WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore

Page created by Antonio Patton
 
CONTINUE READING
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
WEEKENDS
EXPERIENCE • TASTE • VISIT

              YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
TRAVELLER
     ESSENTIALS
     Planning
02   your trip

03   When you
     are here

04   Before you leave

05   Jewel Changi

     KEY EVENTS OF
     THE YEAR
     Don’t miss these
06   2020 headliners

     SHOP
08   Unique retail gems

10   Curated buys

13
     Places the
     locals love             CONTENTS
     WHAT TO EAT,
     DRINK, SEE & DO

14   Best of the best

16   Halal-friendly dining

18   Sustainable dining

20   Hawker delights

21   Top 10 must do’s
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
CULTURAL       LEGEND
                                             PRECINCTS
                                                                  Address                  MRT
                                        24   Chinatown
                                                                  Website                  Halal

                                        26   Kampong
                                             Glam

                                        28   Little India

                                             CALENDAR

                                        30   January        COVER: HSBC Rain Vortex,
                                                            Jewel Changi
                                                            PHOTO: SPH
                                        34   February
                                                            PUBLISHING AGENT
                                                            FOCUS PUBLISHING
                                                            (A subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings)
                                        38   March
                                                            EDITORIAL & CREATIVE

                                        43   April          SENIOR EDITOR
                                                            Dora Tay

                                                            CREATIVE DIRECTOR
                                                            Tony Law
                                        47   May            ART DIRECTOR
All events and experiences featured                         Fish Chan
in this guide are correct as of press
time in Dec 2019, and may be subject    52   June           GENERAL MANAGER
                                                            Maureen Ho
to changes.
                                                            CLIENT MANAGEMENT
                                        56   July           SENIOR EXECUTIVE
                                                            Neo Pei Shi

                                                            PUBLISHING SERVICES
                                        60   August
                                                            ASSISTANT MANAGER
                                                            Rahmah Aman

                                        65   September      All information is correct at time
                                                            of publication (Dec 2019) and
                                                            may be subject to change. STB is
                                                            not responsible for the accuracy,
                                                            completeness or usefulness of
                                        69   October        this publication and shall not be
                                                            liable for any damage, loss, injury
                                                            or inconvenience arising from or in
                                                            connection with the content of this
                                                            publication. You should verify or seek
                                        73   November       clarification from the individual third
                                                            parties referred to in this publication.

                                        78   December
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
2    5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E T R AV E L L E R E S S E N T I A L S

                                                                                      PLANNING
                                                                                      YOUR
                                                                                      TRIP

Visa & passport                             Apps to download
validity                                    Look out for these app icons and search terms in both
For most visitors, a visa                   Google Play & Apple App stores.
is not required, but ensure
your passport is valid for                  GETTING AROUND:                             E-PAYMENTS:
at least 6 months from                      MyTransport.SG - Provides                   Fave/Alipay/Grab/VIA
the time you leave for                      MRT network map, bus                        - Go cashless with these
Singapore. For                              information & arrival times                 electronic payment apps
more details, visit                                                                     and mobile wallets on the
www.ica.gov.sg                                                                          VIA alliance.

Dress                                       GoJek & Grab - Ride hailing
Dress light for tropical                    services
weather all-year round, with
high humidity levels. Bring
a light sweater for our chilly
air-conditioning.                           TICKETING & RESERVATIONS:                   Prayertime.sg
                                            Sistic - Book tickets for shows,            - Lists mosques, prayer
Drone alert                                 performances and tournaments                areas and prayer times
In Singapore, any unmanned
aircraft with a total weight
of above 250gms must be
registered before it can be                 Chope/Burpple/Hungrygowhere                 FOR TRADE PARTNERS:
operated. Other permits                     - For dining reservations                   tih.stb.gov.sg
and requirements may also                   and user reviews                            Access info on Singapore’s
apply. Visit caas.gov.sg/                                                               tourism offerings at the
flyitsafe to find out more.                                                             Tourism Information &
                                                                                        Services Hub
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
3

WHEN
YOU                                                               Download the
ARE                                                               Visit Singapore
                                                                  Travel Guide app
HERE                                                              Available in both
                                                                  Google Play and Apple
                                                                  App stores.

                                                                  FOR EXPERIENCES
                                                                  Tap on the “Discover”
Arriving in Singapore          Getting around                     tab to learn about
                                                                  the latest events and
From Air                       Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)           lifestyle offerings
Airline passengers will land   Trains                             around you, including
at Singapore Changi Airport    Operating from 5.30am to           the best shops and
Terminal 1-4.                  midnight, single-trip cash fares   eats.
Approximate travel times       range from $1.50 to $2.60.
to the city:                   Ez-link fares start at $0.83       FOR ESSENTIALS
By train: 30-35 mins           (for buses as well).               We understand that
By taxi: 20-25 mins                                               preparation is key.
By bus: 40-50 mins             Buses                              The “Essentials” tab
                               Cash fares start from $1.50.       is where you will find
From Sea                       You can pay by ez-link             answers on free wi-fi,
Cruise passengers either       (a contactless payment card for    currency conversion
disembark at the Singapore     public transport), Mastercard or   and tax refunds. From
Cruise Centre (Closest MRT     Visa contactless bank cards.       Jan 2020, the SG
station: Harbourfront) or                                         Arrival Card (SGAC)
Marina Bay Cruise Centre       Taxis                              will be made available.
(Closest MRT station: Marina   Fares start from $3.90 and all     This is an e-service
South Pier).                   taxis are marked and metered.      where you can
Approximate travel times       Hail them by the road, or when     electronically submit
to the city:                   you’re in the city, at marked      your arrival card up to
By train: 15-30 mins           taxi stands. You can also          14 days before your
By taxi: 10-20 mins            book them through these            trip to Singapore. Say
By bus: 30-40 mins             operators: Comfort & Citycab       goodbye to paper
                               (+65 6552 1111); Premier Cabs      forms and hello to
                               (+65 6363 6888); SMRT Taxis        a seamless travel
                               (+65 6555 8888)                    experience.

                                                                        Back to contents
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
4    5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E T R AV E L L E R E S S E N T I A L S

                               BEFORE
                               YOU
                               LEAVE

GST refunds                                      Authority duty office at             Food Street (Terminal 3).
• If you spend more than                         Seletar Airport. For more            Tuck into local delights like
  $100 in a single receipt,                      info, log onto www.go.gov.           bak kut teh (peppery pork
  you can claim a refund on                      sg/gst-refund/                       soup) and the local favourite
  the 7% GST.                                                                         Hainanese chicken rice.
• Participating shops will                     Enjoy Changi Airport
  display 1 or more of the                     at your leisure                        Knick-knacks & such
  following signs                              You are encouraged to                  Pick up an assortment of
                                               check in at least 2 hours              food souvenirs from the
                                               before your departure time,            many Discover Singapore
                                               to enjoy the airport’s many            outlets across all terminals,
                                               attractions – such as Jewel            or GIFT by Changi Airport
                                               Changi – before going                  (#04-233) at Jewel Changi.
• Present your passport to                     through immigration. Leave             Brands such as Fossa
  the retailer, who will log an                your bags at the Baggage               Chocolate, Song Fa Bak
  Electronic Tourist Refund                    Storage counters to browse             Kut Teh, and Irvin’s Salted
  Scheme (eTRS) transaction                    stress-free, or opt for Early          Egg can be found in these
  with your passport details.                  Check-In at any of the                 stores. For non-perishables,
• Simply scan your passport                    terminals, including Jewel             these all-in-one outlets
  at the eTRS self-help kiosks                 Changi.                                also offer everything from
  at the folloiwng locations:                                                         adorable Merlion plushies
  Departure Check-in Hall                      Taste local cuisine                    to Tiger Balm health
  or the transit area at                       If you didn’t get enough of            products as well.
  Singapore Changi Airport;                    our hawker centres, make
  or Immigration Checkpoints                   a beeline for Singapore
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
5

             JEWEL                                       This airport is a destination in itself
                                                         – come early to enjoy its offerings
             CHANGI                                      before you fly off.

                                                                     EXPERIENCE
                                                                     Be awed by the hypnotic HSBC
                                                                     Rain Vortex, the world’s largest
                                                                     indoor waterfall at 40 metres high,
                                                                     or feel like a trapeze artist while
                                                                     walking on the Canopy Bridge.
                                                                     Bouncy times await the young and
                                                                     young-at-heart at the Manulife Sky
                                                                     Nets B , while the kids will go ga-ga
                                                                     over the first Pokemon Centre C
                                                                     outside Japan.

                                                               B

             EAT & DRINK                                                                               C

             Taste seasonal beers at Tiger
             Street Lab, along with beer-                            SHOP
             friendly foods fresh off the wok                        It’s a veritable wonderland of shops
             by Bib-Gourmand recipient, Keng                         for the most thoughtful gifts to buy
             Eng Kee Seafood. Then there’s                           home. You’ll find locally-designed
             Birds of Paradise Gelato A , with                       items from Supermama, Naiise
             its botanically-inspired flavours.                      Iconic and Risis Tresor as well as
             A favourite with locals, Rich and                       beauty brand Make Hero, used by
             Good Cake Shop offers Swiss rolls                       actresses like Gong Li and Zhang
             in 10 flavours including coconut                        Ziyi. Jewel Changi is also home to
             and kaya (a traditional jam made                        Nike’s largest store in Southeast
             from coconut and eggs). At L’éclair                     Asia and India. Get customised
             Patisserie, local pastry chefs                          sneakers at ‘Nike for you’. For duty-
PHOTO: SPH

             create artistic pastries like Ispahan                   free goods, there’s Shila Duty Free
             (a combo of rose, raspberry and                         with over 140 brands of perfumes
             lychee cream).                          A               and cosmetics.

                                                                                         Back to contents
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
6     52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE KEY EVENTS OF THE YEAR

DON’T MISS THESE 2020
HEADLINERS
           Singapore Art                      HSBC                           Singapore
    JAN    Week                    MAR        Women’s World         MAY      Cocktail
           11-19 Jan                          Championship                   Festival with
The yearly event is back with     28 Feb-3 Mar                     Asia’s 50 Best Bars
a host of art and lifestyle       Will South Korea’s Park Sung     13-17 May
events at various venues          Hyun keep her crown against      If you’re into creative
across Singapore. Look out        63 of the world’s best female    mixes, award-winning
for the highlight event, the      golfers? That is the US$1.5m     bars and dextrous
Light to Night Festival 2020.     question.                        bartenders, you’ve come
                                                                   to the right place.
Pongal (Harvest Festival)
10 Jan-9 Feb                                                       Skechers Sundown
Little India comes to life with                                    Festival
vibrant performances and                                           29-31 May
street decorations.                                                The 3-day event embraces
                                                                   food, art, culture and
           Chinese New Year       i Light Singapore                sustainability.
    FEB    Celebrations           6-29 Mar
           25 Jan-13 Mar          i Light Singapore has built      Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The River gets lit up with        up a reputation for truly        24-25 May
instagrammable lanterns, and      creative and inventive light     Join the festivities in
Chinatown’s streets come          art installations.               Geylang Serai, featuring a
to life with festivities and a                                     dazzling light-up, cultural
dazzling Chingay parade.                      Hydeout Festival     programmes and bazaars.
                                   APR        10-11, 17-18 Apr
ONE Championship                            Singapore’s own
28 Feb                            multi-genre experiential
The much-anticipated event        playground debuts with a
dedicated to mixed martial        line-up that includes ASAP
arts is back for another          Rocky, Rita Ora, Gucci Mane
exciting bout.                    and DJ Snake. Get ready.

                                  HSBC Singapore Rugby
                                  Sevens                                     Singapore
                                  11-12 Apr                         JUN      Floorball Open
                                  This world-class event is                  25-28 Jun
                                  known for its fast and furious   More than 150 teams are
                                  games, stellar team line-ups,    participating in the largest
                                  wacky outfits and outrageous     international floorball
                                  after parties.                   tournament in Asia.
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
7

          Singapore Food                   Grand Prix Season               C3 Anime Festival
 JUL      Festival                 SEP     Singapore              NOV      Asia Singapore
          10-26 Jul                        12-20 Sep                       Late Nov
Taste our obsession with          Experience exhilarating        Get up to date – and into
food through the many             action on and off the track    cosplay – with the latest
tastings, workshops and           – with concerts, parties       J-pop culture, anime and
food tours at this festival.      and of course, the world’s     manga trends.
                                  first Formula 1TM night
International Champions Cup       street race.                   Christmas Celebrations
Mid to late Jul                                                  End Nov-25 Dec
Watch as top European                                            Experience the Christmas
football clubs compete                                           spirit in Singapore’s Orchard
in the summer’s biggest                                          Road, with Christmas
competition.                                                     on a Great Street, and
                                                                 Christmas Wonderland, at
                                                                 the picturesque Gardens by
                                                                 the Bay.
                                  Halloween Horror Nights
                                  End Sep-31 Oct                           Marina Bay
                                  An immersive horror             DEC      Singapore
                                  experience involving haunted             Countdown
                                  houses, creepy characters      31 Dec
          National Day            and definitely many heart-     Say hello to 2021 with a
 AUG      9 Aug                   thumping moments.              dazzling fireworks display,
          Visitors are in for a                                  as well as a stellar line-up of
treat of epic proportions that             JeweLuxe              performances to entertain
includes military parades,         OCT     8-18 Oct              you into the wee hours of the
multicultural performances                  A scintillating      New Year.
and fighter jet fly pasts, as     showcase of precious
well as spectacular fireworks.    jewellery and timepieces
                                  from international and local
Singapore Night Festival          brands.
Mid to end Aug,
to be confirmed
Join in the massive street
party where roving street
performers, aerial artists,
magic acts and pop-up art
installations come together
for an unforgettable show.

                                                                              Back to contents
WEEKENDS EXPERIENCE TASTE VISIT - YOUR GUIDE TO EVERY WEEKEND IN SINGAPORE / 2020 - Visit Singapore
8     52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE SHOP

UNIQUE                                 Beyond retail therapy, these
                                       shopping destinations offer
RETAIL GEMS                            an all-encompassing experience.

Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport (78 Airport
Boulevard) is a $1.3 billion game-
changing edifice. With over 300
retail and dining outlets, it’s home
to local fashion brands such as
In Good Company, The Shirt Bar
and Yacht 21. For outstanding
local eats, there’s foodie
favourites like White Restaurant,
Violet Oon Singapore and LeNu
Chef Wai’s Noodle Bar. Its fifth
level houses Canopy Park, which
features the world’s tallest indoor
waterfall, all surrounded by
terraced gardens, garden mazes
and suspended walking nets.
More on Jewel on page 5.
    jewelchangiairport.com

                                                  Design Orchard
                                                  Living up to its mantra as a place
                                                  ‘where local brands flourish’, Design
                                                  Orchard (250 Orchard Road) carries
                                                  a selection of merchandise from
                                                  more than 60 local brands. Pick up
                                                  Peranakan-inspired cushion covers
                                                  from Onlewo, or a chic chiffon
                                                  dress from Ginlee. Thoughtful gift
                                                  ideas are aplenty too, from clean-
                                                  cut dresses at Reckless Ericka to
                                                  cool shades at Rocket Eyewear.
                                                    designorchard.sg
9

OUE Downtown Gallery
From self-service beauty kiosks to
sustainable fashion accessories
from Essential Extra, shopping at
OUE Downtown Gallery (6 Shenton
Way) is a hipster’s dream. Try out
trendy fitness classes from studios
like Absolute Cycle and aerial yoga
classes from Upside Motion, and
reward yourself thereafter with
delectable delights from Michelin
Bib Gourmand-rated Chen’s Mapo
Tofu. Don’t forget to check out O+
Eyewear for some stylish shades to
up your street cred.
  downtowngallery.com.sg

Suntec City
Suntec City (3 Temasek Boulevard)
remains a firm favourite with
Singaporeans for the sheer variety
of items, and over 350 shops.
Discover local retailers like Watch
Wonderland – a multi-label store
featuring curated timepieces
from Singaporean watchmakers
like BOLDR. Stop by Lee Hwa            Funan
JewelSpace to try on pieces and        The new, tech-savvy Funan (107
take pictures for your latest #OOTD    North Bridge Road) is home to
(Outfit Of The Day), after dropping    many new-to-market brands, such
your kids off at SuperPark, a 40,000   as the world’s first Dyson store.
sq ft indoor theme park to challenge   Some 60% are homegrown labels,
their physical limits.                 including fashion brand Love,              FUN FACT

  sunteccity.com.sg                    Bonito with its on-demand stylists,        Experiential
                                       and artisan jeweller Carrie K, where       stores like
                                       you can view a 3D-printed version          Bernina, the
                                       of your pearl necklace before it           Swiss sewing
                                       gets made. Taobao fans will be             machine
                                       thrilled by Taobao Store by Virmall        brand,
                                       for household items, furniture and         lets Funan
                                                                                  shoppers
                                       fashion. Fitness enthusiasts can
                                                                                  pick up new
                                       climb the 5-storey-high rock-wall at
                                                                                  skills such as
                                       Climb Central, or watch an exciting
                                                                                  sewing.
                                       play at the Wild Rice! Theatre.
                                         capitaland.com/sg/malls/funan/en.html

                                                                                 Back to contents
10   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O S H O P

CURATED                                                  Planning to do some shopping?
                                                         Make sure these items are on your
BUYS                                                     checklist.

                                                                                    3

 1

                 2                                                                      4

Womenswear                                  and hand-sewn sequinned         design students, State
 Binary Style 1 (Design                     gowns are the trademark of      Property 3 (81 McNair
 Orchard, 250 Orchard Road) is              fashion stalwart Lai Chan.      Road) embraces the spirit
 well-loved for its exuberant               But at his eponymously          of the Art Deco movement
 designs on scarves. Think                  named boutique (#03-20          in their designs.
 chiffon ones inspired by                   Paragon Shopping Centre), his   The jewellery pieces of
 Peranakan tiles or Haji                    off-the-rack clothes are just   Eden + Elie 4 (Design
 Lane’s colourful shophouses.               as appealing.                   Orchard) are largely
 Reckless Ericka 2 (Design                                                  handmade using simple
 Orchard) designs highly                  Jewellery                         tools. Its designs evoke
 durable clothes incorporating              You know you’ve made it         a modern Peranakan
 Singaporean motifs. All                    when your jewellery pieces      sensibility, with a
 collections are made at                    are worn by the likes of Lady   commitment to responsible
 ethically run factories.                   Gaga and Michelle Obama.        sourcing of materials and
 Cheongsams (traditional                    Started by Ruiyin Lin and       providing opportunities for
 Chinese one-piece dress)                   Afzal Imram when they were      underprivileged individuals.
11

Menswear                         Bags & Shoes                       They’re retailed at The
 The team at Gnome & Bow          Lingwu’s 7 (43 Jalan Merah        Authority (#03-03 Orchard
  5 (#01-78 Millenia Walk)        Saga, #02-78) leather goods       Gateway).
 are behind the ‘world’s          combine traditional Asian
 first storytelling bags and      craftsmanship with materials      Homeware
 wallets’, imbuing narratives     sourced from around the            ‘Putting the fun in
 from classic tales (like         world. Its timeless totes and      functional’, Naiise 9
 Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde) into its    clutches are lightweight yet       (#03-24 to 29 Wisma Atria)
 card holders, wallets and        rich to the touch.                 products wittily re-interpret
 leather goods.                   It started out as a bespoke        Singaporean icons. One
 Frustrated at the way            shoe outfit, but Ed Et Al 8        of Singapore’s best-loved
 consumers and workers            (120 Telok Ayer Street) has        dishes, chilli crab, gets its
 were being exploited, local      since expanded its repertoire      own plate, complete with a
 brand The Shirt Bar 6            to include made-to-order and       step-by-step recipe.
 (#02-463 Suntec City) struck     ready-to-wear shoes. Made          Bring home a cushion
 out on its own, offering         at factories in Ho Chi Minh        cover – or three – from
 classic formals and quirky       City, they are then hand-dyed      Onlewo 10 (Design Orchard).
 casuals – all made with          by Singaporean artisans.           Its refreshing takes on
 fair-wage partners. Pick up      Local shoe designer Orsq’s         heritage, places and culture
 its Spill Resist shirts and      militaristic and avant-garde       in Singapore and Asia can
 say goodbye to wine or pen       creations have been featured       be seen in its eye-catching
 stains.                          at Shanghai Fashion Week.          home and lifestyle goods.

   5
                                                                7

                                                                                                     9

                                                            8

                                                                                10
          6

                                                                                 Back to contents
12   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O S H O P

                                                                                                           16

                                                   12

               11
                                                                          15

                                                                                                      17

                                13                                                               18
                                                               14

Beauty                                      Botanical Gardens, described       Shermay’s 16 cilicuka (a
 Inspired by Peranakan beauty               as the smell of ‘orchids,          chilli-vinegar sauce) is
 traditions, Pera Skincare                  green shrubs, cut grass and        based on an heirloom
 11 (peraskincare.com) uses                 various other plants early in      recipe passed down from
 ingredients common in the                  the morning’.                      her grandmother. Buy them
 culture – such as bedak                                                       from Taste Singapore at
 sejuk, a powder made from                Timepieces                           Changi Airport.
 rice and pandan leaf that has              Designed for ‘urban                Vacuum sealed and packed
 cooling properties – in its                explorers’, watches by the         for your luggage, Bee Cheng
 formulations.                              Millennial founders of BOLDR       Hiang 17 bak kwa (barbecued
 Kind to the earth and easy                 14 (Design Orchard) have a         meat slices) is made with
 on the wallet, vegan-based                 rugged yet refined aesthetic       100% natural ingredients
 Solos Cosmetics 12 (#01-03                 and are meant to be ‘worn,         without artificial flavourings
 Marina One Residences) is a                used and abused every day’.        or preservatives.
 crowd favourite with its lip               Swiss-made movements               Consistent quality has
 glosses and liners – all in                feature in all models.             made Bengawan Solo 18
 packaging that uses as little                                                 the bakery of choice for
 plastic as possible.                     Food Souvenirs                       many local families. Its
 Bring home Singapore                       Irvins 15 salted egg snacks        kueh lapis (a multi-layered
 Memories 13 (Design                        (potato chips/fish skins)          cake) and pandan chiffon
 Orchard) perfumes and room                 are ‘dangerously addictive’        cakes are well-loved and can
 scents inspired by all things              and available at most              be found in almost every
 Singapore. We love Sunrise in              supermarkets.                      neighbourhood here.
13

             PLACES THE                                     Next to food, shopping is a
                                                            national obsession, and these are
             LOCALS LOVE                                    the popular hotspots.

                                                 VivoCity B (1 Harbourfront
                                                 Walk) isn’t just Singapore’s
                                                 largest retail and lifestyle
                                                 destination, it’s also the
                                                 ultimate family-friendly mall.
                                                 Besides numerous play
                                                 areas, there’s also kiddy-
                                                 favourite Toys ‘R’ Us, and
                                                 the largest Timezone arcade
                                                 in Singapore. And since it
                                        A                                                                        C
                                                 shouldn’t just be about the
                                                 kids, there’s Saint Laurent and
             As Singapore’s largest outlet       Ted Baker for fashion ideas,      We daresay Mustafa Centre
             mall, IMM A (2 Jurong East          and Best Denki and Muji for        C (145 Syed Alwi Road) is just

             Street 2) is home to more           your home needs.                  as popular with the locals as
             than 90 outlets that offer             Harbourfront                   it is with tourists. Just about
             discounts of up to 80% all                                            everything under the sun can
             year round. Whether you’re                                            be bought at very competitive
             into fitness, furnishings or                                          prices. Besides exotic pickles,
             fashion, this spacious mall                                           spices and sweets from
             has just about every major                                            around the world, shoppers
             brand under its roof: Nike,                                           can also get their hands on
             Victoria’s Secret, Coach, The                                         gold jewellery, handbags
             North Face and Kate Spade,                                            and a wide range of health
             just to name a few.                                                   supplements.
                                                               B
               Jurong East                                                           Farrer Park

             What makes Orchard Road a perennial favourite?
             Let’s see: There’s 88-year-old grand dame Tangs D
             (310 Orchard Road), which supports home-grown
             fashion labels like Elohim and Ginlee Studio. ION
             Orchard (2 Orchard Turn) has eight storeys of retail
             and F&B, including timelessly chic label In Good
             Company (#B1-06), while Manifesto (#02-17) at
PHOTO: SPH

             Mandarin Gallery (333A Orchard Road) impresses
             with its minimalist aesthetic.
                                                                                                                 D
               Orchard

                                                                                                   Back to contents
14   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O E AT & D R I N K

BEST OF                                                  We highlight local restaurants and
                                                         bars that have rightfully earned
THE BEST                                                 their international accolades.

                                         A

                                                                   B

                           C                                                 D                                     E

DINING
 For the first time ever, two                for contemporary Australian         fare is served in the luxurious
 Singapore restaurants were                  food, and Basque Kitchen            setting of a bungalow.
 awarded the Michelin Guide’s                by Aitor C (97 Amoy Street),        Ingredients not commonly
 coveted three-star rating.                  where Basque dishes are             associated with Indian
 Stalwart Les Amis (#01-16                   elevated with Chef Aitor            cuisine, such as foie
 Shaw Centre), with a dazzling               Jeronimo’s deft touches.            gras, are imbued with
 3,000-bottle wine cellar,                   With cuisine described as           unmistakably Indian flavours
 serves up elegant French                    ‘innovative’, Corner House          to stellar results.
 cuisine, while three-year-old                D (1 Cluny Road) retains its       Candlenut E (17A Dempsey
 Odette A (#01-04 National                   star and, helmed by local           Road) is the world’s first
 Gallery Singapore) offers a                 chef Jason Tan, celebrates          Michelin-starred Peranakan
 contemporary and inventive                  sustainably sourced                 restaurant. Owner-chef
 twist on the same fare.                     seasonal produce through its        Malcolm Lee embraces his
 New entrants to this year’s                 gastro-botanica cuisine.            roots to deliver authentic
 Michelin list include Cheek                 At The Song of India (33            Straits Chinese dishes with a
 Bistro B (21 Boon Tat Street)               Scotts Road), modern Indian         modern twist.
15

                                                   G

                                                                                                  I

                                               F
                                                                                                  J
                                                                       H

BARS
Atlas Bar F (Parkview          Slavic fermented beverage      2019 World’s 50 Best Bars
Square) made Time.com’s        made from rye bread).          list. A tribute to Ernest
‘Greatest Places 2018’ list    The stellar offerings at       Hemingway, drinks here
and has been lauded for its    Jigger & Pony H (Amara         are named after his books,
extensive gin menu (1,000      Hotel) are thanks to bar       while ‘Papa’ memorabilia
varieties) and a classic Art   manager Jerrold Khoo,          are strewn throughout.
Deco-styled interior.          champion bartender at the        With inspired cocktails
As its name suggests,          prestigious Diageo World       that celebrate the different
Native G (52A Amoy Street)     Class Competition 2018 in      eras of New York in a
cocktails are crafted with     Singapore. Order the Java      setting reminiscent of a
Asian ingredients and          Cooler: a mix of Tanqueray     grand hotel bar, it’s no
spirits. We recommend The      gin, sesame, calamansi and     wonder Manhattan J
Sarapan, which features        Fever Tree aromatic tonic.     (Regent Singapore) was
a coconut distillate,          The Old Man Singapore I        second on Asia’s Best Bars
butter roasted coffee, and     (55 Keong Saik Road, #01-04)   2019 list.
homemade kvass alcohol (a      also clinched a spot on the

                                                                           Back to contents
16     5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O E AT

HALAL-FRIENDLY                                                     Halal food choices range
                                                                   from the traditional to the
DINING                                                             refreshingly innovative.

                                                                              StraitsKitchen
                                                                              Hearty and curious
                                                                              appetites should head for
                                                                              the halal-certified buffet
                                                                              spread at StraitsKitchen
                                                                              (Grand Hyatt Singapore).
                                                                              Here, local ethnic dishes like
                                                                              murtabak (flatbread stuffed
                                                                              with meat and spices),
                                                                              beef rendang (braised meat
                                                                              cooked in coconut milk and
                                                                              spices), Singapore laksa
                                                                              (spicy coconut milk-based
                                                                              noodle soup) and chilli crab
                                                                              are freshly prepared in its
                                                                              ‘live theatre kitchens’.
                                                                                 www.singapore.grand.
                                                                                 hyattrestaurants.com

Smith Marine
Enjoy halal seafood
zichar (traditional dishes
influenced by home-cooked
Chinese food) at this kelong
(wooden offshore platform)
restaurant. No passport
needed – just a 10-minute
boat ride from Changi Point
Ferry Terminal. Catch your
own fish, or try the cereal
prawns and clam beehoon
(vermicelli).
     smithmarine.com.sg
17

                                  The Halia                      Positano Risto
                                  Set amid the lush              Healthy appetites can
                                  surroundings of our iconic     expect generous portions at
                                  Botanic Gardens, The Halia     Positano Risto (66 Bussorah
                                  (Malay for ginger) serves up   Street). Italian dishes like osso
                                  modern European fare with      buco (braised veal shanks)
                                  Asian influences. Standout     come highly recommended,
                                  dishes include the Lightly     while the arancini balls (rice
                                  Smoked Kingfish starter and    balls stuffed with mozzarella)
                                  Slow-cooked Chicken Breast.    are described by one blogger
                                    thehalia.com                 as ‘super addictive’.
                                                                    positanoristo.com

Tongue Tip Lanzhou                Hararu Izakaya
Beef Noodles                      Muslim-owned Hararu
Lamian (hand-pulled noodles)      Izakaya (16 Bussorah Street)
are rarely associated with        offers a menu that goes
halal cuisine, but lamian         beyond bar bites. Enjoy
lovers swear by the offerings     the highly recommended
at Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef        Edamame Aglio Olio, gyozas
Noodles (#02-107 Tiong Bahru      (pan-fried dumplings),
Plaza). Pick your favourite       and the tori nanban
noodle types – from thick to      (fried egg-battered
triangular – to accompany its     chicken in a
signature beef broth. Feeling     sweet and sour
adventurous? Take your            sauce) on cosy
chances with the mouth-           tatami-style seating.
numbing Mala Spicy Beef             hararuizakaya.com
Noodle.

Blu Kouzina                                                      The Malayan Council
This Greek restaurant (10                                        For fusion cuisine that
Dempsey Road, #01-21) in the                                     works, head for The Malayan
hip Tanglin enclave comes                                        Council (10 Winstedt Road).
highly recommended for                                           Outstanding dishes include
its authentic appetisers –                                       the Smoked Duck Lemak
especially the Greek salad                                       Chili Padi (a pasta dish
and halal lamb chops.                                            served in a coconut sauce
Reservations are advised as                                      with bird’s-eye chilli). Be
seats fill up fast. Note: This                                   sure to end with the Classic
establishment has no pork,                                       Ondeh-Ondeh Cake, inspired
no lard and has halal-certified                                  by the bite-sized treat filled
meats, but serves alcohol.                                       with melted palm sugar and
  blukouzina.com                                                 coated with grated coconut.

                                                                               Back to contents
18   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O E AT

SUSTAINABLE                                              Whether it’s farm-to-table or
                                                         nose-to-tail cuisine, here’s where
DINING                                                   to go for guilt-free nosh.

                                                                    Kausmo
                                                                    Produce usually discarded by chefs
                                                                    for being discoloured or oddly
                                                                    shaped is put to good use at this
                                                                    sustainable dining concept by the
                                                                    Les Amis Group. Kausmo (Shaw
                                                                    Centre, #03-07), derived from the
                                                                    word “cosmos”, is its founder-chefs’
                                                                    way of addressing unnecessary
                                                                    food wastage, and to show that
                                                                    something good can come out
                                                                    of imperfection. The six-course
                                                                    modern European menu uses the
                                                                    day’s seasonal ingredients.
                                                                      lesamisgroup.com.sg/kausmo

                                                                    Afterglow
                                                                    For fully plant-based, meatless,
                                                                    guilt-free cuisine, diners have been
                                                                    flocking to Afterglow (24 Keong Saik
                                                                    Road). Unanimously described as
                                                                    cosy, the tasteful little spot has
                         Salted & Hung                              also received rave reviews for its
                         This eatery (12 Purvis Street) does        creative dishes, such as Avocado
                         its bit for sustainability by ensuring     Kimchi Rolls, and Zucchini Linguine
                         that every part of an animal or fish       and Walnut Meatballs.
                         in its dishes is used. This includes         afterglow.sg
                         smoking, curing, pickling and
                         grilling innards, skin and bones to
                         emerge with dishes that adhere
                         to Drew Chef Nocente’s policy of
                         “minimal waste”. Some standout
                         dishes include quail (chilli and
                         quail reduction) and grouper
                         with soy, charcoal and fermented
                         prawn butter.
                             saltedandhung.com.sg
19

                                                                          Noka
                                                                          This modern Japanese restaurant
                                                                          (#07-38 Funan), from the same
                                                                          people behind Open Farm
                                                                          Community, is the group’s first
                                                                          foray into Japanese dining. Tucked
                                                                          away on Funan’s top floor and
                                                                          accessible by walking through the
                                                                          rooftop garden, Noka gets most of
                                                                          its produce from the nearby garden
                                                                          for its omakase (chef’s special) or
                                                                          set lunches.
                                                                            www.noka.sg

                                                    Labyrinth
                                                    The mod-Sin (modern Singapore)
                                                    cuisine at one-Michelin-star
                                                    Labyrinth (#02-23 Esplanade Mall)
                                                    features innovative dishes like nasi
                                                    lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk,
                                                                                               FUN FACT
                                                    served with an array of side dishes)
                                                    cheong fun (rice noodle roll) and         Before he
                                                                                              started
                                                    Heartland Waffle. But beyond his
                                                                                              Labyrinth
                                                    clever dishes, Chef Han Liguang is
                                                                                              with some
                                                    committed to using locally sourced
                                                                                              friends, Chef
             Poison Ivy Bistro                      produce where possible. As one
                                                                                              Han was a
             For a taste of rural Singapore,        review has described it, Labyrinth is     corporate
             there’s Poison Ivy Bistro (100         where ‘traditional Singaporean food       banker.
             Neo Tiew Road), an offshoot of         is completely re-imagined’.
             Bollywood Veggies, one of the            labyrinth.com.sg
             earliest organic farms in the
             country. The bistro emphasises
             healthy eating, so expect less salt,
             no pork, no lard, and herbs and
             spices from its own farm. Try the
             Moringa Tempura, a plant with
             antioxidant properties coated with
             chickpea flour and deep-fried.
             Other unique offerings include
             Bolly Banana Curry and Jackfruit
             Lemak (a creamy sauce made with
PHOTO: SPH

             coconut).
               bollywoodveggies.com/bistro-farm/
               poison-ivy-bistro

                                                                                             Back to contents
20      5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O E AT, S E E & D O

HAWKER                                                     Some of Singapore’s most
                                                           outstanding stalls are run by next-
DELIGHTS                                                   generation hawkers putting their
                                                           unique spin on old favourites.

                                            Coffee Break                         Tang Kay Kee Fish Head
                                            In 2011, the Sai siblings            Bee Hoon
                                            behind Coffee Break took             Marrying the concept of zichar
                                            over the drinks stall from their     (traditional dishes influenced
                                            father and, since then, have         by home-cooked Chinese
                                            introduced coffee flavours           food) with modern lunch
                                            like Pumpkin Spice and Sea           bowls was a gamble that paid
                                   A        Salt Mint – inspired by their        off. The fourth-generation
                                            travels to France and Iran           hawkers have reinterpreted
A Noodle Story                              respectively.                        dishes like prawn paste
The brainchild of two young                    #02-78 Amoy Street Food Centre    chicken, serving it in boneless,
“hawkerpreneurs”, A Noodle                                                       bite-sized cubes for easy
Story has made it to the                     Old Amoy Chendol                    consumption.
Michelin Bib Gourmand                        Using skills learnt from              #01-70 Hong Lim Food Centre
list every year since 2016.                  his retired grandfather,
Their specialty? Noodles A                   “hawkerpreneur” Zhao You

                                                                                                                     PHOTOS: SPH
described as Japanese ramen                  Ning dishes out authentic
meets wanton mee (Chinese                    chendol C – an iced sweet
dumpling noodles).                           dessert with slithers of green
     #01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre          rice flour jelly, coconut milk
                                             and gula melaka (palm sugar).
                                             Ingredients are made from
                                             scratch daily, especially
                                                                                                                 D
                                             the hand-pressed, pandan-
                                             flavoured jelly.
                                                #02-008 Chinatown Complex        Sin Ming Roti Prata
                                                Food Centre                      Third-generation owners
                                                                                 Almalic Faisal and his brother,
                                       B
                                                                                 Mohamed Dufail, knead 30kg
                                                                                 of dough daily, twirling and
Lad & Dad                                                                        flipping each prata D (South
This father-son duo dish out                                                     Indian crispy flatbread) by
halal, British-inspired comfort                                                  hand. Eaten with a spicy fish
food like Sunday roasts and                                                      curry, it’s the best reward after
Yorkshire pudding B . Diners                                                     a long trek at the MacRitchie
can expect hearty portions                                                       Treetop Walk.
using choice cuts.                                                           C     #01-51 Jin Fa Kopitiam,
     #01-79 Maxwell Food Centre                                                    24 Sin Ming Road
21

TOP 10                                     Depending on your interest, there
                                           are so many experiences to be
MUST DO’S                                  enjoyed. Here are our favourites.

                                  2

                                FOR FLORA AND
                                FAUNA FANS
                                If birdwatching is your thing,
                                Sungei Buloh Wetland
                                Reserve B serves as a
                                stopover for hundreds of
                                species of migratory birds
                          A                                                                C
                                like herons and falcons. The
                                Singapore Botanic Gardens
                                is a lush oasis of over
   1                                                               3
                                10,000 species of flora, with
                                some as old as its 160-year
WHERE THE WILD                  history. Or take a three-        NOSTALGIC
THINGS ARE                      hour trek to MacRitchie          SINGAPORE
Over 600 different species      Reservoir’s Treetop Walk for     Beyond its modern skyline
of fantastic creatures can      stunning vistas 25m off the      and shiny shopping malls,
be found across these           forest floor. The 250m-long      there are still pockets of
three parks. Whether it’s the   suspension bridge closes at      Singapore that hark back to
majestic white tigers from      4.45pm, so be sure to start      an earlier era. Pulau Ubin
the award-winning Singapore     early.                            C , an island off mainland

Zoo, or River Safari’s A                                         Singapore, gives you a
adorable giant pandas, there                                     glimpse of life in the 1960s,
will be many insta moments                                       with old kampung (Malay
while you tour the elegantly                                     for village) houses. Seletar
landscaped habitats. Stay                                        Aerospace Park is a prime
on for the world’s only                                          example of Singapore’s
Night Safari, and hop on                                         colonial past. These days,
a 35-minute tram ride                                            its charming black and
touring everything from                                          white residential bungalows
                                              B
the rugged Himalayan                                             house hip eateries popular
foothills to the swamp                                           with visiting locals on the
banks of Equatorial                                              weekend.
Africa.

                                                                             Back to contents
22       5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E W H AT T O S E E & D O

     4

FOR CULTURAL
CACHET
The ArtScience Museum (6
Bayfront Avenue) has hosted
several cutting-edge shows,
while modern Southeast
Asian art can be admired at
National Gallery Singapore
 D (1 St Andrew’s Road). If                                                                               F

street or mural art is more
                                                                                  6
up your alley, head to the
three cultural precincts of                                                     ACTIVE DAZE
                                                                            E
Chinatown, Little India and                                                     Sentosa island is popular
Kampong Glam. See page 24                                                       with sun and fun seekers.
for Cultural Precincts.                           5                             Action fans can go for AJ
                                                                                Hackett’s acclaimed bungy
                                                                                jump, or take to the skies
                                               APPRECIATING                     through the wind tunnel at
                                               ARCHITECTURE                     iFly Singapore F . Kid-
                                               With reputable international     friendly pursuits include SEA
                                               and local architects behind      Aquarium, home to some
                                               some of our most iconic          100,000 marine creatures.
                                               buildings, Singapore has         On mainland Singapore,
                                               become a destination for         places like KF1 Karting
                                               gazers and students alike.       (1 Turf Club Avenue), Bounce
                    D
                                               Admire these edifices that       Singapore (8 Grange Road,
                                               celebrate form, style and        #09-01) and Splash-N-Surf
                                               function on architecture day      G (1B Stadium Walk) offer

                                               tours organised by private       more thrilling options.
FUN FACT
                                               operators like Jane’s SG
There are                                      Tours. Marina Bay Sands,
more than
                                               Gardens by the Bay E ,
50 museums
                                               Esplanade, National
and galleries
                                               Gallery – they’re sure to
waiting to be
discovered.                                    take your breath away.
How many                                       Sign up, too, for tours that
have you                                       take you into the cultural
visited?                                       precincts of Joo Chiat,
                                               Katong and Chinatown,
                                               where beautifully restored
                                               conservation shophouses
                                               live on as an homage to
                                                                                                          G
                                               Singapore’s heritage.
23

                                             FUN FACT

                                            You can           9
                                            have a tasty
                                            meal for less   TOAST TO
                                            than $4 at      ADVENTUROUS
                                            most hawker     MIXOLOGY
                                            centres.
                                                            Inventive tipples to try: Ah
                                                            Sam Cold Drink Stall (60
                                                            Boat Quay) invokes local
                                                            coffee shops with its kopi-o
                                                            gao (whisky, coffee-infused
                                                            vermouth and walnut
                                 8                          bitters). Operation Dagger
                                                            (7 Ann Siang Hill, #B1-01),
                               SHOPPING IN                  with its ‘bunker-chic décor’,
                               ORCHARD ROAD                 keeps things mysterious
                               Orchard Road I is more       – including a menu that
                               than just star-studded       doesn’t detail what’s in your
                               international brands. It’s   drink. So, guess what’s in
                               also a treasure trove of     your Oyster Ice Cream or
                               local brands that boasts     Gomashio 2013?
                         H
                               world-class quality. Don’t
                               miss Design Orchard,
                               with its many independent
  7
                               boutiques representing the
                               best of Singapore design.
HAWKER HUNT                    See page 8 for more unique
Seek out an array of local     retail gems.
dishes at our beloved
                                                                                       J
hawker centres. Besides the
tourist hotspots of Maxwell
Food Centre H or Newton,
remember to hit up the
                                                              10
hidden gems of Chinatown
Complex, Golden Mile Food                                   NIGHTS OUT
Centre and Tiong Bahru                                      Party it up with our bevy of
Market as well. You may                                     hip nightlife establishments,
even spot a Michelin-starred                                from the world’s tallest
stall or two – just look for                                rooftop bar, 1-Altitude
the longest line!                                           (1 Raffles Place), to themed
                                                            bars like Holey Moley J
                                                            (3B River Valley Road) and
                                                            Nineteen80 (21 Tanjong
                                                            Pagar Road, #01-05). See
                                                            page 15 for more award-
                                                        I
                                                            winning bars.

                                                                         Back to contents
24   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E C U LT U R A L P R E C I N C T S

CHINATOWN                                                    Once home to early Chinese
                                                             immigrants, this multicultural
                                                             enclave has evolved into a bustling
                                                             melting pot of old and new.

                                                                                  EAT & DRINK
                                                                                  • A spectrum of dining experiences
                                                                                    await in Chinatown, from hearty
                                                                                    hawker food to fine Scandinavian
                                                                                    fare at the two-Michelin-starred
                                                                                    Zen (41 Bukit Pasoh Road).
                                                                                    Bib Gourmand-worthy zichar
                                                                                    (traditional dishes influenced
                                                                                    by home-cooked Chinese food)
                                                                                    can be savoured at Kok Sen
                                                                                    Restaurant (30 Keong Saik Road).
                                                                        A
                                                                                  • Chinatown Food Street at Smith
                                                                                    Street boasts iconic dishes by
SEE & DO                                                                            some of Singapore’s most well-
• Dedicated as a time capsule                                                       known stalls. Order these to try:
  to show stories of Singapore’s                                                    oyster omelette, satay (grilled,
  early Chinese immigrants, the                                                     skewered meat) or fried kway teow
  Chinatown Heritage Centre                                                         (flat rice flour noodles).
  (48 Pagoda Street) is a must-visit                                              • A few bars that made it to Asia’s 50
                                                        FUN FACT
  for an introduction to Singapore’s                                                Best Bars 2019 list can be found
                                                        Thian Hock
  largest historical district.                                                      right here in Chinatown: Native
                                                        Keng Temple
• Look out for the life-sized murals                                                (52A Amoy Street) and Operation
                                                        was built
  of Yip Yew Chong A , a local                                                      Dagger B (7 Ann Siang Hill).
                                                        without a
  illustrator. His art depicts life in                  single nail.
  the district from an earlier era.
• Don’t miss three of Singapore’s
  oldest religious buildings: the
  Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim
  Heritage Centre (140 Telok Ayer
  Street), Thian Hock Keng Temple
  (158 Telok Ayer Street) and Al
  Abrar Mosque (192 Telok Ayer
  Street).
• For a hands-on experience into
  a vanishing craft, sign up for a
                                                                                                                           PHOTO: SPH

  two-hour Buddha effigy-making
  workshop at Say Tian Hng (www.
                                                                                                                     B
  buddhashop.sg).
25

                                       • Ever-popular food souvenirs mean
                                         snaking queues at retailers like
                                         Tai Chong Kok C (34 Sago Street)
                                         and Lim Chee Guan (203 New
                                         Bridge Road). The latter’s juicy bak
                                  C
                                         kwa (barbequed meat slices) is
                                         a favourite among local foodies.
                                         Pek Sin Choon D
SHOP                                     (36 Mosque Street) supplies teas
• Jewellers like On Cheong (251          to local restaurants, including
  South Bridge Road) and watch           its famous Unknown Fragrance,
  retailer Kee Hin Hung (#02-            a blend of oolong tea varietals.
  21/22 People’s Park Complex)           Local-coffee lovers pick up their
  have become mainstays in               favourite blends from Nanyang
  Chinatown, with their loyal band       Old Coffee E (268 South Bridge
  of customers.                          Road).
• Health and wellness shops            • A specialty store for Chinese
  include Chop Wah On (34 Upper          products, the historic Yue Hwa
  Cross Street) for its world-famous     Chinese Products (70 Eu Tong Sen             D

  medicated oils, and Eu Yan             Street) has always been the go-to
  Sang (#B1-35, Chinatown Point)         place for brocades, cheongsams
  for packaged tonic soups and           and embroidered wedding
  supplements.                           emblems, among others.

                                                                                              E

                                                                                Back to contents
26   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E C U LT U R A L P R E C I N C T S

KAMPONG                                                      Rich Malay heritage aside, this
                                                             district is chock-full of hipster
GLAM                                                         cafes, shops and delicious eats.

                                                                                                FUN FACT

                                                                                                The base
                                                                                                of Sultan
                                                                                                Mosque’s
                                                                                                onion-shaped
                                                                                                domes are
                                                                                                decorated
                                                                                                with glass
                                                                                                bottle ends
                                                                                                donated
                                                                                                by poorer
                                                                                                Muslims who
                                                                                                wanted to
                                                                                                contribute
                                                                                                to its
                                                                                                construction.

                                                                                          A

SEE & DO                                                  or Masjid Sultan (3 Muscat
 With its distinctive yellow exterior,                    Street) is one of Singapore’s most
 the Malay Heritage Centre (85                            impressive religious buildings,
 Sultan Gate) was formerly the                            with a prayer hall that can hold up
 residence of the Sultan of Johor                         to 5,000 worshippers.
 in pre-independent Singapore.                            For instagrammably eye-catching
 It holds artefacts tracing Malay                         murals and street art, head to
 culture dating as far back as the                        Haji Lane A , Sultan Gate, Jalan
 18th century.                                            Pisang, Baghdad Street and
 Just five years shy of its 200th                         the Gelam outdoor art gallery in
 anniversary, the Sultan Mosque                           Muscat Street.
27

EAT & DRINK
Bib Gourmand awardee Hajah
Maimunah B (11 Jalan Pisang)
still dishes out nasi padang
(steamed rice served with
various pre-cooked dishes) the
way it’s been prepared for the
last 30 years. Be sure to order
the ikan bakar (grilled fish) and
tahu telor (tofu omelette served
with peanuts and a spicy sauce).
Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant
(697-699 North Bridge Road) is
perhaps the country’s most
well-known murtabak (flatbread
stuffed with egg, meat and
                                                                                         B
onions) stall, and reportedly its
oldest at 111 years old. Foodies
swear by its chicken murtabak.      For photogenic Bubble Waffles
At Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong          and other sweet treats, Asian
(55 Haji Lane), dishes feature      Rad Afters (33 Bali Lane) is an
sustainably harvested local         offshoot from Osaka, Japan.
seafood, such as its XL Clams,      Exclusive flavours to Singapore
all delivered fresh from its own    are Peranakan Road and Little
kelong (floating fish farm).        SouQ.

                                                                                               D
                                                       SHOP
                                                         For a scent that’s truly unique,
                                                         Sifr Aromatics C (42 Arab Street)
                                                         can customise something just for
                                                         you, whether it’s citrusy, intense,
                                                         or uplifting notes you’re after.
                                                         Love the boho vibes of Haji Lane?
                                                         Those with a soft spot for vintage
                                                         clothing and handmade one-of-
                                                         a-kind accessories head for Time
                                                         After Time (76 Haji Lane) and
                                                         SSFW (75 Haji Lane) respectively.
                                                         Delightful homewares and
                                                         other lifestyle items can be found
                                                         at Scene Shang D (263 Beach
                                                         Road) and Supermama (265
                                                 C
                                                         Beach Road).

                                                                           Back to contents
28   5 2 W E E K E N D S I N S I N G A P O R E C U LT U R A L P R E C I N C T S

LITTLE                                                       Soak in the infectious vibes of this
                                                             vibrant enclave. It’s hard to resist
INDIA                                                        the pull of its cultural attractions
                                                             and incredible shopping.

SEE & DO
 Orientate yourself at the
 Indian Heritage Centre (5
 Campbell Lane), with films and
 interactive galleries detailing
 the history of early Indian
 immigrants in Singapore. For
 art with an experimental vibe,
 UltraSuperNew Gallery (107
 Rowell Road) has scheduled
 exhibitions, so do check its
 website before you plan a visit.
 You’ll find a curated mix of retail
 offerings and palate pleasers
 at the new Tekka Place (2
 Serangoon Road) Make a
 beeline for Xin Tekka, featuring
 legendary hawkers, next
 generation food vendors and
 famous home cooks all under
 one roof. Feast your eyes on
 the iconic mural or head for the                    A
 rooftop for cultural activities.
 Do the temple trek – Serangoon
 Road’s Sri Veeramakaliamman,                            EAT & DRINK
 Srinivasa Perumal and Sri                                Plan a morning visit to Tekka
 Vadapathira Kaliamman A                                  Market B (665 Buffalo Road). After
 or Chander Road’s Shree                                  viewing an eye-popping array of
 Lakshminarayan.                                          fresh market produce, adjourn
 For a dose of heritage, ARTWALK                          to the food centre to feast on
                                                                                               FUN FACT
 Little India (artwalklittleindia.                        cuisines from many cultures. The
 sg), organises events that bring                         Indian food stalls are standouts:
                                                                                               In days
                                                                                               past, you
 to life the history, culture and                         Be sure to try
                                                                                               could find a
 art of Little India. Especially                          the ubiquitous hot ginger tea and
                                                                                               racecourse,
 Instagrammable is Artwalk Trails,                        nasi briyani (Indian spiced rice
                                                                                               cattle
 which takes you behind the story                         dish with meat or vegetables).       herders and
 of the precinct’s colourful murals                       Follow the long queues and you       brick kilns in
 and how they came to be.                                 can’t go wrong.                      Little India.
29

                                                                        SHOP
                                                                        Wander along Serangoon Road
                                                                        or its many little lanes and
                                                                        there’s bound to be something
                                                                        interesting. Little India Arcade (48
                                                                        Serangoon Road) is a conserved
                                                                        block of shophouses that is home
                                                                        to many Indian knick-knacks and
                                                                        sweets, such as Moghul Sweet
                                                                        Shop (#01-16).
                                                                        Brilliant saris can be found
                                                                        at Pottu Kara Maami (121A
                                                                        Serangoon Road). Check out its
                                                                        cheeky Instagram page. Be sure
                                                                        to make a stop at Joyalukkas
                                                                        (412 Serangoon Road), a reputable
                                                                        jewellery chain for all things gold.
                                                                   B
                                                                        For a local favourite, visit Jothi
                                                                        Store & Flower Shop (1 Campbell
                    For the last 97 years, Komala                       Lane) for flower garlands and
                    Vilas (76-78 Serangoon Road)                        prayer items.
                    has been the go-to restaurant                       And, of course, no shopping trip to
                    for vegetarians and anyone on a                     Little India is complete without a
                    break from a meat diet. Serving                     visit to Mustafa Centre (145 Syed
                    both North and South Indian                         Alwi Road). More on Mustafa on
                    cuisine, it features an extensive   FUN FACT        page 13. Interesting gift ideas can
                    menu at affordable prices.          British         also be found at Onlewo D (129
                    At Meatsmith Little India (21       football        Jalan Besar), including Peranakan-
                    Campbell Lane), wood-fired          legend David    inspired printed shirts or scarves
                    barbecued meats are accented        Beckham         featuring local architectural icons.
                    with Indian spices and rubs. For    was spotted
                    Indian-Chinese concoctions,         eating mee
                                                        goreng (fried
                    Sakunthala’s Food Palace (66
                                                        noodles) at
                    Race Course Road) never fails.
                                                        Tekka Market.
                    Don’t miss popular eateries like
                    Muthu’s Curry
                    (138 Race Course Road) and
                    Banana Leaf Apolo (48
                    Serangoon Road) for
                    fish head curry, while
                    Bismillah Biryani
                     C (48 & 50 Dunlop
PHOTOS: NLB / SPH

                    Street) serves up Bib
                    Gourmand-worthy
                    food at wallet-
                                          C                                                              D
                    friendly prices.

                                                                                          Back to contents
30     52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE CALENDAR

     03-05
     JAN

                                           Felix the Cat 100th Anniversary
Raffles Hotel redux                        Exhibition
The revamped Raffles Singapore             On till 29 Mar
sports more than a fresh coat of           Before Tom and Jerry, there was Felix the Cat.
paint. The 132-year-old grand dame         As one of the most successful cartoon figures of
now hosts fine dining restaurant           the silent era, the black cat with the giant grin is
La Dame de Pic, as well as BBR by          being celebrated at the MINT Museum of Toys
Alain Ducasse – a new iteration of         on his 100th birthday. Presented by UNBOX,
the much-loved Bar & Billiard Room.        the exhibition brings Felix to life via immersive
Fan favourites Tiffin Room and             technology, reinforced by vintage toys and
Long Bar are still here.                   collectibles of the feisty feline.
     1 Beach Road                             26 Seah Street
     www.rafflessingapore.com                 emint.com
     City Hall                                City Hall

                                                          Cats
                                                          On till 5 Jan
                                                          Here’s your last chance to catch
                                                          Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking,
                                                          groundbreaking musical based on TS
                                                          Eliot’s classic tome. With catchy songs,
                                                          breathtaking choreography and superb
                                                          performances, it’s no wonder Cats is
                                                          one of the longest-running shows in
                                                          West End and Broadway history.
                                                             Sands Theatre Singapore
                                                             www.marinabaysands.com/
                                                             entertainment.html/
                                                             Bayfront
31

DID YOU KNOW
Visitors to Little India’s Tekka Place can expect to be                                     10-12
greeted by new murals and an outdoor installation. They
range from funky to whimsical and thought-provoking.
                                                                                            JAN

                                                           ARTWALK Little India
                                                           10-18 Jan
                                                           As part of Singapore Art Week,
                                                           ARTWALK Little India celebrates
                                                           the area’s rich heritage via
                                                           exhibitions, film screenings, dance
                                                           performances, spice workshops
                                                           and guided weekend tours. Check
                                                           out the ARTWALK website below for
                                                           the latest event information.
                                                                Little India
                                                                www.artwalklittleindia.sg
                                                                Little India

Pongal (Harvest Festival)
10 Jan-9 Feb
The month-long festival brings the
Little India precinct to colourful life,
with traditional performances and
vibrant street decorations. Look out
for the Open House at the Indian
Heritage Centre for workshops and
food tastings.
   Various locations including Campbell
   Lane, Hastings Road, Indian Heritage
   Centre, Serangoon Road
   www.littleindia.com.sg/pongal
   Little India
                                             Singapore Art Week
                                             11-19 Jan
                                             The yearly event, which focuses on visual art, is
                                             back with a litany of art and lifestyle events at
                                             various venues across Singapore, from galleries
                                             and museums to art precincts and unconventional
                                             spaces. Don’t miss this year’s highlight event, the
                                             Light to Night Festival 2020: Invisible Cities.
                                               Various venues
                                               www.artweek.sg

                                                                                    Back to contents
32     52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE CALENDAR

     17-19
     JAN

                                                   Savour edible art
                                                   If the flurry of arty events and
                                                   activities have made you hungry for
                                                   more, here’s where to go for some
                                                   edible art. The attention to detail at
                                                   Odette (National Gallery), including
                                                   its gorgeous desserts like the Meyer
                                                   Lemon Tart (above), goes some
                                                   way to explain why this fine-dining
Aliwal Urban Art Festival                          restaurant just received a three-
11-19 Jan                                          Michelin-star rating. More on Odette
As part of Singapore Art Week, the festival is     on page 14. Local pastry chef Janice
inspired by street culture – from graffiti and     Wong’s sweet treats at 2am:dessert
skateboarding to graphic art and afro-beat. The    bar (21A Lorong Liput) have always
events are primarily organised in and around the   been a feast for the eyes and palate.
hipster precinct of Kampong Glam.                  If you can’t decide, just go for the
     Kampong Glam                                  dessert degustation menu.
     aliwalartscentre.sg                              odetterestaurant.com
     Bugis                                            janicewong.com.sg

                                                   S.E.A Focus by STPI
                                                   16-19 Jan
                                                   In conjunction with Singapore
                                                   Art Week, this special showcase
                                                   aims to increase appreciation
                                                   for Southeast Asian modern and
                                                   contemporary art. Activities slated
                                                   for public participation include
                                                   creative artist-led events and
                                                   talks. This year, 20 galleries across
                                                   Southeast Asia and beyond are
                                                   participating.
                                                      Gillman Barracks
                                                      www.artweek.sg
                                                      Labrador Park
33

                                                                                             24-26
                                                                                             JAN

                                                                 Singapore River HongBao
                                                                 23 Jan-1 Feb
                                                                 Expect interactive lantern
                                                                 installations and unforgettable
                                                                 performances at this Chinese New
                                                                 Year celebration by the riverside.
                                                                 Don’t miss the instagram-friendly
                                                                 lantern decorations, along with
                                                                 fireworks displays, which will light
                                                                 up the night skies for the duration of
                                                                 River HongBao.
                                                                    The Float @ Marina Bay
                                                                    www.riverhongbao.sg
                                                                    Promenade

             Cloudstreet
             The latest venture of acclaimed
             Chef Rishi Naleendra (currently
             of Michelin-starred Cheek Bistro),
             Cloudstreet is a passion project
             that combines Chef Rishi’s
             experience with modern European
             cuisine and his Sri Lankan heritage
             – much like his Coffin Bay oyster,
             accentuated with betel leaf oil and
             coconut milk (below).
               84 Amoy Street                      Chinese New Year Celebrations
               cloudstreet.com.sg                  25 Jan-13 Feb
               Telok Ayer                          Get your camera ready for dazzling shots of
                                                   Chinatown’s Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge
                                                   Road and South Bridge Road, as they get all lit
                                                   up for the season’s festivities. Shop at the street
                                                   markets for Chinese decorations and other
                                                   souvenirs.
PHOTO: SPH

                                                     Chinatown

                                                                                      Back to contents
34      52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE CALENDAR

                                             Those born in the Year of the Rat are often
 31JAN-                                   described as witty, imaginative and curious. The
 02 FEB                                   Rat, after all, had outwitted the other 11 animals... to
                                          become the first animal in the Chinese zodiac.
                                          – DELVIN LEE, PRODUCER, HUAYI 2020

Chingay Parade
31 Jan-1 Feb
A much-anticipated event for its
spectacle of floats, stilt walkers
and dancers representing different
cultures, the parade celebrates
not just Chinese New Year but
Singapore’s cultural diversity as
well. On top of the two nightly
parades, there will also be a carnival
along the parade route.
     F1 Pit Building
     www.chingay.org.sg
     Promenade

                                                               Huayi
                                                               31 Jan-9 Feb
                                                               In line with the Year of the
                                                               Rat, Huayi 2020 is themed on
                                                               the rodent’s attributes of wit,
                                                               imagination and curiosity. Catch
                                                               music, drama and comedic works
                                                               that run from traditional to cutting-
                                                               edge by accomplished Singapore
                                                               art companies and artists, with a
                                                               special appearance by Mandopop
                                                               star David Tao.
Night at Orchard Road                                             1 Esplanade Drive
14-16 Feb                                                         www.esplanade.com
The pop-up event takes place in the pedestrian                    Esplanade & City Hall
mall between ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City, and
showcases talents across fashion, art, food and
beverage, and music. It’s Orchard Road like you’ve
never seen before – with specially curated retail
and alfresco dining options, complemented by the
tunes of buskers.
     www.orchardroad.org
     Orchard
35

             Pentatonix World Tour 2020
             11 Feb
                                                                                           07-09
             Grammy Award-winning fan                                                       FEB
             favourites, the a cappella quintet of
             Scott, Mitch, Kirstin, Kevin and Matt
             are best known for their unique
             takes on hits from the likes of Lady
             Gaga, Daft Punk and Beyonce.
             Their winning combination of
             vocal harmony, bass lines, riffing,
             percussion and beatboxing have
             made them one of the world’s
             biggest a cappella groups.
                The Star Theatre
                www.sistic.com.sg/events/
                pentatonix0220
                Buona Vista

                                                                Time Capsule at
                                                                Singapore Flyer
                                                                A new, multi-sensory experience
                                                                that tells the Singapore story from
                                                                700 years ago to the present, it
                                                                also offers visitors a glimpse of
                                                                the future. Through holographic
                                                                technology and interactive touch
                                                                screens, visitors will relive some
                                                                of Singapore’s most inspiring
                                                                moments.
                                                                  30 Raffles Avenue
             An Old New World Exhibition                          www.singaporeflyer.com
             On till 29 Mar                                       Promenade
             Much is known about Singapore after its founding
             in 1819, but what about the years preceding the
             landmark date? The National Museum’s exhibition
             aims to bring curious minds on a journey from
             the 1600s to 1819 via 220 artifacts on loan from
             international museums, as well as institutional
             and private collections. Kids will love the
             storytelling sessions and craft activities.
PHOTO: SPH

                93 Stamford Road
                www.nationalmuseum.sg
                Bencoolen, Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah

                                                                                      Back to contents
36     52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE CALENDAR

     14-16
      FEB

Shopping at Design Orchard
For quirky keepsakes or thoughtful
gifts for that special someone this
Valentine’s Day, Design Orchard is
your one-stop shop for home-grown
brands. Pinksalt crafts beautifully
printed swimwear perfect for your
next beach getaway. We also love
Pew Pew Patches’ humorous
stickers and iron-on patches.
     250 Orchard Road
     www.designorchard.sg
     Somerset

                                                     The White Rabbit
                                                     With love in the air, here’s a
                                                     romantic dining spot for a great
                                                     date. Formerly a chapel dating back
                                                     to the 1930s, The White Rabbit
                                                     serves up classic European fare
                                                     with contemporary flair. Post-
                                                     dinner, head out to The Rabbit Hole,
                                                     Singapore’s only gin garden bar, to
                                                     complete a perfect meal.
                                                        39C Harding Road
                                                        www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg
                                                        Queenstown
Riverhouse
Housed in Clarke Quay’s oldest building, the newly
opened Riverhouse is a multi-concept space
comprising Chinese restaurant Mimi, alfresco bar
Yin, and nightclub Yang. For food-loving locals,
the main draw is Mimi (secret in Mandarin), which
marries Sichuan, Cantonese and Shanghainese
cuisines, served in a modern tapas style.
     3A River Valley Road
     www.theriverhouse.sg
     Clarke Quay & Fort Canning
37

             DID YOU KNOW
             Stunning views await atop the world’s tallest public                                 21-23
             housing project, The Pinnacle at Duxton. Public access is
             only $6. Log on to pinnacleduxton.com.sg/public.html/
                                                                                                   FEB

                                                                         Night Out in Tanjong Pagar
                                                                         Timeout magazine has
                                                                         called it Singapore’s coolest
                                            A                      B     neighbourhood and for good
                                                                         reason: Tanjong Pagar isn’t just a
                                                                         gourmand’s haven with its many
                                                                         award-winning restaurants, it also
                                                                         contains some of the region’s best
                                                                         watering holes. Think the likes of
                                                                         Jigger and Pony A (165 Tanjong
                                                                         Pagar Road) and Employees Only
                                                                         (112 Amoy Street) B . After drinking
                                                                         up, socialise with your newfound
                                                                         friends at the Nineteen80 Arcade
                                                                         Bar (#01-05, 21 Tanjong Pagar
                                                                   C     Road) C .
                                                                           Tanjong Pagar

             Streetwear shopping
             Check out the hype on the freshest
             goods at Dover Street Market (18
             Dempsey Road) – where limited
             edition collaborations abound; or
             pick up some vintage streetwear
             at shops like EXIT Co (#05-27, 150
             Orchard Road) and Loop Garms
             (#01-148, 635 Veerasamy Road).
             Sneaker artist Mark Ong (right) of
PHOTO: SPH

             SBTG has channelled his rebellious
             streak into shoes coveted even by
             the likes of Kobe Bryant.

                                                                                             Back to contents
38     52 WEEKENDS IN SINGAPORE CALENDAR

 28 FEB-
 01 MAR

Singapore Brazilian Zouk
Festival
28 Feb-8 Mar
Put on your dancing shoes for
this high-energy festival of dance
performances, workshops and
themed parties every night. There’s
even a DJ course for Calvin Harris              ONE Championship
wannabes.                                       28 Feb
     www.brazilianzouk.sg                       Into its 10th year and still one of the most-
                                                anticipated events on the sporting calendar, ONE
                                                matches cover the full spectrum of martial arts,
                                                including mixed martial arts, karate, taekwondo,
                                                silat and lethwei (Burmese boxing). Notable
                                                athletes who have been in the Singapore ring
                                                include mixed martial arts champion Angela Lee,
                                                Mei Yamaguchi and Giorgio Petrosyan. Look out
                                                for later editions happening in May and November
                                                as well.
                                                  Singapore Indoor Stadium
                                                  onefc.com
                                                  Stadium

HSBC Women’s World Championship
28 Feb-3 Mar
As with previous years, the world’s best
female golfers will converge on the greens of
Sentosa Golf Club for the HSBC Women’s World
Championship. Tension will run high as South
Korean favourite Park Sung Hyun returns to
defend her crown against 63 players for the
US$1.5m prize.
     Sentosa Golf Club
                                                                                                   PHOTO: SPH

     www.hsbcgolf.com/womens/
     Harbourfront
You can also read