Location: North-East

Ngee Ann City, Bishan And 6 Other Places You Didn’t Know Were Once Cemeteries

Did you know that Singapore has had over 21 cemeteries in the past? However, Singapore only has 3 active cemeteries now. The Lim Chu Kang cemetery, Pusara Aman Cemetery and Pusara Abadi Cemetery.

Due to the land scarcity that we face, graves had to be exhumed and cemeteries were cleared to make way for urban development. Today, many buildings stand atop old burial sites.

From HDBs to shopping malls, we’ve compiled a list of the places that were once cemeteries.

A Land With A Past

1. Fort Canning

Before it was Fort Canning, it was known as Bukit Larangan, which means “Forbidden Hill” in Malay. Built on it was an early Christian cemetery that was established there in 1822, and closed in 1865.

Following the closure of the Bukit Larangan Cemetery, the Fort Canning Cemetery was established.

The doll was subsequently removed by SMRT staff. But it is still creepy.

3. Novena MRT Station

There was another Jewish cemetery that was recorded to be located just north of Moulmein road, adjacent to Thomson Road and Newton Road. It was established just before the First World War.

However in 1985, the cemetery was closed and the area was reclaimed for the development of a then-new MRT station.

If you look at the map, the only MRT station there is Novena MRT station.

4. Ngee Ann City

The site where Ngee Ann City is standing on, used to be a Teochew Cemetery called ‘Tie Swah Ting’. It was established by the Ngee Ann Kongsi, a Chinese Teochew charitable association in 1845.

The cemetery spanned 72 acres of land and housed 25,000 to 30,000 graves. However, in 1957, the cemetery was cleared and some of the land was acquired by the government.

A 10-storey Ngee Ann building was built on the land, though it was demolished in 1985. Today, the Ngee Ann City Shopping Complex and Civic Plaza can be found at this old burial site.

Even though it has been disproved by Ngee Ann City’s architect, there is still a rumour going around in Singapore that the complex was designed to look like a Chinese tombstone.

Do you see that the flagpoles resemble joss sticks and the fountain in the civic plaza resembles wine offerings?

5. Caldecott Broadcast Centre

Caldecott Hill used to house a Chinese cemetery. The land was purchased to be used as a burial ground for Chinese people. However, the cemetery was closed to build a mansion.

Oddly enough, a fire broke out and razed the mansion to the ground, killing the whole family. The old Mediacorp Caldecott Broadcast Centre used to be situated on the hill.

Today, Woodleigh MRT station sits on part of the old cemetery and HDB has commenced work on turning the area into a housing estate with HDB flats and private houses that will be complete by 2018.

7. Bishan

Before Bishan became Bishan, it was a World War 2 battle site and subsequently a Chinese cemetery known as the Kampong San Teng cemetery.

The Chinese cemetery was eventually closed to make way for HDB estates and the kampong was renamed from San Teng to what we now know as, Bishan.

Honourable Mention

8. Bukit Brown

Did you know that Bukit Brown has an MRT station?

Yes, you read that right. Bukit Brown MRT station. If you’re squinting at your phone trying to spot Bukit Brown MRT station on the SMRT map, you won’t find it.

Bukit Brown MRT station is located somewhere between Caldecott station and Botanic Gardens station.

It is currently not in operation as the ‘station’ is located at an empty plot of land that’s smack dab in the middle of the Bukit Brown cemetery and the Chinese cemetery at Mt. Pleasant.

However, the government has announced plans to build a 4-lane road which will cut through Bukit Brown cemetery and the rest of the cemetery will be cleared to make way for new public housing town in 40 year’s time.

Singapore is a small country and eventually all cemeteries will have to make way for housing development. Would you live in an estate built over an old cemetery?

Also read Katy Perry Is Coming Back To Singapore In April 2018 For Her ‘Witness’ World Tour

(Header Image Source: Flickr User Nicolas Lannuzel)

14 Exhilarating Events And Food To End This Month On A High Note

We’re finally halfway through November and we can practically smell the candy canes and artificial snow (foam) on Orchard Road.

With just 2 more weeks to go until Christmas season is in full swing, here are more events and food for you to tank through to December.

Let’s do this!

Play & Discover

1. The Addams Family Musical Comedy

Along with Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Lurch the butler, and Thing the hand, everyone’s favourite fictional household, The Addams Family, will be here in Singapore from 15 Nov – 3 Dec, bringing us a musical comedy featuring an original tale.

The story goes that Wednesday Addams – all grown up now – has kept a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she is in love with a young man from a normal, respectable family. Find out what chaos ensues when the eccentric Addams clan meet with Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.

Fans of The Addams Family, this is a hilarious show you won’t want to miss. Tickets are already on sale and are priced from $86.80* – $146.80*, so grab yours while they’re still available!

Purchase your tickets to The Addams Family here.

The Addams Family
Venue: MES Theatre at Mediacorp, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Date: 15 Nov – 3 Dec 2017
Price: CAT 1: $146.80* | CAT 2: $120.80* | CAT 3: $86.80*

*Discounted prices available only on Hapz.

2. Let’s Go Jalan Jalan

“Let’s Go Jalan Jalan” is a food and music festival that brings all the most iconic things about Singapore – both new and old – to one place.

Happening from 17 – 19 Nov, this three-day event will take place at the nostalgic The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park and will feature over 100 varieties of food and merchandise stalls.

Expect popular local cuisines such as Ice Blended Rainbow Dash, Rickshaw Noodles, traditional “You Tiao” with soya bean drink, the old school ice cream uncle, and more!

The event is pet-friendly and wheelchair-friendly, so bring your ah ma, ah gong, and even your furry ones to this festival come November! You’re sure to have a good ol’ time at this chill, hyper-local extravaganza!

Let’s Go Jalan Jalan
Address: The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park, 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540
Date: 17 – 19 Nov 2017
Time: 17 Nov: 5pm – 12.30am | 18 Nov: 10am – 12.30am | 19 Nov: 10am – 12.30am
Admission: Free
Website

3. OCBC Cycle 2017

The annual OCBC Cycle is back!

Happening from 18 – 19 November, OCBC Cycle is Singapore’s most happening cycling event. An event that brings together cyclists young and old, from the greenest to the most seasoned, everyone is welcome to be a part of this cycling fiesta.

OCBC Cycle 2017 has something for everyone, with 3 riding categories for people who just want to have a good time.

The Straits Times Ride is undoubtedly the highlight at this cycling extravaganza. A Super Hero-themed ride, come dressed in your favourite Marvel or DC heroes and heroines!

The Mighty Savers® Kids and Family Ride guarantees a great time for even the youngest of the pack. Children from as young as 2 years old can sign up, with the youngest tots taking part in the 100m course and older children getting 20 or 30 minutes on the circuit.

If you’d like to take it easy and go for a leisurely ride, go for The Corporate Bike Ride. Pick between the 23km The Straits Time Ride and the 42km The Sportive Ride, and take on the city with a group of at least 15 cyclists!

If you know you’re long overdue for some exercise, or just like sweating it out with like-minded people, register for OCBC Cycle 2017 here! And make sure to take your best pals along because everything is better when you do it with a friend!

OCBC Cycle 2017
Venue: Singapore Sports Hub 
Date: 18 – 19 Nov 2017
Website

4. It’s The Ship

Image Credit: brookings.edu[/caption]

The Projector is not your average cinema. On 17 November and 25 November, they’re screening Ridley Scott’s definitive Final Cut of the 1982 version of The Blade Runner, complete with extended scenes and never-before-seen special effects.

There will also be an afterparty at The Intermission Bar at The Projector, where Perilune will be playing for the attendees.

Tickets for the 17 November screening have been sold out but tickets for the 25 November are still available for purchase Website

6. Arts In Your Neighbourhood

[caption id="attachment_31272" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Arts For All[/caption]

Arts In Your Neighbourhood is back, and this time, it’s taking a journey to the West.

An initiative by the National Arts Council that happens twice a year, Arts In Your Neighbourhood has taken over neighbourhoods like Toa Payoh, Yishun, and Woodlands previously, bringing arts experiences to the doorsteps of Singaporeans living in these areas.

From 9 – 26 November, Arts In Your Neighbourhood is giving Jurong residents the same treatment with its interactive arts programmes that show a different side of Jurong.

Expect visual arts installations, performances, trails, stories, and more by established artists and arts groups happening across Jurong.

For the month of November, pop by these installations, watch these performances, or go on the trail! Who knows, you just may come away with newfound appreciation for your neighbourhood!

Arts In Your Neighbourhood
Address: Various locations
Date:  9 – 26 Nov 2017
Website

7. Harry Styles Live In Singapore 2017

[caption id="attachment_31497" align="aligncenter" width="1296"] Image Credit: Harry Styles Live In Singapore 2017 Facebook[/caption]

In case you didn’t hear the screams from the fangirls, Harry Styles is coming to Singapore for a one-night only performance at The Star Theatre on 23 November 2017!

Fans can expect hits from his self-titled debut album such as “Sign of the Times”, “Two Ghosts” and “Kiwi”, just to name a few.

Tickets are already sold out for the 2017 show but you can grab tickets for his May 2018 concert 8. Sole Superior 2017 [caption id="attachment_31507" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Sole Superior 2017 Facebook[/caption]

Sneakerheads of Singapore, listen up! Singapore’s premier sneaker and streetwear convention is returning for its fifth instalment on November 25.

As with every year, Sole Superior will be giving away a truck load of goodies. Every ticket comes with a raffle entry to a prize pool of over S$30,000 worth of products, ranging from snapbacks to feet heat.

A new addition this year is the Sole Superior Afterparty, jointly presented in partnership with Moonbeats Asia, which will be held in a secret warehouse in Tai Seng featuring top international DJs Falcons, The Whooligan and Yeti Out. For more info on the afterparty, check out the Facebook event page here.

Get your tickets on Sole Superior’s e-ticketing page 9. Treasures Of The Natural World [caption id="attachment_31277" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image Credit: marinabaysands.com[/caption]

Come 25 November 2017, the ArtScience Museum will host the ‘Treasures Of The Natural World‘ exhibition, which showcases the most significant treasures of the natural world.

Carefully selected from over 80 million specimens, over 200 treasures from London’s prestigious Natural History Museum will travel to Southeast Asia for the first time.

There will also be a treasure hunt, specially designed for children, families and schools, for the younger visitors to embark on a series of adventures, learning about nature and searching for wildlife.

Opening on 25 November 2017 through till 29 April 2018, do not miss out on this wondrous exhibition!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Treasures Of The Natural World
Venue: ArtScience Museum
Date: 25 Nov 2017 – 29 Apr 2018
Image Credit: Whisky Live Singapore 2017 Facebook[/caption]

Organised by Maison Du Whisky, Whisky Live Singapore is South-East Asia’s premier whisky and spirits event that began in 2010 and this year it is back for it’s eighth instalment from 25 November to 26 November!

The event sees over 70 whisky and spirit brands gathering for tasting, and also featuring some of the world’s most famous distilleries as well as upcoming notable brands.

This year, the event moves to Robertson Quay: TheatreWorks and Singapore Tyler Print Institute, and features top level masterclasses, a lineup of Singapore’s best cocktail bars, food partners and more!

Ticket prices go from $99 for a standard discovery pass for 1 person, to $900 for a 10 person group pass.

Hurry and purchase your tickets Venue: Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore, 238236
Date: 25 Nov – 26 Nov

If you’ve listened the DJ Snake’s “Lean On”, then you’ve heard MØ singing. Danish singer and songwriter Karen Marie Aagaard Ørsted, better known as MØ, is coming to Singapore on 26 November for the first time ever!

Performing with a full band, gather your friends an dance along to MØ’s beat-driven electropop and amazing vocals!

Tickets go from $78 for early bird tickets, to $272 for the Dance Buddies package.

Purchase your tickets here!

MØ Live In Singapore
Venue: Zouk Singapore, 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery, Singapore, 179022
Date: 26 Nov 2017
Price: Early Bird: $78, Standard: $88, Dance Buddies Package: $272 (excluding booking fee)
Image Credit: alt-J Live In Singapore
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Date: 29 Nov 2017
Image Credit: Etsy Made Local 2017 Facebook[/caption]

Etsy Made Local is back for its second instalment this Christmas!

Etsy Made Local is a national initiative that celebrates collectors, artisans and crafters from local communities in South-East Asia and Australia.

On 25 November, Etsy artisans will be selling their handmade products and vintage wares at the Capitol Piazza in celebration of the spirit of our local community.

Admission is free so bring your friends and family down!

Etsy Made Local 2017
Venue: Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178905
Date: 25 Nov 2017
Website

Eat

14. Tsuta Duck Ramen

[caption id="attachment_31202" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Kamo Abura Soba[/caption]

Ramen fans, there’s a new ramen coming to you, and this one comes courtesy of none other than Michelin-starred ramen restaurant Tsuta.

For their first year anniversary in Singapore, Tsuta has come up with not one but two ramen dishes, and the star ingredient is a meat we Singaporeans eat plenty of: duck.

After experimenting with different recipes and cooking methods for a year, Chef Yuki Onishi created 2 ramen dishes: the dry Kamo Abura Soba ($10), and Kamo Paitan Soba ($11) which is served in soup.

These ramen dishes will only be available from 4 November onwards and are exclusively available in Singapore. The next time you’re craving a hearty bowl of ramen, be sure to head down to your nearest Tsuta to eat it!

Tsuta
Address: Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, #01-01, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6734 4886
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Is Coming To A Stage Near You In March 2018

(Header Image Source: The Finder Singapore)

If You Like Blackball, This Dessert Shop Will Have You Questioning Your Loyalties

If you’ve been to Taiwan, you’ll know that one of the snacks the country is well-known for is its Jiu Fen Taro Balls.

Sold along the streets of bustling Jiu Fen, these coloured balls are chewy and are served alongside other ingredients such as sweet potato and green tea balls, in red bean, green bean or sweet potato soup.

A party of flavours and textures, if you’re a fan of these dessert bowls and are a strong believer that ‘the more the toppings, the better‘, you’ll love Nine Fresh‘s local spin on the Taiwanese classic.

Nine Fresh

If this is the first time you’re hearing of Nine Fresh, you’re missing out!

Nine Fresh is a dessert stop that has been serving up quality cups of the delicious dessert for almost 5 years now.

That is, cups of grass jelly, beancurd, or ai-yu jelly (or a mixture of the three) heaped with beans (red bean, green bean, pinto bean, eight treasure bean), balls (mini taro ball, taro ball, durian ball), flavoured pearl jelly (aloe vera, mango, lychee, passionfruit), black pearls, and many more toppings.

At Nine Fresh, they’re all about keeping traditions fresh, and recently, they’ve done exactly that by rolling out 2 new series of desserts.

Nine Fresh Goes Local

The first is its Local Flavours series, which consist of dessert creations inspired by some of our favourite local desserts, including Chendol and Cheng Teng.

The Chendol Cup ($3.80) has a grass jelly base and is topped with green chendol jelly, attap seeds, red bean, and taro balls.

With (almost) all the ingredients you’d typically find in a chendol dessert, this is a far less sweet variant of the coconut milk-heavy dessert.

The Cheng Teng Cup ($3.80) also has all the good stuff you’d find in the traditional dessert: pong tai hai, lotus nut, barley, and sago. These are served over a wobbly ai-yu jelly base. And of course, you can’t forget the taro balls!

As durian lovers, our favourite is the Durian Yin-Yang, a half beancurd, half grass jelly base that’s topped with black sugar jelly dice, taro balls, and a generous scoop of rich durian puree – yes, actual durian flesh. The flavourful and creamy durian, combined with the array of chewy and QQ ingredients in the cup make it a winner – and all for just $3.90.

Singapore’s Favourites, According To Data

Another exciting addition to Nine Fresh’s offerings is the Fanspiration Series, a bunch of cups and flavours that are essentially customer-generated.

The best-selling flavour and ingredient combinations based on Nine Fresh’s data, gathered from its create-your-own-cup promo this year, you can’t go wrong with these flavours that are beloved by many, many Singaporeans.

Some of these items in this series include the all-black The Black Cup ($2.90), the all-white The White Cup ($2.60), and The Yin-Yang Cup ($2.90), which is half black and half white – at least when it comes to the base.

If you simply can’t decide between the bases (or love them all equally), the Aww In One Cup cup contains all three of them.

This cup comes piled with black pearls, taro balls, and mini taro balls on top. If you’re a first timer to Nine Fresh, we suggest you go for this so you can sample a little bit of everything and figure out which you prefer!

From there on, you can customise your own cup and create your own perfect combination of ingredients.

With so many decadent desserts out there, from rich chocolate treats to lava toasts, Nine Fresh is – literally – a refreshing change from the lot.

Priced very affordable from $2 to $3.90 for one of their pre-set cups, Nine Fresh’s desserts are a lighter option with so much to offer in the way of taste and flavour!

The next time you’re craving a refreshing dessert, make sure to pop by one of Nine Fresh’s 16 outlets – you won’t be disappointed!

Nine Fresh
Address: Find your nearest Nine Fresh Also read This Thai Bakery Is Baking Up A Storm Of Fluffy Loaves – And You Knead To Try It 

21Moonstone Lets You Revisit Your Youth With Arcade Games, Cheap Booze, And Old School Snacks

Singapore has seen its fair share of bars situated in odd locations, from Smoke & Mirrors, the rooftop bar at the National Gallery Singapore, to The Library, which is hidden behind a bookcase.

Enter 21Moonstone, a bar located on the 9th floor of an old office building.

Situated on the 9th floor of Poh Leng Building at 21 Moonstone Lane (hence the name), this space is a creative co-working studio by day and a beer house by night – at least on Fridays and Saturdays.

A drastic change of pace from the trendy bars and swanky watering holes of Singapore, this bar is laidback and arty.

Think: exposed ceilings, mismatched lights, furniture, floorboards, art scattered around the space, and a giant traditional Chinese signboard!

Did you know most of the resources here are crowdsourced or donated by users of the space?

If you need some air, there is also outdoor seating (and standing) for you and your friends to make yourselves at home.

Great Minds Think Alike

21Moonstone was the brainchild of 4 friends who realised that they needed a communal space not just to work at but to hang out at.

Founded by Yang Er Tan, Jeremy Lim, Vincent Ho, and Narelle Kheng (of The Sam Willows!), each of them brings their own experience and knowledge to the table.

Welcoming freelancers, artists, photographers, and other creative minds, their intention is to establish a safe space for exchanging and generating new ideas.

Where Artistry Meets Celebrity

Considering that one of 21Moonstone’s founders is a celebrity in her own right, the place is no stranger to celebrities.

Drop by for some good, cheap alcohol, and who knows? You may even bump into some familiar faces!

21Moonstone is all about creating a casual setting for big groups of friends to chill and unwind. There’s even an old school arcade machine and card games you and your party can help yourselves to!

21Moonstone’s menu is straightforward, with a trim list of beers, ciders and a secret food menu.

You can’t go wrong with a bottle of Asahi ($8 per bottle) beer. If you’re looking for a change, we hear the Westmalle Trappist Dubbel ($12 per bottle) is founder Jeremy Lim’s personal favourite.

If you get the munchies, the bar offers old school snacks such as Muruku Ikan and Super Ring. Comfort foods such as nachos, seaweed chicken and luncheon meat are also available!

Because most of the food served here are simple finger foods, we recommend you come after dinner. Otherwise, there’s a good Fishhead Steamboat/Tze Char place downstairs called Tian Wai Tian where you can fill your stomachs before you go to 21Moonstone.

A low-key bar that’s big on good vibes, end your week on a good note at 21Moonstone!

21Moonstone
Address: 21 Moonstone Lane, Poh Leng Building, #09-01, Singapore 328426
Opening Hours: Fri – Sat: 8pm – 12am
Contact no.: 9187 0898
Website

Also read Laneway Festival Singapore 2018 Reveals Lineup Including The War On Drugs, Wolf Alice, And More

(Header Image Source: @jemplify)

BAKE Is Warming Up The Oven Again, And They’re Serving A Zesty Twist On Their Classic Cheese Tarts

If you’re reading this, you probably love cheese tarts as much as we do.

Well, rejoice because the good folks at BAKE are launching a new flavour on 29 September.

When Life Gives You Lemons…

Introducing the new Lemon Cheese Tart With Honey ($3.90/pc or $22/6pcs).

With the tanginess of the lemon cutting through and balancing the richness of the cheese mousse, each carefully-prepared tart is then coated with honey as a finishing touch. This creates a triple layer of flavour that melds together beautifully with each bite.

Singapore will be the only country outside of Japan to sell these limited edition cheese tarts.

The new flavour will be available at all BAKE outlets for a limited time from 29 September to 13 October so hurry down and grab a box to share with your friends and family!

BAKE Cheese Tart
Address: NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, #B2-34, Singapore 556083
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 10pm; Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6920 3960
Website

Address: WESTGATE, 3 Gateway Drive, #B2-04, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6265 1228

Address: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-33, Singapore 238801 
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Address: Tampines Mall: 4 Tampines Central 5, #B1-K7A, Singapore 529510
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm

Also read Prodigal Roasters Has The Most Bizarre Cheese Tart Flavors To Complement Their Seasonal Coffee Menu

(Header Image Source: BAKE Cheese Tart)

Your Room Will Smell Absolutely Scent-sational Once You Light Up These Candles

Candles come in so many shapes, sizes and smells, you can never have one too many!

Let’s face it, candles are pretty versatile and should become a necessity in every house.Not only to they do beautify your room, the scents they give off when lit will soothe your frazzled nerves and can freshen up any room almost immediately.

Plus, candles come in super handy if you are planning a romantic night in (if you know what I mean).

We waded through the tons of options out there and chose some of the more interesting scents that will make your house smell absolutely scent-sational.

1. Bath & Body Works – But First, Coffee! 

Revel in the smells of thatched bungalows and the salty sea breeze with Glasshouse‘s tropical scent.

The flowery yet tangy smells courtesy of cilantro, tangerine and orange blossoms will leave you with the thoughts of clear sandy beaches when you are actually in a hot and stuffy HDB flat.

Where to get it: Naiise outlets or online
Website

3. fresh – Sake

[caption id="attachment_30048" align="alignnone" width="720"] De-stress and de-mozzie (Image Credit: Artisan’s Garden)[/caption]

The Citronella Candle caught my nose with its grassy, floral smell that reminds me of the clean smell of wet grass.

Not only is citronella said to help reduce stress when used in aromatherapy, it also works as a mosquito repellent! Perfect for our tropical weather.

Artisan’s Garden sells the this candle in a small travel tin so that you can easily carry it around if you are thinking of going camping or traveling to tropical countries.

Where to get it: online
Use the holder to store trinkets once it’s finished (Image Credit: 6. NARS – Acapulco

[caption id="attachment_30051" align="alignnone" width="1196"] All candles come with the logo on it! (Image Credit: Beautyfreshfave)[/caption]

Yes, this is the same beauty brand that you find in Sephora. Not many people are aware that NARS carry candles (mainly because they don’t bring it to Singapore), which you have to buy through the NARS US website or Amazon.

And yes, the shipping fee is definitely worth it, because the candles can seriously compete with their make up range. My pick would be Acapulco, a chocolate-based candle that comes layered with traces of whipped cream and coffee beans. It’s delicious, but not overly sweet – kind of like dark chocolate.

Where to get it: NARS US website or Amazon
Such brew-tiful smells (Image Credit: TWG Tea)[/caption]

Another underrated candle from a brand that specialises in selling something else!

If you love the smell of your TWG tea, you can now get their candle version so that you can enjoy the delicious smells without having to brew a pot.

Their White Earl Grey Tea Scented Candle is a fresh, raw fragrance of bergamot and imperial silver needles that smells as good as it tastes.

Where to get it: online
Choose your poison of choice! (Image Credit: Spicy Orange And Hot Peppers Scent and Marijuanna-Weed Scent that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else.

Where to get it: online or through Etsy
Also read Gifs Are A Legit Art Form, And This Festival Dedicated To Them Proves It

(Header Image Source: Pinterest)

Prodigal Roasters Has The Most Bizarre Cheese Tart Flavors To Complement Their Seasonal Coffee Menu

Prodigal Roasters pride themselves on their own roasted beans, which differ every single month as they are constantly getting in new beans from all over the world.

But we think its the ultimate pairing of their freshly brewed coffee and interesting bizarre cheese tart flavors that got to us.

Their bizarre cheese tarts somehow works 

Get this, their bestseller is a Miso Cheese Tart, which tastes as delicious as it sounds bizarre. The miso caramel sauce is drizzled over a creamy cheese tart before its served. The sauce is kind of similar to salted caramel, but miso-style.

If you prefer your tarts to be on the chocolate-y side, go for their Rocky Road Tart. The thick and fudge-like chocolate is slightly bittersweet (it uses dark chocolate), and is full of crunchy nuts and chewy marshmallow.

Another interesting one to try is the Sweet Potato Tart, which is mixed with chocolate and tinged with the mellow sweetness from the sweet potato.

On a superfood diet? Get the Acai Cheese Tart.

Classic flavors like lemon meringue and creme brûlée are also on the menu if you want to play it safe.

Something more substantial?

Prodigal Roasts started out selling tarts, but have since expanded to selling hearty mains in limited portions. Just like everything else, the menu is not fixed, so there’s no saying what you’ll get.

The chefs at Prodigal Roasters are very open to ideas from customers, which results in pretty unusual dishes. If you really want to be kept updated on their latest food creations, follow their Instagram!

Just a couple weeks ago, they had an interesting burnt cream pasta, which comes topped with pomegranate, one week old fermented onions, capers, celery and dusted with coffee grounds. Your tastebuds will be working overtime! 

The only drawback is that these creations are not permanent fixtures on the menu (even though we think they deserve to be), but don’t be afraid to ask the chefs to whip something up on the spot.

They’ll try their best to oblige, although this is not always possible as they might not have the ingredients on hand.

Journey all over the world with their seasonal roasts

The guys at Prodigal Roasts love experimenting with their coffees as much as they love experimenting with their foods.

You can expect new coffee flavors every month as they are constantly trying out new bean profiles from all over the world. Taste coffees from Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Ethiopia, Thailand, Rwanda and more.

They also sell freshly roasted beans if you can’t get enough of your brew. Get some beans so that you can make your own cuppa whenever the cravings hit you.

Whether you’re a coffee lover or just want to try something new this cafe is definitely worth a trip to the heartlands for!

Prodigal Roasters
Address: Blk 625 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 #01-112, Singapore 560625
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 12pm – 10pm; Sat – Sun, 9am – 5pm; Closed on Wednesdays
Instagram

Also read Japan’s Famous Blinged Out Soft Serves Are Here, And They’re Sure To Give You A Gold Rush

(Header Image Source: Prodigal Roasters)

10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk

As Mid-Autumn Festival rolls around, it’s once again time to binge on mooncakes!

While we love a good traditional lotus paste mooncake, we have to admit, it’s the novel, intriguingly flavoured mooncakes that tend to grab our attention – and this year, there are plenty of these out there.

Alcoholic mooncakes, ice cream mooncakes, ‘liu sha‘ mooncakes… The list goes on.

Here are some of the most outrageously untraditional mooncakes we could find, and we think you’ll be hard pressed to pick just one to try.

1. Mandarin Orchard – Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass

Alcoholics, now you can even get your buzz from mooncakes!

Mandarin Orchard‘s range of Mini Snow Skin Mooncakes includes two boozy flavours – Lychee Martini And Chocolate, and Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass.

The Lychee Martini And Chocolate Mooncake releases a burst of crisp, citrusy chocolate into your mouth with every bite, while the Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass Mooncake leaves a lasting impression as each mouthful reveals yet another layer of subtle flavour.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore 
Address: 333 Orchard Road, 238867
Contact.: 6831 6320/6831 6262
2. Grand Hyatt – Violette & Gin

Ain’t nobody got time for old school mooncakes when there are alcoholic snow skin mooncakes to be eaten.

[caption id="attachment_29501" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Pretty mooncakes in a pretty box (Image Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore)[/caption]

Grand Hyatt is adding a new creation to their growing list of alcohol infused mooncakes: Violette & Gin, which comes infused with Tanquert No. Ten Gin and a crème de violette liquor for a delicate, floral twist. 

Another must-try is the Strawberry-Lime-Tequila Truffle, a fruity yet intense mooncake with a kick. Their snow skin mooncakes are available at $69 for a box of eight.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
Address: 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
Contact.: 6738 1234
3. Bakerzin – Butterscotch Baileys Snow Skin

Can a person get drunk on mooncakes? Probably not.

[caption id="attachment_29502" align="aligncenter" width="460"] (Image Credit: Bakerzin)[/caption]

But that’s not going to stop us from trying all the alcoholic mooncakes out there.

Bakerzin‘s Prestige Collection ($56) will make your inner alcoholic rejoice, with four different spirits to try. Each box comes with two pieces each of Apple Vodka Snow Skin, Butterscotch Baileys Snow Skin, Coconut Liqueur Snow Skin, and Latte Kahlua Snow Skin mooncakes. You won’t even know where to start!

Bakerzin
Contact.: 6455 8885 
Website

4. Old Seng Choong –  Cranberries With Choya

Old Seng Choong may be well-known for its old school bakes and cakes, but head pastry chef, Daniel Tay, definitely knows how to take things up a notch.

[caption id="attachment_29503" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Alcohol heaven with the Four Heavenly Beauties (Image Credit: Besides the usual mooncakes, Old Seng Choong wants you to meet the Four Heavenly Beauties ($60.80), a quartet of snow skin mooncakes that will stimulate your senses. The flavours are Cranberries with Choya, Passionfruit with Martini Mint, Coffee with Whisky, and Chocolate Rum, all of which are as aromatic as they are flavourful. 

Old Seng Choong
Address:#05-04, 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
Contact.: 6282 0220
5. Shangri-La – Yuzu Bird’s Nest

While it seems like everyone is trying to one up each other in terms of who can come up with the most outrageous, most unexpected mooncake filling, we think Shangri-La‘s ones take the cake.

[caption id="attachment_29504" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] (Image Credit: Shangri-La’s latest Mini Snow Skin Eight Treasures ($88) features two new flavours.

The first is the more typical Chocolate Salted Toffee, which comes encased in a layer of crisp milk chocolate – perfect for sweet tooths. The other is a more luxurious and interesting blend of Yuzu Bird’s Nest that is both tangy and sweet. Who knew bird’s nest would go well with a mooncake?

Shangri-La Singapore
Address: Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Contact.: 6737 3644
6. The Pine Garden – Pearl Milk Tea Snow Skin

If you love bubble tea and have $17.20 to spare, try The Pine Garden‘s Pearl Milk Tea Snow Skin, which is infused with tea, and comes with bits of chewy boba. Yum!

[caption id="attachment_29506" align="aligncenter" width="380"] (Image Credit: Pine Garden)[/caption]

The more health-conscious can opt for the Purple Sweet Potato With Ginger Mooncake, which you can choose to have either with a baked or snow skin. No more calorie counting this Mid-Autumn season!

The Pine Garden
Address: #01-2369/ #01-232, 529 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, S560529
Website

7. Thye Moh Chan – Chef’s Private XO Recipe

Go old school, but with a twist with Thye Moh Chan‘s traditional Teochew-style mooncakes.

Teochew mooncakes typically see a sweet filling encased in a flaky crust pastry, unlike the baked skin mooncakes we typically see during mooncake festival.

[caption id="attachment_29507" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Thye Moh Chan’s secret recipe with XO sauce[/caption]

They come with various fillings, including an all-new Chef’s Private XO Recipe ($40.80 for four pieces), a Salty Tau Sar With Egg Yolk ($29.80 for four pieces) and the Teochew Mooncake ($18.80 for one piece), which uses a traditional recipe of maltose, citrus strips and five-spice powder.

Although we were at first unsure about how XO sauce would fare in a mooncake, the Chef’s Private XO Recipe completely won our hearts and was a favourite in the office! Unlike most of the mooncakes listed here, these ones lean towards the savoury side, with delicate hints of har cheong (shrimp paste) that is simply addicting.

Thye Moh Chan also has a Mao Shan Wang Durian mooncake ($40.80 for four pieces), which infuses durian and mung bean paste.

Thye Moh Chan
Address: #01-45, Chinatown Point; #B1-12, Paragon
Contact.: 6604 8858/ 67328858
8. Cat & The Fiddle – Cream Cheese Mooncakes

It only makes sense for a bakery famous for its cheesecakes to create cheesecake-filled snow skin mooncakes – and they’re actually quite legit.

[caption id="attachment_29510" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Each mooncake comes with an adorable cat embossing (Image Credit: Cat & The Fiddle)[/caption]

The Cow Jumped Over The Moon-cake selection from Cat & The Fiddle features 4 different flavours filled with cream cheese and lotus paste.

The mooncakes come in a Blueberry Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with White Chocolate and Dried Cranberry Truffle, an Oreo Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Dark Chocolate Truffle, a Strawberry Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Mint and White Chocolate Martini Truffle, and a Chocolate Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Orange Vodka and Dark Chocolate Truffle.

Each flavour has a personality of its own, with some of them even containing hints of alcohol! You can order the mooncakes online, or by phone at 6287 0077.

Cat & The Fiddle
Address:#05-04, 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
Contact.: 6287 0077
Website

9. Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant – Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncakes

Here’s one that you can Boomerang.

[caption id="attachment_29520" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Sweet and salty? (Image Credit: Sheraton Towers Singapore)[/caption]

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant will bring your Instagram game up a notch with their Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncakes.

As you break open your mooncake, watch the gooey molten lava center come flowing out. Each box contains eight pieces and goes for $72. You can order them Mini Snowskin Green Tea White Lotus Seed Paste with Passionfruit Truffle, and a Snowskin Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Strawberry Sea Salt Truffle that is sure to intrigue your tastebuds with a mix of fruity and salty flavours. 

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Address: Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road
Contact.: 6839 5636/ 6839 5623
Website

10. Summer Palace – Pineapple & Pink Peppercorn Chocolate Snow Skin 

The people at Summer Palace are always shaking things up with their mooncake offerings year after year.

[caption id="attachment_29522" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Spicy mooncakes anyone? (Image Credit: Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
Contact.: 6725 3239
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(Header Image Source: Bakerzin)