The Circuit Breaker Life: 10 Things You Never Knew You Were Thankful For

circuit breaker life singapore

Staying home during this time has made us crave face-to-face human interaction or yearn to go back to our usual routines.

In a state of boredom, people are forced to get creative. We have quickly changed up our routines such as converting our gym sessions to home workouts, or even achieving new goals such as learning a new skill online or finishing a book that we read halfway.

But there are also some who have thought of really bizarre things. For instance, a Redditor built a life-sized Jewel Changi Airport in Minecraft to curb his boredom. 

Another Redditor even came up with a ‘Stay Home MRT Line’ to sum up a day of his life.

Image Credit: Reddit

We may be stuck at home but that doesn’t stop people from thinking of creative ways to spend their Circuit Breaker life differently. One thing’s for sure though, here are 10 things that we’ll definitely miss once the Circuit Breaker is over.

1. Wake Up Later, Wear PJs All Day

Image Credit: India Today

Working from home brings about many perks for the lazybones.

Firstly, you get to snooze a little longer because we no longer have to be out the door by 8am to catch the train. If work starts at 9am, we can afford to wake up five minutes before and skip the shower.

Who cares if you’ve not brushed your teeth or if you’re wearing pyjamas to work?

Ultimately, this saves us a lot of time. You also do not have to style your hair or think about what to wear every day. Doing work in comfortable PJs and messy hair all day is a true luxury that comes with working from home.

2. Home-cooked Meals

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Image Credit: Bedding Affairs

As we shift to working from home amid this Circuit Breaker, we have more autonomy over managing our schedules and taking short breaks to recharge ourselves. Our mornings and evenings are now longer as we don’t have to spend time commuting to and from work.

With these extended pockets of time, many have turned to indulging in a hearty breakfast in the mornings or going for a quick run (while observing safe distancing measures, of course!). Throughout the work day, we may even steal some time to take a power nap, have a quick work-out session or even enjoy a tea break.

These simple activities definitely aid in relaxation and revitalisation. After all, when you are well-rested, your productivity will also increase.

4. Ability To Multi-Task During Work Meetings

Image Credit: Memes.co

Now that we are working from home, we have embraced video-conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype to host online meetings instead.

The good thing about online meetings is that we can ‘multi-task’ and get other tasks done while paying attention to the meeting. Multi-tasking is not necessarily a bad thing as we can get more things done with pockets of free time.

5. Free Workout Sessions

Even though physical gyms, studios and sports facilities have been closed during this period of time, you can still get your work-out sessions.

SportSG’s Get Active TV has teamed up with some of the fitness instructors in Singapore to stream live workouts on Facebook and YouTube.

On Instagram, many influencers have also been churning out live-streaming sessions, hosting workshops and activities for their followers to join in the fun.

Image Credit: ActiveSG

Local songbirds Narelle Kheng and Sandra Riley Tang of Sam Willows, for one, will be conducting a workout session via Instagram (IG) Live (do keep a lookout on their IG on April 30) as part of the #stayhomeforSG challenge, so stay tuned for it! If you would like to find inspiration on things to do at home, check out the hashtag #stayhomeforSG on social media channels to see what everyone else is doing!

You can also try to complete this month-long workout plan as part of the Box Office Fitness Circuit Breaker challenge, which includes a mix of HIIT, strength, cardio and recovery exercises, to help stay in shape.

6. Access To More Free Online Resources

As Singaporeans, it’s in our nature to love free things.

Since lockdowns have begun in various countries, virtual classes have erased geographical boundaries, with major businesses rolling out free online classes.

A few paid TV operators such as StarHub and Singtel have extended a free preview of their TV channels to curb your boredom during this time.Meanwhile, Audible has made their library of books and audio stories free to stream following this COVID-19 outbreak.

Image Credit: PA courses on Facebook

People’s Association (PA) is also conducting free ‘live’ 30-minute classes on their social media platforms for affected PA courses and activities. It conducts various classes from cooking to calligraphy, so here’s your chance to learn a new skill!

Local actress Jeanette Aw and Miele Singapore’s Chef Lennard Yeong also filmed an Instagram Live video together last week while they cooked and baked from their home kitchens. Missed it? Fret not! You can watch their completed 20-minute cooking session on both Jeanette’s and Lennard’s IG accounts.

The list of free resources is not exhaustive, so do take advantage of them while you can.

7. More Family Bonding Time

Image Credit: Shutterstock

As most of your family members are now working from home, this means that you will be seeing more of them, giving you the opportunity for more family time. Who knows, you might even learn something new about them!

Beyond that, working from home together means that you can afford to have meals together, for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Since everyone shares the same working schedule (sort of), there’s no reason to miss out on family meals anymore.

Having meals together means you can get to stay updated on each other’s lives over conversations, which helps to strengthen ties and build better relationships.

8. Hanging Out With Friends (Virtually) Anytime

Image Credit: Inc42

Packed and conflicting schedules have sometimes made it difficult for you and your friends to find a meeting time that works for everyone.

Since we are now in Circuit Breaker mode, everyone is practically confined to their houses. Besides working from home, we don’t have much else on our schedule so there is technically no excuse to not hang out with friends anymore, albeit virtually.

Take this chance to catch up with your friends and make up for lost time. Have a lunch date over video calls, host game nights on apps like Houseparty, or even sing karaoke in a virtual KTV room on apps like Quan Min Party.

If both you and your friends like playing online games together, consider checking out the DOTA and FIFA livestreams where gamers battle it out.

Happening across two channels on May 2, from 12pm to 4pm, watch Sylvia from Night Owl Cinematics compete against local pro-gamer iceiceice in a DOTA game! You can catch Sylvia on NOCplays YouTube channel or iceiceice over on Twitch in the livestream as they battle it out.

If you are a FIFA fan, be sure to catch local actors Charlie Goh and Noah Yap attempt to score against Hibidi, a local FIFA pro-gamer. The livestreams will be held on May 3, 8pm, on Charlie and Noah’s IG and Hibidi’s Facebook page.

9. Supporting Local F&B Businesses

Image Credit: Great Deals Singapore

While F&B businesses see their sales take a hit as the dining-in ban has kicked in, they can only count on takeaway and delivery orders.

There is no better time than now to do our part to help local F&B establishments tide over this difficult period of time and #supportLocal by buying from them.Through the ‘Hawkers United – Dabao 2020’ Facebook group initiative, we have seen how Singaporeans come together to preserve the hawker culture and help our favourite stalls to continue their business.

10. Being At Home To Receive Your Parcels

Image Credit: Tumblr

One of the things we would appreciate about staying at home is being there to receive our online deliveries in person. It is also something to look forward to while we are at home.

Nothing beats the happiness and excitement we get when the delivery man appears on our doorstep with a box. For now, we no longer have to wait in anticipation to arrive home to unwrap our online purchases – we can do it instantly.

This is one of the little things that we would be thankful for when the Circuit Breaker life is over.

Stay Home For Singapore

COVID-19 has made us realise the importance of keeping ourselves active, having a work-life balance and staying connected with our family and friends.

Even after the Circuit Breaker has ended, we should not cease practising these important and positive habits.

Everyone, including you and I, has a critical part to play in fighting the battle against COVID-19, so we need to be socially responsible and take precautions to help safeguard one another and save lives.

While it’s indeed a tough time for the nation, it’s imperative to stay positive. Just because we are encouraged to stay at home, it does not mean that we cannot continue to stay active and engaged, or care for one another.

Join the SG United Telegram channel to receive the latest updates on COVID-19 content and ongoing community initiatives. Also, share what you are doing at home during this Circuit Breaker period on social media by tagging #stayhomeforSG and #SGUnited. You never know – you may inspire others with ideas on what they can do at home!

Remember, Singapore can pull through this only if we do it together! #stayhomeforSG #SingaporeTogether #SGUnited

This article is written in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth.

Header Image Credit: Inc42 / Shutterstock

Also Read: This HDB is so #instaworthy, every spot is perfect for pictures

Experience A Slice Of 50s And 60s At Chinatown Opera Festival 2019

Many of us are familiar with Getai, but the
art form that truly captures the charm of ancient Chinese performing arts is
Chinese Opera.

It’s ostentatious costumes, over-the-top make-up, and the dramatic falsetto singing are symbolic of a fascinating art form that can be traced way back to the Tang Dynasty. And although Chinese Opera isn’t as popular today, there’s still so much value and beauty to this traditional performing arts, which you can experience at the upcoming Chinatown Opera Festival!

Experience
Traditional Chinese Opera at Chinatown Opera Festival 2019

This 20th to 24th November, Singaporeans
will get to travel back in time and experience the performing arts on the 50s
and 60s at the Chinatown Opera Festival 2019!

The first ever opera festival showcasing
Singapore’s rich local heritage and culture will feature a range of exquisite
performances as well as activities and food that encapsulates the nostalgic
days of the past.

You can expect an array of performances by local troupes like the Qiong Ju Society of Singapore and

Highlights include Hainanese Opera by Qiong Ju Society of Singapore / Image Credit: Qiong Ju Singapore

For the younger audience, fret not as there are also
‘introductory programmes’ that will guide you in navigating the eclectic world
of Chinese Opera. There’s even a live demonstration of Chinese Opera weapons,
which is sure to excite even the most unenthused!

Other highlights of the shows include puppet shows, face-changing performances, the beautiful water sleeve dance, and also a special Pop Music & Opera segment featuring local artistes Sylvester Sim, Nick Shen, and Gavin Xie.

Image Credit:

Snack on some traditional Dragon’s Beard candy / Image Credit: PartyMojo

There will also be food stalls offering assortments of
traditional snacks, so you can indulge in some dragon beard candy, egg tarts,
and our all-time favourite ice cream bread as you explore and shop for Opera
merchandise.

Win A Brand New iPhone 11 At The
#ChinatownSG Contest

On
top of that, stand a chance to win a brand new iPhone 11 at the #ChinatownSG
contest! To participate, follow Chinatown Singapore on Facebook (ChinatownstreetmarketSG) and Instagram (@ChinatownSingapore).

Post
any two photos of yourself in operatic costume or with any of the opera
characters at the event venue, Banda Street carpark, or Kreta Ayer Square and
on your Facebook and Instagram with the hashtags #ChinatownSG #VisitSingapore
#PassionMadePossible. Remember to also tag @ChinatownstreetmarketSG on Facebook, and

Featured Image Credit: Chinatown Business Association


This article was written in collaboration with Chinatown Business Association.

The Secrets of City Hall Unveiled at National Gallery Singapore’s Latest Exhibition

We all know City Hall as an MRT station and the bridge between the ‘red’ and ‘green’ train lines, but the ‘real’ City Hall is actually a three minute walk away, at National Gallery Singapore.

Unbeknownst to some, City Hall was once known as the Municipal Building, and provided the backdrop for many significant—yet sometimes lesser-known—moments in Singapore’s history. For example, did you know that it was on the steps of City Hall that the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew recited the Proclamation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963?

In conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial, National Gallery Singapore has launched a new exhibition that opens the window to these lesser known stories, taking you on an immersive multimedia experience where you will get to witness these moments come to life.

Free for Singaporeans and PRs, this exhibition marks the first time that National Gallery Singapore is hosting a long-term exhibition within the City Hall Chamber.

Embark On A Historical Journey With ‘Encik Awang’

Begin your experience with ‘Encik Awang’, a character inspired by a real-life caretaker, who will guide you through key events that happened in and around the City Hall building. Before that however, have your photos taken at the photobooth and download them via a QR code. You’ll also be in for a surprise as these photos will be incorporated into a part of the show!

Embark on a journey through time to learn about the origins of the building, its name, and the other stories within the building’s walls.

Go on a multisensorial historical journey through these interactive panels
Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore

The 20-minute multimedia show will immerse you in these stories through several interactive elements, like diffusing the smoke caused by a Japanese air raid during the war.

The City Hall building served as a bomb shelter during the Japanese occupation. The City Hall chamber is also where the Japanese surrender took place.
Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore

Besides the evolving roles of the building, you will also learn about some lesser-known trades like lamplighters. Overseen by the Municipal Council, they climbed up lamp posts daily to illuminate the streets which were lined with gas-powered lamps.

Muse Over Our History And Culture At The Social Wall

After bidding goodbye to Encik Awang, head on over to Singapore Courtyard at level 3 of the City Hall building, where you’ll get to deepen your understanding of Singapore’s past through art at the Social Wall, a life-sized multi-touch interactive screen.

The Social Wall at level 3 of the City Hall building is made out of twelve 55-inch panels
Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore

Here, you can choose from curated themes like Portraits of Lives, Architecture and Stories, Conflicts and Concerns, War and Adversity, Places and Inspirations, and Changing Landscapes, which will present you with a selection of artworks that inspire you to think about the historical and cultural contexts of their creation. 

There’s also a ‘Surprise Me!’ function to personalise your experience, which will create a journey based on your profile.

You can even go on a hunt for the original artworks presented on the Social Wall! Download a digital map via the QR code on the Social Wall, which will lead you to the pieces displayed in the exhibits at Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore since the 19th Century.

The artwork on the left is one of the artworks you will find on the hunt.
Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore

Immerse Yourself In The Unique Stories At The Memories Of City Hall

After celebrating the history of City Hall and the events surrounding the building, get a different perspective of history through the lenses of people who used to walk the hallways of this grand monument at the Memories of City Hall. The personal stories of these people who have played an important role in the building’s history makes for a great way to wrap up your experience. 

Located at Singapore Courtyard at level 2 of the City Hall, the exhibition completes the City Hall story with a selection of oral history interviews and archives of unique stories and memories of people who were based in City Hall from the 1960s to 1980s. These include stories of former civil servants in the early days of Singapore’s independence.

You can also download the Gallery Explorer App to read more about the compelling stories relating to key moments in Singapore’s history, such as the unveiling of Singapore’s State Crest and National Flag, and the first public performance of the national anthem.

Celebrate City Hall’s Rich History

Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore

Whether you’re a history or art buff, or simply looking for an exhibition to check out, City Hall: If Walls Could Talk will be an engaging journey of discovery, and will surprise you with little known facts about a majestic building that we are visually familiar with. 

Check out City Hall: If Walls Could Talk from 1 September 2019 at the 3rd floor, City Hall Chamber, National Gallery Singapore. 

General admission applies to the exhibition (free for Singaporeans and PRs). For more information, visit www.nationalgallery.sg/cityhall! 

This article is written in collaboration with National Gallery Singapore.

Header Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore

Also Read: Singapore Bicentennial – The History And Debate Around It

10 New Bubble Tea Options In Singapore That Are Not Gong Cha Or Koi

If there’s anything that 2018 gave us, it was a slew of new bubble tea brands – not that we’re complaining.

Over the years, we’ve seen bubble tea stores come and go – from the good ol’ days of Sweet Talk to big name chains like Gong Cha, Koi and LiHo conquering the BBT game. But in recent months, many new bubble tea kiosks have been springing up, giving those long standing favourites a run for their money.

If you’re looking for to switch up your go to order, here are 10 new bubble tea brands you should totally hunt down in 2019.

1. Ten Ren Tea

[caption id="attachment_38746" align="aligncenter" width="716"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @tenrenteasg[/caption]

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Ten Ren Tea was established in 1953 and is THE leading tea retailer in Taiwan. That’s not all, they have over 2000 outlets in Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, and North America.

The 800-square feet store at ChinaTown Point offers bubble tea, traditional tea drinks, as well as tea leaves, snacks and tea ware.

Ten Ren Tea puts a spin on our traditional teas with our love for bubble, sourcing quality tea leaves from the mountains of Taiwan. A must-try here is its signature 913 King’s Oolong Tea Latte ($3.50 for medium, $4.90 for large). Another popular pick is the Taro Green Tea Latte ($4.70 for medium, $6.50 for large).

Ten Ren Tea
Address: Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Rd, #01-07, Singapore 059413
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6593 4333
Website

2. TP Tea

[caption id="attachment_38747" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @tptea.sg[/caption]

Bless the bubble tea gods as TP Tea is considered Singapore’s first 24hrs Taiwanese Bubble Tea shop – which means they’re open to satisfy your 3am cravings. They’re also Halal-certified which provides a peace-of-mind to Muslim customers.

The bestseller at TP Tea includes the Tie Guan Yin Tea Latte ($4.60) which uses premium tea leaves from Taiwan and Pearl Black Tea Latte with Red Bean ($5.30). The star on the menu is also the Pearl Milk Tea Soft Serve Ice Cream ($3.60) which comes topped with sweet, chewy QQ Pearls made fresh every 3 hours.

TP Tea Changi Airport
Address: Level 2 (Departure Hall) Changi Airport Terminal, 260 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819643
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Website

TP Tea Suntec City
Address: Suntec City, #01-312, 3 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, daily
Website

3. Hollin

[caption id="attachment_38748" align="aligncenter" width="730"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @cweizhi[/caption]

Gone are the days of basic black pearls. Hollin, which in Hokkien means “Good to drink”, specialises in freshly made pearls.

Other than the Honey White Pearl which is a fixed flavour, you can expect daily rotating pearl flavours with the likes of Cocoa, Matcha and Coconut. So if you happen to be craving for a particular flavour, you have to head down on the day itself or you’ll end up waiting for another week for your bubble tea fix. Pearls are priced at an additional $0.70 for both Medium and Large cups.

A must-try is their signature Matcha Latte ($4.20) which has a subtle bitterness from the matcha powder. You can also get the Hollin Black Tea Latte ($3.20 medium, $4.20 large) has a strong floral flavour from the roasted tea leaves.

Hollin
Address: Blk 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #01-538, Singapore 310190
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm, daily
Contact No.:
6252 2456
Website

4. HEYTEA

[caption id="attachment_38749" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @heytea[/caption]

Touted as the OG creator of cheese teas, the highly-raved Chinese tea connoisseur finally made its way to Singapore back in November.

We recommend getting the King Fone ($5.50) which uses premium Oolong tea leaves that have been smoked to bring out the strong fragrance of the tea. The saltiness from the cheese foam gives the brew a savoury kick with every sip.

HEYTEA will be opening their second outlet at Clarke Quay and adding alcoholic bubble tea creations to the menu.

HEYTEA
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-29, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm, daily
Website

5. Answer Tea

[caption id="attachment_38750" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @answertea.sg[/caption]

Have a question you don’t have an answer to? Answer Tea may be able to help you out. Simply write your questions on the cup holder and order a drink from their Macchiato Series (from $4.30) and you’ll get your answer printed on the surface of your macchiato froth with edible ink.

If you need a drink for the ‘gram, we highly recommend the Lemon Butterfly Milk Tea with Black Pearl (from $4.20) which has a gorgeous blue hue derived from butterfly pea flowers.

Answer Tea
Address: Dhoby Ghaut MRT, B2, Singapore 238826
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm, daily
Contact No.: 9117 1277
Website

6. MuYoo

[caption id="attachment_38751" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @thefussyfoodie_[/caption]

As if we don’t have enough options already, here’s another newcomer to the cheese tea scene: MuYoo. Launched by a Singaporean duo, the brand claims to have a healthier version of cheese tea compared to everyone else.

Its signature “Cheese Cloud,” is whipped up with a mixture of “naturally derived milk powder” from New Zealand, cheese powder from Holland, and sea salt from Bolivia. This is what makes their cheese tea different, since the other brands usually use creamer, which is full of trans fat and artificial flavouring.

You can get that “Cheese Cloud” as an add-on to standard cold-brewed teas like Roasted Oolong ($3.50-$3.90) and Lapsang Souchong ($3.90-$4.50).

MuYoo
Address: 252 North Bridge Road #B1-67 Raffles City Shopping Centre Singapore 179103 (City Hall MRT)
Opening Hours:
10am – 10pm, daily
Website

MuYoo+
Address: Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, #01-94 (Bedok MRT)
Opening Hours:
9am – 11pm, daily

7. Tiger Sugar

[caption id="attachment_38752" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @hobijajan[/caption]

Those who have had a sip of this drink have claimed that the hype is very real, dubbing it as the most popular milk tea in Taipei.

Since its opening late last year, Tiger Sugar has been getting all the hype from hard core milk tea lovers in Taipei. They got their name from the ‘tiger stripes’ it forms when the caramalised syrup mixes with the thick milk tea mixture.

Many have praised their Brown Sugar Fresh Milk for its undiluted taste, a mistake often made by most bubble tea stores who scrimp on flavour affecting the overall taste and experience of milk tea addicts.

Tiger Sugar – Capitol Singapore
Address:
Capitol Singapore #B2-32, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905
Opening Hours:
11am – 10pm, daily

Tiger Sugar – Chinatown Point
Address:
133 New Bridge Road #B1-42 Singapore 059413
Opening Hours:
11am – 10pm, daily

8. Bobii Frutii

[caption id="attachment_38753" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: Bobii Frutii Singapore Facebook[/caption]

Brought over from Taiwan by local actor, Nat Ho, Bobii Frutii puts a spin on bubble tea with colourful drinks and quirky drink names.

Known for its colourful pearls, Bobbii Frutii have since attracted crowds to both their outlets at Clementi Mall and Suntec City due to its distinct coloured and “Instagram-worthy” layers. Each drink is made using milk, tea, colourful pearls with no artificial flavouring, man-made essences, preservatives and creamer.

The menu features a total of 37 drinks divided into 5 categories – Tea Au Lait, Ice Blended, Matcha, Fruit Tea and Cheese Tea (exclusive to Singapore). The pearls come in 3 different flavours – Original, Butterfly Pea and Brown Sugar and are made made in Taiwan and air flown to Singapore to ensure freshness and consistency.

Get the signature Mermaid’s Tears, which a blend of Butterfly Pea extract, Mango Juice with honey, yogurt and butterfly bobii.

Bobii Frutii The Clementi Mall
Address: 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, The Clementi Mall, #04-K4, Singapore 129588
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily

Bobii Frutii Suntec City
Address: 3 Temasek Blvd, #02-376, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Website

9. Bober Tea

[caption id="attachment_38756" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @lloydworth[/caption]

A new contender to the ever-expanding bubble tea scene is Bober Tea. Situated right outside Bishan MRT, Bober Tea serves unique concoctions using premium ingredients. What makes them stand out amongst the other bubble tea joints is their strict philosophy of serving beverages that take on the pure authentic flavours of the ingredients used as well as their emphasis on keeping their drinks as healthy as possible.

Bober Tea seems to be very popular for their Brown Sugar Boba Milk Cap Fresh Milk, the drink that has been in trend as of late. If you’re a huge match fan, then you’ll love the Uji Matcha Latte – made using pure matcha powder and fresh milk.

Other creative blends from by Bober Tea includes the Hokkaido Milk Cap Green Tea, Matcha Strawberry Latte and Black Glutinous Rice Milk Tea.

Bober Tea
Address: 200 Bishan Road, #01-01, Singapore 579827
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Website

10. R&B Tea

[caption id="attachment_38755" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]bubble tea singapore Image Credit: @tjang.fonda[/caption]

R&B Tea provides the perfect blend for those with a sweet tooth.

The Brown Sugar Boba Milk is a must try for everyone as the pearls are soaked in brown sugar and slow cooked for a full 3 hours. And if that isn’t enough sugar for you, get the Brown Sugar Boba Milk With Cheese Brulee which is only available at their Marina Bay Sands outlet.

R&B Tea
Address: Find your nearest outlet here
Website

Also Read  Save More, Huat More – 10 Wholesale Stores In S’pore To Stock Up On CNY Goodies And Groceries

The Ultimate Guide To Upcoming Concerts: 2019 Edition

Singaporeans are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to concerts. There are so many artists and performers who make Singapore a stop in their world tour, or even as part of a music festival.

With 2019 less than two months away from us, the year is already looking pretty solid with a number of announced upcoming concerts in Singapore. It can be hard to keep track of upcoming concerts, so we’ve come up with a definitive guide that will be constantly updated.

Now there’s no need for multiple tabs and searching.

January

1. Slash ft. Miles Kennedy & The Conspirators

Grammy-winning, guitar god, Slash will will bless Singapore in the flesh in January 2019.

The legend whose real name is Saul Hudson, will play an exclusive, one-night-only show here with his band Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Myles Kennedy is one of the much-feted lead vocalists alive today – known for his huge vocal range that spans four octaves and eight semitones.

Since his reputation-cementing tenure as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses and his stint at the forefront of Velvet Revolver‘s six-string barrage, Slash has blazed his own trail as a solo artist with a vast catalog of chart-blasting solo albums.

This will, undoubtedly, be a historic night.

Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators
Date: 
8 January 2019 
Venue: 
The Coliseum
Ticket price: 
$148 – $228 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: 
Bandwagon
Website

2. Taeyeon

K-pop star Taeyeon of iconic girl group Girls’ Generation – also known as SNSD – will be bringing her distinctive vocals to Singapore with a full-fledged solo concert in January next year. This will be the very first time the multi-award winning singer is touring Singapore for a full-length concert ever since her solo debut in 2015.

No stranger to Singapore, she was one of the headline performers at South Korean pop music festival HallyuPopFest held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium earlier this year.

She is recognised as one of the most iconic and versatile female singers of the K-POP world and is widely regarded as a “talented vocalist” for her soulful vocals. Taeyeon charmed fans of the group and later released solo songs such as I, featuring South Korean rapper Verbal Jint.

Taeyeon Live In Singapore 2019
Date:
12 January 2019 
Venue: 
Singapore Expo Hall 1
Ticket price: 
$148 – $288 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: 
IMC Live Global
Website

3. Taking Back Sunday

If you can’t believe that Taking Back Sunday have been around for 20 years, you’re not alone, because they can’t either.

From the band’s landmark 2002 debut, Tell All Your Friends, to their most recent full-length, 2016’s Tidal Wave, Taking Back Sunday have evolved from a key player in the early 2000s emo scene to a genre-defying rock band. This fact is evidenced on Twenty, a 21-song collection set for release in January 2019 that spans all seven of their full-lengths.

Whether your introduction to the band was singing along to “A Decade Under The Influence” or hearing “MakeDamnSure” or “Sink Into Me”, Twenty is a look back at some of the highlights from this unlikely group of musical misfits.

Taking Back Sunday
Date: 19 January 2019
Venue: The Pavillion @ Far East Square
Ticket price: $108 standard, $118 doors (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: LAMC Productions
Website

4. BTS

K-pop boyband sensation BTS is coming to Singapore for a large-scale concert in January. Arguably the world’s biggest K-pop group, the K-pop juggernaut has been an unstoppable force in recent years, even gracing the latest cover of Time magazine and giving a speech at the United Nations in September

Known for hits such as “Fake Love” and “Blood Sweat And Tears”, will return to Singapore as part of their Love Yourself World Tour and will make history as the first K-pop act to play at the National Stadium

BTS Love Yourself World Tour
Date:
 19 January 2019
Venue: National Stadium
Ticket price: $88 – $348 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: Live Nation, One Production
Website

February

1. BLACKPINK

YG darlings BLACKPINK will be making their way to Singapore on 15 February 2019 for their upcoming world tour. Aside from Singapore, the quartet will also be heading to other Asian cities including Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei.

As one of the biggest and most successful K-pop groups today, BLACKPINK has made music history not only in Korea, but also worldwide. The four-member girl group – comprising Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa and Rose – are best known for smash hits like Ddu-Du Ddu-Du, which peaked at No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts earlier this year.

BLACKPINK
Date:
 15 February 2019
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Ticket price: $128 – $268 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: Live Nation, One Production
Website

2. Nickelback

Iconic Canadian rock band, Nickelback is set to make its long-awaited debut in Singapore in 2019. They released their highly anticipated ninth studio album Feed The Machine in June of 2017, which debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard charts and spent the better part of 2017 and 2018 performing over 80 sold-out shows around the world.

Their inescapable and irresistible smash “How You Remind Me” was named Billboard’s ‘Top Rock Song of the Decade’ and was No. 4 on the Top 10 songs of the 2000’s list. With more than 23 chart-topping singles and fans spanning the globe, Nickelback boasts twelve consecutive sold-out world tours, playing to well over eight million diehard and adoring fans.

With decades of shows and albums under its belt, look forward to be treated to an assortment of rock anthems from the 2000s!

Nickelback
Date:
 20 February 2019
Venue: Zepp@BIGBOX
Ticket price: $128 (Early Bird), $138 (Standard)
Organiser: LAMC Productions
Website

3. Seungri 

Seungri from K-pop group BIGBANG will perform in Singapore as part of a solo tour promoting his album The Great Seungri.

The Great Seungri is his first full album since his debut 12 years ago, following two successful extended play records VVIP and Let’s Talk About Love. Fans would not want to miss the opportunity to see Seungri live as it may be his last solo tour before he returns to South Korea and serve in the military.

Seungri
Date:
 23 February 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Ticket price: $148 – $288
Organiser: CHENMEI Culture and CK Star Entertainment
Website

4. Years & Years 

British synth-pop band Years & Years is returning to Asia in 2019. This marks the trio’s first fully-fledged Southeast Asia tour, although they were recently in Singapore for an exclusive promo show to promote their latest album, Palo Santo.

The trio – frontman Olly Alexander and musicians Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Turkman – are best known for hit songs such as King and Foundation from their debut album Communion, which topped the British charts when it was released in 2015.

Earlier in 2018, they released the follow-up, Palo Santo, which has popular songs like If You’re Over Me and Sanctify. The album received rave views from the music press.

Years & Years – The Palo Santo Tour
Date: 27 February 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Ticket price: $88 – 148 (excl. booking fees)
Organiser: Live Nation
Website

March

1. Blue

All Rise for the long awaited British boyband Blue Live in Singapore! Known for their iconic hits like “All Rise”, “Guilty”, “If You Come Back”, “Best In Me” “U Make Me Wanna”, “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word”, and many more!

The quartet has released three studio albums so far, all of which reached number one in the United Kingdom. For one night only, join Blue in this memorable night of pumping hits and relive all the emotional ballads from the best times of our lives!

Blue Live In Singapore 2019
Date: 2 March 2019
Venue: ZEPP@BigBox Singapore
Ticket price: $108 $198 (excl. booking fees)
Organiser: Mode Productions
Website

2. Kodaline

Fans of Dublin based rockers, Kodaline, is making their highly anticipated return to Singapore, on 5 March 2019 at ZEPP@BIGBOX. Kodaline released their brand new album, Politics Of Living, on 28 Sep 2018, to rave reviews and are ready to embark on their upcoming world tour!

On Politics of Living, Kodaline teamed up with some of the hottest production and writing talent imaginable including hitmaker supreme Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran, Liam Payne), pop guru Johnny Coffer (Rag’N’Bone Man, Beyoncé), Jonas Jeberg (Dizzee Rascal, Kylie Minogue), Stephen Harris (Miles Kane, Kaiser Chiefs) as well as long-time collaborator Johnny McDaid (P!NK).

Their latest album is a delightful treat and surrounds big choruses with digital rhythms, glimmering piano riffs, and synths.

Kodaline took Singapore by storm at their debut gig in 2015. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see these guys live in 2019!

Who’s ready to be born again?

Kodaline Live In Singapore 2019
Date:
5 March 2019
Venue: 
ZEPP@BIGBOX
Ticket Prices: $128 early bird, $138 standard (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: 
LAMC Productions
Website

3. Maroon 5

Growing up, if you spent all your time, singing in the shower and crooning about heartbreak, then I’ve got news for you. Maroon 5  will be bringing their ‘Red Pill Blues‘ World Tour to Singapore on 7 March 2019!

The band, fronted by lead singer Adam Levine, last performed in Singapore during the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

Red Pill Blues is the sixth studio album by Maroon 5. It was released on 3 November 2017 and spawned hit singles such as ‘Cold’, ‘What Lovers Do’, ‘Don’t Wanna Know’, and ‘Girls Like You’.

2019 has never felt further at this point.

Maroon 5 ‘Red Pill Blues’ World Tour Live In Singapore
Date: 
7 Mar 2019
Venue: National Stadium
Ticket Prices:
$118 – $268 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser:
Live Nation
Website

4. HONNE

Following two back-to-back sold out shows in 2016, Honne will be returning to Singapore for a one-night-only show that is guaranteed to be a sold out affair as well.

In little under two years, HONNE have become the band to fall in love with, and to. A term with no Western equivalent, the origins of HONNE lie in the Japanese word meaning ‘True Feelings’. The British electro-R&B duo is currently touring the world in support of their latest albumLove Me/Love Me Not.

Honne Love Me/Love Me Not Asian Tour 2019
Date: 
11 & 12 March 2019
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Ticket Prices:
$78 – $98 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser:
Moonbeats Asia
Website

5. Pet Shop Boys

English synth-pop veterans Pet Shop Boys will be back in Singapore for a one night only show.

The upcoming Singapore show is part of their global Super Tour which started in 2016 and is in support of their 13th album, Super, released in the same year. They last performed here in 2014 at the Singapore Grand Prix.

They’re best known for pop hits such as West End Girls (1984), their 1993 cover of Village People’s Go West and You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You’re Drunk (2000).

Pet Shop Boys The Super Tour
Date:
 26 March 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Ticket price: $128 – $228 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: Lushington Entertainments
Website

April

1. John Mayer

John Mayer is coming to Asia.

The world-renowned musician will be kicking off his world tour in Australia and Asia which is set to take place between March and April. Further information surrounding the shows, such as venues and ticketing details have yet to be announced!

John Mayer Australia and Asia Tour 2019
Date: 1 April 2019
Time: TBA
Venue: TBA
Ticket price: TBA
Organiser: Live Nation

2. Anne Marie

Best known for the chart-topping tunes ‘2002’, ‘FRIENDS’, ‘Rockabye’, ‘Ciao Adios’ and many more, breakthrough pop-star Anne-Marie will be back in Singapore for a one-night only performance on 9 April 2019 at the Capitol Theatre.

This time, she’ll be making stops in both Singapore and Hong Kong.

Just in October of this year, the infectiously seductive singer stopped by our shores for the very first time for The Speak Your Mind Tour. And to be honest, we couldn’t get enough of her chart-topping hits, so we’re definitely in for a treat in April 2019!

Anne Marie Live In Singapore
Date: 9 April 2019 (Tuesday)
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Ticket price: $98 – 128 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: Lushington Entertainments
Website

3. Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran, the best selling artist of 2017, is set to return to Singapore on 26 April 2019.

Following his two sold-out dates in Singapore in 2017, the upcoming show will be his largest one yet as he performs at the National Stadium for the very first time. His return to Asia will also include dates in Korea (April 21) and Bangkok (April 28).

At the moment, there is only one available date so fastest fingers first! Tickets are priced at $158 for standing and between $68 – $248 for seated.

May

1. Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan announced on his Facebook that the concert is part of his Bloom tour, which is his second and most recent studio album.

Released on 31 August 2018, the album spawned hits such as My! My! My! and Dance To This featuring Ariana Grande. You might also know some of his hits Youth and Wild off his debut studio debut album Blue Neighbourhood.

Troye Sivan’s Bloom tour in Asia includes stopovers in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Troye Sivan “The Bloom Tour” Singapore
Date: 3 May 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Ticket price: $98 – $258 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: Live Nation
Website

2. Jason Mraz

Missed his recent concert? Well, we have great news for you. Jason Mraz will be performing in Singapore at The Star Theatre on 11 May 2019 – as part of his Good Vibes Tour 2019. The multiple GRAMMY Award winner Jason Mraz is set to perform at the 5,000-capacity auditorium, which is a lot smaller as compared to his recent concert at the National Stadium.

Just two days (27 October) after performing at the National Stadium in Singapore, Mraz revealed his Asia 2019 six-date tour. Kicking off the whirlwind set of shows in Manila on May 8th, bringing his brand of soulful folk-pop to Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok and rounding off the performances at the Taipei Arena on May 25th 2019.

Jason Mraz Good Vibes Tour 2019
Date: 11 May 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Ticket Prices:
$98 – $198 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: 
Lushington Entertainments
Website

3. LAUV

American singer-song writer Lauv will return to Asia for an extensive tour in May of 2019, titled the Blue Boy Tour.

He has been making waves across the globe over the past two years, having released a slew of hits including ‘I Like Me Better’, ‘A Different Way’ with DJ SNAKE and most recently, ‘There’s No Way’ with Julia Michaels.

Lauv’s Asia tour will see the rising star perform 10 shows across two weeks in May. Stops include Mumbai, Manila, Cebu, Jakarta and more.

Lauv Asia Tour
Date: 15 & 16 May 2019
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Ticket price: $108 (excl. booking fee)
Organiser: Lushington Entertainments
Website

August

1. LANY

LANY is set to return to Asia in 2019. The American indie pop band took to social media on 13 November to announce a huge world tour set for 2019 in support of its latest album, Malibu Nights, which was released earlier this year.

With a sound that mashes together the feel of ’80s radio pop, ’90s R&B soul, and atmospheric synths, the Los Angeles-based group has churned hits such as “ILYSB” (“I Love You So Bad”), “Super Far” and “13”.

The Asia leg of the tour includes stops in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Japan, South Korea and more. General tickets will go on sale on Friday, 16 November via the band’s official website.

Lany
Venue: TBC
Date: 10 August 2019
Ticket Prices: TBC
Organiser: 
TBC
Website

September

1. The 1975

The 1975 are making their highly-anticipated return to Singapore since their last show at Laneway Festival in 2016. The pop-rock quartet announced dates for the Asian legs of their upcoming tour in support of their recent album A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships.

Aside from popular tracks off their discography so far, Singapore fans can also expect to be treated to live versions of The 1975’s new companion record, Notes On A Conditional Form – which frontman Matt Healy previously teased that it would be released sometime in 2019.

The 1975 Live In Singapore 2019
Date: 16 September 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Ticket price: $88 – $148
Organiser: Now/Live
Website

Also Read There’s An Underground Music Joint In Bukit Timah That’s So Secret, You’re Driven And Blindfolded There

Want To Try Bak Chor Mee Pasta? Timbre Brings Signature Dishes Of Local Home Chefs To Their Outlets

Private home dining is all the rage these days. It’s not difficult to understand why as the modern consumers can be tired of ‘outside’ food and would prefer a ‘simple’ home style cooking.

As the saying goes, the best food is the kind that’s cooked at home. We all love the comfort of a good home-cooked meal but the idea of stepping into a stranger’s home for dinner might sound a little crazy to some.

However, having attended a private home dining experience, I can ascertain that it is an experience like no other. Some menus may cost anywhere between $80 – $100, some with unique creations and a long waiting list you have to book months prior.

Even though the price-tag seems high, a lot of Singaporeans are willing to fork out good money as many of these concepts offer recipes that which are not commonly found anymore.

Timbre Meets Home Chefs

If you’ve never attended a private home dining session but curious as to what they have to offer, Timbre Group is collaborating with three renowned local home-chefs for the launch of Timbre X.

The first collaboration at Timbre X venues sees three renowned home-chefs, Alvin See (@chefandsommelier), Shen Tan (@ownselfmakechef) and Serene Yeo (@serenesupperclub) putting their signature dishes on Timbre’s menu. Each chef has also picked out 2 – 3 signature dishes from their menu and generously shared their treasured recipes with Timbre’s culinary team for execution.

[caption id="attachment_38258" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: Timbre[/caption]

The dishes are available at Timbre X @ The Arts House, Timbre X @ The Substation, Timbre X @ Gillman and Switch by Timbre X from 24 October 2018 to 23 January 2019.

Here’s a look as to what each chef has to offer:

1. Shen Tan (@ownselfmakechef)

When was the last time you had Chef Shen Tan’s food?

Perhaps it was at Revolution Coffee, where her signature nasi lemak is served for under $10 or her first restaurant, Wok & Barrel on Duxton Hill? Well, if you’re a fan on her take of modern Singaporean cuisine, the latest place she has been unleashing her creativity is at her new private kitchen called Ownself Make Chef.

Housed in in a three-room HDB flat in Commonwealth, the living room and dining room seats up to twelve and can also function as a show kitchen for cooking demos.

Serving up her Signature Nasi Lemak, the famous dish is painstakingly cooked by steaming the rice twice over four hours. The resulting aromatic rice is fluffy with a flavour packed lemak taste. Complemented with her smokey coffee sambal, crispy fried chicken, omelette and crispy white bait, this is one dish you HAVE to try at Timbre X.

Reminiscent of local favourite bak chor mee (also Chef Shen’s favourite local dish), her Bak Chor Mee Pasta features al dente fettuccini tossed through a tart piquant sauce of chilli, lard and fish sauce. The tender juicy slices of pork shoulder ARE marinated in 5-spice powder, coffee grounds, sugar and herbs, elevating this humble hawker dish.

2. Alvin See (@chefandsommelier)

Alvin See is a passionate home cook who whips up dinner for his family almost “every weekend”. In 2010, started a popular blog called

The Roast Pork Belly is definitely a show stopper. This is a tested and proven recipe which he has been using for years and on countless gathering occasions. It has never failed to impress the guests. You can expect a layer of crispy airy crackling atop and juicy, warm and tender meat.

His Dukkah Coated Lamb Chops with Mango Salsa and Roasted Mustard Garlic Potato is another dish you can’t miss. The coat of dukkah spice mix elevated the juicy lamb chops, giving it a robust flavour with a stunning rustic crust while the minty and refreshing mango salsa provides a great balance.

For those who love their steak, the Peppercorn Steak with Creamy Brandy Sauce features a 400g Black Angus Ribeye steak crusted with white peppercorn which rests on a bed of creamy brandy sauce.

3. Serene Yeo (@serenesupperclub)

Inspired by her time living in London and volunteering at Italian-Japanese-Brazilian chef Luiz Hara’s Nikkei supper clubs, Serene shares with guests the origins of Nikkei cuisine and explains each course as it is made from her open-concept kitchen.

One would not know that Japanese and South American flavours form an incredibly delicious partnership had it not been for Serene Yeo who is passionate about it. A marketing manager by
day and Nikkei home cook by night, she runs a Nikkei supper club which serves up Japanese home-cooking with a South American twist.

The Sea Bass Rice With Yuzu And Green Jalepeno is definitely a unique creation. The dressing of olive oil, yuzu juice and green jalapeño chillies, mixed into the rice just before serving gives a kick you’ll love.

Another delicacy offered by Nikkei families at street markets are Pastéis. These pastéis includes a generous filling of chicken, cream cheese and green olives wrapped in gyoza skin and deep-fried to crispy golden perfection.

In a queue to try out private home dining by these 3 chefs? You can now try their signature dishes at the newly rebranded Timbre X venues!

Timbre X
Date: 24 October 2018 – 23 January 2019
Venue: Find Your Nearest Timbre Outlet Here

Also Read Renowned Japanese Chef Teppei Opens First Halal Eatery Serving Fukuoka’s Famous Udon

10 Affordable Dinner Date Spots In S’pore So You Can Treat Your Bae Without Going Broke

We’re all constantly on the lookout for affordable and romantic restaurants in Singapore. There are plenty of restaurant guides out there that offer you the most romantic restaurants with the best views of Singapore’s skyline – that is, if you are willing to spend an arm and a leg.

While we all know and anticipate discount deals, Chope now offers permanent discount deals which means extra savings on your meals all year round!

All of these are just one tap away via Chope’s app or on their Chope Deals page.

For couples who don’t want to go all crazy on champagne, caviar, and a lavish dinner, we’ve sussed out 10 dining options with up to 50% savings so you get to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of indulging your munchies anytime, all while doing your wallet a favour!

1. 63Celsius

Tucked away in a relatively quiet section in Paragon, among art galleries and high-end crystal boutiques, 63Celsius attracts loyal crowds for its mouthwatering fare and artisanal coffee.

The restaurant’s chic decor of copper and timber makes it stand out from the shops in Paragon. It is especially hard to miss the intricately designed wood ceiling which extends out of the eatery to connect to a bar in an open space outside.

Choose from their selection of almost-carnal indulgences: think Boneless American Black Angus Short Ribs, impossibly tender ribs served with piquant pico de gallo and fragrant with the complex spice mix of their house dry rub.

The pasta here is artisanal and they’re especially famous for their Lobster Pasta – half a lobster gracing a plate laden with a tangle of spaghetti, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and garlic.

Pair all this with one of the wines in their comprehensive selection, then settle down to the only logical conclusion to the meal: a Chocolate Lava Tart, so blissfully self-explanatory.

63Celsius
Address: 290 Orchard Road, #04-09/K1, Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore (238859)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 9am – 11pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

2. Hoshino Coffee (Capitol Piazza)

Tucked away in a secluded area of Capitol Piazza’s Basement 2, Hoshino Coffee is a serene place to enjoy a meal with your date.

This popular Japanese establishment is famous for their desserts and hand-drip coffee, but what remains relatively unknown to most people is that they serve a variety of Japanese-style cafe grub at very affordable prices.

Featuring a hearty brunch menu, you can expect their signature Japanese-style souffle pancakes and fluffy “omu” omelette alongside different kinds of breakfast meats – bacon, smoked salmon, and even slices of angus steak.

Come lunch hour, the kitchen trots out an array of Japanese-Western favourites: think pastas, savoury cheese-studded souffles, and omu rice in numerous shapes and forms.

End your meal with Hoshino’s famous hand-dripped coffee which uses the highest quality Arabica coffee beans that were selected by Hoshino’s in-house coffee blend specialist Master Kanno for the perfect Japanese cafe experience.

Hoshino (Capitol Piazza)
Address: 13 Stamford Road, #B2-55, Capitol Piazza, Singapore (178905)
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 10:30pm, Sat – Sun: 10:30am – 10:30pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

3. El Mero Mero

El Mero Mero (which means ‘the go-to guy’ in Mexican lingo), will excite and delight diners with the very best in contemporary Mexican cuisine.

While most of us prefer the laid back feel of a Mexican establishment, it’s always good to have one nice, fancier option in your Mexican restaurant arsenal.

With an open-kitchen concept greeting diners looking to be seated indoors and a stunning terrace for those looking to soak in the sun, El Mero Mero’s got a little something for everyone.

They partnered with ComCrop, Singapore’s first rooftop garden, to grow fresh herbs and ingredients to use in their dishes. While this place isn’t your go-to to pig out and stuff yourself, the quality and execution of their small plates are pretty impressive.

El Mero Mero
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-20, CHIJMES, Singapore (187996)
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 11pm, Fri – Sat, Eve of PH: 12pm-1am
Get Up To 30% Off Vouchers Here

4. Haru

Haru is the brainchild of two food-mad brothers who’ve turned the historic site of the Old Badminton Hall at Guillemard Road into a little shrine to the humble rice bowl.

Inspired by Japanese and Korean flavours, they serve up some of the best grain bowls in town! At lunch time, this is a build-your-own rice bowl situation. Take your pick of multigrain rice, pearl rice, or soba, and pair it with your choice of Japanese or Korean style toppings like Bulgogi Ribeye, Salmon dressed with miso and sake with hearty vegetables.

As for dinner, they’re known for serving Chazuke, a type of Japanese tea-rice. The multigrain mixture is made up of 8 different types of nutritious grains such as rice crispies, barley and Chinese almonds.

The signature here is their Lobster Chazuke, which features air-flown bamboo lobster that’s lightly poached in dashi and served atop rice with kombu, tobiko, bamboo shoots, spring onions, and nori. Other chazuke options include the Mangalica Pork Chashu and the Smoked Chicken.

Haru
Address: 100 Guillemard Road, #01-06, Singapore (399718)
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri: 12-3pm, 6-10pm, Sat: 11am-3pm, 6-10pm, Sun: 9am-6pm, Closed Monday
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

5. L’Entrecôte The Steak and Fries Bistro

L’Entrecôte’s classy white doors and red awning blends perfectly well into the cobblestoned nook of Duxton Hill. The decor beyond the entrance is redolent of the relaxed bistro culture that’s so common to the French city.

The Plat du Jour is right in the name of this bistro – Steak Frites. You can expect to indulge in succulent prime meat generously doused with a secret sauce with a side of fresh green salad and a heaping pile of crispy, golden fries.

Of course other bistro options such as Escargots de Bourgogne and Oven-baked Beef Marrow are on the menu, along with decadent desserts like the Vacherin du Bistrot (meringue, vanilla ice cream, and hot chocolate sauce).

This is one meal you definitely won’t forget. Bon appetit!

L’Entrecôte The Steak and Fries Bistro
Address: 36 Duxton Hill, Singapore (089614)
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 10:30pm, Fri – Sat: 12-11pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

6. Privé (CHIJMES)

Located in the heart of CHIJMES, Privé is a casual cafe and bar offering simple and approachable favourites from day to night and anytime in between.

Privé also has the unique advantage of having one of the largest and most inviting alfresco area in CHIJMES. Surrounded by greenery, diners can choose to bask in the sunshine under the cool shade or enjoy the starry sky when night falls as they savour their drinks and food.

The menu has brought along some of the most-loved dishes from Keppel Bay including all-day breakfasts, Fish and Chips, Wagyu Burgers and their delightful Sticky Date Pudding.

Added to the mix are stone-baked pizzas, pastas as well as local favourites like the Hainanese Chicken Rice and Traditional Curry Chicken.

Swing by for happy hour from 5 – 8pm daily and relax in the garden with an ice cold drink in hand!

Privé (CHIJMES)
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-33, CHIJMES, Singapore (187996)
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:30am-12am, Fri & Eve of PH: 11:30am-1am, Sat & PH: 10am-1am, Sun: 10am-12am
Get Up To 10% Off Vouchers Here

7. Botanico at The Garage

Located at Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botanico at The Garage has clinched Instagram popularity due to the stunning ambience the restaurant offers while you’re dining amongst the greenery.

If you’re both busy working adults, this is the perfect place to unwind after an exhausting week at work. Plus, when you’re talking about such a beautiful and idyllic setting like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, how much better can it get right?

With chef Sujatha Asokan steering the kitchen, Botanico has taken on a bistro-style menu with contemporary European roots in technique, and with Asian inflections that pay homage to the Singaporean chef now at the helm as well to its setting.

Botanico’s Iberico Char Siew is a dish that is not to be missed – the top loin is smoked, chargrilled and accompanied by carrot ‘noodles’, carrot puree and honey pork jus that goes well with the 30 premium wine labels and signature botany-inspired tipples such as the Garage Gin’onic or the Thyme Lemonade.

Botanico at The Garage
Address: 50 Cluny Park Road, The Garage, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (257488)
Opening Hours: Wed – Fri: 6-11:30pm, Sat – Sun: 11am-3pm, 6-11:30pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Get Up To 10% Off Vouchers Here

8. Wild Honey

Featuring floor to ceiling windows, Wild Honey is reminiscent of Brooklyn Lofts and boasts a copper, steel & reclaimed wood bar with counter seating.

If you both love waking up for a good hearty breakfast, well, you’re in luck. Wild Honey passionately believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

They love breakfast food so much that they’ve decided to bring in as many kinds as possible from all over the world. 

All time favourite dishes such as The Norwegian, European, Canadian and Parisienne sit alongside new favourites such as The Greek, Brooklyn Double Pastrami burger, & the Turkish.

You can also get bespoke coffee blends by Common man Coffee Roasters and teas by TWG, hand crafted mocktails and cocktails including the favourite Mandarin Wilderness.

Wild Honey
Address: 6 Scotts Road, #03-02, Scotts Square, Singapore (228209)
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat & PH Eve: 9am – 10pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

9. Wine & Chef

If you’re both wine aficionados, then Wine & Chef has got you covered. With over 140 exclusive bottles from from Italian boutique wineries, match any glass to the delicious culinary creations whipped up by the chef.

Unlike any typical Italian restaurants, Wine & Chef stands out by creatively cooking up a menu of Hokkien-inspired dishes that contain essence of Italian style, which appeals to local palates at prices that do not stress the wallets.

A must-try here is the Scallop Capellini, a dish of cold capellini topped with cured kelp, caviar, and scallops and splashed with soy truffle dressing.

End of your meal with the Salted Egg Cheesecake which brings together the best of east and west. This local take on the classic American dessert consists of a creamy mix of cheese and rich salted egg in a hand-pressed graham cracker crust.

Wine & Chef
Address: 7 Keong Saik Road, Singapore (089115)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 11pm, Closed Sunday
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

10. Vatos Urban Tacos

Serving up Korean-Mexican fusion fare isn’t an easy feat but the folks over at Vatos Urban Tacos make it seem effortless.

A quick glance at their’ “Seoul-Mex” menu and you’ll know exactly what we mean. They dish out masterful fusion creations like the hefty Kimchi Galbi Grilled Cheese which comes with pieces of marinated Galbi short rib sandwiched between slices of sourdough bread.

Sounds simple? It’s anything but. Each bite is a veritable bomb of umami, with Mexican cheese and savoury fried kimchi lending their own punchy kick.

No visit is complete without going for a range of their popular tacos to go with one of Vatos’ signature margaritas, so be sure to order one (or two) before you head out!

Vatos Urban Tacos
Address: 36 Beach Road, #01-03, Singapore (189766)
Opening Hours: Mon: 5:30pm-11pm, Tue-Thu: 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am, Sun: 12pm-11pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

Chope offers permanent dining deals in the form of vouchers for diners to get up to 50% off at over 400 top restaurants in Singapore, all under a new segment of their dining platform called Chope Deals.

Book, discover and most importantly save smarter with Chope Deals.

Got an upcoming date with your other half? Get ready to feast to your heart’s content!

This article is written in collaboration with Chope.

Need A Quick Getaway? One Of The World’s Largest Waterparks Is Only A 2-Hour Drive From S’pore

It’s the school holiday season so you know what that means!

Time to pack your bags and take your family on a road trip because one of the largest waterparks in the world is opening in Desaru and it’s only a 2 hour drive from Singapore!

https://www.facebook.com/DCAWP/videos/1095250830642267/

Get Your Splash On

Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark opens 15 November 2018 and we are not exaggerating on how amazing this waterpark is turning out to be.

Set against the backdrop of a traditional Malay fishing village, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is home to 5 playing zones and over 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions. There’ll never be a dull moment in the sun!

desaru coast adventure waterpark

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect once the waterpark officially launches on 15 November:

1. One Of The World’s Largest Tidal Wave Pools

Holding more than four million gallon of water over nearly three acres, the tidal wave pool is a zone on its own! The Tidal Wave Beach is one of largest wave pools in the world with some of the world’s biggest man-made waves. Yes, waves that reach up to 3m in height!

[caption id="attachment_38120" align="aligncenter" width="1293"]esaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_38121" align="aligncenter" width="868"]esaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

For that reason, everyone is required to wear a life vest and are not allowed to cross beyond a marked line.

Guests can relax in luxury and enjoy the wave pool views from the Beachside Cabanas, or lounge along the 170-meter-long sandy shoreline of Tidal Wave Beach. But honestly, who cares about the beach when there’s an amazing wave pool to dip in.

2. Water Slides Designed For Kids

Remember when you weren’t allowed on most rides when you were younger due to the height requirements?

Well this waterpark designed their rides with kids in mind. In addition to the standard water play structure, complete with mini water slides and giant splash bucket, there are also water slides specially designed for younger kids. So they won’t miss out on all the fun!

[caption id="attachment_38118" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]esaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

The slides are scaled down to a small version so that kids can have a go at it.

[caption id="attachment_38123" align="aligncenter" width="960"]esaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

Kids Ahoy is a dedicated children’s zone with three separate age-appropriate play areas filled with water play equipment and a combined total of 13 different water slides designed for our younger guests. This zone is a splashing favourite for the waterpark’s younger guests.

3. Rollercoaster Flume Ride

We’re most excited for this ride!

[caption id="attachment_38117" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]desaru coast adventure waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

The Kraken’s Revenge is a combination of a roller coaster and splashing flume ride that takes you up 30 metres above ground and spinning through a full 360º horizontal loop, followed by a diving 27-metre drop. Riders can reach speeds up to 70km/h as they plummet to a splashing finish.

4. 4 Signature Water Slides To Increase Your Adrenaline Levels

Head over to the left section of the waterpark to ride the 4 main crazy water slides that will sweep riders at the steepest angles and fastest speeds giving an unparalleled feeling of weightlessness.

[caption id="attachment_38126" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]esaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_38127" align="aligncenter" width="1673"]esaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Image Credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Facebook[/caption]

Ride with friends and see them scream their lungs off.

5. Learn How To Surf

For those who want to surf but too lazy to travel all the way to Bali, ride the waves at Surf Wall – a safe and high-energy surf simulator where surfing beginners or enthusiasts can catch and ride a radical artificial wave.

[caption id="attachment_38131" align="aligncenter" width="1222"] Image Credit: @amir_alkautsar[/caption]

Take Us Away!

Desaru is known for their pristine beaches and resorts. If you’ve never been, here are some suggested ways to get there!

By Car

Driving to Desaru takes around 2 hours from Singapore Checkpoints via Senai–Desaru Expressway. Do remember to prepare your Touch N Go card to pay toll when entering Malaysia.

Paid parking is available next to the waterpark. However, if you do intend on finding a hotel to stay for the night, the nearest option is Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast which is located just next to the waterpark. Other resorts near to the waterpark are Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort (Desaru Coast) and Sand & Sandals Resort & Spa which are located a 5-minute drive away.

By Coach

Coach from Singapore available at Singapore Flyer. Round trip tickets from S$36.33. Visit HERE for more info.

By Ferry

You can also book a 30 minute ferry ride from Changi Ferry Terminal to Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal in Kota Tinggi for $26. The tickets can be easily booked online at DirectFerries.com.

Do note that Desaru is still a 30-45 minute ride away from the ferry terminal, so do check for alternative transportation that will bring you there!

Can this new waterpark rival our Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove?

Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
Address: 
Desaru Coast, No. 4 Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar,  Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Thurs – Sun: 10am – 6pm, park closed from Monday to Wednesday
Admission Prices: 
Adult RM151 | Child (below 12 years old) & Senior (Age 60+) RM113 | Toddler (below 3 years old) FREE
Website

Also Read The Flower Dome Is Decked With Disney Tsum Tsums And Over 8,000 Poinsettias For Christmas

(Header Image Source: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark)

Kodaline Returns To Singapore On 5 March 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale On 16 Nov

kodaline

Whether you’ve had a good or a bad year, 2018 had so much in store. Just look at how many concerts we’ve had in the last couple of months!

2019 is no exception. With big stars like Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz announcing their return in 2019, fans of Dublin based rockers, Kodaline, just announced their highly anticipated return to Singapore, on 5 March, 2019, at ZEPP@BIGBOX.

[caption id="attachment_38094" align="aligncenter" width="7728"]kodaline Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]

Ready To Be Born Again

Kodaline released their brand new album, Politics of Living, on 28 Sep 2018, to rave reviews and are ready to embark on their upcoming world tour!

We’ve got high hopes for their upcoming tour as they last performed in Singapore in 2015 at Scape Playspace. Their upcoming concert will be held ZEPP@BIGBOX, which will definitely hold a larger crowd as compared to their last show 3 years ago.

[caption id="attachment_38093" align="aligncenter" width="1420"]kodaline Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]

On Politics of Living, Kodaline teamed up with some of the hottest production and writing talent imaginable including hitmaker supreme Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran, Liam Payne), pop guru Johnny Coffer (Rag’N’Bone Man, Beyoncé), Jonas Jeberg (Dizzee Rascal, Kylie Minogue), Stephen Harris (Miles Kane, Kaiser Chiefs) as well as long-time collaborator Johnny McDaid (P!NK).

Their latest album is a delightful treat and surrounds big choruses with digital rhythms, glimmering piano riffs, and synths.

https://open.spotify.com/album/1ITjhViDumL9llxAJYdKiC?si=Lug_5y_qTOaMPSrtZgoyKg

Tickets are priced at $128 for early bird and $138 for standard tickets. If you’re huge fans, an additional $20 will give you priority access on the day itself. Take note that this is free standing event. 

Early-bird tickets go on sale at 9am on 16 November 2018 via the official ticketing agent SISTIC, at www.sistic.com.sg and via the SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348-5555 and at all SISTIC Authorised Agents.

Kodaline took Singapore by storm at their debut gig in 2015. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see these guys live in 2019!

Who’s ready to be born again?

Kodaline Live In Singapore 2019
Date: 5 March 2019
Venue: ZEPP@BIGBOX
Early Bird Ticket Sales: 16 November 2018
Website

(Header Image Source: LAMC Productions)

The Great Moscow Circus Returns To S’pore After A Decade To Thrill Us With 16 Death-Defying Acts

The kaleidoscope of colour and the cavalcade of characters that is the spectacular production by The Great Moscow Circus is finally in Singapore for the first time in over a decade.

Located under the red-and-white big top on Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands, catch the stellar performance with more than 16 sensational acts featuring astounding performers from Russia and beyond.

For four weeks, gear up for a line up of death-defying aerial stunts, daredevil motorcyclists, crazy contortionist and the funniest clowns!

[caption id="attachment_37964" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]great moscow circus Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Roll Up! Roll Up!

Led by ringmaster Stanislav Kynazkov, who happens to be an accomplished juggles and a very funny clown too. To keep the event lighthearted, master clown Dmitry Shindrov will pop in and out of the ring every now and then to get a few chuckles out of the crowd. Look out, he might just approach you in between acts!

[caption id="attachment_37955" align="aligncenter" width="3456"] Ring Master | Image Credit: The Great Moscow Circus[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_37956" align="aligncenter" width="480"]great moscow circus Master Clown | GIF Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Possibly the most dangerous act in the circus – aerialists Katya Rubtsova and Anton Markov will be suspended 14 metres above the red carpet ring, spinning and twisting in a glorious artistic display of gymnastic skills. This act is performed with absolutely no safety nets and wires as backup.

 

[caption id="attachment_37957" align="aligncenter" width="6000"]great moscow circus Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Acrobatic highlights also includes a “fast track” troupe The Rubtsovs tumbling and leaping across the space is a whirlwind of non-stop acrobatic action.

 

[caption id="attachment_37958" align="aligncenter" width="480"]great moscow circus GIF Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Weird, wonderful and totally amazing – look out for the Man In The Glass Box who is a crazy contortionist from Dagestan. Watch as he folds and twists his body in ways we never thought possible.

[caption id="attachment_37960" align="aligncenter" width="4240"]great moscow circus Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

If you’re a fan of Britain’s Got Talent, you might be familiar with Sascha Williams‘ crazy balancing act that even wowed Simon Cowell. This nail-biting act will definitely put you on the edge of your seats.

[caption id="attachment_37954" align="aligncenter" width="480"]great moscow circus GIF Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Just when you thought that’s all they have to offer, The Great Moscow Circus brings you to the biggest Globe of Death Motorcycle act to ever hit the shores. Cranking the noise level up a notch, five speeding motorcyclists will be trapped, circling around in the same steel globe.

[caption id="attachment_37961" align="aligncenter" width="480"]great moscow circus GIF Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Also expect to see horizontal bar performers, a pair of quick change transformationists, trampoline stunt group, a double giant wheel that spins while carrying four acrobats and more.

[caption id="attachment_37962" align="aligncenter" width="5760"]great moscow circus Image Credit: The Great Moscow Circus[/caption]

The circus doesn’t get much wilder than this. It’ll be pumped with danger, action, fun and comedy to keep the whole family on the edge of their seats!

The Great Moscow Circus
Venue: Under the mighty Big Top Bayfront Avenue, Beside Marina Bay Sands
Date: 25 October – 23 November 2018
Ticket Prices: $55 – $155 (Buy your tickets on SISTIC)
Ed Sheeran Returns To S’pore In April 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale 25 October

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)