12 May 2014

TRAVEL: Singapore Stopover

WHAT TO PACK:

WHERE TO EAT:

Esquina If you are after an authentic taste of Spain, head to the this charming corner shophouse. It's a delightful spot for tapas and offers a great selection of wine. Forty Hands This café offers the best coffee in town! Make sure you try their tau sar pau, a steamed bun with smooth and rich red bean filling. They also have delicious grilled gourmet sandwiches. House A communal, creative playground in Dempsey Hill with multi-function rooms along with a spa, bar, and restaurant. Make sure you try one of the skinny pizzas. The thin, crispy crust is a great alternative to the usual pizza made of stodgy dough and greasy melted cheese. Open Door Policy Another secret gem tucked away in the up-and-coming Tiong Bahru neighborhood. A modern bistro with a speciality coffee bar and freshly prepared comfort food made from artisanal ingredients. A great place for people watching. Tippling Club Right next door to House, award winning Australian chef Ryan Clift and his team offer innovative food minus the stuffiness of fine dining. Try the five-course degustation menu with creative cocktail pairing options.

SHOPPING:

You Know: Orchard Rd Unbelievable: Six massive department stores, more than 5,000 brands in three blocks of shopping. You should also try: Haji Lane This is where all the up-and-coming and independent Singaporean designers are setting up shop. It’s a narrow street in the old Arab-Muslim quarter with traditional shop houses. Some selections for a wonder: Know it Nothing: A selection of cool indie, maybe even hipster, labels. SUP: Yes, as in ‘Wassup’. This is a bunch of hipsters who are producing their own line. White Room: Pretty funky casual wear for men. The Blog Shop: Yes, it’s a clothing store with local indie labels. Eighty Two Tales: More upmarket causal stuff. http://www.eightytwotales.com/VictoriaJomo: Very girlie fun wear.