Location: Central

A Breath Of Fresh Air: 7 Insanely Unique & Crazy Activities In Singapore!

When we do miraculously squeeze out free time to kickback and engage in the recreational activities that we so desperately need, we find ourselves swept up in this disconsolate state of inertia.

What you need is something different, something with a kick to get you right out of this slump.

Here at DiscoverSG, we might just have the right thing for you. Here are 7 recreational activities so outlandish and so unheard of, you might just have to try them out.

1. Jetpack

As far as unique activities go, JetPacking really takes the cake.

Imagine hovering across the water courtesy of a pressurised, water-propelled jetpack.

Capable of soaring to a whopping 30ft and hitting speeds of up to 25mph, Location: 36 Siloso Beach, Sentosa, Singapore 099007
Price: Cadet Training – $228 (45 mins) & First Officer Training – $298 (60 mins)
Tel: 6376 4336
Email: [email protected]

2. European Swordsmanship

Let’s face it, we’ve all wanted to try swinging swords around like they do in the movies. This is now possible with growing interest in European Swordsmanship in Singapore.

3. Slacklining

Slacklining will quite literally have you on your toes as you sidle across suspended lines of cord.

Choose from a multitude of varying heights and distances and put your balance to the test in this enthralling activity.

[caption id="attachment_15513" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: The Straits Times[/caption]

While incredibly unique and engaging, slacklining also promotes good body posture and core strength.

Credit: The Borneo Post[/caption]

Essentially a medieval-themed combat archery with elements of dodgeball and paintball – quirky doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Hone your dexterity, team spirit, and focus, all while having a great time with your peers.

[email protected]

Aside from being safer and more environmentally-friendly, Laser Clay Shooting offers you a realistic shooting experience.

Use authentic deactivated 12-bore shotguns which produce lifelike gun shots and clay breaking sound effects. Take your focus and coordination to the next level and fire away!

Credit: MyActiveSG[/caption]

Derived from volleyball, Bossaball also incorporates principles from football, gymnastics and even capoeira.

Now take into account the trampolines and you get one of the craziest, most exhilarating modern team sports. Time to show off some spectacular flips and tricks.

Bossaball Singapore
Location: 10 Raeburn Park #02-08, Singapore 088702
Tel: 6100 6292
Email: [email protected]

 7. SurfSet

Touted as one of the world’s most peculiar workout routines, SURFSET draws inspiration from the sport of surfing.

Workout routines are carried out on the SURFSET board, designed to accurately simulate the physical demands of surfing in the ocean.

Furthermore, elements of aerobic fat burning, muscle building and core training are integrated into the workout. This makes for an extremely intense workout.

The multitudinous physical benefits of this activity however, are there for all to see. Get in surfer shape (without getting sunburnt or even wet).

Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Full-Time Mum And Entrepreneur Jaime Teo

Jaime Teo. Most Singaporeans only know her as a Miss Singapore Universe winner and as Daniel Ong’s better half. But really, the 38 year old mumtrepreneur (a mummy entrepreneur) is more than just a pretty face! She may not be on our television screens as much but she’s been really busy. Her newest venture? Partnering up with popular sportswear label Under Armour! Here are 5 facts about Jaime Teo that might just surprise you!

1. She Was Part Of A Singapore-Taiwan Girl Group

2. She Loves To Bake

Any mum out there can attest that raising kids is no walk in the park. For mumtrepreneur /FLY artist/wife Jaime Teo, she says all her roles are easy to fulfil with supportive husband, Daniel Ong by her side. Being a mummy, is a 24 hour ‘cannot quit’ job and while it can be a full load with so many things on her plate, Jaime still manages to spend time with daughter, Renee Ong!

Check out Jaime Teo’s Instragram, she’s always uploading videos of daughter, Renee!

4. She’s Fitter Than You

While balancing her very busy schedule, Jaime still manages to keep fit, by running, rock climbing and even working out at home. Which goes to show all you really need for a workout is an exercise mat and some really good workout music!

Mumtrepreneur , Jaime Teo’s latest venture is partnering up with Under Armour, the popular sportswear label, to help other ladies adopt a fit and healthy lifestyle like she has!

Hard to believe that Jaime used to battle weight and body issues since a young age, but this former Miss Singapore Universe has certainly come a long way!


UA Women: Empowering One Another

Want to get some tips on getting a workout in despite a busy work schedule? You’re in luck! Jaime Teo will be speaking at the UA Women: Empowering One Another event, where she’ll be giving the crowd tips of crafting a healthy lifestyle and the different types of exercises to give you that extra boost of energy!

And she’s not alone, Sarah Pang, Singapore’s National Tennis Player will also be holding a tennis clinic for Tennis novice and experts alike!

Empower Yourself: How to Manage Your Energy
Sarah Pang, Jaime Teo, and Marie Choo
Sat, 22 October 2016
9.30am – 10.30am
Hometeam NS Balestier (Cookyn Inc)

Tennis Clinic with Sarah Pang
Sat, 22 October 2016
8am – 9.30am
Hometeam NS Balestier (Tennis Courts)
Equipment: Workout attire and tennis racquet

Want to find out more about UA Women: Empowering One Another? Check out their event page HERE

Find out more information about Under Armour at their 5. She’s A Risk Taker  [caption id="attachment_16374" align="alignnone" width="1011"] Jaime Teo’s Instagram[/caption]

With numerous acting gigs under her belt, winning Miss Singapore Universe, a successful cupcake company, a happy family life and now a fitness junkie, Jaime Teo seems to have it all.

But getting there hasn’t been a walk in the park, Jaime above all things is a risk taker. And if we can learn something from this mumtrepreneur , its taking risks is better than regretting never risking anything.

(feature image: Jaime Teo Instagram)

Also Read: How Does Floating Freely Feel? We Tried It Out At Palm Ave Float Club!

Singapore’s First Popbar Outlet Serves Up Gelato – On A Stick!

Singapore has brought over some of the best treats from the U.S. Krispy Kreme and Ben & Jerry’s are just some examples of desserts we once could only dream of savouring! If you’re a huge foodie or if you’re constantly on the search for the next sweet treat, Popbar should be on your food radar!

Located at the basement of Plaza Singapura, Singapore’s first Popbar outlet is serving up unique and healthy tasting gelati without preservatives or artificial flavourings. Made fresh daily, only 26 popbars are produced at a time so you know you’re getting fresh desserts with an amazing fresh taste!

Don’t expect your regular sweet treats at this dessert stop! Serving up popBites (praline sized popSorbetto and poGelato), popGelato with two different toppings (so you get a dessert worth the Instagram feature) and if you’re looking for a popbar that is uniquely yours opt for the Customisable Popbars! With over 15 different flavours, toppings and dippings you’re bound to find something you’ll love to sink your teeth into!

Our ambassador Victoria headed down to Popbar to get a first hand experience of these unique and healthy tasting treats!

So what are you waiting for? Head on down to Popbar today and get a sweet treat that will definitely cool you down in Singapore’s weather!

With Herb & Floral-infused Flavours, This Gelato Is Changing The Way We Indulge In Ice Cream!

Chocolate Pinot & Apple Miso? 5 Drinks At Operation Dagger That’ll Wow Your Taste Buds!

In the discreet corner of a street lies a small, unsigned building. After much fumbling, the heavy glass door creaks open and you make your way carefully across the unwashed floors.

Groping around in the semi-darkness, you head down a dingy staircase and a steel door emerges. Holding your breath, you push it open.

Welcome to Halloween Horror Ni- uh Operation Dagger.

Voted Best New Bar at last year’s Singapore Bar Awards, Operation Dagger is an elusive bar located within the basement.

This bar is in fact, so elusive there is no sign of it. Literally.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Ann Siang Hill however, Operation Dagger serves as a great watering hole for the work weary.

A cocktail bar that emphasises on the experimentation of flavours and textures, the bar has taken to replacing traditional spirits with their very own concoctions.

We had the opportunity of savouring five of the bar’s signatures drinks and boy were we taken away by the experience.

1. Apple Miso

An interesting combination of rum, fermented apple, miso caramel and sesame, the Apple Miso happens to be, at the moment, the favorite drink of co-founder Luke Whearty.

Garnished with a bar spoon made of distilled toasted sesame spirit and toffee crisp seasoned gomashio, this Japanese inspired drink we say, definitely isn’t for anyone who dislikes sesame.

2. The Egg

A favourite amongst the regulars, The Egg consists of cured egg yolk, vanilla and sugar that are shaken and strained into a ceramic egg cup before being placed in a jar of smoked hay and star anise.

The result?

A slightly intense drink with a custard-like texture that reminds us, unsurprisingly, of everyone’s favourite salted egg yolk.

3. Chocolate Pinot

If you’re a wine person, we’d recommend you to go for the Chocolate Pinot. That’s right –  Chocolate. Friggin’. Wine.

Infused with raw cacao and vanilla, this drink, for starters, smells heavenly. As both a chocolate and wine fan, we’ve got nothing to complain about.

4. Fallen Fruit

Our favourite drink of the night? The Fallen Fruit.

A mix of wine, caramel, vanilla, fresh pears and curry leaf (say whaaaat), this drink is slow cooked via a sous vide method before being filtered overnight.

Served in an adorable pear ceramic mug and vanilla bean straw, this refreshing drink is a dream. Side note, we bit into the straw just to see what vanilla bean tastes like and no, it wasn’t pretty.

5. Hot & Cold

Last but definitely not the least, we have the Hot & Cold, a Pina Colada-ish drink that replaces rum with tequila.

Topped with a layer of warm white chocolate and coconut foam, this dessert drink, we think, will be popular with the ladies. A taste of both hot and cold, this one ranks a close second on our list.

With unconventional combinations of textures and flavours, Operation Dagger definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted.

If you’re looking to broaden your drinking horizons or are looking for a fun date idea, a night at this cocktail bar will just be the thing for you.

Operation Dagger
Address: 7 Ann Siang Hill #B1-01, S069791
Tel: 6438 4057
Email: [email protected]
Open: Tue – Sat, 6pm – 12am

 Header image credit: iwanimawocha.com

Also, read Say Cheese! This Food Truck Stocked Full With Artisanal Cheese Will Make You Melt With Pleasure

Die Die Must Party: 10 Halloween Parties That’ll Scare The Living Daylights Out Of You!

Here are the million-dollar questions: Do pontianaks dance? If zombies are technically dead, will they get high on alcohol? How does it feel to be scared witless, praying that your heart doesn’t go KABOOM by night’s end? Come on down to some frightful Halloween parties, and we guarantee you’ll find the answer to these queries.

Here’s the bonus: you’ll have a hair-rising, heart-lurching good time. This Hallows’ Eve, it’s time for the demons to play!

1.

A note of caution: Come in your goriest or loveliest get-up to avoid being the next target.

Not only that, the best-dressed stand to win cash prizes, Zoukout VIP tickets, flight tickets and more. Entry is not guaranteed if the club is full, so arrive early!

The Scream Diner by Zouk Halloween
29 Oct, 10pm-late
Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street
Admission for non-members (incl 2 drinks): $33/$38
Free and priority entry are given to those in FULL costume (pending approval by door attendant)

2. Battle Royale

“Kerpow!”

 

“Come at me!”

“Why, you…!”

And… that, ladies and gentlemen, is only the beginning.

[caption id="attachment_15843" align="alignnone" width="960"] BattleRoyale on Facebook[/caption]

This year, only one will be crowned the King of The Ring. Fight it out with the biggest and the baddest at Overeasy Orchard.

On this night, unleash your inner Bruce Lee, or channel your trusty WWE champ.

For a touch of the orient, pummel the baddies as Ip Man or Huang Fei Hong. Manny Pacquiao would do too, just power up that devilish glare and turn em’ rivals to stone.

[caption id="attachment_15830" align="alignnone" width="750"] Battle Royale by Overeasy
29 Oct, 10pm-2.30am
Overeasy Orchard, 541 Orchard Road #01-01, Liat Towers
Free entry

3. Cirque Le Soir[/caption]

We dare you to come in your freakiest, most outlandish costume to “outfreak” the freaks!

It’ll be a mystical, bewitching night that’ll haunt your dreams a little longer than eternity.

Cirque Le Soir
Oct 29, 9pm-late
CÉ LA VI, SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave
Purchase online pre-sale tickets at $48, or purchase it at the door at $68 – both options include one premium pour

4. Atlantis Fright Night

With a name like the Wavehouse, what do you expect? You’re bound to get soaked!

[caption id="attachment_15836" align="alignnone" width="910"] Atlantis[/caption]

Yes, that means you had better bring along your itsybitsyteenieweenieyellowpolkadotbikini!

Atlantis Fright Night
22 Oct, 6pm-late
Wavehouse Sentosa, 36 Siloso Beach Walk
Early bird entries are priced at $35 and prices at the door are $50
Both include 1 complimentary drink and 3 hours of free flow drinks
Ladies who register on the online guest list get free entry until 10pm

6.

Ghost stories are merely tales, aren’t they?

Well… here at *Scape, you’re in for the plot twist of your life! The story is true, and shows how life can truly be stranger, and bloodier, than fiction.

[caption id="attachment_15838" align="alignnone" width="430"]

Ahoy, ahoy!

Harking back to the 1800s where everyone mysteriously died on the ship, their restless spirits have finally awakened this Halloween. Join them in diabolical revelry, as you gobble and guzzle the night away.

[caption id="attachment_15839" align="alignnone" width="842"] The Forest: Shanghai Dolly

Ask any traveller worth his salt, and he’ll have you know that one of the spookiest places to get lost in, is the forest. Some might drop the name Aokigahara, while others might rain evil on the Devil’s Tramping Ground (the name says it all), or the demonic Pembrey Woods.

[caption id="attachment_15840" align="alignnone" width="678"] Shanghai Dolly on Facebook[/caption]

Inspired by the stuff of nightmares found in cursed forests, Shanghai Dolly brings you into the inky, winding woods this Halloween.

Pray that you don’t get lost, but be warned: Prayer might not work in the forest, where the Heavens can’t hear you scream.

The Forest: Shanghai Dolly
Call 6336 7676 / 9232 4181 to reserve your seats early
Stay tuned to Shanghai Dolly’s Facebook page for more updates

10. Nerf Halloween 2016: Paranormal High School

Your footsteps echo off the deserted hallways that seethe with darkness. Somehow, you can tell that it’s not just the mildew and the mouldering walls, but something older, and angrier.

You are armed with nothing but conviction, and a Nerf gun. Your ammo is running low, and it is hard to see with nothing but the moonlight.

Still, you press on. “All those FPS games had better come in handy now,” you mutter under your breath…

According to rumours, a pair of sisters disappeared in this school, one so notoriously haunted that it’s now known as Paranormal High School. Tonight, it is your duty, to seek this pair of sisters, before the evil in the school gets to you first.

Mortals, dare you brave this school from the bowels of Hell?

Nerf Halloween 2016: Paranormal High School
28 and 29 Oct, 7pm-late
Potong Pasir Community Club, 6 Potong Pasir Ave 2
Early bird promotion is going at $10, and the regular price is $15
The first 150 pax for the early bird registration gets a pack of 10 piece NERF Dart pack sponsored by Hasbro Singapore

To answer your questions, pontianaks do dance and zombies do get woozy after being hit by a tower of alcohol…for these Halloween parties at least!

And the feeling of screaming yourself silly with a bunch of buddies? Absolutely priceless.

Header image source: Knittingzone

For less scream-inducing activities this October, check out these Top 5 Events You Cannot Miss!

Also, read Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More! for supper after fright night.

One Kind House: The Modern Kampung That Serves Homely Food

Singapore’s kampung days might be long gone, but there’s a hole in the wall establishment in heritage-rich East Coast that is hell bent on preserving our unique culture. Enter One Kind House, a modern, 60’s inspired kampung with an eclectic touch.

They’re open for food and drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am – 5pm – but One Kind House is more of a community than an eatery.

One Kind House: Decor

The house is thoughtfully littered with art in the form of paintings on the walls, down to the bathroom sink. The art is by their family member, Ng Yak Whee, who is quite a famous Singapore painter.

Greenery at One Kind House

Plants line the entrance of the house and the dining area; and an urban farm fills the backyard.

Of course, no hipster spot is complete without freshly brewed refreshments. Blue Collar Collaborative has moved into One Kind House to serve up hot and cold brew coffee and tea – think cold blue pea flower tea with lemon grass.

One Kind House: The Story

One Kind House was born out of nostalgia.

The owner’s son, Calvin Soh, explained that during kampung days, families were able to reach out to their neighbours to borrow ingredients, or invite them over for food if they had overcooked.

Kampung life was open and communal, unlike the closed-door mentality we have adopted today. Calvin and his family wanted to replicate just that.

Mommy Soh is the head chef and owner of the house.

Her plat du jour differs day by day, but one thing is consistent – she uses only the freshest, cleanest ingredients from her urban farm.

Another constant on the menu: Mommy Soh’s signature duck egg kaya toast, mostly served during breakfast. Her other farm-to-table creations include fish laksa, mee siam with prawn sambal, ulam vermicelli – just to name a handful.

She cooks some of these dishes over a traditional charcoal stove, so the flavours are top-notch!

Because the idea of One Kind House is less of a business and more of a community, all of Mommy Soh’s creations are while stocks last (if the food runs out but you ask Mommy Soh nicely for more, she would whip up something nice for you).

One Kind Family is a space for friendly neighbours and guests who are open to learning from both young and old.

The Soh family, and of course, guests from all walks of life who pop by One Kind House for meals and refreshments, have a wealth of knowledge to share. So come for the kaya, and stay for the conversations.

One Kind House
Location: 136b Lorong J Telok Kurau Road
Facebook page here

Picture credits: One Kind House

Also, read Lovers Of Old School Snacks, Here Are The Very Best Places For Your Nonya Kueh Fix!

Atlantis Fright Night – Dance Till Dawn At Siloso Beach’s Halloween Themed Music Festival

It’s October and everyone is talking about Halloween, and how can they not? Universal Studios is pulling out all the stops for their Halloween events, horror movies are filling up movie theatres and with those clowns scaring the life out of innocent bystanders, this month has been pretty exciting/horrifying.

But if you’re not a fan of ghouls, goblins and other horrifying creatures, don’t worry we’ve got an event that may just be perfect for you!

Atlantis Fright Night

This month, Blackwhite Productions is holding their very own Halloween event. but instead of getting your wits scared out of you, they’re going to get your heart pumping along to some of their electronic dance mixes.

Held at Wave House Sentosa, Atlantis Fright Night is bringing together the very best of electronic dance music with a frightening twist!

Atlantis Fright Night

A huge follower of the local party scene? Then Atlantis Music Festival is no new phenomenon to you. Around for the past two years, Atlantis Music Festival has hosted 12 music festivals, from 2014 till now!

With body moving mixes, amazing vibes, a crowd of 4,000 party-goers and the sand at your feet it’s no wonder Atlantis Music Festivals are a ‘do not miss’ on any social calendar!

Atlantis Music Festival

With 8 different DJ acts on the decks, spinning only the very best mixes of Electronic Dance Music. You’re bound to be dancing the whole night away! Keen on heading down to Atlantis Fright Night?

Entry for ladies is FREE until 10pm! Early bird tickets for gents are priced at $35 and $50 at the door, but before you bemoan entry prices, entry for gents does come with 1 complimentary drink and 3 hours free flow!

Need another reason to head down to  Atlantis Fright Night? Check out what went down at their last Atlantis Music Festival!

https://www.facebook.com/blackwhiteproductions10/videos/1060210200766893/

For more information,

Blackwhite Production Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/blackwhiteproductions10/
Atlantis Fright Night: https://www.facebook.com/events/603212146506905/

Atlantis Fright Night
Wave House Sentosa
36 Siloso Beach Walk
22 Oct 2016 (Sat)
6pm til late

Also Read: ZoukOut 2016: Life’s Not Complete Without It! Get Ready For A Smashing Good Time

Our Food Trail With SR Signatures Will Leave You Drooling [Singapore River Festival 2016]

This year, Singapore River Festival 2016 returns to celebrate how the river has connected our past to our present, and to our community. All these are brought out through the theme of ‘River Connections”.

Besides a chock-full of music acts and performances, you can also expect to indulge in flavourful SR Signature dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Visitors can expect a multi-sensorial experience at this festival.

Here’s what it’s all about:

“The Singapore River Festival is proud to present SR Signatures, a selection of establishments handpicked by a panel of critics, comprising of their favourite food and drink that can be found along the three quays – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.”

Read on to find out about the gourmet choices of the chefs for this year’s theme, “Where Chefs Eat”.

1. Gai Yang by Soi 60 Thai

Took a bite of this tender piece of meat and we could not refrain ourselves from the second, third, fourth bite and so on.

It was really well marinated and grilled to perfection. The sauce that accompanied it made us feel like we were really having this dish along the streets in Thailand – such an authentic taste!

DISH: Gai Yang
RESTAURANT: Soi 60 Thai
Accolade awarded by Chef: Bjorn Shen
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Dish is priced at $18.00++ (Usual price: $21++)

2. Elotes by Super Loco

Who says that corn would only go well with butter?

This sweet corn not only looked appetising, but also had a unique and flavourful taste that is hard to forget.

The cheese gave the corn an extra special flavour. Squeeze some lime on it and it’ll tingle your taste buds!

DISH: Elotes
RESTAURANT: Super Loco
Accolade awarded by Chef: Nixon Low
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Enjoy a pair of Elotes at $8+ only (1-for-1 offer). Valid from 4 to 5 Nov 2016, during Dinner only (not available for weekend Brunch). Quote “SRF Elotes” to Super Loco team during the festival period

3. 8 Colours Set by Eight Korean BBQ

Here’s the ultimate treat.

Eight strips of pork belly, marinated differently, will be grilled right in front of you. They’ll then be dipped into various sauces.

Eight ways of marination: Original, Wine, Kalbi, Curry, Miso, Red pepper, Garlic and Herb.

You can then add your own pickles, and wrap them up in fresh green lettuce, a la Korean style – before stuffing them into your mouth. You’ll be in food heaven in no time.

Every marinated piece of pork belly would make you go “SHIOK”!!!

DISH: 8 Colours Set
RESTAURANT: Eight Korean BBQ
Accolade awarded by Chef: Bjorn Shen
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: –

4. Breaded Shrimp With Salmon Aburi by JJ.com Fish Mart

The breaded prawn was a super plus point to this dish!

Here’s a winning combination: the freshness of the salmon and the crispy and sweet breaded prawn.

DISH: Breaded Shrimp With Salmon Aburi
RESTAURANT: JJ.com Fish Mart
Accolade awarded by Chef: Cheryl Koh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Dish is priced at $14.80, valid from 4-5 November 2016

5. The Gambler by The Butchers Club Burger

This is the best burger we’ve ever tasted!

A very crispy, juicy and tender chicken is sandwiched between buttered and toasted soft bun. Topped with hot sauce and creamy mayo (with blue cheese), this was a party in our mouths.

DISH: The Gambler
RESTAURANT: The Butchers Club Burger
Accolade awarded by Chef: Anthony Yeoh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Free upsize (including bottle beers, cold brew coffee or milk shake) with every order of ‘The Gambler’ for set lunch on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm (usual price $22.80++)

6. Rasmalai by RAS The Essence of India

A traditional Indian dessert that was really well done – it concluded our meal perfectly with a refreshing after taste.

DISH: Rasmalai
RESTAURANT: RAS The Essence of India
Accolade awarded by Chef: Cheryl Koh

7. Gambas al Ajillo by My little Spanish place

All prawn lovers need to order this. A very simple yet fragrant and flavourful dish

The bread served along it was soft in the inside and crispy on the outside, and was a very good dipping medium for the sauce.

Ordering a glass of cava sangria on their menu to go along with this dish would do no harm for the night.

DISH: Gambas al Ajillo
RESTAURANT: My little Spanish place
Accolade awarded by Chef: Nixon Low
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Special Price: $14 (U.P. $16)

8. The 79 by Ô Comptoir

A savoury galette that went perfectly with their apple cider.

Every bite was a mouthful of bacon, cheese, potatoes and onion. Definitely worth it!

DISH: The 79
RESTAURANT: Ô Comptoir
Accolade awarded by Chef: Anthony Yeoh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: A glass of cider will be served for free for every ‘The 79′ ordered during the Singapore River Festival period.

With such good food, evident in carefully handpicked SR Signatures’ dishes, Singapore River Festival 2016 is a must visit. Savour all these delectable dishes and take a breezy stroll along the river and appreciate how far Singapore and our Singapore River has come!

To find out more about Say Cheese! This Food Truck Stocked Full With Artisanal Cheese Will Make You Melt With Pleasure

Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More!

Hai Di Lao? Yes, you heard it. When it comes to this legendary hotpot establishment, tales abound. By now, you must have amassed your own encyclopaedia of “black market” Hai Di Lao tips to take your Hai Di Lao experience to greater heights.

To add to your plethora of knowledge, we have gone undercover and infiltrated the depths of the Hai Di Lao world, right down to unearthing their new outlet in VivoCity!

Today, we are proud to present our findings – Hai Di Lao tips that are 100% legit and guaranteed to work.

Queue-killing hack

To beat the queue, arrive very early… anytime before 5pm is fine. Preferably, call before you head down. Otherwise, you’ll be faced with a horrendous queue that’ll shock the living daylights out of you.

Anytime from 10 pm is good, as the dinner crowd would be gone by then and Hai Di Lao is open till 6 am.

To ensure that your table is ready by 10pm, call in early to take a queue number and let them know that you’ll arrive at 9pm.

[caption id="attachment_16494" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credits: Hai Di Lao[/caption]

Each time you dine there, you will chalk up points, which can be used to redeem gifts at no extra charge.

Every $1 you spend entitles you to 1 point. The gifts change every 6 months, so snap up that Philips steam iron before it disappears!

#1 Soup hack – thick (浓) soup base

To get the most bang for your buck, be sure to request for thick (浓) soup base during refills. Otherwise, what you get will be a more diluted version of the original soup base.

They’ll hand you a bowl of thick (浓) soup, but don’t pour it all in at once! Instead, you can adjust how thick and savoury you want your soup to be.

#2 Soup hack – 4 soup bases

If you believe that variety is the spice of life, Hai Di Lao offers 4 soup bases at virtually the same price, or even cheaper, as compared to that of 1 or 2 soup bases.

The price of 4 soup bases also depends on your ultimate choice and combination of soup. Based on our experience, it was always cheaper or the same price as choosing 2 soup bases.

[caption id="attachment_16493" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: youngberghill

If you come with wine or alcohol, Hai Di Lao will even open your bottle and serve it to you and your companions, free of charge!

Now, who’s up for a glass of spirits?

Mini pot hack

If you think germs and bacteria are creepy… or if your idea of fashion is a Hazmat suit, Hai Di Lao’s individual hot pots are perfect for you.

Credits: Credit: be the next Freddy Krueger try Hai Di Lao’s paper crane challenge.

[caption id="attachment_15563" align="aligncenter" width="1532"] Credits: wfenzz[/caption]

For every 30 paper cranes you fold, Hai Di Lao will reward you with a free $6 dish of your choice.

Fret not if you do not know how to fold these cranes, the staff will teach you how!

Health hack

Fats? *shudders* Coagulated fats? *fear intensifies* 

Congratulations, you have just discovered the hidden horror… and we’ll let you know how to overcome it. Not with a crucifix, but with your trusty ol’ ladle!

The longer you boil your soup, the more concentrated it becomes. This causes the soup to become loaded with nitrates, fats and excess protein.

[caption id="attachment_16186" align="aligncenter" width="1824"] Credit: butter believer[/caption]

That white film floating on the surface of your soup isn’t the trail left by the Loch Ness monster.

It’s actually coagulated fats, nitrates and protein, which is no good for you. So, ladles up, and scoop away the white stuff!

Redeemable manicure hack

Who would pass up the opportunity of a free manicure? Not me!

The good news is, Hai Di Lao’s renowned manicure services are redeemable. Should the long queue prevent you from getting your manicure before dining, all is not lost.

[caption id="attachment_16496" align="alignnone" width="640"] credit: cdn-geo dayre[/caption]

Should you wish to celebrate your grandma’s birthday there, the restaurant also offers a free platter of longevity buns to senior citizens on their special day.

This is in addition to the small gift that Hai Di Lao will present to the birthday guest, and the birthday songs that they will croon in 3 different languages.

[caption id="attachment_16185" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] credit: c3.staticflickr[/caption]

Protect-your-phone hack

A cracked phone screen is the ultimate nightmare for every phone user. This is why Hai Di Lao offers free phone screen protectors to keep your phone screens shiny and spanking new.

[caption id="attachment_16198" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-09, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Telephone numbers: +65 6250 7557 (for reservations) +65 6250 7667 (for enquiries)
Opening hours: 10.30am – 6am

Price: varies depending on the dishes ordered
Official website:

Header image credit: where to get Hai Di Lao soup base!