Tag: Singapore

James Blunt Will Be Bringing The Afterlove Tour To Singapore This March

Ladies and gentlemen, our favourite English Twitter troll and singer-songwriter James Blunt is bringing The Afterlove Tour to Singapore on 23 March 2018!

[caption id="attachment_33235" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Also read Dua Lipa Set To Perform At The Esplanade This May For One Night Only

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Singapore’s First Vegan Ice Cream Joint Takes The ‘Guilty’ Away From Pleasure

If you’re like me and you ate your entire body weight in steamboat and treats over the Chinese New Year break, it’s time to get back in shape!

But who says you can’t enjoy a little sweat treat every now and then.

Over at Brownice, they serve up one of the best vegan ice creams in Singapore and best part, it’s completely guilt-free!

You Can Have Your Ice Cream And Eat It Too

Being vegan or lactose-intolerant, you probably know how frustrating it is to be restricted from ice creams.

Fret not, Brownice serves vegan-friendly ice cream that uses brown rice as a substitute. Yes, you read that right. No dairy or eggs in this one!

If you’re expecting a rich gelato texture, unfortunately Brownice’s ice cream is less creamy and more icy (think of a cross between sorbet and ice cream).

While it is texturally lighter on the palate, it certainly does not lack flavour.

Looking for something light and refreshing for those hot sunny days? Their fruit based flavours such as the Sunny Strawberry Fields (from $3.50 per scoop) will be the choice to go for.

For creamier flavours, you should definitely try out their Black Sesame, Gila Gula Melaka and The Perfect Matcha.

Even better, treat yourself and go for the Waffle-licious Ice Cream ($8 with a scoop of ice cream).

Brownice prides in the fact that their ice cream contains less than 3% fat and boasts a calorie count of 80-140kcal per scoop. How’s that for your waistline?

Their outlet at East Coast Road serves a variety of Italian fare as well. Brownice is here to prove that Italian food can still be enjoyed if you’re vegan.

They serve one of the best vegan friendly pizzas ($14-$19) I’ve tried to date. You can barely taste the difference from your traditional Italian pizza.

The pastas ($10-$18) have great flavours too although most are tomato-based. Their Lasagna ($17), which features layers of diced eggplants and tofu in a thick and creamy tomato ragu sauce, is a crowd favourite!

Brownice has got our stamp of approval if you’re looking at vegan-friendly options. We’re surprised this place hasn’t opened all over Singapore yet.

Dear Brownice owners, if you’re reading this, please open 30 more branches all over Singapore. We’re more than happy to throw all our angbao money just for your ice cream!

Brownice Italian Vegan Ice Cream & Kitchen
Address: 53 East Coast Road, Singapore 428711
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 10pm, Fri – Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm ​
Contact no.: 6348 2295
10 Events and Foods To Throw Your Ang Bao Money At After CNY

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Celine Dion To Perform For The First Time In Singapore This July

We have seen many singers perform on shores but we haven’t had one that has the grace and presence that this performer does.

Ladies and gentlemen, the time has finally come. Celine Dion is coming to Singapore for the first time ever!

Also read Here Are All The Concerts To Look Forward To In 2018 So Far

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What’s In A Year: We Rounded Up 10 Trending Moments In S’pore That Defined 2017

This has been quite a year for the world. For Singapore. Trains broke down, Presidents took office, and students flashed the middle finger on national television.

Oh, and the nation gushed over a 50 year old man.

But that’s not all that happened. We’ve rounded up the most Singaporean things that made our 2017.

Singapore’s 2017 In A Nutshell

1. Racial Harmony Exemplified

In January, there was a Malay wedding that was in the vicinity of the path of an ongoing funeral procession and the guests at the Malay wedding stood still out of respect for the procession.

If that isn’t the most textbook representation of our racial harmony, we don’t know what is.

2. Uber Brings People Together

Singapore is a small country. The fact that we have so many people condensed into a small space, forces us to interact with strangers in various situations.

And in this cluster of people, 2 strangers managed to find love in an Uber. A part-time UberPool driver picked up an Air Stewardess while he was working, where they had a casual conversation about her occupation.

Following that encounter, he found her again through the power of social media and now they’re attached. Sometimes, love happens where and when you least expect it.

3. NSF Is STOMPed For The Right Reasons

NSFs receive a lot of flak from the public. Most of the time because they’re sitting on seats in the MRT. It got so bad to the point where commanders were actively telling their recruits NOT to sit when they’re taking public transport.

But that’s not what this NSF was STOMPed for. In March this year, this NSF was seen sheltering an elderly lady in a wheelchair at Pasir Laba Camp.

Is that not the sweetest gesture ever? It’s very heart-warming to see such scenarios.

4. Cow In Yishun

Given how urbanised Singapore is, we don’t see farm animals around housing estates at all (not anymore, that is).

Then there’s this cow in Yishun. No we’re talking about a mean lady. We’re talking about a literal cow. The kind that goes “Moo” and is stereotypically white with black patches (or black with white patches).

Long story short, the court denies the return of the phone to the parent.

The moral of the story here, is that privilege will not save you from rule-breaking.

7. The Man Who Drank The Elixir Of Life

In July, the nation was shook by the sudden discovery of the Man Who Never Ages.

Yes we’re talking about ChuanDo Tan. The 50 year old that looks way younger than his age allows.

The former model-turned-photographer’s secret to staying young and buff AF, is working out religiously.

Not forgetting really good genes too.

We’ve never seen the nation come together for something positive, since National Day 2016.

8. The Kid Who Flipped The Nation Off

National Day this year was brilliant, as usual. But the icing on the cake wasn’t the fireworks.

It came at the end of the live broadcast of the National Day Parade.

A student from Henry Park Primary School (bless his heart) was seen flashing his middle finger at the camera at the end of the parade, when the performers were gathered for the finale.

The nation gasped, processed what happened, and laughed. Well, most of us laughed anyway. Parents were shaking their heads and teachers were scrambling to find the boy.

Long story short, he was found, reprimanded and counselled. But it was still a good laugh.

9. A New President

In September this year, there was a lot of controversy regarding the reserved election, but eventually the nation moved on and a new President was elected.

Mdm Halimah Yacob, previously the MP of Jurong GRC, is Singapore’ first female President. She was declared President-elect on 13 September this year and inaugurated the day after.

10. Flowers For Patients

In November, volunteers at BloomBack, a social enterprise, recycled wedding flowers and turned them into 300 bouquets that were handed out to patients at St. Andrew’s Community Hospital, Banyan Home, and the Salvation Army.

The flowers, worth more than $10,000, were collected from a wedding dinner the night before. Not wanting the fresh flowers to be tossed in the bin, BloomBack decided to give these flowers a new purpose.

Sometimes, small gestures can really make one’s day.

Also read Here Are All The Concerts To Look Forward To In 2018 So Far

Hokkaido Milk Cream Puffs Land In S’pore Next January – Get Ready For An Oozy, Creamy Mess

If you’re a fan of dessert pastries and you’ve exhausted all available options for a good cream puff or cheese tart, then we’ve got news for you.

Popular Taiwanese bakery, Kazo, is opening its first outlet at Chinatown Point on 5 January 2018!

Their parent company, Nichifu, is well known in Taiwan for their cream puffs, polo buns and cheese tarts.

To ensure that the quality of the pastries remain the same as Nichifu, the ingredients used by Kazo will be flown in from Taiwan regularly.

There’s Always Space For Dessert

Their signature Cream Puffs ($1.80 each) come in 2 flavours, Hokkaido Cream and Chocolate Cream.

The most important thing about a cream puff is the pastry-cream ratio and Kazo seems to have found the perfect ratio.

Thank goodness, because nobody likes a puff with too much cream and too little dough. Have you tried eating a choux puff overloaded with cream? You need a STRAW.

Anyway, if you’re not feeling like cream puffs, how about trying Kazo’s Cheese Tarts ($3.20 each)? Yes, we know that there are already multiple cheese tart brands in Singapore but we love cheese tarts and new stuff, so we’ll still eat it anyway.

If you thought Kazo stopped at cream puffs and cheese tarts, you thought wrong.

Named after the brand is the Kazu Kazu. A light and fluffy tube with a crunchy crust, filled with Hokkaido cream or Chocolate cream.

Reminds us of the Beard Papa Cookie Puff, but stretched out.

For those of you who like the Walls ice cream sold by the uncles along the streets of Orchard Road, then you’ll want to try Kazo’s Danish Polo ($2.50 – $5.50).

These delicious-looking buns of goodness come with a generous serving of Hokkaido Milk, Royal Chocolate or Matcha ice cream. Too bad they don’t have Raspberry Ripple.

If you’re looking for a drink to wash down all this pastry goodness, Kazo has a strong solution. Literally.

Meet these quirky bottles of organic soya bean drinks and matcha latte. They come in the shape of a perfect male physique. And they’re aptly named Kazo Man.

They even have six packs! We’re referring to the physique. They don’t come in a pack of 6.

Guess who’s keeping the bottle?

Jokes aside, Kazo seems to be a promising bakery and we cannot wait to be an auntie and queue up for these delectable desserts on 5 January 2018.

Kazo
Address: 133 North Bridge Road, #01-30 Chinatown Point, Singapore, 059413
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Contact no.: 6440 1888
Website

Also read 8 Best Filipino Restaurants In S’pore For A Taste Of Authentic Pinoy Fare

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Don Don Donki Is Finally Opening On Dec 1 And They Basically Flew Japan In For S’poreans

Japanese discount store, Don Quijote, better known as Don Don Donki, will be opening its store in Orchard Central on 1 December 2017.

This is the Japanese brand’s first store in Asia. The new 2-storey retail space spans 1397 square metres and will be operating for 24 hours daily.

If you’re hungry, Don Don Donki will also be partnering with Hokkaido Marche to offer a dining experience that we are all familiar with. Just imagine Marche serving up Japanese food.

Another highlight of the Singapore outlet is the takeaway delicatessen section in the supermarket which will offer sushi, sashimi and tons of Japanese goodies.

The cheapest item that you can find at Singapore’s Don Don Donki is the Calbee Jagatico Salad ($0.50). The most expensive item is the 35-year-old Hibiki Suntory Whisky which costs a whopping $80,000.

There’s also the exclusive Don Don Donki bar. There are only 2 outlets in the world. One here in Singapore, and the other in Tachikawa, Tokyo.

The Japanese bar serves a variety of sake, whisky and beer. Unlike the 24-hour outlet, it operates from 4pm – 2am on Sunday to Thursday and 4pm – 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Shoppers will also be thrilled to know that the alcohol section of the supermarket offers alcoholic drinks that are not available at other Don Don Donki branches.

With this opening, we know where we’ll be shopping and buying groceries from now on.

Don Don Donki Singapore
Address: Orchard Central, B1 & B2
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Website

Also read Ngee Ann City, Bishan And 6 Other Places You Didn’t Know Were Once Cemeteries

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Ngee Ann City, Bishan And 6 Other Places You Didn’t Know Were Once Cemeteries

Did you know that Singapore has had over 21 cemeteries in the past? However, Singapore only has 3 active cemeteries now. The Lim Chu Kang cemetery, Pusara Aman Cemetery and Pusara Abadi Cemetery.

Due to the land scarcity that we face, graves had to be exhumed and cemeteries were cleared to make way for urban development. Today, many buildings stand atop old burial sites.

From HDBs to shopping malls, we’ve compiled a list of the places that were once cemeteries.

A Land With A Past

1. Fort Canning

Before it was Fort Canning, it was known as Bukit Larangan, which means “Forbidden Hill” in Malay. Built on it was an early Christian cemetery that was established there in 1822, and closed in 1865.

Following the closure of the Bukit Larangan Cemetery, the Fort Canning Cemetery was established.

The doll was subsequently removed by SMRT staff. But it is still creepy.

3. Novena MRT Station

There was another Jewish cemetery that was recorded to be located just north of Moulmein road, adjacent to Thomson Road and Newton Road. It was established just before the First World War.

However in 1985, the cemetery was closed and the area was reclaimed for the development of a then-new MRT station.

If you look at the map, the only MRT station there is Novena MRT station.

4. Ngee Ann City

The site where Ngee Ann City is standing on, used to be a Teochew Cemetery called ‘Tie Swah Ting’. It was established by the Ngee Ann Kongsi, a Chinese Teochew charitable association in 1845.

The cemetery spanned 72 acres of land and housed 25,000 to 30,000 graves. However, in 1957, the cemetery was cleared and some of the land was acquired by the government.

A 10-storey Ngee Ann building was built on the land, though it was demolished in 1985. Today, the Ngee Ann City Shopping Complex and Civic Plaza can be found at this old burial site.

Even though it has been disproved by Ngee Ann City’s architect, there is still a rumour going around in Singapore that the complex was designed to look like a Chinese tombstone.

Do you see that the flagpoles resemble joss sticks and the fountain in the civic plaza resembles wine offerings?

5. Caldecott Broadcast Centre

Caldecott Hill used to house a Chinese cemetery. The land was purchased to be used as a burial ground for Chinese people. However, the cemetery was closed to build a mansion.

Oddly enough, a fire broke out and razed the mansion to the ground, killing the whole family. The old Mediacorp Caldecott Broadcast Centre used to be situated on the hill.

Today, Woodleigh MRT station sits on part of the old cemetery and HDB has commenced work on turning the area into a housing estate with HDB flats and private houses that will be complete by 2018.

7. Bishan

Before Bishan became Bishan, it was a World War 2 battle site and subsequently a Chinese cemetery known as the Kampong San Teng cemetery.

The Chinese cemetery was eventually closed to make way for HDB estates and the kampong was renamed from San Teng to what we now know as, Bishan.

Honourable Mention

8. Bukit Brown

Did you know that Bukit Brown has an MRT station?

Yes, you read that right. Bukit Brown MRT station. If you’re squinting at your phone trying to spot Bukit Brown MRT station on the SMRT map, you won’t find it.

Bukit Brown MRT station is located somewhere between Caldecott station and Botanic Gardens station.

It is currently not in operation as the ‘station’ is located at an empty plot of land that’s smack dab in the middle of the Bukit Brown cemetery and the Chinese cemetery at Mt. Pleasant.

However, the government has announced plans to build a 4-lane road which will cut through Bukit Brown cemetery and the rest of the cemetery will be cleared to make way for new public housing town in 40 year’s time.

Singapore is a small country and eventually all cemeteries will have to make way for housing development. Would you live in an estate built over an old cemetery?

Also read Katy Perry Is Coming Back To Singapore In April 2018 For Her ‘Witness’ World Tour

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Katy Perry Is Coming Back To Singapore In April 2018 For Her ‘Witness’ World Tour

Katy Perry is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop stars this century and it has been 2 years since she last performed in Singapore.

But worry no more, she has just announced that she will be coming back to our sunny shores on 8 April 2018 as part of her global tour!

A Roaring Good Time

She will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium for one night only in the Asian leg of her Perry’s Witness: The Tour.

Widely known for her flamboyant on-stage persona and boppy pop hits, fans can expect to hear tracks from her “Witness” album such as “Chained To The Rhythm”, “Swish Swish” and “Bon Appétit”.

She might also be performing her other Billboard-topping songs such as “Teenage Dream”, “Firework” and “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)”.

Ticket prices range from $128 to $348.

Early-bird tickets go on sale on 5 December 2017 for American Express Centurion members and other American Express cardholders can purchase their tickets from 6 – 10 December 2017.

Public sales will go live on 11 December 2017 and can be purchased Also read When To Apply For Leave In 2018 For Long Weekends

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When To Apply For Leave In 2018 For Long Weekends

Can you believe November is almost over? Where did the year go?

In just about a month’s time, we’ll be counting down the remaining seconds of 2017, ringing in the new year.

One thing we love about the new year is that you get to start on a clean slate. Everything is reset – public holidays included. We thought, what better way to go into 2018 than by thinking about all the long weekends there will be, and planning ahead for your 2018 holiday(s).

Here are all the long weekends in 2018 so you can get a head start on your planning!

Long Weekends In 2017

In 2018, there will be 4 long weekends (incl. New Year’s weekend), but you can easily make that 9 just be taking a day’s leave. If you take leave on all the days stated below, you can expect a long weekend every month, with the exception of July, September, and October.

1. January

Dates: 30 Dec – 1 January
# days: 3

The New Year’s weekend is a long one, so if you’re hung over on New Year’s Day, at least you won’t have to report to work.

2. February

Dates: 16 Feb – 18 Feb
# days: 3

Chinese New Year falls on 16 and 17 February this year, so we’re getting a long weekend in February.

3. March

Dates: 30 Mar – 1 Apr
# days: 3

Thank God It’s (Good) Friday! Good Friday means we’ll be seeing one long weekend in the month of March.

4. April

Dates: 28 Apr – 1 May
# days: 4
Take leave on: 30 April

Labour Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which means to make it a long weekend, all you have to do is book a day’s leave on 30 April. A short trip out of the country, perhaps?

5. May

Dates: 26 May – 29 May
# days: 4
Take leave on 28 May

Forsee a tough May? Vesak Day falls on a Tuesday, so you know what to do – take the Monday before off, and maybe fly yourself out of the country.

6. June

Date: 15 Jun – 17 Jun
# days: 3

The half point mark of the year brings one long weekend from 15 to 17 June, for Hari Raya Puasa weekend.

7. August

Date: 9 Aug – 12 Aug
# days: 4
Take leave on: 10 Aug

In August, we celebrate the Nation’s Birthday – as well as an extra long weekend, if you take leave on 10 August.

8. Nov

Date: 3 Nov – 6 Nov
# days: 4
Take leave on: 5 Nov

Give yourself a pat on the back for working your a** off all year. November brings a 4-day long weekend if you take leave on 5 November.

9. Dec

Date: 22 Dec – 25 Dec
# days: 4
Take leave on: 24 Dec

Everyone’s favourite time of the year is back again! Take leave on 24 December as a little Christmas gift to yourself, and you get to enjoy a 4-day weekend.

It’s never too early to start planning for your next vacation. Whether it’s a long trip overseas (be sure to schedule it over the long weekends), a short trip to Bangkok, or a staycation right here in Singapore, make use of this handy guide to make the best of the holidays in 2018!

Also read When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

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6 Places You Can Go When You’re Done With Dinner But You Still Want To Lepak

We’ve all been there. You and your friends just had a 2-hour long dinner to catch up but it’s still not enough. You leave the restaurant and now the whole group aimlessly drifts around the mall.

What you’re looking for, is a place to settle down so that you and your friends can carry on your conversation comfortably. Because window shopping gets boring after a while.

So we’ve found 6 places for you and your friends to visit after dinner, if you’re craving for desserts or are just looking to drink.

Desserts And Drinks

1. 2am : dessertbar

If you’re craving for some artsy desserts, then 2am : dessertbar is the place for you. For the majority of us who can never seem to grasp the concept of modern art, we can focus on the taste of the desserts instead.

The thing about this dessert bar is that they actually recommend alcohol pairings with the dessert that you select. Desserts to try are the Cassis Plum ($24), Cacao Forest ($24), and the Tsujihei Green Tea Tart ($20).

The dishes are all carefully plated and look like an abstract art piece that’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

Prices here are steep but great service, ambience and food makes the trip to Holland Village worth it.

2am : dessertbar
Address: 21a Lorong Liput, Holland Village, Singapore, 277733
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 3pm – 2am, Sat – Sun: 2pm – 2am, Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 6291 9727
Website

2. PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill

PS.Cafe has many outlets all over Singapore but the Ann Siang Hill branch is the only one that opens till 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Always a good place to hang out and chill, PS.Cafe serves a wide variety of drinks, from coffees and teas to juices and milkshakes. There’s also alcohol if you’re in the mood.

For dessert, order the Sticky Date Pudding ($15) which comes sitting in a pool of toffee sauce.

You can thank us later.

PS.Cafe at Ann Siang Hill
Address: 45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02, Singapore, 069719
Opening Hours: Mon – Wed: 11.30am – 11pm, Thu: 11.30am – 12am, Fri: 11.30am – 1am, Sat: 9.30am – 1am, Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Contact no.: 9797 0648
Website

3. Cook & Brew

Cook & Brew is a gastro bar in Asia Square Tower 2 in the Marina Bay area.

With an exhaustive menu of wines, beers, cocktails and other spirits, Cook & Brew is the perfect place to chill if you’re in the area with a big group of friends.

Also, it’s a Scottish bar so you never need to worry about a small drink menu. They have over 250 selections of whiskies for you to choose from. If whisky isn’t your thing, then try their micro-brewed beers.

The live band starts performing at 8.30pm daily. Bring your friends down to Highlander for a fun night!

Highlander Bar And Restaurant
Address: 3B River Valley Road, #01-11, Clarke Quay, Singapore, 179021
Opening Hours: Sun – Fri: 5pm – 3am, Sat: 5pm – 4am
Contact no.: 6235 9528
Image Credit: Image Credit: Yong He Eating House[/caption]

The best part? It’s open 24 hours. Bring friends, come hungry.

Yong He Eating House
Address: 458 Geylang Road, Lorong 24A, Singapore, 389417
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Contact no.: 6745 5682
Website

6. Mogambo Bar & Restaurant

Mogambo at Boat Quay is a bar that’s inspired by the Mogambo in Tokyo. The restaurant has 2 bars; an island-style bar and an outdoor bar for al fresco diners.

The drinks menu is extensive, ranging from liqueurs to beers, spirits, shots and champagnes. There’s even a Mogambo bell that customers can ring for a round of shots.

Definitely a great place to hang out with a large group of friends. Just don’t drive after, okay?

Mogambo Bar & Restaurant
Address: 03 Canton Street, #01-01, Boat Quay, Singapore, 049745
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 3am, Sat: 5pm – 4am, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6438 9808
When Pasar Malam Meets USS – Singapore’s Biggest Carnival Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

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