingly bland, but trust us, this is full of flavour. Its intriguing appearance is due to pockets of Chendol-infused air. There’s red bean mousse, and standard Chendol toppings waiting at the bottom of the cup. This is the epitome of guilt-free dessert – all the flavours you want in a Chendol, but without the guilt.
[caption id="attachment_11716" align="alignnone" width="4912"] Crowd favourite Chendol Bubbles[/caption]Tau Huey Popcorn
If you’re in the mood for another dish that’s out of this world, try the Tau Huey popcorn! You heard us right! Here’s a hint: the futuristic kitchen at The Line uses nitrogen gas. Our local soya bean beverage will be chilled to a point where it solidifies.. and resembles popcorn! Its extremely light and delicate texture will melt in your mouth in mere seconds, only to leave you begging for more.
Keep a lookout on our FB and IG for videos of Chef Vincent preparing and explaining these dishes!
Other Creations
There are more favourite old-time delights that are sure to bring a smile to your face. Think Chicken Rice Maki Rolls (with the best chicken rice chilli), Chilli Crab Brioche, Kaya-flavoured Arabic Bread and Nasi Lemak: canapé style!
[caption id="attachment_11728" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Chicken Rice Maki with the best chilli[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11717" align="alignnone" width="4912"] Chee Cheong Fun Nasi Lemak[/caption]Our local Oyster Omelette takes on an imaginative twist with deep fried egg artistically placed on each fresh and tender oyster. We couldn’t help filling our plates with these mini crowd-pleasers!
A Durian Alfresco Fruit Stall!
[caption id="attachment_11729" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The jovial Durian Master[/caption]Durian lovers will be ecstatic to note that there will be an alfresco fruit stall full of specially-imported tropical fruits! When we were there, we were treated to D13 and Pheonix durians, all opened fresh in front of you by a charming and jovial Durian Master. So rich, creamy, sweet, and good, we had a few servings each! There may also be other tropical fruits like mangosteen, rambutan, longan, and jackfruit.
All the durians you see in the picture were wiped out at about 9:30PM! Yea, that’s how good it is.
Other Delights
Besides all these, there are stations serving Satay, Laksa, Drunken Prawn, warm food dishes, childhood snacks and drinks, and local pastries and desserts – the coconut durian cake was the best!
International Spread
Marine Harvest Seafood
The Line is well known for one of the largest buffet spreads in Singapore. Its fame stems from its generous selection during the Marine Harvest Seafood nights (Tuesday & Thursday). You name it, they have it! A few types of lobsters, oysters, clams, mussels, shrimps, crab claws, prawns, are served on a cold bed of ice.
The Oysters are also shucked live and fresh in front of you!
Other Stations
[caption id="attachment_11733" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Here’s a close shot of how good it looks![/caption]In addition, there is also a Roast Station offering salmon, and different kinds of beef. The Japanese station serves up a wide selection of sashimi; Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Swordfish, Octopus, and more! If you like to have some greens for every meal, you can count on the Salad Bar. Lovers of cheese, we counted at least 5 different types of cheeses to go with biscuits, bread, or ham!
Tip: You can request for salmon belly at the sashimi station.
Unlimited Wines, Beers, Juices, & Drinks
Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for Marine Harvest night, enjoy a selection of unlimited sparkling, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks, and juices!
Dessert
[caption id="attachment_11734" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] That’s not all. There are like 6 shelves of desserts.[/caption]Our best advice? Always save space for dessert. We adore the delicate toffee and nut tartlets, chocolate lava cake with matcha ice cream, and durian coconut cake. There is even a selection of local sweet treats such as kuih and traditional cream cakes for those who want to take a walk down memory lane.
Tip + food hack: Drizzle olive oil, and sea salt (from the salad bar) on their vanilla soft serve for a delightfully sweet treat with a salty crunch. Our initial scepticism about this combination melted away the moment we took a bite.
We Never Wanted To Leave
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The Line undoubtedly remains one of the best buffets to be found on our island. We loved how approachable the chefs were at their stations. They entertained the crowd as they cooked on the spot, engaged and explained the dishes, and served up hot and fresh food along with a joke or two.
If you’d like to enjoy Shangri-La‘s The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet at The Line, make a reservation here and revel in old-world charm, makan-style! You could also stand a chance to…
Win a dinner buffet for 2 at The Line, Shangri-La!
Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook, and LIKE Shangri-La’s Facebook to stand a chance to win The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet* for two! Yes, it is that simple! That’s all you need to do for a chance to feast at The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet. This giveaway ends 4th August, and the lucky winner will be notified through Facebook.
*Not valid for use on the eve of and on public holidays
The Flavours of Singapore dinner buffet will run from 18 July to 14 August 2016.
Monday, Wednesday, Sunday: $79 per adult, $39 per child
Friday and Saturday: $92 per adult, $46 per child
Tuesday Marine Harvest: $98 per adult, $44 per child
Thursday Marine Harvest: $108 per adult, $44 per child
The Marine Harvest dinner buffet includes an enhanced seafood selection, and a selection of unlimited sparkling, red and white wines, beers, soft drinks, and juices.
Click here to book a table.
All prices exclude 10% service charge and 7% GST.
This was an invited food tasting session. Thoughts and opinions are our own.
This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Shangri-La Hotel
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Also, read [WIN] Tickets To A Romantic Movie With Your Date Under The Stars!
7 Local Desserts So Good, They’ll Remind You Of Your Childhood Sweetheart
Topped with tropical fruits and a side of condensed milk for a Snapchat worthy sweet treat, Bingsus are the go-to dessert on a hot summer’s day. Not forgetting a warm and freshly baked Belgian waffle, topped with a scoop of creamy gelato and almond sprinkles. Mmm.
Local Dessert – Comfort Food That Never Disappoints
But when it comes to hitting that sweet spot for dessert, nothing does it better than local dessert. Affordable, nostalgic and ultimately delicious, local dessert is not only part and parcel of our culture, but also a quick and delicious way to seek respite from the blistering heat. Be it a cooling snack, a mid-day treat or a post-meal dessert, here’s a list of where you can go to get your local dessert fix!
1. Mei Hong Yuen Dessert
Image credit: www.burpple.com/@sharonista
A name familiar to most, this local dessert chain serves traditional hot and cold dessert. It is one of the “Singapore Chinatown Heritage Brands”. These brands are the ones that have been operating in Chinatown for at least 30 years. Through the years, Having eaten at this dessert stall for years, we heavily recommend the Almond with Egg White, Red Bean Lotus, and Chee Cheong Fun. They have also recently opened more stalls, so you don’t have to travel to Chinatown just to savour one of the best local dessert stalls.
From its smooth and comforting bowl of peanut paste to the classic and juicy bowl of mango with pomelo and sago, you’ll never be disappointed.
Outlets: Image credit: With a wordy menu filled with a huge variety of local dessert options, being spoilt for choice is an understatement. Ah Chew Desserts often sees large crowds of both locals and foreigners alike. It has even received media spotlight from NHK Broadcasting Corporation. Other must-try dishes include Hawaiian Papaya boiled with Fresh Milk, Black Glutinous Rice with Vanilla Ice-cream, Mango Sago & Pomelo, Watermelon Honeydew with Sago, and Durian Hong Kong Red Bean Ice. Ah Chew Desserts Image credit: www.burpple.com/@Kirschwarm
Chinatown: No. 63 – 67 Temple Street, #B2-32 Chinatown Point
Orchard: #B4-34, ION
Novena: #02-03 Velocity@Novena Square
Clementi: #03-02 321 Clementi Ave 3
Opening Hours:
Click 2. Ah Chew Desserts
Address: 1 Liang Seah Street, #01-10/11; 181 Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Centre
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12:30pm – 11.30pm; Fri: 12.30pm – 12.30am; Sat: 1.30pm – 12.30am; Sun: 1.30pm – 11.30pm3. Ji De Chi
Traditional flavours still have a place in today’s age. Ji De Chi’s dish of sweet mangoes and black glutinous rice wrapped in green tea mochi is the perfect example. This eatery serves up a good selection of traditional and modern desserts.
Image credit: www.burpple.com/@rachellelinggg
Their rendition of the Taiwanese shaved ice dessert is a cheaper alternative to the pricier bingsu, but it definitely does not lack in terms of sweetness and flavour.
Ji De Chi
Address: 8 Liang Seah Street, #01-03
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 11pm
4. Annie’s Peanut Ice Kachang
With numerous modern spins on the old ice kachang dish, perhaps the best combination is still some roasted peanut and red bean, doused with a colourful blend of syrup.
Annie’s Peanut Ice Kachang
Address: 3 Yung Sheng Road, #01-01
5. Ye Lai Xiang Cheng Tng
Image credit: Sticking to a traditional recipe passed down since 1939, Ye Lai Xiang has been churning out bowls of cheng tng.
Their bowl of cheng tng comes loaded with 10 different ingredients, a class above the rest (the usual cheng tng contains only a handful of ingredients). The painstaking preparation process of double boiling the sago and sunning the dried longans is evident in the end result – a clear sweet broth that’s almost addictive.
Address: Bedok Food Centre, 1 Bedok Road, Stall 31
6. Jin Jin Hot/ Cold Dessert
Image credit: www.burpple.com/@iceblossom
The owners weren’t kidding when they named their dish ‘Power Cendol’. Using premium gula-melaka to give it that distinctive palm sugar richness, this is one decadent dessert. It packs all the punches at only a fraction of the price. Coupled with sweet coconut milk and red beans, you’ll find yourself polishing the bowl in jiffy.
Image credit: If you love Mango and Durian, this one’s for you! Tangy Mango cubes are topped with condensed milk and a scoop of Durian puree! There’s also a version without the durian topping. From our visits to Jin Jin Dessert, we also learn that the mango cubes are soaked in a secret sauce for that tangy and refreshing bite. Their hard work pays off, as there’s nothing like this bowl of mango goodness elsewhere!
Jin Jin Hot/ Cold Dessert
Address: ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-20
Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sun: 12:30PM – 10PM; Fri, Sat: 12:30PM – 10:30PM
Closed every Wednesday
7. 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Image credit: www.burpple.com/@jiaknonstop
We are all accustomed to the usual glutinous rice balls with peanut and black sesame filling. But at 75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup, they even have red bean, yam, and green tea fillings to up their ball antics. Best of all, those special flavours are hand-made!
As their name suggests, they are famous for their peanut soup. The soup is simmered for hours for soft and tender peanuts. They also offer options like almond milk and ginger soup. No matter what you choose, you can be sure you’re digging into a bowl of comforting goodness.
75 Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Address: #01-75, Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Road; #01-25 Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4
Certainly, there are numerous other dessert stalls out there that serve up that familiar bowl of traditional dessert. When the queues of artisanal desserts grow too long, know that you can always fall back on stalls like these to satisfy your sweet tooth.
(Header image: www.burpple.com/@sharonista)
Also, read Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!
Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!
It’s not cheap to fly all the way to Japan for a food adventure. Don’t even get us started on the language barrier! But guess what? Japan Food Town will officially open its doors at Wisma Atria, Orchard on the 16th of July 2016! It’s about curating and bringing the best of Japanese food to our sunny shores!
We Singaporeans loveeeeee Japanese food. From takeaway sushi rolls, cook-it-yourself curry rice or the ‘I saved for moths for this piece of Kobe beef’, there’s always an occasion for Japanese food.
Image source: Japan Food Town
But how about authentic Japanese food? How many of us actually had proper artisanal sushi (not machine pressed rice with corn and mayonnaise)?
What is Japan Food Town?
[caption id="attachment_10981" align="alignnone" width="760"] Image source: Image source: Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]Known for their deep fried pork cutlet (specifically Japanese black-haired pork, also known as kurobuta) served with homemade sauce, you sure can count on Anzu for your Katsu cravings. Everything is prepared from fresh Kyushu produce. They even grow the vegetables themselves!
2. Onigiri @ Bonta Bonta
[caption id="attachment_10966" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]Do not underestimate the Rice Balls (onigiri) at Bonta Bonta. Every grain of rice is carefully selected by a ‘Rice Sommelier’ and processed to the highest standards to qualify as Kinmemai – low-calorie brown rice with high nutritional value. Certainly a humble dish prepared with lots of effort and love.
3. Sake @ Dassai Bar
[caption id="attachment_10967" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image source: Image source: Hokkaido Izakaya[/caption]Hokkaido’s unique geographical location means access to the best flavours of both worlds – the sea and the land. You’ve heard people rave about their seafood (Hokkaido crab!!) and soba from the Tanjong Pagar branch. How about trying it for yourself at Japan Food Town?
5. Handmade Udon @ Inaniwa Yosuke
[caption id="attachment_10972" align="alignnone" width="1181"] Image source: Image source: shomao.h[/caption]Ramen Ramen Ramen! Need we say more?? We’d love to let the broth do the talking but what makes Machida Shoten really special is their “Iekei” concept, which translates to noodles that are cooked to the diner’s specified softness or hardness. Personalised Ramen, bring it on!
7. 2 Michelin Star Hotpot @ Nabe Seizan
[caption id="attachment_10971" align="alignnone" width="567"] Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]Feeling under the weather? Maybe a 2 Michelin Star hotpot (nabe) will pick you up. Helmed by Tokyo-born chef, Haruhiko Yamamoto, Seizan strives to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient rather than rely on sauces. Be blown away by this nabe.
8. Premium Teppanyaki & Wagyu @ Osaka Kitchen
[caption id="attachment_10973" align="alignnone" width="780"] Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]Ever wonder what a ‘premium Teppanyaki’ experience is like? Just head to Osaka Kitchen for the finest wagyu on hot stove. While you’re at it, order Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Yakisoba (fried noodle) for a true blue Kansai dining experience.
9. Fried Chicken @ Rang Mang Shokudo
[caption id="attachment_10974" align="alignnone" width="932"] Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]This isn’t just ANY fried chicken. Tokyo’s Rang Mang Shokudo’s fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 6 hours. It is then double fried in low heat to bring out the umami, that desirable Japanese flavour. Pair it with their signature frozen lemon cocktail…that’s definitely finger licking good!
10. Mackerel @ Sabar
[caption id="attachment_10975" align="alignnone" width="780"] Image source: Image source: Japan luxury guide[/caption]Started in 1997, this eatery operated on a simple motto – “good quality food with reasonable price”. Try their beef and vegetable buffet Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki and you’ll understand the true definition of amazing quality food and reasonable price.
12. Sushi Takewaka from Tsukiji Market
[caption id="attachment_10977" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image source: Originally from Tsukiji (the super famous fish market), this 28 years old Edo style sushi place only uses good quality fish and seafood, prepared by their skilful chef.13. Tempura Tsukiji Tenka
[caption id="attachment_10978" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image source: Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]At Yakiniku Heijyoen, their beef is treated like fine wine – only top quality black haired wagyu beef from Japan is used. Before the beef even sees the kitchen, it is first aged for tenderness to bring out a deeper concentration of beef taste. Beef lovers, this is a treat you don’t wanna miss.
15. Yomoda Soba
[caption id="attachment_10980" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image source: Japan Food Town[/caption]“Yomoda” means many things – carefree, fun, easy going, but most of all, it’s a word used for friends to see things on the lighter side of life. Boasting freshly made soba served with “Yomoda” hospitality at a surprisingly affordable price, this is the kind of place you’d want to visit with your family and friends.
With such a wide range of authentic Japanese food to choose from, which eatery would you like to try out first? You can bet that we’ll be heading down with friends & family. Let’s pen this new food town in our food bucket list!
Japan Food Town
Official opening date: 16 July 2016
Location: 4th Floor, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Website: Japan Food Town
Header image source: Pexels
For more Japanese food in Singapore, click here.
Also, read A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!
A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!
Orchard Road has always been a convening point for us Singaporeans. It is a glitzy, world-famous shopping stretch that is adorned with restaurants dishing out fine dining selections. However, when it comes to eating at Orchard, we know how you feel; hunting down affordable (apart from fast food) comfort food can be tougher than scouting out the best bargains during GSS.
If you’ve got your head in your hands about what to eat at Orchard, fret not! We’ve discovered this hidden food gem of a place, and we’re letting the cat out of the bag. The reopening of Food Opera at Set C ($25)[/caption]
The white bee hoon at this new stall differs slightly from the Singaporean version we’re familiar with – Xing Lou’s unique rendition has wok-fried vermicelli simmered in shellfish gravy. The gravy is not as viscous as our local version but has a complex depth of flavour and a sweet aftertaste. The bee hoon has an ultra-soft, springy bite that breaks easily with each mouthful.
We all know how grimy stale seafood tastes like, and Xing Lou goes the extra mile to ensure this never happens. Expect only the freshest of crustaceans as seafood is imported from Endau, one of Malaysia‘s largest fishing ports, almost every other day.
Set C is perfect for sharing as it comes with a generous serving of bee hoon and an impressive seafood medley of prawns, crayfish, scallops and clams. If you’re not into sharing (we totally understand), you can opt to have your own bee hoon with any crustacean of your choice from just $6.90.
2. Ya Hua Bak Kut Teh
[caption id="attachment_10887" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Signature Prime Ribs ($10.50)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10888" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Claypot Tofu ($8.70)[/caption]Bak kut teh (pork bone soup) has always been a familiar favourite; a warm and comforting broth that fills both your heart and stomach with joy on a cold day. Ya Hua, a long-time contender in the bak kut teh scene, is helmed by founder Madam Gwee Peck Hua who believes in cooking healthy, unpretentious food that is humble yet comforting at best.
This bak kut teh recipe of hers underwent countless revisions after years of trial and error before the broth was finally perfected. Boiled for hours, the soup is flavourful with just the right hint of pepper – it won’t leave that burning sensation down your throat, yet will warm the cockles of your heart. The meat is well-cooked and tender and glides off the bone effortlessly. If you find chewing off the pork bone a hassle, Ya Hua also has a boneless sliced pork soup option ($7.50) – now you’ve got no excuses.
Apart from her iconic bak kut teh, Madam Gwee has also introduced new, homely dishes into her menu at her new stall. The Claypot Tofu – silken tofu simmered with steamed egg and pork balls – is laced with a nostalgic taste of home. Every mouthful of this humble dish will remind you of grandma’s cooking.
3. Ah Yat Kitchen
[caption id="attachment_10890" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ah Yat Shredded Roasted Chicken with Fries ($6.50)[/caption]Ah Yat may be a new tenant at Food Opera, but it has been a household name since the 1970s. While they’re undeniably known for their abalone, do give their Roasted Chicken a try! With meticulous care, the chicken is marinated and roasted to coax out flavours that will delight your taste buds. After the chicken is roasted to perfection, it is seasoned with sesame oil and sesame seeds to further enhance the flavour of this traditional Chinese dish.
The texture of the shredded chicken is impeccable – you won’t have to worry about it being too dry! All these tedious preparations contribute to fragrant, hand-pulled chicken so tender you have to try it to believe it – it might possibly give your favourite Hainanese chicken rice stall a run for its money. For $6.50, you get a quarter-chicken serving of meat and a choice of crispy fries or a bowl of rice on the side.
Another gem to try Ah Yat would be their Abalone Baked Rice ($8.80); a fragrant and delectable mix of egg fried rice with baby abalone.
4. Scotts Hwa Heng Beef Noodle
[caption id="attachment_10891" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Beef Noodle Combo Set Meal ($7.50). Credit: Fishball Noodle ($5.50)[/caption]Fishball noodle – a satisfying, fuss-free Singaporean dish that needs no further introduction. Forget about all day breakfast! Fishball noodle has been a go-to for breakfast, lunch and even supper for as long as we can remember.
Here at Li Xin, they take great pride in serving quality, handmade fishballs. Their fresh fishballs are made of top-grade yellowtail fish meat and chilled in cold water (no freezing!) to ensure freshness. According to second-generation owner Mr. Eddie Lim, this is an age-old method used to keep the fishballs bouncy and succulent. These rustic balls have a unique, ‘meaty’ texture to them – a world apart from the processed ones you find in supermarkets, in a good way of course.
The dry version of their mee pok noodles is tossed in an otherworldly concoction of chilli and ketchup, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It does not have that strong vinegar sourness but rather a mild, tangy aftertaste, much like good sourdough bread. As for its soup counterpart, the broth is refreshingly addictive – you will be down to your last slurp before you know it. Fans of pork lard, you’re in luck. Li Xin is extremely generous with their self-prepared, fried pork lard – sinful at best but irresistibly good.
6. Riverside Indonesian BBQ
[caption id="attachment_10894" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ayam Panggang Set ($6.50)[/caption]You can’t call yourself a true blue Singaporean if you haven’t heard of Riverside. We’re kidding, it’s never too late to introduce this hearty dish into your world. Their bestseller, the Ayam Panggang (Indonesian grilled chicken) set, heralds snaking queues at Food Opera daily.
Riverside goes to great lengths to serve this scrumptious dish. The chicken thigh is first dipped in a secret sauce – a combination of Indonesia spices. After being set to rest, the thigh is barbequed till it exudes a smoky aroma. That’s not all! Before being served, the thigh is dipped in a homemade special black sauce. This is THE sauce that defines their legendary ayam panggang.
The dish is served with a slab of omelette, homemade sambal chilli and rice slathered with curry gravy. The coconut-heavy curry is slightly on the sweeter end and is not too spicy, so go ahead and raise the spice level with their killer sambal chilli. All in all, this divine combination of grilled chicken in black sweet sauce, rice smothered with curry and sambal chilli gets a resounding nod of approval from us – and probably half the population in Singapore already.
Seafood lovers, you can also rejoice! Riverside serves up equally delish BBQ squid and fish too.
7. Padang Padang
[caption id="attachment_10897" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ikan Assam Pedas ($3.50),
Ayam Kari ($3.50/drumstick or $5.50/quarter chicken)[/caption]
If you, like every other Singaporean, live for cai png (economical rice), then this Indonesian version of our everyday staple provides a refreshing twist. You are more than free to mix and match a variety of meats and vegetables that are prepared daily, but we’d say go straight for the Ayam Kari and Ikan Assam Pedas.
The Padangnese-style ayam kari is essentially chicken simmered in a rich, coconut curry gravy that boasts a blend of at least seven spices. The chicken has a firm, silky texture and slides off the bone with a simple tug.
The ikan assam pedas, on the other hand, is a sour-spicy stingray dish prepared with a medley of fresh laksa leaves, tamarind and lemongrass – so rejuvenating, it’s almost like a wake-up call for your taste buds. The stingray is fresh with a nice succulent texture. We absolutely love the spot-on tanginess of the gravy – it is not too sour and has an addictive aftertaste that leaves you salivating for more.
The folks behind Padang Padang only cook with raw spices specially imported from Indonesia. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to know that Padang Padang uses no preservatives or MSG in any of their dishes. Kudos to them! We now have the liberty to order anything here without setting the MSG alarms off.
8. Ice Shop
[caption id="attachment_10899" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Bobo Chacha with Taro Balls ($3.20)[/caption]You know what they say, there is always a dessert stomach – the happy ending to any meal. We love our rainbow cakes and churros, but traditional desserts will always hold an uncontested place in our hearts. This stall has a lengthy menu of over 35 hot and cold selections to satisfy your sweet cravings. The portions are not monstrous, so you won’t get jelat of the milk-based treats.
The Chendol here is remarkably different from the ones served elsewhere. Topped with jackfruit, it is a rich and flavourful thirst-quencher in a bowl. The red bean and sago jelly balances out the sweet and salty coconut milk nicely, and the shaved ice is doused in the ever familiar Gula Melaka. No doubt an ideal finish to a satisfying meal, or a midday indulgence.
If your palate gravitates more towards the warm desserts, the Bobo ChaCha with Taro Balls is a traditional option with a twist. The usual, transparent tapioca pearls you would expect to find in this coconut milk-based broth are replaced with taro balls instead. These purple, jelly-like balls have a strong, natural taro taste to them. No bobo chacha is complete without sweet potato and yam chunks, and the ones at Ice Shop are delightfully soft, but not to the point of mushy.
The next time you’re in town (we’re guessing soon), do drop by Food Opera for your local hawker and street food fix. Apart from old favourites, the new tenants are also part of a carefully curated bunch with authentic and quality food to offer – all in the comfort of air-conditioning. Now you’ll know where to get the best eats at Orchard.
Food Opera @ ION Orchard
Address:
#B4-03/04 Ion Orchard
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel:
+65 6509 9198
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, and Public Holiday 10am – 10pm
Eve of Public Holiday, Friday to Saturday 10am – 11pm
Brought to you by Discover SG x
These S’porean Youths Are Realising Their Dreams, What About You?
Work culture in Singapore used to be all about that stable 9 to 5 office job. You’re either white-collared or blue-collared. Everyone aspires to be a professional, be it doctor or lawyer. Aspire to be anything else, and you’ll be laughed at.
Fast forward to 2016, with the rise of technology, the Internet, and social media, there’s a new definition of ‘work’, ‘job’ and ‘occupation’. Over the years, with more space and room for artistic expression, we’ve seen the rise of a bunch of extremely creative workers and youths. They’re breaking old structures and redefining their own future.
[caption id="attachment_10412" align="alignnone" width="736"] Image source: Realising aspirations at SHINE Festival’s Talent Development Programme (TDP) [caption id="attachment_10413" align="alignnone" width="807"] Image source: Take the step to realise your dreamsThrough the SHINE Festival, many youths have taken the step to realising their dreams, what about you? If exploring your passion, dreams, and talent is your thing, come and be a part of SHINE Festival! It’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The biggest Youth Celebration of the year takes place from 1st to 3rd July. There’s something for everyone! Get involved, and pursue your passions and talents at SHINE Festival 2016!
“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
There’ll be sharing sessions by inspirational mentors and renowned experts. Attend these informative sessions and learn from only the best as they share their journey towards achieving their dreams.
Here are some of the not-to-be-missed sharing sessions:
Becoming an independent Musician Sharing Session
[caption id="attachment_10414" align="alignnone" width="782"] Image source: Inch Chua, Peter Huang, Nicholas Chim[/caption]If you’re an aspiring singer who doesn’t know where or how to kick-start your career, here’s something that’ll interest you! Come and hear it from Inch Chua, Peter Huang and Nicholas Chim as they talk about becoming DIY Musicians.
Hear about their experiences performing around the world, and get tips on how you can establish yourself as an independent musician, like them.
Becoming an Independent Musician
Date: 2 July 2016
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery
Click here to sign up for the session
Wanna be a YouTuber? This could be your first step!
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your limited imagination.”- Mae Jemison
Join witty YouTubers Tree Potatoes (347k subscribers) and Butterworks (41k subscribers) who will showcase their collaboration with their mentees. Be blown away as they wow you with their talent and passion.
[caption id="attachment_10417" align="alignnone" width="760"] Image source: Tree Potatoes[/caption]Wanna become a famous YouTuber? Tree Potatoes and Butterworks will also be conducting a sharing session, so do attend the session and you might be on your way to becoming one!
“Go out there and make films. You’ll never be ready if you don’t go out, shoot films and make mistakes.”- TreePotatoes
Pop Culture TDP Mentee Showcase & Mentor Sharing Session
Date: 3 July 2016
Time: 7:15pm- 8:00pm (Butterworks), 8:30pm-9:15pm (TreePotatoes)
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery
Seats are running out fast! Click Journey to producing film [caption id="attachment_10418" align="alignnone" width="654"] Image source: to sign up!
A world of Urban Art – try your hand at Silk screening and Marble Art
[caption id="attachment_10419" align="alignnone" width="656"] Image source: YouTube[/caption]Always wondered what silk screening is all about? Just head down to the silk screening station and give it a go! You’ll learn to burn and print your chosen design (a wide range is available!) onto a screen and cloth.
[caption id="attachment_10420" align="alignnone" width="675"] Image source: YouTube[/caption]If you’d like to try something more quirky, get crafty with marbling art! Not sure what that’s about? In short, it’s a method that allows you to produce beautiful patterns similar to smooth marble. Let your creativity flow, you’ll never know what you can come up with!
Available from 1st – 3rd July
Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Venue: Between Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza
Don’t miss this opportunity to define your own future
“Trust your instincts and be bold about following your dreams.”- ShiGGa Shay
Be blown away by the 96 youth mentees, discover your hidden talent, or find your life’s purpose, SHINE Festival will help you think big and dream big! It’s a must visit event, so grab your buddies, realise your dreams together, and conquer the world!
Take this step to create your future, one that is full of energy and passion, with like-minded youths. What better time than now?
[caption id="attachment_10421" align="alignnone" width="703"] Image source: Shine Festival[/caption]Fun fact: Do you know that July is Singapore’s Youth Month and Youth Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July?
SHINE Festival is also a kick-start to Youth Month – an entire month filled with exciting programmes and activities that will be held over the month for the Youths, by the Youths! Do look out for Stars of SHINE, as National Youth Council (NYC) goes on the hunt for the next youth inspiration!
SHINE Festival – #YOURNEXTSTAGE
Date: 1-3 July, 2016
Venue: Orchard Road, from Ion Orchard to *SCAPE Talent Hub
Facebook: Facebook Page. You can also stand a chance to win passes to 박재범 Jay Park (AOM)’s sharing session for the best dabbers. Be sure to come down to #SHINEFest to chase your passion, #YourNextStage is only a dab away.
https://www.facebook.com/shinefestival/videos/1020831411286773/
It’s all about letting your creativity take the next stage. Hit us with your best dab in our dab challenge, and stand a chance to meet Jay Park! Here’s how –
- Post an Instavideo of yourself doing a dab while doing something you’re passionate about.
- Tell us why you are passionate about what you’re doing and hashtag #YourNextStage #SHINEFest.
- Challenge 2 other friends to better your dab by nominating them!
- Only 3 winners stand a chance to win passes to a sharing session by Jay Park on 3rd July, so best dabs only!
- Contest closes on 2nd July, so stay tuned for more deets!
This article is brought to you by Discover SG x National Youth Council.