11 Artsy Events And Tantalising Eats For An Exciting End To January

It’s finally 2018!

We’re back in January, the “Monday” of the year. We’re all feeling sian but no worries, we’ve got some artsy AF events and great food for you to make it through the rest of this huge “Monday”.

Let DiscoverSG be your lobang. Let’s go!

Play & Discover

1. Art From The Streets

From 13 January 2018 to 3 June 2018, the world’s most iconic street artists will be showcasing their most provocative works for the first time in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_32197" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Artsy[/caption]

Titled Art from the Streets, this ground-breaking exhibition will trace the 40 years of street art, from its beginnings to the urban art form that it is today.

The exhibition will feature a series of live paintings that are created on-site by some of the most iconic street artists as well as new and upcoming names such as Spain’s Felipe Pantone, Singapore’s Speak Cryptic and Yok & Sheryo.

The new artworks are specially created for the exhibition, to showcase the diversity of the street art movement and how it is relevant to society in present times.

That’s not all, there will also be large-scale mural paintings, videos, prints, installations, archival material, drawings, and sketches from 50 of the biggest names in street art.

The ArtScience Museum will also be shining a spotlight on artworks from upcoming SouthEast Asian street artists.

Art from the Streets
Venue: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, 018974
Date: 13 Jan 2018 – 3 Jun 2018
Image Credit: World Snack Fair Facebook[/caption]

Held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, the World Snack Fair gathers hundred over brands of snacks from all over the world.

Expect to find snacks from Japan, Korea, Europe, Australia, and SouthEast Asia. There’ll also be a Character cafe and a Cosplay Competition!

This is a fair for the serious snackers and anime fans.

World Snack Fair
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
Date: 19 – 21 Jan 2018
Website

3. Light To Night Festival 2018

The Light To Night Festival is back from 19 to 28 January 2018, once again painting the Civic District in a shower of stunningly vibrant light displays, installations, and creative works of art.

[caption id="attachment_32821" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore[/caption]

As one of the marquee events of Singapore Art Week, the festival is set to expand from an anniversary celebration by the National Gallery Singapore, to a district-wide arts festival, in collaboration with The Art House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum, and The Esplanade.

The theme for this year is “Colour Sensations”. Visitors will be taken on a captivating multi-sensory experience, from the stunning kaleidoscope of public art and installations from local artists to interactive light projections and immersive colourscapes.

There will also be a Festival Food Street at the Padang. So gather your friends and family and head down to the Light To Night festival for a night of artsy fun!

Light To Night Festival 2018
Venue: Civic District and Marina Bay (National Gallery Singapore, Padang, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Lawn, Esplanade Park, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay)
Date: 19 – 28 Jan 2018
Website

4. Clean Bandit Live In Singapore

Grammy Award-winning musical sensation Clean Bandit will be here in Singapore on 22 Jan 2018, performing at the Suntec City Convention & Exhibition Centre Halls 601 – 604.

[caption id="attachment_32566" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: here.

5. Munah & Hirzi Live: Curtain Call

For one night only, Munah Bagharib and Hirzi Zulkiflie, better known as MunahHirziOfficial, will be celebrating the end of an era, as they hold the final curtain call for their Youtube channel.

[caption id="attachment_32809" align="aligncenter" width="1001"] Image Credit: Munah & Hirzi Live: Curtain Call[/caption]

Sadly, they will be closing their Youtube channel after a decade of hilarious antics, parodies and a whole roster of familiar and crazy characters.

Don’t miss this final opportunity to catch them live at the Capitol Theatre on 24 January 2018.

Ticket prices go from $45 to $105 and can be purchased here.

Hurry and grab your tickets before they’re sold out!

Munah & Hirzi Live: Curtain Call
Venue: Capitol Theatre, 17 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178907
Date: 24 Jan 2018
Price: $45 – $105
Website

6. St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2018

The annual St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival is back!

This year’s event features a smashing lineup including Aldous HardingAmy SharkAndersonPaak & The Free NationalsBillie EilishBonoboFather John MistyLoyle CarnerMac DeMarcoMoses SumneyRolling Blackouts Coastal FeverSlowdiveSylvan EssoThe InternetThe War On Drugs, and Wolf Alice.

[caption id="attachment_32567" align="aligncenter" width="685"] Image Credit: Laneway Festival Singapore Facebook[/caption]

Happening on 27 January 2018, the festival promises to be a total sensory experience, bringing the best live acts – both new and established – onto the Laneway stage for music fans.

St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Venue: The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay
Date: 27 January 2018
Tickets: Standard Tickets: $158 | Door Sales: $200. Get your tickets  Image Credit: here.

Eat

8. Pizza Maru

Can’t decide between pizza and Korean food for dinner? How about both?

Pizza Maru is the latest franchise to hit our shores, serving up Chicago-style deep dish pizzas with a Korean twist. That’s right, we’re talking about deep dish pizzas with Korean flavours.

Known for their patented pizza dough made with green tea, chlorella and 12 kinds of cereals, this hefty pizza dough is made to support a multitude of ingredients in their deep dish pizzas.

One of the pizzas to look out for is the Real BBQ Chicago ($26.80) which comes stuffed with double mozzarella cheese, cream cheese mousse, string cheese, roasted onion, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken chunks, mushrooms, BBQ sauce, honey, almonds and icing sugar.

[caption id="attachment_32812" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Burpple User Rachel Chua[/caption]

Sounds like a weird combination but it makes sense given the Korean influence on the dish.

Another must-try is the Mango Ocean ($19.80/regular, $23.80/large) which is a seafood pizza with shrimps, squid, scallops, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, black olives, mango, pilaf sauce, mozzarella sauce, spicy buldak sauce, and sweet potato-stuffed crust.

[caption id="attachment_32813" align="aligncenter" width="567"] Image Credit: Pizzamaru Singapore Facebook[/caption]

A great side dish to order is the SPAM Tower ($12.80). Layers of chicken SPAM, bell peppers, fried kimchi, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, seaweed, and a fried egg sitting on a bed of rice and garnished with potato crisps, parmesan cheese and sriracha sauce.

[caption id="attachment_32814" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Burpple User Rachel Chua[/caption]

If you’re a fan of Korean food, or deep dish pizza, this is a place you have to check out.

Pizza Maru
Address: 930 Yishun Avenue 2, #B1-192/193 Northpoint City South Wing, Singapore 769098
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Contact no.: 6280 6196
Website

9. Mak Hong Kee HK Kitchen

Newly opened along Keong Saik Road is Mak Hong Kee HK Kitchen, serving up classic Hong Kong fare that you normally find in a high end Chinese restaurant, albeit at a more reasonable price.

A must-try is their roasted meats. Mak Hong Kee HK Kitchen serves up roast pork which is slightly fattier with a thin crisp layer of crackling that is oh-so-satisfying.

Another roast meat to look out for is the BBQ Pork with Honey sauce, better known as Char Siew. The char siew served here is tender and not as sweet.

[caption id="attachment_32815" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Burpple User Xing Wei Chua[/caption]

If you need your carbs, then we suggest getting the Beef Hor Fun ($10). The hor fun (rice noodles) used in the dish is narrower, and is stir fried with bell peppers and tender beef slices in a rich black bean sauce. This is a dish that you must order.

[caption id="attachment_32816" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Burpple User Veronica Phua[/caption]

Mak Hong Kee HK Kitchen also has other selections of rice, noodle and congee dishes if you’re looking for other options.

If you’re looking for a place for a fuss-free family dinner, this is it.

Mak Hong Kee HK Kitchen
Address: 2/4 Keong Siak Road, Singapore, 089110
Opening Hours: Sun – Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Contact no.: 6909 0414

10. SayChiizu Singapore

Singapore has seen its fair share of cheese-flavoured food. Four cheese pizzas, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese sundaes, cheesecakes, cheese cookies, and even cheese foam bubble teas.

This time round, SayChiizu, a popular Hokkaido Grilled Cheese Toast brand from Bangkok is opening its first store in Singapore at VivoCity on 15 January 2018.

SayChiizu will be serving up their signature grilled cheese toasts in several flavours such as Charcoal, Chocolate, Strawberry Cheese and Matcha Cheese.

[caption id="attachment_32817" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: SayChiizu[/caption]

The cheese is made from a secret blend of 3 different cheeses, which results in an incredibly stretchy consistency when melted.

[caption id="attachment_32818" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: SayChiizu[/caption]

That’s not all, the menu will also include cheese teas and cheese fries.

We cannot wait for SayChiizu to open!

SayChiizu Singapore
Address: VivoCity, #B2-K16, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore, 098585
Website

Shop

11. MAAD, Market Of Artists And Designers

Since 2006, the Red Dot Design Museum has been organising MAAD, Market Of Artists And Designers as a platform to promote local artists and designers, for them to showcase and sell their original works.

[caption id="attachment_32819" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Credit: Also read Celine Dion To Perform For The First Time In Singapore This July

(Header Image Source: National Gallery Singapore)

10 Fantastic And Cannot Miss Activities To Kick Off Your February [1-15 Feb]

It is February already?! So, it seems like we’ve dived into the second month of the year. If you’re getting post Chinese New Year holiday blues, don’t fret! There’s still a ton of things to do in Singapore this month, and we’ve covered some of the most unmissable ones for you.

Whether you’re a cultural guru looking for your next immersive experience, an art fanatic hunting down new (and free) exhibitions, a cafe hopper, or self-confessed compulsive shopper–there’s definitely something for you.

February is also the month of love, so why not grab that special someone and try something new together! There’ll surely be lots of great memories to make.

Here’s a calendar of 10 fantastic and cannot miss activities to keep you occupied this February 1st to 15th!

Play & Discover

1. Chingay Parade

To continue ringing in the Lunar New Year, Singapore’s favourite annual Chingay Parade is back.

Themed ‘Singapore’s Soundwaves Chingay, We Care Singapore’, this year’s parade promises two nights of vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu masters and performers of varying ages, races, religions, and groups.

[caption id="attachment_22045" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image credit: Rediscover Singapore[/caption]

This year’s edition, the 45th, includes especial highlights: from fresh pyrotechnics and fireworks displays, to classic sing-alongs to Singaporean “Xinyao” music. The brilliant noise and gaiety even stretches from the main parade site all the way to the heartlands.

This national event is also the largest street performance and float parade in Asia–certainly something not to be missed!

Catch a glimpse of this treasured event where age, race, language and creed hold no barriers.

Chingay Parade
Where: F1 Pit Building, next to Singapore Flyer
Date: 10-11 February 2017
Time: 8pm, pre-parade @ 7pm
Tickets: $50-60 (Cat 1), $40-50 (Cat 2), $28.50 (Cat 3)
Tel: 6348 5555
Email: [email protected]
Website

2. Thaipusam Festival

On the full moon day of the Tamil month, Hindus will celebrate the Thaipusam thanksgiving festival.

In Singapore, thousands of devotees fulfil their vows through a 4km walk between two temples.

[caption id="attachment_22054" align="aligncenter" width="2592"] Image credit: Gate 20[/caption]

Come immerse yourself in this exciting and culturally-rich atmosphere–that sees devotees have their flesh pinched, pulled and pierced, all whilst carrying the weight of 30kg kavadi structures–and learn more about the Hindu culture.

The large, colourful annual procession that anchors this religious festival is sure to tantalise. But it’s the devotees’ faithful strength, perseverance and dedication to perform the exceptional that will wow you.

Thaipusam Festival
Venue: Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple
Address: 397 Serangoon Road Singapore 218123
Date: 9 February 2017
Time: 6.30am-noon, 6-9pm
Tel: 6728 5711
This one’s for the Studio Ghibli fans! A collection of original production celluloids from director Hayao Miyazaki has been released and is now on display at Polar Bear Gallery.

My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Laputa: Castle in the Sky… Come and see how the most breathtaking scenes from your favourite Studio Ghibli films are painstakingly drawn by hand, and melded together frame by frame.

[caption id="attachment_22046" align="aligncenter" width="990"] Image credit: Studio Ghibli[/caption]

Today, Studio Ghibli remains the most successful ex-hollywood animation production studio in the world. Why not come discover the magic behind it all? The Polar Bear Gallery also contributes 10% of their annual income to protect the environment through related groups.

Studio Ghibli Production Cel
Venue: Polar Bear Gallery
Address: 69A Haji Lane Singapore 189262
When: Friday-Saturday 12pm to 8pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Price: Free
The Chinese New Year festivities never quite end do they?

Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts is an annual cultural festival at the Esplanade Theatres. It is introduced for the new year, with a vibrant mix of both local and international artists.

[caption id="attachment_22055" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Image credit: Esplanade[/caption]

Traditional, contemporary, mainstream and cutting edge Chinese artists congregate in this festival to showcase their works.

Performances to look out for include the Chinese version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream, the cool street dancers of Cloud Gate 2, and Singapore’s very own Offending the Audience play.

A bright array of theatre, dance, music, workshops, and talks will give you a taste of the most dynamic forms of Chinese artistic expression. Be prepared to be inspired and touched through this diverse showcase of programmes (some are free!).

Huayi Festival of the Arts
Venue: The Esplanade
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Tel: 6828 8377

Eat

5. The Summerhouse

Want a taste of the idyllic English countryside without having to travel?

The Summerhouse is a newly opened restaurant, cafe, garden, and bar tucked away amongst the conserved colonial bungalows at Seletar Aerospace.

The chill vibe of this food sanctuary will give you quiet time with your loved ones.

[caption id="attachment_22053" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Singapore Brides[/caption]

This unique farm to table destination sees the freshest food sourced from a farming collective of Singaporean and Malaysian growers, as well as a Singapore kelong, and garnish harvested from the inhouse edible garden.

While you’re there, you must try the buckwheat porridge with bacon bits, Parmesan crisp, Chinese spinach and pumpkin and sunflower seeds ($16), and the raspberry pickled beetroot with ricotta cheese ($18).

Specially for this Valentine’s day, there’s even a ‘Wildseed Tea Party’ happening from 10 to 12 & 14 February.

The Summerhouse
Where: The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park
Address: 3 Park Lane, Singapore 798387
Open:
The Summerhouse Dining Room
Wednesday-Saturday 6pm to 10pm
Sunday 6pm to 9pm

Wildseed Cafe & Poppy Flora Studio
Tuesday-Friday 10am to 7pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am to 7pm

Wildseed Bar
Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 4pm to 10pm
Friday-Saturday 4pm to 11pm
Email:
[email protected] / [email protected]
Tel: 6262 1063
Facebook

6. The Garage

Just a stone’s throw away from Botanic Gardens MRT Station is The Garage, a two-storey colonial house now home to two dining concepts: Bee’s Knees and Botanico.

By day, Bee’s Knees serves hearty pizza, pasta, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee on the first floor.

Once night falls, Botanico, on the second floor, dishes out delicious, beautifully plated dishes in a gorgeous setting.

[caption id="attachment_22044" align="aligncenter" width="930"] Image credit: The Honeycombers[/caption]

For tea break, you should try the Banoffee Tart ($7) made from banana, cream and toffee. And for dinner, the juicy and crisp Chargrilled Iberico Pork Belly ($26) steals the show for many customers.

Whether you’re stopping by for a bite from your stroll along Botanic Gardens’ walking trail, or paying a special visit, The Garage is surely the place to dine. After all, it is surrounded by lush greenery, and flora and fauna.

The Garage
Where: 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488
Open:
Bee’s Knees
Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 6pm

Botanico
Wednesday-Sunday 6pm to 10pm
Tel: 6264 7978 / 9831 1106
Email: [email protected]
For some good old comfort food, slip into One Night Only, the newest cheekily named joint that serves timeless and classic American diner food.

Its blue brick walls, diner booths, warm mood lighting, and cosy and personable service is sure to teleport you to an out-of-this-country experience.

[caption id="attachment_22051" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Image credit: Daniel Food Diary[/caption]

While you’re there, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($19.50) is a sure bet, though the Maple Bacon Pancakes ($16.50), Brioche French Toast, Nashville Hot Chicken ($21), and Grilled Maine Lobster are signatures too.

Choose from a selection of sides including fries, baked beans, and creamed corn to complete a hearty American meal right here in Singapore.

One Night Only
Address: 397 River Valley Road, Singapore 248292
Tel: +65 6235 1248
Open: 12pm to 10pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH), Closed Mon

8. Platform 1094

Potterheads rejoice! A new Harry Potter-themed cafe named Platform 1094 has magically sprouted up just 10 minutes away from Boon Keng MRT.

With wizard themed starters, main dishes, desserts and cocktails, it’ll certainly be a spell-binding dining experience like no other.

[caption id="attachment_22048" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Image credit: Lonely Planet[/caption]

Signature dishes include the tender Pesto Mayo Pork Ribs ($22), Suhnitzel Sous-vide Duck Breast ($19), the mystical Bloodberry ($18) for desert. And of course, you have the try the Goblet of Fire ($15), an enchanting mixture that actually comes aflame.

Platform 1904, together with its homey food, wood panelled and brick interior, warm lighting, and themed decorations, is sure to grant you a truly immersive, magical, and Instagram-friendly experience.

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192
Open: Tuesday-Friday 11am to 10pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-11pm; closed on Monday
Tel: 6204 6003
Facebook

Shop

9. Market Of Artists And Designers (MAAD)

One Friday night of each month, the Red Dot Design Museum Singapore hosts a creative platform, the Market of Artists And Designers (MAAD).

MAAD is the largest recurring creative marketplace (a step up from your usual flea market) in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_22056" align="aligncenter" width="1670"] Image credit: Your Singapore[/caption]

Promoting design and originality, MAAD serves as a space for budding and veteran artists alike to showcase their works. Expect a vibrant mish mash of creatives and live music from home grown bands. You can also get your portrait drawn at #PortraitsAfterDark.

Join in for a night of pop-ups, inspiring design, originality, creativity, and late night shopping!

Market Of Artists And Designers (MAAD)
Venue: Red Dot Design Museum Singapore
Address: 28 Maxwell Road, Ground Floor, Red Dot Traffic Building, 069120
Date: 10 February 2017
Time: 5pm to 12am
is returning to SOTA again this February!

Indulge your inner shopaholic here as there are plenty of artisanal goodness you can’t find in mainstream shops.

[caption id="attachment_22049" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image credit: Makers’ Market[/caption]

Expect hand woven bags and pouches, special Valentine’s Day terrariums, hand crafted jewellery, personalised gifts, and even active gear! The one thing in common? They’re all super artsy–sure to impress even the most aesthetically-inclined.

SOTA Maker’s Parade
Venue: SOTA, School of the Arts, Level 1
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, 227968
Date & Time: 10 February 3pm to 9pm; 11 February 2017 12pm to 9pm
Email:
[email protected]
Facebook

Just looking at this line-up of exciting events, newest food havens, and shopping districts is enough to have us all raring to start the new month! After all, it’s the new spring season even here in Singapore’s perpetual summer, and that means going out and trying new things.

Whether you have someone special to spend this Valentine’s Day with, or just want to hang out with your loved ones, checking out these activities and food places together will surely make it a month to remember.

Keep the good vibes from January going by cruising through these easy breezy activities. Have fun!

Also, read Seletar Aerospace Is Where The Hipsters Are Now Hanging Out At