Local Food So Atas That Even The Coffeeshop Uncles Also Cannot Recognise!
One can’t discuss Singapore without mentioning the country’s mouth-watering cuisine. To make things even better, these restaurants serve up high-end renditions of the city’s signature dishes.
Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard
Known for the most expensive chicken rice in Singapore, many fans head to Chatterbox for their version of the local favourite. The aromatic rice cooked in flavourful chicken stock pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, along with the garlic, chili, and soy sauce on the side. Online reviews are mixed as to whether the dish is worth the price tag at Chatterbox, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the mood for a fancier take on the well-loved chicken rice. Apart from that, they have other dishes like lobster laksa too.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/2c-QKduXcb/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/2YM9YFRk2Q/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/uM-1umjfo8/[/embed]Chatterbox at Mandarin Orchard
333 Orchard Rd, 238867
6831 6288
Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri, Sat: 11am – 2am
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
For an upscale take on homely local dishes, pay a visit to National Kitchen at the National Gallery, which is best known for their authentic Peranakan cuisine. The restaurant offers a variety of local dishes such as Dry Laksa, Ngoh Hiang, Hakka Abacus Beads, Fish Head Curry, Beef Rendang, and the iconic Chili Crab. With nostalgic local flavours that’ll be a hit with the young and old, this would be a great restaurant to book for a fancy family dinner.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCNDYmhOqnw/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCXg-_-OuYg/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCMdH9OIQx4/[/embed]National Kitchen By Violet Oon
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #02–01, National Gallery, City Hall Wing, 178957
9834 9935
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Restaurant Labyrinth
Every dish at this establishment is so artistically presented that you’d wonder how they can make even the most simple boiled eggs and teh tarik combination look fancy. (Hint: it’s actually teh tarik creme brûlée and pana cotta encased in egg shells!) Restaurant Labyrinth is famed for inventive, deconstructed takes on local favourites like the Hainanese curry rice with a ball of chicken covered in squid ink, and the oyster omelette that’s rendered almost unrecognisable with sous vide-style eggs and oyster foam.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/-NqbXiEgY_/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/87EryLwd5V/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BBPZMocQd7B/[/embed]Restaurant Labyrinth
8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23 Esplanade Mall, 039802
6223 4098
click the best of Ghim Moh market here.
Tired Of Our Increasingly Aloof Society? Here Are 11 Organisations You Can Volunteer At!
Let’s be honest here. Mandatory volunteer work aside, not many of us will go out of our way to make a difference to someone else’s life. In our modern society, almost everyone has tight schedules to follow and dreams to pursue. We get so caught up in our worlds that we forget what it’s like to take a look at others’. We forget what it’s like having to do things without expecting any returns. We forget what it’s like to extend help to those who are truly in need. We forget.
Feeling guilty and ashamed? You should be.
Okay but seriously, instead of grumbling about the aloofness of our society, let’s turn our disgruntlement into much-needed positive energy. Let’s look up from our phone screens and instead, look at the society around us. From rehabilitating those with special needs to playing mahjong with the elderly, listed below are several volunteer organisations you can help out at. Remember what they always say, a little help always goes a long way. Be it a one-off event or a long-term commitment, know that we’ll be equally proud of you!
All Rounded Volunteer Projects
1. Youth Corps Singapore
[caption id="attachment_4040" align="alignnone" width="960"]If you’re searching for a wide spectrum of volunteering opportunities, look no further. By providing an array of ad-hoc and regular volunteer projects, Youth Corps Singapore is a national platform that encourages youth volunteerism. With its recent initiative, Common Space for Common Good, the organization has, with its one-day event cum carnival, advocated for volunteer causes for the elderly, special needs, youths, and low-income families. From raising environmental awareness to addressing the needs of Cambodian villagers, you’ll be sure to find a suitable cause to volunteer for at Youth Corps Singapore.
Tel: 6734 4233
Email: [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer projects here
2. Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)
[caption id="attachment_4042" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Waiii-M-C-A!
While many are familiar with this one liner and its unique tune, not all are acquainted with [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer programmes Image Credit: App.singapore.sg[/caption]
Founded since 1967, 4. Riding for the Disabled Association of Singapore (RDA)
[caption id="attachment_4045" align="alignnone" width="500"] Image Credit: Connexion.sg[/caption]
That’s right, we have horse-riding therapy. Conducted by 5. Brain Tumour Society (BTSS)
[caption id="attachment_4046" align="alignnone" width="525"] Image Credit: Braintumorsociety.org[/caption]
Seeing a loved one be diagnosed with a terminal illness can be beyond heart breaking. Not only does [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about being a volunteer 6. Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME)
[caption id="attachment_4047" align="alignnone" width="672"] Image Credit: Home.org.sg[/caption]
Having to assimilate within a society whose language you can barely speak can be pretty daunting. Besides advocating the rights of migrant workers, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about being a volunteer 7. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)
[caption id="attachment_4048" align="alignnone" width="1010"] Image Credit: Channelnewsasia.com[/caption]
[email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more the different types of volunteer work 8. Beyond Social Services (BSS)
[caption id="attachment_4049" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Thesmartlocal.com[/caption]
With a unique target group in mind, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about BSS’ volunteering events Image Credit: Babes.org.sg[/caption]
Possibly one of the more unknown organisations, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about ways you can volunteer 10. Touch Community Services
[caption id="attachment_4051" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Touch.org.sg[/caption]
With its Befriender and Meals-on-Wheels programme, Touch Community brings home services to the elderly. Happen to own a car? Join Touch’s meal delivery programme to meet the daily needs of the usually homebound elderly. If not, you can also befriend the elderly and offer services such as accompanying them to various medical appointments.
Tel: 6337 0122
Email: [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer positions 11. Man Fut Tong Nursing Home
[caption id="attachment_4052" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image Credit: Man Fut Tong Nursing Home[/caption]
Also a day rehabilitation centre, [email protected]
How to Volunteer: Find out more about volunteer activities 4 Best Kept Secret 1-For-1 Hotel Buffets You Cannot Miss Out On!
Treating yourself or your loved ones to a hotel buffet doesn’t always mean burning a hole in your pocket. Here are some delicious hotel buffets with 1-for-1 deals!
Cafe Mosaic at Carlton Hotel
The offer: 1-for-1 buffet dinner, or 4-for-3 buffet lunch. More information here.
From their juicy Black Mussels, to their O.P Ribs with Red Wine Mustard, to the make-it-yourself Rojak counter, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Cafe Mosaic’s delicious spread. Not to mention, the dessert selection is equally sinful- we recommend the Creme Brûlée and Chocolate Mousse.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BBm94RyLodU/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/yGoC9vhwIo/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAuMUQBhaN8/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/4wM87gt6Jd/[/embed]Carlton Hotel
76 Bras Basah Rd, 189558
The FernTree Cafe at Hotel Miramar
The offer: 1-for-1 international buffet promotion for lunch/ dinner. More information here.
We reckon The FernTree Cafe’s international buffet promotion is best for dinner, because that’s when you’ll get to enjoy unlimited servings of fresh oysters, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, along with free flow beer to top it all off.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/9TNOa3TU-O/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCP-DWCPTSE/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/3SvpZNj0Cd/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/rWuRNUQjcb/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/xq-BMSyMBa/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/7KAYYKqdZc/[/embed]Miramar Hotel
401 Havelock Rd, 169631
Triple Three at Mandarin Orchard
The offer: 1-for-1 lunch with DBS debit/credit cards, and 50% off second adult diner for dinner with UOB debit/credit cards. More information here.
From oysters to prawns and crabs, this buffet boasts a selection of fresh seafood, and is known for being one of the best Japanese-inspired buffets around. Mouth-watering sushi and sashimi aside, Triple Three’s buffet also has a premium roast section and of course, delicious sweet treats for your dessert round.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAwE1z6JhdZ/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/8FBeqVg1BK/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/5b8DnQmmv9/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/8NvHf_mUf3/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZfCtcklyt/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/_wJ-tvD8Cv/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/72iecFm3ac/[/embed]Mandarin Orchard
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
The Square@Furama & Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant Furama Riverfront
The offer: 1-for-1 buffet lunch/ dinner for UOB and Bank of China card users, at any of the two restaurants. More information here.
Here’s the plan for a lazy afternoon or a chill night: eat your fill at one of these buffets and take a stroll by the Singapore River nearby. Choose between the international buffet spread with a slew of Eastern and Western flavours at The Square@Furama, or a savoury halal feast with the best of Indonesian culinary gems at Kintamani Restaurant.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/2sZfrarifg/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BB6jrBpmVbW/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/r4Sc9ftDf2/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/r4Hii4tDRs/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BCZ8JqwPw_Z/[/embed]Furama Riverfront
Furama Riverfront Singapore
405 Havelock Road (S)169633
It’s the end of this list and we’re already hungry. Which one of these buffet deals will you be most excited to check out?
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Catalunya The Fullerton – One Of S’pore’s Most Romantic Restaurant In A Glass-Encased Dome
Booking a place at Catalunya, one of the most scenic restaurants right at the heart of the Singapore bay, proved to be quite a challenge for my other half, as he had waited precisely 1 month before 14th of Feb to place a booking with them. Given the importance of this date, it came as no surprise when this romantic spot was quickly snatched up by couples looking to whet both their visual and gastronomical appetite.
[caption id="attachment_2884" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Stepping foot into the slightly dimmed setting immediately puts us in a romantic trance. I was also handed a stalk of lovely rose by two lovely ladies who greeted us by the entrance. We reached at slightly over 6:30pm, the time where the sun was just about to set. The ceiling-to-floor windows guided the sunlight gently into the room, giving the restaurant a majestic feel. The ambiance at Catalunya couldn’t have been more perfect!
We were guided to our seat by a friendly waitress who then introduced the Valentines dinner course meal to us. We were also promptly informed by her that there was a minimum charge of SGD120 per person for that night. The dinner course was designed with 3 Tapas, a starter, a choice of 2 main course, and finally a dessert. As the dinner was only slightly over SGD90 per person, we opted for 1 more Tapas and 2 mocktails to make up the SGD120.
The first Tapas that came – lobster meat wrapped with avocado, topped with dollops of salmon roe – was all my favourites wrapped in one dish. I wasn’t a huge fan of avocado, but it provided that tinge of sweetness to the lobster meat that gently unfolds while I was chewing it.
The waitress did not wait for our stomach to settle before bringing in the next 3 tapas: Jaman iberico, Tomato bruschetta, and the yummy mushroom croquets! The jaman iberico was pretty close to the one that my boyfriend had while he was on training in Spain, and when it came, he spared no time in making sure I immediately savour it together with the tomato bruschetta. The saltiness of the jaman iberico blends well with the juicy tomatoes as they melt gently in my mouth.
For the choice of 2 mains, my boyfriend opted for the charcoal grilled beef ribeye, cooked to medium-rare, while I opted for the poached sea bass. The ribeye was juicy, and a match with the mushroom sides. Unfortunately, the ribeye was a tad too charred for my boyfriend’s liking, given that the ribeye was grilled with charcoal. For my sea bass, the choice of SalsaVerde as the dressing turns out to be a wonderful surprise, as I was known as someone who does not appreciate greens in my food.
As we were enjoying our tapas and mains, we were also served our mocktails by the attentive waitress. The drinks menu were spoilt with choices for alcoholics, despite it only having 2 mocktails for us to choose from. I chose the refreshing “Singapore Breeze” (a blend of passionfruit, apple, honey and lime), while my boyfriend had no choice but to go with the “Co-cooler” (a blend of cucumber, mint, apple, and jasmine tea). Singapore Breeze is an aptly given name, with the ingredients truly being gentle on my throat. The Co-cooler is also a well deserved name with the minty feeling that was left on my tongue long after I had sipped the drink.
Finally came the dessert – the chocolate fondue. Dark chocolate was not my fanfare, although it was definitely my boyfriend’s favourite.
I ended up giving him a portion of my share as he was known to love the bitter-sweet that dark chocolates offer. Nonetheless, the dessert served as a nice wrap-up to our romantic and gastronomic getaway at Catalunya, and we would surely visit again.
8 Best Places In Singapore With Pizzas That Look And Taste Like Heaven!
Everyone loves pizza. They’re perfect for sharing, and even more so when you ditch fork and knife and just dive into those stringy, cheese-covered slices of heaven.
Here’s the low-down on the best pizza places in Singapore.
1. order here
2.
30 Boat Quay
Blk 833 #01-02/03 Royalville Bukit Timah
77 Upper East Coast Road #01-01/02
Tel: 6532 6283/ 6469 4920/ 6241 5560
Premium Italian Catering: order here
3.
This pizzeria serves impressive, 21-inch pizzas (yes, bigger than a face) for S$55. It is enough to feed a group of six. The fun is in getting to mix-and-match up to four toppings per pizza.
We’re quite taken with Diavola (good ol’ peperoni), as well as Pancetta (cured bacon, sliced tomatoes and egg). With five outlets across Singapore, it won’t be difficult accessing one – although three of them are along Bukit Timah Road itself.
For addresses and tel, click here
Pizza Delivery: order here
5. click here
Pizza Delivery: order here
6. Supply and Demand
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBkOvhepNuE/?taken-at=213112125
This pizzeria describes itself as an Italian-Southeast Asian Bistro, but little about it seems fusion: its pizzas (S$20 for a 9-inch) are very much Italian, apart from the fact that they top them with ingredients like potato chunks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBSP7spPNmQ/?taken-at=213112125
If you’re a fan of all things truffle, try the Tartufo E Uovo – a combination of black truffle paste, mozzarella, rocket leaves and its crowning glory: a soft egg, drizzled with truffle oil.
Address:
8 Raffles Ave, 039802
Tel: 6336 0588
7. click here
8. Bella Pizza
It’s no secret that this eatery serves excellent pizzas. While the smoked salmon craze was long overtaken by other food fads (think salted egg yolk croissants), Bella Pizza’s Pizza Salmone (S$22) still works up a treat with mozzarella, smoked salmon, mascarpone cheese and fresh spinach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/1nTRU3St4k/?taken-at=1220642
Address:
30 Robertson Quay, #01-14 Riverside View
Tel: 6734 0139
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7 Cool Spots To Hang Out In Yishun That Doesn’t Involve Cats, Murder Or Tasers
You are in the midst of an intense catching up session with friends. But after clearing your plates, the waiter glances at you, looks at the line of waiting customers and back at you. With some reluctance, you and your friends decide to take the conversation to Starbucks, only to find yourselves competing with the whole Yishun population for tables. God.
It may not be your hipster neighbourhood lined with cafés whose names you can barely pronounce, but the north isn’t as barren as you think.
We recognise the need for after dinner hangout spots, that having to Google for them can get frustrating. From dessert cafes to activity-filled venues, listed below are seven such hangout spots located in and around Yishun.
1. Handlebar
[caption id="attachment_2071" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Image Credit: Foodesteem.com[/caption]
I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars.
Flobots’ song aside, if you’re looking for a little after-dinner exploring and drinks, biker-themed restaurant bar Handlebar is a great option. It may not be the most accessible of places, but the unique interior of this bar will have you go the distance.
Besides its unique furniture adapted from modified vehicle parts, there is a pool table made from a car’s body. So go ahead, knock back a few billiard balls and a few drinks; it’s always good to feel like a badass every once in awhile.
Address: 57 Jalan Mempurong, S759057
Tel: 6475 9571
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat & Sun 3pm-1am
2. Quench!
[caption id="attachment_2074" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: Sg.asia-city[/caption]
Wish to grab a few drinks but Handlebar is just to remote to travel to? Located at ORTO (previously known as Bottle Tree Park), this bar offers a variety of bottled beers ($10+) that will leave you spoilt for choice.
With alfresco seating overlooking a large fishpond, enjoy the laid-back vibes of this bar as you sip away at some ice-cold beers. The best part? The bar is open till 3am daily so you never know; Quench! may just become your new favourite watering hole.
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu #01-10, S769198
Tel: 6257 3657
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat & Sun 9pm-3am
For more on beer and bars, read 3. Holy Cow Creamery
[caption id="attachment_2076" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Holycow-creamery.com[/caption]
Shying away from alcohol, and craving for something sweet? Holy Cow Creamery is an ice-cream parlor that offers ice-cream and cake. Go crazy with some of their bold and exotic ice-cream flavours ($3/scoop) such as Mr. Potato Head (chocolate coated potato chips with salted caramel) while catching up on the latest gossip.
You can also top up your ice-cream with a waffle at an additional $4.50. For cake lovers, Holy Cow Creamery offers a range of cakes that includes Brownie ($4), Apple Crumble ($5) and Chocolate/Matcha Lava Cake ($6). Pretty reasonable prices, if you ask us.
Address: 292 Yishun Street 22 #01-291, S760292
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 11.30am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11.30am-11pm
4. Doughwory Bakery
[caption id="attachment_2078" align="alignnone" width="480"] Image Credit: Blanketsandcoffe.blogspot.sg[/caption]
Doughwory, be happy. When you’re out of dough, all you knead is love. Okay, we’ll stop.
If dinner didn’t manage to fill your tummy, an after-dinner visit to this pastry café would. With croissants, curry puffs and lemon cheese tarts going at $3 tops, it’d be hard to resist trying all of the bakery’s delicious-looking treats.
On the down side, this hidden gem has only a few available tables. Do be prepared to wait or tapau to #5 – Yishun Dam.
Address: 504 Yishun Street 51 #01-03, S760504
Tel: 6425 5028
Operating Hours: Daily 8am-10pm
5.Yishun Dam
[caption id="attachment_2082" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image Credit: Clubsnap.com[/caption]
Okay don’t roll your eyes just yet. It may not be much, but this location offers you as much space and serenity (depending on the crowd) as you need.
Since it’s basically free, you can simply buy some drinks before settling down for a good HTHT (heart-to-heart talk) session. If you’re looking to hang until late, you can bring along your grill and prepare your own supper.
The catch however, is its inaccessibility but you don’t necessarily have to be a car owner to enjoy this spot. A bicycle will be more than sufficient.
Address: Yishun Avenue 1, S769130
6. ORTO
[caption id="attachment_2081" align="alignnone" width="597"] Image Credit: Bumblebeemum.net[/caption]
Previously known as Bottle Tree Park, this new establishment, Orto, has retained most of its facilities such as its spacious prawning and fishing ponds.
Not only does prawning ($20/one hour, $30/two hours, $36/three hours) and fishing provide you a breather from the urban city space, the adrenalin rush when reeling in a catch can be pretty rewarding.
Plus, you get to lepak over some barbequed prawns afterwards. Its location may lean towards Khatib, but, if you’re looking to indulge in a light activity with a friend, prawning can be pretty therapeutic.
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu #01-10, S769198
Tel: 6257 2972
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Daily 24 hours
7. Cosmic Bowling
[caption id="attachment_2083" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Thesmartlocal.com[/caption]
Looking for a more hands on but indoor activity? With a semi dark bowling alley, glow-in-the-dark pins and pop music in the background, bowling has taken on a groovy twist.
Of course, this activity is for the not-so-serious bowlers because well, the dimmed lighting and neon pins aren’t exactly best conditions for one to score three turkeys in a row.
Still, if you’re looking for a sporty activity that is fun and not so intense, give Cosmic Bowling at Yishun SAFRA a go.
Address: 60 Yishun Avenue 4, #02-02 S769027
Tel: 6759 9737
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri & Sat 10am-3am
Price: $4.20/off-peak, $4.80/peak. Promotions available for certain cardholders
So there you have it, places you can now hold your catch up sessions at without having the waiter breathe down your neck. Of course, if you know of other hangout spots, do let us know. Good things must share, hor.
Also, read 8 Chillout Spots In The East For A Relaxing Night Out With Friends!
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9 Best Dim Sum Places In Singapore That You Won’t Feel Guilty Splurging On!
Dim Sum is a style of Cantonese cuisine where bite-size portions of food is traditionally served in small steamer baskets. There are heaps of Dim Sum stores that have popped up around our island, widening our choice of options for this specific cuisine. To simplify your job of choosing, here’s a list of the 9 Best Places for Dim Sum in Singapore.
1. Tak Po
Located 5 minutes away from convenient Chinatown MRT Station, Tak Po features Hong Kong dim sum and homestyle Cantonese cuisine at affordable prices. Their porridge has a very smooth texture to it, and they are absolutely not stingy with the toppings. A budget of $20 will well fill your tummy’s needs.
Tak Po
42 Smith Street, Singapore 058954
Daily: 0700 – 2230
2. Yan Ting
A Cantonese restaurant located at the 6-Star St. Regis Hotel, Yan Ting is famously notable for its Weekend Dim Sum Buffet. At $98++ per person (or $138++ for an alcoholic option), dining here will leave you brimming with options ranging from high caliber dim sum to comforting Cantonese favorites. Yan Ting promises to not disappoint. Food here is also served at a swift speed to ensure you’ll never have to wait long. Do remember to make your reservation in advance to avoid disappointments!
Yan Ting
The St. Regis Singapore, Level 1U, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911
Daily: 1200 – 1430 (Lunch) and 1830 – 2230 (Dinner)
3. Hua Nam
A store that features a quaint and rustic atmosphere is Hua Nam, a traditional store selling cheap and delicious Dim Sum. They offer the usual dim sum dishes like Har Gao and Siew Mai, all of which are worth the price you pay. Besides offering dim sum, Hua Nam also sells Tze Char, offering a variety of options for all its customers.
Hua Nam
244 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574369
Daily: 0700 – 0000
4. Red Star
As one of the pioneer Dim Sum restaurants here in Singapore, Red Star serves up some extremely delicious dim sum in an authentic setting. The concept is highly similar to Hong Kong Dim Sum halls, where waitresses serve food by pushing around old fashion carts. When you’re there, do try their Char Siew Sou – a chinese delicacy with a buttery and flaky crust filled with a moist Char Siew center. The restaurant does not accept reservations, so remember to arrive early to avoid their famously long snaking queues!
Red Star
Block 54, China Swee Road #07-23, Singapore 160054
Monday to Saturday: 0800 – 1500 (Lunch) and 1800 – 2200 (Dinner)
Sunday: 0700 – 1500 (Lunch) and 1800 – 2200 (Dinner)
5. Victor’s Kitchen
Victor’s Kitchen should be a very familiar name to all Liu Sha Bao (custard bun) lovers out there, as the restaurant constantly tops food lists for offering one of the best Liu Sha Bao in Singapore. Their other dishes such as the Carrot Cake With XO Sauce and Victor’s King Prawn Dumplings are pretty delicious as well! The atmosphere closely resembles the small and cozy Hong Kong dim sum eateries, which comes as no surprise since the head chef himself hails from the land of Dim Sum.
Victor’s Kitchen
91 Bencoolen Street, #01-49, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Daily: 1030 – 2000 (Open on Public Holidays)
6. Yum Cha
Yum Cha continues to remain as one of the popular restaurant icons in Singapore. The food here is moderately priced, and the ambience is classy yet traditional. The service is impeccable as well, with all the servers paying close attention to your every need. Food is also served very quickly within a very short span of time.
Yum Cha
20 Trengganu Street, #02-01, Chinatown, Singapore 058479
Saturday and Sunday: 0900 – 2300
Monday – Friday: 1100 – 2300
7. 126 Eating House (Wen Dou Sek)
126 Dim Sum at Sims Avenue serves both delicious and affordable food. Besides selling the usual favourites, this eatery also offers some very creative items like Tom Yum Siew Mai and Curry Chicken Chee Cheong Fan. Besides Dim Sum, they also offer a range of dishes like Thai-style Fried Crab Dong Fen and White Pepper Crab Bee Hoon that is typically offered till 8pm.
126 Dim Sum
126 Sims Ave, Singapore 387449
24 Hours Daily
8. Mongkok Dim Sum
Mongkok Dim Sum is no stranger to those living in the East of Singapore, as all 4 of their outlets are located within this region. The Dim Sum offered here is not only of high quality, but is affordably priced. They are well known for their Har Gao, also known as the House Special Shrimp Dumpling, where succulent and fresh shrimp chunks are wrapped with a translucent dough skin. Another popular shrimp dish is Mongkok’s Steamed Rice Roll that is of the perfect thickness, served with its delicious accompanying soy sauce.
Mongkok Dim Sum
214 Geylang Road, Singapore 389274
Saturday and Sunday: 1000 – 0500
Monday to Friday: 1600 – 0500
9. Canton Paradise
Ending the list is one from the Paradise Group family – Canton Paradise. Canton Paradise is one of the more family friendly restaurants on our list, with numerous branches spread all around the island. The Radish Cake, and Century Egg Porridge With Lean Meat are extremely delicious, and leave you coming back for more.
Canton Paradise
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #B1-15, Singapore 428802
Monday to Friday: 1100 – 2200 (Last order at 2130)
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday: 1030 – 2200 (Last order at 2130)
Let us know in the comments where your favorite Dim Sum eatery is!
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If Your Date Brings You To These 8 Places In Singapore, You Know You Are Special
Living on an island-nation like Singapore, it becomes a challenge to find fresh activities and places to go to for dates. You either go back to the same places for your usual dates, or follow the crowd and check out trending cafes you saw your friends posting about on Instagram or Facebook.
If your other half ever brought you to the places below, you know you must be that special someone who made him or her go the extra mile to discover them. Some of them could be tucked away in a quaint and cosy corner of Singapore; some not the most common activities; and others you could hardly associate dating with (and yet it could be proven otherwise!).
1. NOX – Dine in the Dark
You know you are exceptional when your partner is willing to try something different with you, such as savouring a mystery set dinner in complete darkness. It’s not easy to dine comfortably with someone when nothing is in sight. You must be absolutely at ease with your dinner date, knowing that conversations will keep coming through while you engage your other senses during the meal.
Seated in a pitch-black dining room, in the comfort of your company, you will be served their exquisite European menu crafted from the finest ingredients. A truly human experience like this is not something he or she will share with just anybody!
2. Bollywood Veggies
(Image Credits: Bollywood Veggies Official Website)
A farm and a bistro in the rustic environment of the Northwest Kranji side, this place is a rare find on our little red dot. Besides enjoying a farm-to-table experience as you indulge in their local and fusion cuisine, there are many other fun, hands-on activities available. These activities include a guided farm tour, potting session, culinary class, and more.
Honestly, a trip to Bollywood Veggies would make a fresh date, literally. If your significant other has made the effort to plan a trip with you there and was happy to explore a more rural routine with you for a day, he or she is quite a keeper because you know no one usually goes for farm dates in Singapore.
3. DIVINE Wine Extraordinaire
(Image credits: DIVINE Official Website)
Located in so-called Singapore’s Gotham City (an art-deco business complex Parkview Square), DIVINE is a lush wine bar featuring bold decorative art designs and textured planes of the Jazz-Age. The highlight of this extravagant wine bar is definitely its spectacular centerpiece – a 12-metre high wine cellar. Holding up to 3,000 bottles, it chills over 200 varieties of the world’s finest wine vintages. The most fascinating part is that, they actually use a wine fairy (yes, it’s a human wine fairy dressed up with fairy wings) who “flies” up to retrieve the bottle of wine you order from the cellar! We guess your partner must have done his or her homework to uncover this beautiful and intriguing bar for you?
4. Cups N Canvas
(Image Credits: CupsNCanvas Instagram Page)
Arteastiq might be a recent hit for couples wanting to paint together, but did you know about the conceptually similar cafe-studio Cups N Canvas? Housed within a characteristic art-decor shophouse with a peculiar personality, Cups N Canvas is a great place to enjoy a sensual painting experience with your significant other while sipping an aromatic cup of coffee. They provide art-jamming sessions on weekdays, and guided art painting sessions with experienced tutors on weekends. Choose from not just acrylic paint, but also watercolour and oil paints. Brownie points for your partner if he or she managed to introduce this place to you!
5. Whale & Cloud
(Image Credits: Whale & Cloud FB Page)
Unlike the usual cafe, Whale & Cloud is only open for a few hours during weekends, caps the maximum number of guests at 12, and does not have an obvious main entrance. Well, we wouldn’t disagree with what their Instagram profile states – “Many will seek and not all shall find” – it does actually require prior research to locate the cafe! If you have been there on a date before, you know the chance did not come by easy. (P/S: Heads up if you want to try going – The last we heard, the secret café has gone on hiatus for a while.)
6. Homerun Baseball
(Image Credits: Homerun Baseball FB Page)
Forget the mainstream sports that the both of you might have tried together before. You must be someone who is spontaneous and game enough for an alternative recreational activity if your date brought you along for some swinging action! As Homerun Baseball provides an automated indoor baseball and softball batting cage location, you can perfect your swings and work on your batting accuracy without sweating under the hot sun. Even if you are not a baseball enthusiast, this is a great place to de-stress, work your arm muscles, and just have fun with your date.
7. Palm Ave Float Club
(Image Credits: Palm Ave Float Club Official Website)
Who says a date necessarily means that both of you have to be together doing something all the time? Here’s something different for the adventurous: Floatation. After engaging in your usual activities, reset your mind and body as you experience floatation in a special tank. With your mind from distraction and body free from gravity, floating benefits you through rapid stress relief, faster recovery of the body, and many other ways. The float rooms are for individuals, but we are pretty certain it is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot wait to share with your partner once each of you is done with it!
8. Raffles Lighthouse
(Image Credits: The Straits Times)
Not everyone will think of bringing their other half to visit a lighthouse, and that’s something interesting by itself! Raffles Lighthouse, built in dedication to Sir Stamford Raffles, is located at Singapore’s Southern-most island of Pulau Satumu, which is also known as “One Tree Island”.
If you have ever climbed the 88 spiraling steps to the glass-paneled dome that sits 29 meters off the ground, you were pretty lucky because the lighthouse is usually not open to visitors. It is only accessible to the visitors during certain times of the year, with the most recent public access during Singapore Maritime Week 2015. Besides exploring and learning about the beauty of the towering lighthouse, the island also provides lovely scenery with its clear waters, sea breezes and fresh air. Guess what – there are occasional rare sightings of wild dolphins in the waters near the lighthouse too! If you are keen to go with your date next time, keep a lookout for the next tour provided by Singapore Heritage Fest or MPA.
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Not sure where to go for your date? Join us as a beta-tester for our new and upcoming app – WhereTwo! WhereTwo is all about helping you find the best places in Singapore to go for dates, be it by areas, themes or occasions. On the app, users contribute real reviews from their couple experiences on a dining, activity, or event location. In short, it provides date recommendations by couples, for couples and dating singles.
Interested? Sign up with your email in this link and you will receive a unique download link for exclusive access to our beta version! 🙂
This article is written by Yuting Lai from Between.
7 Family-Friendly Restaurants That Are Open This Lunar New Year
Many restaurants here in Singapore begin to close their doors as the Lunar New Year festive season close approaches. This leaves many of us at a loss as our once abundant range of food options slowly dwindle away. If this is sounding familiar to you, then fret not! You won’t go hungry this New Year as we’ve compiled a list of 7 well-known eateries that will gladly welcome you and your family as we welcome in the Year of the Monkey.
1. COCA Restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to satisfy your steamboat craving this Lunar New Year, look no further. With three locations around the island, Thai restaurant chain COCA offers you steamboats with a traditional taste. COCA is especially well known for its sauce – a secret family recipe that has been carefully passed down through the generations.
Address:
COCA Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
#04-23 Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Opening Hours:
1115 – 2230
2. Din Tai Fung
When convenience comes into play, why not head to one of the many Din Tai Fung outlets open this Lunar New Year? With 13 years of experience under their belt, you’ll not go wrong with their platter of dishes that also features the sumptuous Xiao Long Bao. Do also try their modern take on the Yu Sheng, served with Tender Smoked Unagi and topped with Fried Salmon Skin and Pine Nuts.
Address:
Central
Paragon
290 Orchard Road #B1-03 Singapore 238859
North
Nex
23 Serangoon Central #B1-10 Singapore 556083
East
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5 #02-01 Singapore 529510
West
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road #02-07 Singapore 608549
Opening Hours:
1100 – 2200
3. The Kitchen Table
Should you feel a little more generous this year, round up your family and head to The Kitchen Table – an international buffet concept managed by the W Hotel Group. It ensures to disappoint with its six live cooking stations that ensures both freshness and quality. As such, it comes with a little more hefty price at $98 per pax, but with an extensive spread ranging from dim sum, crisp salads, succulent seafood and crackling wood-fired pizza, The Kitchen Table definitely does not disappoint.
Address:
21 Ocean Way
Singapore 098374
Opening Hours:
0600 – 2300
4. Jumbo Seafood
Famous for their well-known Singapore Chill Crab, JUMBO Seafood opens its doors to customers this Lunar New Year. Head down to one of its 4 outlets to have a taste at their carefully prepared CNY Set Menus, and treat yourself to a Fesitve Pen Cai and Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng while you’re at it!
Address:
Dempsey Hill
Block 11 Dempsey Road #01-16
Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249673
Opening Hours:
Monday to Fridays: 1200 – 1500 (Lunch), 1800 – 0000 (Dinner)
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1200 – 1500 (Lunch), 1730 – 0000 (Dinner)
5. Paradise Group
This Lunar New Year, Paradise Group aims to present diners with an array of dining choices ranging from Crabs and Lobsters at Seafood Paradise to Dim Sum at their Canton Paradise. With over thirty restaurants scattered across the island, you will definitely be spoilt for choice with the Paradise Family as we usher in the Year of the Monkey.
Address:
Taste Paradise
No. 2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard #04-01
Singapore 238801
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1130 – 1500, 1800 – 2300
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1100 – 1630, 1800 – 2300
Address:
Canton Paradise
112 East Coast Road
i12 Katong #B1-15
Singapore 428802
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1100 – 2200
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1030 – 2200
6. The Roti Prata House
The Roti Prata House offers some of the best Roti Prata’s available here in Singapore, with its crispy yet flaky external. Their prata comes in a variety of flavors as well – from the typical egg prata to more interesting creations like the chicken floss prata. They also offer Indian Delicacies like Briyani, Maggi Goreng, and Masala, and you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your taste palette here.
Address:
246 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574370
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 0700 – 0200
Friday – Sunday: 24 Hours
7. SPIZZA
Fancy some authentic Italian Pizzas instead? Try SPIZZA, a pizza parlor that promises to deliver affordable yet authentic thin-crusted-wood-fired pizzas and tasty Italian dishes. Try this month’s special Prosperity Pizza topped with Chicken Sausage, Pork Floss, Pineapple and Parsley. Also in lieu with the festive season, SPIZZA’s latest promotion offers a complimentary 10-inch pizza to parties in a group of 4 adorned in the auspicious red!
Address:
SPIZZA Club Street
29 Club Street
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 1200 – 1430 and 1800-2230
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 1200 – 2230
Only Have 1 Day in Singapore? Here Are Some Must Visit Food Places – For All Budgets!
Everyone loves hosting friends from overseas in Singapore! Watching them marvel at how delicious hawker food is or how clean the streets are stirs up an unmistakable sense of patriotism. However, once in a while we face our worst nightmare – the friend who only has 1 day to spare.
Where should you bring him/her to eat? How much is him/her willing to spend? Worry no more, as we have compiled 4 different eating itineraries for any budget!
Low $ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD $10)
Breakfast at YA KUN; Local – Chinese
Indulge yourself with a treat in the local kopi (coffee) culture within the cozy atmosphere. With more than 50 stores island wide, make sure you lay your hands on its famous kaya butter toast set from SGD$4.90. If you fall in love with its kaya (coconut jam) flavor, you can also bring back these jars of homemade spread.
Lunch at BOON TONG KEE; Local – Chinese
Known for their silky white sauce chicken rice, this well received chain serves this popular local dish from as low as SGD $5. If you become a fan for its delicious dipping sauce, you can purchase these in house sauces that they have used in their dishes.
www.boontongkee.com.sg
Dinner at SPIZE; Asian Fusion and Mediterranean
Serving both Eastern and Western cuisine food from evenings till wee hours in the morning, this vibrant restaurant chain is the perfect hang out especially for night owls. The must try dishes include assorted pratas, nasi lemak, maggie goreng, roti john and not forgetting milo dinosaur drink!
30 Boat Quay
Blk 833 #01-02/03 Royalville Bukit Timah
77 Upper East Coast Road #01-01/02
Tel: 6532 6283/ 6469 4920/ 6241 5560
Premium Italian Catering: order here
3.
Pizza Delivery: order here
Pizza Delivery: order here
6. Supply and Demand
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBkOvhepNuE/?taken-at=213112125
This pizzeria describes itself as an Italian-Southeast Asian Bistro, but little about it seems fusion: its pizzas (S$20 for a 9-inch) are very much Italian, apart from the fact that they top them with ingredients like potato chunks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBSP7spPNmQ/?taken-at=213112125
If you’re a fan of all things truffle, try the Tartufo E Uovo – a combination of black truffle paste, mozzarella, rocket leaves and its crowning glory: a soft egg, drizzled with truffle oil.
Address:
8 Raffles Ave, 039802
Tel: 6336 0588
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8. Bella Pizza
It’s no secret that this eatery serves excellent pizzas. While the smoked salmon craze was long overtaken by other food fads (think salted egg yolk croissants), Bella Pizza’s Pizza Salmone (S$22) still works up a treat with mozzarella, smoked salmon, mascarpone cheese and fresh spinach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/1nTRU3St4k/?taken-at=1220642
Address:
30 Robertson Quay, #01-14 Riverside View
Tel: 6734 0139
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7 Cool Spots To Hang Out In Yishun That Doesn’t Involve Cats, Murder Or Tasers
You are in the midst of an intense catching up session with friends. But after clearing your plates, the waiter glances at you, looks at the line of waiting customers and back at you. With some reluctance, you and your friends decide to take the conversation to Starbucks, only to find yourselves competing with the whole Yishun population for tables. God.
It may not be your hipster neighbourhood lined with cafés whose names you can barely pronounce, but the north isn’t as barren as you think.
We recognise the need for after dinner hangout spots, that having to Google for them can get frustrating. From dessert cafes to activity-filled venues, listed below are seven such hangout spots located in and around Yishun.
1. Handlebar
[caption id="attachment_2071" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Foodesteem.com[/caption]
I can ride my bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars.
Flobots’ song aside, if you’re looking for a little after-dinner exploring and drinks, biker-themed restaurant bar Handlebar is a great option. It may not be the most accessible of places, but the unique interior of this bar will have you go the distance.
Besides its unique furniture adapted from modified vehicle parts, there is a pool table made from a car’s body. So go ahead, knock back a few billiard balls and a few drinks; it’s always good to feel like a badass every once in awhile.
Address: 57 Jalan Mempurong, S759057
Tel: 6475 9571
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat & Sun 3pm-1am
2. Quench!
[caption id="attachment_2074" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: Sg.asia-city[/caption]
Wish to grab a few drinks but Handlebar is just to remote to travel to? Located at ORTO (previously known as Bottle Tree Park), this bar offers a variety of bottled beers ($10+) that will leave you spoilt for choice.
With alfresco seating overlooking a large fishpond, enjoy the laid-back vibes of this bar as you sip away at some ice-cold beers. The best part? The bar is open till 3am daily so you never know; Quench! may just become your new favourite watering hole.
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu #01-10, S769198
Tel: 6257 3657
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat & Sun 9pm-3am
For more on beer and bars, read 3. Holy Cow Creamery
[caption id="attachment_2076" align="alignnone" width="1024"]30 Robertson Quay, #01-14 Riverside View
Tel: 6734 0139
Tel: 6475 9571
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat & Sun 3pm-1am
Tel: 6257 3657
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat & Sun 9pm-3am
Shying away from alcohol, and craving for something sweet? Holy Cow Creamery is an ice-cream parlor that offers ice-cream and cake. Go crazy with some of their bold and exotic ice-cream flavours ($3/scoop) such as Mr. Potato Head (chocolate coated potato chips with salted caramel) while catching up on the latest gossip.
You can also top up your ice-cream with a waffle at an additional $4.50. For cake lovers, Holy Cow Creamery offers a range of cakes that includes Brownie ($4), Apple Crumble ($5) and Chocolate/Matcha Lava Cake ($6). Pretty reasonable prices, if you ask us.
Address: 292 Yishun Street 22 #01-291, S760292
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 11.30am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11.30am-11pm
4. Doughwory Bakery
[caption id="attachment_2078" align="alignnone" width="480"]Doughwory, be happy. When you’re out of dough, all you knead is love. Okay, we’ll stop.
If dinner didn’t manage to fill your tummy, an after-dinner visit to this pastry café would. With croissants, curry puffs and lemon cheese tarts going at $3 tops, it’d be hard to resist trying all of the bakery’s delicious-looking treats.
On the down side, this hidden gem has only a few available tables. Do be prepared to wait or tapau to #5 – Yishun Dam.
Address: 504 Yishun Street 51 #01-03, S760504
Tel: 6425 5028
Operating Hours: Daily 8am-10pm
5.Yishun Dam
[caption id="attachment_2082" align="alignnone" width="640"]Okay don’t roll your eyes just yet. It may not be much, but this location offers you as much space and serenity (depending on the crowd) as you need.
Since it’s basically free, you can simply buy some drinks before settling down for a good HTHT (heart-to-heart talk) session. If you’re looking to hang until late, you can bring along your grill and prepare your own supper.
The catch however, is its inaccessibility but you don’t necessarily have to be a car owner to enjoy this spot. A bicycle will be more than sufficient.
Address: Yishun Avenue 1, S769130
6. ORTO
[caption id="attachment_2081" align="alignnone" width="597"]Previously known as Bottle Tree Park, this new establishment, Orto, has retained most of its facilities such as its spacious prawning and fishing ponds.
Not only does prawning ($20/one hour, $30/two hours, $36/three hours) and fishing provide you a breather from the urban city space, the adrenalin rush when reeling in a catch can be pretty rewarding.
Plus, you get to lepak over some barbequed prawns afterwards. Its location may lean towards Khatib, but, if you’re looking to indulge in a light activity with a friend, prawning can be pretty therapeutic.
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu #01-10, S769198
Tel: 6257 2972
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Daily 24 hours
7. Cosmic Bowling
[caption id="attachment_2083" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Looking for a more hands on but indoor activity? With a semi dark bowling alley, glow-in-the-dark pins and pop music in the background, bowling has taken on a groovy twist.
Of course, this activity is for the not-so-serious bowlers because well, the dimmed lighting and neon pins aren’t exactly best conditions for one to score three turkeys in a row.
Still, if you’re looking for a sporty activity that is fun and not so intense, give Cosmic Bowling at Yishun SAFRA a go.
Address: 60 Yishun Avenue 4, #02-02 S769027
Tel: 6759 9737
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri & Sat 10am-3am
Price: $4.20/off-peak, $4.80/peak. Promotions available for certain cardholders
So there you have it, places you can now hold your catch up sessions at without having the waiter breathe down your neck. Of course, if you know of other hangout spots, do let us know. Good things must share, hor.
Also, read 8 Chillout Spots In The East For A Relaxing Night Out With Friends!
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9 Best Dim Sum Places In Singapore That You Won’t Feel Guilty Splurging On!
Dim Sum is a style of Cantonese cuisine where bite-size portions of food is traditionally served in small steamer baskets. There are heaps of Dim Sum stores that have popped up around our island, widening our choice of options for this specific cuisine. To simplify your job of choosing, here’s a list of the 9 Best Places for Dim Sum in Singapore.
1. Tak Po
Located 5 minutes away from convenient Chinatown MRT Station, Tak Po features Hong Kong dim sum and homestyle Cantonese cuisine at affordable prices. Their porridge has a very smooth texture to it, and they are absolutely not stingy with the toppings. A budget of $20 will well fill your tummy’s needs.
Tak Po
42 Smith Street, Singapore 058954
Daily: 0700 – 2230
2. Yan Ting
A Cantonese restaurant located at the 6-Star St. Regis Hotel, Yan Ting is famously notable for its Weekend Dim Sum Buffet. At $98++ per person (or $138++ for an alcoholic option), dining here will leave you brimming with options ranging from high caliber dim sum to comforting Cantonese favorites. Yan Ting promises to not disappoint. Food here is also served at a swift speed to ensure you’ll never have to wait long. Do remember to make your reservation in advance to avoid disappointments!
Yan Ting
The St. Regis Singapore, Level 1U, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911
Daily: 1200 – 1430 (Lunch) and 1830 – 2230 (Dinner)
3. Hua Nam
A store that features a quaint and rustic atmosphere is Hua Nam, a traditional store selling cheap and delicious Dim Sum. They offer the usual dim sum dishes like Har Gao and Siew Mai, all of which are worth the price you pay. Besides offering dim sum, Hua Nam also sells Tze Char, offering a variety of options for all its customers.
Hua Nam
244 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574369
Daily: 0700 – 0000
4. Red Star
As one of the pioneer Dim Sum restaurants here in Singapore, Red Star serves up some extremely delicious dim sum in an authentic setting. The concept is highly similar to Hong Kong Dim Sum halls, where waitresses serve food by pushing around old fashion carts. When you’re there, do try their Char Siew Sou – a chinese delicacy with a buttery and flaky crust filled with a moist Char Siew center. The restaurant does not accept reservations, so remember to arrive early to avoid their famously long snaking queues!
Red Star
Block 54, China Swee Road #07-23, Singapore 160054
Monday to Saturday: 0800 – 1500 (Lunch) and 1800 – 2200 (Dinner)
Sunday: 0700 – 1500 (Lunch) and 1800 – 2200 (Dinner)
5. Victor’s Kitchen
Victor’s Kitchen should be a very familiar name to all Liu Sha Bao (custard bun) lovers out there, as the restaurant constantly tops food lists for offering one of the best Liu Sha Bao in Singapore. Their other dishes such as the Carrot Cake With XO Sauce and Victor’s King Prawn Dumplings are pretty delicious as well! The atmosphere closely resembles the small and cozy Hong Kong dim sum eateries, which comes as no surprise since the head chef himself hails from the land of Dim Sum.
Victor’s Kitchen
91 Bencoolen Street, #01-49, Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Daily: 1030 – 2000 (Open on Public Holidays)
6. Yum Cha
Yum Cha continues to remain as one of the popular restaurant icons in Singapore. The food here is moderately priced, and the ambience is classy yet traditional. The service is impeccable as well, with all the servers paying close attention to your every need. Food is also served very quickly within a very short span of time.
Yum Cha
20 Trengganu Street, #02-01, Chinatown, Singapore 058479
Saturday and Sunday: 0900 – 2300
Monday – Friday: 1100 – 2300
7. 126 Eating House (Wen Dou Sek)
126 Dim Sum at Sims Avenue serves both delicious and affordable food. Besides selling the usual favourites, this eatery also offers some very creative items like Tom Yum Siew Mai and Curry Chicken Chee Cheong Fan. Besides Dim Sum, they also offer a range of dishes like Thai-style Fried Crab Dong Fen and White Pepper Crab Bee Hoon that is typically offered till 8pm.
126 Dim Sum
126 Sims Ave, Singapore 387449
24 Hours Daily
8. Mongkok Dim Sum
Mongkok Dim Sum is no stranger to those living in the East of Singapore, as all 4 of their outlets are located within this region. The Dim Sum offered here is not only of high quality, but is affordably priced. They are well known for their Har Gao, also known as the House Special Shrimp Dumpling, where succulent and fresh shrimp chunks are wrapped with a translucent dough skin. Another popular shrimp dish is Mongkok’s Steamed Rice Roll that is of the perfect thickness, served with its delicious accompanying soy sauce.
Mongkok Dim Sum
214 Geylang Road, Singapore 389274
Saturday and Sunday: 1000 – 0500
Monday to Friday: 1600 – 0500
9. Canton Paradise
Ending the list is one from the Paradise Group family – Canton Paradise. Canton Paradise is one of the more family friendly restaurants on our list, with numerous branches spread all around the island. The Radish Cake, and Century Egg Porridge With Lean Meat are extremely delicious, and leave you coming back for more.
Canton Paradise
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #B1-15, Singapore 428802
Monday to Friday: 1100 – 2200 (Last order at 2130)
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday: 1030 – 2200 (Last order at 2130)
Let us know in the comments where your favorite Dim Sum eatery is!
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If Your Date Brings You To These 8 Places In Singapore, You Know You Are Special
Living on an island-nation like Singapore, it becomes a challenge to find fresh activities and places to go to for dates. You either go back to the same places for your usual dates, or follow the crowd and check out trending cafes you saw your friends posting about on Instagram or Facebook.
If your other half ever brought you to the places below, you know you must be that special someone who made him or her go the extra mile to discover them. Some of them could be tucked away in a quaint and cosy corner of Singapore; some not the most common activities; and others you could hardly associate dating with (and yet it could be proven otherwise!).
1. NOX – Dine in the Dark
You know you are exceptional when your partner is willing to try something different with you, such as savouring a mystery set dinner in complete darkness. It’s not easy to dine comfortably with someone when nothing is in sight. You must be absolutely at ease with your dinner date, knowing that conversations will keep coming through while you engage your other senses during the meal.
Seated in a pitch-black dining room, in the comfort of your company, you will be served their exquisite European menu crafted from the finest ingredients. A truly human experience like this is not something he or she will share with just anybody!
2. Bollywood Veggies
(Image Credits: Bollywood Veggies Official Website)
A farm and a bistro in the rustic environment of the Northwest Kranji side, this place is a rare find on our little red dot. Besides enjoying a farm-to-table experience as you indulge in their local and fusion cuisine, there are many other fun, hands-on activities available. These activities include a guided farm tour, potting session, culinary class, and more.
Honestly, a trip to Bollywood Veggies would make a fresh date, literally. If your significant other has made the effort to plan a trip with you there and was happy to explore a more rural routine with you for a day, he or she is quite a keeper because you know no one usually goes for farm dates in Singapore.
3. DIVINE Wine Extraordinaire
(Image credits: DIVINE Official Website)
Located in so-called Singapore’s Gotham City (an art-deco business complex Parkview Square), DIVINE is a lush wine bar featuring bold decorative art designs and textured planes of the Jazz-Age. The highlight of this extravagant wine bar is definitely its spectacular centerpiece – a 12-metre high wine cellar. Holding up to 3,000 bottles, it chills over 200 varieties of the world’s finest wine vintages. The most fascinating part is that, they actually use a wine fairy (yes, it’s a human wine fairy dressed up with fairy wings) who “flies” up to retrieve the bottle of wine you order from the cellar! We guess your partner must have done his or her homework to uncover this beautiful and intriguing bar for you?
4. Cups N Canvas
(Image Credits: CupsNCanvas Instagram Page)
Arteastiq might be a recent hit for couples wanting to paint together, but did you know about the conceptually similar cafe-studio Cups N Canvas? Housed within a characteristic art-decor shophouse with a peculiar personality, Cups N Canvas is a great place to enjoy a sensual painting experience with your significant other while sipping an aromatic cup of coffee. They provide art-jamming sessions on weekdays, and guided art painting sessions with experienced tutors on weekends. Choose from not just acrylic paint, but also watercolour and oil paints. Brownie points for your partner if he or she managed to introduce this place to you!
5. Whale & Cloud
(Image Credits: Whale & Cloud FB Page)
Unlike the usual cafe, Whale & Cloud is only open for a few hours during weekends, caps the maximum number of guests at 12, and does not have an obvious main entrance. Well, we wouldn’t disagree with what their Instagram profile states – “Many will seek and not all shall find” – it does actually require prior research to locate the cafe! If you have been there on a date before, you know the chance did not come by easy. (P/S: Heads up if you want to try going – The last we heard, the secret café has gone on hiatus for a while.)
6. Homerun Baseball
(Image Credits: Homerun Baseball FB Page)
Forget the mainstream sports that the both of you might have tried together before. You must be someone who is spontaneous and game enough for an alternative recreational activity if your date brought you along for some swinging action! As Homerun Baseball provides an automated indoor baseball and softball batting cage location, you can perfect your swings and work on your batting accuracy without sweating under the hot sun. Even if you are not a baseball enthusiast, this is a great place to de-stress, work your arm muscles, and just have fun with your date.
7. Palm Ave Float Club
(Image Credits: Palm Ave Float Club Official Website)
Who says a date necessarily means that both of you have to be together doing something all the time? Here’s something different for the adventurous: Floatation. After engaging in your usual activities, reset your mind and body as you experience floatation in a special tank. With your mind from distraction and body free from gravity, floating benefits you through rapid stress relief, faster recovery of the body, and many other ways. The float rooms are for individuals, but we are pretty certain it is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot wait to share with your partner once each of you is done with it!
8. Raffles Lighthouse
(Image Credits: The Straits Times)
Not everyone will think of bringing their other half to visit a lighthouse, and that’s something interesting by itself! Raffles Lighthouse, built in dedication to Sir Stamford Raffles, is located at Singapore’s Southern-most island of Pulau Satumu, which is also known as “One Tree Island”.
If you have ever climbed the 88 spiraling steps to the glass-paneled dome that sits 29 meters off the ground, you were pretty lucky because the lighthouse is usually not open to visitors. It is only accessible to the visitors during certain times of the year, with the most recent public access during Singapore Maritime Week 2015. Besides exploring and learning about the beauty of the towering lighthouse, the island also provides lovely scenery with its clear waters, sea breezes and fresh air. Guess what – there are occasional rare sightings of wild dolphins in the waters near the lighthouse too! If you are keen to go with your date next time, keep a lookout for the next tour provided by Singapore Heritage Fest or MPA.
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Not sure where to go for your date? Join us as a beta-tester for our new and upcoming app – WhereTwo! WhereTwo is all about helping you find the best places in Singapore to go for dates, be it by areas, themes or occasions. On the app, users contribute real reviews from their couple experiences on a dining, activity, or event location. In short, it provides date recommendations by couples, for couples and dating singles.
Interested? Sign up with your email in this link and you will receive a unique download link for exclusive access to our beta version! 🙂
This article is written by Yuting Lai from Between.
7 Family-Friendly Restaurants That Are Open This Lunar New Year
Many restaurants here in Singapore begin to close their doors as the Lunar New Year festive season close approaches. This leaves many of us at a loss as our once abundant range of food options slowly dwindle away. If this is sounding familiar to you, then fret not! You won’t go hungry this New Year as we’ve compiled a list of 7 well-known eateries that will gladly welcome you and your family as we welcome in the Year of the Monkey.
1. COCA Restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to satisfy your steamboat craving this Lunar New Year, look no further. With three locations around the island, Thai restaurant chain COCA offers you steamboats with a traditional taste. COCA is especially well known for its sauce – a secret family recipe that has been carefully passed down through the generations.
Address:
COCA Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
#04-23 Ngee Ann City
Singapore 238872
Opening Hours:
1115 – 2230
2. Din Tai Fung
When convenience comes into play, why not head to one of the many Din Tai Fung outlets open this Lunar New Year? With 13 years of experience under their belt, you’ll not go wrong with their platter of dishes that also features the sumptuous Xiao Long Bao. Do also try their modern take on the Yu Sheng, served with Tender Smoked Unagi and topped with Fried Salmon Skin and Pine Nuts.
Address:
Central
Paragon
290 Orchard Road #B1-03 Singapore 238859
North
Nex
23 Serangoon Central #B1-10 Singapore 556083
East
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5 #02-01 Singapore 529510
West
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road #02-07 Singapore 608549
Opening Hours:
1100 – 2200
3. The Kitchen Table
Should you feel a little more generous this year, round up your family and head to The Kitchen Table – an international buffet concept managed by the W Hotel Group. It ensures to disappoint with its six live cooking stations that ensures both freshness and quality. As such, it comes with a little more hefty price at $98 per pax, but with an extensive spread ranging from dim sum, crisp salads, succulent seafood and crackling wood-fired pizza, The Kitchen Table definitely does not disappoint.
Address:
21 Ocean Way
Singapore 098374
Opening Hours:
0600 – 2300
4. Jumbo Seafood
Famous for their well-known Singapore Chill Crab, JUMBO Seafood opens its doors to customers this Lunar New Year. Head down to one of its 4 outlets to have a taste at their carefully prepared CNY Set Menus, and treat yourself to a Fesitve Pen Cai and Prosperity Abalone Yu Sheng while you’re at it!
Address:
Dempsey Hill
Block 11 Dempsey Road #01-16
Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249673
Opening Hours:
Monday to Fridays: 1200 – 1500 (Lunch), 1800 – 0000 (Dinner)
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1200 – 1500 (Lunch), 1730 – 0000 (Dinner)
5. Paradise Group
This Lunar New Year, Paradise Group aims to present diners with an array of dining choices ranging from Crabs and Lobsters at Seafood Paradise to Dim Sum at their Canton Paradise. With over thirty restaurants scattered across the island, you will definitely be spoilt for choice with the Paradise Family as we usher in the Year of the Monkey.
Address:
Taste Paradise
No. 2 Orchard Turn
ION Orchard #04-01
Singapore 238801
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1130 – 1500, 1800 – 2300
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1100 – 1630, 1800 – 2300
Address:
Canton Paradise
112 East Coast Road
i12 Katong #B1-15
Singapore 428802
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1100 – 2200
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holiday: 1030 – 2200
6. The Roti Prata House
The Roti Prata House offers some of the best Roti Prata’s available here in Singapore, with its crispy yet flaky external. Their prata comes in a variety of flavors as well – from the typical egg prata to more interesting creations like the chicken floss prata. They also offer Indian Delicacies like Briyani, Maggi Goreng, and Masala, and you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your taste palette here.
Address:
246 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574370
Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 0700 – 0200
Friday – Sunday: 24 Hours
7. SPIZZA
Fancy some authentic Italian Pizzas instead? Try SPIZZA, a pizza parlor that promises to deliver affordable yet authentic thin-crusted-wood-fired pizzas and tasty Italian dishes. Try this month’s special Prosperity Pizza topped with Chicken Sausage, Pork Floss, Pineapple and Parsley. Also in lieu with the festive season, SPIZZA’s latest promotion offers a complimentary 10-inch pizza to parties in a group of 4 adorned in the auspicious red!
Address:
SPIZZA Club Street
29 Club Street
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 1200 – 1430 and 1800-2230
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 1200 – 2230
Only Have 1 Day in Singapore? Here Are Some Must Visit Food Places – For All Budgets!
Indulge yourself with a treat in the local kopi (coffee) culture within the cozy atmosphere. With more than 50 stores island wide, make sure you lay your hands on its famous kaya butter toast set from SGD$4.90. If you fall in love with its kaya (coconut jam) flavor, you can also bring back these jars of homemade spread.
www.boontongkee.com.sg
Breakfast at SONG FA; Chinese – Teochew
With its signature dish Bak Ku Teh “meat bone tea” from SGD $7, Song Fa promises their loyal patrons its tingling peppery aftertaste in their soup, accompanied with succulent and tender pork ribs. If you cannot get off the flavourful broth off your mind, simply bring home a box of 10 sachets of Song Fa spices at SGD$22.
Lunch at THE CURRY HUT; Asian – North Indian
Aimed to attract all the curryholics island wide, The Curry Hut serves sumptuous true Indian Curry dishes as their specialties. Using various unique spices such as cumin, mustard, turmeric, fenugreek and black pepper, every dish is made to perfection. Must try dishes include Purdah Biryani, Dhehati Murg curry, Tandoori kebabs and of course, Mango Lassi drink to finish off the meal.
Dinner at I’M KIM KOREAN BBQ; Korean barbecue
With dinner starting from SGD $22.90, guests can pick from a free-flow selection of cooked Korean dishes, fresh poultry, condiments, drinks and more. Often populated for its attractive price and seasonal Facebook promotions, it will be recommended to book in advance for reservation before you miss its signature volcano chicken and irresistible chicken wings!
High $$$ (Average spending per meal – Below SGD$50)
Breakfast at WILD HONEY; International Enjoy all day breakfast at anytime of the day at Wild Honey! Be it signature dishes like The English, Tunisian or European, or new modern favourites such as Norwegian or Aussie, you will fill that craving spot for sure. Be sure to make an advanced reservation at this popular joint! Lunch at COFFEE LOUNGE; Chinese – Taiwanese Situated within Goodwood Park Hotel, get to enjoy the extensive Taiwan Porridge and local degustation menu. With its lunch bento starting from SGD $21, it also serves a la carte buffet with 31 traditional favors, accompanying piping hot bowls of rice or sweet potato porridge. Be sure to make an advanced reservation. Dinner at JUMBO SEAFOOD; Local – Chinese Garnering prestigious culinary and service, JUMBO Seafood captures the diners’ hearts with its fresh seafood cooked to perfection. With its award-winning JUMBO Chili Crab, it also serves black pepper crab, golden salted egg prawns, crispy-fried squids and other innovative seafood cuisine. Reservation required. Super High $$$$$ (Average spending per meal – Above SGD$50)
Breakfast at YAN TING; Chinese – Cantonese Located at The St. Regis Singapore, Yan Ting showcases the exquisite yet hearty Cantonese fine dining. Aside from Executive Chef Tony Wun’s signature creations on the a la carte menu, patrons can also enjoy the Weekend Dim Sum Brunch from SGD $53. This style of Cantonese cuisine prepares steamed or fried food that are traditionally served in streamer baskets or small plates. Due to its bite-sized portions, get to try a wide variety! Reservation required. Lunch at NATIONAL KITCHEN BY VIOLET OON; Asian Fusion Showcasing Singapore’s culinary treasures and heritage from Nyonya, Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines, local chef Violet Oon’s latest addition at National Gallery Singapore celebrated the authentic colorful flavours. Treat yourself to a luxurious meal from Tumeric Chicken Rings, fragrant Beef Rendang, Daging Chabek Beef Cheek and top off with a must try Roti Jala with Gula Melaka and Bananas. Reservation required. Dinner at WILD ROCKET; Asian Fusion Opened by local Chef Willin Low, he described himself and his food as “Mod Sin” cuisine – Modern Singapore fusion food of local delight and European cuisine. Apart from a la carte menu, four-course meal is also served from SGD $75. Do contact the restaurant to find out the specials created on its omakase tasting menu at the chef counter.
