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.)

[caption id="attachment_28467" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image Credit: Barking Good[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28468" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Pizza Thins (Image Credit: Barking Good)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28469" align="aligncenter" width="600"] D24 Durian Tartlets (Image Credit: Barking Good)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28471" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: The Barkery[/caption]

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!

[caption id="attachment_28285" align="alignnone" width="2048"]The Barkery's Signature Big Paw The Big Paw (Image Credit: The Barkery)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28432" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Bossi Paws' sushi cake Bossi Paws’ sushi cake (Image Credit: Bossi Paws Facebook)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28474" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Organic Tarts (Image Credit: Feed My Paws)[/caption]

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!

[caption id="attachment_28473" align="aligncenter" width="598"] Image Credit: Feed My Paws Facebook[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_28475" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: The Snoring Dog[/caption]

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)

Live Out Your Wizard Fantasies At Platform 1094 – Dine On Magical Food And Bewitching Drinks

Fancy yourself a bit of a wizard? At this cafe, you can pretend to be it for a day–or at least a couple of hours.

There’s a wizard themed cafe in town and here, you can leave the muggle life behind by donning the elaborate cloaks, witches’ hats, and accessories like wands and broomsticks that are provided free of charge.

[caption id="attachment_27385" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Pretend to be a wizard for a day at Platform 1094[/caption]

At this cafe reminiscent of The Three Broomsticks (the wizarding pub you may recognise from the Harry Potter books), a brick wall with a mystical-looking crest forms the perfect backdrop for all your photo-taking needs.

[caption id="attachment_27386" align="alignnone" width="2037"] The perfect backdrop (and props!) for all your photo-taking needs[/caption]

No mere muggle or wizard will be able to resist grabbing some nosh at this pretty place, and we quickly succumbed to their quirky menu that was filled with magical-sounding drinks, finger foods and desserts.

Where else can you find food that sounds like it came straight out of a spell book?

Drink, drank but not drunk: Mrs Lich’s Butterscotch Ale ($10)

[caption id="attachment_27716" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Spam fries[/caption]

When you’re wielding this wand of utter deliciousness, no Death Eater will dare get between you and your food. For an extra oomph to your Avada Kedavra, dip the hot and savoury spam sticks into the sweet Thai chilli dip. There’s no going back after that.

The Main Dish: Schnitzel Sous-vide Duck Breast ($19)

This dish consists of well-seasoned, meaty pieces of duck breast flavoured with herbs and spices. The duck is then battered and fried to a beautiful golden hue that almost outshines the Goblet of Fire.

[caption id="attachment_27710" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
Image Credit: Black Magic[/caption]

As if we were under the spell of dark magic, we found the unpredictable mix of flavours and textures oddly bewitching.

Intense black sesame panna cotta, crispy charcoal cake, squid ink profiterole filled with mango creme and crackly lace tulle… Eat this, and embrace your dark side.

Here at Platform 1094, wizards and muggles alike are bonded by food, laughter and cosy camaraderie. Whiz by on your broomstick (or drop by on your two feet) whenever you’re craving a little magic in your cafe-hopping spree!

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tues – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6204 6003
)

The Best Rainbow Cakes To Indulge In While Celebrating The Freedom To Love

As June rolls around, it brings plenty of good stuff: the national treasure that is the Great Singapore Sale, turbulent Gemini season and, best of all, LGBTQ Pride Month.

Pride Month celebrations are meant to commemorate the June 28 anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, which is considered a milestone event in the modern fight for LGBTQ rights.

The rainbow flag has long been used to represent the LGBTQ community worldwide, and while there may have been some escalator drama and cake-bashing on our shores in recent weeks, love is still love and these events won’t dull our colours.

We’ve sussed out the best cafes around the island where you can give your sweet tooth the rainbow treatment in honour of Pride Month.

1. Dean & Deluca

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1152"] Image Credit: 2. The Coffee Daily [caption id="attachment_27550" align="aligncenter" width="960"]The Coffee Daily's Rainbow Cake Image Credit: The Coffee Daily[/caption]

Tucked away at Brighton Crescent is The Coffee Daily, where the vibes are chill, the coffee is good and the rainbow cake is gorgeous.

The presentation here really takes the cake—get it?—with chocolate drizzles and bonus rainbow sprinkles. Their rainbow cake is also one of the most popular items on the menu, known to sell out by mid-afternoon, so be sure to get there early!

The Coffee Daily
Address: 75 Brighton Crescent, Singapore 559216
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm; Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Lynn's Cakes & Coffee Rainbow Cake Image Credit: 4. I am… [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Rainbow Cake and Rainbow Latte from I Am... Image Credit: I am…[/caption]

This halal-certified café serves up some of the most iconic rainbow desserts in town.

Tuck into a classic seven-layer rainbow cake or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try out the rainbow mille crepe cake. Think white and dark chocolate cream between layers of soft multi-coloured crepe, drizzled with rich chocolate syrup. You can also pair these with a warm cup of rainbow latte—latte art’s never been so technicolour.

I am…
Address: 674 North Bridge Road, Singapore 199486
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 1am; Sun: 11am – 10pm
Website

Show your colours this month as we celebrate the freedom to love. Eat these cakes or gift them to your LGBTQ friends as a sign of support or solidarity! And to all our friends from the LGBTQ community, we stand with you! #loveislove

Also read Pancake Burgers Are The Latest Food Mashup In S’pore And We Are All Flippin’ Out

(Header Image Source: Pinterest)

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.

[caption id="attachment_27452" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pandan Ice Cream with Gula Melaka Sauce Whoa’ffles (Image Credit: Burpple User Doreen Tan)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_27180" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple User Jayson Yeoh [/caption]

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

[caption id="attachment_27686" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple User Thechoyalicious 🙂[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_27455" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: Some recommended flavours are the old school Kaya Waffle ($1.70) and the cannot-go-wrong Peanut Butter Waffle ($1.80). Classic, tasty, and oh-so-nostalgic, these waffles are the perfect comfort food to take with you on the go.

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.

[caption id="attachment_27186" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Waffles Royale (Image Credit: Revelry Facebook)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_27188" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Griddy Burger (Image Credit: Griddy Facebook)[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_27189" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Ocean Catch (Image Credit: Griddy Facebook)[/caption]

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?

[caption id="attachment_27459" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Korean Fried Chicken Waffle (Image Credit: Burpple User Phoebe Ting)[/caption]

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!

Hilton Garden Inn Opens In S’pore So You Can Live Luxe On A Budget During Your Next Staycay

Hilton Garden Inn opens in Singapore.

It’s the school holidays and what better way to enjoy it than with a luxe staycation?

Hilton Garden Inn, the award-winning, mid-priced hotel brand has finally opened its doors in Singapore.

Located in the heart of Little India, the hotel’s location is a dream come true for foodies. For cheap and good food, head to the nearby Tekka Market for a hearty meal of Indian food. If you are looking for a place to unwind and people-watch, hop over to Jewel Cafe and Bar for brunch. At night, you can even do some shopping at the nearby 24-hour Mustafa centre or have tipple in Clarke Quay.

Features and amenities at Hilton Garden Inn

[caption id="attachment_27082" align="alignnone" width="1500"]Hilton Garden Inn opens in Singapore. Image Credit: gym at Hilton Garden Hotel Singapore 24-hour gym (Image Credit: Hilton Garden Hotel Singapore)[/caption]

If you are feeling peckish, visit the Pavilion Pantry which stocks a selection of fresh and healthy snacks, cold beverages and ready-to-cook meals to keep your hunger at bay. Alternatively, dine at The Garden Grille restaurant which offers local and international favourites from the à la carte menu.

[caption id="attachment_27083" align="alignnone" width="1410"]Hilton Garden Inn Singapore's restaurant. The Garden Grille restaurant (Image Credit: 3 Belilios Road, Singapore, 219924
Contact no.: 6491 0500

These Oishii Green Tea Desserts Will Make You Feel Matcha-m You’re In Japan

Matcha is love. Matcha is life.

Anyone with an obsession with matcha as unhealthy as ours will probably attest to the truth of this statement.

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen more and more Japanese joints setting up shop in Singapore. What that also means is more matcha-centric creations available right here on our shores. From hot lattes to cold parfaits, there are so many different ways to satisfy your matcha craving these days.

We rounded up a list of 7 places to get your hit of matcha, and we think you’ll love what we have in store for you.

1. Sun with Moon

This popular spot in town is well-known for its exquisite bento sets and signature kamameshi dishes. But something not as many people know is it dishes up some mean matcha flavoured desserts!

[caption id="attachment_27130" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Tiramisu (Image Credit: Matcha Parfait (Image Credit: Website

2. Non Entrée Dessert Café

If you haven’t heard of Non Entrée Dessert Café, where you have you been?

This dessert joint along up-and-coming hipster area, Rangoon Road, serves gorgeous cakes, and desserts with a dramatic flair.

Known for their unique local ice cream flavours (think: kaya toast ice cream) and deceptive bak chor mee dessert, one of their other signature items is the Avalanche Dessert.

[caption id="attachment_27131" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Avalanche (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

For matcha lovers, Non Entrée’s Matcha Avalanche ($13.90) does not disappoint!

Photogenic, tasty, and a joy to watch in action, you and your friends will be fighting over who gets to do the honours. The matcha lave cake sits atop an almond nougatine which covers the bowl. Slice into the cake, and watch the matcha lava flow into the bowl, onto the roasted green tea ice cream and chocolate soil mixture underneath.

With its explosion of flavours and textures, this unique dish is definitely a winner!

Non Entree Desserts
Address: 204 Rangoon Road
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 2pm – 10pm; Fri: 2pm – 11pm; Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

3. Dolce Tokyo

An Italian-Japanese fusion café, Dolce Tokyo serves up a smorgasbord of Japanese desserts, alongside other savoury dishes. The sweets served here have more of a Japanese influence, with the usual suspects like the Iced Matcha Latte ($7) present on the menu.

[caption id="attachment_23754" align="aligncenter" width="960"]dolce Matcha with Goma Black Sesame Cake (Image Credit: ugis Junction #03-10H, 200 Victoria St, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu, 11.30am – 10.30pm; Fri – Sat, 11.30am – 11.00pm
Website

4. Kooks Creamery

At this humble café in Serangoon, they serve up the delicious combo of cookies and ice cream.

You’ve heard of lava cakes, lava cream puffs… but have you heard of the lava cookie? The lava cookie is Kooks Creamery’s spin on the fun lava trend. A Matcha Molten Cookie will set you back $5.50, and it comes in a chocolate flavour too.

[caption id="attachment_27132" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Lava Cookie Set (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

We recommend the Lava Cookie Set ($8.50), which consists of a molten cookie topped with a scoop of ice cream. Not enough matcha? Double up on matcha by pairing your cookie with Matcha Ice Cream ($3.60 per scoop, + $0.50 for premium flavours). After all, is there such a thing as too much matcha?

Kooks Creamery
Address:
Blk 211, Serangoon Avenue 4, #01-02, Singapore 550211
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

5. Hoshino Coffee

Japanese Hoshino Coffee is best known for their hand-dripped coffee and delectable desserts.

[caption id="attachment_27133" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Iced Matcha Latte with Green Tea Flavoured Softee (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

In the sweets department, some of the crowd-pleasers include the Iced Matcha Latte with Green Tea Flavoured Softee ($9.30), and the Matcha Pot-baked Soufflé ($10.80).

[caption id="attachment_27134" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pancake Soufflé Style with Matcha and Ogura Bean Paste (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

One of their specials is the Pancake Soufflé Style with Matcha and Ogura Bean Paste ($13.50). This fluffy soufflé pancake is served with matcha sauce, black beans, mochi skin and matcha ice cream. Because they’re freshly made on the spot, you’ll have to wait for about 20 minute for this. If you ask us, it’s completely worth the wait!

Hoshino Coffee
Outlets: Capitol Piazza, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City, Holland Village, Ion Orchard
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 10.30pm
Website

6. Maccha House

As its name suggests, Maccha House is a haven for all matcha connoisseurs–self-proclaimed or otherwise. Offering a wide array of matcha drinks and desserts, you’d be hard pressed to find a matcha menu as extensive as this!

[caption id="attachment_27135" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Chocolate Parfait (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

From the simple Hot Matcha Latte ($3.80) to the multi-textured and multi-flavoured Matcha Chocolate Parfait ($10), you’ll have a hard time settling on just one item.

[caption id="attachment_27136" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Matcha Tiramisu (Image Credit: Website

7. Nana’s Green Tea Café

Hailed Japan’s Starbucks, Nana’s Green Tea Café carries signature drinks like the Matcha Latte ($7.00), Matcha Shiratama Float ($9.00), Hoji Chocolate Latte ($8.00) and Genmai Cha ($5.50). Unsurprisingly, this green tea specialist also serves up some amazing matcha desserts.

[caption id="attachment_27137" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Matcha Anmitsu (Image Credit: Website

Matcha is truly a gift to the world.

With so many different matcha-flavoured treats from so many different places, now you know where to go the next time a matcha craving comes over you!

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

(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.

[caption id="attachment_26822" align="alignnone" width="1936"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_26823" align="alignnone" width="1725"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_26824" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image Credit: Wikimedia[/caption]

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

10 ‘Die Die Must Try’ Events And Eats To Rev Up Your First Half Of June [1-15 June]

Aaand it’s finally June!

If you’re in school, that means the long awaited June holiday break. If not, there’s always the weekend to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

With a whole bunch of exciting events to go to and new eats to sample, this month’s line-up of events surely does not disappoint!

Think fun festivals of all kinds, shopping till you drop at The Great Singapore Sale, and new cafe openings. Whether you’re a beach bum, die-hard foodie or someone who appreciates great music, we’ve got some ideas on how you can spend your weekend!

Here are 10 activities you need to head down to ASAP!

Play & Discover

1. Faber-Castell Art Festival

It’s time to pick up your colouring pencils again!

Faber-Castell, the makers of brilliant pencils and creative goods, adds colour to the month with its first ever art festival.

[caption id="attachment_26604" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: These include lessons on fashion illustration, brush calligraphy, hand-lettering, and watercolour painting. You can also bond with family over art competitions, badge making, and mind mapping.

There will also be an art exhibition, where proceeds from the sale of artworks will be donated to the Singapore Children’s Cancer Foundation.

Make sure you nose around the huge spread of Faber-Castell products on sale too!

Faber-Castell Art Festival
Where: Singapore ION Orchard #04-13 & Marina Square #02-190A, 6 Raffles Boulevard, S039594
When: 27 May – 4 June, 11am – 9pm daily
Contact no.: 6339 8787

If you remember watching Channel 8’s The Little Nyonya, you’ll jump at this chance to be part of that world.

The Peranakan Festival offers the most immersive chance to learn about the vibrant Straits Chinese culture in Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_26611" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: The Peranakan Festival[/caption]

Expect a slew of performances, including the traditional Dondang Sayang, a humourous love ballad.

Kids will love the arts and crafts workshops, where they’ll learn stamp carving, silk screen printing and book cover art. You’ll also get to have fun dressing up and taking pictures in Nyonya or Baba traditional kebayas!

Try your hand at making (or wolfing down) traditional desserts, Nasi Ulam, sireh and betel nut, at the cooking classes and food tastings here.

Finally, sit down for high tea with the less privileged elderly and children from Lengkong Bahru and beneficiaries from Prison Fellowship Singapore, and learn the heart of the Peranakan community.

Peranakan Festival
Where: Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Rd, S238879
When: May 27 – June 17, 11am – 6pm
Contact no.: 6262 4428
Lo And Behold Group Festival

This one’s for those who live for decadent food and extravagant parties.

Lo & Behold’s month-long festival shows us Singaporeans how to party with class and style!

[caption id="attachment_26610" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image Credit: Party like Grace Kelly at Electroball: The Golden Age of Hollywood, at swanky 1930s bistro-bar The Black Swan. Or head to OverEasy Orchard, for a Riverdale-themed bash!

If you’d rather eat than party, catch an epic Pizza-Off happening at Extra Virgin Pizza. As part of the festivities, Tanjong Beach Club will also be serving up an All You Can Eat Bottomless Brunch.

If you want to learn a little something, The Rabbit Hole will be playing host to a snazzy Gin Workshop, so bottoms up!

Lo And Behold Group Festival
Where: Various locations
When: 29 May – 25 June
Contact no.: 6338 8035
Website

4. DBS Marina Regatta

Been dreaming of the perfect beach getaway, but haven’t got the time to go?

Well, DBS brings the beach to you at this year’s DBS Marina Regatta, Singapore’s first and only urban pop-up beach!

[caption id="attachment_26607" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: DBS Marina Regatta[/caption]

Held at Marina Bay, there’ll be plenty to do, eat and drink–like a real beach, but better.

Laze around in hammocks with an ice cold cocktail in hand (we recommend one from Potato Head’s Coconut Bar), take yoga classes hosted by lululemon, or get your blood pumping by tackling Singapore’s largest inflatable water obstacle course.

DBS Marina Regatta 2017
Where: The Promontory@Marina Bay
When: 1 – 4 June | (1 June) 4pm – 9pm; (2, 3, 4 June) 10am – 10pm
Remember how much you loved listening to stories as a kid?

StoryFest brings that spark back, with a showcase of the best storytelling from Singapore and around the world.

[caption id="attachment_26612" align="aligncenter" width="1400"] Image Credit:
StoryFest SG[/caption]

There are workshops and performances for everyone–kids, adults, and aspiring storytellers themselves!

Families will be transported to faraway lands at Enchanted Tales, which features folk and fairy tales from Russia, Africa and France.

Adults too can choose from a selection of adult audience shows, including a monologue and a story slam in the Singapore Showcase.

There’s even a workshop where you can learn to use stories to build emotional literacy in children, and one where the audience themselves are used to form a story.

It’ll surely be a happy ending to the day, no matter which you choose!

International Storytelling Storyfest
Where: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, S179429
When: 2 – 4 June
Contact no.: 6332 6919
Website

6. Beerkini Rocks

Beach, beer, bands and babes…

That, and a whole lot more, is what you’ll find at Bikini Bar’s quarterly beach party, Beerkini Rocks!

[caption id="attachment_26603" align="aligncenter" width="2270"] Image Credit: Music fans can look forward to rock classics and chart-toppers by talented local rock and alternative acts O.K Ready! and Rockweller.

Also not to be missed are their crazy drink offers, with Jaeger Shots at $8, Monster Bombs at $9, and Buckets of Bintang going at $40.

Bikini Babes will also be challenging rock and rollers to exciting beach games with prizes to be won!

Beerkini Rocks
Where: Bikini Bar 50 Siloso Beach Walk #01-01, Singapore, S099000
When: 3 June, 3.00pm – 11.30pm
Contact no: 6631 8938
Bangkok’s famous April’s Bakery has finally opened in Singapore!

And it’s serving up Hong Kong-style Lao Po Bing (Wife Cake) with a twist.

Choose between sweet and savoury options depending on your mood–both are stuffed with flavourful, colourful fillings, wrapped in a thin, flaky crust.

For an afternoon snack, try the fragrant Pork with Gravy, or the subtly sweet Pork with Honey.

For dessert, get the Thai Milk Tea, Green Tea, or go for the popular Taro (with a hidden gingko nut within!) and Pumpkin flavours.

These Cantonese-style pies are handmade and baked fresh daily to ensure they taste great, and they’re all priced at only $2 each!

We suggest you head down early, because the yummier flavours get snapped up real quick.

April’s Bakery
Where: April’s Bakery Singapore, Tampines MRT Station, #01-31, S529538
Opening Hours: 8.00am – 10.00pm, or till sold out (Mon-Sun)
Contact no.: 8122 7604
This newest addition to the themed cafe scene may be the most magical one yet.

The quirky Enchanted Cafe charms at first sight with its beautiful decor, complete with a magical garden and collection of spell books.

[caption id="attachment_26606" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit:
Enchanted Cafe[/caption]

But what’s most striking is the presentation of its dishes.

Think: Bright red cherry compote, blackberries and blueberries in a vivid splash against a deep blue plate, sprinkled with seemingly handpicked bits of nuts and leaves. That’s what makes up the tangy, yet sweet Berries Compote French Toast ($14.90).

For something traditional with a twist, there’s the Ngoh Hiang Burger ($18.90), which is exactly what it sounds like, complete with bits of water chestnut and black garlic sauce made from scratch.

The most instagramable thing here is the Sorcerer’s Elixir ($9.90), a blue drink that turns glittery purple after an orange liquid is added.

This has to be the most enchanting cafe to open since the Harry Potter Cafe.

Enchanted Cafe
Where: Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
Opening Hours: Closed on Mon; Tue: 10am – 10pm; Wed – Thur: 12pm – 10pm; Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat: 10am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 8pm
Contact no.: 8813 1086
Facebook

Shop

9. PC Show

Maybe you’ve been thinking of swapping out your laggy PC for a new one.

Well, there’s no better time than the annual PC Show!

[caption id="attachment_26608" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] Image Credit: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, S018956
When: 1 – 4 June, 12pm – 9pm
Contact no.: 6299 8633
Shopping. Many of us do a whole lot of it–often, more than we should.

Well, a 10 week period starting from 9 June just gave us even more reason to do so!

[caption id="attachment_26609" align="aligncenter" width="1480"] Image Credit:
Your Singapore[/caption]

For both tourists and locals alike, there’s no better time to hit the stores than during the Great Singapore Sale!

This is the time when retail stores in Singapore feature their greatest sales and markdowns.

Had your eye on a dress, but couldn’t bear to part with that kind of cash? We say it’s now or never.

Stretch your dollar and fill those shopping bags with bargains of all kinds–from fashion to jewellery, electronics to toys, to spa treatments, hotel stays, food, and visits to local attractions!

The Great Singapore Sale
Where: All over Singapore!
When: 9 June – 13 August
The Projector: How An Abandoned Theatre Became An Artsy Alternative Cinema

5 Harsh Realities Of Working In S’pore You Won’t Want To Hear But Should

As students, many of us had these grand visions of what we would do and who we would be when we were older. We sat restlessly in our lecture halls and classrooms, yearning to be done with school and for our lives to finally begin–to get a job, to make money, to have the life that we wanted.

And then we graduated and we realized the real world–the working world–was a lot harsher than it seemed.

[caption id="attachment_25677" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Source: GIPHY[/caption]

Working in Singapore definitely has its downsides, and the sooner you wise up to them, the better you are for it! Here are 5 harsh realities of working in Singapore you may not want to hear, but should definitely take note of!

1. There Is No “Perfect” Job 

[caption id="attachment_25678" align="aligncenter" width="245"] Source: GIPHY[/caption]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is no such thing as a “perfect” job. The factors behind a perfect job have been uttered, memorised and taken to heart by many before us. Good pay, strictly 8 – 5, personally meaningful and no stress. The truth is, more often than not, people don’t land their dream jobs, and even then, every job has its own set of challenges.

Our tip? Get a job in the industry you love! It may not necessarily be the perfect job or even the exact role you’ve been eyeing but it’ll get your foot through the door, and that’s what counts! Plus, it’ll get you experience in the field you’re keen to get into!

2. Paper Qualifications Don’t Guarantee You A Top Notch Paying Job 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Source: GIPHY[/caption]

Gone are the days when a Bachelor’s Degree would guarantee a great paying job in the field of your choosing. While paper qualifications are by no means worthless, hiring managers are more likely to look at your experience and soft skills than the fact that you only got a ‘B-‘ in your second semester.

The “graduate’s pay” you were promised before you stepped out of school is not exactly accurate. The likelihood is you’re going to have to take a pay-cut before you even start your first job!

Our tip? Get experience before you even step out of school. Internships, career fairs and part time jobs will allow you to establish networks even before graduating. Talk to people who have been in the industry for a couple of years. They will tell you the career progression and what’s a decent pay grade to start with!

3. Technology = Working 24/7 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Source: GIPHY[/caption]

Technology is a double-edged sword, especially in the work place. With the increase in usage of Whatsapp, email notifications on smartphones, and work group chats, your bosses might find that there really is no reason work can’t be done once you clock out.

If your job has demanding hours or your boss and colleagues are workaholics, it can be difficult to completely stop responding to emails and messages once you leave the office.

Our tip? Play it by ear. Your colleagues are just like you. They NEED a few hours to completely relax, so watch how they “side step” and “siam” office issues after the clock strikes 5. If it really bothers you, speak to your colleagues and your boss about what can be done to ensure work doesn’t eat (too much) into life.

4. Office Politics Is Inevitable, But Don’t Get Sucked Into It 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="320"] Source: GIPHY[/caption]

Remember how project work in university used to be the bane of your existence, because it truly brings out the worst traits in people? Who knew project work would actually be the perfect example of how working as a team in the office would be?

You might be stuck with a slacker, a control freak or even a no-show. While it used to be deadlines and grades on the line, what’s at stake now is your job. You’ll meet your fair share of bootlickers and saikang warriors. When promotion period comes around, don’t be surprised when other people’s attitudes make a 180. Scary? YES.

Our tip? Stay above the office gossip which can be so enticing but toxic once you get into it. If your office is prone to bootlickers and the people around you are toxic to work with, it may be best for you to look for a job with a better work culture.

5. Staying Stagnant = Redundancy 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Source: GIPHY[/caption]

We all know by now that technology is constantly evolving and that tech giants are constantly coming up with new ways to leverage technology to better our way of life. While this means our lives become a whole lot easier (when was the last time you opened a physical map?) it has also rendered a whole lot of jobs redundant.

While we can sit and wait to become victim to job redundancy and the volatile job market, the better (and more proactive) option would be to look out for opportunities to upgrade your job skills. Upgrading your skills would lead you to better job opportunities, pay raises and even job promotions.

Our tip? Look out for opportunities to upgrade your skills like Career fairs by e2i will have you meeting employers and other job seekers, so you can have a more accurate picture of the current job market.

Todo Todo Skills Marketplace 

[caption id="attachment_25682" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Image credit: NTUC U Portal[/caption]

We can all agree that finding the right job can be tough and climbing the ranks can be even tougher. Many of us millennials have either only been though internships or have just clinched our very first full time job, and are navigating the unfamiliar waters of the working world.

Todo Todo Skills Marketplace, an NTUC & PA collaboration, brings together a one stop access to all that we need – career profiling tools, mentorship, industry minds, HR leaders and job opportunities. Every burning question you’ve had about job prospects and what to expect from the field can be answered at this 2-day career fair.

From networking sessions to talks on how to establish a startup, the Todo Todo Skills Marketplace is the perfect place to pick up advice and tips on landing your dream job or clinching that job promotion you’ve been eyeing.

If you’re a fresh grad looking for a job opportunity or a working millennial, head down to Todo Todo Skills Marketplace! After all, you can never get too much help getting ahead in this competitive job market!

For more information, head to Apple or on Android. With its stylish, user-friendly interface, with everything you need all in one place, it’s the perfect tool to stay ahead of the game!

Todo Todo Skills Marketplace
Address: Our Tampines Hub
Date: 30 April – 1 May
Time: 9am – 8pm

Also read, These 8 Soundbites Will Have You Rethinking About The ‘Future Of Jobs’ In Singapore

Beijing 101 Has Been Around For 43 Years, But What’s Their Secret To Survival? We Found Out

Male or female, young or old, we all want to look and feel good.

While some of us struggle with difficult skin, some of us struggle with something else: our hair. Whether it’s flaky scalp, oily scalp or hair loss, hair issues can be a huge source of confidence loss for both men and women.

While there are many shampoos, tonics, and serums out there that claim to help with these issues, few of them truly deliver on their promises, leaving us right back at square one: without a solution.

Enter Our ambassador, Vanessa, at Beijing 101 at Tiong Bahru Plaza, #01-129[/caption]

Beijing 101 has been in the business of hair loss solutions for a good 43 years and has won many international awards from different countries! They also have a stellar track record, with 9 in 10* of customers seeing visible hair growth and long-lasting results.

An authority in hair care, Beijing 101 employs Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles in its service. Not only do they use premium-grade natural herbs like ginseng, lingzhi and dang gui to treat scalp issues, all their consultants are TCM trained!

We sent our ambassador, Vanessa, down for a scalp treatment. After all, who would say no to better, healthier hair?

Consulting With The Specialist 

The session began with a 20 minute consultation with the hair consultant, which took place in a welcoming private consultation room.

[caption id="attachment_25667" align="alignnone" width="1344"] Vanessa was given a warm tea to drink during her consultation![/caption]

The consultant asked her a series of questions pertaining to her lifestyle, hair- and health-related habits, before proceeding to scan and analyse her scalp. She found that Vanessa’s hair was thinning at the crown, and that some empty pores were prominent.

She suggested that this could be due to stress and a lack of sleep (#studentlife), and she recommended that Vanessa go for the Herbal Scalp Treatment, which helps to cleanse and keep the scalp clean, preventing hair follicles from getting clogged.

Treatment Begins!

Vanessa was led to a private VIP room, where she got all the privacy she wanted, to browse through the magazines provided and to enjoy her tea.

[caption id="attachment_25668" align="alignnone" width="1344"] Getting the Deep Cleansing Scalp Mask applied to her scalp[/caption]

The procedure began with the application of the Deep Cleansing Scalp Mask to her scalp, a concoction of TCM herbs. The mask was spread evenly throughout her head, and a steamer was used to help open the pores of her scalp so it could absorb all the good stuff packed within it!

The mask was left to sit for about 40 minutes, before being thoroughly washed off.

For the next part of her treatment, 2 coats of serum were applied to her scalp to balance its pH level. The serum was massaged into her scalp to, once again, aid absorption.

[caption id="attachment_25669" align="alignnone" width="1344"] Feeling all kinds of SHIOK…[/caption]

There were 3 different types of massages she could choose from: one for better sleep, one for soothing tense muscles, and another for overall well-being. She picked the one for overall well-being–the signature Meridian Herbal Treatment Massage–which was very calming and relaxing!

Seeing A Visible Difference

To conclude the session, she was given a second scalp analysis, where you could actually see much fewer pores clogged with sebum. While there was–of course–no visible hair growth within that 1 session, she left with a cleaner, much healthier scalp than she came in with!
To check out her experience, watch the video below!

If you’ve been struggling with your scalp for the longest time and have tried almost everything out there in a bid to remedy it, make a trip down to Beijing 101—you won’t regret it!

Beijing 101 will be running a Also read Goodbye Artbox, Hello Thai Festival – Authentic Thai Eats Without The Heat Or The Crowd