Food and Drinks – Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg Your essential guide to making Singapore your home. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:09:13 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.4 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/02/cropped-mr_logo_2018_512px_icon-32x32.png Food and Drinks – Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg 32 32 5 easy breakfasts you can make in your serviced apartment. https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/explore/food-and-drinks/5-easy-breakfasts-you-can-make-in-your-serviced-apartment/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 02:00:58 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=8429 The post 5 easy breakfasts you can make in your serviced apartment. appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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5 easy breakfasts you can make in your serviced apartment.

Easy breakfasts are for when you just need something quick to last you through until lunch. If you’re not a morning person, we could all agree that getting up earlier to make a hearty breakfast is close to an impossible task, especially when you always have busy mornings. When a Greek yogurt and English muffin just won’t cut it anymore, it’s time for some quick healthy breakfast ideas.

And you don’t have to fret over how to start learning to cook. Doesn’t matter if you’re staying in a serviced apartment (or aparthotel as some would call it) for a short-term work trip or nestling in a long-term rental apartment, here are some healthy yet easy breakfast recipes that require little preparation and minimal cleaning.

Overnight oat

The fastest way to make an easy breakfast ready is to do it the night before, and it doesn’t even take more than 10 minutes to make.

Get recipes.

Once you get the basic proportions right, we encourage you to get creative with the ingredients! You can even add almond butter or maple syrup and brown sugar to add a little twist to your oats, and top it all off with some fresh fruit and fresh berries.

This is ready to be eaten right out of the fridge but if you’re not a fan of a cold breakfast, simply pop the jar into a microwave for a minute to warm it up! This is definitely one of the easiest grab-and-go breakfasts out there, not to mention a nutritious morning meal.

Apple cinnamon oatmeal

Another make-ahead breakfast goodness. For a more environmentally friendly option, prepare the oatmeal in a recyclable microwave-safe container.

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On-the-go smoothies

Making a smoothie is easy, but getting the ingredients ready costs you precious time in the morning. So, cut up the fruits to blend and keep them in the freezer the night before to save time. We also recommend using a personal blender so you can enjoy your smoothies on your way to work!

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Fabulous Frittata

This easy breakfast dish is perfect for mornings when you have a tad more time to start your day with a delicious breakfast. All you need is to whisk together some eggs, any milk, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Then, saute your vegetables until its tender, before you pour in the egg mixture. To switch it up, you can add cheese on top, and transfer the pan into a 400-degree oven, which most fully-furnished serviced apartments have.

Just bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you see that the eggs are set and that the top is lightly golden at the edges.

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Classic Singapore’s eggs and toast

This is one of the most loved quick breakfast recipes in Singapore. Simply toast some bread, then slice up some butter, before you spread some kaya over your bread. To cook soft-boiled, simply submerge your eggs in a pot of boiling water, and then turn off the heat. Cook for 6-7 minutes with the lid closed.

There are two ways to eat it Some would dip the kaya toast into the eggs. But we’re purists: we keep them separate.

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French Toast

This may be one quick breakfast idea that you didn’t think of. french toasts are as easy to make as they are delicious. Here’s our quick and easy french toast recipe:

To start, spread some cream cheese over your bread. You can add something sweet to balance it out too, like honey or marmalade. Dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture, and then place them on your skillet. Once you’ve cooked it until it turns golden brown (which usually takes 2-3 minutes), you can start serving it, and drizzle the syrup to your heart’s content!

Get recipe.

Scrambled Eggs

If you need a bit more protein in the morning hours, scrambled eggs are the way to go. And sure, you’ve heard of the Gordon Ramsay scrambled eggs. But fear not, scrambled eggs is a pretty easy breakfast dish to make too. Simply whisk eggs, milk, and some salt, and cook it over medium heat. Once you see the bottom layer start to cook, gently whip the egg from one end of the pan to the other. Repeat that across areas of the egg that aren’t cooked.

You can even fry some crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or even some sweet potato chips to add a little more flavour and texture to your meal. There are people who have scrambled eggs with cherry tomatoes too. For something a little heartier, simply toast some whole-grain bread to go with your scrambled eggs.

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How to Start Learning to Cook—An Expat’s Guide https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/explore/how-to-start-learning-to-cook-an-expats-guide/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:39:56 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=12310 The post How to Start Learning to Cook—An Expat’s Guide appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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How to Start Learning to Cook—An Expat's Guide

You don't need much to conquer the basic skills of cooking.

Full disclosure: I’m only Malaysian. But before I learned how to cook I was reliant on food from hawker centres and fast food, which can get boring, fast. It took me a while to get myself to start cooking, though the biggest fear I had was something rather silly. It wasn’t that I was afraid that I couldn’t cook up a delicious meal or mess up the cooking process. No—I was just afraid of turning on the stove. I had this irrational fear that I would accidentally blow the kitchen, and myself, up. As silly as it is, I finally got around it, right around when COVID hit. So I was able to have hearty home-cooked meals during the pandemic, which helped me cope with missing home during then. If you want to start cooking but have no idea how to, you needn’t be afraid. Here’s how to start cooking for yourself, even if you’re new.

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How to start learning to cook – 5 easy tips to start

Another full disclosure: I’m no master chef. I only started cooking and meal-prepping when I was in my mid-20s. Though I don’t claim to cook amazing meals—most of my food has received praise from my sister (who lives with me) and some of my friends. So take it all with a pinch of salt, so to speak.

Let’s begin; the art of cooking beckons!

1. Get the right cooking utensils and kitchenware

After all, how else are you going to start cooking? While most Singapore serviced apartments and Singapore co-living apartments have fully-equipped kitchens complete with kitchen utensils and appliances. But not every apartment rental in Singapore comes with them. So here are a couple of kitchen essentials that could help you cook up a feast in record time.

Here’s what you can get as a rookie chef:

  • Air Fryer: I wouldn’t be able to live without mine. It’s truly magical because it can heat up and cook anything from fries to chicken wings. Plus, it works its magic with minimal oil, letting you enjoy all the flavour without the extra calories.
  • Rice Cooker: Say hello to perfectly fluffy grains every time! As it simply takes charge of rice cooking, you’ll have more time to experiment with all the different rice-based dishes from around the world.
  • Electric Pots: The speedy sidekicks are the ultimate multitaskers. Brew soups, cook pasta, cook scrambled eggs (a fellow colleague did it before)–they do it all! If you’ve had a long day, just boil some water, throw in some vegetables, meat and seasoning, and let it cook. In no time, you’ll not only have a comforting bowl of soup, but a healthy meal too. Such is the beauty of the all-in-one pot method.
  • Pots and Pans: You’d have to know what you want to cook too. I would suggest getting one frying pan and a deeper set pan to start. The frying pan lets you, well, fry dishes easier. But a deeper set pan lets you toss around your ingredients without it spilling everywhere.
  • Cutting Board: This should go without saying, and the last thing you want is to damage the kitchen in your apartment rental in Singapore.
  • Knives: Have it a few different sizes. Larger knives can help you easier slice or mince meats and vegetables. Whereas smaller knives can give you more control over smaller, more delicate ingredients, like tofu. 
  • Measuring Spoons: While I use my own ‘instincts’ to measure my ingredients, getting these will help you make sure everything is in the right proportion.

2. Start with easy recipes

If you want to know how to start learning to cook at home, start with a simple recipe. Simple meals can be very delicious too.

For me, I remember I started with the simplest ingredients: egg. I first fried an egg to add to my Maggi instant noodles, as well as frying some luncheon meat. But the first ‘recipe’ I cooked was scrambled eggs, because I love scrambled eggs, and it seemed simple enough for someone with no basic cooking skills and zero cooking technique. 

I just went on Youtube and saw a few videos about cooking scrambling eggs. One of them was by Tasty, that viral cooking content production company that took over Facebook for a hot minute. And I played it as I cooked, trying to remember what the chef in the video was saying. And voila! Scrambled eggs, made with Meiji milk, a pinch of salt, and the President French Butter (trust me, french butter will save your life).

Just start with something easy. That’s where all the best chefs in the world hone their cooking basics before they embark on the rest of their cooking journey. So you don’t need to buy recipe books or go to a class. You can even just try out different recipes you see on social media, though it’s best to do a little more research if you see something on Tik Tok.

I sometimes even just take whatever is on the first page of Google, though you can head to proper websites with more trusted content, like Eater or New York Times cooking. Or just ask your parents about their recipe!

All you need is 3-4 simple recipes to master (instant noodles count, in my opinion). Even 2-3 recipes can get you going for months. You’re not in The Bear, you don’t need to make decadent restaurant meals. So just start with some basic pasta recipes, and then you’re well on your way.

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3. Season all the seasonings

Yes, I’m salty. Trust me, after you stock up on your spice cabinet, you can truly see why they say variety is the spice of life. Getting seasoning is one of the easiest ways to punch up your cooking. That said, always add them gradually, and taste your food as you add seasoning.

If you prefer cooking Asian delicacies, here are my recommendations for some basic condiments and seasonings to help add a twist to your dishes:

  • Light soy sauce
  • Thick soy sauce
  • Sweet soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Chilli sesame oil
  • Chilli oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Black and white pepper

 For Western delicacies, a little spice can go a long way. For me I usually add these spices onto my Western dishes to give it a proper kick:

  • Paprika
  • Cajun
  • Basil
  • Mixed herbs
  • Nutmeg
  • Garlic Salt

Of course, these are not exhaustive lists. As you learn different recipes, you can slowly experiment with how the different spices and seasonings work together. This was an important learning process for me as I learned that some condiments just can’t be used with certain recipes. For example, if I was frying thicker-cut noodles, I would add different kinds of soy sauce together. But if I’m frying bee hoon, which is much thinner and finer, the heavier sauces, like the thick soy sauce and the sweet soy sauce, would overpower the bee hoon. So you have to keep in mind both the taste and the texture of different seasonings.

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4. Plan your meals

We’re getting into the nitty-gritty now. Meal preparation can go a long way in helping you save money and cooking time (because you won’t need to get out for an extra grocery run). I usually plan it over the weekends. I do it for two reasons:

1. So that when I go grocery shopping I have a proper ingredient list, and I won’t forget anything (I’m very forgetful).

and

2. So that I don’t feel guilty about all the spoilt food items in my fridge.

With meal-prepping, I can make sure that I have all the food items I have, and that I can tailor my meals according to my schedule. If it’s a busy week, I’d probably get more dried food items since they spoil less easily. Or, I can cook a bit more rice on the top of the week, and just fry the leftover rice for the rest of the week.

5. Get the chemistry

If you want to learn how to cook at home, you also have to learn how things cook. You don’t need to read a whole book about it, but you need to know some of the basics, like how to spot how a raw chicken becomes cooked, or how to reduce certain fruits and vegetables to bring out its flavours (tip: always simmer with low heat).

So try to be sensitive and observant when you cook. Start realising how your ingredients behave. With that, you can graduate to more adventurous recipes, it’s important to develop a sensibility towards it so you can adapt your cooking skills across different recipes.

It’s not that hard to learn how to start cooking at home

One of the first things I started to realise after I started cooking is that, cooking is kind of like learning new languages. You slowly learn how different cuisines come together, where they can intersect and diverge. Now you can be rid of scrounging along aisles upon aisles of convenience foods and make your favourite dishes (and start to realise a lot of restaurants are overcharging their food).

But, alas, all good things have an end. After you finish cooking, there’s one thing that most chefs would dread—the kitchen cleanup.

About the Writer: Benedict Lim

As the resident punmaker, Benedict is really bad at making people laugh. They’re much better at diving into the nuances of the things they write about.

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MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

And, you can rest easy at any of our properties. We adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Life as a business traveller or a digital nomad will always be hassle-free at MetroResidences.

Let's Get in Touch

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The Ultimate Guide to Farrer Park’s Hidden Gems https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/explore/the-ultimate-guide-to-farrer-parks-hidden-gems/ Fri, 19 May 2023 08:17:48 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=11948 The post The Ultimate Guide to Farrer Park’s Hidden Gems appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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The Ultimate Guide to Farrer Park's Hidden Gems

Take a step back and discover all of Farrer Park's Hidden Gems.

Farrer Park (not to be confused with Farrer Road) isn’t what comes to mind when you first think of Singapore. Would you even know the neighbouring locales? But Farrer Park is a secret marvel in and of itself; it has its own forgotten history, one that you can only glimpse at when you look hard enough.

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Farrer Park: A Colourful Past

Its history is just as eclectic as the many colonial shophouses that line its streets. The name comes from a racecourse that used to be in a neighbourhood that was built in 1843 before it was moved to Bukit Timah. Originally called the Singapore Racecourse, it was renamed Farrer Park Racecourse after Roland John Farrer, the President of the Municipal Commissioners from 1919 to 1931. The racecourse was a pinnacle of the social life of colonial and postcolonial Singapore, where Malay and European royalties would watch the Spring Races, before the wealthy Chinese joined them.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, its sporting legacy continued as new sports facilities were built and completed. The new Athletic Centre opened, which included a swimming complex. The stadium became the training ground for training Singapore’s top sports talents like Ang Peng Siong, who was ranked first in the world in 1982 in the 50-metre freestyle at the United States swimming championship. The facility also produced soccer greats such as Majid Ariff, Rahim Omar, Quah Kim Song, Dollah Kassim, and coach Choo Seng Quee.

Besides all the sporting glories, Farrer Park has also experienced the most pivotal points in Singapore’s history. In 1942, Indian and Malay soldiers were rounded up at Farrer Park to switch allegiances to the Japanese as they successfully conquered Singapore. Then, in 1955, the neighbourhood was where People’s Action Party campaigned for self-government and independence.

But, towards the end of the millennium, the neighbourhood lost its status as a sports hub. The sports facilities were demolished to build the North East Line on Singapore’s MRT system, as well as new residential apartments. Plenty of Singapore condo rentals and apartment rentals sprouted up too. Other modern facilities include the City Square Mall, Singapore’s first eco-friendly mall, as well as the Farrer Park Medical Centre.

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Farrer Park’s Hidden Gems

While the Farrer Park MRT station is a popular way to get to the area, some hidden gems can take quite a walk from Farrer Park MRT. We’re also looking at places outside of City Square Mall because a Uniqlo isn’t really a hidden gem, isn’t it? Nevertheless, you can enjoy the eclectic designs of the shophouses in the area as you walk to Farrer Park’s Hidden Gems, which are definitely a breath of fresh air from the busy city skyline of Singapore.

1. Loop Garms & Stakeout

This is a pure vintage haven. The pair of vintage stores sit side by side underneath an unassuming apartment block. You can find mainly vintage clothing in Loop Garms where they have a wide range of lineups for any stylist. They buy and trade vintage clothes too!

Meanwhile,  Stakeout contains a kaleidoscope of vintage goodies. Find anything from board games to computer games, from concert merch to movie posters. But there are two kinds of price tage: tiered pricing items and single-price items. 

For tiered pricing items, you can buy more items to enjoy a lower price. There are three tiers: 1piece, 3 pieces, and 5 pieces, where you need to buy the corresponding amount to enjoy the lower prices in the higher tiers.

For single-price items (usually around $15 to $30), you get $10 off automatically when you purchase 5 single-price items. You can find more info about the terms here.

Address: 635 Veerasamy Road # 01-154 Singapore 200635

How to get there: Start from Farrer Park MRT station Exit I, walk along Serangoon Road, turn left on Syed Alwi Road, then a right at Kampong Kapor Road, then a final left at Chitty Road to find Block 635.

Or, take a 2-minute walk from Jalan Besar MRT station Exit B.

2. Ramabear Thai Mart

Just across from Stakeout and Loop Garms is this little slice of Thai heaven—its owner found herself missing the Thai snacks from back home. What better way to always have a piece of your childhood memory? Ramabear Thai Mart boasts an eye-popping variety of Thai goodies, from Baan NaRa Thai Crispy Pancakes and Lay’s chips with Thai-exclusive flavours. Or, indulge in an ice-cold cup of Thai Milk Tea or Thai Milk Coffee after a hot day’s worth of exploring!

Address: 73A Jln Besar, Singapore 208817

How to get there: It’s just outside Jalan Besar MRT Exit B.

Or, start from Farrer Park MRT station Exit I, walk along Serangoon Road, turn left on Syed Alwi Road, then a right at Kampong Kapor Road, then a final left at Upper Weld Road to find Ramabear Thai Mart at the corner of Jalan Besar and Upper Weld Road.

Let your soul wander with the power of art. Heartroom Gallery offers a space where artists of all levels can come and explore. Established in 1996, they adopt a philosophy of freedom in their classes, where anyone and everyone can come in and learn how to make the art you want to make. You can find art classes galore, covering traditional decorative painting, acrylic painting, manga, and Chinese brush painting.

Address: Blk 48A Dorset Road, #24-119, Singapore 211048

Phone number: +65 9672 7849

Email: enquiry@heartroomgallery.com

How to get there: Take Exit A at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk along Gluocester Road to get to Dorset Road.

4. HAMBAOBAO & Lil’s Taproom

Two halves make a whole, after all. This neat little gastropub is tucked away inside a commercial building along Sam Leong Road, where one half of it is a burger joint (HAMBAOBAO translates to burger in Mandarin), and the other is, of course, a bar (Lil’s Taproom).

There are five burgers available at HAMBAOBAO, as well as Loaded Nachos if you’re just looking for a nibble. At Lil’s Taproom, you can find an eclectic variety of craft beer on tap that comes in 3 sizes: (Lil’s: 6.5oz / Mommy: 10.5oz / Daddy: 15oz).

Address: 11 Sam Leong Road, TRIO Building #03-08, Singapore 207903

Email: hambaobaos@gmail.com

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk along Kitchener Road, turn right on Verdun Road, then left to Sam Leong Road.

5. Swee Choon Dim Sum

Residents from across the island would still flock here for their midnight dim sum fix. This venerated right called itself Singapore’s favourite dim sum restaurant. Established in 1962, their dim sum remains one of the island’s best. They’ve grown to own four units in the same shophouse, along with express takeaway outlets across Singapore!

Their must-try include the Mee Suah Kueh (deep fried noodle cake, stunning!), Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun (heavenly!), and their Xiao Long Bao (transcendent!)

Address: 183/185/187/189, Jln Besar, 191/193, Singapore 208882

Phone: +65 6225 7788

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk along Kitchener Road, and turn right on Jalan Besar (don’t cross to the other end!). Walk along Jalan Besar until you see Swee Choon.

6. Cheng Mun Chee Kee Pig Organ Soup

It’s comfort food for plenty of Malaysians and Singaporeans. The pig’s organ soup is a broth boiled with a mix of offal and vegetables. Most of the time, the soup includes liver, heart, intestines, stomach, tongue, pig blood curd, as well as pork meat slices, strips of salted vegetables, celtuce and a sprinkle of chopped onion leaves and pepper.

Cheng Mun Chee Kee is a favourite haunt for the neighbourhood. There’s another stall with a similar name, as they originated from the same family before they went their separate ways. Besides their signature Pig’s Organ Soup, you can also try Steamed Minced Meat with Chestnut, and their Black Vinegar Eggs.

Address: 24 Foch Rd, Singapore 209263

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk Northeast along Serangoon Road, and turn right on Petain Road. Then take a left at Jalan Besar, before you see the fork onto Foch Road.

7. Ipoh Tuck Kee●(正宗)怡保德记

Amidst the sea of restaurants in town boasting the name ‘Ipoh Tuck Kee’, only one stands tall as the true OG, hailing all the way from the food haven of Ipoh, Malaysia. Don’t be fooled by imposters, taste the real deal at this zi char haven; they only have outlets at Clementi, MacPherson, and Jalan Besar. Since 1963, Restoran Tuck Kee has been tantalizing taste buds with their legendary fried noodles. And don’t even get us started on their Yu Kong Hor—moonlight hor fun—simply unforgettable!

Try their Wat Tan Hor, stir-fried thick noodles in a thick egg sauce—the very dish that catapulted the business into cult status in Ipoh. There also Another dish you must get is the Hokkien Dai Lok Mee, which are thick stir-fried noodles with shrimp and pork slices. You truly can’t miss it!

Address: 31 Kelantan Lane, #01-12, Singapore 200031

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk Southwest along Serangoon Road, and turn left when you reach Rowell Road. Walk the way until you see Jalan Besar, and cross over to the other side to find Kelantan Lane, which is beside the Berseh Food Centre.

8. Rong Fu HK Roast

Chicken rice is a staple dish for many Southeast Asian countries. As simple as it is fulfilling, chicken rice is a favourite comfort food for almost everyone in Singapore. But this stall doesn’t only sell chicken rice; its roasted pork dishes are amazing too! Their Siew Nyuk (roasted pork with crispy skin) is divine with its crisp, briny skin. Meanwhile, their Char Siew (honey-roasted pork) is simply oozing with goodness.

Address: Kim Sam Leng Eating House, 16 Verdun Road, Singapore 207279

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk along Kitchener Road, turn right on Verdun Road, and the coffee shop is on your left at the corner of Verdun Road and Sam Leong Road. The stall is nestled within Kim Sam Leng Eating House.

9. Main Street Commissary

Looking for some Western fare with a little creative twist? This cafe also houses a curatorial art space, but their bites are just as refreshing. And here’s a huge draw: they have all-day breakfast! Their menu for all-day breakfast is extensive; you can find classics like Eggs Benedict and French Toast, or you can spice it up with the Sriracha Chicken Brioche.
Their lunch menu also has plenty of scrumptious delights: Teriyaki Chicken Rice Boawk, Lasagna Roll Ups, and the Pesto Linguine. There is also, coffee, of course, where they hawk their own Cold Brews along with their Filter Coffee. If you’re lucky, you can indulge in their glorious tiramisu too!

Address: 81 Rowell Road, Singapore 208014

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, walk along Kitchener Road, turn right on Verdun Road, and continue on. Turn right when you reach Rowell Road. The cafe is settled in one of the shophouses, around the middle of the block.

10. Syip

It’s rare to have food that tastes as good as it looks. On the outside, it just looks like another hipster cafe. But the duo of sisters have gained their stripes by first starting with their home-based bakery specialising in tiramisu (yes, we love tiramisu).
They have an all-day brunch menu, and we recommend the SYIP Big Breakfast with its creamy and fluffy scrambled eggs and fragrant tater tots. To sweeten the deal, bank on their previous expertise and try their tiramisu. It comes in two versions: one that’s non-alcoholic and another with Kahlua.

Address: 79 Owen Road, Singapore 218895

How to get there: Take Exit I at Farrer Park MRT Station, head northwest and cross Serangoon Road to get to Rangoon Road. Continue on Rangoon Road and walk past Farrer Park Hospital. Cross Race Course Road and then turn left. Turn right onto Owen Road, and Syip will be on the left.

About the Writer: Benedict Lim

As the resident punmaker, Benedict is really bad at making people laugh. They’re much better at diving into the nuances of the things they write about.

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MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

And, you can rest easy at any of our properties. We adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Let's Get in Touch

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The 8 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Singapore – The MetroResidences Definitive Guide https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/explore/the-8-best-rooftop-restaurants-in-singapore-the-metroresidences-definitive-guide/ Fri, 29 Jul 2022 10:16:44 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=10876 The post The 8 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Singapore – The MetroResidences Definitive Guide appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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The 8 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Singapore—The MetroResidences Definitive Guide

The best rooftop restaurants are probably one of the most romantic restaurants in Singapore too; each of them is a perfect spot for any special occasion!

Singapore’s skyline contains a wide range of influences and styles that transcends time and boundaries. Traditional shophouses sit side by side with monoliths of steel and reinforced concrete. What better way to admire the clash of styles than to have a decadent meal at the best rooftop restaurants in Singapore?

1. Jaan by Kirk Westaway

Winning Two Michelin Stars just in 2021, Jaan by Kirk Westaway is one of the few restaurants in Singapore with the coveted accolade. This elegant restaurant embodies the peak of high-end dining, offering everything from food, service, ambience and stunning views. Chef Westaway uses top-quality British ingredients to create modern dishes that never fail to impress his guests. British classics are reinvented under the vision of Chef Westaway—‘dippy eggs’ is a refined version of the beloved breakfast dish, which includes soldiers too.

Website: https://www.jaan.com.sg/

Address: Swissôtel The Stamford, Equinox Complex, Level 70, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882

Contact: +65 6874 1488

2. CÉ LA VI

CÉ LA VI - Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore - MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments

With outposts in Dubai, Tokyo, and Taipei, CÉ LA VI is one of Asia’s most well-known rooftop venues with breathtaking skylines and a flavourful menu. They have one of the most unforgettable views from atop Marina Bay Sands too, with the rest of Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, and the Civic District spread out from below.

They just updated their menu too! So savour a decadent feast with the world-famous views. Dig into hearty mains such as the Half Boston Lobster Thermidor and Breaded Iberico Pork Pluma.

Website: https://www.celavi.com/en/singapore/

Address: Level 57, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971

Contact: +65 6508 2188

3. Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Perching atop ION Orchard on Orchard Road, Salt Grill & Sky Bar offers views as ravishing as their menu. Owned by Australian celebrity chef-restaurateur Luke Mangan, the restaurant offers scrumptious dishes from down-under. No wonder they’re one of the most best rooftop restaurants in Singapore.

So enjoy magnanimous flavours in dishes like Steak Frites with Little Joe grass-fed sirloin, house-made fries and café de Paris butter. With views that stretch all the way to Woodlands, Changi and Jurong East, this is surely a dazzling destination for a romantic dinner.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGrillSkybar/

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #55-01 & #56-01, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801

Contact: +65 6592 5118

4. SKAI

Just like our first entry, SKAI also sits on the 70th floor of the Swissotel. Along with its minimalist space, SKAI lets you take in the panoramic views in peace and tranquility. They carefully curate their menus for lunch, dinner, as well as weekend brunch. Their artisanal beef is a must-try, with bovine sourced from across Australia, America, Japan, and Ireland. Then top it all off with SKAI’s bespoke cocktails. 

Website: https://skai.sg/

Address: 2 Stamford Road, Swissôtel The Stamford, Level 70, Singapore 178882

Contact: +65 6431 6156

5. Zafferano

With a modern twist to homely Italian classics, Zafferano seeks to provide a unique experience through Italian cuisine with their chic alfresco lounge on a rooftop terrace. Staying true to their Italian spirit, they also have a broad range of wines. So end your week by having a hearty Italian feast, sipping wine as you take in the panoramic views of the city.

Website: http://zafferano.sg/menu

Address: Ocean Financial Centre Level 43, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315

Contact: +65 6509 1488

6. Lantern

The Lantern rooftop bar sits on Singapore’s most recognisable hotel: The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Its namesake harkens back to Clifford Pier’s original name: ‘Red Lantern Pier’. The pier’s red lanterns lit the waters as Singapore’s early immigrants and seafarers came and went to the shore. 

Today, the bar offers sweeping views of the city skyline across Marina Bay, along with an open-air terrace and one of those fancy rooftop pools. So revel in the view and their signature dishes, such as their Beer-Battered White Pollock Fish Fillet, to plant-based delights such as the Tex Mex Hotdog Omnimeat Chilli con Carne.

Website: https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-bay-hotel-singapore/dining/restaurants-and-bars/lantern

Address: Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326

Contact: +65 6597 5299

7. Lavo

Lavo is the latest crown in the jewel of Marina Bay Sands. Sitting on the 57th floor of the famed hotel, the rooftop restaurant and bar is a popular spot to take in both the spectacular views of the city, as well as Gardens by the Bay. For their eats, discover Italian-American delights like chicken parmigiana and its signature Lavo one-pound meatball topped with a decadent serving of ricotta cheese.

Website: http://lavosingapore.com/

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave., Marina Bay Sands, Hotel Tower 1, Level 57 Sands SkyPark, Singapore 018956

Contact: +65 6688 8591

8. Artemis Grill

This rooftop bar and restaurant is located on the top of CapitaGreen (not Capital Green, mind you). Feel the pulse of all the city lights, right in the Central Business District—Singapore’s beating heart. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the restaurant uses fish and seafood from sustainable sources, as well as hormone-free meats and locally-sourced greens. If you just want a tipple after work, get your favourite poison in the Sky Forest rooftop bar.

Website: https://artemisgrill.com.sg/

Address: 138 Market Street, CapitaGreen Rooftop (Level 40), Singapore 048946

Contact: +65 6688 8591

MetroResidences Serviced Apartments Near Rooftop Restaurants

metroresidences_serviced_apartments_singapore_cityscape

And who said Singapore is all about shopping. For the epicurean, check out MetroResidences’ repertoire of Singapore serviced apartments near some of Singapore’s best rooftop restaurants. Be it if you’re looking for a long term studio for rent, or a Singapore condo rental, we’ve definitely got one for you.

Address: 1A Surrey Rd, Singapore 307741

Address: 5 Shenton Way, Singapore 068808

Address: 554 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169639

Address: 55 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089158

Address: 50 Robinson Rd, Singapore 068882

Find Singapore Serviced Apartments Now

The post The 8 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Singapore – The MetroResidences Definitive Guide appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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Singapore Vegan Festival 2019 – The only guide you’ll need https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/everyday-living/singapore-vegan-festival-the-only-guide-youll-need/ Tue, 24 Sep 2019 08:20:04 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=9715 The post Singapore Vegan Festival 2019 – The only guide you’ll need appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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Singapore Vegan Festival - The only guide you'll need

Finally, one to call our own! EatRoamLive brings Singapore its first Vegan Festival and you can expect more than just daily greens. Packed to the brim with a diverse selection of vegan food options from a range of different cuisines, you wouldn't want to miss this!

Broaden your palette and move past that boring salad. Veganism has been growing in popularity and it’s obvious to see why. From just a vegan diet, it has transformed into a global movement. The vegan community promotes a healthier way of life to spread awareness by being conscious of what we consume and how its production affects the world around us.

The Singapore Vegan Festival, brought to you by EatRoamLive is here to prove that living green does not need to be boring. Be surprised by vegan-inspired Indian, Japanese and even Greek food.

When and where is it happening?

On the 29th of September 2019 be prepared to bask in fabulous food at the Raffles City Convention Centre.

The hall will be lined with booths and market stalls offering great plant-based food. Getting there is pretty simple as Raffles City is located in between City Hall MRT and Esplanade MRT station. We would recommend stopping at City Hall MRT (NS25/EW13) as it is more accessible. 

Take the East-West Line (green) or North-South Line (red) and look out for the City Hall MRT (NS25/EW13) stop. Look for the Raffles City exit and you’ll just need to cross the road.

What can I expect?

Expect the unexpected; food you’d never thought could be vegan will be on show.

Get ready for a selection of almond cappuccinos, fresh organic veggies, infused olive oils, nut butters and so much more! So discover it all when you head on down to the festival! 

You can get your tickets ($12) for different time slots and programmes here

What else can I find?

Rendang Mama Vegan

Vegan epok-epok anyone? The great Singaporean staple now comes in a vegan form! Rendang Mama Vegan is the first and probably only producers of vegan curry puffs in Singapore. They also pride themselves as being the first fully plant-based Malay food business in Singapore.

Check them out on Facebook!

 

Well Dressed Salad Bar & Cafe

A vegan lifestyle cafe managed by Eight Treasures, Well Dress Salad Bar & Cafe passionately believes that ‘meatless doesn’t mean tasteless’. Be sure to try their eye-opening and belly-filling vegan creations featuring rustic vegan bakes and vegan doughnuts especially for this event!

Check out their Facebook page to learn more!

Pukka

Be pleasantly surprised by the taste of Pukka’s organic herbal teas. Their organic herbal creations are inspired by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and artistry of nature, reflecting their knowledge of plants and love for the world.

Find out what other amazing flavours they have on their Facebook page and Website!

 

Blu Kouzina

Take a trip to Greece! Blu Kouzina brings food and love together on a plate with hearty Greek cuisine. They serve several vegan dishes in the restaurant and they’ll be showcasing some yum fare at the Singapore Vegan Festival.

Click on their Facebook page to find out more!

 

Norilicious

Be sure to try some delicious seaweed snacks courtesy of Norilicious. With flavours like Almond & Sesame and Spicy Sunflower Seeds, they’ll definitely be flying off the racks!

See what other awesome flavours they have on their Facebook page!

 

Magnum

Photo credit

Everyone’s favourite ice cream brand brings dairy-free ice cream to the Singapore Vegan Festival! That’s right, crack into their signature chocolate shell made from sustainably sourced cocoa beans, and indulge in velvety pea protein ice confectionery!

Check out their Website to learn more!

 

Ministry of Balls

Photo credit

MOB brings you little nuggets of wonder filled with different nut butter. Vegan and dairy-free energy boosters that fit in the palm of your hands! What’s not to love?

Check out what flavours they have on their Facebook page!

 

Roa’s Chocolate Cupcakes

Beautiful gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate cupcakes that will entice your taste buds. Roa’s desserts have been touted as ‘legitimately delicious, decadent chocolate dessert that is vegan-friendly, gluten-free and amazingly light on the calorie side’. Be sure to check them out at the Singapore Vegan Festival!

Take a look at their Facebook page!

Tempeh Culture

Arguably one of the most underrated plant-based, high-protein whole food. Tempeh is perfect for delicious meat-free meals and Tempeh Culture makes a mean batch of it. Discover what could possibly be your next go-to high-protein option with Tempeh Culture!

Check out their Facebook page and Website!

 

KROODI

Discover the amazing possibility of plant-based cheese! Nut alternatives such as cashew cheese taste great and are innovatively brilliant. Don’t just take our words for it. This is definitely a must-try!

Learn more on their Facebook page and Website!

 

So come on down and join the Singapore vegan community in sampling some of the best vegan food in Singapore.

The post Singapore Vegan Festival 2019 – The only guide you’ll need appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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What $6 can get you at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2019. https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/everyday-living/what-6-can-get-you-at-the-geylang-serai-ramadan-bazaar-2019/ Sun, 12 May 2019 15:27:50 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=9234 The post What $6 can get you at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2019. appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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What $6 can get you at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2019.

Unless you just arrived in Singapore, you should be familiar with the annual food and shopping rush that channels through the heart of Geylang Serai during the period of Ramadan. Prices have gone volatile in recent years, so here’s a handful of cheap food options $6 and under.

What’s this about?

Once every year, the streets of Geylang Serai are lit by the life of vendors and craze of patrons flocking to the food maze that is the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2019 (or just Geylang Bazaar, which is a night market or ‘pasar malam’).

During the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, stalls pop up selling Malay fare, drinks, clothes, goods and etc, in the spirit of celebration and preparation for the upcoming Eid (Muslim holiday) festivities.

People from all over Singapore flock to Geylang Serai to get involved in the atmosphere that can arguably be described as a month-long Christmas Eve. From local fare like chicken rice, fried rice and egg noodles to new fusion creations, there’s something for everyone.

Got your heart set on apartments in the East? Here are a few to check out!

When and where is this happening?

The bazaar this year runs from the 3rd of May till the 5th of June 2019.

Depending on where you begin, the bazaar stretches from Geylang Serai Market, through the new Wisma Geylang Serai, past Haig Road food centre, along Tanjong Katong Complex and around the opposite Sims Ave.

Here are some options for getting there:

Take a train to Paya Lebar MRT station

Or take the following buses: 2, 7, 21, 24, 26, 28, 51, 67 or 155

These buses also take you to the following apartments. Find out why they are so popular!

So here it is!

1. Pebbles

Here’s a sweet treat first on our list of all things $6 and under. Pebbles carries these Belgium waffle pops. Dressed in an assortment of icing options and sprinkles, these are colourful and fun snacks to check out. It’s a great way to start your weekend strolling around the bazaar!

(photo credit: Pebbles Facebook)

Average price: $4.90
Where to find them: WGSB017

 

2. Take A Bite

Still need to satisfy that sweet tooth? Take A Bite wants you to take a bite of their soft serve ice cream. A flavour locals would appreciate would be their take on the famous white rabbit candy we used to have as kids. It’s a cool flavour take that will leave you happy you made the choice.

(photo credit: Take A Bite Instagram page)

Average price: $6
Where to find them: WGSB019

 

3. Ayam Percik

Let’s take things back a little more traditional. One of the most common items you’ll find at the Geylang bazaar is an Ayam Percik stall. It’s basically a really good grilled or barbecued spiced chicken wing or drumstick which has quickly become associated with traditional Malay food. These you can find all around the bazaar.

(photo credit: source)

Average price: 1 goes for about $2 and a thigh for $4
Where to find them: WGSB138

 

Interested in accommodation options near Orchard Road? Click here.

4. Famous Vadai Uncle

Here is a personal favourite of mine. For those wondering, Vadais are deep fried palmed-sized dough fritters usually flavoured with a whole prawn on the side (vegetarian variants are considered more traditional). It’s also served with green chillies. They also sell an amazing Masala Vadai unlike any other! This famous vadai uncle didn’t give himself that title. Over the years his stall has been one of the go-to’s in pop up bazaars.  

(photo credit: source)

Average price: 7 pcs for $5
Where to find them: WGSB001

5. MyLaksa

Keeping it local is a new stall in the bazaar. MyLaksa specializes in paper bowl laksas’; offering two kinds, the assam fishball option swings in at only $5. Rice noodles in a spicy and sour soup is a popular favourite. It’s not very often you find laksa at the bazaar but it’s a familiar welcome.

(photo credit: source)

Average Price: $5 for the Assam Fishball Laksa
Where to find them: WGSB002

 

6. Turkish Kebab House

Now for a familiar sight at most bazaars in Singapore (and around the world). You always need a stall selling kebabs! Here is our pick for the geylang bazaar. Many other kebab joints often stinge on the filling. The Turkish Kebab House though usually steps up and serves a healthy proportional amount of meat per bread. The best part is, they prepare their dough from scratch and it’s all freshly baked. So they get our vote!

(photo credit: Turkish Kebab House Facebook)

Average Price: $5 for chicken and $6 for beef.
Where to find them: WGSB126

 

7. Loco Loco

Another usual face seen at the bazaars of Singapore is Takoyaki. The popular Japanese street food has taken the world by storm and has its feet firm in Singapore. Loco Loco though, offers a different take on these little balls of goodness. They have come up with a salted egg flavoured takoyaki! Salted egg on everything doesn’t always work. But this one does!

Average Price: $6 for the Salted Egg Yolk Takoyaki
Where to find them: WGSB030

 

8. Charkoi

This next one comes in both sweet and savoury options. It’s a fun take on a traditional local classic and to be honest it just makes so much sense. Charkoi serves a pimped out version of the Yu Char Kway (Youtiao). Laden with rainbow sprinkles or drenched in milky Nutella, these sinful treats should have been introduced into our lives much sooner.

(photo credit: Charkoi Instagram)

Average Price: $4 – $6.50 per piece
Where to find them: G294

 

Bonus (just top up $0.90!)

Masakan Shaik Sabri

Alright this one isn’t under $6 but… it’s Briyani for $6.90! So it’s a bonus for you guys. Shaik Sabri dishes out a good pack of mutton dam briyani and its worth that extra $0.90. Big chunks of mutton on tasty savoury rice will rumble your tummy just from sight. But don’t take our word for it. Head on down and try it yourself!

(photo credit: source)

Average Price: $6.90
Where to find them: WGSG287

The post What $6 can get you at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2019. appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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Things to do in Orchard Road you never thought of. https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/explore/food-and-drinks/things-to-do-in-orchard-road-you-never-thought-of/ Wed, 17 Apr 2019 08:12:42 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=9147 The post Things to do in Orchard Road you never thought of. appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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Things to do in Orchard Road you never thought of

Let’s shed some light onto the shadows of Singapore’s more overrated road. Orchard Road is synonymous with the little red dot; stretches laden with luxury brands, food and shopping. But this piece doesn't want to talk about the Orchard Road that we all know.

Sure, you know it as a shopping destination rivalling Fifth Avenue and Bond Street. It’s not to be missed when you’re visiting Singapore. But, unknown to many, Orchard does hold home interesting spots which allow for a different but comfortably familiar outing outside of Singapore’s central business district. So, ditch the air-conditioned nation, forget the department stores and shopping malls. Here are some things to do in Orchard Road you never thought of.

Here’s a planned guide for those who are too busy to think about what to do on the weekend and for those travellers or locals who are sick with the hyper-shopping district that we know. Allow me to plan your weekend around this overhyped, ‘atas’ shopping street.

 

Itinerary outlook:

  • Breakfast in the outskirts
  • Urban farming
  • A bird’s eye view
  • Lunch by the park
  • Art with a presidential view
  • Nonya chill sesh

 

I’m starting this one off with the most important meal of the day, doing it local-style. Yup, it’s a classic Singaporean breakfast. Off the reach of Orchard Road, close to 313 Somerset, it’s the well-known Killiney Kopitiam.

I know, I know, this one isn’t ‘unknown’ at all. But listen, this is a full day guide and there is no way I’m planning you a day out in Singapore without this essential breakfast touchstone.

Looking for serviced residences in Singapore near Orchard? Check out Orchard Suites Loft.

 

Breakfast at Killiney Kopitiam

So step one, immerse yourself in the Singaporean breakfast life (or rather, really how it should be!). Leave your serviced apartment and start your day by slathering up a slice of warm toast with a beautifully delicate and smooth spread that tastes like Katong in a bite (otherwise known as Kaya). It’s how the locals do it.

End the flavourful breakfast with a thick and rich cup of coffee that hums in your mouth as your dilating pupils greet the sunkissed Somerset district. The area is surprisingly calm and tranquil on early weekends. Your pick-me-up ends when that plate of half-boiled eggs is clean. Now that you’re ready, let’s move on.

Looking for Singapore serviced apartments near Orchard Road? Look no further.

Killiney Kopitiam (Killiney Road)
Contact: 6291 2668
Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm
Closest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS23)

 

After breakfast, have a walk down to Orchard Road and head towards Design Orchard, and…

Discover Singapore’s Passionate Creatives

Wanting to support local creative as part of your conscious travel agenda?

This vibrant enclave was designed by architecture firm WOHA Architects and aims to bring creativity and inspiration to the area. The space serves as a creative incubator, events venue, and a showcase for well-known brands, designers, and up-and-coming design talents in Singapore. Open the doors to a world of awe-inspiring designs, crafted with pride in the heart of Singapore.

Discover Singapore Apartment Rentals Along the Thomson-East Coast Line

Design Orchard
Contact: 8642 3576
Opening hours: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily
Closest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS23)

Sightseeing at ION Level 56

Time to build up that appetite. And when I say up, I mean UP. From *SCAPE, head up the road towards ION, opposite Lucky Plaza. Now, ION is known for its plethora of major fashion brands and expensive dining options. Amongst these lux lifestyle names is a view that not many people know of.

On the 56th floor of ION Orchard, past the shopping centre, is a viewing gallery like no other. It’s called ION Sky.

This isn’t really an activity but it’s worth the trip to ION. From the viewing gallery, you will be able to have a wide view of the CBD and more! You can even see the Singapore Flyer and will have camera binoculars at your disposal. Some say that if you go on a clear day, you might even be able to see a bit of Malaysia.

ION Sky
Contact: 6238 8228
Opening hours: 2 pm to 8.30pm
Closest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14)
Admission is free, doors close at 7.30pm

 

Picnic at Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning isn’t the most unknown place in Singapore. Actually, it’s pretty popular. However, there are certain spots in the park that are not frequently visited. And those are the most beautiful spots in Singapore to have a weekend picnic.

One great spot is located close to the Fort Canning Service Reservoir; walk towards Fort Canning Hill, past the Gate, and continue following the path. You’ll come to a beautiful clearing with a small colonial structure. There, sit under a gorgeous crown of rain trees and enjoy your wholesome picnic. You’ll soon forget you’re in Singapore; you won’t even see Marina Bay Sands.

Another is the Spice Garden in Fort Canning. Often overlooked by locals and foreigners, the Spice Garden is a great little pocket of selected greenery in the park that gives you a peek into the life of Singaporeans. Some of the spice plants were of old medicinal use and others are still apparent now.  

As you walk along the stone path, you will be stimulated by the subtle and distinct aroma of spices. Just in time for your picnic! Set up shop on one of the many benches and dig into lunch while you daydream about a time when spices flowed like water.

Another daydream is Studio Luxe, click here to check it out. Pssst! It comes with a pool!

Fort Canning Park
Contact: 1800 471 7300
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Closest MRT: City Hall MRT (EW13/NS25)

Spice Garden is found within Fort Canning Park (Hill Street entrance)

 

Drinks at Emerald Hill

Your picnic should have taken you into mid-afternoon. The warm sun is now heading towards the horizon and you start thinking, “Hmm, a drink would be nice right about now.”

Head over to Emerald Hill. This street encrusted with Peranakan shophouses and chill vibes will embrace you with lounge music, a warm ambience and great drinks.

The neighbouring houses down the alley provide sight-seekers with a glimpse into the life of wealthy Peranakan families of yesteryear. Good times and laughter fill the Emerald Hill of today as you’ll find a great selection of bars restaurants along the way.

One bar you might want to check out is Acid Bar. Touted for its great service, ambient lighting and a wide variety of snacks and drinks, this watering hole is a local favourite. Nights include live music and it’s even pet-friendly (at their alfresco neighbour: Hej Kitchen & Bar)!

Acid Bar
Contact: 6738 8828
Opening hours:
5 pm – 2 am (Sun-Thurs)
5 pm – 3 am (Fri & Sat)

Closest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS23)

Another option would be the No.5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar. This establishment has been around since 1991 and it has been furnished to let you know. Decorated along its walls are pieces and accents of historical and cultural value.

Walking into the bar transports you to a time capsule representation of the building it’s housed in. With a happy hour that will make your wallet smile and martinis that would make James Bond do the same, this cocktail bar is a great pick for an evening in Emerald Hill.

No.5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar
Contact: 6732 0818
Opening hours: 12 pm to 2 am
Closest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS23)

 

Getting cultured at My Art Space (Istana Park)

Tucked in the often overlooked Istana Park, just after Orchard Central, is an establishment that gives its patrons more than just great fruit juice. My Art Space is a joint that holds art programs such as painting and sketching sessions and enrichment programs.

With a focus on teaching, it aims to instil learning, appreciation and enjoyment of art. After booking a class with them you’ll be glad to find a great community of fellow art lovers, wrapped up in an inviting atmosphere, it’s a great way to end your day out in Orchard.

If you’re proud of your van Gogh piece, then perhaps it might be even featured in the Art Space gallery! What a great way to end your weekend in Orchard Road.

 

My Art Space
Contact: 6222 1662
Opening hours: 11 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Wed, Sun & PH)
Closest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut MRT station (NS24/NE6/CC1)

Bonus

Come May, Orchard Road will be looking to turn car-less. You’ll be able to attend a vibrant night scene monthly. This pop-up art and entertainment event will feature food trucks, street, arts and fashion performances under the stars.

Another great activity to add in your weekend itinerary.

The post Things to do in Orchard Road you never thought of. appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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5 Must-Have Apps For the Best Lunch Deals in Singapore https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/explore/food-and-drinks/5-must-have-apps-for-the-best-lunch-deals-in-singapore/ Mon, 11 Feb 2019 02:30:10 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=8915 The post 5 Must-Have Apps For the Best Lunch Deals in Singapore appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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5 Must-Have Apps For the Best Lunch Deals in Singapore

 This article was written by our friends, over at Wantedly.

Convenience has taken on a whole new meaning for us Singaporeans obsessed with food. I vaguely recall a time when convenience meant microwaveable meals from 7Eleven, and the only food delivery options were either McDonald’s, pizza or Spize with exorbitant delivery fees and hour-long waiting times.

Today, a great deal for our meal is never far away – and I mean this literally. The food delivery scene is now saturated with players big and small, racing to deliver under 30 minutes. Besides food delivery, there are a plethora of food and dining related services to make sure our food obsession never ends. From 1-for-1 deals and cash back rewards, to mobile wallet payments and beating the queue for food, here’s a list of five must-have apps to help you maximise your lunch hour and snag the best deals in Singapore.

MealPal

Photo source: MealPal

If you want to upgrade your lunch meals to restaurant food and avoid queuing in line for your food, MealPal offers a monthly subscription plan for pick-up restaurant meals in CBD, Novena, Buona Vista and Orchard.

For a monthly fee of S$95.88, The Basic Restaurant Plan gives you 12 restaurant meals for $7.99 each. The All-Access plan gives you two additional hawker meals for just $2 more. Whenever you’re up for a lunch upgrade, just make your order before 10.30am and set your pick-up time before heading down.

Watch your colleagues next door munch on their salad and fast food with jealousy; you’re now the kid with the cool lunchbox back in primary school.

Eatsy

Photo source: Eatsy

For the troupers, homegrown tech startup Eatsy allows you and your team to order ahead for takeaway or dine-in meals from selected restaurants. Say goodbye to waiting in line or for the bill. Eatsy’s unique features include a collaborative ordering feature in which your colleagues can add their food orders to an existing one, as well as a bill splitting function where you can choose to go dutch, split the bill equally or even treat the team! A team that eats together, stays together!

Eatsy’s Foodie Group members are also entitled to exclusive privileges and discounts of up to 50% at selected merchants.

honestbee

Photo source: honestbee

From grocery to laundry and food delivery services, honestbee has been buzzing to innovate and bring more convenience to consumers, especially with the recent launch of habitat by honestbee, a first-of-its-kind tech-enabled grocery and dining experience for the senses.

honestbee promises food delivered free from a good selection of merchants – within 30 minutes – with a minimum order spending of $12. When you make payment for your food order with beePay, you can expect to receive up to 5% cashback, collect coins with every successful order and redeem lifestyle rewards.

GrabFood

Photo source: GrabFood

The newest kid on the food delivery block, GrabFood is painting the town green with an ever-increasing selection of restaurants and weekly promotions. Get McDonald’s delivered for only $3, which is less than the McDelivery app. On top of your Grab rides to the office, earn points with every GrabFood order and redeem them for a comprehensive range of lifestyle rewards and vouchers under the Grab Rewards catalogue.

The Entertainer

Photo source: The Entertainer

Grab your favourite lunch kaki and #treatyourself to 1-for-1 dining deals with the ultimate savings app. The Entertainer gives you a wide selection of 1-for-1 deals at nearby restaurants and F&B merchants – even artisanal restaurants that don’t do food delivery.

The Entertainer rewards users with Smiles, which can be exchanged for more discounts – helping you save even more. Now who says you need to wait for pay day to indulge?

“One cannot think well, love well and sleep well if one has not dined well”, they say. But the same goes for your job. Find one that matches your passion with purpose with us: sg.wantedly.com

Wantedly is a social hiring platform that allows talents and companies to meet based on shared mission and values, rather than salary and benefits. Striving to Create a World Where Work Drives Passion, the platform provides opportunities for talents to discover their dream companies, while allowing companies to showcase their brand story and passion projects to build their dream team. 

The post 5 Must-Have Apps For the Best Lunch Deals in Singapore appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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The Best Of: Katong Grocery Shopping https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/everyday-living/the-best-of-katong-grocery-shopping/ Wed, 31 Oct 2018 08:38:59 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=8539 The post The Best Of: Katong Grocery Shopping appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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The Best Of: Katong Grocery Shopping

Welcome to The Best Of series. Here, we dive into a variety of districts and areas around Singapore; exploring interesting places to visit, quirky people to say hello to and even scrumptious food to sample!

Sometimes, nothing beats home cooking. With the abundant choice amenities, Katong is close to a number of supermarkets and wet markets.

Closer to the south, you’ll find Parkway Shopping Centre; a wonderful mall packed with restaurants, retail outlets and electronic stores, you’ll also find Cold Storage and Giant Hypermarket.

These grocers carry international and local produce for your convenience. Moving in more Central, you’ll find Geylang Serai Market; a wet market with a focus towards more local produce.

If you’re feeling adventurous, no cluster of residential flats is without a small supermarket or wet market of their own. You could head on down to the few surrounding heartlands such as Haig Road and Marine Parade. Don’t worry, the local tradesmen are friendly and usually up for a haggle at wet markets.

Here’s a compiled list of supermarket and wet market options to get you started!

If the idea of exploring a wet market is a bit daunting, here’s a survival guide to help you out on your first trip. We also have some tips and suggestions for grocery shopping in Singapore.

Rich in culture, history, food and luxury; Katong sits highly on the list of well-known Singapore grounds. Named after a species of ‘sea turtle’, Tanjong Katong rests proudly on the shoulders of East Coast.

Once decorated with boathouses, beach-side retreats, mansions and recreation clubs, the area now preserves its legacy through beautiful 1970’s shophouses and repurposed colonial buildings.

Peranakan flair is paired with diverse fare in this quaint district. Come dusk, the malls, tasteful bars and countless restaurants pick up the warm hug that Katong offers. So strap yourself in because it’s going to be one fun ride!

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The Best Of: Katong Food https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/everyday-living/the-best-of-katong-food/ Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:49:08 +0000 https://expat.metroresidences.com/sg/?p=8522 The post The Best Of: Katong Food appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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The Best Of: Katong Food

Welcome to The Best Of series. Here, we dive into a variety of districts and areas around Singapore; exploring interesting places to visit, quirky people to say hello to and even scrumptious food to sample!

Late night bite or breakfast delight. The streets of Katong have it all! Adorned by warm rustic cafes and loved for timeless eateries all along the slip-streets of East Coast road, you won’t be out of food choices when it comes to mealtime.

How about one of the best ‘Prata’s’ in Singapore; crispy fried bread dunked in delicious spicy curry? Visit Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata along Crane road. The cosy stall is tucked in an old coffee shop. Often patronized by the locals, make sure you come early or you’ll be left with nothing but a frown and a rumbling tummy.  

Some say, ‘Steak for lunch’. Others say, ‘Why not?’. With a variety of steakhouses and grills along the stretch of Joo Chiat Road, you’ll always have a choice like Aston’s Specialities or Brotzeit Katong.

If you’re in Katong, you can’t give the famous Katong Laksa a miss. A spicy coconut cream-dominated gravy drowns dollops of cockles and fish cake, this dish is served over thick rice noodles and is a local favourite. 328 Katong Laksa will make sure its a favourite of yours soon too.  

The time in-between is often best filled with dessert. Known for its Peranakan roots, you can find traditional Malay and Nyonya kuihs and cakes over at Glory Catering Pte Ltd on East Coast Road. If artisanal ice-cream is what you crave, Birds of Paradise serves one-of-a-kind gelato nestled in a basil-spiced cone.

Rich in culture, history, food and luxury; Katong sits highly on the list of well-known Singapore grounds. Named after a species of ‘sea turtle’, Tanjong Katong rests proudly on the shoulders of East Coast.
Once decorated with boathouses, beach-side retreats, mansions and recreation clubs, the area now preserves its legacy through beautiful 1970’s shophouses and repurposed colonial buildings.
Peranakan flair is paired with diverse fare in this quaint district. Come dusk, the malls, tasteful bars and countless restaurants pick up the warm hug that Katong offers. So strap yourself in because it’s going to be one fun ride!

The post The Best Of: Katong Food appeared first on Expat Life Singapore | MetroResidences.

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