Tag: local

It’s Not Durian Season Yet, But You Can Get Mao Shan Wang For Just $12 This Week

My eyes will always light up at the sight of durians all lined up along Geylang or Sims Avenue.

I never quite understood why people hated the smell or taste of durians. It’s soft, creamy, sweet and savoury. Like what more do you want in a fruit?

Durian is all the rage these days and guess who’s excited for $12 Mao Shan Wangs?

The King Of Fruits

If you haven’t already noticed, the weather has been ridiculously hot recently. The short walk from the MRT to the office has got me drenched in my sweat.

Thanks to the hot weather in Malaysia leading to a bumper crop, durian prices have dropped by up to 40%. That’s almost half the cost of the durian!

This is probably the only time I’m thankful for hot weather.

Durian lovers would typically wait for durian season which is usually from June – September. That’s when we’d feast on endless supply of durians.

So having an unexpected mini durian season in the middle of March is great for us who are impatient.

Durian sellers have taken their durians to Facebook so you can compare prices.

https://www.facebook.com/AhSengDurian/photos/a.213797832004526.68002.192832840767692/1766970390020588/?type=3

I mean seriously, $15/kg for MSW? That’s crazy cheap. Just last month, it’d cost you at least $25-$28/kg.

https://www.facebook.com/717trading/photos/a.10150247669982235.358922.127701537234/10156320506447235/?type=3

So beautiful. Just beautiful.

https://www.facebook.com/Melvinsdurian/photos/a.1774936756069333.1073741828.1774429976120011/2092998614263144/?type=3

That’s it, I’m packing my bags. I’m off to get durians.

Some sellers say that prices might go even lower over the next couple of days however there are others who believe that prices could return to normal next week.

Honestly, with that kind of price tag, I’ll buy 5 MSW. Durian prices are always unpredictable so snag yourself a durian before it’s too late.

Some durian sellers are already selling out of MSW, so hurry and make reservations for your durians.

But in all honesty, as much as I love durians, is the weather going to chill anytime soon?

Ah Seng Durian
Address: Blk 20 Ghim Moh Market #01-119 to #01-122, Singapore 270020
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1.30pm – 8.30pm, Sat – Sun: 1.30pm – 6.30pm
Price: MSW – $15/kg
Website

Melvin’s Durian
Address: 1 Upper Aljunied Lane (in front of Prime Supermarket), Singapore 360001
Opening Hours: 1pm – 11pm daily
Price: MSW – $13/kg
Website

Durian Mpire by 717 Trading
Address: 22 Yio Chu Kang Road, Highland Center, #01-01, Singapore 545535
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Price: MSW – $15/kg
Website

Also Read Popeyes Brings The Classic Chicken And Waffle To S’pore For A Limited Time Only

(Header Image Source: Flickr)

You Can Jalan Jalan Down Memory Lane At This Nostalgic Festival Of Eats And Treats

Singapore has changed so much within a short amount of time.

We’ve grown Smarter, our food (and palate) has grown fancier, and we’ve had international acts grace our shores and give us some amazing performances. But every now and then, it’s good to take a moment to remember the past, to reminisce simpler times, and to delight in the simple things that make us who we are.

“Let’s Go Jalan Jalan” is a food and music festival that brings all the most iconic things about Singapore – both new and old – to one place.

Happening from 17 – 19 Nov, this three-day event will take place at the nostalgic The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park and will feature over 100 varieties of food and merchandise stalls.

The best part? Entry to this festival is free!

Made In Singapore

Expect popular local cuisines such as Ice Blended Rainbow Dash, Rickshaw Noodles, traditional “You Tiao” with soya bean drink, the old school ice cream uncle, and more!

There will also be sand art, rubber water colour art, and glitter art – a fun throwback to back when we were kids!

Harking back to simpler times, there will be henna stalls, stalls selling handcrafted ware, and a creative heritage trail!

The soundtrack to this festival will be provided by buskers and up-and-coming singers. Look out for performances by Alan Fong, Nick Shen and his Teochew Opera Crew!

Leave Your Wallets At Home

At this festival, only old-school Festival Coupons and Ezi Wallet payments can be used to purchase food, beverage and merchandise.

Food coupons can be purchased online at Image Credit: Let’s Go Jalan Jalan Facebook[/caption]

Only one bag may be claimed per customer and only while stocks lasts, so act quickly!

With free shuttle buses available at Labrador Park MRT and at Seah Im Carpark open space (nearby Harbourfront MRT), getting there will be a cinch.

The event is pet-friendly and wheelchair-friendly, so bring your ah ma, ah gong, and even your furry ones to this festival come November! You’re sure to have a good ol’ time at this chill, hyper-local extravaganza!

Let’s Go Jalan Jalan
Address: The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park, 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540
Date: 17 – 19 Nov
Time: 17 Nov: 5pm – 12.30am | 18 Nov: 10am – 12.30am | 19 Nov: 10am – 12.30am
Admission: Free
Website

Also read This Thai Bakery Is Baking Up A Storm Of Fluffy Loaves – And You Knead To Try It

The Wicked Cream: Gourmet Marshmallows To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

West-siders, we’ve found a sweet spot for all you dessert fiends! The Wicked Cream offers gourmet marshmallows that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Their signature creation, the WickedMallow, gives the humble roasted marshmallow a gourmet update.

These marshmallows are made in small batches, and are carefully hand-crafted and roasted individually. You can choose from an array of unique flavours like sea salt gula melaka, speculoos caremelised cookie and uji matcha, just to name a few!

[caption id="attachment_22507" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Credit: You might have even seen these guys around at pop-up stalls and art markets with their beautifully packaged jars, all ready for you to take home or give away!

[caption id="attachment_22551" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Credit: The Wicked Cream also has a These guys have definitely left their mark with their unique, instagrammable treats. Be sure to keep a lookout for these carefully crafted goodies the next time you’re at a pop-up event or local art market!

The Wicked Cream
Address: 3 South Buona Vista Road, #B1-04 Viva Vista Mall, S118136
Tel: 8222 0140 / 9732 3123
Operating Hours: Based on reservations / appointments only
8 Best Acai Bowls And Smoothies In Singapore For A Completely Guilt-Free Treat

Besides Nathan Hartono, Check Out These 6 Local Youtubers Too!

The age-old notion that Singaporeans don’t have talent has since been debunked by the rise of singer-songwriter Joel Tan (better known as Gentle Bones), folk-pop quartet The Sam Willows, comedy-skit channels Wah! Banana and Night Owl Cinematics, and recently trending Nathan Hartono who impressed even Jay Chou! These promising local YouTubers have been making waves online, spearheading the blossoming YouTube scene here.

While we sing along to Geniuses & Thieves in the shower, swoon over Ben Kheng’s ridiculously perfect facial features, and share every NOC video on Facebook, you will be elated to know that #localpride doesn’t stop here – we have shed light on 6 other undiscovered local YouTubers that are equally deserving of your support.

1. Cilla Chan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYQkN3mxu-A

Cilla has definitely put our tiny nation on the musical map by being the first Singaporean to appear on The Voice, one of the world’s biggest singing competition. Her powerful vocals and stripped-down arrangements of some of our favourite pop hits are sure to win you over. I mean, country music sensation Blake Shelton swivelled his chair around for a reason.

YouTube: cillachan429
Instagram: @cilla_chan

2. Jude Young

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr7m6ivx08w

22-year-old Jude Young is an emerging musician in the local scene with a strong sense of individuality. This home-grown lyrical genius took his music a notch higher by penning “Waves of Tomorrow”, a heartfelt, patriotic number for last year’s SG50 celebrations. Jude has since gone on to drop a new single this year, “Young”, an empowering anthem about chasing your dreams and seizing the day.

YouTube: splatterdashed
Instagram: judeyoungmusic

3. Howard Chan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFFuNkiB9tE

It’s hard to believe that this soulful, multi-talented YouTuber is barely 20. Possibly our budding, local equivalent of international YouTube star Kurt Hugo Schneider, Howard produces, arranges and mixes all of his covers on YouTube. Check out his rendition of Sorry by Justin Bieber – he makes it entirely his own!

YouTube: howducation
Instagram: howardchanman

4. Jonathan Chan (Jawn)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaBdZqB0kjs

Jonathan Chan, who goes by his stage name Jawn, is a melancholic crooner with gravelly vocals. His country-folk single, “Fade to Black”, tells a bittersweet tale of letting someone go and wishing them well. Fans of John Mayer and James Bay, we reckon you will really dig Jawn’s music. We’re loving the raw and heartfelt lyrics in his original songs.

YouTube: thetumbleweedproject
Instagram: jawnchan

5. Sabrina Lim (SabyLoves)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlZajE08Rx4

Local talent should not be limited to music. Independent designer Sabrina Lim – or SabyLoves on YouTube – takes to this video-sharing platform to showcase her artistic craft talent. Using polymer clay, Sabrina moulds everything from kaya toast to our favourite chilli crab. Apart from her DIY clay miniatures, Sabrina also gives us a glimpse of her bubbly personality by sharing her first world problems in the form of light-hearted and entertaining sit-down videos.

YouTube: sabyloves
Instagram: sabyloves

6. Roseanne Tang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymZVrm69tH8

This beauty guru is a professional make-up artist with her own beauty school, Bloom by Roseanne. When she is not busy conducting make-up classes, Roseanne channels her passion for make-up in the form of beauty tutorials and product reviews on YouTube channel. Her easy-going personality paired with her vast knowledge of make-up makes her videos both informative and engaging. Check out her latest hot pink lips make-up tutorial – perfect for our sunny climate.

YouTube: roseannetangrs
Instagram: roseannetangrs

These six individuals are just a handful of many rising local YouTubers with so much to offer. There is a strong sense of pride in witnessing our fellow Singaporeans flourish, fearlessly chasing their dreams in a highly competitive industry. It is time to #supportlocal and show some love to these aspiring home-grown talents.

Also, read The Perfect Shot – DarylAiden’s Photography Journey & DreaChong

Look How Far Singapore Has Come! We Compare The Now & Then

Walk down memory lane, and discover Singapore now and then.

Rated the world’s most expensive city, Singapore has grown and become a modern metropolis in just over 50 years. Well, Singapore didn’t start as an economic giant nor with its dense amount of high-rise residential and office buildings. It is amazing how Singapore has grown during a short span of over 50 years.

We bet you didn’t know how some of these places had looked before it was developed!

Bishan Park

Completed in 1988, Bishan Park was one of the biggest parks in Singapore back then. It featured ponds, a lake, a football field, a fragipani gardens, and a “floating amphitheatre”within its 42 hectares of greenery. Paddle boats were available for rent and fishing at the ponds were available in 1990s.

In 2012, the park was renamed Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park after a major revamp. It now has a high-tech safety warning system, and several spots for recreational activities. A great place for families to gather, the park has now become a popular spot for residents to enjoy picnics and partake in activities.

Kallang River

Before its clean up in the early 1980s, Kallang River was crammed with lighters and tongkong – a type of light wooden boat. It even reeked of rotting waste and dirty sewage. During the clean up, pig farms, duck farms, street hawkers, latrines were removed. The whole clean up process took 10 long years.

Today, waterfront condominiums dot the area. This place has also grown to become a residential and lifestyle district. In 2014, the Sports Hub took over the old National Stadium. It now has a 55,000 capacity with a retractable roof, as well as an indoor aquatics arena.

Capitol Theatre

Before re-opening in 2015, the Capitol Theatre had offered a 1,600 seater cinema to patrons in Malaya. Its concave neo-classical facade plastered with movie posters had defined the street of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road. It was the place where many couples had their first dates back in the 60s!

18 years after its last cinema patron in 1998, the historic Capitol Theatre finally re-opened in 2015. Now, the mixed-use complex comprises four buildings – Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, Stamford House and the new Capitol Piazza. Fun fact: We bet you didn’t know the Capitol Theatre is the biggest single-screen cinema in South-east Asia, with 900 seats available!

The Cathay

Entertaining generations of Singaporeans over 80 years, The Cathay started out as the first air-conditioned theatre in Singapore. At 16 storeys high, it was Singapore’s first “skyscraper” and it remained the city-state’s tallest building until 1954. This building was also used by the British administration and Japanese occupiers.

After the war, it re-opened as a cinema and hotel. Its Chinese restaurant was one of the most popular dining choices in town. However at the end of 1970, the hotel closed due to space constraints. It then became an office space for a period of time. Do you know Singapore’s first arthouse cinema – The Picturehouse was built here in 1987?

The Cathay re-opened in 2006 after a period of closure for an overhaul in 2000. Its 1939 front facade was restored. It is now a vibrant mall with an eclectic mix of entertainment, retail, and food and beverage stalls.

Fullerton Building

Completed in 1928, the Fullerton was Singapore’s largest building. It housed the General Post Office (GPO), a number of government offices, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Singapore Club. This was Singapore’s landmark. Many travellers and ship captains around the world recognised it. During 1928 to 1996, letters, money orders, and parcels were sorted and dispatched in the GPO and the Singapore Club occupied the upper floors. It was the “busiest and best-known building” in Singapore.

By 1960, after the Singapore Club had moved out to make way for government offices, the building housed Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, the Economic Development Board, the Ministry of Finance and a POSBank branch, the bank’s oldest.

In 1997, S$300 million was spent to convert Fullerton Building into a hotel. A two-storey commercial complex – One Fullerton opposite Fullerton Road, was built. The Fullerton Building restoration project took place from 1998 to 2000. Now, the building is gazetted as Singapore’s 71st national monument.

Orchard Road

True to its namesake, Orchard Road was named for the plantations lined with bamboo hedges and shrubbery in the area during the 18th century. Nutmeg plantations and fruit orchards dominated the area. Towards the later part of 1840s, graveyards appeared along the road. That part is now Meritus Mandarin Hotel and Ngee Ann City. In 1900, Orchard Road was still a tree flanked dirt road.

With its S$40 million revamp in 2009, today, Orchard Road is the nation’s top shopping, dining and entertainment hub. With its underground infrastructure connecting malls together, it is an ease to walk along the air conditioned walkways instead of the hustle and bustle on its road level.

Changi Airport

Prior to Changi Airport, the Paya Lebar Airport was bursting at the seams with more than 4 million passenger movements in 1975. With insufficient room for future expansion, a new location had been sought and Changi was selected as it was at the edge of the city.

Singapore Changi Airport was officially opened on 29 December 1981. It was the world’s largest airport at that time and the world’s largest column-free hanger at 20,000 sqm.

We are amazed at the pace of Singapore’s growth over the last 50 over years! In the past 50 years since independence, Singapore has transformed from a struggling city-state into one of the richest nations in the world.

What do you think Singapore will be like another 50 years down the road?

(Image credit by thefullertonheritage and imagetransforms, edited by writer)

Also read: Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

9 Of SG’s Best Local Street Snack, How Many Have You Tried?

After trawling through Coachella pictures from Buzzfeed and Instagram, the one thing that caught my eye was the food. Oh good lord, the pictures made my stomach rumble even after I just had my lunch! It looked so sinful yet so enticing at the same time. My mind instantly drifted to the street food that I could savour in Singapore.

Fret not when it comes to food in SG! You’ll always be able to find some unique and equally tempting street snacks on our sunny island from the night bazaar, a.k.a pasar malam. Read on to find out what food is available, and where you can find the nearest pasar malam to you.

1. Tutu Kueh

This ‘hobo’ right here, me, only learnt about tutu kuehs two years ago and boy when I tried it did I wonder what I was missing out all these years!

Depending on which flavour you choose, the soft and springy dough skin bursts open when you bite it, revealing the sweet filling inside. My absolute favourite version would be coconut but it comes in a few other varieties like chocolate or peanuts.

Tutu Kueh
Cost: 5 pieces for $2.50
Where to buy: Pasar Malams, most heartland malls, and Food Republic food court

2. Putu Piring

This is akin to the Malay cousin of Tutu Kueh. The difference? Gula Melaka filling, softer rice cakes, larger in size, and topped with freshly grated coconut. Warm, gooey, and not too sweet, these putu pirings are a definite treat.

However, there are only a few places that still sell this traditional Malay snack. One of which is Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring, that has been well-loved and much raved about. Pay them a visit one of these days to give it a try!

Putu Piring
Cost: 5 pieces for $2.50
Where to buy: Traditional Haig Road Putu Piring, 970 Geylang Road, #01-12; Pasar Malams

3. Ondeh Ondeh

These adorable little chewy green balls are typically made out of glutinous rice flour, dyed naturally using pandan leaves’ juice and comes with a white coat of desiccated coconut.

You can usually find these either kosong (plain) or with some gula melaka filling hidden inside. Some stores even sell a yam variety where sweet potato is used to substitute half the usual required amount of glutinous rice flour.

Ondeh Ondeh
Cost: 3 for $1
Where to buy: Xing Xing Tapioca Kueh/ Ondeh Ondeh
Address: #01-31, Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, 069 184
Contact: 9863 2833
Operating hours: Mon to Sat: 8am to 2pm, Closed on Sundays

4. Steamed Tapioca Cake

My love for the fried version of the tapioca cake (featured below) was terrible for my waistline hence I stuck to its healthier steamed buddy when I was on a roll to cut down on my unhealthy eating habits.

Equally as delicious, just without the guilt, the steamed tapioca cake is typically moist and QQ (chewy). You can get this addictive chewy snack from the same place as above! Kill two birds with a stone and try out both their Ondeh Ondeh and Steamed Tapioca Cake.

Steamed Tapioca Cake
Cost: 1 box for $2.50
Where to buy: Xing Xing Tapioca Kueh/ Ondeh Ondeh
Address: #01-31, Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, 069 184
Contact: 9863 2833
Operating hours: Mon to Sat: 8am to 2pm, Closed on Sundays

5. Fried Tapioca Cake

Found at most pasar malams, these green cakes were one of my favourite childhood snacks and I would bug my mom to buy three slices for me (three for $1 back then) whenever we pass by any pasar malams.

These greasy green cakes are crispy on the outside yet moist and chewy on the inside and since it is made out of tapioca (duh) it is naturally sweet but not overly so.

Fried Tapioca Cake
Cost: 5 pieces for $2
Place: Pasar Malams

6. 3-in-1 Nian Gao

Sandwiched between a slice of yam and sweet potato, it is no wonder this nian gao treat is known as 3-in-1.

This fried ‘sandwich’ tops the chart with a slice easily adding 300 calories (and possibly more) in your calorie count according to a doctor from Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

However, this sticky and chewy goodness will make my half-an-hour daily run worth it.

3-in-1 Nian Gao
Cost: Around $1.50 per slice
Where to buy: Kim Soon
Address: #01-18 Kovan Hawker Centre, Block 209, Hougang Street 21
Operating hours: Mon to Fri: 5am to 2pm; Weekends and public holidays: 5am to 4pm

7. Mee Jian Kueh

This fluffy pancake is cheap (roughly around $0.60 to $1.00 a slice) and comes in an array of fillings to choose from. I would recommend peanut or coconut fillings, but the best part would be the crunchy sides.

Mee Jian Kueh
Cost: $0.60 for one slice
Where to buy: Tanglin Halt Original Peanut Pancake
Address: Stall 16, Tanglin Halt Market, 48 Tanglin Road, 142 048
Operating hours: 5am to 11am, closed on Mon and Fri
Contact: 9712 3653

8. Tau Huey

The bean curd or tau huey as it is known locally, is a popular breakfast or all-day snack since it is relatively healthy. It comes in either the hot or cold option which is perfect for Singapore’s hot-rainy-humid weather.

Soft and silky, my favourite tau huey shop’s beancurd was so smooth that the best way to consume it was by drinking. Extremely unladylike I know, but this still is my preferred way to have my tau huey fix.

Tau Huey
Cost: $1.80 per bowl
Where to buy: QQ Soya Bean
Address: #01-165 Old Changi Airport Road Hawker Centre
Contact: 8339 3459
Operating hours: 11am to 9pm daily

My favourite stall would be Dou Xiang, located at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, Block 453, #01-92. It operates from 7am to 9am daily for $1.50 a bowl. However, it is closed temporarily till 1 July 2016 as the market is undergoing and overhaul.

9. Popiah

Also read: 13 Eateries Open All Day All Night For Your Late Night Meal!