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Jay Chou To Return To Singapore In 2018 For Part 2 Of “The Invincible” Tour!

Fans of Jay Chou, the wait is almost over!

The king of Mandopop will be gracing us with his presence (and smooth pipes!) once again on Jan 6, 2018 for “The Invincible” Part 2 concert. Mark the date in your calendars. This is a show you don’t want to miss, especially if you missed out on his sold-out concert last year!

The concert will be happening at Singapore National Stadium, the same place “The Invincible” Jay Chou Concert Tour 2016 was held last year. Ticketing details have not yet been released, so stay tuned for updates!

Also read, 90s Kids, This Nostalgic Video From Butterworks Will Hit You Right In The Feels

(Top Image Credit:

We Can’t Believe Singaporeans Are Still Embarrassed To Buy These 5 Products

Buying condoms, pads, or tampons at your neighbourhood convenience store may be embarrassing, cringe-worthy, and even a taboo for some people.

Let’s check out some of the products Singaporeans are still embarrassed to purchase.

1. Condoms

Often, purchasing your own protection is awkward. Even though they are easily and readily available in supermarkets or convenient stores, condoms tend to be regarded with much disdain.

Purchasing condoms inevitably suggests that you are having sex, and in Singapore, many might be uncomfortable with revealing this side of their lives to other people.

However, whether you’re single, attached, or married, there should be no shame in using protection. After all, you’re always making the right decision when you decide to use a Durex – whether it’s for family planning, because you’re not ready for kids yet, or protection against STIs.

If buying a Durex at a store is really not an option for you, consider

In theory, when men show interest in beauty products, it’s a positive thing. It helps change the way men’s grooming is viewed.

Yet in practice, many still seem to shy away from the once-deemed-feminine skincare products.

Perhaps in time, with the growing array and normalcy of using skin-care products for men, male consumers will no longer feel embarrassed for swapping out the all-purpose bar soap.

3. Food shame

People love eating junk food, but some may feel anxious about being criticised for what they purchase – especially if it is junk food.

Admittedly, we are all a little self-conscious about the image we portray. No one likes to be judged based on the food we eat.

Snacking on junk food should not be an everyday habit, but the occasional trek down the snack aisle is definitely something you’ll see most Singaporeans succumbing to.

One way to avoid being looked at pointedly at the check-out line, or to save yourself from the embarrassment of purchasing junk food is to only purchase junk food with other groceries.

4. Romance novels

For most, romance novels are a guilty pleasure read.

As romance novels have gotten a bad reputation (think Fifty Shades of Grey) for their highly explicit content, those caught purchasing or reading romance novels in public might be on the receiving end of silent criticism.

One way that you could save yourself the embarrassment of purchasing a romance novel in bookstores—whilst still being able to peruse through guilty pleasure romance stories—is to invest in an electronic reader.

Unlike its paperback counterpart, it is more difficult to discern what book is being read or downloaded on the e-reader, saving its user the embarrassment of being caught reading or purchasing a romance novel in public.

5. Feminine products

Purchasing feminine products like pads, tampons or douches can be an embarrassing task, especially if it is your first time buying them.

While some might be as bold as brass and indignant to purchasing feminine products, understandably, such a purchase might leave others abashed.

Instead of trying to awkwardly make excuses for the items in your shopping cart, be confident about the products you need. Try to come to terms with the fact that there is nothing to be shy, ashamed or embarrassed about of your period.

Many girls forget that most women around them are going through exactly what they are going through, and buying feminine products are no different from buying a pack of gum or tissue paper.

If you’re feeling a little shy about making revealing purchases in stores, the trick is to buy extra items, but don’t go overboard.

You don’t want to be that person at the checkout line with 6 pairs of kitchen scissors, an ironing board, 4 watermelons and a box of Dumex.

Also, read Skip The Store – Here Are 8 Everyday Products That Are Better Bought Online

Best Couple Getaway – Discover Busan, Korea At Only $1600 Or Less

So you badly need a couple getaway from both of your hectic work schedules. But you can’t afford a long vacation because of miserable leave entitlement and budget constraint. Usual short trip destinations in Southeast Asia like Penang, Bali and Bangkok seem boring nowadays. Then how?

How about going somewhere further to Busan – the second largest city in Korea?

The trip to Busan isn’t as costly as you think. By taking just 2 days’ leave on Friday and Monday, you can enjoy the best of Busan as a couple at $1,600 or less. You can even do it all within 72 hours!

1. Affordable flights to Busan thanks to Air Asia

Air travel is so much cheaper and convenient now. A return air ticket to Busan via Korean Air will make you and your BF about $2,200 poorer. On the other hand, spend about half that amount by flying AirAsia.

To be exact, you only need to pay $574 nett per pax for a return trip without check-in baggage!

2. Economical Airbnb accommodation

Hostels, budget hotels? These are so passe.

Welcome to the world of Airbnb, where you can find cosy rooms or apartments in convenient locations. All these at a fraction of the price of hotels! To make things easier for you, we’ve done the research on the best locations for a great couple stay in Busan.

Seomyeon Station

Seomyeon in Busan is like Myeongdong in Seoul, the Mecca for all things trendy. Shop till you drop in this hip district for great Korean fashion.

Furthermore, Seomyeon is also the commercial and transportation hub in the city. Staying in a private apartment near the station = great accessibility to major sights. From just $229 for 3 nights, you get to enjoy the convenience of staying in Nami’s sleek studio apartment!

Jungang Station

Jungang Station is located near to the largest port in Korea. In addition to stunning views of the Busan port, be close to the famous Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market and other Nampo-dong attractions by staying in this area.

Boasting a superb location, the cosy W House2 is a steal you don’t want to miss from $291 for 3 nights!

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Gwangan Station

Busan is famous for its beautiful beaches in Korea. In fact, the popular Busan Fireworks Festival is held every October along Gwangalli Beach, a 10-minute walk from Gwangan Station.

Stay at Yurim’s cool sea-view apartment located right next to Gwangan station from a reasonable $317 for 3 nights. Besides the convenient access to colourful fireworks, why not take a romantic stroll with your partner on the white sandy beach? Furthermore, explore the city at ease with the nearby subway and buses.

3. Highlights of Busan in 72 hours

Best part of this trip? All the lovely Busan spots don’t require an admission fee, woah!

Day 1: Central district (Jung-gu)’s Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Nampo-dong, BIFF Square

Take it easy on your first day, since you’ve just landed in the morning after an overnight flight. Thus, all the activities will be around the 2 subway stations on Busan Subway orange line 1: Jagalchi and Nampo stations.

You can just alight at one station and move around on foot the whole day as these attractions are all within close proximity to one another.

You deserve a hearty breakfast to warm your souls and stomachs. After dumping your baggage at the apartment, head to the iconic Jagalchi Market.

A trip to Busan isn’t complete if you don’t visit the largest seafood market in Korea, the best place to represent the port city.

Tuck into the freshest raw fish here at unbelievable prices. If raw stuff isn’t your thing, have them cooked in one of the many restaurants lined on the shore side road. Pay only 20,000 KRW or less (S$24.20) for a sumptuous seafood meal for 2.

Directions: Walk about 5 minutes from Jagalchi Station exit 10.

Proceed to Gukje Market just across the street from Jagalchi Market for another round of feasting and shopping.

As one of the largest traditional markets in Korea, it’s likely you will lose your way here. Nonetheless, getting lost is part of the fun for a great trip!

Do follow the locals and sit on the stools by the alley to try some yummy street food, just like what you see above!

Directions: Jagalchi Station exit 7. Go 30m, turn left, and walk straight for 5 minutes to reach the market.

Korean movie fans must visit the famous BIFF Square where the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is held.

Spot hand paintings of famous movie celebrities along the street. Sink your teeth into the addictive Korean street snacks.

A must-try includes the nutritious Busan specialty – Ssiat Hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with a variety of healthy seeds for the extra crunch.

Also, shop to your heart’s content along the cultural and fashion streets of Nampo-dong, across from the BIFF Square. This is where you will find a wide range of shops selling everything from bargains to luxury items.

Directions: Nampo Station exit 1 or 3.

Day 2: Beaches to the east of Busan – Haeundae and Gwangalli

Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in the country. During the peak season from June to August, throngs of domestic tourists flock to the white sandy beach to chill from the summer heat. Have fun playing traditional games such as Korean wrestling, seesaw jumping and tug-of-war at the Folk Square.

Directions: Haeundae Station (Busan Subway green line 2), Exit 5. Walk straight for about 500m.

After some beach fun, proceed to a stunning tour of Haedong Yonggungsa. Located on the coast of northeast Busan, this is a rare find of a temple by the sea. Climb 108 steps from the entrance to the rocky landscape, leading you to the main sanctuary where the ancient temple sits. Soak in the gorgeous coastal views and snap away.

If you can, climb all the way up the steep flight of stairs to pray at the temple. Reward yourself with a picturesque bird’s eye view overlooking Haedong Yonggungsa.

Directions: Take bus 181 from Haeundae Station (Busan Subway green line 2) Exit 7. Alight at the bus stop outside the temple. Follow the sign to the temple by walking about 10 minute.

Of course we shouldn’t miss out Gwangalli Beach, well known for the spectacular lights show of the Gwangan Bridge at night. As mentioned earlier, you should time your trip to coincide with the Busan Fireworks Festival if you plan to visit in October.

This is a wonderful “paktor” (dating) spot where you can enjoy the fine white sand and splendid scenery! Relive your childhood and have fun playing fireworks on the beach. After all the romantic moments, cure your hunger pangs in the many nice restaurants and cafes around the area.

Directions: Gwangan Station (Busan Subway green line 2) exit 5. Follow the signs on the pavement and walk about 10 minutes to the beach.

Day 3: Gamcheon Cultural Village and Taejongdae Cliff Park in the south

Start your day with a visit to the quaint Gamcheon Cultural Village in the southwestern part of the city. Because the colorful houses are constructed in a staircase fashion on the foothills in this coastal village, it is affectionately nicknamed as Korea’s Machu Picchu and Korea’s Santorini.

Allow yourself at least 2 hours to explore this artistic village. Take pretty couple shots in the village filled with vividly coloured murals & sculptures created by its residents.

Directions: Turn left from Toseong Station (Busan Subway orange line 1) exit 6 and go straight ahead till you reach the bus stop in front of Busan National University Hospital. Take the mini bus Saha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2 to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop (about 10 minute ride).

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Taejongdae Cliff Park to the south of Busan’s coast. This natural site may be a bit out of the way but trust me, it’s definitely a must-do!

Due to time constraint, take the Danubi train and alight at Yeongdo Lighthouse for breathtaking view at the cliff.

You can also savour fresh sashimi caught directly from the sea. For Instagram-worthy shots, sit on the edge of the cliff and get your partner to snap lovely photos of you here.

Or better still, bring a selfie-stick along and pose for the most enviable couple shot in a perfect natural setting!

Directions: From Nampo Station (Busan Subway orange line 1) exit 6, walk straight for 30 seconds to the bus stops opposite Lotte Department Store. Take bus 8, 30, 88 or 88-A from the second nearest bus stop here and alight at Taejongdae Station (30 to 40 minute ride).

Day 4: F & E till your flight home departs at 10.35 am

Technically speaking, you don’t have much time today since you need to be at the airport around 9 am. The traditional markets generally open from 8 am and shops even later. So have a hearty last breakfast at a restaurant you fancy before saying goodbye to wonderful Busan.

Summary of your expected expenditure

Generally, Busan is not an expensive city, so you will be able to enjoy the scenery and delicious food it has to offer with $1,600 for 2 comfortably. Here’s a table to summarize the estimated expenditure for your couple getaway:

Generally, Busan is not an expensive city. It is possible to enjoy an awesome couple getaway in a destination that you never thought was possible. Without spending too much money and time, you will be able to enjoy the scenery and delicious food at only $1,600 for 2 comfortably.

With such a romantic trip, it’s inevitable that sparks will fly and your relationship will only strengthen. Just a PSA here: don’t forget to bring along and use contraception such as Durex.

Hurry and plan your next short getaway to Busan now before the airfare rises!

Also, read 5 Tips For A Cheaper Staycation In Sentosa

Nothing To Do In Tiny S’pore? This Bank Is Making It Its Mission To Bring More Life Here

Singapore is a lot of great things: a safe country, a technologically advanced nation, a country with THE best food in the world—to us Singaporeans, at least. But a place with plenty of fun, exciting things going on all the time, well… That’s debatable.

A Livelier Local Scene

That being said, things here have come a LONG way over the last couple of years.

One of the key parties to thank for breathing this fresh life into the local scene is—you won’t guess it—DBS bank.

The bank has made it its mission to bring new, unique and exciting experiences to our little red dot, and specifically to the Marina Bay area.

Artbox Singapore 2017

Where: Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue  
When: 10, 11 June
Entry: Starts at US$163 (S$230.01)

Click here to purchase tickets.

DBS

Marina Regatta

[caption id="attachment_25046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist’s impression of DBS Marina Regatta[/caption]

The DBS Marina Regatta will be returning this year from 1-4 June. Last year, they brought into Singapore South-east Asia’s tallest inflatable water slide—a massive structure that stood at over five storeys tall!

Think that can’t be topped? This year’s highlights are even more amazing!

Dubbed “Singapore’s Biggest Bayfest”, the sixth edition of DBS Marina Regatta will see The Bay receiving a tremendous makeover, transforming into Singapore’s only urban beach.

Come June this year, Bali’s famed Potato Head beach club will bring their beloved Coconut Bar to Singapore for the first time, and with it, their signature coconut cocktails and beers so you can beat the Singapore heat! You can even lounge on hammocks with an icy cold bottle of booze in hand!

To cool off even more, you can challenge yourself—and your friends!—to an epic inflatable water obstacle course! Featuring 9 obstacles of varying difficulties, see if you have what it takes to get from point A to point B.

It looks to be a splashing good time at the DBS Marina Regatta this year, and guess what? This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Where: Promontory @ Marina Bay
When: 1 – 4 June
Entry: Free

Others

This coming August, the Singapore Coffee Festival will be back again and we hear DBS will have a hand in it!

Happening at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, this year’s coffee festival experience will come with a gorgeous waterfront view. While the finer details of the event have not yet been ironed out, we’re guessing (and hoping!) some of our favourite coffee vendors will be there, roasting up a delicious storm.

Watch this space as we will be updating this story as more information comes in!

When: 3 – 6 August 2017
Where: Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Home Is Where The Fun Is

Indeed, Singapore has come such a huge way in such a short time, and we’re definitely not complaining!

From importing overseas concepts like Artbox so we can enjoy them right in our backyards to creating platforms enterprising Singaporeans can use to showcase their wares, DBS has brought a tremendous breath of life into our country.

We can only hope many others will follow suit, bringing so much more fun and life to our home!

Also read, 10 Awesome Activities To Kick Start Your April [1-15 April]

(Top Image Credit:

90s Kids, This Nostalgic Video From Butterworks Will Hit You Right In The Feels

Remember the things you used to do in school as kids? The fun times you had with your friends during recess, the way you would terrorize the teachers, the songs you used to sing in class?

Well, this video by Butterworks will bring ALL those memories back.

The YouTube channel has released yet another heartwarming hit with “想当年 The Songs We Used To Sing“.

The idea of the video is simple enough: guy is selling his guitar, guy reminisces the good times he’s had with his guitar, guy decides, nah, he’s keeping it after all. While reminiscing, the video launches into medley of familiar mandarin tunes many of us know by heart.

One after another, each song triggers its own memories, tempting you to sing along! I won’t say which songs feature in it, because that’ll just ruin the fun. You’ll have to watch it and see listen for yourself!

At the end, the video leaves us with a very simple truth: Some things just cannot be forgotten. We will always have those golden moments.

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

This Boutique Hostel In Tiong Bahru Is Nothing Short Of A Visual Feast

Tiong Bahru is known for a couple of things. Chiefly, brunch. And coffee.

But here’s one other thing you should look out for the next time you’re in the area: COO Hostel, a place that’s nothing short of coo-l. Not only does it look great, it’s affordable too!

[caption id="attachment_24957" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Entrance of COO Hostel (Image Credit: (Image Credit: COO Hostel offers 24-hour reception daily (Image Credit: COO Hostel has its own bistro! (Image Credit: (Image Credit: You pay $30 per room/bed at COO Hostel (Image Credit: This room comes with a built-in mirror! (Image Credit: Toilet facilities (Image Credit: Punny soap and shampoo dispensers (Image Credit: Mingle with fellow guests at the open terrace (Image Credit:

Also read, This New Black And White Hotel In Singapore Is A Minimalist’s Dream Come True

This Korean Cafe Serves Pork Ribs Wrapped With Stringy Cheese – And It’s Grate

Ever lamented the need to travel to a separate cafe for a decent Korean Patbingsoo (red bean shaved ice), because the Korean restaurant you’re at doesn’t serve desserts?

Now you can have the best of both worlds at Patbingsoo Korean Dining House, and at incredibly affordable prices!

Located at Basement 2 of Plaza Singapura, where the old aquarium shop used to be, Patbingsoo Korean Dining House features an impressive array of both the sweet and the savoury. Opened in December last year, the restaurant prides itself in flavours inspired by the food streets of Seoul, adapted to local tastes.

This restaurant knows exactly what its customers want, providing us 2 full pages of fold-out Bingsoo menu items, and unique, fusion dishes.

That means dishes like Tteok Carbonara, Patbingsoo Buritos, and Seafood Sundubu Pasta!

During our visit, we decided to stick with the more classic flavours in an attempt to transport ourselves to Seoul.

We started off with some alcoholic beverages: the Lychee Makkoli, Green Tea Soju, and the Grape Yoghurt Soju ($11.90).

If you prefer your alcohol sweet, these are perfect for you!

More importantly, they pair really well with the Spicy and Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, our first appetisers of the day.

The smell of the roasted garlic hits you first, before suffusing your taste buds with its sweet, garlicky flavours. As for the Spicy Chicken Wings, they’re great even if you’re not too good with spices. Strong aromas with none of the pain!

Next up was the Fried Samgyeopsal ($6.90), deep fried pork belly slices served with a vibrant honey mustard dipping sauce.

Crispy and peppered with a world of seasoning, this sinful pleasure was able to mask its unhealthiness by leaving out that overly greasy taste fried food tends to have.

Next up was the restaurant’s signature dish: The Rolling Cheese Pork Ribs ($38.90)!

One of the more expensive items on the menu, this dish can be shared by anywhere between 2 to 4 people, depending on how many ribs you’re willing to sacrifice.

That’s because once you’ve taken a bite of this tender, sweet and spicy marinated pork rib that’s been lovingly wrapped in a mix of melted cheddar and mozzarella, you’ll want them all to yourself!

Couple that with a whole array of sides such as cream corn, potato chips, pineapple slices and fries, plus a generous serving of the best garlic mayo I have ever tasted, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king!

Next, we moved on to the House Special Ramyeon ($11.90). At this point, we were starting to get full, but the moment the piping hot, spicy ramyeon came to our table, our appetites were whet all over again.

With a creamy, eggy broth that wasn’t too spicy, this yummy ramyeon disappeared as quickly as it appeared. That’s another thing about Patbingsoo Korean Dining House: their service was extremely quick! We barely had to wait before each dish arrived, and their service was polite and incredibly helpful.

At last, our final savoury item made its appearance: the Dynamite Spam ($11.90).

Spam is a staple of many Korean dishes, such as the classic Army Stew. Brought into South Korea during World War II, it was often smuggled back home from army bases as a treat. One mishmash of Korean stews and spam later, it is now a nation-wide beloved food item.

Patbingsoo Korean Dining House serves their spam with several slivers of raw onion, a generous serving of gochujang mayo and several seaweed rice balls. This is then torched right at your table, leaving you with an intoxicating flavour that ruins regular mayo for you from here on.

At first bite, you’ll immediately notice the sharp tang of the raw onion, before it is blanketed by the tangy, torched gochujang mayo sauce. The seaweed is very fragrant as well, helping to tie everything together in an umami bomb of flavour.

After all these savoury, carb- and protein-heavy dishes, we were more than ready to cleanse our palates with some sweet treats.

We were graciously provided with 2: The Incheon Bingsoo ($11.90) and the Hoegi Patbingsoo ($10.90).

The Incheon Bingsoo is shaved ice with tiramisu coffee, rum and coffee ice cream. Definitely a must for tiramisu lovers, this Bingsoo was extremely light as well.

The mascarpone was light and fluffy with a hint of coffee, and the lady finger biscuits provided a nice crunch.

As for the Hoegi Patbingsoo, it came with fruits, jelly, red bean and red bean ice cream, all on top of shaved ice.

For those of you who typically eat fruits after a meal, you’ll be ecstatic with this Bingsoo as it comes with strawberries, mango, grapes and honeydew. It’s also a more classic version of Bingsoo, with a nice dollop of sweet red beans under a scoop of ice cream.

(P.S. That’s what the ‘Pat’ in Patbingsoo means: Red Beans!)

Overall, we had an amazing time trying out just a small selection of their huge menu. Insanely affordable with amazing quality food, this is one place I’m definitely going to make a regular dinner spot.

Patbingsoo Korean Dining House
Address: Plaza Singapura, #B2-47, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Contact no.: 9181 3038
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday: 11.30am – 10.30pm
8 Best Places In Singapore With Pizzas That Look And Taste Like Heaven!

(Top Image Credit: Burpple)

WANTON, Seng’s Noodle Bar Will Redefine The Way You Eat Wanton Mee With Its Hipster Set-Up

Running overtime tonight? Not a problem! At Singapore After Nine, we bring you the scoop on tried-and-tested, confirm shiok spots to rest your work-weary self!

This time, we’re featuring WANTON, Seng’s Noodle Bar, the hipster joint that serves up our all-time hawker favourite: wanton noodles, and more.

Starting out as a small wanton stall at Dunman Food Centre, Seng’s has since expanded and given the humble noodle dish a modern twist. With that, WANTON–a whole new contemporary concept–was born.

Located in the busy, happening district of Tanjong Pagar, this cosy 28-seater still serves Seng’s famous noodles, alongside an array of hearty and addictive dishes!

What to savour?

Their signature bowl of wanton noodles is not to be missed! That, of course, goes without saying.

Priced at just $1 per bowl, you will not be able to resist ordering second or even third helpings!

What is wanton noodles without pork?

Complement your bowl of wanton noodles with their signature Aburi Drunken Pork Belly. Featuring a plate of torched pork belly char siu chunks, you will definitely get “drunk” on this melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Not forgetting the wantons as well!

Set in a huge clay bowl, the Boiled Wantons come in a plate of 9 pieces, generously topped with spring onions. You can also pair your wantons with their tantalising Seng’s Chili Fried Dumplings.

Complement your wanton mee with these tantalising premium sides!

If you can’t go a meal without your greens, you definitely have to order their Gangster Baby Kailan! Crunchy baby kai lan, stir-fried with braised mushrooms and scallop sauce generously topped with fried scallops, it could very well win the hearts of even those who hate veggies!

With salted egg being the latest food craze, ordering their Salted Egg Chicken Wings is an absolute must.

Using their very own house-made salted egg duck sauce, you will not be able to find another salted egg chicken wing elsewhere THIS good!

Oh, and did we mention that their chicken wings are deep fried and boneless? Yum!

If you cannot get enough of their pork meat, you cannot miss ordering their mouth-watering Stir Fried Bah Kut Teh.

Think massive pork loin ribs, stir-fried with that all-familiar peppery bah kut teh flavour. Coupled with crunchy fried tau pok, crispy cuttlefish and sauteed baby leeks, this dish is simply irresistible!

Single by day, couple by night

Do note that the lunch and dinner menus at WANTON are slightly different. Their lunch menu caters to the busy office workers in the CBD, with individual wanton noodle bowls with your choice of pork meat.

Their dinner menu, on the other hand, offers dish portions that are more suitable for sharing. However, if that is not filling enough, there is always their popular $1 wanton noodle bowl and free flow of delicious broth to fall back on!

Serving noodles for the people, WANTON, Seng’s Noodle Bar is the perfect respite to end a long day of hard work!

To many more happy hours,

Singapore After Nine

WANTON, Seng’s Noodle Bar
Address: 52 Amoy Street, Singapore 069878
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 11.30am – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10pm; Sat 6pm – 10pm (Closed on Sun)
Contact no.: 6221 1336

Edible Helium Balloons Are Coming To Central Perk So You And Your F.R.I.E.N.D.S Can All Sound Like Chipmunks

If you’ve had any kind of childhood at all, there’s one thing you’d probably have done as a kid: breathe helium from a balloon and tried talking after it. Whether you have done it yourself or watched someone else do it on YouTube, it’s ALWAYS hilarious.

For those of you who’ve never had this sacred childhood experience, now you can with EDIBLE Helium Balloons. Yep, that’s helium balloons are not only safe, but delicious to eat.

This latest addition to the menu at Singapore’s own FRIENDS-themed cafe, Central Perk, was inspired by a dish at 3 Michelin starred ‘Alinea’ in Chicago. The brainchild of one of its co-owners, Grant Achatz, it’s been touted as one of the coolest desserts in America!

This would be its first ever appearance in Asia.

[caption id="attachment_24415" align="aligncenter" width="694"] The Edible Helium Balloon was created by the co-owner of a 3 Michelin starred restaurant in Chicago, ‘Alinea’[/caption]

As with most of Central Perk’s food and drink offerings, every dish has a FRIENDS-related story behind it. This dessert draws inspiration from this particular episode of the beloved sitcom:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtA4jNrKVSQ[/embed]

Coming in 3 flavours–strawberry (red), banana (yellow) and blueberry (blue)–these edible balloons each come attached to a chocolate stick.

So, how do I eat this? Simply put your mouth to the balloon and suck in the helium! Talk, laugh, sing, do whatever you want with your newfound chipmunk voices! You’re sure to have a blast with your friends.

We headed down to Central Perk to have a taste of their newest dessert. Here’s a sneak peek!

[caption id="attachment_24836" align="alignnone" width="750"] Jessie trying out the edible helium balloon[/caption]

Our ambassador, Jessie, had a few turns at the bubble-like dessert. Bringing back memories of the plastic bubbles we used to blow, pop and play with as kids, we found that this dessert was a lot more delicate.

https://youtu.be/k6oMofTzins

The effects of the helium didn’t last very long, just 3-5 seconds before leaving us with sticky, sweet remnants. We were also served a deconstructed Nutella cake along with the helium balloon.

[caption id="attachment_24837" align="alignnone" width="750"] Deconstructed nutella flavoured cake[/caption]

Bite-sized Nutella cake served atop a scoop of frozen yoghurt and chocolate syrup – we were disappointed to find that the Nutella cake hardly tasted of Nutella. Instead, it tasted like your regular chocolate cake, although we were surprised to find that the frozen yoghurt gave the dessert a kick of tartness.

In every other bite we took, we found tiny sticky pieces of candy which gave the dessert a surprising element!

This fun, wacky dessert will be available from the 2nd week of April onwards, although prices are currently unavailable. Do watch this space for more information!

Central Perk Cafe
Address: 1 Magazine Road, Central Mall #01-01, S059567
Contact no.: 9025 2524
We Got A Sneak Peak Into The Highly Anticipated Central Perk Singapore – And “OH MY GOD!”