Search results for: east coast

Super Loco
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-13 The Quayside, Singapore 238252
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 5pm to 12am; Sat to Sun 10am – 3.30pm (Brunch) & 5pm – 12am ( Dinner)
Tel: 6235 8900
Credit: Credit: 6815 4600
Credit: Credit: facebook.com[/caption]

Their Signature Acai Bowl – Tropical Coconut Bowl no doubt stands out from the other specialty stores with the use of an actual coconut husk as a bowl. Despite the relatively small portion due to the coconut husk, expect generous toppings of fruits the likes of pineapple, kiwi, blueberry as well as granola and even wolfberries.

(Header image credit: 6 Interesting Cuisines You Didn’t Know You Can Get In Singapore To Spice Up Your Meals

A #TBT To How S’pore Looked Like 20 Years Ago – We Felt A Wave Of Nostalgia Looking At #2!

10 years ago, it was the year 2007. And the 90’s were 20 whole years ago. Does anyone else feel old?

From the 1990s to the current day, Singapore has gone through a tremendous change. Take a trip down memory lane with us through these 20 pictures of 1990s Singapore. You’ll be surprised at how different Singapore is now compared to your childhood days.

1. Capitol Theatre

Then

Now

This 87-year-old landmark was first built in 1930, and could seat more than 1600 people in the auditorium.

By 1998, it screened its last movie and closed down, unable to compete with newer, more technologically advanced cinemas around Singapore. After 9 years, it was reopened again on May 19 2015. Now, there are movies as well as in-house theatre and dance productions featuring local and Asian repertoire.

2. Marina Bay Sands

The area where Marina Bay Sands now stands was initially just a huge reclaimed land.

With plans that have been in the works since 1983, the entire Marina Bay Sands project took 34 years to become the impressive integrated resort we know today.

With the completion of the Sands Theatre and Grand Theatre, we are now treated to globally renowned acts like The Lion King and Wicked. Coupled with the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands has become THE place to be for everything cool, from arts and culture to shopping and eating!

3. National Library at Stamford Road

Then

Now

The original National Library of Singapore at Stamford Road was first completed in 1960, and for many of us, the place where our love for reading began.

On 31 March 2004, our collective hearts broke as the doors of the library closed for the last time. While we may miss the old library, the new national library is a sight to behold. Home to the Black Box, an outdoor garden and 7 full floors dedicated to the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, the new National Library at Bras Basah helps to keeps our love for reading alive.

4. Bugis Street

Then

Now

Our very own Singapore-style version Taiwan Night Market, Bugis Street was where we flocked to for cheap clothes and apparels after school.

With our miniscule pocket money, Bugis Street was a godsend for the blossoming shopaholics in us. Cleaner, more fashionable and slightly pricier, new Bugis Street now hosts even more shops, some are even air-conditioned!

5. Playgrounds

Then

Now

[caption id="attachment_22139" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

Back in the 90’s, going to the playground meant playing with kids from the neighbourhood, porcelain tiled dragon architecture, as well as bloody knees if we had the misfortune of falling in the sand.

These days, playgrounds are more avant-garde in design, with safe rubber-foam flooring. There is also a growing trend in inclusiveness, starting with playgrounds for children with special needs and special wheelchair swings.

6. Buses

Then

[caption id="attachment_22772" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: remembersingapore.org[/caption]

Now

Decked in the iconic red and white colours of our nation, the buses of the past were stuffy, non-air conditioned, and dispensed paper tickets when you boarded the bus.

20 years down the road, we now see buses in different colours. Not just that, they’re also air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible and bus fares are now payable with cards.

7. National Stadium

Then

Now

The old Kallang Stadium was THE place to be for every primary 5 child a few days before National Day. Wearing red or white t-shirts to school, we were proud to wave our miniature national flags (all while digging through the goody bags for the yearly signature gifts).

On 30 June 2014, Singapore welcomed the new and improved National Stadium. An all-weather sports and events venue, it has a retractable roof that keeps out the rain and doubles as a huge projector screen. It even has a state-of-the-art cooling system, allowing for cool air at 23 degrees to be pumped out from beneath the seats. Partially powered by solar panels, the cool air is even environmentally friendly!

Having played host to singers like Stefanie Sun and Jay Chou, as well as the 28th SEA Games in 2015, the National Stadium provides a comfortable, yet magnificent stage for arts, culture and sports alike.

8. Sentosa

Then

Now

Do you remember having to take a ferry to Sentosa island? Back then, we were easily excited by the wax museum depicting Singapore’s past, as well as climbing up the huge Merlion statue.

Fast-forward 20 years and Sentosa island is now home to a huge amusement-resort. You’ll be surprised to know that this island is no longer just for the beach lovers and thrill seekers.

Theatre geeks and concertgoers can enjoy amazing performances like Yellowcard – The Final World Tour at Resorts World Theatre, and the daily Monster Rock show at Pantages Hollywood Theatre at Universal Studios Singapore.

9. MRT

Then

Now

Back then, there were only 2 lines: Red and Green. More accurately, the North-South line and the East-West line. After that, you had to take a bus to get to your specific destination.

These days, there are 5 MRT lines with 2 more on the way, and 3 LRT lines. In the past, we didn’t need to refer to the System map when travelling somewhere new. Now, I find myself googling ‘MRT map’ very often.

10. Hard Rock Cafe

Then

Now

[caption id="attachment_22760" align="alignnone" width="644"] Photo Credits: ordinarypatrons.com[/caption]

The ever-famous Cadillac was taken down on May 16 2016 in preparation for a makeover of the Hard Rock Cafe. The 1961 Cadillac Series 62 Deville represented the Rock and Roll times that Hard Rock Cafe stood for.

Fortunately, Hard Rock Cafe is still rocking even without its signature Cadillac. With Kumar taking the stage alongside live music performances and open mic shows, Hard Rock Cafe keeps our love for music and comedy alive.

11. King Albert Park

Then

Now

Students of Bukit Timah, namely MGS, ACS, Nanyang Girls’, NJC and many others will always have fond memories of King Albert Park (affectionately known as KAP). Many after school hours were spent studying in McDonald’s, shopping at Cold Storage, and eating ice cream at Island Creamery.

Closed on 16 March 2014 for its transformation into a condominium, this is yet another childhood memory that we say goodbye to in our ever-developing Singapore.

12. Big Splash Complex at East Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_22788" align="alignnone" width="645"] Photo Credits: Akitek Tenggara Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

Before Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove, there was the Big Splash! Slides which were more than 6 storeys high. They were supposedly the tallest slides in the world back in 1977.

After 40 years of bringing water-related thrills to Singaporeans, the water park closed on 21 October 2016, and the land was returned to the government for redevelopment.

13. Marine Aquarium at Wisma Atria

A cheap alternative to Underwater world was to take a trip to Wisma Atria and stare at the fishes in the Marine Aquarium. Filled with exotic seawater fishes, corals and even tiny sharks, we would chase the swimming fishes round and round the 1.5m tall tank.

Sadly, good things don’t last forever. The Marine Aquarium was taken down in 2008 and the aquatic creatures were transferred to their new home at Underwater World Singapore.

14. Tang Dynasty Village

Then

Now

[caption id="attachment_22756" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo Credits: Lam Chun See[/caption]

Opened in 1992, Tang Dynasty Village was a literal blast to the past where visitors could visit a replica of the Tang Dynasty Capital in Singapore.

Featuring an army of terracotta warriors, a courthouse, geisha house, camel rides and a wax museum among other displays, this attraction was totally cool but did not come cheap. Back then, $30 entrance fees were not affordable for some families.

Coupled with the 90’s Asian Economic Crisis, it closed down in 1999, after a short 7-year run.

15. Escape Theme Park

Then

Now

Escape Theme Park made way for an expansion of Wild Wild Wet

Who can forget travelling all the way to Pasir Ris to race in go-carts, splash down the Wet & Wild log-ride and be tossed about the insanely fast Panasonic/Alpha 8.

On November 26, 2011, we said goodbye to Escape Theme Park as plans for the Downtown East revamp began. Wild Wild Wet was opened next door shortly after the closure, but it just wasn’t the same.

16. Queenstown Cinema

A cinema right beside a bowling alley, not to mention a KTV outlet, this was the best after school/work hang out for Queenstown residents.

I remember coming here after dinner with my cousins to bowl, even though we mostly watched the balls enter the gutters. Closed in 1999 and demolished in 2011, the rubble may be gone but the memories remain.

17. Istana Kampong Gelam (now Malay Heritage Centre)

The Istana Kampong Gelam used to be the palace of Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor in 1819, where it went on to house generations of Sultan Hussein’s successors.

In 1999, after the Sultan Hussein Ordinance was enacted and revised for the last time, residents living in the Istana were resettled. In time, the building was restored and transformed into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004.

With 6 permanent galleries showcasing stories and artefacts that tell of Kampong Gelam’s historical significance, as well as new monthly exhibits, visitors are given a precious insight into our country’s culture and history.

18. HMV at Heeren

Then

Now

Home to the first and last HMV store in Singapore, teens would flock here to listen to the latest album releases for free.

Opened in 1997, the 25,000-sqf store saw 8 years of music lovers pass through its 3 levels before closing officially on 30 September 2015.

19. Underwater World Singapore

The fishes from Wisma Atria’s Marine Aquarium found their way here and lived happily until 26 June 2016 when Underwater World Singapore closed down.

While the ‘bigger and better’ version, namely S.E.A Aquarium, held a whopping 100,000 plus marine animals of over 800 species, Underwater World’s 2,500 plus marine animals of 250 species was more than enough for our childhood.

20. A&W

[caption id="attachment_22798" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo Credits:

These days, ask most teens if they know A&W and they’ll answer that it’s a carbonated root beer beverage. Back in the 90’s, it was a fast food restaurant on a boat! Stationed on the Stewards Riverboat at the Sentosa Coastline, it was the only fast food franchise that felt classy as you chow down on burgers, fries and an A&W Root Beer Float.

Singapore’s Transformation

These 20 pictures show us the immense change that Singapore has undergone since the 90’s, and with the ever-increasing development of our country, who knows whether our favourite places will stick around in 2037?

Make as many memories as possible by visiting and attending events, attractions, and activities in Singapore. So start visiting and get your cameras clicking away, before time takes away more of our monumental places in Singapore.

(Header image credit: With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More 

Discover SG Ambassador Highlights #6 – Pizza Party, An Acai Date, Food Tastings & More!

With the first month of 2017 coming to an end, Discover SG has been bustling with activity more than ever! Here, we bring you our monthly round-up of what our Discover SG ambassadors have been up to. This month’s highlights were full of new yummy eats.

1. Alt. Pizza

Craving your next pizza fix but sick of the standard flavours? Look no further.

Alt. Pizza is a contemporary pizza bar serving an all-star selection of pizzas at honest prices. Their famous “Design-It-Yourself” option allows for over 650,000 unique pizza combinations for the perfect pizza.

Alt. Pizza very kindly hosted Discover SG Ambassadors to a pizza party. Our ambassadors Clare, Kimberley, Jia Min, Shivon and Jie Ying headed to Robertson Quay. They got to try delectable sides, craft beers, and had a go at designing (and eating) their own pizza creations!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPM50qUA92P/

They were impressed from the get go with the mouth-watering Nutella dip donut balls as starter. Still, the Signature Truffle Shuffle pizza stole the night as everyone’s all-round favourite dish.

Alt. pizza uses only the freshest ingredients: dough made daily from French and Italian sourced flour, and an elite sauce pressed from vine-ripened tomatoes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPKf-ylAnjp/

Each pizza is built to order from scratch and fire-baked in less than 90 seconds to lock in natural flavours. Top it all off with Alt.’s wide range of award-winning artisan craft beers and you’ll be happily stuffed to your toes!

To get a $15 voucher for your first purchase, download the new Alt. Pizza Mobile App. Robertson Quayside, 01-05, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Open: Sunday 11am to 10pm, Tuesday-Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm
Phone: 6733 0490

Suntec City, 01-602 Suntec City Tower 4, Next To Taxi Stand, Singapore 038983
Open: Sunday-Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday & Saturday: 11am to 11pm
Phone: 6836 9207
Michelin-starred Mak’s Noodle launched a “The Bigger The Better” new menu for Chinese New Year. It’s only available in Singapore! In case you missed it, here it is.

[caption id="attachment_22000" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image credit: Mak’s Noodle[/caption]

Feeling hungry yet? The five new dishes contain specially handpicked ingredients. Think succulent shiitake mushrooms and juicy king prawns. 

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BPMUY38DFN-/[/embed]

Our Discover SG Ambassador Jia Min loved the Abalone and Dumpling Tossed Noodle. Paired with Wonton Soup, she was left wanting for more.

No surprise there, seeing as Mak’s noodle holds the title for “Best Wonton Noodle in Hong Kong”.

While you’re there, be sure to stop by Hong Kong based Honolulu Café.

Renowned for its baked goods, it has recently launched its new Bean Curd Tarts. The silky smooth bean curd is made in-house from scratch, and encased in a buttery melt-in-mouth shortcrust pastry.

Mak’s Noodle
Open: 11am to 10pm

Centre Point, 176 Orchard Road, Centre Point, #01-63/64, Singapore 238843
Tel: 62355778
Email: [email protected]

Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, #02-06 , Singapore 608532 Tel: 6250 3858
Email: [email protected]

Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk #B2-27 & 27A Singapore 098585
Tel: 6358 2582
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

Honolulu Café
The Centrepoint #01-33F/G
Open: 11am to 10pm daily
Facebook
Instagram (Singapore)

3. Fratini La Trattoria Food Tasting

Always having trouble deciding what to order?

Fratini La Trattoria solves that problem for you. This No-Menu Concept Italian restaurant means you get to wait in anticipation while your meal is personally curated by the chef.

With decades of experience in Italian cuisine under their belts, the Chefs will bring your tastebuds through different generations of classic Italian flavours.

Whether you’re a meat, seafood, or vegetable lover, you’ll surely be pleasantly surprised by the scrumptious meal. For a sweet ending, be sure to save space for the Chef’s speciality – dessert.

Our Discover SG Ambassador Jia Min sampled a whole course of 7-10 different dishes – from savoury antipasti to wholesome pastas to exquisite desserts. In the end, she decided she loved the lamb rack best.

Frattini La Trattoria is reviewed as the number #2 restaurant on trip advisor amongst more than 8,500 restaurants in Singapore. We wouldn’t hesitate to try it out if we were you!

Frattini La Trattoria
10 Greenwood Avenue Hillcrest Park Singapore 289201
Open: 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11pm daily
Email : [email protected]
Phone: 6468 2868

4. An Acai Affair

We’re so proud that two of our ambassadors Anna and Isabel have opened their very own acai shop!

You have to drop by An Acai Affair to try Singapore’s first and only Tropical Coconut Bowl with Acai. You can even customise your bowl to your liking.

If you haven’t heard of acai by now, you must have been living under a rock.

A superfood from Brazil, acai has tons of health benefits. It’s reputed to be high in antioxidants and containing anti-aging and weight loss properties.

Our Discover SG Ambassadors Shivon, Kimberley, Clare, Noreen, and Dacia were invited to an exclusive media session.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPe5cwIl3vy/?taken-by=itsnoreenrachz

Besides the Tropical Coconut Bowl, you can also enjoy Acai Chia Parfait (with chia pudding), Acai Nut Bowl, and Acai or fruit smoothies.

If you walk all the way in, you’ll discover that An Acai Affair has a secret outdoor garden area, complete with mats, pillows and the lot. Perfect for chill nights and hearty conversations!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPZyBGUjg2G/?taken-by=shivonchua

Drop by to grab a healthy snack and meet the lovely people behind An Acai Affair!

An Acai Affair
101 East Coast Road, Singapore 428796
Open: Sunday-Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm to 11.30pm
Facebook

If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and you want to introduce products or services both old and new to more Singaporeans, drop us an email at [email protected], we would love to work with you!

We’re also on the lookout for more ambassadors who are on the mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore. If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, just drop us an email at [email protected].

Also, read Ambassador Highlights #5 – Yogurtland, Archery & Parkour!

Best Brunch Spots In Singapore For The Non-Early Risers

In recent years, brunch has become serious business in Singapore. Catered to the non-early risers, we have seen a proliferation of dining establishments around our little red dot that serves up tantalising mid-breakfast meals.

From fluffy-stacked pancakes to sandwiches and poached eggs, here are some of the best mid-morning dining spots to add to your brunch repertoire!

1. Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters

Nestled at a corner along Thomson road, Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is likely to draw you in with their all-white minimalist interior.

This highly raved about cafe serves delectable and instagrammable all-day brunch as well as premium coffee for that perfect coffee kick in the late morning.

[caption id="attachment_21671" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit:

Open Door Policy
Address: 19 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168650
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 12nn – 11pm; Sat & Sun 11am – 4pm & 6pm – 11pm
Credit:

To start your day on a light note without potentially getting food coma thereafter, go for their Faina and fried eggs! It is paired with crushed avocado, coriander, and “aji molido” crème fraiche which lends a unique flavour to the dish.

Likewise, for a meaty option, you will not be disappointed with their classic Beef and Bone Marrow Burger. Featuring their signature premium beef, this burger is stacked with grilled tomatoes, onions, pickles, chimichurri (a type of sauce for grilled meat) and a sunny-side up.

boCHINche
Address: 115 Amoy Street, #01-02, Singapore 069935
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 12 – 2.30pm & 6 – 10.30pm; Fri 12 – 2.30pm & 6 – 11pm; Sat 11am – 3pm & 6 – 11pm; Sun 11am – 3pm
Credit: Credit: https://angieisagirl.wordpress.com[/caption]

Their Berry Ricotta Hotcake is an absolute showstopper.

Relish in this fluffy hotcake that is topped with strawberries, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

[caption id="attachment_21675" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: 5. The LoKal

One distinctive feature about The LoKal is that they make all their dishes in-house from scratch.

[caption id="attachment_21683" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: aquaintsense.com[/caption]

Their attention to detail makes it one of the best places to indulge in wholesome and generously portioned brunch.

[caption id="attachment_21684" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit: Credit: www.burpple.com[/caption]

Furthermore, for a nourishing mid-morning meal, go for their Smashed Avocado with Ricotta. It is made up of smashed avocado, homemade ricotta cheese paired with pomelo and toasted almonds on a sourdough bread.

The Local
Address: 136 Neil Rd, Singapore 088865
Opening hours: Mon 8am – 5pm; Tue to Fri 8am – 10pm; Sat 9am – 10pm; Sun 9am – 4pm
Credit: Credit: https://therantingpanda.com[/caption]

Kinki’s Bottomless Buffet (S$52++) comes in an a la carte buffet style. The buffet offers three kinds of fresh and perfectly-cut sashimi: Salmon (Sake), Yellow Tail (Hamachi) and Bluefin Tuna (Maguro).

[caption id="attachment_21687" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: 7. Penny University

Regardless of the time, it is always brunch time here at Penny University.

[caption id="attachment_21689" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Credit: Credit: 8. Free The Robot

Located right in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, you might easily pass Free The Robot if you are still reeling from morning drowsiness after a good slumber.

[caption id="attachment_21692" align="aligncenter" width="1958"] Credit: pugsandwolls.wordpress.com[/caption]

The only indication of the place’s entrance is a single wall of robot-theme scribbles.

[caption id="attachment_21693" align="aligncenter" width="1028"] Credit: Credit: Website

9. Sarnies

Started a few years back by Australian Ben Lee, Sarnies has now transformed into a popular favourite within the bustling CBD district.

[caption id="attachment_21734" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Credit: 6 Cafes So Fancy Even Your Atas Friend Will Approve

Blast From The Past: 7 Nostalgic Old-School Food Spots That Your Grandparents Dined At

Singapore is labelled as a food haven where a huge variety of delicious international cuisines are offered and readily available for residents. Furthermore, the city’s architecture even pays tribute to food, such as the durian-shaped Esplanade theatre.

Singapore’s food-centric culture began way before you and I were even born. From street side hawkers to exclusive western restaurants, our parents and grandparents were the first to experience those glorious days and yummy food.

Fortunately for us and the younger generations, some of these shops are still in business, continuing to serve authentic dishes that the older generations once had. Without further ado, here are 7 food vendors and restaurants that have been around since our grandparents’ era.

1. Yet Con Restaurant 逸群雞飯

Situated along Purvis Street, Yet Con Restaurant has been serving authentic Hainanese chicken rice since the 1940s. It was also recognised as Singapore’s oldest Hainan restaurant.

The two-story building has a kitchen on the bottom floor and an air-conditioned dining area on the top floor. This legendary store is most well known for serving murtabak, a giant dough pocket stuffed with minced meat and egg, and fried to a golden crisp.

A few recommended dishes are the Mutton Murtabak ($8) and Chicken Masala ($3.50).

Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Road, S198675
Operating hours: 7 am to 11 pm daily

5. Chin Mee Chin Confectionery 真美珍茶室

We have no shortage of traditional kaya toast and egg breakfast in Singapore. However, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery definitely tops the rest with its ascetically pleasing marble tables—perfect for a photo backdrop—and nostalgic atmosphere.

[caption id="attachment_21852" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: 6 Cafes So Fancy Even Your Atas Friend Will Approve

7 Quiet Countries That Are Quickly Stealing The Hearts Of True Adventurers

Where should you head to this 2017? Keen to catch the ruggedness of a rugby match? Or simply looking to immerse yourself in a new cultural experience and enjoy a superb digital detox? Perhaps the usual travel destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Korea are a little too ordinary for you? Here, we bring you a list of 7 quiet and unexpected countries that are quickly stealing the hearts of true adventurers – these places will definitely have to be in your 2017 travel bucket list!

1. Travel to Bermuda

This British island territory of Bermuda is known for its pink-sand beaches and breezy island life.

However, Mongolia still retains its ruggedness and an immersion in its nomadic culture is an absolute must. You can sleep in a herder’s ger or even help round up the sheep. Additionally, the locals are known to be extremely hospitable – where else do you find people opening up their “doors” to strangers?

4. Russia

As Russia gears up to host the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup in 2018, it is set to show the world what it can offer as the world’s largest nation.

Of course, the best of Russia can be seen from the window of the legendary Trans-Siberian train. Additionally, a trip to Russia will not be complete without catching one of its world-class ballet performances. Russia certainly offers some magnificent sights if you give it a chance!

5. Vietnam

Vietnam has seen a rapidly-growing tourism industry in recent years.

Naturally, the Fins will want to celebrate their centenary with gusto in every region.

With al fresco concerts to dining festivals and numerous exhibitions, expect a celebratory atmosphere all year round!

Furthermore, this Nordic country will also be playing host to the World Figure Skating Championships as well as the Nordic World Ski Championships this year. There is certainly no better time to explore Finland’s unique culture and beautiful landscapes!

7. Myanmar

Formerly known as Burma, the lifting of British influence on Myanmar has made this country a magnet for tourists.

Also, read 7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends

Forget Tokyo, Niigata Is The Next Top Japan Travel Destination!

Where and what is Niigata, Japan all about exactly, you might ask?

Niigata prefecture prides itself for its agriculture and breathtaking scenery. Geographically blessed with a location near the coast, tourists will be able to enjoy the best seafood and local delicacies too!

There is definitely a whole lot to eat, see and do!

Hello Niigata

As Niigata is a relatively new tourist destination, Mediacorp TV Channel OKTO aired a two part series, Hello Niigata, that provided a peephole into the region’s best-kept secrets.

The hosts chat up Niigata locals and provide tips on where to go, what to do and where to eat.

To celebrate the preview of Hello Niigata, we were treated to a 5 course meal at Tomi Sushi that showcased Niigata’s culinary flair.

Niigata cuisine at Tomi Sushi

If you would like to have a taste of Niigata cuisine before travelling there, we’ve got you covered!

You can have an authentic gastronomic experience right here in Singapore. Tomi Sushi specialises in Niigata cuisine and gets all their fresh ingredients from Niigata as well.

Also, Tomi Sushi uses 100% Niigata KOSHIHIKARI rice and a special blend of soy sauce specially curated for the restaurant. The first Tomi Sushi was opened in Niigata and presently, they have opened 3 branches in our little red dot (Millenia, Novena, Katong).

These are the famous Le Lectier pears which were impossibly sweet and juicy.

They are also hard to get your hands on as they are only in season in November and December, a good justification of its nickname, “the Phantom Pear”.

While enjoying our meal, they screened the Hello Niigata trailers. We had a first hand experience trying the highly popular KOSHIHIKARU rice (the rice balls made an excellent pairing with sake!) from Niigata.

The owner of a rice farm in Niigata was present to explain all about KOSHIHIKARU rice.

It was exceptionally inspiring to meet the men and women behind the companies in the flesh, speaking passionately about their craft.

Many of the farms were passed on from one generation to the next so you can only imagine the amount of effort and sheer hard work it takes to shoulder family tradition and legacy!

Hello Niigata – Catch Up On The Two Episodes On Toggle

If you are planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, Niigata is a must visit destination.

You can discover their unique culture and harvests, such as their famous rice, sake, tea and seafood. We can attest to that from our delightful experience at Tomi Sushi!

To find out more about Niigata, you can also watch the two part series on Toggle to witness everything Niigata has to offer.

Both episodes delve into the lives of the natives where the hosts will get up close and personal with them, giving us an insider view to their hometown.

If you are wondering where the Le Lectier pears originated from, the series will take you on a tour of Shirone’s Kingdom of Fruit. It’s a garden that cultivates high quality fruits such as Le Lectier pears and Echigo Hime (Princess Strawberries) each season.

Besides the realm of culinary tourism, you will be exposed to other recreational activities. For example, Sado Island (an island within Niigata prefecture) is known for Sado Nishimakawa Gold Park and the preserved Shukunegi Village. At this village, you can explore traditional merchant houses and row your own tub boats.

To help satiate your wanderlust tendencies, definitely watch Hello Niigata on Toggle. You’ll see a part of Japan that many tourists may not know about.

Who knows, you might be well on your way to booking your plane ticket to Niigata, Japan sooner than you think!

Hello Niigata on Toggle

7 Nearby Travel Destinations To Consider For Your 2017 Long Weekends!

Count Yourself As A True Blue Singaporean Only If You Have Tried These 9 Local Dishes!

We Singaporeans are certainly proud of our vibrant and thriving culinary scene.

However, besides fine dining, typical cafe dishes and fast food, there is a category of quintessential Singaporean dishes that only a true blue Singaporean would know!

Think you know it all when it comes to these true blue Singaporean dishes? Rate yourself with our ultimate list of dishes only a true Singaporean heartlander would have tried.

Time to find out if you deserve the bragging rights of being a true blue Singaporean.

1. Curry Fish Head

Largely influenced by Nonya cuisine, Curry Fish Head is now a staple weekend dinner indulgence for most Singaporean households.

A red snapper’s head is typically used and stewed in a bubbling pot of fragrant curry broth. It is usually cooked together with an assortment of vegetables as well, such as lady’s finger and eggplant.

Where to get: Ocean Fish Head Curry
Address: No. 181 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068629
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 10.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 8.30pm; Sat 10.30am – 3pm (Close on Sun & PH)
Credit: startaster.com[/caption]

Think fried egg tofu served atop a large fried egg. It comes topped with an assortment of vegetables, such as sliced carrots, cauliflower and mushrooms. The entire dish is then completely covered in thick bubbly gravy that includes minced meat, oyster sauce and chilli bean paste.

Where to get: Two Chefs Eating Place
Address: 409 Sin Ming Ave #02-01, Singapore 570409
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 10.30pm

3. Mee Rebus

Image delicious yellow noodles drenched in thick gravy with a slight nutty taste, topped with Chinese celery and a squeeze of calamansi for that extra flavour, it leaves little to wonder why Mee Rebus is a popular Malay dish among Singaporeans.

3. Prawn Paste Chicken Wings (Har Cheong Gai)

Affectionately known as Har Cheong Gai at most zi char stalls, this particular dish is a local alternative to fried chicken wings.

[caption id="attachment_19854" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Credit: Credit: vimeo.com[/caption]

Comprising of stir-fried water spinach with sambal belacan, this dish delivers a spicy kick to the taste buds! No wonder this is a popular veggie dish among Singaporeans.

Where to get: Tan Chin Lee Sea-Fresh Restaurant
Address: 71 Pioneer Road, #02-06 Tuas Amenity Centre, Singapore 639591
Opening hours: Daily 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pmm

5. Putu Mayam

Putu Mayam is a popular Indian dish that is commonly eaten for breakfast. It consists of steamed vermicelli-like rice noodles with the addition of aromatic pandan leaf as flavouring.

6. Chilli Crab

Chlli Crab is a long-standing national dish of Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_19856" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Credit:

[caption id="attachment_20206" align="aligncenter" width="1554"] Credit: Credit: corianderandgarlic.wordpress.com[/caption]

This savoury dish is typically served at auspicious events such as weddings or during the Chinese New Year reunion dinner. It certainly is getting harder to find this rare dish around so we highly recommend you try it before it is forgotten!

Where to get: Mei Zhen Hakka Delicacies
Address: Shunfu Mart Food Centre, 320 Shunfu Road, #02-26, Singapore 570320
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 7am – 2pm (Closed on Mon)

9. Sugee Cake

For some true Singapore-Eurasian food, look no further than Sugee Cake.

[caption id="attachment_20207" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Credit: 15 Delectable Meals In Singapore Below $2.50 That Will Make You Question Reality