8 Unusual V-Day Dinner Ideas For A Far From Basic Valentine’s Day

When we think about the Valentine’s Day dinner, what comes to mind is often a proper fancy restaurant, where you both gaze into each other’s eyes over candlelight.

Yawn. We say, skip the boring candlelit dinner this V-day and try something more, dare we say, unusual together.

From secret locations to dining in pitch darkness, we conclude that the stranger the experience, the more you’ll remember it. It’ll be the something special only shared between the two of you.

Here are 8 unusual V-day dinner ideas, for a far from basic V-day that you won’t forget for a long time to come!

1. AndSoForth

We bet you’ve never even heard of this one.

The first of its kind in Singapore, the elusive AndSoForth is a series of novelty pop-up restaurants that disappear and reappear in mysterious locations on selected dates.

[caption id="attachment_22641" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image credit: And So Forth[/caption]

Neither of you will have to plan any surprises here, there’ll be many in store for you. You won’t even know the meeting location until the day of the feast itself, with strategic clues sent over text to lead you to the final venue.

The running theme is ‘Dinner in Wonderland’, so expect a theatrical feast madder than ever, with a solid 4 course dinner immersed around stories and drama. Shh, it’ll be one more secret kept between the two of you.

And So Forth
Address: Who knows?
Tel: 9129 7845
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

2. Nox – Dine In The Dark

Hold on tight to your date. At Nox – Dine In The Dark, you’ll both plunge into an intriguing new world of mystery, sensation, and darkness.

Take a culinary journey through taste, smell, touch and sound–all in pitch black darkness.

[caption id="attachment_22644" align="aligncenter" width="1905"] Image credit: Giftano[/caption]

Here, blind and visually impaired individuals are specially trained to guide and serve you.

Have a dinner without distractions in this unique mind-altering sensory experience.

It’s also perfect if you’re trying to keep your relationship on the down low, for now.

Nox Dine In The Dark
Where: 269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Open: Mon-Fri 6pm to late; Sat 5pm to late; Sun 5pm to 11pm
Tel: 6298 0708
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

3. The Screening Room

The standard Valentine’s Day dinner and movie plan takes on a new meaning at The Screening Room.

This swanky yet comfy boutique film cinema is a dream come true for the film loving couple, who can savour delicious bites while getting their celluloid fix.

[caption id="attachment_22642" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image credit: The Screening Room[/caption]

This intimate screening room features a calendar of exciting films: from timeless classics, to great new indie releases, to thought-provoking independent or foreign films.

Post 10pm, the cinema transforms into a chic Champagne Lounge where you and your date can kick back on a cosy sofa with bubbly or tapas in hand.

Unwind, by luxuriating in groovy beats and savouring bespoke cocktails, and escape reality with your beloved for the night.

The Screening Room
Where: 12 Ann Siang Rd #03-00, Singapore 069692
Open: Mon-Thurs 6pm to 2pm; Fri 6pm to 3am; Sat 6pm to 4am
Tel: 6532 3357
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

4. Hai Bin Prawning & BBQ

Fish for prawns (and compliments) with your date any time of the night at Hai Bin Prawning! You’ll have to work for your dinner here.

[caption id="attachment_22647" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image credit: The Smart Local[/caption]

From patiently waiting for a prawn to take the bait, to struggling to rein it up without it escaping, to cooking it yourself on the fire, it’ll surely be a deep bonding experience for you two.

Hai Bin prides their freshwater prawns sourced from Thailand for being extra fresh. They also provide BBQ pits, fire-starters, charcoal and everything else you need to grill and savour your fresh catch, with your catch.

Hai Bin Prawning & BBQ
Open: Daily, 24 hours
Website
Where:
Punggol: 6 Tebing Lane #01-04, Singapore 828835
Tel: 6447 8693

Sembawang​: HomeTeamNS @ Sembawang, 301 Canberra Road #01-08, Singapore 759774
Tel: 6261 7226
Open: Daily, 24 hours

5. Selfie Coffee

Maybe coffee for dinner sounds strange, but that’s far from being the strangest thing about this place.

At Selfie Coffee, you and your partner can do exactly what the name suggests–drink off your own faces printed on the foam atop your latte.

[caption id="attachment_22648" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Stormscape[/caption]

Choose how you want the coffee taste, from their Signature coffee, salted caramel, mocha, matcha, Horlicks and many more. They do serve proper meals too, like sandwiches, pies, and even prata.

While waiting, you two can doodle and write mushy love notes on the tables with whiteboard marker pens.

Take your relationship to the next level by drinking each other’s faces off the coffee too, if that floats your boat.

Selfie Coffee
Where: 11 Haji Lane Singapore 189204
Open: Sun-Mon 11am to 10pm
Tel: 6341 7213
Email: [email protected]
Facebook
The history nerd couple will have a whale of a time here, drifting back in time with Singapore’s history. 1942 boasts that its Singapore’s only private war themed museum restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_22645" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Cheekie Monkies[/caption]

With bunkers, machine guns, nuclear warheads and the lot, this quirky establishment brings you and your beloved back in time to the period of the Japanese occupation.

Their delicious set menus will fulfil your cravings, and this place is sure to leave a statement in your relationship’s history books.

1942 Alfresco @ Changi
Where: 30 Cosford Rd, Singapore 499550
Open: Wed-Mon 11am to 12am
Tel: 6542 4492
Email:
[email protected]
Facebook

7. The Black Swan

Fancy a different kind of history? Wonderfully handsome The Black Swan will take you and your beloved back to the swinging age of The Great Gatsby.

[caption id="attachment_22643" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Image credit: The Black Swan[/caption]

This elaborately themed restaurant is all played up by a dreamy central bar, waist-coated bar staff, striking geometric patterns on the columns, and black marble-top tables.

Their Valentine’s Day menu includes Seasonal Oysters, and Black Onyx T-bone that you can enjoy to live music in alfresco dining.

The Black Swan
Where: 19 Cecil Street Singapore 049704
Open: Mon 11.30am to 11pm, Tues-Thurs 11.30am to 12am, Fri 11.30am to 1am, Sat 5pm to 1am
Tel: 6438 3757
Email: [email protected]
Facebook

8. Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora

If either of you is a marine animal lover, this one’s for you–or not.

At Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora, you and your date will be surrounded by the underwater creatures of the S.E.A. Aquarium, all while feasting on their kin.

[caption id="attachment_22646" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa[/caption]

Shrouded in a romantic blue glow, enjoy Iron Chef Cat Cora’s light and healthy dishes, such as smoked eel and 42°C sous vide salmon.

Its full-length glass panels allow you to marvel at over 100,000 magnificent marine animals for a truly memorable dining experience.

Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora
Where: 22 Sentosa Gateway, S.E.A. Aquarium, #B1-455 & 456, S.E.A. Aquarium, 098136
Open: Daily 11.30am to 2.30pm
Tel: 6577 6688
Email: [email protected]
Ready to take your dinner plans to the next level? Book your Valentine’s Day date night at any of these out-of-the-box places, and be prepared to expect the unexpected.

You’ll be able to enjoy each other’s familiar company, while diving into something entirely new together.

After all, the best memories come from the craziest experiences, right?

Also, read 10 Gorgeous Valentine’s Day Flowers That Every Girl Secretly Wants

9 Unique And Romantic Date Ideas That Will Have You Falling In Love All Over Again

If you’re in a relationship, you’ll most likely have heard your significant other (SO) ask this dreaded question plenty of times, “What to do next weekend?” After all, good date ideas are few and far between.

Sure, with many popular attractions like the Singapore Zoo and Universal Studios Singapore, it seems like Singapore is a never-ending city of fun. But what happens when you do exhaust that date ideas list of ‘Best places couples can go on a date’?

With this article, we’ll bring you date ideas that will make you go, ‘Why didn’t I think of that before?” Here are 9 that will surely up you and your SO’s street cred.

1. Arteastiq

I have art… I have tea… Ugh… Arteastiq! (Sorry, we just had to.)

[caption id="attachment_15682" align="alignnone" width="1479"]workingwithgrace Image Credit: Working With Grace[/caption]

This place is a paradise for those who have a passion for both the arts and food. With free canvases, unlimited art supplies and a free drink courtesy of 13524571_10154245246810645_275268511707051922_n Image Credit: Arteastiq[/caption]

Arteastiq has a one-for-one deal on Monday for couples, so you should probably take advantage of that.

It’s totally killing two birds with one stone because you can chase those Monday blues away.

[caption id="attachment_15684" align="alignnone" width="960"]14502883_10154496940955645_6771510640881316794_n Image Credit: Arteastiq[/caption]

Trade away your teh-si and kaya toast for one day and enjoy some high tea.

Arteastiq
Mandarin Gallery, #04-14/15
Weekday, 11am – 10:30pm; weekend, 10am – 10:30pm
6235 8705

Plaza Singapura, #03-70/72
Daily, 10am – 10pm
6336 0952

2. Kayak

Escape the concrete jungle for a real jungle!

[caption id="attachment_15674" align="alignnone" width="1459"]mangrove-kayaking Image Credit: Asian Detours[/caption]

If you’re a stranger to kayaking, you need not worry. At [email protected]

3. Stargaze

If you’ve heard or even used the line, “I see stars in your eyes” then you’ll want to come here.

At the scobbersImage Credit: Scrobbers

These sessions, called Night Sky Ramblings are free. The activity takes place every Friday from 7.45pm to 10pm. The Science Centre also offers free solar observations if that’s your kinda activity.

Depending on the month you go, you might be able to see Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Venus.

So why not pop over on a Friday night and gaze at something besides your SO’s eyes for once?

Stargazing @ Science Centre
From now – 18 Nov 2016; From 1 Jan 2017 onwards
Every Friday, from 7:45pm – 10pm
The Observatory at the Omni-Theatre building

Solar Observation @ Science Centre
22 Nov 2016 – 30 Dec 2016
Every Tuesday and Friday, from 10am – 12pm
The Observatory at the Omni-Theatre building

Website sportdiver Image Credit: SportDiver UK[/caption]

Though these dive spots are no Great Barrier Reefs, there is no shortage of beautiful sea creatures like the Fan-bellied Leatherjacket and the Ocellated Pipefish.

At kt-tan Image Credit: KT Tan[/caption]

Look! I found Nemo!

OrpheusDive
16 Zion Road, Singapore 247733
6887 3631
Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12pm to 6pm

Also, read 6 Absolutely Beautiful Spots In Singapore That You Can Actually Dive In

5. Island hop

It’s like cafe-hopping, but with islands. And yes, in Singapore too!

[caption id="attachment_15707" align="alignnone" width="630"]b2ap3_thumbnail_sisters Source: The Smart Local[/caption]

Did you know that Singapore is actually part of an archipelago? Singapore is made up of 63 islands with both natural and artificial islands. Well-known islands include Sisters island, Kusu island and St Johns island.

Some of these islands are accessible by boat and will make for a nice relaxing day trip. However, pack your own food as most of them don’t have food places. An excuse to have a nice romantic picnic!

There are also lagoons around some of the islands where you and your date can take a dip and chill.

[caption id="attachment_15706" align="alignnone" width="533"]b2ap3_thumbnail_kusu_island_masthead02 Source: The Smart Local[/caption]

If your date wants to you to bring them overseas, bring them here! I mean it is over the seas right?

Also, read Singapore’s 63 Islands! Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd

6. Feed some prehistoric creatures

Not dinosaurs obviously. What were you thinking?

[caption id="attachment_15681" align="alignnone" width="1024"]wackyduo Image Credit: The Wacky Duo[/caption]

You’ve heard of the famous goat farm and alligator farms but a turtle/tortoise museum?

At this museum, you’ll be able to learn all about these ancient creatures and also, have a hand at feeding them.

[caption id="attachment_15680" align="alignnone" width="550"]trip-advisor Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]

Look out for rare creatures like the matamata (No, not the police!) and the snake headed turtle.

The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum
1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
6268 5363
Daily, 9am – 6pm
menupg-gimg-10 Image Credit: Nox[/caption]

Ever experienced a blackout and had to eat in the dark? Well, at menupg-gimg-11 Image Credit: Nox[/caption]

The restaurant is located at Beach Road and is reservation only so make sure you call before you head over.

Nox – Dine in the Dark
269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Monday to Friday, 6pm to late; Saturday, 5pm to late; Sunday, 5pm to 11pm
6298 0708

8. Cycling in Pulau Ubin

Old but gold.

[caption id="attachment_15676" align="alignnone" width="674"]viator Image Credit: Viator[/caption]

Nothing beats feeling the wind while cycling down a slope. There’s also no other feeling like hanging out with your love. Combine the two together and you have a nice cycling date in one of Singapore’s most popular islands.

You can even  try the coconuts from the famous Pulua Ubin ah ma. Or head down to the quarry – a piece of Singapore’s past and check out the scenery at the same time!

Take a break from hunting Pokémon and explore animals like boars and tide creatures at the nearby Chek Jawa.

9. Custom make your very own perfume

Wearing matching clothes isn’t the ‘hip’ thing anymore – smelling like each other is the new black!

[caption id="attachment_15688" align="alignnone" width="617"]minorinc Image Credit: Minorinc[/caption]

At Je taime, you’ll be able to blend all kinds of fragrance ingredients to create your very own scent.

Both you and your partner will be required to take a personality quiz to determine the right kinds of scent for you. Or you could always go with your imagination and mix away!

Feels kind of like a science experiment but with a ton of nice smelling chemicals, no?

[caption id="attachment_15689" align="alignnone" width="550"]tripadvisor Image Credit: Trip Advisor[/caption]

When you’re done with your concoction, you’ll probably be like this:

 

We know it’s difficult to plan a really good date so we’ve taken the initiative to help you out. You’ll thank us one day when everyone starts commenting on those Instagram photos with #relationshipgoals!

Header Image Source: Huffington Post

Also, read 6 Romantic & Secluded High-Tea Spots That Your Date Will Surely Approve Of!

5 Exceedingly Unique Dining Places – Restaurants With A Twist

Are you tired of all the hipster cafes and bars? Looking for a more intriguing restaurant that will bring you to another world? Or maybe you’re a professional foodie who’s already visited all the restaurants in Singapore, and can’t seem to find your next target. With so many interesting restaurants and cafes around on our little red dot, finding one that stands out from the crowd can be a tough job. But lucky you, we’ve found 5 unique dining places that are sure to wow your socks off!

1. Selfie Coffee

[caption id="attachment_8323" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image Credits: Selfie Coffee Singapore Image Credits: Selfie Coffee Singapore[/caption]

Located along the streets of Haji Lane, Selfie Coffee is the most interesting cafe you’ll ever come across. The name says it all. They literally print customers’ selfies onto cups of coffee. How does it work? The first step is to take a selfie (duh). Next, you’ll have to choose a drink, and just like that, your selfie will be printed on the foam of your coffee.

The selfies are printed with 100% edible foam and cream. We recommend ordering a cold drink instead of a hot one, for the picture to last longer on the foam. Print your selfie on a cold cup of Mocha ($8.50) or on a cup of Selfie Coffee’s Signature Coffee ($7.50). Other drinks are also available if you’re not into the idea of sipping a picture of yourself.

Selfie Coffee
Address:
11 Haji Lane Singapore 18920
Opening Hours: Sun & Mon 11am-10pm, Tues to Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-11pm
Tel: +65 6341 7213

2. Jungle Tandoor Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_8349" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Image Credits: panoramio.com Image Credits: panoramio.com[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8999" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Image Credits: re.co Image Credits: re.co[/caption]

Interested to have dinner with bears, monkeys and deers? We’re not talking about visiting the Zoo, we’re talking about eating at Jungle Tandoor! Located in the heart of Serangoon, this urban jungle (pun intended) is really one of a kind. Decorated with tribal statues and fixtures of different jungle animals, stepping into Jungle Tandoor is just like stepping out of the city and deep into a real jungle. Feast on their delicious Chicken Tikka ($14) or some kebab ($15) and complete your meal with a glass of white wine ($10). Whatever you do, just remember: Don’t feed the animals!

Jungle Tandoor Restaurant
Address:
102 Serangoon Road Singapore 218007
Opening Hours: Daily 11am-11pm
Tel: +65 6299 0400

3. NOX – Dine In The Dark

[caption id="attachment_8348" align="alignnone" width="865"]Image Credits: NOX Singapore Image Credits: NOX Singapore[/caption]

Y’know how scientists say that blindness will rapidly enhance a person’s other senses? Well, you can put this saying to the test at NOX! The dining area is pitch dark and all light emitting devices (mobile phones and torches) are not allowed in the room. The restaurant hires visually impaired guides who will lead customers to their seats. A  mystery 3 course set dinner ($88++) will be served after customers are seated in the dining room. Yes, you really dine in the dark. Reservations can be made by phone or through their website.

NOX- Dine In The Dark
Address:
269 Beach Road Singapore 199546
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 6pm-late, Saturday 5pm-late, Sunday 5pm-11pm
Tel: +65 6298 0708

4. Antoinette

[caption id="attachment_8326" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image Credits: Antoinette Singapore Image Credits: Antoinette Singapore[/caption]

Step into a little piece of France here at Antoinette. This french restaurant aims to bring exquisite classic french dessert and cuisine to a whole new level. With their beautifully decorated interior and pretty pastries, you’ll never find a more atas restaurant than this! Order a savoury Concorde Crepe ($22) or a delicious warm Chocolate Cake served with Caramel Orange Ice Cream ($16). Antoinette also has a wide selection of teas and beverages, perfect for a little afternoon high tea session.

Antoinette
Address:
30 Penhas Road Singapore 208188
Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Tel: +65 6293 3121

5. ANDSOFORTH

[caption id="attachment_8327" align="alignnone" width="1600"]Image Credits: ANDSOFORTH SIngapore Image Credits: ANDSOFORTH SIngapore[/caption]

This is the most mysterious restaurant yet. Its menu, theme and location changes every session and customers will only know details of the meal on the day itself! All we know is that guests will be treated to a staged play while having dinner. Reservations are to be made in advance, through their website. Guests will then receive a text on the day itself, with clues that will lead them to the location of the dinner. Each session costs about $108 per person. For a unique dinner experience, head to their website to book a slot now!

ANDSOFORTH
Address:
Unknown
Opening Hours: Fri to Sun, Dinner
Website: 8 Local Dishes Modified To Look Modern, Can You Recognise Them?