Tag: artbox

Artbox 2018: What To Eat, Drink And Buy To Make The Most Of Your Money

It’s that time of the year again! Artbox Singapore is back for its second run, and promises to be bigger and better than before.

If you’ve been to Artbox last year, you may have left severely disappointed as the event faced an overwhelming turnout. If you’re unfamiliar with the event, it is a wildly popular market that supports local creators retailing everything from beauty, fashion, food and art.

Originating from Bangkok, Artbox Singapore recreates the vibrancy of Thai night markets, but you wouldn’t need a flight ticket this time.

So if you’ve got a bae and some friends, head down to Artbox Singapore which spans over two weekends from 25-27 May 2018 as well as 1-3 June 2018 from 3-11 pm at the Bayfront Event Space near The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Food At Artbox Singapore 2018

If you saw the insta-worthy food pics from last year, you’ll know that food is the main highlight of the event. Dive into over 160 bustling F&B stalls each weekend for a wide variety of food to choose from.

Here’s what we got that definitely got DiscoverSG’s stamp of approval. Now, the food at Artbox is not Thai-Night-Market-Cheap but we tried out food that’s worth your money and not overly pretentious.

1. Golden Moments

I’m a huge fan of durian. I’m not being biased but this is definitely one of THE best Mao Shan Wang Ice Cream ($9.90) I’ve tried in Singapore.

Just look at it!

The bamboo charcoal infused ice cream has a subtle hint of MSW flavour. It is bittersweet and creamy and topped with 24K gold leaves.

I expected it to be jelak after a few bites but I surprisingly managed to devour the entire durian ice cream without feeling sick or heaty. If you’re not a huge durian lover, this ice cream might just change your mind.

It was slightly pricey for what is essentially durian ice cream, but it is definitely worth trying.

This limited edition ice cream is making its first appearance at this year’s Artbox, so if you know anyone who loves durian, you HAVE to bring them here.

If the ice cream is not enough, you can also try their Durian Platter ($18.80) which consists of durian mochi, durian puffs and the ice cream.

If you’re in need of a good dessert, then Golden Moments is a must visit at this year’s Artbox.

2. Saiko

Don’t you just hate it when you buy takoyaki at a pasar malam and you can barely taste the octopus in it?

Serving up Japanese street food realness, Saiko serves takoyaki in sizeable portions with full bite-sized octopus. You can choose from 3 different fillings – octopus, chicken and braised mushrooms. You also have the option of mixing 2 different fillings in one serving.

We got their Classic ($8) which comes with 6 takoyaki topped with bonito flakes, seaweed and torched Japanese mayo.

This was hands down one of the best Takoyaki I’ve had in a very long time. It’s also the perfect bite-sized snack as you walk around Artbox.

3. Cha Tra Mue

When in Thailand, always get their Thai Milk Tea!

The weather was scorching hot and we were in desperate need of a good drink. We walked around and came across a stall selling the famous Cha Tra Mue brand teas.

You no longer have to ask your friends to buy you a packet of instant Cha Tra Mue from Thailand because its readily available at most bazaars and festivals in Singapore.

We recommend getting the 1-litre Thai Milk Tea ($4) because it is an absolute life saver in Singapore’s crazy weather. 10/10 would buy again!

4. The6ixsRosti

I was surprised to find a stall specialising in rosti at Artbox. I had high hopes for this one as I saw a queue forming at The6ixsRosti.

Being the typical kiasu Singaporean that I am, I knew I had to try this rosti.

We opted for the Spicy Rosti with Mozarella Cheese ($7) – perhaps one of my favourite purchases of the day.

The rosti is pan fried to perfection. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The spicy rosti actually had quite a kick to it, so if you can handle your spice, opt for the spicy rosti.

5. Thai Foodie Palace SG

I knew I couldn’t leave Artbox without getting any Thai Desserts. Just like any other basic Singaporean, I knew I couldn’t leave without trying the Mango Sticky Rice.

The cheapest Mango Sticky Rice I could find at Artbox was from Foodie Palace SG which sold a box for $6.

I never thought I would ever have to pay $6 for mango sticky rice, but I can’t complain. Their mango sticky rice turned out to be pretty good. The mango was sweet and they gave us a generous portion of sticky rice as well.

Safe to say, we wiped the entire box clean. It was the perfect ending to my food hunt at Artbox.

Cheap Cheap, Good Good

Besides the food, you can also explore more than 200 retail booths! Each weekend brings forth a different set of unique and creative lifestyle and fashion vendors from Thailand and Singapore.

6. Oasis:Skin

If you’re in need of a good skincare routine, Oasis:Skin is an all-natural skincare company that believes in delivering high quality plant-based products that can help people rebuild their skin barrier in a natural way.

They use 100% natural and high-quality ingredients that are carefully sourced from artisanal producers and botanical experts from all over the world.

If your skin is in need of some desperate TLC, then you should try out their face mists. They have several face mists that targets dry skin, oily skin and even sensitive skin!

They also sell clay masks for those “treat yo’self” kind of days. The masks are packaged in its pure clay form as it has a longer shelf life, and there is no need for any harmful chemicals to preserve it.

7. Common Touch

If you’re looking for unique and quirky pieces to place around the house, then you’ll love the ceramics by Common Touch.

Common Touch is a Singapore-based craft unit working together to create distinctive and purely handcrafted ceramic homeware. From different types of clay and combination of stains and glazes, each piece is hand-thrown and individually crafted.

You can also get hand-made jewellery at this store. If you know anyone who is a fan of minimal jewellery, then you should definitely check out Common Touch at Artbox!

You can also find plenty of stalls around Artbox selling everything from tops and pants to tote bags and leather wallets. What’s more, you can pay by DBS PayLah! at most stalls so you don’t have to worry about running out of cash after all that shopping!

This year’s Artbox definitely did not disappoint. With a variety of retail booths and F&B stalls to choose from, there’s definitely something for everyone here.

Pro-tip: Carry and umbrella and wear comfortable clothes because our weather is extremely unpredictable!

Are you heading down to Artbox Singapore this year?

Artbox Singapore 2018
Address: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970
Dates: 25 – 27 May, 1 – 3 June 2018
Time: 3pm – 11pm
DBS Marina Regatta Combines Fitness, Food And Craft Into One Big Party At The Bay

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

DBS Marina Regatta Combines Fitness, Food And Craft Into One Big Party At The Bay

For those of you who religiously watch Ninja Warrior and Wipeout and think you can conquer the courses with ease, then we’ve got news for you.

The DBS Marina Regatta is back once again for its 7th edition in celebration of DBS’ 50th anniversary, with 2 weekends of fun and challenges for adrenaline junkies and urban athletes.

The DBS Marina Regatta will be held at The Promontory@Marina Bay on 26 – 27 May and 2 – 3 June 2018.

For The Fitness Buffs

Southeast Asia’s largest land and water obstacle course, the daunting Battle Bay Extreme returns again this year, with 3 levels of difficulty.

Choose from the Beginner (Initiate), Intermediate (Intense) and Advanced (Insane) levels and test your endurance, strength and speed. Here’s a peek at what the courses will be like.

https://www.facebook.com/dbs.sg/videos/1719473524833556/

Of course, you’re not expected to just “be ready” for such an intense challenge. So DBS has prepared a series of complimentary fitness and wellness activities around the bay starting from 17 April 2018.

Prices for Battle Bay Extreme start at $8 – $10 for Initiate and $28 for Intense and Insane.

You can register for the complimentary, pre-Regatta fitness classes and the Battle Bay Extreme here.

That’s not all, for an early-bird fee of $38, you’ll be able to try your hands at the six-foot wall, inverted ladders, rope climbs, quintuple steps and more!

All registered participants will receive a goodie bag with exclusive DBS Marina Regatta products and TripleFit discount passes!

The Creator’s Market will feature the Mahota Grocers Market selling healthy snacks and drinks, an open area for wellness activities, and even a communal social kitchen.

There’s something for everyone in the family. Parents can choose to make your own superfood snacks such as granola bars and acai bowls while the kids can get creative in the hands-on upcycling, craft and wellness workshops available.

All workshops and classes are ticketed which means you’ll need to register and pay for them. Don’t worry though, all are priced below $20.

You can view the list of workshops available here and register for them on-site or online if you’re applying for the Mahota classes.

For The Sports Fans

Now for the main event of the DBS Marina Regatta – the dragon boating competition.

Organised in partnership with the Singapore Dragon Boat Association, this is the 7th edition of the international dragon boating competition which sees over 80 teams from all over Asia compete for the cash prize of $147,000 – the largest prize amount for dragon boating in Asia.

That’s not all, this year’s competition will feature youths-at-risk and youths with special needs taking part in the Community Race category.

If you’re a fan of dragon boating, then this is a sporting event featuring the best teams in the region that you don’t want to miss!

For The Foodies

Singapore’s largest pop-up creative market, Artbox, is back bigger and better than before!

Taking over 140,000 square feet of space at the Bayfront Event Space, this year’s Artbox will feature over 400 regional retailers, a larger selection of food and beverage, creative art installations, and even a hammock and foam pit zone!

If this is your first time heading to Artbox, here’s a glimpse of what went done last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=FcbjFLabnHE

Artbox Singapore 2018
Venue: Bayfront Event Space
Date: 25 – 27 May 2018, 1 – 3 Jun 2018
Opening Hours: 3pm – 11pm
Why Book A Hotel Room When You Can Party On A Yacht For The Same Price?

(Header Image Source: DBS)

Ambassador Highlights #9 – Darts, Thai Hotpot, $5 Drinks And More!

April has officially come to a close and that means one thing: time for another round-up of exciting activities our ambassadors dropped in on this month.

This month’s highlights include plenty of fresh new experiences and sumptuous noms!

1. I Darts Halo

Not your usual club scene with music, drinks, and a crowd, i Darts aims to create fun times you won’t forget with darts, a game everyone (yes, everyone) can play.

With a whole variety of ways to play the game, it’s great for bonding, learning more about each other, and in all, just having a great time with friends.

Our ambassadors Shivon, Diana, Jia Min, and Kimberley headed down to i Darts Halo, and shared good laughs over lively darts games!

Those new to the game, fear not! There are helpful instructors ready to guide you, and you’ll be hitting the bullseye in no time.

At just a dollar a game, it’s perfect for a fun night with the gang without breaking the bank.

New members also receive a free i Darts card, and you’ll even get to walk away with your very own set of darts if you score 400 and above! Between you and us, it’s not that tough to hit 400.

Make a date with iDarts! Who knows? You may just discover a hidden talent as a darts master!

iDarts Singapore
Where: 201 Victoria Street Bugis+ #-03-24 Singapore 188067
Opening Hours: Sun-Thu & PH: 12.30pm to 1am; Fri, Sat & eve of PH: 12.30pm to 3am
Contact no.: 6634 9662
Website

2. Soi Thai Soi Nice

“People who love to eat are the best people”.

We know we do! Especially when it’s at Soi Thai Soi Nice, the latest Thai restaurant to hit the hot steamboat scene in Singapore.

The Thais love their food intense and flavourful–whether spicy, sweet or sour–and they love to wash that all down with a glass of refreshing ice milk tea.

Our ambassadors, Eunice, Nicholas and Rachael got the royal treatment there, trying out their signature Royal Thai Hot Pot. 

Full of fresh seafood and meats, these premium ingredients are cooked in homemade authentic Tom Yam soup.

With 4 levels of spiciness, even those with a lower tolerance for spiciness can enjoy this bubbling hot, flavourful broth!

Soi Thai Soi Nice
Where: 321 Alexandra Road #02-01 @ Alexandra Central (Next to Ikea) Singapore 159972
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 6.00pm – 10.00pm; Sat-Sun: 11.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6250 4863
Facebook

3. Dosirak

Who says eating healthy is only about expensive salads and wraps?

Dosirak serves up healthy, tasty, and convenient Korean food for those on the go!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BSuwqlRhS8D/?taken-by=rachaelwong[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTF9jS7DxAT/?taken-by=cherzinga&hl=en[/embed]

To order, all you have to do is pick your base, choose your veggies, and finally, your meat(s). Then, take your box, add the secret sauce (psst, it’s gochujang) and shake it up!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTI2BiKBqqd/?taken-by=discoversgofficial[/embed]

Now, who says fast food ain’t good for you?

Dosirak
Where: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central #01-02, Singapore 048423.
Contact no.: 65366034
This one needs no introduction!

Bangkok’s famous hipster market must have flooded your Instagram feeds by now.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BS6OFPFhnUu/?taken-by=shivonchua[/embed]

Artbox featured plenty of local designers, affordable vintage fashion, quirky lifestyle products, modern home decor items and innovative snacks.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTTrwVBDLU_/?taken-by=kimberleyyong_[/embed]

Our ambassadors Cheryl, Vanessa, Shivon, Jia Min, Kimberley, Nicholas, Stephanie and Victoria headed down to join the insane crowd.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BS8YQEFBf1K/?taken-by=vaneszs.h[/embed]

Just like Bangkok’s version, they were treated to yummy nosh from international vendors, a beer market and beautiful fairy light displays!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BS-WVXXhkK0/?taken-by=siowjiamin[/embed]

While there’s only so much a person can eat, we weren’t going to let that stop us. We dug into acai bowls, truffle noodles, Thai milk tea custard bun, milk tea, and even whiskey butter steak and ice cream!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTRDF7sghuy/?taken-by=piinkmasquerade[/embed]

We really hope it comes back next year ‘cuz this is one market we can’t get enough of.

5. Central Perk SG

“How you doin’?”

We dropped in on Central Perk SG, and we must say, it takes the idea of a themed cafe to the next level.

[caption id="attachment_25711" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Our ambassador Jessie, a huge Friends fan, headed down to check it out!

Friends fans will defo go crazy for this cafe’s interior. We were impressed by how it had the Central Perk Cafe cut right down to the tiniest detail.

While there, we also had a good laugh trying out their edible helium balloons, the latest addition to their extensive themed menu. 

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BSv093Nl75G/?taken-by=jessiecupcakegirl[/embed]

Even the coffees here are themed after the memorable characters! Of course, Jessie had to order herself a strong ‘Joey Tribbiani’.

Who is your favourite FRIENDS character?

Central Perk SG
Where: 1 Magazine Road, Central Mall #01-01 Singapore 059567
Opening Hours: Sunday, Tues, Wed Thurs: 11am – 11pm; Fri, Sat: Open till late; Closed on mondays
Contact no.:  90252524
Annyeong haseyo!

KBBQ has been around for a while now, but you have to try the ultimate Korean charcoal grill experience at Seorae.

[caption id="attachment_25703" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Seorae[/caption]

Seorae is no ordinary Korean Restaurant. It’s the first Galmaegisal restaurant in Singapore. That’s a special pork cut that’s only available in 5% of the pig.

Our ambassadors Cheryl, Jia Min, and Nicholas headed down to try their juicy and tender meats.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTYu46gjpu-/?taken-by=cherzinga[/embed]

Their favourites were the Signature Pork Skirt with Sweet Garlic Marinade, Beef Short Ribs and Army Stew!

We also had a blast trying on the traditional korean wear to pass the time while waiting to be seated.

For a sweet finish, there’s even a Bingsu counter for dessert! Yummm.

Seorae
Where: 68 Orchard Rd, #02-01, Plaza Singapura, 238839
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 11.30am – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm, Sun: 11.30am-10pm
Contact no.: 9181 2709
Website

7. Five Square

Five Square (FIV五 Square) is a unique dining space made up of 3 different concepts: The Bazaar, The Bar and The Recess. 

Choose from 6 different cuisines at The Bazaar, chill over drinks, pool and darts at The Bar, and enter The Recess for an ultra-private session over whisky!

[caption id="attachment_25818" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Five Square Bar[/caption]

Our ambassador, Shivon headed down to catch up and chill after a long day at work.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BSqOmJHhrtq/?taken-by=shivonchua[/embed]

She got to enjoy great food and drinks in such a cosy ambience! There was even live music playing when we got there!

Heads up, it gets busy from 6.30pm, so make your way down early!

Five Square
Where: 1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre, #01-03, Singapore 04865
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 12am (Closed on Sundays and PH)
Website

8. Flying Monkey

Flying Monkey brings the fun back into dining!

This contemporary Indian restaurant and bar is casual, quirky and a belly rubbing kinda yummy!

[caption id="attachment_25707" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: SG Asia City[/caption]

Housed in the culturally rich district of Kampong Glam, they offer authentic Pan-Indian cuisine with a pinch of excitement.

Our ambassador, Vanessa fell in love with The Flying Monkey cocktail, a smoked cocktail with a roasted aroma akin to an 18 year old whisky.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BS3DVDDBDeo/?taken-by=vaneszs.h[/embed]

The highlight of the night has to be the contemporary pan-Indian cuisine! Our favourites were the Tandoori Chicken and Tulsi Cod.

This restaurant serves up small Tapas plates so you can taste a wide range of flavours. They’re great for sharing too! If you’re a big eater, no worries. You can always order a Big Plate for gorgeous, full-sized meals.

Flying Monkey
Where: 67 Bussorah St, Singapore 199480
Opening Hours:  Sun-Thurs: 12.00pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.00pm; Fri-Sat 12.00pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.55pm
While so much has happened this month, we can’t wait to dive into even more fun events and happenings in May!

If you’re looking to increase your brand’s awareness and 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 a mission to discover the fun and exciting things in Singapore. If you love eating, shopping, and discovering new places in Singapore, drop us an email at [email protected].

Also, read Taste The Goodness Of Sarawak At Face To Face – An Eatery That Stays True To Its Roots