Pailin Boonlong

There's more to vegan and vegetarian grub than an uninspiring mountain of leafy greens and raw vegetables. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just prefer greens and grains, these kitchens in Singapore are churning out wholesome meat-free meals without compromising flavour. Far from sad salads and countless carbs, these spots pack flavour and character into plant-based dishes. With cuisines ranging from Korean and Peranakan to Japanese and Italian, vegans and vegetarians have tons to choose from. Time to ditch the bland salad life! RECOMMENDED:  The best vegetarian local food in Singapore and the best healthy restaurants in Singapore 

Singapore has a ton of good cafés – we’re not denying that. But with snaking brunch queues and at least 30-minute wait times, it’s hard to enjoy a coffee when you're spending a substantial portion of your weekend waiting to chope a table. We’ve rounded up the best unknown cafés in Singapore for a hole-in-the-wall experience – some don’t even have seats, so you’ll need to take away or head over to the nearest park for a picnic date.  RECOMMENDED: The best cafés in Singapore and the best brunch spots

Japanese food is hands-down the most popular cuisine in Singapore – even on a busy weekend night, there's no lack of options. While some lean towards an omakase experience with a Japanese chef while others are perfectly satiated with a piping hot bowl of ramen, Singapore has got it all. Here are our top picks for when you're craving some mighty solid Japanese cuisine. RECOMMENDED: The best affordable sushi bars in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore  

Over at Amoy Street Food Centre, there is good food aplenty. We would know: the Time Out Singapore office is right around the corner. But with piping hot bowls of fish soup and massive plates of ayam penyet, it’s the epitome of choice paralysis and we struggle with “what to eat” on the regular. Now, there’s no need to waste valuable time pondering long and hard over lunch time plans – these 10 best hawker stalls at Amoy Street Food Centre are what you should be trying next.  Everyone has their own hawker favourites, but hey, we’re just speaking as hungry folks who’ve braved the Amoy Street crowds during the dreaded lunch hour. We’ve even lined up for what’s touted as the longest queue at this popular hawker centre (hint: second on our list).  RECOMMENDED: The best business lunch sets in the CBD and hidden food gems in the CBD

“East side, best side” is only so widely touted thanks to hawker centres like Old Airport Road Food Centre. It’s one of Singapore’s most well-loved food centres for good reason, with crowds gathering as early as 7am to tuck into a hearty breakfast. Freshly made chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), char kway teow, or even crispy fried chicken – it’s no wonder we’re struck by choice paralysis. From roast meat stalls to Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning char kway teow, these are the nine best hawker stalls in Old Airport Road Food Centre. RECOMMENDED: The best hawker stalls at Amoy Street Food Centre and the best stalls at Dunman Food Centre

Ready-made bouquets are stunning, but they don’t hold a candle to fresh cut flowers – especially when you’re arranging them to your own liking. Personalised DIY bouquet or a floral vase display, head down to these flower markets and flower shops in Singapore to craft your own floral arrangement. You can pick up fresh blooms at affordable wholesale prices, whether it’s from household names like Far East Flora or fresh flower importers like G.G Fresh Flower.RECOMMENDED: The best flower delivery services in Singapore and the best florists in Singapore for any occasion

While Korean BBQ restaurants will always be a huge hit in Singapore, many of us are fans of yakiniku – the Japanese style of grilling meat. Whether the meat comes marinated with tare (soy sauce glaze) or shio (salt), it proves to be a great way to gather all friends and family for a really satisfying meal. From premium cuts of A5 Wagyu to thinly-sliced beef tongue, these are the best yakiniku restaurants in Singapore.  RECOMMENDED: The best Japanese restaurants in Singapore and the best affordable sushi bars in Singapore

Now that we're back in the office, it's back to packed schedules and more work obligations – including entertaining clients and catching up with colleagues over a meal. For those of us based in the CBD, we’re lucky: there’s no shortage of good restaurants and cafes. Closing deals with prospects, breaking bread with colleagues or just looking to take the pressure off, we've got restaurants catered to every budget – excluding taxes. Here's where you can get the best business lunch sets in the CBD for your next work thing. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

Everyone knows the best food for lazy, stay-in days and also for sharing with friends is pizza. It's a step up from the guilty-pleasure fast food takeaway and a nice break from the usual suspects at the neighbourhood hawker centre. Stuffed crust, with or without pineapples, crisp thin crust, pizza margherita or topped with pepperoni and extra cheese, we love pizza in all its forms.  RECOMMENDED: The best American restaurants in Singapore and the best cheap eats in Singapore

It’s as classic as it gets: fish and chips, the quintessential takeaway that’s typically wrapped in yesterday’s papers. But in Singapore, there isn’t exactly a chippy shop around the corner – instead, the best fish and chips are found in an assortment of eateries, ranging from British pubs to classy restaurants. For your next fish and chips craving, check out the best fish and chips eateries in Singapore. After all, there’s nothing more satisfying than crunching down on a lightly battered fillet, with mushy peas and triple-cooked chips on the side.  RECOMMENDED: The best pubs in Singapore and best bars in Singapore

Quality and quantity don’t always go hand in hand, but we found the places in Singapore that do it right. Whether you're looking for a free-flow boozy brunch or the best dim sum buffet in town to impress friends and family, we've got a recommendation for you that is guaranteed to stuff yourselves silly. RECOMMENDED: The best nasi padang restaurants in Singapore and the best steamboat and hot pot restaurants in Singapore

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition. Call it a colonial hang-up but it's also one of our favourite ways to while away an afternoon. What's not to love about pressing pause and spending time with a good cuppa, delectable sweets and savouries, and a plush, comfortable sofa? Here's where to go to raise your pinkies and clink glasses. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagrammable cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert

Cantonese restaurant 5 on 25 at Andaz Singapore is at the top of the mooncake game in Singapore, offering both well-loved favourites and newly launched flavours. This year is no different, with Cantonese restaurant 5 on 25’s two new mooncake flavours: Citrus Surprise and Gula Galore, both concocted by pastry chef Francis Wong. The Citrus Surprise is inspired by the cultural vibrancy of Kampong Glam, a nod to Andaz Singapore’s location. It’s made from a delectable mix of caramel, miso, and yuzu – harmonious flavours that tie together nicely. The lightly savoury miso cuts through the caramel, while the yuzu white chocolate adds a fresh citrusy burst of zestiness. As for the Gula Galore, you can expect a smooth lotus paste that’s infused with gula melaka (palm sugar) and studded with pecan nuts for a satisfying crunch. This particular mooncake is inspired by traditional Malay kueh. Those who are traditionalists at heart, you can still opt for 5 on 25’s classic mooncakes which were originally developed by head chef Lim Hong Lih. These flavours have proven to be reliable favourites over the years, and go perfectly with a warm pot of brewed Chinese tea. The Signature Tea Blend has floral notes of osmanthus, oolong, and pu’er tea, while Silver Lotus++ comes with white lotus paste and two golden egg yolks – all encased in a golden baked crust. The mooncakes come beautifully presented in a two-tier box that’s designed to look like a heritage shophouse – all done up in colourful hues

With the “Go Lokal” afternoon tea over at Portman’s Bar, it’s a celebration of all things local. From now till August 31, tucking into this exquisite afternoon tea set is one of the more enjoyable ways to spend this year’s National Day. Plus, there’s an air of sophistication to this hotel lounge at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay. With a pavilion resembling a gilded bird cage and its leafy surrounds, it’s an ideal setting to while away a lazy weekend afternoon this August.  The set comes beautifully presented in Portman’s Bar’s signature picnic basket, filled to the brim with locally inspired dishes. Savouries include a chicken floss slider, a spiced chicken satay, and a large crab wonton that’s been doused in a decadent chilli crab sauce. There is also a range of sweets, from an old-school butter cake to a pandan coconut tiramisu. If still peckish, make the most of Portman’s Bar’s roving Sweet Wagon for a selection of patisseries, macarons, and other sweet bites.The "Go Lokal" afternoon tea starts from $58 per person, and you can also choose to add on two hours of free-flow Taittinger champagne for $68 or Prosecco for $38. You can also choose a classic Milo dinosaur or roselle tea mocktail for an additional $10.

The annual Sands for Singapore Charity Festival is all about giving back and making a collective difference – it’s made obvious through this year’s theme, “Where Hearts Come Together”. From August 4 to 6, join in the celebrations as the integrated resort brings together nonprofits, social enterprises, and regular folk to do good for the greater community – all while having fun.We’ve got our eyes set on Heartwork: A Community Weaving Studio, a new community-driven tapestry weaving workshop. Here, used linens and fabrics from Marina Bay Sands are cleverly repurposed to create new colourful tapestries, using a traditional loom. The public can do their part to create these tapestries, which will then be sold off. It’s done in collaboration with Art Outreach Singapore and all proceeds will be used to support the local art community – talk about weaving everyone together.   You don’t have to be an avid shopper to be drawn to the Giving Market. It’s always a hit since you’ll be shopping for a good cause. Browse through the 16 stalls: from delicately crocheted pouches to fresh bakes, every purchase you make here will support different enterprises.  Make sure to also try some of the gourmet bites, featuring some of Marina Bay Sands’ best restaurants: Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, and signature buffet restaurant RISE. You’ll want to head down with an empty stomach since proceeds made will be given back to the community. Tuck into the likes of the fier

As the godfather of Mandarin R&B, composer and singer-songwriter David Tao is making his return to Singapore this July. He’s had a number of nostalgic ballads that any Mandopop fan will know, from “1030 at the Airport” to “I Love you”. But what he’s most applauded for is his seamless blend of the two genres: R&B and hard rock. You’ll notice such crossover influence throughout all his albums, so much till it’s recognised as his signature style since his debut in 1997. Book your tickets to David Tao here.

You’ll want to make it down for Latinfest 2023!, a vibrant lineup of well-known Latin artists. From jazz band Steve Thorton’s Afro Asia that’s heavily influenced by Afro-Caribbean beats to Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Hector Infanzón, this full-day programme features back-to-back performances. Don’t miss the Ireson Latin Band and Veronica Barboza either, as they pay homage to the rhythmic beats of salsa music. The festival will have a live DJ spinning Latin tracks between each performance, and will also have Latin dance classes for you to join in the fun.Book your tickets to Latinfest 2023! here.

Miyavi is an artist with many talents: he’s a singer-songwriter and actor that’s made appearances in blockbusters such as Unbroken and Maleficent 2 and Netflix films like Kate. He’s also a highly acclaimed guitar virtuoso that’s best known for his unique finger-slapping style of guitar playing. Miyavi has played in over 30 countries across eight world tours, and will be in Singapore as part of his Return of the Samurai Guitarist tour. Book your tickets to Miyavi here.

Unless you’re a soon-to-be parent or already juggling a work-life-kid balance, it’s unlikely that you’ve ever pondered over baby bottles. But with baby bottle brand Hegen giving out 500 scoops of ice cream this Saturday (July 15), you’ll get to see for yourself how these bottles are equally useful as they are stylish. From 1pm to 6pm, head over to 313@Somerset (opposite Privé) for a free scoop. Each scoop comes served in a complimentary Hegen bottle (60ml) with a storage lid* – worth $11 in total.Available while stocks last.

For those concerned about hard copy books going out of print, there lies an inconspicuous brick-and-mortar bookstore that’s in the heart of Joo Chiat. This independent bookstore is housed in a residential building – but finding the place itself isn’t exactly an easy feat. You’ll first need to dial in (unit #03-02), using the intercom of apartment complex The Modules, and wait for the staff to buzz you in. Once in, it’s a pleasant surprise: not only is it a welcoming, cosy space with natural light streaming through, but it also has a hidden stash of out-of-print books and rare titles. While this bookstore has a clear preference for Chinese literature, there is also a selection of international titles that are sure to spark your curiosity. A deep dive into the history of Malaysian railways, local Singlit poetry, or even Bengali fiction – this indie bookstore has quite the range. City Book Room also occasionally hosts interesting talks with known lecturers and writers – you can check out their Facebook page for updates. They’ve also made appearances at events like indie music festival Clang! 克浪 at Pasir Panjang Power Station or had pop-up booths at some of Wild Rice’s plays. 

What was once Milano Pizza & Wine has since rebranded into modern osteria Buca Buca. At first glance though, it feels like little has changed – the restaurant is still steadfastly Italian and housed in the same conservation shophouse along Craig Road. You’ll even find the same crowd-favourite Sicilian deep dish sourdough pizzas on the menu, generous in both serving size and flavour. But the menu has since expanded greatly, with handmade pasta and old-school tableside service. Have a seat at the new alfresco Aperol Terrace or sidle into one of the cosy booths to see what’s changed. Start with sharing appetisers like brussel sprouts ($18) tossed in guanciale (cured pork jowl) and chilli-infused honey, or a platter of lightly battered seafood ($22) for some crunchy goodness – these are bound to stoke your appetite. Buca Buca also offers a selection of fresh Italian salads, ranging from a classic burrata and rocket ($36) to a grilled prawn caesar ($38) that’s fluently assembled tableside. It’s the selection of handmade pasta that’s caught our attention though. Tuck into a hearty beef cheek pappardelle ($38) that boasts a 24-hour braised beef cheek or a linguini prawn rosso ($42) that’s uniquely done with gochujang (savoury Korean paste) spiced prawns. Interestingly, they also do a zucchini pesto “pasta” ($28), whereby fine zucchini strips soak up the pesto much like pappardelle does – an apt choice for those sitting out from pasta.  It goes without saying that the Silician gran

At independently owned Atlas Fitness in Bukit Timah, the coaches understand that not everyone feels 100 percent comfortable in their own skin – much less, at a gym with cutting-edge equipment and fit gym-goers. After all, there’s a whole lot of anxiety when it comes to joining a gym or working out with others. But with their friendly and experienced coaches, judgement-free space, and bespoke personal training programmes that are specially tailored for you, you won’t feel any gym anxiety one bit.Here, they put your individual needs at the forefront. Programmes include one-on-one guidance and nutrition plans, and are customised to best suit your lifestyle, fitness goals, and physical limitations. Whether you’re looking to lose fat, build muscle, manage chronic body pain and injuries, or simply improve your overall health and fitness, the focus on sustainable results sets this client-focused gym apart from others. Try it out for yourself with a free consultation here.

It’s all about the journey rather than the destination at this new thematic space at Raffles City, a pop-up that’s running from now to July 9 by French brand L’Occitane. While it’s a stunning showcase of their haircare and body care range, you’ll also get a first-hand experience of crowd-favourite products and immersive projection rooms like the Almond Forest and Immortelle Field. And of course, everything is beyond photogenic with infinity mirror rooms and beautifully styled sets.  First, check into the L’Occitane Hotel itself where you’ll be given a room key (in the form of a QR code) to enjoy the full experience – simply follow the planned-out route. Step into the Almond Forest where you can plant your own almond seed virtually – there’ll be a personalised plaque marking which your very own tree is. You can even tap to water or to shine sunlight down, to watch the seed flourish into a large almond tree. This is a thoughtful nod to how L’Occitane plants a tree for every employee who works for more than three years. The Almond Spa is next on the route, and where you can try some of their best-selling products, such as the almond shower scrub and almond shower oil.  Make sure to also get a complimentary hair care consult at the 5 Essential Oils Bar, where a professional “hair care mixologist” offers a free scan and advice on any of your hair concerns. Before heading over to the Immortelle Suite, where you’ll learn more about L’Occitane’s skincare range, there is also an Immo

In Japan, when you think of azuki bar, the brand Imuraya immediately comes to mind – this naturally sweet ice cream bar that comes chock full with azuki beans is an easy favourite. As one of the most popular ice cream brands in Japan, Imuraya has been around since 1897 and has sold around 300 million azuki bars per year since 2021. It’s little wonder that the taste of azuki comes through so strongly, since each refreshing bar is made up of around 100 carefully selected beans. Since azuki beans are also known for being low-fat while high in protein and fibre, this Japanese snack is one that you won’t feel guilty over. From June 26 to July 2, Imuraya is celebrating the 50th anniversary of this well-loved azuki bar with a one-for-one promo. All you have to do? Buy a box of azuki bars and follow Imuraya Singapore’s Instagram account to redeem your second box for free. You can find this famous Japanese ice cream bar at stores like Isetan Scotts, selected Hao Mart outlets, Iroha Mart, and Poppin at Plaza Singapura. These stores will also be giving away a free azuki bar on June 28 and July 1*, a sweet treat on any hot day. *Available while stocks last. Make sure to also head down to the Cafe Terrace by Janice Wong at the Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. From June 27 to July 31, you’ll find a special menu item where pastry chef Janice Wong creatively creates a new dessert using the azuki bar as a base. Celebrate Imuraya’s azuki bar 50th anniversary with special promos.

Anything that famed chef Marco Pierre White puts his name behind, there’s plenty hooha. After all, this is the same man that made Gordon Ramsay cry. In any case, The English House by Marco Pierre White has proven to be a restaurant worth its salt since opening back in 2018 – it doles out traditional Sunday roasts alongside Hong Kong dim sum. While a la carte menu prices typically hover around $50 per person though, they’ve recently launched a $9.99 menu to combat rising prices. Photograph: The English House And this recognition of inflation is much appreciated – now we wouldn’t have to break the bank to dine at this British institution. You can try classics like beef ragu pomme puree and mushroom risotto, or taste Asian flavours with dishes like baked pork chop rice and twice-cooked pork belly rice. They even had mini beef wellingtons once, a specialty British dish. And all mains priced at $9.99? It’s certainly worth it.  Photograph: The English House   The Inflation Menu is available from Monday to Saturday, and is available for both lunch and dinner. Since the menu changes on the daily, you can take a look at their Instagram for the latest update.  READ MORE:The best cheap eats in SingaporeThe best cheap things to do in Singapore under $20The best affordable steaks in Singapore under $30

If your kids have already exhausted our guide to the best kid-friendly things to do this June, try this one-of-a-kind experience: a Pokémon-themed cable car ride. While the cable car ride is already an adventure in itself for most kids, this goes all out with colourful cabins that are decked out with Pokémon motifs.  Photograph: Mount Faber Lesiure You can expect first-generation Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee, but those from later generations like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly will also make an appearance. Each cabin is also wrapped in vibrant red and white hues to cleverly represent a Poké Ball. At Mount Faber Peak itself, you’ll find ample photo spots – vintage cable car cabins that are filled with imprints of Pikachu, Pichu, Snorlax and Psyduck. Time to bring the camera out, and snap a few photos for memory’s sake.Purchase tickets to the Singapore Cable Counter at counters and also receive a complimentary collectible Pokémon-themed sun visor*. Alternatively, book online here. A round-trip ride starts from $35 for adults and $25 for children between four to 12 years. If you or your kids want repeated journeys, you can also top up $10 for unlimited rides for one day.*Available while stocks last, in four designs: Pikachu, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.READ MORE:The best kid-friendly things to do during the school holidaysThe best kid-friendly hiking trails in SingaporeThe best outdoor playgrounds in Singapore

To keep up to date with the latest news in Singapore, make sure to follow our new Telegram channel @TimeOutSG. We’ve got the coolest parties, insiders’ neighbourhood guides, and best things to do all ready for you. Whether you’re looking for our top recommendations on eating out on a budget or hunting down the best things to do after dark in our little red dot, this is the channel that’ll blast it out first.  For those of you that aren’t quite in the loop (yet), Telegram is an app that lets you either chat to friends or receive push notifications from interesting channels – like us. And since it’s always an open door with us, feel free to email us at contact.tosg@timeout.com if you have any content requests or suggestions. We’re always ready to hear you out. 😉Join our Telegram channel now! RECOMMENDED:The best things to do in Singapore this MayThe 50 best restaurants in Singapore you must try101 best things to do in Singapore 

A sprawling grocery store in the middle of Singapore’s CBD? Besides Tanjong Pagar’s Don Don Donki and a few other chains, it’s not a common sight. Instead, we’re used to grabbing marked-up snacks from 7-Eleven or making do with the pricey produce of gourmet delis. But now, online grocery platform pandamart has opened their newest store at 101 Telok Ayer Street – with more than 5,000 different items available.  Photograph: foodpanda It’s the very first pandamart that offers pick-up too: we can easily place an order through the foodpanda app and simply pick it up 15 minutes later. While foodpanda aims to deliver within the hour, this is one easy hack to save both time and delivery fees. You can use the pick-up function from 7am to 10pm daily – perfect if you’re looking for snacks to fuel you through a long workday or if you need to top up your office pantry. There are also several items exclusive to the Telok Ayer store only, such as premium cuts of meat, a range of organic fruits and veggies, and even freshly baked goods. READ MORE: Oh Boy! Disney Cruise Line makes Singapore its very first Southeast Asian homeportSingapore's Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West to open to visitors on May 8Singapore crowned the happiest country in Asia

When it’s pouring outside, no one immediately thinks of seeking shelter at an ice cream parlour. But with Udders Ice Cream offering $1 freshly baked waffles whenever it’s raining, you now know where to go whenever the daily weather forecast bodes stormy skies ahead.  Considering that these crispy waffles usually go for $5.50, this is a massive steal. Keep in mind that Udders has also mastered the art of a perfectly crisp waffle – it’s still chewy when you bite through. There is a catch though: it’s only $1 when you dine-in or $2 when you take away with every purchase of a double scoop (from $8.50). Photograph: Udders Ice Cream Just as well though, since what is a perfectly good waffle without ice cream? Peanut Butter Crunch, Muah Chee, or even Lychee Martini – this is one ice cream parlour with a good selection of flavours.  Now, instead of getting soaked through, take an ice cream break at one of these five Udders Ice Cream outlets around Singapore. You can find them at Bukit Timah, Novena, Upper Thomson, Beach Road, and Kovan.  READ MORE:You can soon stay in cosy "tiny houses" on Lazarus IslandThe Peranakan Museum finally reopens after four yearsPeep The Fullerton Hotel new loft suites Remember to take our annual Time Out Singapore Readership Survey to stand a chance to win a staycation at The Fullerton Hotel (closes March 8). 

It’s a suite life over at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, with eight newly renovated loft suites inspired by Singapore’s colourful flowers. With double French doors that open to your own private verandah and a spiral staircase leading up to a separate bedroom, these plush hotel suites are a dream come true for many. At $2,100 per night though, it stands within reason that each luxury suite comes decked out in award-winning fittings and panoramic views of the Marina Bay area. A pillow menu, Balmain bathroom amenities, and a Nespresso coffee machine are just some of the thoughtful touches you can expect. Meanwhile, the suites themselves have also been redone with Singapore’s iconic flowers in mind: bougainvillea and butterfly pea. Four of these loft suites are tastefully decorated in pastel pink, a nod to the bursts of pink bougainvillea that are often seen in full bloom at overhead bridges and public walkways. The other four suites take inspiration from the butterfly pea, a light blue flower that’s commonly found in Peranakan cuisine. You’ll notice floral accents throughout all, from celadon vases with floral designs to planter bowls with live flowers. Each suite also features photographic prints of Singapore in the 50s. Book your luxury stay at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s new loft suites here. READ MORE:The best luxury hotels in SingaporeThe best hotels for a staycation in SingaporeThe best hotels in Singapore

The Peranakan Museum reopens its doors today (February 17) after nearly four long years of renovation. This heritage neoclassical building has always been a true beaut with its pastel green hues and now, its interior has been suitably refreshed to match. While the Peranakan Museum was once known as a ‘jewel’, its newly revamped galleries have nudged its status to become a ‘jewel box’.  In showcasing over 800 objects across three floors, each of the nine galleries shed light onto the different facets of Peranakan culture. All are thought-provoking, and will get you pondering: What is Peranakan even? Find out for yourself at the Peranakan Museum, where the exhibits have been divided into three themes: Origins (first floor), Home (second floor), and Style (third floor). Photograph: Pailin Boonlong As a nod to the evolution of Peranakan culture over the years, Origins has a massive photo wall. It’s a visual scattering of both the past and present, with hand-coloured photographs and portraits shared by Peranakan families and communities. Take the time to watch the on-screen video interviews for interesting thoughts on what being Peranakan means. Head up to the second floor to explore Home. True to its theme, these galleries hold everything that Peranakans associate with home – food, traditions, and even everyday furniture. Look out for the floor-to-ceiling displays of Nyonyaware, fine porcelain pieces that have been painstakingly hand-painted with intricate motifs. There’s also

There’s a new collab between local label Beyond The Vines (BTV) and everyone’s favourite childhood brand Pokémon – it’s yet another nostalgic throwback to fonder days. Come tomorrow (February 17), you can finally put your hands on this special Pokémon-themed collection, which includes more than 15 items featuring six Pokémons: Eevee, Jigglypuff, Mew, Chrizard, Gengar, and the ever-popular Pikachu. Since the collection ranges from unisex tees to skate decks, you can be sure that there’ll be something to tempt you. What you might be most keen on though, is the iconic BTV Dumpling Bag.  Photograph: Beyond The Vines Known for its dumpling-like shape and lightweight material, this nylon crossbody bag has proven to be a hit over the years. Now, get your hands on a Pikachu, Jigglypuff, or Eevee XS Dumpling Bag for $89. These respectively come in black and yellow, blush and teal, or brown and cream colourways and all have Pokémon imprints woven on the product labels. Notice that Pokédex stats are included with the number, height, and weight of each Pokémon – talk about having an eye for detail.  Photograph: Beyond The Vines There is also a Pikachu Micro Dumpling Bag ($79) that’s embossed with a reflective Pikachu on the front pocket. Beyond these dumpling-like bags, shoppers can also pick up boxy-fit unisex tees, glass cups, caps, camp chairs, and canvas carryall bags. There’ll also be two skate decks featuring Pikachu and Charizard designs, on maple wood boards with matte black

If you’re out late at one of Singapore’s best bars or swanky nightclubs, you can now make the most of the newly-launched late-night bus routes that’ll send you straight from the CBD to the heartlands.  Private bus charter company A&S Transit has two new late-night routes to: NS-1 and NS-2, which will run on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eve of public holidays. At a fixed fare of $4.50 (EZ-Link card) or $5 (cash), it’s a steal – especially when compared to steep midnight fares of taxis or private hire cars. And yes, that means it's now time to party hard. Our nightlife scene is bigger and better these days, with the pandemic generally becoming a thing of the past, and A&S Transit cleverly meeting the demand of all party-goers.  Both services will start from the bus stop opposite the MAS Building, with the first bus leaving at 11.30pm and the last bus at 2.30am. There will be 45-minute intervals between each bus, so make sure to check the bus schedule beforehand.  NS-1 goes through the CBD and other central locations such as Clarke Quay, River Valley, and Orchard Road. It then heads towards Little India, before detouring to Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, and ending up at Punggol. As for NS-2, it’ll also go through the CBD and the other central locations, before making its way through Newton, Yishun, and Sembawang. It will then end in Woodlands. You can check out the full details of the two bus routes here. READ MORE:Geylang Serai bazaar returns March 17 in longest-running Ramadan bazaar y

Don Don Donki needs no introduction – this popular Japanese chain has stores all around Singapore. Now, to much fanfare, they’ve recently opened the largest outlet in the East. As one of our favourite Japanese supermarkets where we can easily pick up quality Japanese items for less than $50, no doubt that we’re excited about this new aviation-themed store.  Most Don Don Donki stores are a maze of quirky Japanese items, but this one has a few unique features up its sleeve.  Halal corner with more than 100 halal items Photograph: Don Don Donki For one, it’s the very first store with a “halal corner” that’s fully stocked with more than 100 halal-certified items. Not all are Japanese-imported snacks though – you’ll find a mix of local snacks that need no introduction. Some of the more unique bites include mochikon konnyaku, a sweet treat made of mochi and brown sugar, as well as fruit-flavoured jelly drinks that are made from yam paste as opposed to the usual gelatin.  The first aviation-theme outlet with aeroplane motifs   Photograph: Don Don Donki The newest outlet has an aviation theme that fits the Jewel Changi Airport location to a tee. Once you’re done exploring the endless aisles filled with snacks, drinks, and pantry staples, head over to the cashier counters. These are clearly inspired by the airport’s boarding gates, with the recognisable blue mascot Donpen piloting what looks like “Don Don Donki Airlines”. Photograph: Don Don Donki There’s also a convenient trav

As it goes, Japanese food has humble origins. There’s nothing more satisfying than koshihikari short-grain rice and a comforting bowl of miso soup. But these days, there’s been a flurry of restaurants with a penchant for edible gold flakes, overly aburi-ed slabs of sashimi, and the ever-popular mentaiko mayo. Thank goodness that new Japanese restaurant Hatsu is nothing like that.The name Hatsu itself implies “the beginning” so Leon is taking it right from the start of Edomae sushi. While proudly a modern sushi restaurant, they still have the technical and traditional knowhow behind sushi itself. It’s not simply a matter of slapping rice and fresh sashimi together – as chef and owner Leon Yap would say, he wants his diners to “experience authentic sushi”.    Photograph: Pailin Boonlong   And that, in itself, is a mighty feat. With 15 solid years of Japanese culinary expertise under his belt, he’s worked in restaurants like Aoki, Shinsora, and Yamagawa. He’s clinched the award-winning title of Champion of the World Sushi Cup Japan 2019 and is a certified International Sake Sommelier at that – so what else would we expect but quality Japanese cuisine?  This relatively cosy restaurant in Novena’s Hotel Royal seats just 20 diners. After all, they do fly in seasonal Japanese ingredients from Toyosu market, but also the seafood markets of Osaka, Kyushu, and Hokkaido. Now, one thing Hatsu places a huge measure on is the shari (sushi rice). As the restaurant claims, 60 percent of w

It’s been a long wait, but finally, the Thomson East Coast Line will finally be opening Stage 3 on November 13 with newly-launched MRT stations spanning from Stevens to Gardens by the Bay. With this new MRT line, it’s never been easier to travel from Woodlands to Orchard – you’ll reach in a mere matters of 35 minutes. In any case, head down on November 11 to trial this new MRT line for yourself – entirely for free. This will be running from 10am to 9pm, and you can easily slot in travels from Bukit Timah Road with stations like Stevens all the way to the CBD area with Maxwell, Shenton Way, and Marina Bay MRT Stations.For those wondering how this affects their public transport commute, the new Thomson-East Coast Line stations are: Stevens, Napier, Orchard Boulevard, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. There are still two stages due to open, and all should be completed by 2025. Stage 4 (around 2024) will be covering eight stations from Bayshore all the way to Bay East, while Stage 5 (around 2025) will be from Bedok South to Sungei Bedok.  Find out more information on LTA’s website. READ MORE: Little India is Singapore's coolest district for 2022 – ranked as #19 Coolest Neighbourhood in the WorldBird Paradise to take flight in 2023 – look forward to over 400 types of birds in the new parkHatsu is a new Japanese restaurant that's hidden in a nondescript hotel near Newton Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik