Location: East

Changi Airport Terminal 4 Automated Not Just The Departure Process, But Also Its Cleaning Aunties

Changi Airport has long been a source of national pride and joy.

A world class airport that’s received multiple awards and accolades, it seems Changi Airport can do no wrong. With the unveiling of Terminal 4, Changi Airport has upped the ante, especially on the tech front.

The theme of Changi Terminal 4 is “vibrant, fun and positively surprising”, and passing through the airport, there are fun, surprising features lurking in places you might not expect. With petal motifs, an eclectic array of chairs and seating surfaces, and rounded lines permeating the space, the vibe of this terminal is certainly a change from that of Changi’s other terminals.

A Fully Automated Departure Process

One key difference between Terminal 4 and the rest of the terminals is that T4 boasts a fully automated departure process – a feature that may be particularly exciting for those of you who are constantly travelling.

This automation is helped by state-of-the-art facial recognition technology that’s integrated within the self-service stations that span every point of the departure process, from check-in to bag drop, to immigration, to boarding.

The benefit of that to travelers? Less queues, less waiting around, and greater convenience in general.

Many of you may already be familiar with some of these technologies, such as the automated check-in kiosk, automated bag drop and automated immigration gate. While not entirely new, T4 has implemented an added layer of security (i.e Facial Recognition Technology) to several of these self-service stations, i.e. bag drop and immigration.

At these stages, the self-service station will verify your identity with the use of photo captures of your face.

The boarding gate is also automated, and will also comprise a photo verification step. Hopefully, this will mean shorter waiting times when boarding your flight!

Centralised Security Screening

Owing to its relatively small size, Changi’s Terminal 4 will have a centralised security screening. That is, instead of getting your carry-on items checked at your gate, all passengers will have their carry-on luggage screened at one place.

This stage of the departure process boasts some shiny new pieces of tech and a long overdue solution to the bottlenecks that happen in the carry-on items screening process.

Instead of having to use multiple trays and to remove your laptop, phone, and all your devices at this point, at T4, you can just dump all your carry-on items into one large tray, and push that onto the conveyor belt. The items are then passed through a stronger hospital grade Computed Tomography scan for screening.

Bags that are good to go are streamed into one lane, and bags that are flagged are streamed into a second lane, where a security officer will instruct you to open your bag for a manual check. For bags that have no issue, simply remove your item(s). The tray will then disappear down a slot and be returned to the start of the line!

Automated Cleaning Auntie

Another thing – or job – that’s been automated at Changi’s Terminal 4 is cleaning.

You’ll notice adorable robots like these rolling around the airport, keeping the complex clean.

Dressed in the same yellow uniform as Changi’s cleaning staff, these “cleaning aunties” are able to detect objects in front of them, and will stop when an obstruction is detected; just make sure you don’t get in the way of them doing their jobs!

Immersive Entertainment Experiences

Those of us who’ve been to the airport often enough will know one thing about Changi Airport – it’s big on art.

With T4, Changi delivers a spectacular art-entertainment display in 2 locations – the Central Departure Security Screening Area and the Heritage Zone.

At the Central Departure Screening Area, you’ll find a 70m x 5m Immersive Wall. The LED display will show 1 of 17 different immersive pieces of content, each of which lasts between 2 – 4 minutes. Every 10 minutes, you’ll be treated to either a mesmerising display of ASEAN landmarks, the iconic sights and skyline of Singapore (e.g the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade), or an animation that will delight both young and old!

Another feature that floored us was the Peranakan Love Story at the Heritage Zone.

Upon entering the Heritage Zone, you’ll see a stretch of colourful shophouses. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that if viewed from left to right, it shows the evolution of this style of home, from the Baroque design (1880 – 1900), to the Rococo style (1910-1920), to the Peranakan style (1920 -1936), to Modern decor (1936 – 1950).

A beautiful facade, you wouldn’t think two of these shophouses are in fact LED screens – that is, until it transforms into a theatre.

The digital wall transitions seamlessly into a theatre, screening the stunning Peranakan Love Story. The six-minute musical tells the story of a romance between two next door neighbors who are both passionate musicians. Look closely and you’ll notice familiar faces including Adrian Pang, Benjamin Kheng, Koh Chieng Mun and Amy Cheng. Created in collaboration with Singaporean composer and artiste, Dick Lee, the film is a visual spectacle with its effortless transitions and charming story.

See It All For Yourselves!

Curious to check out the tech and art for yourselves?

You won’t have to wait much longer because Changi Airport Terminal 4 will be conducting an open house from 7 – 20 August!

Head down, check out all the brand new features, and fantasize about your next adventure abroad while you’re there!

Also read The Ultimate Guide To Cafe Hopping In Melaka – 17 Hipster Cafes That Will Give You #Goodvibes

Raise The Woof On Your Dog’s Birthday With Treats From These 5 Pet Bakeries

Your pet’s birthday (or barkday) is round the corner. Sure, the fur kiddos may not actually know what the occasion is, but why not treat them to some birthday goodies anyway? Put the kibbles aside for a day and pamper your pet with baked treats from these paw-some bakeries.

1. Barking Good

This artisanal pet bakery serves up tons of pet-friendly treats that are preservative-free, made from all-natural and human-grade ingredients and AVA-licensed to boot. (And yes, the grub here is in fact barking good.)

Get a bouquet of floral-decorated Pupcakes ($30) or indulge in a made-to-order whole Personal Cake (from $28)! Think juicy, succulent meat fillings on the inside, frosted with your favourite colours on the outside.

Besides the usual baked goods, Barking Good also doles out unconventional pet treats fresh from the kitchen. Get your pup a Pizza Thin ($18) made of lean, minced meat and assorted vegetables baked into a crispy cheddar & apple thin-crust base.

And when durian season comes around, your fur kids can indulge in the nation’s favourite fruit too. Treat them to some of Barking Good’s Durian Tartlets ($17)—made from durian, organic oat flour, organic brown rice flour and eggs.

Barking Good
Address: 128 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #01-1849, Singapore 560128
Contact no.: 8121 0241
Website

2. The Barkery

From broths to cakes, The Barkery is where you can pick up some luxury eats for your posh pooch.

Indulge your pet in a slow-cooked bone broth ($9.80 for 350ml) that’s cooked for over 48 hours, made of real beef and pork bones, and frozen into adorable bone and paw-shaped blocks. Or treat them to a hearty serving of mutt-loaf ($15) made of ground meat and vegetables!

Planning a party for your paw pals? Order up one of The Barkery’s signature Big Paws ($68). This massive cake feeds up to 15 dogs, and sure packs a punch while making for a nutritional treat—it’s made with minced meat, wholemeal flour, rolled oats, molasses, eggs and celery.

The Barkery
Address: 326 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427583
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 10am – 6pm
Website

3. Bossi Paws

If adorable cake designs are what you’re looking for, Bossi Paws is the place to check out.

Go crazy and order an extravagantly decorated birthday cake for your pup’s next barkday, or pick up a batch of made-to-order pupcakes to simply spoil your furry kiddo with.

The cakes here are so Cake Boss-worthy, they’ll definitely up your ‘gram game. Think sweet treats made in the stylings of a massive sushi, topped with salmon chunks, and delicately-frosted pupcakes beautified with strawberries that are cut to look like flowers.

Bossi Paws
Address: 110 Turf Club Road, Singapore 288000
Contact no.: 8858 6661
Website

4. Feed My Paws

The cakes at Feed My Paws are handmade with lots of love by professional dog-sitter-slash-cake-maestro Crystle.

Her pet-food business started in her days of pet-sitting, where she’d make nutritional and healthy meals from scratch for the pets in her care. Crystle also keeps up a DIY recipe blog, if you’re looking for some food inspo!

Variety is the name of the game here. Feed My Paws does it all, from Mini Donuts ($22.50+) to cheese crackers and organic pupcakes. Feed My Paws also doesn’t forget the feline friends! Here, you can pick up a treat for your cat in the form of Salmon Chips ($15) or tasty Fish Jerky ($9).

Feed My Paws
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 12pm – 6pm; Sat: 12pm – 2pm; Closed on Sun & Mon
Website

5. The Snoring Dog Gourmet

When you’re man’s best friend, you surely deserve nothing but the best. The Snoring Dog is where you’ll get it.

Specialising in custom-made fancy cakes, The Snoring Dog’s kitchen doles out elaborately-decorated layer-cakes complete with custom figurine cake-toppers.

The figurines are made of polymer clay, carved according to your dog’s dietary needs or party theme, and in the image of your pup. Who can say no to a mini Lucky!

The Snoring Dog Gourmet
Address: 47 Mandalay Rd, Singapore 308227
Opening hours: Thu – Tue: 10am – 6pm; Closed on Wed
Website

With these great bakeries, you and your fur kid will be spoiled for choice, so ditch the dog food and let them eat cake!

Want to pamper your pup even further? Check out some pet-friendly hotels in Singapore that will treat your dog like royalty.

(Header Image Source: Feed My Paws)

We Tried Glamping For The First Time And It Was As Awesome As It Looks

If you own a Tumblr or a Pinterest account, you’ll probably have seen picture of glamping – large, spacious tents furnished with stylish bedding, cushions, and accessories.

For those of you who are coming across the term ‘glamping’ for the first time, it’s a combination of two words that typically don’t go together: ‘glamourous’ and ‘camping’. Like the term suggests, glamping is camping with a chic twist.

Now, this Instagram-worthy trend is available on our very own Singaporean shores!

With Glamping Society, you won’t have to move a muscle – all the heavy lifting is done for you. Everything is set up nicely for you, so all you have to do is bring your own clothes, toiletries, and entertainment.

Here’s what went down during our 2 day 1 night glamping experience at East Coast Park.

Our 2D1N Experience At East Coast Park

Because a total of 20 of us were glamping, Glamping Society gladly accommodated our request to have 3 tents. While each of the bell tents can accommodate up to 6 people, we felt that the main tent (the most spacious tent) was big enough to fit 2 or 3 more people comfortably – you just need to bring your own extra sleeping bags.

When we saw the tents fully set up, we were impressed by how pretty it was.

The plush cushions, fairy lights, buntings, and overall bohemian look provided the perfect setting for hipster Instagram photos that’ll make your friends green with envy. There was even a big flamingo float in the main tent! While it was pretty random, we have to say it made for some pretty cool photos.

While the two smaller tents didn’t match up to the main tent in terms of decorations, it was still comfy and welcoming with amenities like airbeds, cushions, a fan, a mini bar, and a cute picnic basket.

We were pleasantly surprised by the snacks and chilled drinks provided. Unlike the mini bar of a hotel, you won’t have to pay extra for consuming the goodies they’ve provided. Another treat we didn’t expect was the working fan – a clever touch that ensures it doesn’t get stuffy in the tent!

Thankfully, it wasn’t as hot as we thought it would be. The only thing some of us were really bummed out about was that no towels were provided, so we couldn’t bathe. (Glamping Society has stopped providing towels due to the constant damage.)

In all, we had a lot of fun barbequing, playing card games, and lounging on the airbeds as we stayed up all night talking.

The location of our tents offered pretty views of the sea and this was the beautiful view we woke up to:

Verdict

Taking into consideration factors like comfort, aesthetics, space, amenities, and cleanliness, here’s what we loved, what we didn’t love as much, and a couple of tips for you to keep in mind for your own glamping adventure!

Things We Loved

What we loved most about our experience had to be the pretty decorations. They made for pretty photos and gave the tents a romantic, cosy atmosphere at night – great for heart to heart sessions with friends and even better for cuddling with your partner!

We also loved that the main tent was spacious enough to fit all 20 of us. A refreshing alternative to a hotel staycation, it was definitely a unique experience for all of us. We also liked that snacks were provided – these came in very handy when we were hungry in the middle of the night!

Things We Didn’t Love As Much

While our experience was great for the most part, we wish the two smaller tents were jazzed up a bit more. A flashlight would have been a handy addition to the amenities, especially since it was quite dark out at night. Another issue we had was that the air beds deflated with time, but at least they provided us with air pumps that made it easy to re-inflate them.

Tips To Make The Best Of Your Glamping Experience

1. Check out the map before deciding where to set up camp

We stayed at Area G, which is very far away from the main hub of East Coast Park.

While this might mean peace and quiet away from crowds, you won’t be able to find any food near you. If you pick this location, make sure you bring plenty of snacks and drinks to avoid going hungry or thirsty!

Also, consider where the public toilets are when picking your tent location. You don’t want to have to walk a distance when you need to take a leak in the middle of the night. So, make sure you check out the map before deciding on where to set up camp to ensure you get the most ideal glamping spot!

2. If you intend to have a BBQ, book pits in areas D and G

If you intend to have a BBQ party while glamping, you can request for your tent(s) to be pitched near certain BBQ pits. Just note that the official camping sites are areas D and G, so be sure to book the BBQ pits in those areas.

3. Zip up your tents before settling in for the night

If you’re not a fan of bugs, zip up your tents fully before settling in for the night. You don’t want to have to deal with a cockroach entering the tent at 3am in the morning like we did.

4. Bring your own entertainment

While Glamping Society provides plenty of luxurious amenities, you’re in charge of creating your own fun. Bring card games, portable speakers to blast your favourite songs (Glamping Society also no longer provides speakers due to constant damage), a guitar, and good company for a truly fun time!

In all, we had a blast glamping. The tents were pretty, clean, spacious and sleeping arrangements were comfortable – at least for most of us. A totally unique experience, this is definitely something you should try at least once in your life!

To book a tent for yourself, check out their website here.

Also read Welcome To The Dark Side – These 13 Black Foods Will Surely Soot Your Tastebuds

Welcome To The Dark Side – These 13 Black Foods Will Surely Soot Your Tastebuds

Black – we love to wear it, we love it on makeup, we love to… eat it?

Black coloured foods seem to be the next big food trend and we think you’ll be seeing more of these dark, moody foods all over your Insta-feeds. From sinful desserts to devilish mains, with foods as black as our hearts, we’re not going to say no.

We’ve rounded up some of the blackest foods in Singapore, so let your inner goth come alive with these cold, black treats.

1. 黑 “Hei” Rice ($22) – Paddy Hills

This signature dish consists of the OG black food, squid ink pasta, tossed with a generous amount of crayfish, scallops, prawns, clams, and squid. The pasta is infused with the natural taste of the sea from the squid ink, and the sauce is briny and flavourful. While squid ink pasta is not hard to find across our little island, this is one of the better squid ink pastas you can get in Singapore.

Pasta Brava
Address: 11 Craig Road, Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.45am – 2.15 pm (lunch), 6.15pm – 10.15pm (dinner); Closed on Sun & PH

4. Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns ($14) – Dolcetto by Basilico

Black Magic[/caption]

You may have chanced upon this all-black dessert before. Now, it’s back again in all its glory. The magic unfolds in an intricately designed medley of black sesame panna cotta, squid ink profiterole, crispy charcoal biscuit, lace tulle, black berries, with a chocolate wand. A tasty and quirky combination that works wonders!

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat & Sun: 10am to 10pm; Closed on Mon

10. Foie Gras Macaron ($12) – Hashida Garo

[caption id="attachment_27604" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: 

To beat the heat, come to the dark side with KokoPanda’s black frozen yoghurt, made with charcoal and roasted coconut husk.

It’s a tangy, refreshing and absolutely yummy alternative to ice cream. What’s more, it’s also a much healthier choice as it comes topped with superfoods. These include dried strawberry, apple, pear, persimmon and Jeju tangerine, as well as caviar bubbles made with real fruit juice.

A single topping with the base froyo will cost $4.90, while a froyo with 3 toppings will cost $5.90, with additional toppings priced at $0.80 each.

KokoPanda
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B2-60, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm

12. Homemade Black Soy Ice Cream ($4.90 for Regular, with 2 toppings) – Dofu

This grand tower consists of fine milk shavings topped with a generous layer of black sesame and kinako powder, a heap of red beans, and a scoop of ice cream. Feast your eyes on the Black Sesame Bingsu, a slayer at Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café that for good reason, has garnered its own fan club.

Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café
Address: 534 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188749 | #02-25 Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509 | 227 Upper Thompson Road Singapore 574359 | The Midtown Singapore, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road #01-14, Singapore 534785
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily (North Bridge Road branch) | Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm (Century Square branch)

It seems when it comes to food, black is now the new black. With all the multi-coloured and ombre foods and drinks we’ve been seeing lately, this is definitely a refreshing and much welcomed change.

If you’re in the mood to try something new, check out these deliciously dark eats. And of course, make sure to bring a mirror with you–you don’t want to be out in public with black stuff all over your teeth!

Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button

These 10 Places Serve Waffles That Are Sweet, Savoury, And Batter Than The Rest

Waffles are such a versatile food. You can have them sweet or savoury, and you can have them any time of the day.

Although they can be found everywhere, not all waffles are created equal. The perfect waffle is fragrant, light, with just the right amount of crunch. From taro waffles to Korean fried chicken waffles, here is a list of the best waffles in Singapore. Try not to salivate while reading.

For those with a sweet tooth,

1. Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe

Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe is probably one of the more underrated cafes selling waffles in Singapore. Their waffles are baked to the perfect level of crispiness, while remaining moist within, and the texture of the waffle is consistent throughout.

The Pandan Ice Cream with Gula Melaka Sauce Whoa’ffles ($9.50) was rich with local flavours. Instead of honey or chocolate sauce, Hatter Street drizzles Gula Melaka over the waffles. The Pandan Ice Cream was a nice accompaniment, with its light pandan fragrance. The waffle was perfect for soaking up the mixture of Gula Melaka and the melted scoop of creamy ice cream.

Hatter Street Bakehouse & Cafe
Address: 212 Hougang Street 21,#01-333, Singapore 530212
Opening Hours: Daily, 1pm – 10pm
Chocolate Root Beer Float Waffle (Image Credit: Burpple User Cafehoppingkids .)[/caption]

The Chocolate Root Beer Float Waffle ($12) is an aesthetically pleasing dessert creation. The rectangular waffle comes with a chocolate chip cookie, and an ash grey charcoal vanilla soft serve to top it all off. The charcoal soft serve had a hint of root beer in every mouthful, which did not overwhelm the original vanilla taste.

Because Red Velvet is so 2015, The Cold Pantry has taken their waffles to the next level by introducing Pink Velvet Waffles with Baileys Coffee Ice Cream and Sea Salt Caramel drizzle ($13.50). The rose-infused waffle and slightly bitter Baileys Coffee Ice Cream combo is a sure-win on two fronts: your stomach and your Instagram feed.

The Cold Pantry
Address: 88 Rangoon Road, #01-01, Singapore 218374
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 4pm – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 12pm – 1opm
Website

3. Froth

Served with one scoop of gourmet ice cream, the Taro Waffles ($15.90) has a rich taro taste, with beautiful purple hues. The waffle screams “Taro Heaven” as there was taro infused within the batter, and a generous spread of yam paste all over the buttery waffles. While the ice cream is nothing too special, the waffles more than made up for it.

Froth Cafe
Address: Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, 2 Finlayson Green, Level 2, Singapore 049247
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 10pm; PH: 11.30am – 5pm; Closed on Sun
Image Credit: Facebook

5. PrimaDeli

PrimaDeli serves some of the best affordable waffles in Singapore. Done in a traditional Singaporean style, the waffles are dense and soft on the inside. They’re made fresh and right before your eyes when you order, so you can munch on them while they’re nice and warm.

PrimaDeli
Address: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road #B1-K09, Singapore 208539
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 10pm
For adventurous tastebuds,

6. Revelry

[caption id="attachment_27457" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The Revelry Signature Burffle (Image Credit: theurbanwire)[/caption]

For those of you who prefer your waffles savoury instead of sweet, Revelry is the place for you. They serve ‘Burffles’, a cross between burgers and waffles. The Revelry Signature Burffle ($18) comes with juicy beef patties, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese sandwiched between crispy waffles. The waffle quarters are crisp and light, making the dish less heavy on the stomach.

The Waffles Royale ($17.50) is a spin on the classic all-day breakfast favourite, Eggs Royale, but with a waffle in place of the usual English muffin. The waffle has a light, fluffy texture and with its subtle flavour, pairs nicely with the runny poached eggs and creamy Hollandaise.

Revelry
Address: 21 Lorong Kilat, #01-02, Singapore 598123
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Friday: 11am – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 10pm; Closed on Tue
Facebook

7. Griddy

Imagine old school waffles but with chunks of succulent meat piled into it. That’s what Griddy specialises in – savory waffles for adventurous foodies.

The Griddy Burger ($9.90) is generously stuffed with a juicy beef patty and black pepper mushrooms. With a relatively thin and buttery waffle, this waffle burger hybrid is a real crowd-pleaser.

Alternatively, try the Ocean Catch ($7.90). The golden brown fish fillet is tender, with bonito flakes and mayonnaise scattered and splattered over it. Fish and Chips lovers should definitely give this a try as the Ocean Catch is a unique twist on savoury waffles.

Griddy
Address: Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, #B2-K12, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
8. The Beast [caption id="attachment_27458" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Chicken & Waffles (Image Credit: 9. 23 Jumpin

Am I the only one who eats pizza without the crust? For those of you who shun the pizza crusts like I do, why not try the waffle ‘pizza’ at 23 Jumpin?

[caption id="attachment_27193" align="aligncenter" width="2448"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple User Alexander Chiew[/caption]

And if you want the best of both worlds? Simply opt for the half-half option of Mushroom and Hawaiian!

23 Jumpin
Address: The Commerze Building, 1 Irving Place, 01-25, Singapore 369546
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 9pm; Mon: 11am – 2pm
Website

10. Stateland Asian-Fusion Cafe

Many of you may know Stateland Asian-Fusion Cafe for their Red Velvet or S’mores Waffles, but how many of you have tried their newest creation–the Korean Fried Chicken Waffle?

The chicken was nicely fried, with a crispy outer layer and tender meat on the inside. Paired with a waffle that was tossed in cinnamon, this is a dish that we daresay even the Koreans can’t re-create.

Also, the kimchi slaw that is served on the side is so rich with flavour, you’ll be wishing there was more of it!

Stateland Asian-Fusion Cafe
Address: 32 Bali Lane, Singapore 189866
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 12pm – 10pm; Tue: 6pm – 10pm
Website

No matter your personal preference when it comes to waffles, I’m sure we can all agree that waffles can bring a smile to your face any day. So, text your friends and jio them out for a waffle date if your stomachs are up for it!

Also read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

This ‘EZ-Link System’ For Beer Lets You Drink To Your Heart’s Content And Pay By The Millilitre

If craft beers are your thing, you’ll love this down-to-earth establishment in eastern Singapore.

Tucked away in the coastal Changi Village is Little Island Brewing Co., a quaint little bar and bistro with much to say for itself.

Be your own bartender with LIBC’s most unique feature–beer you tap yourself.

All you’ve got to do is grab a stored value card, pick your poison, and sample as much as you like! Prices are tagged to the volume of liquid goodness you dispense.

[caption id="attachment_27259" align="aligncenter" width="839"] Image Credit:

LIBC originals include the refreshing Pale Ale (Whiter Shade of Pale), Golden Ale (Sister Golden Ale), Red Ale (Ruby Tuesday), Singapore Pale Ale (Oh Yeah) and creamy Irish Dry Stout (Black Magic).

Behind the vats is Stephen Spinney, an award-winning British brew master with more than a dozen years of professional brewing experience.

[caption id="attachment_27258" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit:

His craft beers are nothing short of authentic and delicious. Brewed in small batches on site, they’re all unfiltered, unfined and unpasteurised.

What’s best, with affordability at the heart of the business, you’ll only pay about $2 to $3 for 100 millilitres of happy juice.

That’s prices starting at just $10 a pint!

Succulent Meats

As tempting as it is to fill up on beer, you’ll want to spare some room for the (often beer-infused) food.

The dishes served at LIBC are just as mouth-watering, and are matches made in heaven with the drinks.

[caption id="attachment_27260" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit:

[caption id="attachment_27261" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: The fermentation tanks on display and the ’60s psychedelic-inspired beer labels add an unforgettable quirk too.

Little Island Brewing Co.
Address: Block 6 Changi Village Road, #01-01/02, Singapore 509907
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 11pm; Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6543 9100
A New Café Gem Has Opened Up On Rangoon Road, And It’s Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

(Header Image Source: 

Create Your Own Bespoke Ice Cream At These 5 Spots, Available From Monday To Sundae

We all love to eat ice cream, but every now and then, you get sick of eating the same old flavours. Ever been stuck in a predicament like this? We have, and we’ve got the perfect solution: make your own!

Make it extra nutty, extra fruity, extra chocolate-y, or cook up a crazy, wacky creation! Throw out the rule book and create whatever it is your heart so desires.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 places you can go to create your own ice cream, and from the start to the end, we’re sure you’ll enjoy every bit of the process.

1. Cold Rock Ice Creamery

Born out of the state of Queensland in the land down under, Cold Rock Ice Creamery has a catchy 4 step slogan: Choose it, Mix it, Smash it, Love it! That basically sums up what happens at this ice cream joint.

Cold Rock boasts an impressive range of ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavours.

2. Ice Cream Chefs

Opened over 10 years ago in 2007, Ice Cream Chefs is Singapore’s very own ice cream mixologist! They offer unique local ice cream flavours like kaya lotee, milo peng, and horlicks, alongside other cannot-go-wrong flavours like oreo cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly!

[caption id="attachment_25052" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: yimeimei56.blogspot.sg[/caption]

Armed with an array of mix-ins, watch as your creation takes shape on their frost-top, better known as the ‘chef’s rock’. For a taste of Singapore in ice cream-form, this is definitely an ice cream shop worth traveling for.

Ice Cream Chefs
Address: 12 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577727; 520 East Coast Road #01-06,  Singapore 458965;  2 Telok Blangah Way, SAFRA Mount Faber, #02-08 Singapore 098803
Contact no.: 64584849
Website 

3. Marble Slab Creamery

Founded in 1983 by chefs in Houston, Marble Slab Creamery is the pioneer when it comes to mixing ice cream on a frozen stone. Their main draw? Having a seemingly endless array of mix-ins to choose from!

Boasting 30 mix-ins, from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to Snickers Bars, to White Chocolate Chips, you’ll have a hard time deciding what should go into your ice cream. Have your ice cream in a cup or a freshly baked plain cone at no added charge!

A new addition to their selection of ice creams is ‘Coco Pure’,  a vegan, lactose free and gluten free coconut-based ice cream. If you’re lactose and gluten intolerant, you know what to do!

Marble Slab Creamery
Address: Causeway Point, Century Square, Changi City Point, Kallang Wave, The Star Vista
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: (Causeway Point) 6891 2346 | (Century Point) 6444 6477 | (Changi City Point) 6636 1841 | (Kallang Wave) 6702 3039 | (Star Vista) 6694 1927
Website

4. Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)

Hidden among some unassuming shophouses along Tanjong Katong Road is LICK, short-form for Little Ice Cream Kafe. Carrying a wide variety of flavours ranging from good old classics to zesty, fruity ones, to local favourites, there are always 25 flavours to choose from at any point in time.

Combine these yummy flavours with mix-ins such as nuts, cereals and chocolates, and watch the magic happen on a special granite slab. Keep a lookout for their daily promotions! Some days, you get to enjoy free mix-ins, while others, you get to enjoy half price on waffles!

Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)
Address: 258 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437046
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 12am; Sat: 12pm – 12am; Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Contact no.: 6440 8526

5. Cold Stone Creamery

Originating in Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery now has a mind-boggling 1,400 stores worldwide! That all attests to the popularity of their ice cream. Every ice cream served here is proudly called a “Creation”, because the people at Cold Stone believe each one is a work of art.

[caption id="attachment_26589" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit:
Address: Orchard Central (OC), Far East Square (FES), VivoCity (Vivo), HillV2 (HV2)
Opening hours: (OC) Daily, 11am – 11pm | (FES) Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm | (Vivo and HV2) Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: (OC) 6634 1015 | (FES) 6536 2420 | (Vivo) 6376 9352 | (HV2) 6710 7262

If you’re looking to create your very own sweet treat, head to one of these ice creameries and whip up something amazing. With so many ways you can customise your treat, you won’t ever have to complain about eating the ‘same old flavours’ again!

Also read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

(Header Image Source: Groupon)

Changi’s Jewel Is Like A Futuristic Playground – Bounce On Sky Nets And Play Among The Clouds

Changi Airport–the pride and joy of Singapore.

The best airport in the world for the 5th year running, it looks like that title isn’t going anywhere, especially with the addition of lifestyle complex Jewel Changi Airport.

A Tourist Attraction In Its Own Right

Beautiful on the outside, what lays within is even more amazing. Besides featuring an estimated 270 – 300 retail tenants (i.e. no lack of options when it comes to shopping and dining), what makes Jewel truly unique is that it’s also a playground for both adults and kids.

Canopy Park

The star of Jewel is undeniably Canopy Park, a 14,000 sq m space that occupies Jewel’s top floor.

Featuring bouncy sky nets, towering hedge mazes and so much more, the Canopy Park is an enchanting indoor garden that will ignite your sense of wonder, no matter your age!

Sky Nets

(Header Image Source:

Singapore: Asia’s Monte Carlo

Singapore is fast becoming the Monte Carlo of Asia and is often similarly described as the playground for the rich. Just 684 square kilometers in size, Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia and at a mere 2 square kilometers, Monaco is also punching well above its weight. The Asian country shares many characteristics of its European counterpart.

Singapore can boast a low crime rate, a green environment, and an enviable public transportation system. It is considered a great place to live (and in both countries, the life expectancy is over 85 years) as well as work and play, a description that is also attributed to Monaco.

In the 1970s, the Singapore Tourism Board started marketing the city as a venue for conventions and other organized events to increase occupancy rates. Eventually, occupancy rose as high as 90%, as a result. Singapore’s manufacturing sector is dwindling, but the services industries, which have been encouraged to thrive, have continued to create jobs. The World Bank has dubbed it one of the world’s “easiest places to do business” as there is high transparency, reliability, and a pro-business government. Singapore also increased its attractions within the last 10 years to include a Universal Studios theme park, gaming establishments, and the famed Singapore Flyer, a huge Ferris wheel experience with air-conditioned pods.

Singapore also enjoys a thriving street racing industry. The Marina Bay Street Circuit even closely resembles Monaco, drivers claim, so enthusiasts compete on a stage that feels right at home. The Singapore Grand Prix is Formula One racing’s original night race, run on a 5.073-kilometer street track through the city’s heart. The race is held at night to avoid the blistering temperatures of the day.

Singapore, like Monte Carlo, is also famous for its food festivals like the month-long food festival that was born in 1994 and is now an annual event organized by the Singapore Tourism Board. International chefs travel from all over the world to showcase delightful food to suit every palette. Clearly, Singapore is seeking to wrest that title of Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

Singapore also possesses a unique and diverse culture that will help attract the adventurous food lovers to its shores. Modern Singaporean culture (mod-Sin) merges with contemporary dining and is enriched by the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences.

The safety and cleanliness of the country are comparable to Monte Carlo. Spitting in the street and chewing gum are unheard of. Green spaces are also being created in Singapore, and the country received its first sought-after UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the botanic gardens and

IKEA Extends Shopping And Dining Hours Till 12MN This Ramadhan – Adds Halal Buffets To Menu

IKEA is a name that needs no introduction.

Whether you pronounce it ‘ee-kia’, ‘ee-kay-a’ or ‘eye-kay-a’, we can all agree that it’s great for two things: good, affordable furniture and meatballs.

This month, the Swedish company will be celebrating Ramadhan and Hari Raya alongside its Muslim friends by giving everyone a special treat between 26 May – 22 June.

IKEA Tampines Buffet Istimewa

For two weeks in June (12 – 16 June & 19 – 22 June), IKEA Tampines will be holding its very own buffet feast.

Limited to 200 seats, this Buffet Istimewa is priced at $19.90 for adults and $9.90 for kids. The buffet starts at 7pm and with limited seats available, we recommend grabbing a spot early!

IKEA Tampines Buffet Istimewa
Date: 12 – 16 June, 19 – 22 June
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Price: Adult: $19.90, Child: $9.90

IKEA Family Midsummer Buffet Dinner 

For one day only, IKEA is set to hold a buffet dinner for IKEA Family members to indulge in IKEA Favourites.

For $20 per pax, an IKEA Family member and 3 guests will be able to feast on a never ending supply of IKEA’s famed meatballs! Tickets are only available for purchase at the IKEA restaurant, so you’ll have to head down early to secure a spot!

IKEA Family Midsummer Buffet Dinner 
Date: 23 June
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm, 8pm – 10pm
Price: (Only applies to IKEA Family members & 3 guests) Early bird: $20/pax; Regular: $30/pax; Child: $10

Extended Hours & $2 Meal Deals 

For selected weekends in June, IKEA will be extending its shopping hours till midnight! That means you’ll be able to drop by IKEA to pick up that side table you’ve been eyeing, right after work.

IKEA knows that shopping can really work up an appetite, so they’re also offering an assortment of local eats at only $2 a bowl. From Curry Mee to Mee Rebus, dig into a comforting bowl of noodles after shopping the night away!

Extended Hours & $2 Meal Deals 
Date: 26 May – 17 June
Time: 9pm – 11pm

Love yourself some IKEA food? Make sure you seize this opportunity to feast, and make sure to share the love with all your Muslim friends!

IKEA Alexandra
Address: 317 Alexander Road, S159965

IKEA Tampines
Address: 60 Tampines North Drive 2, S528764

Also read, Grab Your Foodie Friends And “Buka Puasa” At These 11 Halal Buffets