Location: North

6 Cafes So Fancy Even Your Atas Friend Will Approve

Cafes in Singapore are a dime a dozen. Be it in the hipster neighbourhoods or heartland estates, cafes are almost ubiquitously found in every part of Singapore. However, it seems that the ambience and interior design of a cafe play an important role in drawing the crowds while the food menu is put on the back-burner. These days, fancy cafes seemingly have an unspoken smart-casual dress code with their elaborate interior and atmosphere.

If you are on the prowl for places to finally wear that perfect #ootd-worthy outfit, here are 6 cafes so fancy even your atas friend will approve!

1. The Coffee Academics

Highly rated coffee specialty store from Hong Kong, The Coffee Academics finally opened its first outlet in Singapore in 2015. Interestingly, their impressive interior goes beyond mere spacious and splendid.

The interior of The Coffee Academics looks like a mash-up of a fancy cafe and science laboratory, yet the different design themes within the cafe complement each other in perfect harmony.

At one end, there is a Japanese-style table with tatami-like seats, perhaps catering to the affluent Japanese tai-tais. The other corner is filled with bar-like tables while the rest of the dining tables are spread out across its spacious interior.

Naturally, coffee would be their signature here, with seven coffee-making stations located around the cafe. Complement your coffee with their extensive selection of food, ranging from all-day breakfasts, pizzas and delectable desserts. Its swanky interior will no doubt make you want to put on your sassiest outfit!

The Coffee Academics
Address: 6 Scotts Road, Scotts Square, #02-01/02, Singapore 228209
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 9pm
Credit: Credit: Website

3. Boufe Boutique Cafe

Boufe Boutique Cafe is located deep within Phoenix Park. While getting here is going to prove quite a walk, the effort will certainly be worth it.

This boutique cafe will certainly blow you away with their sleek white-black minimalist interior and furniture. Naturally, its hipster feel will make you want to whip out your best weekend brunch outfit for that #ootd shot with Boufe’s gorgeous interior.

[caption id="attachment_21135" align="aligncenter" width="5415"] Credit: Credit: 4. Populus Coffee & Food Co.

Joining the slew of hipster cafes along Neil Road is Populus Coffee & Food Co. Despite being around for less than two years, this brainchild of the folks behind the Department of Caffeine has been garnering a lot of attention on social media and amongst cafe-hoppers.

[caption id="attachment_21152" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: dreamfoodblog.wordpress.com[/caption]

Together with their industrial-chic lamps and geometric-tiled walls, the sheer size of its interior is enough to amaze you. Furthermore, their appealing decor adorned with plants and enhanced with natural light makes it an ideal place for you to take those instagram-worthy shots.

[caption id="attachment_21179" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: 6. Wild Honey

Wild Honey is certainly no stranger to cafe-hoppers, boasting two outlets – one at Mandarin Gallery and another at Scotts Square. Their clientale comprises mainly of well-dressed girlfriends having brunch, glamorous-looking couples on dates or rich tai-tais with their expensive-looking handbags.

[caption id="attachment_21192" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Credit: prettyhungry.me[/caption]

On top of the beautiful decor, Wild honey is also all about beautiful breakfasts. Their hearty all-day breakfasts, albeit on the slightly pricier end, will surely not disappoint!

Wild Honey
Address: #03-01/02 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd, Singapore 238897
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 9am – 9pm, Fri & Sat 9am – 10pm
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10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls

Chinese New Year is no doubt a joyous occasion that most look forward to every year. This festive period usually encompasses several days of collecting red packets, munching on delectable new year goodies, buying new clothes and visiting friends’ and relatives’ homes for even more red packets!

However, we all know that there are only that many red packets to be collected and that many homes to visit. Additionally, most shopping malls are typically closed during Chinese New Year. This usually means watching endless re-runs of hilarious Stephen Chow’s comedies while snacking away on those love letters and pineapple tarts.

We are all too familiar with this rather “mundane” way of spending the Lunar New Year. Besides all the non-stop eating and talking, here are 10 activities to do during Chinese New Year that doesn’t involve empty malls!

1. Rooster In The New Year At Jurong Bird Park!

No better way to usher in the Year of the Rooster than at the bird paradise itself – Jurong Bird Park!

[caption id="attachment_21455" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: 3. Hit The Gym And Work Off Those CNY Goodies

All the munching of delicious Chinese New Year goodies and stomach-filling steamboats are bound to leave you feeling bloated and chubby. Take this chance to burn off some of those unwanted calories by hitting the gym!

[caption id="attachment_21453" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Credit: , Evolve MMA, local parks and reservoirs

4. Visit The Green Lawns Of The Istana

Ever wondered what goes on behind those massive iron gates of our President’s official residence, the Istana?

[caption id="attachment_21456" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: 5. Be Right At The Heart Of Festivities At River Hongbao 2017

Look forward to this year’s 31st edition of the River Hongbao Festival, which will feature an elaborately-decorated heart-shaped design entrance walkaway to usher in the Year of the Rooster!

[caption id="attachment_21457" align="aligncenter" width="4256"] Credit: 6. Gong SEA Fa Cai At S.E.A Aquarium

We cannot guarantee that the S.E.A Aquarium will be less crowded than usual given that it will be a long weekend holiday. However, we are pretty sure that the numerous species of marine animals here as well as the massive viewing panel will certainly provide an amazing and fascinating time as opposed to simply staying at home!

[caption id="attachment_21458" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: 7. Check Out The Floral Displays And Performances At Gardens By The Bay

Soak in the spring beauty of floral displays while enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities at Gardens By The Bay!

Credit: 8. Plan A Mahjong or Blackjack Night

If you absolutely have to stay indoors this Chinese New Year and those Stephen Chow comedies are starting to get less comical, there are still other ways to maximise this festive holidays – such as hosting a game night!

[caption id="attachment_21462" align="aligncenter" width="1027"] Credit: Credit: Credit: 9 Incredible Yu Sheng To Toss So You Get Good Luck In The Year Of The Rooster

5 Underrated Local Fashion Boutiques To Buy Your CNY Clothes From

With Chinese New Year (CNY) just round the corner, there is absolutely no time to lose when it comes to shopping for new clothes! Where should you shop at then?

We’d say, forget international brand names. With the onslaught of H&M, Forever 21 and Topshop stores island-wide, you might be faced with the embarrassing situation of “I know where you got your outfit from!” during the numerous home visits.

Instead, why not go for a piece from a local fashion boutique this CNY? We bring you 5 underrated (yet extremely established) local fashion boutiques with gorgeous apparels that are suitable for both the festive season and all-year round!

1. MATTER

Despite being in infancy stages compared to the giant fashion industry, MATTER is already making waves in the local fashion community with its noble cause and unique designs!

The brainchild of world traveller and adventure seeker Renyung Ho, you will be able to find a plethora of traditional-inspired prints and designs to inject some wanderlust into your outfits for CNY!

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Featuring the traditional high mandarin collar as well as the thigh-high side slit, there is certainly no outfit more apt than this to usher in the Lunar New Year!

Besides apparel, Tong Tong also offers delightful clutches and pins that are in line with the festivities as well! Pair your cheongsam or CNY outfit with this adorable dumpling pouch. With its spacious interior and top zip, it is ideal for keeping those angpaos safe from falling out!

With so many Chinese New Year themed apparels and accessories here at Tong Tong, you will certainly be spoiled for choice.

Tong Tong
Address: 100 Beach Road, #01-04/05 Shaw Towers, Singapore 189702
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12pm – 8pm
Credit: Credit: Credit:

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(Header image credit: 10 Labels You Need To Know From Singapore Fashion Week 2016

6 German Food Places In Singapore For A Guten Appetit Time!

German cuisine is all about big and hearty portions. Think Bratwurst, Pork Knuckles as well as meat and sausages of all sorts. Besides meat, German food also includes tantalising desserts such as the popular Blackforest Cake. Of course, Germans love to have their beer at almost every meal time.

If that has already roused your taste buds, guess what? Here are 6 places in Singapore where you can enjoy authentic German food without having to fly all the way to Germany to enjoy it!

1. Stew Küche

Located within one of the hipster coffee shops in Singapore, Salute, is Stew Küche. Occupying the position typically set aside for zi char stalls, this hawker stall is clearly the anchor tenant here. What draws crowds from island-wide to this stall is their extremely affordable German / Bavarian cuisine.

Once you are here, there is absolutely no missing out on ordering their famous signature Pork Knuckle!

Available as a half or whole portion, you will be treated to a well-marinated and oven-baked pork knuckle with tender meat. This dish is served with thick mashed potatoes set in a savoury brown gravy, and with a Singaporean twist of Peranakan spicy pickled achar.

Of course, no meal here is complete without ordering a pint of cold beer from their extensive selection of German lager. They serve mostly German and Bavarian brands, from beers on tap to craft beers for you to choose as well.

Besides the Pork Knuckle, there are several other German dishes worth trying as well, such as Oxtail Stew & Pretzel as well as a range of pastas. Either way, dining at Stew Küche will make you feel as if you are in eating in Germany itself.

Stew Küche
Address: Blk 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01-40, Singapore 151119
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm -10pm; Closed on Mondays
Website

2. Erich’s Wuerstelstand

Erich’s Wuerstelstand claims to be the last sausage stall before the equator. While we cannot ascertain the truth behind that statement, one thing is for sure here – their Currywursts are absolutely to-die for!

Sink your teeth into their currywurst, a bratwurst (the standard German sausage) that is dressed up with curry sauce.

Top it off with curry powder and you get the all-time favourite German snack. Understandably, one piece is usually not enough so we highly recommend that you pair it with one of their classic German side, sauerkraut or fermented chopped cabbage.

Just beside Erich’s Wuerstelstand sits Erich’s Backstube, which essentially is a bakery stall. Here, be spoilt for choice with the numerous muffins and cupcakes baked fresh daily.

Despite being located in a rather odd place in Chinatown, you can still find a small piece of Germany right there at Erich’s Wuerstelstand.

Erich’s Wuerstelstand
Address: 5 Banda St, Singapore 050005
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 9pm
Website

3. Baden Restaurant & Pub

For a rustic, quiet atmosphere, and of course, good German fare, Baden Restaurant & Pub is the best place to go. Located within the hipster enclave of Holland Village, this restaurant certainly exudes Bavarian-style with the extensive use of teak wood. You will certainly feel as if you are in a real German tavern itself.

The wide range of beer here will definitely keep you and your beer-drinking friends happy. Additionally, complement your cold yummy beer with their selection of authentic hearty German dishes!

From the classic pork knuckles and sausage platters to pretzels as well as currywurst, you will have a hard time choosing what to order.

For a cosy dining ambience, go for the indoor seating. Else, do it the German way by dining alfresco at their outdoor seating.

Baden Restaurant & Pub
Address: 42 Lor Mambong, Singapore 277698
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, 2pm – 1am; Fri – Sat, 12pm – 2am; Sun 12pm – 12am
Website

4. Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café

Set at the classy Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café serves up classic, traditional German (also known as Swabian) fares. Its whimsical ambience and rustic wooden furniture is reminiscent of the lush forests and picturesque villages of the Black Forest region in southwest Germany.

Indulge in traditional hearty German comfort food such as the Beef Goulash Stew or the Maultaschen, which is a traditional Swabian dumpling. Besides the delectable Swabian dishes, an ice-cold German beer is a definite must-order.

The main crowd-puller here is, without a doubt, their signature Blackforest Cake. Stuttgart’s rise to fame is because of their delectable Blackforest Cake and it goes to show that the Germans do love their desserts too.

Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café
Address: 9 Bras Basah Road, #01-01 Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, Singapore 189559
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 11pm
Website

5. Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant

The origin of Brotzeit’s name is derived from Bavarian origin, which is the local expression for bread and time. This restaurant boasts several outlets across our little red dot, making it extremely convenient to satisfy your German food cravings.

Brotzeit stays true to its Bavarian roots with its selection of tantalising Bavarian cuisines. Savour the rich honey Bavarian pork ribs, or a platter of sausages, perhaps even their pretzels and cold cut salads.

There are even seasonal specialties during the German festive periods, such as Oktoberfest and Christmas Day. Needless to say, the month of October is the best time to head down to Brotzeit for some German beer binge session while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Brotzeit
Address: Discovery Walk at 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, #01-27, Singapore 238895
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, 12pm – 12am; Fri 12pm – 1am; Sat 11am – 1am; Sun 11am – 12am
Credit: www.groupon.sg[/caption]

Given its location within the heartlands, Wilder Mann is a popular hangout spot for EPL fans to catch some soccer action while gulping down ice-cold German beers.

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For some simple, authentic German fares without the nasty GST and service charge, Wilder Mann is the best place to go.

Wilder Mann
Address: 906M Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787110
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 6pm – 1145pm; Sat 6pm – 1am; Sun 6pm – 1am (closes at 10.30pm on days without English Premier League games)
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Traffic Forecasts For 2nd Link & Woodlands Causeway This Chinese New Year

If you’re heading to Johor Bahru (JB) this Chinese New Year, you’re definitely not alone. Welcome to the club for all motorists who will be utilizing the Causeway and the 2^nd Link. Like Sun Tzu heading to war, it’s best to enter JB with a solid strategy…by arming yourself with these.

We’re referring to these amazing traffic jam forecasts we’ve uncovered! This way, you’ll be able to plan your entry into JB with maximum efficiency.

Be assured that this forecast is pretty accurate, as the reference data is based on the traffic statistics in Chinese New Year 2016.

2 days before Chinese New Year – 26 January 2017 (Thursday)

As the eve of Chinese New Year is on 27 January 2017 (Friday), most Malaysians tend to return home the day before, which is 26 January 2017. This explains the spike in the traffic from Singapore to JB at both the Causeway and the 2^nd Link, which will start to build up from 2 pm onwards. It’s best to be a bit more kiasu (aka wiser) and set off earlier if you can.

Eve of Chinese New Year – 27 January 2017 (Friday)

On Chinese New Year’s eve, set your alarm clock to ring even earlier. As you can see from the graphs, traffic flowing into JB will build up as early as 4am. However, it’s possible that traffic may ease before evening as most people would already be at their reunion dinners.

Chinese New Year – 28, 29 January 2017 (Saturday, Sunday)

In the mornings of the 1^st and 2^nd day of Chinese New Year, we can expect traffic to be at a low volume. However, the trends show that traffic will start increasing around noon at both sides of the border, probably due to Malaysians visiting Singapore or PRs returning home early.

Last day of the Chinese New Year Holiday – 30 January 2017 (Monday)

On the last day of the holiday, it is expected that many will be returning to Singapore in preparation for work the next day. It appears that the 2^nd  Link will be more affected as most of the people travelling back from the North of Malaysia will choose this route. In this case, it’s best to take the Causeway!

One day after the Chinese New Year Holiday – 31 January 2017 (Tuesday)

Given that it’s a work day, most people would already have arrived home the day before (30 January 2017). However, it’s not uncommon for some to take a day off or two. As such, do note that there may be more traffic heading into Singapore after lunch hour, especially on the 2^nd Link.

We hope that these forecasts do come in handy. Share this information with your friends and loved ones so they can enter JB or Singapore quickly and with ease.

Everyone gets frustrated in a jam, but don’t forget that safety is paramount. Drive safely!

Information credit and for real-time traffic forecasts at the Causeway and 2^nd Link: causewayjam.wordpress.com

Header image credits: HD Wallpaper

Also, read Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

5 Fast Food Restaurants So Pretty You’ll Want To Spend Your Dates Here

Who remembers the secondary school days of having dates at fast food chains? With a packet of fries to share with your girlfriend or boyfriend while chatting about nothing, the classic fast food date will have you reminisce the good old days.

You can now relive the beautiful memories of bonding over burgers and fries again, as we have collated a list of 5 gorgeous fast food restaurants with stunning interior designs. This list will have you brimming with date ideas for you and your significant other.

1. Super Loco

Against the picturesque Robertson Quay lies a gem that serves hearty Mexican street food.

Teal countertops, wooden furniture with tinges of bright summer colours, and neon lightings on the walls – Super Loco is definitely hard to miss.

Loud splashes of orange, mint, and yellow colours in the store show the liveliness and warmth of Mexican culture, tacos anybody?

Be prepared to feast on a wide array of traditional Mexican food, from esquites to tortas. For late-risers – Super Loco has extended it weekend brunch menu to 3:30pm, so head down for authentic Mexican cuisines!

Super Loco
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 THE QUAYSIDE, The Quayside, Singapore 238252
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 5pm – 10:30pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am – 3:30pm (lunch) and 5pm – 12am (dinner)
Website:  Credit: Hungry Ang Mo[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_19750" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Ching Yi Cheng[/caption]

The simple industrial design of the restaurant carries an ambience of class and elegance, while the spots of greenery tie closely with their vegetarian menu.

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With the tagline “Think Fast Food is Junk Food? Think Again”, VeganBurg caters not only to vegetarians, but also customers who will like to try out a healthier version of fast food.

VeganBurg
Address: 44 Jalan Eunos, Singapore 419502
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday and Public Holidays: 11:30am – 10pm (last order 9:45pm)
Website:  Credit: RUNNINGMAN from Hungrygowhere[/caption]

The slanted ceilings, wooden furnishing, coupled with white brick walls bring to mind countryside farmhouses.

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Chic-a-boo is the place for you and your partner if you love indulging in fried chicken served up with hearty mashed potatoes, fries, and their special corn muffins.

[caption id="attachment_19806" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Credit: Chic-a-boo Facebook Page[/caption]

Chic-a-boo Fried Chicken
Addresses: 

1. 4 Hillview Rise HILLV2 #02-12 Singapore 669554 (Tel: +65 6710 5605)
2. Marina Square #03-147/148 Singapore 039594 (Tel: +65 6837 100)
3. Sembawang Shopping Centre #01-02 Singapore 758459 (Tel: +65 6570 8766)
4. Viva Business Park 750 Chai Chee Road, #01-31 Singapore 469000 (Tel: +65 6243 0032)

Operating hours: Daily, 11:30am – 11pm
Website: Chic-a-boo Fried Chicken Facebook Page

4. Fatboy’s The Burger Bar (Orchard)

The strong red, black, and white palette screams nothing but bold. With burgers’ names spanning from “Fat Basterd” to “Wimpy”, this burger joint is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Opened in 2009, Fatboy’s The Burger Bar is a local burger joint that has a BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) feature, where you and your partner can put your creativity to use and come with your own burger combination. According to the restaurant, there are 4400 different combinations in total!

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar
Address: 38 Orchard Road, Singapore 63373834
Operating hours: 12pm – 11pm
Website: 5. McDonalds’s JEM

This traditional fast food joint is where many couples go to for their burger and fries fix or the classic Vanilla Cone. What’s so special about this McDonald’s outlet that makes it date-worthy though?

Beside the entrance on the second floor of this McDonald’s outlet lies a staircase, hiding a gem unknown to many.

Once you’ve climbed up the flight of stairs and reached the top, you will see a garden perfect for a McDonald’s date.

[caption id="attachment_19757" align="aligncenter" width="2816"] Credit: Goh Jia Xuan[/caption]

The roof garden overlooks the Jurong East MRT station, lending one a moment of peace amongst the hubbub of Jurong, which is known for its crazy human traffic.

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Grab your burger and fries and escape to this secret garden.

McDonald’s JEM Address: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #01-63, #02-55, JEM, Singapore 608549
Operating hours: 24 hours
Website: McDonald’s

The classic fast food dates will always bring us back to the good old days. Armed with this list, you will never find you and your significant other troubled over coming up with novel date ideas. With such a wide variety to choose from, who says fast food chain restaurants are not perfect for date places?

Header Image Source: 9 Unique And Romantic Date Ideas That Will Have You Falling In Love All Over Again