Young, Wild And Free – Live It Up This Youth Month At These Places Because You Are Only Young Once

Young, wild and free – a motto we all wish we could live by, but unfortunately, often find it difficult to because of the many stresses of living in Singapore.

Between struggling to maintain a good grade – or to pass that horror module – and juggling the expectations of all the people around us, it’s easy to forget how young we are and how these should be the best years of our lives.

For the month of July, we celebrate youth. Our youth years should be vibrant, fun and carefree, so let’s bring all that back into our lives! For the entire month, many of the places and experiences we love, or have always wanted to try, will be offering exclusive promos just for youths – thanks to the National Youth Council!

This month, let’s live it up at these 7 places. And don’t worry, each of them comes with a super sweet deal.

1. Bounce

If you haven’t heard of Bounce, where have you been? The largest trampoline park in Singapore, this grown-ups playground lets you jump, somersault, do twists and all kinds of crazy tricks!

[caption id="attachment_28512" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit: Kiasu Parents[/caption]

With a variety of trampoline zones and a Ninja-Warrior-like obstacle course, X-Park, test your mental and physical limits at Bounce.

Jump and play to your heart’s content at the Free Jumping Area, a large area comprising 28 interconnected trampolines that includes long tumble tracks and banked walls. Here, you can even defy gravity and run up walls!

[caption id="attachment_28513" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Image Credit: Coconuts[/caption]

Looking to try something that pushes your body even further? Attempt the insane X-Park! An obstacle course that combines elements of climbing, jumping and free-running, discover abilities you never knew you had at X-Park.

If reading this has got you raring to go, gather a bunch of your best friends and make plans to head down together! Conveniently located at Cathay Cineleisure, put your youthful energy to good use at Bounce.

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off on weekdays throughout the month of July. This promo only applies for general admission tickets and student session tickets. Use this to enjoy your promo.

Bounce Singapore
Address:
Cathay Cineleisure, #09-01, 8 Grange Road, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 10am – 10pm; Fri: 10am – 11pm; Sat: 9am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 10pm
Contact no.:
6816 2879
Price:
General Access: $25 first hour, $20 each additional hour | Students: $21 first hour, $16 each additional hour
Website

2. Concrete Everything

Get creative this July with a material you’ve probably never worked with before – concrete.

Started by a fellow youth with a deep passion for design, Concrete Everything doesn’t just sell beautifully crafted homeware in the natural colours and texture of cement; it also conducts workshops teaching you how you can make them!

[caption id="attachment_28514" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Image Credit: Concrete Everything[/caption]

From luxe marble lamps to concrete versions of Darth Vader and StormTroopers, the items on their slim catalogue is a minimalist’s dream.

[caption id="attachment_28515" align="alignnone" width="1430"] Image Credit: Concrete Everything[/caption]

Courses they offer include marbled planter casting, concrete mini stool casting, marble square lamp casting and more. You even get to make your own Vader and StormTrooper! Each workshop will last 2 days, and everything you need to create your own concrete masterpiece will be provided.

It’s time to unleash your creativity and get crafty at Concrete Everything!

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off all products and workshops throughout July. Workshops need not fall in the month of July, and need only be booked and paid for during July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

Concrete Everything
Price:
Workshops from $45 – $110
Website

3. Climb Central

Always wanted to try indoor rock climbing, but find it too expensive? This July, you’ll be able to enjoy the sport without burning a hole in your pocket!

Climb Central is the tallest indoor climbing venue in Singapore, boasting about 1,000 square meters of climbing wall space. Fully air-conditioned, it is conveniently located in Singapore Sports Hub.

[caption id="attachment_28516" align="alignnone" width="630"] Image Credit: TimeOut[/caption]

First timers, you’re in for a real treat because for the month of July, you get a 20% discount on all off peak First Timer Sets. That’s about $7 off the $32 adult entry fee that includes registration, 1 adult day pass and 1 equipment set!

[caption id="attachment_28517" align="alignnone" width="1100"] Image Credit: this to enjoy your promo.

Climb Central
Address:
#B1-01 Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 9pm
Contact no.:
6702 7972
Price:
Click 4. Bossaball

Looking for an experience you’ve NEVER tried before? We bet you’ve never played Bossaball, and boy are you missing out.

[caption id="attachment_28518" align="alignnone" width="700"] Image Credit: Image Credit: this to enjoy your promo.

Bossaball
Address:
10 Raeburn Park #02-08, Singapore 088702
Contact no.:
6100 6292
Price:
Public Session (2 hr): $20 Per Pax | Private Group Session (2 hr): $600 (20 pax)
Website

5. HolyCrab

If gorging on delicious food is your idea of living it up, Holy Crab! We’ve got just the place for you.

HolyCrab is a cosy restaurant located along charming Tan Quee Lan. Big enough to seat only 24 people, this diner is always packed with foodies with an appetite for Holy Crab’s next level Singapore-style crabs.

[caption id="attachment_28520" align="alignnone" width="900"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Chope[/caption]

Made with the freshest crab from the shores of Singapore, Holy Crab is the place to go for an affordable plate of quality crab.

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off your total bill throughout the month of July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

HolyCrab
Address: 2 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-03, Singapore 188091
Contact no.: 8444 2722
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.00pm – 10:30pm; Sun: 6.00pm – 10.30pm
Website

6. 8 Korean BBQ

If you love pork belly, you’re in for a feast at 8 Korean BBQ, a Korean BBQ franchise that serves 8 different flavours of decadent pork belly including Original, Wine, Ginseng, Garlic, Herb, Curry, Miso Paste, and Red Pepper Paste.

[caption id="attachment_28522" align="alignnone" width="680"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

A tender, juicy meat that’s seasoned with a variety of perfected flavours, treat yo’ self this month with this unique K-BBQ experience!

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off your total bill throughout the month of July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

8 Korean BBQ
Address:
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #02-79/90 The Central, Singapore 059817
Contact no.:
8692 1188
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm; Sat – Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm

Address: Shaw Centre #04-20/21, 1 Scotts Rd Singapore 228208
Contact no.:
9018 9212
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm; Sat – Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Website

7. Joo Bar

No list on living it up is complete without at least one watering hole for you and your buddies to knock back a few.

Fans of Korean alcohol and Korean fare in general must check out Joo Bar, Singapore’s first Makgeolli Bar & Restaurant. Located within a heritage shophouse, Joo, which means ‘alcohol’ in Korean, offers modern Korean bites and creative drinks in an edgy setting.

[caption id="attachment_28525" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Joo Bar[/caption]

Order their multi-coloured Makgeolli sampler if you can’t decide on just one makgeolli! For a sweeter experience, go for their Makgeolli cocktails! The bites here aren’t shabby too, with tasty finger food like Baby Eel Paper, Warm Kimchi with Tofu and Spam, and more!

Drink and eat to your heart’s content at Joo Bar – just make sure you’re 18 and above!

Youth Month Promo: Enjoy 10% off your total bill throughout the month of July. Use this to enjoy your promo.

Joo Bar
Address: 5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094
Contact no.: 8138 1628

Opening Hours: Daily, 5.30pm – 12am
Website

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a total of over 40 brands collaborating with the National Youth Council to bring you exclusive perks in celebration of Youth Month.

With brands like Lazada, Crossfire Paintball, GoPro, Klipsch, The Juicy Way, Udders and more participating to give you great deals, there’s no better time than now to live it up!

For all promotions, check out Youth Month Perks 2017.

The Entertainer App

If you’re all about getting good deals and making the biggest bang for your buck, The Entertainer is an app that will make all of that much easier.

[caption id="attachment_28527" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: Flora Isabelle[/caption]

An app that gets you amazing deals on food, attractions, spas and even hotels in Singapore, live it up every month of the year with The Entertainer.

As part of Youth Month, you get to purchase The Entertainer app for just $70 (U.P. $125)! All you have to do is use to promo code ‘SHINEWITHUS’ when you download The Entertainer App. You can also purchase the Cheers app (The Entertainer app for alcohol) at a discounted $40 (U.P. $125) when you quote the promo code ‘CHEERSHINE’.

Another app that will come in handy in your hunt for some of the best deals in town is the Lazada app, which gives you access to app only deals (daily!), app only vouchers, and app first updates!

With all these handy tools at your fingertips, enjoying the good things in life will come at a drastically reduced cost, making your experiences all the more sweeter!

They often say youth is wasted on the young, and that’s true for the most part, especially when you live in Singapore.

Let’s not be in such a hurry to grow up. Have fun, live a little, do crazy things you might regret! There will come a time when we must grow up, when we become responsible for other people, other lives, and when the stakes are truly high. But that time is not now.

We are only young once, so let’s enjoy ourselves while we can and live a life with no regrets.

To enjoy all the above promotions, make sure flash the appropriate e-vouchers to participating merchants, or use the promo code(s) stated within the relevant e-voucher. Make sure to read the fine print for all Terms & Conditions.

This article is written in collaboration with National Youth Council.

Also read Here’re 7 Of SG’s Best Prawn Mee – Soupy, Flavourful, Fragrant

(Header Image Source: Chope)

This Local Instagram Account Is Turning Dabao-ed Hawker Food Into Works Of Art

We Singaporeans love food.

We love eating it, admiring it, taking pictures of it–we love anything and everything to do with food.

If you’ve ever dined at a fancy restaurant, or in fact, tried replicating a famous chef’s recipe at home, you’ll know the world of difference presentation can make.

A simple salad can be transformed into a work of art, depending on how you plate it.

One local Instagram account is reinventing the way we see our humble kopitiam food by re-plating it fine dining style. We have to say, the results are impressive. They also make us very, very hungry.

Dabaogram 

[caption id="attachment_26380" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Plating up: economical sushi from Bukit Merah Central Hawker Center (Image Credit: @dabaogram)[/caption]

Dabaogram (@dabaogram) is the brainchild of Daren, Josh and Brian, and one mystery chef, who goes by the alias ‘Vanesse’.

At first glance, Dabaogram looks like the carefully curated Instagram account of a fine dining restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_26390" align="aligncenter" width="727"] @dabaogram’s Instagram feed[/caption]

Doesn’t seem too unusual or unique, does it? That is, until you realise these exquisite dishes aren’t from fancy restaurants but from somewhere you would never expect: our neighbourhood kopitiams.

[caption id="attachment_26381" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Plating up: char kway teow from Seah Im Food Centre (Image Credit: @dabaogram)[/caption]

As its name suggests, all the images lovingly (and expertly) curated on Dabaogram were dabao-ed from various local coffee shops and hawker centers. The team then reassembles the dish, before photographing them for the world to admire.

Crafted by hand, with minimal effects and garnishes, Dabaogram manages to transform your run-of-the-mill roasted duck noodle and prawn mee soup into breathtaking works of art.

[caption id="attachment_26387" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Left to right, from top to bottom: Prawn mee dry, duck noodles, vegetarian bee hoon and nasi padang (Image Credit: @dabaogram)[/caption]

While the account now has about 34 posts and 150 followers, we’re expecting their follower count to jump to the thousands once Singaporeans catch wind of Dabaogram.

Now, if only we could get the team behind Dabaogram to plate our daily duck rice and char kway teow every time we head out for lunch.

Also read, 10 Shiok Experiences And Eats To Turn Things Up A Notch The Second Half Of May [15-31 May]

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.

[caption id="attachment_19858" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: www.groupon.sg[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_20330" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Credit: Website

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.

[caption id="attachment_20204" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Website

6. Chilli Crab

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

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

7. Ice Kachang

Singaporeans are certainly no stranger to Ice Kachang, which is the Singaporean-version of a slurpee/ shaved ice in a bowl. Made entirely of shaved ice and drizzled with brightly-coloured sweet syrup, it is typically paired with sweet corn, grass jelly, atap chee and red beans.

[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

Food For Thought – A Day In The Life Of A Singaporean Hawker

When a steaming plate of Chai Tow Kway is presented to us Singaporeans, we are probably consumed by the thought of gobbling it up. However, the scrumptious local dishes we enjoy and relish are the fruit of our Hawkers’ labour. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take a walk in the shoes (or rather, rubber boots!) of our local hawkers?

A Tale of Two Hawkers

[caption id="attachment_13771" align="alignnone" width="745"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Mdm Wang Li Er and Ms Deniece Tan are amongst two of our country’s hawkers. While most of us still lie in bed sleeping, these two individuals are up to prepare for the bustling day ahead even before the sun rises!

[caption id="attachment_13772" align="alignnone" width="747"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Let’s go behind-the-scenes and uncover the various tasks, joys, and tales that pepper the days of a Singaporean Hawker.

Mdm Wang from Cambridge Rd Hong Kong Roast Pork

[caption id="attachment_13755" align="alignnone" width="1438"]image credit: Tiger Beer image credit: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Think of Mdm Wang as Chef Gustav from Ratatoullie – she’s a seasoned hawker and a veteran in the Hawker scene. Having run her stall, Cambridge Rd Hong Kong Roast Pork, for years, Mdm Wang is certainly familiar with the tough labour associated with the Hawker trade.

Tolerating the unbearable heat from standing next to the fire all day. Replenishing dishes as they run out. Washing the plates and bowls at the end of the day. Can you imagine doing this everyday

[caption id="attachment_13773" align="alignnone" width="744"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

These are tasks that have become part and parcel of Mdm Wang’s life, yet she enduringly carries them out!

Going The Extra Mile

Mdm Wang doesn’t stop at her hawker duties. She also goes the extra mile to give back to the community.

[caption id="attachment_13774" align="alignnone" width="731"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

She takes a little bit of time each day to print and distribute food coupons to the elderly, as some of them simply cannot afford meals. These coupons can then be exchanged for a free meal at her stall.

Talk about an unsung hero- Mdm Wang’s story certainly tugs at our heartstrings.

[caption id="attachment_13766" align="alignnone" width="1440"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Preparing and distributing these coupons on top of her regular job may be tough physically and financially, but Mdm Wang finds it very fulfilling. In her eyes, helping others brings her more happiness than money can buy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOHG5ryrYOU&feature=youtu.be

Deniece Tan From Truly Test Kitchen

[caption id="attachment_13775" align="alignnone" width="753"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer [/caption]

Deniece didn’t start off as an aspiring hawker. In fact, this 27-year-old was a regular working adult. Having graduated with a degree in business, Deniece landed a prestigious job in foreign exchanging banking. Ultimately, she knew her heart belonged somewhere else.

[caption id="attachment_13776" align="alignnone" width="735"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Deniece’s father, Mr Tan, had owned a hawker stall selling curry rice since she was little. Indeed, Deniece was brought up with good local home-cooked food. In a bold (and shocking!) move, she left a job with enviable career prospects and started Truly Test Kitchen to continue her father’s legacy.

It was a 360-degree change for her. However, Deniece has never regretted her decision. To her, the early mornings and hard work are but small sacrifices as she chases her dream!

[caption id="attachment_13777" align="alignnone" width="745"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

“There’s just so much joy and satisfaction when you see that you have made so many people happy”, said the inspiring 27-year-old with a smile.

Show Your Love to Local Hawkers With a Message 

Screen Shot 2016-09-03 at 7.21.31 PM

Being a hawker is often a thankless job. Think about it: when was the last time you showed appreciation to them for all their hard work? Tiger Beer makes it easy for us to show our gratitude to hawkers like Mdm Wang and Deniece Tan.

A little thanks goes a long way for our hawkers who toil day and night to deliver our favourite local dishes to us! All we have to do is take a photo of our favourite hawker fare, share it on social media with a thank you message, and include #uncagestreetfood.

Tiger Street Food Support Fund

[caption id="attachment_13765" align="alignnone" width="646"]image credit: ytimg image credit: ytimg[/caption]

In a bid to keep this proud and roaring flame for local food alive, Tiger Singapore has set up a fund to encourage aspiring hawkers like Deniece to enter the trade. It can be hard to grapple with costs for an inexperienced hawker, so that’s where Tiger’s Street Food Support Fund comes in!

20 cents from each 6-can pack of beer purchased will be channelled to the Tiger Street Food Support Fund. Budding hawkers can apply for this fund from now till 15th November. Successful applicants will receive up to SGD $10,000 funding from Tiger Beer!

Go Nuts for Local Businesses!

[caption id="attachment_13768" align="alignnone" width="648"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Hawkers aren’t the only local businesses that propel our nation’s food culture: Local food brands do too!

Tiger has partnered with local nut brand, Camel, to launch the limited edition Nasi Lemak Sambal Flavoured Nuts! You know, the salty, crunchy and spicy ikan billis and peanuts that we know and love? It can be purchased at convenience stores with a purchase of two 500ml cans of Tiger Beer. It’s available from now to 30th September 2016!

You can also indulge in this exclusive packet of nuts with a purchase of draught beer or a bucket of Tiger Beer from 1st September to 31st October 2016 at select bars and pubs.

Food For Thought

[caption id="attachment_13778" align="alignnone" width="735"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Being a hawker is no easy life. That is why our Hawker heritage needs preserving. A small gesture of appreciation from you and me, like thanking them and flashing a smile, could just be the encouragement they need to make their hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.

[caption id="attachment_13756" align="alignnone" width="1200"]image credit: Tiger Beer image credit: Tiger Beer[/caption]

The next time you receive your plate of hawker food, don’t forget to thank your hawker!

From now to 8 September, also take a picture of your hawker food before you dig in! Join in the fun and upload the picture to social media. Include #uncagestreetfood, and your picture may be included in a Tiger Beer video! It’ll be a collective thank you to those who keep our great food and unique hawker culture alive.

[caption id="attachment_13779" align="alignnone" width="753"]Credits: MissTamChiak Credits: MissTamChiak[/caption]

Deniece and Mdm Wang represent the present and future when it comes to upholding Singapore’s food culture. Do your part to ensure an enduring hawker tradition today!

Have You Thanked The Hawker Who Served You Food Today?

You probably just had your Wanton Mee, Mee Rebus, or Prata. The food hit all the right notes, and you couldn’t be happier. However, did you remember to thank the hawker who works tirelessly to serve you the same great food every day?

Fret not, most of us take our delectable Singapore local food for granted. In fact, we love our Singapore food, especially our local hawker food so much, that the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach is the best description of us ever.

Our Love for Hawker Food

[caption id="attachment_13752" align="alignnone" width="1776"]source: misstamchiak source: misstamchiak[/caption]

Without hesitation, we engage in discussions and debates over the best Bak Chor Mee, Indian Rojak, Nasi Lemak, and the list goes on. When the Michelin Guide came rolling around to Singapore, not only did we question their processes and decisions, we offered better suggestions, and even defended our own favourite hawkers.

It’s as if we were Smaug from The Hobbit that woke from a deep slumber. Singapore suddenly came abuzz with chatter and discussion about our pet topic – food.

Our Hawker Scene

 width=

However, what most of us Singaporeans fail to realise is that this beloved national hobby – eating good hawker food, may one day become a luxury. Just like the pasar malams that are far and few between, our dying local hawker scene is real. How many youths would willingly step up and pursue the career of a hawker?

A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way

[caption id="attachment_13755" align="alignnone" width="1438"]image credit: Tiger Beer image credit: Tiger Beer [/caption]

Rather than talk pointlessly about this issue, we could instead, remind ourselves to thank our unsung hawker heroes! They are the ones whose cheeks are flushed from spending long hours next to the flame. Their rough but skillful hands have chopped many a dozen vegetables. Being a hawker is definitely no walk in the park. And it’s time we show our appreciation and thanks!

#uncagestreetfood by Tiger Beer

“Knowing that their efforts have not gone to waste and that their food is enjoyed and appreciated is what keeps our hawkers going,”

“And for all they do, it’s time to say thank you.”

Taking the lead to remind us of our hawkers’ hard work, Tiger Beer has provided Singaporeans the perfect opportunity and platform for us to express our gratitude. This film of Mdm Wong from Hong Kong Roast Pork at Pek Kio Hawker Centre flawlessly encapsulates the effort and dedication it takes to be a great hawker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOHG5ryrYOU&feature=youtu.be

Mdm Wong doesn’t just stop at dishing out warm plates of great hawker food; she goes the extra mile to provide food coupons to senior citizens. Fully aware that some elderly in the neighbourhood struggle to pay for their food at times, she allows them to exchange the coupon for a free meal at her stall.

[caption id="attachment_13756" align="alignnone" width="1200"]image credit: Tiger Beer image credit: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Mdm Wong walks the talk by giving back to society. Surely, you can too, by just thanking a hawker and taking a photo!

Show Your Love to Our Unsung Heroes With a Message

 Screen Shot 2016-09-03 at 7.21.31 PM

Tiger Beer makes it easy for us to show our heartfelt appreciation to hawkers like Mdm Wong. All we have to do is take a photo of our favourite hawker fare, share it on social media with a thank you message, and include #uncagestreetfood.

Who are the hawkers who serve you daily? Could it be that friendly uncle at the Prata stall under your block who greets you with a smile every morning? Or the generous auntie at the nearby mixed vegetable rice store who gives you an extra portion of steamed egg because you’re a regular customer?

An Epic Food Trial Journey to Start You Off

[caption id="attachment_13760" align="alignnone" width="647"]Image Credits: hungrygowhere Image Credits: hungrygowhere[/caption]

Not sure how you should kick start this movement to show gratitude to our hawkers? How about exploring Pek Kio Hawker Centre, where Mdm Wong has her stall?This food centre is known for its wide variety of scrumptious local fare.

Cambridge Rd Hong Kong Roast Pork (#01-08)

[caption id="attachment_13759" align="alignnone" width="650"]Image Credit: keropokman Image Credit: keropokman[/caption]

Pop by Mdm Wong’s stall first to say hello! Her signature roast pork rice is succulent and crispy. We heard that there’s a lunch queue at times, so be prepared for some waiting.

 Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles (#01-15) 

[caption id="attachment_13761" align="alignnone" width="636"]Image Credits: hungrygowhere Image Credits: hungrygowhere[/caption]

This store is famous for their aromatic prawn noodle soup, served with their signature large and juicy prawns. The soup has a delicious depth of flavour that doesn’t overwhelm, even when you’re on your second bowl!

Operating hours: 7.30am to 2pm (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Prices start from $5

Hong Kong Style Chee Cheong Fun (#01-25) 

[caption id="attachment_13762" align="alignnone" width="643"]Image Credits: hungrygowhere Image Credits: hungrygowhere[/caption]

If you’re craving handmade, silky Chee Cheong Fun with just the right amount of bite, look no further. There’s a reason why this store only sells Chee Cheong Fun. It’s just that good! Take a leap of faith and order the creative renditions of this local dish: Chee Cheong Fun filled with char siew, prawns, scallops, and even Abalone.

Operating hours: 6.30am to 1.30pm (Closed on Alternate Wednesdays)
Prices range from $3-$16.80 per plate

Sheng Seng Hokkien Mee (#01-40)

[caption id="attachment_13763" align="alignnone" width="636"]Image Credits: hungrygowhere Image Credits: hungrygowhere[/caption]

Their springy noodles are slick with flavourful, viscous gravy. You’ll probably spot this store immediately thanks to its long queue, so be sure to get there early before this plate of steaming goodness sells out!

Operating hours: 11.30am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Price: $2.50

Tong Siew Fried Rice (#01-23)

[caption id="attachment_13764" align="alignnone" width="654"]Image Credits: hungrygowhere Image Credits: hungrygowhere[/caption]

With three crowd-pleasing dishes: fried rice, hor fun and oyster omelette, you’re spoilt for choice! Famous for their quality and their quantity, Tong Siew Fried Rice stall offers very generous portions for all these dishes at an affordable price. The must-try of this stall is definitely their namesake – the Fried Rice. We heard that the crunchy texture of the ikan bilis perfectly complements the soft and fragrant rice!

Operating hours: 12.30pm to 12mn
Hor Fun ($2.50), Fried Rice ($4) and Oyster Omelette ($4)

Tiger Street Food Support Fund

[caption id="attachment_13765" align="alignnone" width="646"]image credit: ytimg image credit: ytimg[/caption]

The above are but a few picks from Singapore’s wide palette of hawker stalls. In a bid to keep this proud and roaring flame alive, Tiger Singapore has set up a fund to encourage aspiring hawkers to enter the trade.

20 cents from each 6-can pack of beer purchased will be channelled to the Tiger Street Food Support Fund. This fund helps hawkers to offset start up costs. Budding hawkers can apply for this fund from now till 15th November. Successful applicants will receive up to SGD $10,000 funding from Tiger Beer!

Go Nuts for Local Businesses!

[caption id="attachment_13768" align="alignnone" width="648"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Mmm… That familiar crunchy, salty and spicy goodness of Nasi Lemak’s sambal peanut and ikan billis is no stranger to us! Tiger Beer has also collaborated with local nut brand, Camel, to bring a cool twist to this local creation.

This limited edition Nasi Lemak Sambal Flavoured Nuts can be purchased at convenience stores with a purchase of two 500ml cans of Tiger Beer. It’s available from now to 30th September 2016!

You can also indulge in this exclusive packet of nuts with a purchase of draught beer or a bucket of Tiger Beer from 1st September to 31st October 2016 at select bars and pubs.

Thank Your Hawker

[caption id="attachment_13766" align="alignnone" width="1440"]image credits: Tiger Beer image credits: Tiger Beer[/caption]

Knowing the sweat and toil that each hawker goes through only makes them more admirable. The story of Mdm Wong certainly pulls at our heartstrings. However, her tale is but one in Singapore’s multitude of hawkers. Our everyday hawkers lead different lives, and face different challenges and difficulties. We’ll probably never have the privilege of being in their shoes.

The next time you receive your local street food, don’t forget to thank your hawker! For now to 8 September, also take a picture of your hawker food before you dig in! Join in the fun and upload the picture to social media. Include #uncagestreetfood, and your picture may be included in a Tiger Beer video! It’ll be a collective thank you to those who keep our great food and unique hawker culture alive.

After all, a little thanks goes a long way, and it just may be long enough to secure an enduring hawker heritage for our country.

Verdict Is Out! Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore For Best Food Under $45

Where to get the best Curry Laksa? Which hawker stall has the best Hainanese Chicken Rice? Don’t know where to bring your tourist friends for the best Chai Tow Kway?

Worry no more because some of Singapore’s best eateries have been awarded a”Bib Gourmand” (high-quality menu at reasonable prices) by the very first edition of the Singapore Michelin Guide! So who made the cut? Here are the 34 hawker stalls, restaurants and food establishment that made the list.

What is Bib Gourmand?

“Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand…is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognises friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices. ” In Singapore – the meal must be under SGD$45 to qualify.

[caption id="attachment_11205" align="aligncenter" width="750"]Credit: Michelin Guide Credit: Michelin Guide[/caption]

Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore – Hawker Stalls

Without further ado, here’s the full list!

1. Claypot Laksa – Alexandra Village Food Centre

[caption id="attachment_11187" align="alignnone" width="650"]Image source: Daniel Food Diaries Image source: Credit: Image source: Burple Image source: Image source: SG Food on Foot Image source: Chey Sua

(Image credit: Image source: Burple Image source: Credit: Image source: Spring Tomorrow Image source:Image source: Burple Image source: Image source: kate2.0[/caption]

23. New Ubin Seafood – Sin Ming Road

24. Peony Jade at Keppel Club (Cantonese) – Bukit Chermin Rd

25. Shish Mahal (Indian) – Albert Street

26. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – New Bridge Rd

[caption id="attachment_11194" align="alignnone" width="601"]Image source: Yayforfries Image source: Yayforfries[/caption]

27. 328 Katong Laksa – East Coast Road

28. True Blue Cuisine (Peranakan) – Armenien Street

TrueBlue
(image credit: Image source: Yhingthai Palace Image source: Image source: Bismillah Biryani Image source: Bismillah Biryani[/caption]

33. JB Ah Meng Kitchen (Cantonese) – Geylang Road

34. Sin Huat Eating House (crab rice noodle) – Geylang Road

[caption id="attachment_11210" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Credit: chickenscrawlings.com Credit:

With so many yummy approved food to choose from, we reckon you bookmark this page (and share with your friends) for future reference. You’ll always know “what to eat” and “where to eat” from now. No more arguments about who has to decide meal plans!

Header image source: Clearing All Your Doubts – How Exactly Does The Michelin Guide Work?

We Never Bluff – Local Food Going For Only 50¢ At Chinatown!

Ever wished you could stuff yourself silly with local delights without breaking the bank? At this year’s 50 Cents Festival, you can! For as little as – you guessed it!- 50 cents, enjoy a great variety of authentic local favourite dishes that will propel you right back to the good old 1950s.

[caption id="attachment_11000" align="alignnone" width="2000"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street[/caption]

50 Cents Festival at Chinatown

The entire food street at Chinatown will be transformed into a “pasar”, or street hawker food scene. It’s specially designed to transport visitors to an authentic recreation of the 1950s and 60s! Treat yourself to delectable local delights – 35 iconic traditional dishes cooked by 20 stores!

Do also watch out for the mobile hawkers who roam the streets selling old-time favourites.

[caption id="attachment_11003" align="alignnone" width="4320"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Ice Ball, $0.50[/caption]

50 Cents is Bigger Than a Bull Cart Wheel

An old Hokkien saying (translated) goes: “50 Cents is Bigger Than a Bull Cart Wheel!” What does this mean? In the 1950s, SGD 50 cents was enough to buy so much food that most would consider it a ridiculous amount to spend on a meal! Singaporeans and tourists alike will be pleased to note this will be a reality at the 50 cents festival!

[caption id="attachment_11004" align="alignnone" width="5616"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Rickshaw Noodles, $0.50[/caption]

35 Iconic Local Delights at as Little as 50 Cents Only

That’s right budget hunters, 50 cents for your favourite Char Kway Teow, UFO (Fried Oyster Cake), Rickshaw Noodle, Ice Balls and Fried Carrot Cake. Other 50 cent dishes include BBQ Chicken Wings, Nasi Lemak wrapped in banana leaf, Satay and Roti Prata. For an additional 50 cents or one dollar, customers can even enjoy specialities such as Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls, Bak Kut Teh and Singapore’s signature Chilli Crab!

[caption id="attachment_11052" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]gallery-3 Pig trotter with vinegar, $0.50 x 3[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11008" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls, $0.50 x 2[/caption]

Fringe activities

To truly make the experience an unforgettable one, there will be a myriad of Fringe Activities lined up for all ages. Families can indulge in outdoor movie screenings, marvel at performances by martial arts professionals and opera singers. These activities will mimic “kampong-style” communal activities. Get your Chinese name artfully written by calligraphers, or you could also pay a visit to letter writers and fortune-tellers. All these while munching on your food spoils of the day!

[caption id="attachment_11001" align="alignnone" width="5616"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Steamed Glutinous Rice (Sweet & Savoury), $0.50[/caption]

50 Cents Festival Details

gallery-5

With so much happening along this street bazaar, we say this is a must-visit for everyone! So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and get ready to have a feast!

50 Cents Festival
Address:
Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
Date: 30 July, Sat, 3PM – 11PM; 31 July, Sun, 11AM-11PM
Menu: click here.
Also read, A Timbre+ Event: Expect Only The Best Food & Music @ Open Stoves!