When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again
If you’re a fan of Uncle Ringo fairs, the mother of Uncle Ringo fairs is coming to Marina Bay – just in time for the holidays.
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Image Credit: Prudential Marina Bay Carnival[/caption]
Open from 15 December 2017 – 1 April 2018, the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is slated to be Singapore’s biggest carnival, occupying a sprawling 25,000 sq metre area. It’ll feature thrill rides, carnival games, and delicious fairground food, among other tantalizing treats.
Over 40 Rides And Games
Spanning The Promontory and Bayfront Event Space area, expect over 40 rides and games, some of which have been specially flown in from various parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
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Image Credit: Prudential Marina Bay Carnival[/caption]
Some of the rides you can expect include The Star Flyer, a tower ride that has you feeling like you’re flying while 35m up in the sky, giving you an incredible 360 degree view of the Singapore skyline.
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Image Credit: Prudential Marina Bay Carnival[/caption]
The Booster Maxx, is not for the faint of heart, standing at a whopping 55m above ground, spinning you around at super high speeds.
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Image Credit: Prudential Marina Bay Carnival[/caption]
There will also be the Log Flume, the Das Fun Schiff pirate ship that swings like a pendulum, and the Apple Coaster, a rollercoaster ride just for the little ones!
If you love playing carnival games, trying your hand at winning plushies to take home, get your game face on; this carnival will see 30 games catering to both adults and children, so hopefully, you won’t leave empty-handed!
Good Music, Good Vibes
To add to all the good fun going around, there will also be an eclectic collective of youth bands and DJ performances, ventriloquism acts, and carolling groups!
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L-R: TheLionCityBoy, Falling Feathers, Jasmine Sokko[/caption]
With music from home-grown musicians Falling Feathers, Kexin Tay, TheLionCityBoy, and Jasmine Sokko, there won’t be a dull moment while you’re at the fair.
Fairground Food At Its Finest
What’s a fair without fairgound classics like fries and sausages?
Get your fingers greasy chowing down on curly fries, sizzling sausages, warm melted raclette, churros, and freshly-popped buttery popcorn! For a more substantial meal, take your pick from everything from Michelin-starred offerings to gourmet burgers, and comforting local food!
With more than 20 curated vendors serving up delicious grub each week, you won’t be complaining about having nothing to eat.
Open daily from 4pm to 11pm (except Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when it will start from 3pm), admission to the carnival is completely free! To get yourself credit for rides and games, you can purchase them online beforehand or while you’re on-site.
With so many things to do – and plush toys to be won! – you’re in for a hell of a good time at this fair!
Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Address: The Promontory, 11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940
Date: 15 December 2017 – 1 April 2018
Admission: Free
The Folks Behind ArtBox Are Back, With A New Market That Features Food, Crafts And Neon Lights
10 Awesome Events And Addictive Eats To Start Off August Right [1-15 Aug]
Nothing gets us more excited than the start of a new month, and this August gets us especially excited!
With National Day just round the corner, there’s a whole slew of fresh activities and yummy new eats that remind us of why we love living in Singapore.
This month’s line-up includes outdoor movie screenings, the hottest Kpop stars on our shores, a coffee festival, and fresh food spots to pamper your tastebuds at. Whether you’re a movie buff, avid concert-goer or full-time foodie, here are some ways to keep having fun the first half of August!
Here’s a calendar of 10 of the newest events and eats to head to this month!
Play & Discover
1. Films At The Fort
If the combination of good films, food and wine sounds like heaven to you, read on.
Films At The Fort by Casillero del Diablo is this years fanciest open-air cinema event!
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Image Credit: Films At The Fort[/caption]
Catch award-winning new releases, cult classics and documentaries on the big screen, under the stars.
A team from The Providore will be onsite to serve up a freshly prepared menu. There’s dinner, dessert and snacks to keep your tummy happy.
There’s also a bar selling wine, sparkling wine, beer and cider at prices that won’t break the bank.
So spread out your picnic mat, clink glasses, and lay back for a chill evening as the sun sets.
Films At The Fort
Address: Fort Canning Green (Fort Canning Park)
When: 3 – 20 Aug, 5pm till late
Website
2. KBS Music Bank World Tour
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Image Credit: Kpop Map[/caption]
Calling all diehard K-Pop fans!
Get ready to sing and dance your heart out at the highly anticipated KBS Music Bank World Tour.
Fans can expect a star-studded lineup, with some of K-pop’s biggest stars taking the stage.
The one-night-only concert’s power lineup includes SHINee, CNBlue, BTS, Red Velvet and Mamamoo.
KBS has been a huge driving force behind the Hallyu wave, from debuting rookies in the K-pop world to charting the leading K-pop hits.
So grab your tickets and be treated to a night of non-stop chart toppers!
KBS Music Bank World Tour
Address: Suntec Convention Centre Hall 601-604, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City, Singapore 039593
When: 4 Aug, 7pm – 10pm
Admission: $148 – 288/person
Ba dum tss!
This month’s Singapore Drum Fest is a festival unlike any other music festival you’ve ever experienced.
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Image Credit: Drum Fest brings the world’s best drummers and musicians to our shores for an unforgettable experience.
This year’s killer line-up is sure to attract fans from all over the world.
Those in the circle will know international drumming star Meytal Cohen and her bassist Anel Pedrero Orantes. There’s also Juan Carlito Mendoza, Jost Nickel, Federico Paulovich and Stanley Randolph.
Local talents Benjamin Lim, Anson Koh (Drum Off 2016 Open Category Champion) and his band will also be playing!
Drum Off contestants hail from 9 countries including Japan and USA, and are sure to put on an impressive show.
Singapore Drum Fest: Ultimate Drummers Weekend
Address: Max Atria, Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
When: 5 – 6 Aug, 10am – 7pm
If you closely follow the Voice of China, now’s your chance to watch one of their most loved contestants IRL!
G.E.M. is coming to our shores with her brand new “Queen of Hearts” World Tour.
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Image Credit: Hong Kong’s new reigning Queen of Pop will be rocking it out at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The talented singer will be belting out original songs in Chinese and Cantonese, in conjunction with her latest album, “Heartbeat”.
The last time she was here was in 2015, with her sold out 73-show tour. This year, she promises a bigger, better and more breathtaking show, so make sure you get your tickets for it!
G.E.M. “Queen Of Hearts” World Tour
Address: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 397691
When: 13 Aug
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Admission: $128 – S$248
There really isn’t a shortage of international stars on our shores this month.
Our favourite British indie pop act, Bastille, is taking centre stage here too!
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Image Credit: Watch lead singer Dan Smith, keyboard player Kyle Simmons, bassist Will Farquarson and drummer Chris ‘Woody’ Wood in the flesh.
You’re probably most familiar with the infectious track ‘Pompeii’ off their 2013 debut album ‘Bad Blood’.
In 2016, Bastille returned with catchy singles ‘Good Grief’ and ‘Send Them Off!’
These are songs that have become the alternative anthems of the last few years.
If you didn’t catch Bastille’s dazzling sold-out show at The Coliseum in 2015 and at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in 2016, make sure you don’t miss this one!
Bastille – Live in Singapore
Address: The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01, 138617
When: 14 Aug, 8pm
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website
Eat
6. Epicurean Market
This isn’t your ordinary food and wine fair.
The Epicurean Market gives you three days of direct access to world-class food, wines and spirits, all for a fraction of the usual price!
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Image Credit: Sample famous signature dishes by celebrity chefs, taste one-of-a-kind cocktails, and take home imported specialties.
There will also be an exciting lineup of masterclasses for you to upgrade your culinary and bartending skills with.
Participating restaurants include the award-winning Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda, and more!
Epicurean Market
Address: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
When: 11 – 13 Aug
Contact no.: 6688 8826
Imagine having a single voucher you can use at over 50 restaurant brands.
Well, Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) lets you do just that at the best value festival ever!
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Image Credit: You can get $100 worth of vouchers for only $70, to be used across 50 restaurant brands island-wide.
This year’s focus is on the trendy salted egg yolk, homely pandan, and the all-time favourite, chilli crab sauce.
As a tie-in with the Singapore Food Festival, each eatery will also be highlighting a locally inspired dish.
Expect dishes such as chicken rice risotto (Joo Bar), chilli crab (Palm Beach Seafood) and chicken tikka pizza (Cali Café and Bar).
Singapore Restaurant Festival
Address: Various participating restaurants
When: 1 Jul – 30 Sep
Website
8. Singapore Coffee Festival
Calling all cafe hoppers and caffeine addicts!
The Singapore Coffee Festival 2017 is Singapore’s first ever coffee-centric festival.
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Image Credit: This is showcase of Singapore’s speciality coffee, local kopi and cafe lifestyle.
Be spoiled for choice with over 100 exhibitors from the coffee and café industry.
The festival showcases local craftsmanship in specialty coffee, as well as Singapore’s unique and rich kopi heritage.
Besides being a one-stop shop for those interested in all things coffee, there will also be a wide range of brewed drinks, beans, gadgets and machines available for purchase.
Singapore Coffee Festival
Address: Marina Bay Cruise Centre, 61 Marina Coastal Drive, 018947
When: 3 – 6 Aug
Imagine going shopping and not having to pay for anything.
Well, that’s exactly what the Singapore Really Really Free Market lets you do!
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Image Credit: Singapore Really Really Free Market[/caption]
The market will showcase all sorts of goods–and services!
Things you can expect to see include second-hand stuff, basic yoga lessons, and even tarot card reading.
There are also sing-alongs and mutual shoulder massages to really foster that community spirit.
So come join in and feel a different, more caring and sharing side to the economy we’re used to!
Singapore Really Really Free Market
Address: Lorong Ah Soo, Blk 138
When: 13 Aug, 2pm
Facebook
10. Singapasar
Happy birthday, Singapore!
With National Day just round the corner, enter Singapasar, just one of the many nation-centric events that’ll pop up this month.
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Image Credit: Returning for its third year, Singapasar is a wildly popular design-centric pasar malam.
It brings together the best and the newest collections of Singapore, under one roof.
Expect to find locally designed and made products including furniture, food, apparel, bags, beverages, accessories and many more.
All of these items have their own story to tell about our Singaporean identity, history and culture.
This is where you want to shop and soak in some festive cheer this National Day!
Singapasar
Address: National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969
When: 4 – 6 Aug
Facebook
Sounds like an amazing month, doesn’t it?
We can’t wait to head out and get busy at all these exciting activities this August!
Also read Forget The Nasi Lemak Burger – Deliveroo Is Sending You REAL Nasi Lemak For Just $0.52
Food At The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar Isn’t Cheap — Here’s What’s Worth It And What’s Not
In the past couple of days, much has been said about this year’s Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar.
Some have pointed out that Artbox 2.0, and others have said the food there is not worth the price or the queue.
The DiscoverSG team headed down to taste-test the food ourselves, to distinguish those that are worth the money (and the queue) from those that are not. Full disclosure: we picked many of these items based on their insta-worthiness and novelty.
Our conclusion? Some of the most photogenic foods actually tasted the worst.
These are some of the things we liked.
Worth It
1. Katoshka (Muslim owned)
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
One of our favourite stalls at the bazaar–by far– was Katoshka, which serves up russet fries drenched in sauce. Here, you don’t have to worry about running out of sauce for your fries. Not your average cup of cheese fries, this snack packed a punch without being too overwhelming.
We tried the Sambal Cheese ($5.90) and loved how the crispy fries mixed with the spicy cheese. While the serving size is quite small, we think it’s worth every dollar
We also tried the Asam Boi Special ($3.90), a sour plum drink. The drink was on the sweet side, with just the right amount of sourness from the Asam.
2. Banana Cheese Fritters
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
Another sweet treat we tried is the Banana Cheese Fritters ($6)–the humble pisang goreng with a twist. There was barely a queue or a wait when we were there. We went with a classic chocolate flavour from a list of options including chocolate rice and oreos. Served warm, these were the perfect balance of sweet and salty–great for those who want a sweet treat that isn’t too cloying.
The melted cheese brought a very subtle flavour to the fritters. If you’re looking for a stronger cheese flavour, we suggest asking for an extra helping of cheese.
And now, on to the stuff we didn’t like.
Not Worth It
1. Milk Bites (Non-halal)
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
The Singaporean wisdom of ‘if there’s a queue, join it‘ led us to Fried Milk. An interesting concept, these bite-sized squares of fried milk pudding come in 3 different flavours: Original, Pandan and Thai Milk Tea.
We tried the platter ($9), which came with 4 milk bites of each flavour. Freshly fried, these desserts were crunchy on the outside and oozy on the inside. The consistency of the cream was a bit chunky for our liking and the flavour was quite overwhelming. Suffice to say, we weren’t fans of these.
2. WORD (Muslim owned)
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
WORD is no stranger when it comes to cooking up a storm. Their outlet at Upper Thomson Road serves up delicious Western fare alongside crafted sodas and mocktails.
At their pop up stall, we tried the Minah ($8), a bucket of soda dressed to the nines. We were in for a bit of a wait despite the short queue due to a shortage of staff. When we did get our drink creation, we were pretty disappointed. Crafted from Fanta Orange, Ice Cream Soda and two scoops of ice cream, this tasted like diluted Fanta and felt like it could easily have been made at home.
While we appreciate the size of the drink, hauling it around was also a bit of a struggle, especially given the crowd.
3. Loco Loco
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Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
Loco Loco made a splash at last year’s Geylang Bazaar for offering up flavoured churros. This year, they have 3 outlets spread out over the entirety of the bazaar. We picked up the Chilli Crab Churros ($6) and Beef Scotch Eggs ($6).
The Chilli Crab Churros were warm and the chilli sauce topping tasted like the real-deal, minus the spiciness. Sadly, these Churros were unexpectedly dense. Without the sauce, this snack would have ranked low on our score scale.
The Beef Scotch Eggs were served warm and with a serving of keropok. We waited about 10 – 15 minutes for the Scotch Eggs, so pick this up only if you’re willing to wait around for this dish. While the eggs were nicely done, the beef was pretty plain.
At least they’re photogenic?
SOFNADE is one spot you might want to check out for a sweet treat. Serving up Cendol Soft Serve, Galaxy Milkshakes and Donut Balls, it’s no wonder this dessert stall is a favourite among sweet tooths. We managed to grab a Galaxy Milkshake ($6.50) while the line was short and watched as the stall attendant poured the coloured liquids into the cup, layer by layer. A gorgeous work of food art topped with rainbow sprinkles, its flavour was unfortunately, a let down. The milkshake tastes like a vanilla milkshake, except a lot sweeter. We’re sweet tooths ourselves, but this was way too sweet for us. Unfortunately, many of the pretty and novel foods we tried at the Geylang Bazaar were sub-par in the taste department. That said, we also bought ourselves some more “traditional” pasar malam eats like Takoyaki Balls, Vadai and Dengdeng, and we must admit, at the end of the day, these were our top picks. While this year’s Geylang Bazaar may have more of an Artbox vibe compared to the past years, we were still glad we made the trip down. One piece of advice we do have though, is that if the food looks good, it probably won’t taste great. Also read, With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More
Image Credit: passerbyshaz[/caption]
