Melbourne is coastal capital of the state of Victoria, and it boasts a plethora of attractive sights and iconic landmarks. It is also one of the most liveable cities!

Head over to the Arts Precinct before relaxing by the vibrantly coloured flowers in the garden or have a romantic stroll and dinner by the Yarra River.

As Australia’s second most-populous urban metropolitan, the city of Melbourne is a dynamic and exciting city to explore that is filled with distinctive quirks for every visitor to explore. Here are 10 Things To Do And Places To Explore In Melbourne.

#1 SPEND THE DAY AT QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

One of the most iconic landmarks in Melbourne is Queen Victoria Market. Filled with stalls selling the freshest produce from seafood to red meats and vegetables, Queen Victoria Market boasts seven hectares of space and has been around since 1878!

Start your day right in one of the world’s best coffee cities by heading over to the market early in the morning for a cup of coffee and some freshly baked goods. For lunch, consider ordering some freshly shucked oysters and gawk at the diversity of crustacean sold here.

Check out the incredibly cheap and juicy seasonal fruits and vegetables before purchasing some handmade soaps or scented candles.

During the Summer and Winter, Queen Victoria Market also holds weekly Night Markets on Wednesdays so do a quick check online before making your way down.

Queen Victoria Market
Queen St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tues & Thu: 6am – 2pm
Fri: 6am – 5pm
Sat: 6am – 3pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
(Closed on Monday and Wednesday)
Nearest Tram Station: Queen Victoria Market

#2 GET CULTURED AT THE STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA

The State Library Victoria has been standing tall with its majestic Victorian and neoclassical architecture since 1854 as Australia’s oldest public library.

The State Library Victoria is currently under redevelopment but the numerous exhibits and the La Trobe Reading Room that holds the magnificent domed ceiling are still open to the public.

Don’t miss out on your chance to gawk at the awe-inspiring interior of the library while taking in the serene atmosphere as students huddle over their notebooks.

State Library Victoria
328 Swanston St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon to Thu: 10am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Tram Station: Melbourne Central Station/State Library of Victoria

#3 VISIT THE ICONIC FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY STATION & FEDERATION SQUARE

Flinders Street Railway Station’s main building was completed in 1909 and is a cultural landmark in Melbourne with its distinct dome and the row of clocks over the arched entrance. This station also serves the entire metropolitan rail network, making it Melbourne’s busiest train station and even Australia’s busiest railway station.

The station is also accountable for two of Melbourne’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Cross over one of them to visit Federation Square; where arts, culture and public events converge in metropolitan Melbourne.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a must check out at Federation Square, particularly if you are a fan of film photography or simply interested in the history of video and photography.

Flinders St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Nearest Tram Station: Flinders Street Station

Photo Credit: National Gallery of Victoria

#4 FIND NEW ARTISTIC FAVOURITES AT NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA (NGV)

Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest, largest and most visited art museum. Its main building situated on Southbank features an extensive collection of international and local artists’ artwork and exhibitions.

NGV boasts 70,000 works that span across thousands of years for visitors to admire and learn from, we could think of no better place to spend a relaxing day getting cultured.

180 St Kilda Rd
Melbourne VIC 3006
Daily: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Arts Precinct/St Kilda Road

#5 TAKE A RELAXING STROLL ALONG THE YARRA RIVER

The historically and culturally rich Yarra River stretches across the Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne CBD area. Have a romantic dinner right by the Yarra River at Southbank with the towering skyscrapers making for a magnificent urban skyline.

Photo Credit: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

#6 HAVE A PICNIC AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS VICTORIA

Situated on the South Side of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria stretches across 36 hectares of space. Relax your eyes on the hulking trees, lush lawns and vibrantly coloured flowers while taking a stroll down the river and lakes.

Over the summer, there is also a romantic outdoor cinema that screens movies at night as well so you can watch your favourite films under the cover of the stars.

Birdwood Ave
South Yarra VIC 3141
Daily: 7.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Tram Station: Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd

#7 VIEW ALL OF MELBOURNE AT EUREKA SKYDECK

One of the best ways to go sightseeing in Melbourne is to visit the very top of the Eureka Tower at Eureka Skydeck. As Australia’s second-tallest building, the Eureka Tower overlooks the city of Melbourne at a height of 297.3 metres!

The Eureka Skydeck is perched on the 88th floor of the building and provides a bird’s eye view of the entire CBD area, and even beyond to the towns and mountains surrounding the city. You will get to see a panoramic view of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions and landmarks within just a number of steps.

7 Riverside Quay
Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: +61 3 9693 8888
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Tram Station: Arts Precinct/St Kilda Road

Photo Credit: St Kilda Penguins

#8 GO PENGUIN SPOTTING AT ST KILDA BEACH

Located just south of Melbourne CBD is the city’s most famous beach, St Kilda Beach. Stretching across a length of 700 metres, this beach is typically the most packed around summer time where locals are out sunbathing and splashing around in the water.

Grab a box of fish and chips or make your way down to any one of the numerous cafes surrounding the beach. Do not miss out on the chance to spot fairy penguins at the pier as well! The best time to spot them is after sunset where the penguins come back to shore after a day of hunting for fish, so grab a good viewing spot before the crowd comes in.

Photo Credit: Luna Park Melbourne

#9 SEEK ADVENTURES AND THRILLING RIDES AT LUNA PARK MELBOURNE

Located right by St Kilda beach, Luna Park Melbourne is a historic amusement park with thrilling rides and tasty food for the whole family to have an enjoyable time together. The amusement park is only open on weekends and public holidays, so it might get crowded but do not let that deter you!

From vintage and classic rides to more exciting and adventurous ones, there are rides for both the children and adults at the park, making for a perfect family-friendly day out.

18 Lower Esplanade
St Kilda VIC 3182
Tel: +61 3 9525 5033
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Tram Station: Luna Park/Cavell Street

#10 LEARN ABOUT MELBOURNE’S HISTORY AT ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING

The construction of the Royal Exhibition Building completed in 1880 and has proudly withstood the test of time. It was host to the opening of the first Parliament of Australia in 1901 and is one of the few remaining major 19th-century exhibition buildings in the world.

As the first building in Australia to receive the award of UNESCO World Heritage, the Royal Exhibition Building now hosts numerous exhibitions and events. From dog shows to tattoo exhibitions and even garden shows, this iconic building is a representative of Victoria’s past and present.

9 Nicholson St
Carlton VIC 3053
Nearest Tram Station: Gertrude St/Nicholson Station

Our little island is full of wonder, with a vibrant culture and heritage that stretches beyond just five decades of independence. There is so much to learn about our history and our forefathers in order to fully understand and grasp just how much we’ve developed and grown.

Why not skip the shopping mall and pick any place from this list to check out this weekend? Absorb as many interesting facts as you can to share and impress your friends and loved ones later.

These local museums and galleries welcome everyone from all walks of life, and you may just learn something new about your own heritage that might surprise you!

#1 NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

Housed in the nation’s previous Supreme Court and City Hall, National Gallery Singapore has a stunning architecture that seamlessly incorporates both classic and modern styles.

Home to the world’s largest public collection of Southeast Asian and Singaporean art, this museum holds a wealth of heritage and knowledge due to the diversity of cultures within Southeast Asia. This museum should not be passed up by anyone who loves art and history.

1 St Andrew’s Rd,
Singapore 178957
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#2 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Singapore may be considered a young country, but our nation has developed rapidly over the last five decades. National Museum of Singapore is the go-to place to learn all about our tremendous growth and crucial history which has made us the modern state we are today.

From significant artefacts to priceless national treasures, everything in the National Museum of Singapore tells an essential story waiting to be heard by interested visitors.

93 Stamford Rd,
Singapore 178897
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah/Bencoolen

#3 ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Known for its iconic architecture, imitating a blooming lotus flower above the shimmering waters, ArtScience Museum will please visitors of all ages and backgrounds with the multifaceted exhibitions.

Fusing a mix of art, design, science, media, architecture and technology, this is the museum to visit if you love all of the above! Showcasing mainly touring exhibitions, ArtScience Museum hosts some of the most cutting edge showcases that are bound to amaze and impress.

6 Bayfront Ave,
Singapore 018974
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Contemporary art can often evoke scepticism amongst many of us, but the Singapore Art Museum curates art collections and introduces exhibitions that constantly bring fresh and wonderful experiences to look forward to.

Visit SAM with an open mind, take your time to appreciate the modern pieces and the stories that the artists convey through their artwork, you might just spark a new interest and find something that you like!

8 Queen St,
Singapore 189555
Singapore Art Museum is currently closed for upgrading

#5 PERANAKAN MUSEUM

Intricate beadwork, detailed porcelain, beautifully embroidered kebaya, Peranakan culture is made up of a mixture of heritages. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western cultures, each of them is reflected in the Peranakan lifestyle.

The Peranakan Museum provides visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of their customs, beyond just Laksa and Babi Bonteh, that take detailed care of every personal achievement and milestone.

If you have always been intrigued by Peranakan culture but never knew who to learn from, the Peranakan Museum is the place to visit.

39 Armenian St,
Singapore 179941
Mon to Thu, Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

#6 ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM

Before there were democracy and the efficiency of modern technology, civilisations rose up to the challenge of innovating and creating the cultures that we now know and the norms that we build our lives around today.

The Asian Civilisations Museum celebrates and remembers our forefathers from the Chinese dynasties to the Javan and Indian empires by the curation of artefacts that narrate how these civilisations lived together as well as the cultural and religious exchanges between them.

Dive into the complex history of our heritage and forefathers, this is a museum that is bound to fascinate with stories of how our racial harmony came to be.

1 Empress Pl,
Singapore 179555
Mon to Thu, Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

#7 LEE KONG CHIAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Tourists and locals alike will be fascinated by the multitude of animal and plant collection, including the range of wildlife that once occupied our little red dot, at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

What’s most astounding about this museum is the three dinosaur fossils dug out from America that are on display here! Truly a rare opportunity that people of all walks of life would travel to for the chance to observe these magnificent prehistoric creatures.

2 Conservatory Dr,
Singapore 117377
Tue to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Dover

#8 SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL

Dr Sun Yat Sen was the founder of modern China who had financial and intellectual help from Singapore’s businessmen to revolutionise China from the Qing Dynasty. Who knew that Singapore held an integral position in the Chinese revolution, how cool is that?

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is home to historical artefacts, as well as Dr Sun Yat Sen himself back then. Adventure through the medical doctor’s fascinating journey as he took on the challenge of revolutionising China.

12 Tai Gin Rd,
Singapore 327874
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

#9 MINT MUSEUM OF TOYS

Kids these days with their smart devices will never understand how simple toys and collectables could stimulate the wildest dreams and imaginations amongst us before the phone was even invented.

Take a walk down memory lane at the Mint Museum of Toys where there are a plethora of familiar and rare collectables that will surely invoke fond nostalgic memories of simpler times.

26 Seah St,
Singapore 188382
Daily: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#10 SINGAPORE PHILATELIC MUSEUM

Just a decade ago, stamp collecting was still a popular hobby that many people shared since mailing was a common practice used to send words of love and affection or as a form communication between co-workers in different states.

The Singapore Philatelic Museum traces back the history of stamps, including stamps that had major turning points in Singapore. Who knew stamps could be so interesting?

23-B Coleman St,
Singapore 179807
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#11 HERITAGE CENTRE

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, mainly the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasians. Needless to say, each of the separate races holds their own history as to how they arrived on our shores, as well as the values and cultures they brought along with them.

The four heritage centres, aptly located in each of the cultural districts in Singapore, each tell their own tales about the lives of our forefathers. There is so much to learn from the history and lives that came before us to appreciate where we are today.

Chinatown Heritage Centre
48 Pagoda St,
Singapore 059207
Daily: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate,
Singapore 198501
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Bugis

Indian Heritage Centre
5 Campbell Ln,
Singapore 209924
Tue to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Little India/Jalan Besar

Eurasian Heritage Centre
139 Ceylon Rd,
Singapore 429744
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm
Fri: 8.30am – 5pm
(Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos

#12 RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM

Pushing the limits on product design for our standard daily items such as furniture and kitchen utensils, as well as technology products, the Red Dot Design Museum showcases intriguing creative designs that will rouse the experimental spirit in you.

11 Marina Blvd,
Singapore 018940
Mon to Thu: 10am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront/Downtown

Photo Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

#13 THE MARITIME EXPERIENTIAL MUSEUM

Voyage and journey into the history of Singapore’s maritime, an important trade that led us to be the world’s busiest port. Make waves with the interactive activities along with the giant ship replica, the children would love playing pirate and sailor here while being educated on the importance of our maritime business.

8 Sentosa Gateway,
Singapore 098269
Daily: 10am – 7pm

Photo Credit: Singapore Musical Box Museum

#14 SINGAPORE MUSICAL BOX MUSEUM

Remember the time when streaming music didn’t exist and we had to drop a coin into the music box and flip through album after album to play the song we wanted? The Singapore Musical Box Museum celebrates that time and the history beyond it.

Learn about the intricacies and entrancing history of musical boxes at the Singapore Musical Box Museum. From vintage music boxes to mechanical jukeboxes, these complex music boxes will induce nostalgic feelings in you that you never even knew existed.

168 Telok Ayer St,
Singapore 068619
Mon, Wed to Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#15 CIVIL DEFENCE HERITAGE GALLERY

The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is home to the history and heritage of our firefighters who risk their lives defending our people. Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for them.

The children will love the interactivity here that provides insight into the firefighters’ jobs, from rescue methods and using the relevant equipment to a vintage fire truck to climb onto. There is so much to discover about the brave firefighters and their history.

62 Hill St,
Singapore 179367
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: Vintage Camera’s Museum

#16 VINTAGE CAMERA’S MUSEUM

With every one of our smartphones carrying a handy camera function these days, it is hard to imagine the extremely bulky and heavy cameras that were carried around when it was first invented.

Showcasing a splendid collection of film cameras, this is a cosy and charming museum that is perfect for film and photography enthusiasts to learn about the history and evolution of cameras from the friendly and passionate guide. The front entrance makes for an adorable photo opportunity as well.

8C-8D Jln Kledek,
Singapore 199263
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Jalan Besar

Photo Credit: The Gem Museum

#17 THE GEM MUSEUM

Discover the process of how gems from around the world go from being mined and extracted to how it is sold at the market.

The museum was started by Far East Gem Institute to offer an informative experience to visitors with the broad collection of gems from rubies and sapphires to tourmalines and spinels. Majority of the dazzling gems on display belong to the founder of Far East Gem Institute, Mr Tay Thye Sun.

26 Kandahar St, Level 2,
Singapore 198888
The Gem Museum is currently closed for renovation

Photo Credit: STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery

#18 STPI CREATIVE WORKSHOP & GALLERY

STPI’s goal is to grow an appreciation for the innovative and experimental practice of print and paper art amongst visitors through the contemporary art exhibitions that they curate and collaborate with artists from around the globe.

Featuring exhibitions, art fairs and creative workshops programmes around different forms of print to even paper making, STPI offers an avant-garde and one-of-a-kind experience to the public.

41 Robertson Quay,
Singapore 238236
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the exciting experiences and sights to see in Sydney, after all, it is the largest city in Australia.

With one of the most iconic buildings in the world, beautiful beaches and mountains, and an infinite amount of cafes to check out, Sydney offers endless possibilities for visitors to spend their day.

We have compiled 17 essential activities that every tourist has to check off their list in order to proclaim that they have been to Sydney.

#1 SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

No visitor can say that they have truly been to Sydney without an obligatory photo and visit to the Sydney Opera House!

Take a stroll towards the iconic building, have a meal right by the water and visit the souvenir shop. If you’re looking for the full experience, book a wine and dine tour at the Sydney Opera House, or better yet catch a show!

With over 40 shows per week at the Sydney Opera House, we’re sure you’ll have the most magical experience there.

#2 SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

An iconic attraction of its own situated right next to the Sydney Opera House, there are two best ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

For a more relaxing time, take the sightseeing cruise and sip on a warm cup of tea or coffee while the cruise takes you around both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Friendly tour guides are also available on the cruise for engaging personal stories and recommendations on sightseeing activities.

The adrenaline junkies should attempt the climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for an extraordinary experience! Not only will you get the best view of the city, but it will also make for an epic story to share with your loved ones.

#3 THE ROCKS MARKET

Head over to the cobblestoned lanes and sandstone steps of The Rocks, where you will find a myriad of locally-made products from handcrafted jewellery to luxurious silk scarves, tasty street food, and chocolate made with Australian grown cocoa beans.

Be amazed by the artists performing glassblowing and spray-painted artworks before you at the market that takes place every weekend.

#4 DARLING HARBOUR

Bask in the warm rays of the setting sun while enjoying a romantic dinner by Darling Harbour. The colourful Star of the Show Ferris Wheel also boasts a spectacular view of the waterfront for an intimate ride with your partner.

You could also take a relaxing stroll around the bustling harbour during the day, which is equally as romantic, and look out for the numerous yachts docked along the harbour.

#5 RIDE ON THE MANLY FERRY

The Manly ferry services connect the central business district of Sydney to the suburb of Manly to bring visitors for another adventure. The exhilarating voyage to Manly offers visitors a remarkable view of the serene blue ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see.

#6 TAKE A TREK FROM MANLY TO SPIT

The entire route from Manly to Spit Bridge is an estimated 10 kilometres and will take up to 4 hours to complete the whole trek, but do not let that deter you from a visit!

The coastal walk takes you through lush greenery and is made up of several short routes that pass-through Sydney’s beautiful scenic beaches and bays.

Photo Credit: Emperor’s Puffs

#7 TAKE A WALK AROUND CHINATOWN

The Chinatown in Sydney is probably Australia’s largest, with a plethora of Asian cuisines for visitors from every corner of the world to feast on.

From quirky and uniquely named bubble teas at Song Tea to mouth-watering custard puffs made using old school machinery at Emperor’s Puffs, Sydney’s Chinatown is one you should definitely check out for how large, diverse and multicultural it is.

Photo Credit: Cre Asion

#8 BRUNCH AT CRE ASION

Matcha lovers rejoice, Cre Asion is a simple and cosy Japanese cafe hidden away in an alley that is typically spotted with a queue of eager diners awaiting their turn.

Well-balanced with earthy flavours and a bittersweet taste, diners get to choose from a plethora of matcha dishes, from freshly baked goods to aromatic lattes. If you are craving something more savoury, order their scrambled eggs, which are served perfectly cooked with a side of toast.

101/21 Alberta St,
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 8am to 4pm
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Sun: 10am – 3pm
Nearest Train Station: Museum Station

#9 ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

South from Sydney, the Royal National Park one of the best natural attractions in Australia with astonishing coastal cliffs to lavish forests scented with eucalyptus trees and isolated beaches.

Admire the view at Wedding Cake Rock, appreciate mother nature at the Figure Eight Rock Pools, and be awed by the waterfalls, this national park is a must-visit whether you are a nature lover or not.

Photo Credit: The Grounds of Alexandria

#10 THE GROUNDS OF ALEXANDRIA

The Grounds of Alexandria is a highly Instagram-worthy place filled with colourful flowers and photogenic structures such as the fountains and leafy arches. Inside, there are several photogenic spots for visitors to snap away including a charming flower shop.

Take a break at any of their beautifully-decorated eateries, including The Cafe that offers a seasonally inspired menu, as well as The Potting Shed, that not only serves tasty meals but also houses an adorable parrot!

7a/2 Huntley St,
Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia
Mon to Thu: 7am – 9pm
Fri: 7am – 10pm
Sat: 7.39am – 10pm
Sun: 7.30am – 9pm
Nearest Train Station: Green Square

#11 BLUE MOUNTAINS

Rugged sceneries of the mountainside, majestic waterfalls, and a panoramic landscape of the sky meeting the tree-lined cliffs.

The Blue Mountains is a three-hour drive out west of Sydney and is a popular location amongst tourists to observe Australian scenery at any of the magnificent lookout spots including Echo Point with an awe-inspiring view of the Three Sisters rock formation.

Photo Credit: Jenolan Caves

#12 VISIT THE JENOLAN CAVES

Close to the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves is one of the world’s most ancient and striking cave formations made of limestone. Adventure seekers will love this vast cave for the mystical aura it has from the years of history as well as the incredibly rare and diverse natural resources located here.

#13 SYDNEY FISH MARKET

This enormous marketplace in Sydney is the seafood heaven of your dreams! Feast on as much seafood as you want here, dive into the brightly orange-coloured fresh salmon sashimi and perfectly seared scallops covered in cheese.

Satisfy all your wildest seafood cravings and stretch your dollar for the best bang for your buck, Sydney Fish Market offers some of the best quality of seafood at great prices. Feast on huge pieces of lobsters and freshly shucked Australian oysters without bursting a hole in your wallet.

Corner Pyrmont Bridge Rd &, Bank St,
Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
Daily: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Light Rail Station: Fish Market/Wentworth Park

#14 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Right by the waterside, the Museum of Contemporary Art is easily accessible due to its location close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Take the guided tour by the friendly staff and gain valuable insight into the artists’ vision for each piece of artwork in their exhibits. The museum also has amazing Aboriginal art exhibited for visitors to gain a brief understanding of the indigenous people’s culture.

Photo Credit: Queen Victoria Building

#15 QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING

Quaint boutique shops and beautiful nineteenth-century architecture, the Queen Victoria Building is a heritage-listed building that is located in the heart of the Sydney central business district on George Street.

The lively ambience here is reminiscent to the magic of Christmas, with locals enjoying their brunch, tourists purchasing their gifts and taking photos of the stunning design of the clocks while a random visitor plays a romantic tune of the grand piano on the top floor.

Photo Credit: KOI Dessert Bar & Dining

#16 KOI DESSERT BAR & DINING

MasterChef Australia’s Reynold Poernomo, who has gained international recognition for his spectacularly decorated desserts, along with his brothers Arnold and Ronald are the forces behind Sydney’s most popular dessert eatery, KOI Dessert Bar.

The award-winning desserts combine unique flavours to indulge their diners’ senses with their innovative sweet treats, this is the perfect place to stop for dessert after a satisfying meal.

46 Kensington St,
Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia
Tue to Sun: 10am – 10pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Train Station: Central Station

#17 BONDI BEACH

Debatably the most well-recognised beach in Australia, Bondi Beach is always packed with both locals and visitors. The emerald blue waters are constantly speckled with surfers riding waves and families splashing around while joggers run along the coastline and dogs play fetch.

Bondi Beach also has an abundance of trendy, laid-back cafes, hip bars and charming shops lining the streets nearby if you wish to hide away from the scorching sun and chilly wind for a bit.

Tasmania is made up of 334 islands and is an isolated island-state off Australia’s south coast. This serene island-state is great for a short trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Australia, with renowned wines, freshly shucked oysters, adorable wildlife, and the best fish and chips.

Unique and stunning rock formations, calming blue oceans, the freshest seafood you can find, Tasmania offers some of the richest experiences for visitors to delve into for the most relaxing getaway trip.

Here’s what we love.

Photo Credit: East Coast Tasmania

#1 WINEGLASS BAY

Crystal clear emerald blue waters, the whitest and finest sands to squish between your toes, tree-lined mountains to fill your sight and the bluest skies overhead without a cloud in the sky.

Wineglass Bay is a magical place that transports you to a fantasy-like world away from our hectic reality to forget about our worries for a momentary bliss.

Photo Credit: Free Two Roam

#2 BINALONG BAY AND THE BAY OF FIRES

Stop by Binalong Bay to explore the small town and grab a satisfying meal before heading towards the Bay of Fires, where there are clear blue waters as far as the eye can see.

The Bay of Fires has unique orange-tinged granite, which contrasts against the mesmerising blues of the water and sky beautifully for the most wondrous sight.

Photo Credit: Free Two Roam

#3 TAMAR VALLEY WINE ROUTE

At Tamar Valley, there are over 20 vineyards for wine connoisseurs to explore the diversity of renowned Tasmanian wines.

The drive here provides a scenic landscape as well, with luscious pastures and orchards where you can pick up some fresh produce from too!

#4 BRUNY ISLAND

If you are spending your time at Hobart and are limited on time, take a nearby ferry over to Bruny Island, which is about 50 kilometres long with some of the best attractions to spend your day.

A must-see attraction at Bruny Island is The Neck, which is a narrow area of land that connects the northern and southern parts of Bruny Island. Take a walk on the boardwalk and climb up to the lookout point with a bird’s eye view of the rewarding landscape of the two separate water bodies and the narrow greenery between it.

Do not miss out on visiting the local produce in Bruny Island either with premium cheeses and rich chocolates for you to indulge in.

#5 FRESH OYSTERS ON BRUNY ISLAND

You cannot leave Tasmania without trying the seafood! Head over to Get Shucked Oyster Farm on Bruny Island, where they offer the freshest oysters on the island cooked in the best possible ways.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the briny taste of oysters, you have to give Get Shucked a chance, the oysters are so fresh that it truly tastes like the ocean.

Get Shucked
1735 Bruny Island Main Rd,
Great Bay TAS 7150, Australia
Daily: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Photo Credit: Drunken Admiral

#6 HAVE THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS AT DRUNKEN ADMIRAL

Australia, arguably, has the best fish and chips in the world. Some of the freshest seafood produce in Australia is sourced from Tasmania, thus it is needless to say that the eateries on the island serve up some of the tastiest fish and chips.

Drunken Admiral takes the best quality of seafood and prepares them with the most finesse. The fish and chips at Drunken Admiral will spoil all the others for you, with some of the highest quality of fresh fish served with a golden-brown crispy batter.

The restaurant is popular amongst visitors and locals, due to the extensive gourmet menu, as well as the pirate-themed furnishings. Make a booking in advance if you’re planning a visit.

17/19 Hunter St,
Hobart TAS 7000, Australia
Daily: 5pm – 10pm

#7 ENJOY THE VIEW OF WATERFRONT HOBART

The city of Hobart is the capital of Tasmania with a gorgeous port filled with cruise ships and yachts docked.

Take a slow stroll and relax in the serenity of the waterfront along the pier, allowing yourself to forget about your worries for a moment and focus on the beautiful colours reflected on the waters. You might even spot a curious local sea lion swimming close to the shore if you are lucky!

Photo Credit: Salamanca Market

#8 SALAMANCA MARKET IN HOBART

Every Saturday, the Salamanca Market is open right by Hobart’s waterfront at the iconic Salamanca Place. Another attraction you definitely should not miss out on, Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, having won several awards.

The market is made up of friendly Tasmanian stall owners selling their locally-made products including jewellery, clothing, beauty care, organic produce as well as wines, bread, cheese and hunger-inducing hot foods.

Photo Credit: Discover Tasmania

#9 ROYAL TASMANIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS

Boasting 6,500 species and variants of plants, as well as 14 hectares of land, is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Loved by local families for how spacious it is for their children to run around and enjoy being out in nature, this garden has a magical atmosphere much like those in the fairy tales. Wander around the numerous stunning gardens, lounge on the benches, or take a nap on the plush grass.

Photo Credit: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

#10 VISIT AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Our favourite way to observe wildlife in Australia is by visiting the animal sanctuaries, where passionate teams of people with similar interests work together to conserve and take care of the wildlife and educate the community surrounding them.

There is no better way to meet Tasmanian Devils than at an animal sanctuary in Tasmania itself! The animal sanctuaries also have many local wildlife species to learn about, including Koalas for you to interact with.

#11 MOUNT WELLINGTON

Mount Wellington has one of the best views in all of Australia. The landscape will leave you filled with awe and amazement as you take in every detail of the blue skies with scattered fluffy clouds meeting the blue oceans and tree-lined mountains.

Photos do not do this view justice; you will have to check it out to believe us!

#12 MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK

Breathe in the fresh temperate air laced with the scent of refreshing eucalyptus at Mount Field National Park, which is one of Tasmania’s most well-loved and oldest parks. Visit the Russell Falls or Horseshoe falls and observe the majestic waterfalls and enjoy the soothing sounds of rushing water.

Photo Credit: Discover Tasmania

#13 MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA)

The Museum of Old and New Art is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately funded museum. Just as its name suggests, the museum is home to both traditional and modern art that circle around dark and controversial themes.

The collection here includes ancient Egyptian mummies as well as contemporary art with hidden messages. Art and history lovers should not miss out on a chance to visit this private museum.

655 Main Rd,
Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia
Mon, Wed to Sun: 10am – 5pm
(Closed on Tuesday)

Photo Credit: Discover Tasmania

#14 HASTINGS CAVES AND THERMAL SPRINGS

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs offer visitors a diversity of experiences to spend their day, from exploring the magnificent structure of Newdegate Cave to unwinding in the warm waters of the thermal springs pool, and even trekking in the enthralling forests.

Photo Credit: On The Convict Trail

#15 RICHMOND

25 kilometres north-east of Hobart, Richmond is a town in Tasmania known for their well-preserved Georgian architecture, charming tea shops and craft boutiques as well as delicious food and wine.

The Richmond Bridge is a historic arch bridge that is the oldest stone span bridge in Australia and was constructed using convict labour till its completion in 1825. Surrounding the bridge is stunning greenery which makes the location look like it came straight out of the Tolkien books!

Photo Credit: Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania

#16 PORT ARTHUR

Both a historic site and a village, Port Arthur’s has some of the most interesting historic stories to be told as it was previously a convict settlement.

As cited on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Port Arthur is one of the “best surviving examples of large-scale convict transportation and the colonial expansion of European powers through the presence and labour of convicts.”

It can be pricey to eat out every day, especially if you are a student living in Melbourne with limited budget for meals.

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There are many kinds of cuisine that will cover your meals from brunch to dinner time in Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Yamato Japanese

#1 YAMATO JAPANESE

A cosy space hidden away at the end of an alleyway in the heart of Chinatown, Yamato Japanese is a small restaurant that serves as authentic Japanese food.

Stepping into the charming little restaurant immediately transports you to an izakaya in Japan, the air filled with the smell of delicious greasy bar food and friendly Japanese waitresses taking orders in fluent English. The menu serves a wide variety, from everyone’s favourite sushi rolls to curry rice bowls and ramen.

On a cold day in Melbourne, tucking into their Shabu Shabu (A$15.80/pp) served on a hotpot is great for keeping warm in this homely restaurant.

28 Corrs Ln,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9663 1706
Mon to Thur: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 5pm – 10.30pm

Photo Credit: Little Rogue

#2 LITTLE ROGUE

This little café is also tucked away in an alley outside Melbourne Central shopping centre, it is a gem that many only know through word-of-mouth recommendations. Despite being located right next to the ever-crowded Swanston Street, Little Rogue provides an escape away from the hustle of the city.

A popular favourite amongst its young visitors is the Matcha Latte (small for A$4.30, large for A$6) and the Iced Matcha (A$6.50), which is also available in a large takeaway bottle for enjoyment in the comfort of your own private space.

It is easy to understand why these are favourites as they are not overly sweet, which allows the fresh bitter and earthly taste of the matcha flavour to come through just right. Start your weekend right with one of their coffees and a cake pairing.

12 Drewery Ln,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Sushi Hotaru

#3 SUSHI HOTARU

Sushi is a popular lunch option for Melbournians who are looking for a quick bite. Sushi Hotaru is one of the few sushi joints in Melbourne that serve the well-loved Japanese dish on a conveyer belt.

Dishing out a wide variety of hand rolls, sashimi, sushi and nigiri, Sushi Hotaru is a favourite for its no-frills ordering system, sushi train and budget friendly experience if you’re tired of the usual hand rolls.

Midcity Arcade, 118/200 Bourke St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9663 7538
Mon to Sun: 11.30am to 10pm

Photo Credit: Brown Bagels

#4 BROWN BAGELS

A great casual breakfast or lunch alternative is Brown Bagels.

Choose something sweet with a coffee for breakfast or switch it up with one of their gourmet bagel sandwiches, some of which take on a unique Korean twist.

25 Equitable Pl,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9670 9114
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 3.30pm

Photo Credit: Dodee Paidang

#5 DODEE PAIDANG

Situated right beside Brown Bagels is Dodee Paidang, a casual Thai restaurant that is usually packed with students and workers.

Instead of sitting along the lane outside, head down the stairs to a larger seating area. Their menu offers a wide selection of food, including the usual favourites of Pad Thai with Chicken (A$10.90) and Pad See Ew with Beef (A$10.90), as well as an extensive menu of customisable noodles: from the noodle type to the spice level.

353 Little Collins St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9602 4968
Mon to Sun: 6.30am – 1am

Photo Credit: k aren

#6 CJ LUNCH BAR

Right along the ever-popular Hardware Lane is the simple CJ Lunch Bar, which serves value-for-money casual Korean food with generous portions, from dons to bentos.

A favourite amongst diners is the Cheese Chicken Bulgogi (A$17.50) and comes out smoking with a heaping pile of chicken marinaded in spicy Korean sauce.

391 Little Lonsdale St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9602 5559
Mon: 11.30am – 10pm
Tues to Sat: 11.30am – 9pm
Sun: Closed

Photo Credit: Roule Galette

#7 ROULE GALETTE

Near the famous Flinders Street Station is Roule Galette, a cute little French creperie that is concealed from the busy Flinders Lane.

Upon stepping into the creperie, you will be given the option to either sit outdoors or the cosy and homely indoors, where you will be able to observe them making crepes while singing along to French tunes. Offering both sweet and savoury options, their crepes are warm and perfectly soft yet crispy.

237-241 Flinders Ln,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9639 0307
Mon to Thur: 7.30am – 8pm
Fri: 7.30am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Takahiro Shimizu

#8 DON DON

A favourite amongst Melbournians for cheap eats, Don Don has several joints spread across the city serving quick Japanese rice bowls at great budget prices.

Choose from a Teriyaki Don (A$7.70) to Beef Curry Don (A$8). Their food is great for students seeking a quick bite to eat that isn’t greasy fast food.

198 Little Lonsdale St,
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9670 7113
Mon to Sun: 11am to 9pm

Instagram-worthy cafes are all the rage, with the photogenic walls and food that are impeccably plated. However, sometimes all we need is a comfortable place to lounge around while enjoying a good book.

Book cafes are highly underrated. How wonderful it is if we could just escape from the hustle and bustle of life, and just have some quiet time alone with a book in hand!

Sounds like something that appeals to you? We’ve collated a list of 5 Book Cafes scattered around Singapore to take you on a journey of a lifetime through its pages, all while enjoying a hot cup of joe and a delicious plate of food.

Photo Credit: The Moon

THE MOON

Featuring books that are written by women as well as artists and writers of colour, The Moon boasts a collection of books that do not shy away from stories that cover a variety of delicate topics. Books here range from cannibalism to the social history of 80s teen fiction, dinosaurs, modern art and the refugee crisis.

The Moon aims to be a bookstore that provides underrepresented writers and stories a place to belong that reflects the world for what it is, without a layer of sugar coating.

The Moon also has a lovely, cosy cafe that provides options for everyone with as many dietary restrictions possible. These includes dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan food choices for a more inclusive menu.

37 Mosque Street
Singapore 059515
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Photo Credit: The Book Cafe

THE BOOK CAFE

Casual and comfortable, The Book Cafe allows its guests to take refuge in its relaxing ambience and lounge on their plush sofas for a chill day off. Otherwise, The Book Cafe also provides everything you would need for a productive day; from electrical power-points to free wireless access and even a photocopy machine.

Choose between dining in comfort or enjoying the outdoors at their al fresco dining area. No matter where you pick, diners are offered an appetising and extensive menu that boasts an all-day breakfast as well as a wide array of drinks, including alcoholic options!

20 Martin Rd
Seng Kee Building, #01-02
Singapore 239070
Tel: +65 6887 5430
Daily: 8.30 – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: The Reading Room

THE READING ROOM

A charming book cafe by day that turns into a lively bar when night falls, The Reading Room is housed within a shophouse that boasts tasteful decoration and a stress-free ambience that invites guests in.

This stunning book cafe also offers an exquisite food selection, with options such as Lobster Eggs Benedict, Fluffy Homemade Pancakes and aromatic coffees to start your day right.

19 Bukit Pasoh Rd
Singapore 089833
Tel: +65 6220 9019
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11.30pm
Fri: 11am – 1.30am
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Photo Credit: Tzu Chi Singapore

JING SI BOOKS & CAFÉ

Get in touch with your spiritual side and practice mindfulness at Jing Si Books and Café. The store and cafe are decked out in oriental and Zen interior with dark wood touches that seamlessly fuse with contemporary uses of glass.

Hoping to provide a space to act as a spiritual oasis for modern city dwellers, the cafe offers a calm and serene refuge with fragrant cups of coffee or tea and vegetarian food options.

134 Geylang East Ave 1
Singapore 380134
Tel: +65 6747 3080
Daily: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Aljunied

Photo Credit: Epigram Books

HUGGS-EPIGRAM COFFEE BOOKSHOP

Be greeted by a myriad of colours the moment you step into this bookstore and cafe hybrid. With an impressive collection of books displayed on their floor to ceiling book shelf, bookworms will be excited and thrilled to know that majority of the books here are all about Singapore. These books are written by local authors or set in Singapore or published by local publishers.

The bookstore also invites authors for a daily Author-in-Attendance event; it allows local authors to shine by providing an opportunity for more recognition and to share insights into their book. If you spot them in the store, don’t be afraid to say hi.

Epigram Books partnered with Huggs Coffee to provide the perfect space for coffee lovers and bookworms to convene together in a single space for aromatic local-style coffee brews, such as Latte Gula and Milk Teh Si, and delightful quick bites.

45 Maxwell Rd
The URA Centre, #01-01
Singapore 069118
Tel: +65 6292 4456
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 2pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar/Telok Ayer

When visitors are in Seoul, their itineraries are often packed with touring the grand palaces, retail therapy and relaxing at the aesthetically-pleasing cafes. While we can understand why travellers love these activities, Seoul actually has so much more to offer!

Traditional markets are often overlooked and deserve more attention to the amount of culture, food and interesting experiences that can be offered all in one place.

Feast on affordable street food, gawk at gigantic freshly caught fish and observe as the stall vendors make big batches of kimchi. Here are 7 traditional markets in Seoul you need to visit to get the very best out of your trip.

#1 GWANGJANG MARKET

Opened in 1905, Gwangjang Market boasts over 5000 shops and 42,000 square metres. This is the traditional market you must visit if you are tight on time while in Seoul.

Gwangjang Market is food heaven for those who love affordable Korean street food and snacks; from cheap and generous portions of mung bean pancakes to steaming plates of spicy rice cakes and crispy deep-fried snacks.

Most of the food stalls here have been operating for many years, thus they are well-loved by the locals for the wallet-friendly prices and years of expertise they spent to hone and perfect the dishes.

In addition to food, visitors will be able to watch as stall owners make huge batches of fresh kimchi and explore the many uniquely Korean stalls available here, including antiques and cheap clothing!

88 Changgyeonggung-ro,
Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jongno 5-ga/Euljiro 4-ga

#2 NORYANGJIN FISHERIES WHOLESALE MARKET

Featuring an impressive array of tanks filled with live seafood, Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is Seoul’s biggest seafood market. Seafood lovers visiting the capital city, this is the ultimate market for you!

The market is made up of two buildings, and here’s everything you need to know before visiting.. Indulge in fresh assortment of seafood, including raw, live octopus.

Buy your fresh seafood from any of the seafood vendors, then head to the restaurants nearby for a freshly cooked meal with the seafood you just purchased for a delightful hot meal.

674 Nodeul-ro,
Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Noryangjin

Photo Credit: Seoul Insiders Guide

#3 TONGIN MARKET

A doshirak is a Korean lunch box that local mothers would pack for their children to bring to school and for their spouses to take to work. Tongin Market is popular for its one-of-a-kind concept of filling up your own lunchbox at any of the participating food stalls in the marketplace.

To have the complete dosirak experience at Tongin Market, visitors simply have to head over to the entrance of the market to exchange their money for a roll of traditional coin replicas. Then, they can visit the numerous participating stalls to pick out their side dishes and exchange them for a coin or two before heading off to the next stall to fill up their lunch box.

Load up a dosirak with various exciting side dishes including savoury pancakes, kimbap, egg rolls and dumplings; head upstairs to feast on your lunchbox once you are done, there are numerous tables and chairs provided to enjoy your meal.

18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil,
Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung

Photo Credit: The Seoul Guide

#4 CHANGSIN MARKET

Go on a major throwback and head to Changsin Market, where there are various old-school toys to reminiscence on simpler times before technology and smartphones blew up.

Nostalgia will hit you like a tidal wave as you take in the many toy shops lining the market here with dolls, robots, kitchen sets and even toys that you have to assemble on your own.

6 Jongno 52-gil,
Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Dongdaemun

Photo Credit: The Soul of Seoul

#5 YANGNYEONGSI MARKET

Traditional herbal medicine has been believed to offer amazing positive effects for our bodies for decades (and even centuries) in Asia.

Discover the world of medicine at Yangyeongsi Market, where the smell of the medicinal herbs lingers throughout the market with the wholesale stores, street vendors and pharmacies that line the market. The traditional pharmacies will typically be spotted with wooden cabinets that cover the floor to the ceiling with an impressive collection of oriental medicine.

Korea is famous for its red ginseng, with numerous health benefits including aiding mental and physical health stimulation, as well as boosting the immunity system. Visitors will be given plenty of opportunities to purchase them at wholesale prices at Yangyeongsi market.

51-1 Namseong-ro,
Jung-gu,
Daegu, South Korea
Nearest Station: Banwoldang

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/traditional-markets-seoul/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/bollywood-veggies/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/06/bollywood-veggies/#comments Sat, 22 Jun 2019 16:17:48 +0000 Jade Ye https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=182958 Continue reading →]]>

An oasis hidden away from the ever-buzzing activity of our little island nation, Bollywood Veggies is a lush and rustic getaway situated in the countryside of Kranji to allow visitors to appreciate the simple yet often overlooked pleasures in life.

Bollywood Veggies was started in 2000 by Ivy Singh and her husband, Lim Ho Seng. Named after Ivy’s half-Indian heritage, and inspired by the lively personality of Bollywood, the 10-acre wide farm boasts plenty of family-friendly activities to spend the day with the kids.

Educate the children on how fruits and vegetables are grown and end up on the shelves in our supermarkets, or simply take in the many breathtaking shades of green here. The farm has a wide diversity of plants and edibles grown for visitors to explore.

Set with a rustic touch, with charming signs that are painted by hand in shades of dark green and warm yellow, Bollywood Veggies is a true gem of Singapore. The flourishing plant life here is grown without the use of pesticides, growth hormones and chemical fertilisers. This is to ensure that the local produce that is shared for eating is readily consumable.

Ivy places heavy emphasis on protecting our natural environments in Singapore, which is also why Bollywood Veggies offers a detailed farm tour amongst the myriad of other fun activities you can discover here.

Join the Bollywood farm tour led by Bollywood Veggies’ experienced and friendly guides where visitors are invited to use all of their senses to discover the thriving plant life the farm has to offer. Touch, smell and taste the herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables; we can think of no better way to experience the farm.

As Singapore’s largest producer of bananas, Bollywood Veggies has over 20 types of bananas grown here! You definitely have to try some while on the tour, these bananas have a creamy texture and a natural sweetness, unlike other bananas.

Amongst a multitude of lessons on which herbs help to cure certain ailments and gawking at the abundance of shrubbery here, a valuable takeaway from the farm tour would be the message of sustainable living and planet-friendly farming.

Regardless of your age, background or nationality, there is something we can all learn at Bollywood Veggies to benefit and protect the natural habitats surrounding us. From plant potting sessions to terrarium making and rice planting in the paddies, this farm is filled with exciting activities that the whole family can discover.

After a long and hot day out in the farm, head over to Poison Ivy Bistro. Opened in 2005, the bistro features farm-to-table local and fusion dishes and provides air conditioning; a welcoming escape from the scorching heat outside.

A popular hangout amongst locals, we were not surprised to see the place filled with regulars on a weekday for lunchtime.

The Nasi Lemak Platter (S$12) was served to us with generous portions that enticed our senses the moment it reached our table. The fragrant rice stood out to us instantly, being beautifully coloured in a blue that is naturally derived from organic blue pea flowers.

We enjoyed pairing the sayur lodeh with the rice as it made for an aromatic combination due to the presence of coconut in both.

The Warrior’s Thali (S$14) is for those looking for something even heartier and more wholesome with the plethora of side dishes that it is served with.

Dig into the Warrior’s Fish, which is a dish of battered deep-fried fish with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Lightly battered and non-greasy, the moringa tempura was a delight to munch on with the fresh and crisp earthy taste.

We also had the Chicken Curry (S$12) which was served with a side of oven-baked prata.

An unconventional method of preparing prata, the flatbread was crispier and flakier which complemented the chicken curry nicely.

Bollywood Veggies
100 Neo Tiew Rd
Singapore 719026
Tel: +65 6898 5001
Wed to Fri: 8am – 5.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6.30pm

Milksha is finally opening their very first Southeast Asian outlet in Singapore at Suntec City! Slated to open this weekend on 22nd of June at 11am, Milksha first arrived on our little red dot through their pop-up at Shilin Night Market at Kranji in April this year.

Possibly another strong contender for the title of “Best Bubble Tea” in Singapore, Milksha has already made waves in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong. Also known as “Milkshop” in Taiwan, Milksha is voted the best bubble tea by Taiwanese university students!

As the store’s brand suggests, Milksha places the utmost importance in the quality of milk used in their drinks. They utilise fresh milk from the owner’s dairy farm in Taiwan, however due to restrictions in Singapore, Greenfields from Indonesia is used instead.

Photo Credit: Milksha Singapore

Offered on the menu are a diversity of bubble tea drinks including Fresh Milk series, Fresh Milk Tea Latte series, Brown Sugar Milk series, Special Concoctions series and Premium Tea series. Expect drinks such as Azuki Matcha Milk (S$5.60), Brown Sugar Milk with Honey Pearls (S$5.60) and Fresh Taro Milk (S$5.60).

Photo Credit: Milksha Singapore

Another factor that sets Milksha apart from the rest is their signature Honey Pearls. The pearls are made in Tainan before being transported over to be steeped for an hour in honey. Promising to deliver fresh pearls, the Honey Pearls are cooked in batches every two hours.

Milksha Singapore
Suntec City
Tower 3, #02-375/376
3 Temasek Blvd
Singapore 038983
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Promenade/Esplanade

Mott 32 is set to open in Singapore during the latter half of 2019.

Making its grand opening at Marina Bay Sands, Mott 32 is an upscale Chinese restaurant from Hong Kong that pays homage to New York’s first Chinese convenience store with its name. The convenience store opened in 1851 on 32 Mott Street during a fundamental time where the Chinese first migrated to New York.

Here’s what you can expect from Mott 32 Singapore.

Expect to wine and dine in absolute style at Mott 32; the restaurant is not only one of Hong Kong’s most awarded restaurants for its cuisine, but it is also highly decorated for its award-winning interior design by Joyce Wang.

Combining Chinese furnishing elements with New York’s classic industrial design along with a Singaporean identity, this garden city inspired restaurant will be the new hot spot in Singapore for modern Cantonese fare.

The kitchen at Marina Bay Sands will be led by the chef from Mott 32’s Hong Kong restaurant while Maximal Concepts’ Executive chef, Lee Man-Sing who previously held two Michelin-stars, will also be in Singapore to supervise the kitchen during its opening.

Photos credit: Mott 32

Eager fans can anticipate a gastronomic experience with new dishes that fuse Singaporean flavours with Cantonese classics. Expect Mott 32’s signature dishes on the menu as well, including Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck, Black Truffle Siu Mai, and Crispy Triple Cooked Wagyu Beef Short Ribs.

Believing in the use of only the finest produce, Mott 32 ethically sources organic and sustainable ingredients in order to present an uncompromising quality of the food they serve. Innovative with their modern cooking techniques yet holding genuine respect for traditional food, we look forward to welcoming Mott 32 to our shores later this year.

Mott 32
Marina Bay Sands
B1-42/43/4, 10 Bayfront Ave
Singapore 018956
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Not simply a “trend”, plastic-free living is becoming more popular among Singaporeans due to the heavy cost of single-use plastics on Mother Nature.

This is evident in the zero-waste stores that have been popping up on our island. These stores sell a range of products from organic dry goods sourced from overseas to Castile soaps and lifestyle products to replace single-use-plastics.

Such stores encourage customers to BYOC (bring your own containers) to bulk buy products and purchase only what is needed instead of purchasing in excess which could lead to more wastage!

Providing a simple and seamless process, visitors simply have to bring along their own containers, measure its weight beforehand, fill them up with dry goods that they require, then pay by weight. There are typically friendly and welcoming staff on hand as well to aide in the process too.

Intrigued? Head over to these 9 stores scattered around Singapore to kick start your #ZeroWaste lifestyle!

Photo Credit: UnPackt

#1 UNPACKT

Making waves with its opening in May of 2018, UnPackt is known as the very first zero-waste store in Singapore. Although its location is rather inaccessible to those who don’t own a car, UnPackt’s initiative has sparked more awareness and interest in a zero-waste lifestyle on our island state.

UnPackt places a heavy emphasis on the reduction of waste as we go about our daily lives; this, in particular, applying to the convenience of single-use plastic packaging that is provided when shopping for groceries and our daily necessities.

Offering customers an array of organic and non-organic dry food items sourced from around the globe, UnPackt has groceries such as pasta, grains, nuts, herbs, spices, salt, sugar, coffee beans and even biscuits!

6 Jln Kuras,
Singapore 577724
Tel: +65 8518 0372
Tue to Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Yio Chu Kang/Ang Mo Kio

Photo Credit: Two Sisters Pantry

#2 TWO SISTERS PANTRY

Located in the East side of Singapore, Two Sisters Pantry is conceptualised as a shop selling natural organic products for a healthy lifestyle rather than a zero-waste store.

The store is run by friendly store owners who are happy to make recommendations and share their vast knowledge if you are new to purchasing organic products. Two Sisters Pantry also has an impressive collection of dispensers filled with a colourful selection of high-quality dry goods that are mostly sourced from Australia!

If you live in the East, do make a trip down to the organic store to check out the plethora of products they have.

50 East Coast Road
#01-45 Roxy Square
Singapore 428769
Tel: +65 8407 9171
Mon to Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Dakota

Photo Credit: Reprovisions

#3 REPROVISIONS

The storeowners envisioned the creation of Reprovisions out of love for food, which then led to a passion for an eco-friendly lifestyle after observing how detrimental single-use plastic is for our planet.

Encouraging customers to take small steps into a sustainable lifestyle, Reprovisions urges visitors to refill instead of purchasing a brand new item.

In addition to a plethora of groceries and superfoods, the store also offers eco-lifestyle products such as Reusable Facial Pads, Silicone Collapsible Cups and even Recycled Paper Rainbow Pencils!

63 Jurong West Central 3
#03-32/33, Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Singapore 648331
Tel: +65 8768 2023
Mon to Thu: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Fri to Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

Photo Credit: The Green Collective SG

#4 THE GREEN COLLECTIVE SG

Showcasing over 25 homegrown eco brands in Singapore, The Green Collective has an expansive selection of eco, socially conscious and sustainable products on display; from bamboo straws to handmade soaps and even jewellery, there is something you will be bound to be fascinated by!

The Green Collective also offers workshops regularly to raise awareness of an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. Participate in any of their workshops to learn how to start on your zero-waste lifestyle; these include learning how to make your own soap, DIY lip balms, as well as how to start composting, plant swapping and upcycling!

KINEX Mall #01-36-41
11 Tanjong Katong Road
437157 Singapore
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: The Zero Ways Pte Ltd

#5 THE ZERO WAYS PTE LTD

The Zero Ways Pte Ltd looks to four necessary survival factors, including food, homeware, well-being and clothing, in order to supply holistic zero-waste lifestyle solutions that everyone can use.

Describing themselves as an “eco-social business enterprise”, the lifestyle store looks to tip the imbalance of our society by working with communities to support fair trade. Visitors can look forward to browsing the store’s organic dry goods, lifestyle products and participate in their various workshops, storytelling for children and talks for adults.

You can find their products stocked at these locations.

Eclecticism
Wheelock Place
B1-06
Singapore 238880
Tel: +65 6735 0543
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Kapok
National Design Centre
111 Middle Road
#01-05
Singapore 188969
Tel: +65 9060 9107
Daily: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Bras Basah

Art of Yoga
121 Upper East Coast Road
#02-01
Singapore 455245
Tel: +65 9863 9610
Mon to Fri: 6am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

Photo Credit: Eco.Le

#6 ECO.LE

Eco.Le is a one-stop shop for various needs, the store offers a wide diversity of products to fulfil the daily needs of their customers all in one location.

The store is open with a bulk shop, zero-waste goods, rental of cutlery and sewing machine, as well as other services such as other refilling and mending of products as well as a spot for recyclables. Bring your own reusable containers to fill with soy-wax and your choice of scents in the store to create your own scented soy candles!

Truly encouraging a lifestyle of sustainable and zero-waste living, Eco.Le is a one-stop shop to explore if you are looking for inspiration on how to start upcycling items.

Bukit Timah Shopping Center
170 Upper Bukit Timah Rd
#03-56
Singapore 588179
Tel: +65 8766 5074
Mon, Wed to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

Photo Credit: The Social Space

#7 THE SOCIAL SPACE

The Social Space is a contemporary multi-concept store that features a plethora of products and services to encourage customers to involve themselves further into a sustainable lifestyle and socially conscious living.

Purchase your bulk buy goods, browse through their fair-trade lifestyle products and head over for a relaxing meal and a cup of joe at their Tea Bar & Café, consider pampering yourself at their nail salon too, they use non-toxic and cruelty-free products!

333 Kreta Ayer Road
#01-14
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 6655 0221
Mon, Wed to Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Outram Park/Chinatown

Marina One Residences
5 Straits View
#01-03, Garden Tower
Singapore 080333
Tel: +65 9099 4181
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

Photo Credit: Scoop Wholefoods Singapore

#8 SCOOP WHOLEFOODS

Situated in centralised Tanglin Mall, Scoop Wholefoods offers an expansive variety of raw, organic and natural wholefoods at wallet-friendly prices. They also try their best to use as little packaging and chemicals as possible through their shop operations, this is done with the future and well-being of our planet in mind.

Sourcing their products mainly from certified Australian and New Zealand suppliers, this store promises that their products are obtained through ethical and sustainable sources.

From dry goods to sweet treats such as chocolates and even freshly-made nut butters, Scoop Wholefoods is the largest organic and bulk natural wholefoods store in Asia. If you’re looking for a natural bulk buy goods store within the city, Scoop Wholefoods is not one to miss out on.

Tanglin Mall
#02-17/18, 163 Tanglin Rd
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6235 2739
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: The Source Bulk Foods Singapore

#9 THE SOURCE BULK FOODS SINGAPORE

Originating from Australia, this bulk foods store encourages a lifestyle that is more conscious of consumption, whether in our eating of food or throwing away of waste. The Source Bulk Foods Singapore is opening their store in Singapore soon at Cluny Court!

From embracing healthier eating with more wholesome ingredients to raising awareness of living a zero-waste lifestyle, we cannot wait for this bulk buy store to open its doors and explore the many nourishing goods they sell.

Cluny Court
501 Bukit Timah Rd
Singapore 259760
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

Ramen lovers, rejoice! Afuri Ramen is coming to our little red dot on June 28. Setting up their eatery at basement one of the newly reconstructed Funan Mall, they will be named as Afuri Ramen + Dumpling here.

Now that Afuri Ramen is opening in Singapore, we no longer have to take a 7-hour flight only to wait along the snaking line at their outlets in Japan, all just to get a taste of the satisfying bowl of yuzu ramen.

Afuri Ramen + Dumpling is brought into the Singapore market by Japan Foods Holding, and they will introduce the highly-anticipated signature Yuzu Ramen series; including Yuzu Shoyu Ramen, Yuzu Shio Ramen, Yuzu Ratan Ramen and Yuzu Tsukemen.

The Yuzu Ramen consists of a rich broth that will leave you wanting more from the very first mouthful and truly does ooze the light aroma of citrusy yuzu that is complemented by a subtle touch of chicken oil to give the broth more savoury depth.

Fans can also look forward to side dishes such as gyoza and their absolutely drool-worthy charcoal grilled pork that just melts-in-your-mouth, we promise that you won’t be able to resist ordering a second helping.

We cannot wait for Afuri Ramen + Dumpling’s opening in Singapore later this month, and we know that we will be queueing amongst ramen fans upon their opening!

Afuri Ramen + Dumpling Singapore

109 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097
Nearest Station: City Hall

If you need another reason to hit up Orchard Road this weekend, here’s one to finally tip the balance: Takashimaya Food Fiesta is back!

Presenting you with an incredible line-up of delicious Asian street food, you will get to choose from cuisines around the Asian region including Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, as well as local delights! Prepare to feast as this festival has over 50 stalls for you to fill your tummies.

From 30 May to 16 June 2019, Takashimaya Food Fiesta will be taking place at Basement 2 of Takashimaya Square. Not sure what to indulge in? We were lucky enough to try a myriad of food here, so here is what to expect.

XING FU TANG

Bubble Tea enthusiasts, rejoice! The food fiesta has not one, two or three bubble tea stalls, but four!

Amongst them is a preview stall of Xing Fu Tang, which hails from the streets of Taiwan. We can say that, without a doubt, Singapore has just gained another worthy competitor for the title of best Brown Sugar Boba Milk.

The pearls are stir-fried in a wok before you to ensure freshness. Also unique to the brand is the shape of the pearls; they’re more like rounded discs rather than circular in shape.

Importing their sugar from Taiwan, Xing Fu Tang’s Brown Sugar Boba Milk is easily one of the best in Singapore. If there is only one thing you have to try at this festival, this is it.

KAZO

Light and flaky, the Original Kazo Polo is a must-try for all pastry lovers. We also had the Kazu Kazu with both of the fillings in Hokkaido Cream and Chocolate Cream; these make lovely sweet treats and we love how flaky and crispy the pastry is.

Durian Lovers will definitely enjoy the Durian Cream Puff. The filling is so sweet, velvety and smooth that even non-durian fans will be able to enjoy and appreciate this dessert.

BBQ CHEF

Creating their own unique rendition on a classic Swiss Rosti by fusing beloved Southeast Asian flavours, BBQ Chef offers an addictive selection of rosti that make for something different at the food fare.

Taking the cult-favourite salted egg flavour and combining it with crispy golden-brown potatoes, the Salted Egg Rosti with Chicken Bratwurst is a must-try! Although the rosti was a tad greasy, it was not too overwhelming on the palate.

Stick to a recognised favourite with the Classic Rosti with Smoked Salmon. Complemented by the addition of sour cream, this left us craving for more.

Cheese Stick with Special Sauce has 5 sticks per serving; cheese lovers will get a kick out of the drool-worthy cheese pull and the delicious crunchy batter the sticks are coated in.

BAO MAKER

We love mantou, whether dipped in a luscious helping of Chilli Crab sauce or not, and Bao Maker’s contemporary take on the Asian bun is something different to love.

Immediately drawing our attention was the Blackened Chicken Bao, which arrived with a piece of chicken that was actually black. Don’t let that deter you though, the bun was garlicky and well-paired with the soft bun.

A match made in heaven, the Chilli Crab Bao was no surprise with the crispy exterior of the deep-fried mantou paired with everyone’s favourite crab meat coated in rich chilli sauce.

XI PIN XIAN

It is Xi Pin Xian’s first time in Singapore, and they feature incredibly tasty lunchboxes that will instantly transport you to the busy streets of Taiwan. Their lunchboxes are loaded with fragrant rice, bamboo shoots, mixed vegetables and your choice of meat.

We got the Braised Minced Meat with Pork Belly and the Braised Pork Trotters. The meat was really well-seasoned and had been steeped for a long time. Our favourite of them all was the Pork Belly; it was insanely good with how melt-in-your-mouth the fat was.

THE KIMCHI POT

Featuring a colourful plethora of lunchboxes, The Kimchi Pot is a true Asian favourite.

We had the Bulgogi Lunchbox; it was well-rounded and wholesome with well-seasoned slices of beef along with side dishes of japchae and kimchi, as well as fluffy brown rice!

We couldn’t resist the Egg Rolls too—cooked with seaweed, spring onions and carrots, this is a dish that the little ones would surely love!

BONCHON

Bonchon is a favourite amongst locals for their mouth-watering Korean Fried Chicken. At the food fiesta, they also offer Rice Burgers.

The Luncheon Meat with Egg Rice Burger could be an exciting alternative for breakfast, the creamy mayonnaise in the rice burger complemented the luncheon meat and egg nicely.

Also, try the Truffle Mushroom Rice Burger, it held the alluring smoky aroma of truffle and proved to be a unique rendition of rice burgers.

TAMARU & BAR FIRST DINING (HIROSHIMAYAKI)

If you love Japanese Street Food, head on over to Hiroshimayaki, which is located in the corner close to the water fountain.

Presenting a selection of Dango, Japanese Rolled Omelette and Yakisoba, this stall is as authentic as it gets; it is run by friendly Japanese staff who cook the Rolled Omelette right before your own eyes!

The Rolled Omelette we tried was topped with mentaiko sauce, and biting into it was unbelievably satisfying with creamy sauce flavouring the fresh and distinct layers of egg wrapped around one another.

We also had the takoyaki skewer. Delightfully crisp and generously covered with a sweet and savoury sauce, the takoyaki batter itself was light yet fragrant, and encased in every ball is a chunk of fresh octopus.

MURUAMAMI

Selling addictively squishy and chewy mochi pancakes, expect unique flavours that are oh-so-creamy and rich at Muruamami.

Try the Hokkaido Melon and the seasonal Mao Shan Wang Durian flavours, both of which tasted accurately true to the fruit sans the artificial flavouring. If you want something heavier, go for the Purple Sweet Potato which is filled with a rich puree of the vegetable.

SAWADEE THAI

Thai street food is always a hit, and Sawadee Thai proves this with their diverse selection of dishes.

The Crispy Chicken Wings is a crispy rendition that is subtly packed with a little spice for a robust aftertaste. The Grilled Pork Collar features thickly-cut pieces of meat served with a special sauce; so aromatic and flavourful, you’d want seconds for sure.

Also, try their Glutinous Ball in Coconut which is served with generous portions of sweet rice balls and fresh coconut flesh!

DOCTOR C MALA MALA

Sourcing pure white Snow Corn all the way from Cameron Highlands, the passionate stall owner of Doctor C Mala Mala informed us of how each and every piece of Snow Corn is pleasantly sweet and tasty despite only being steamed and prepared as it is—no frills, no fuss.

The Roasted Sweet Potato here left a lingering earthy scent of roasted goodness throughout the festival. Wonderfully roasted and perfectly gooey inside, the sweet potato was caramelised and amazingly sweet on its own.

COOKIES FOR YOU BY SCOOPZ

To end off our feast on a delightfully sweet note, of course, we had to get ice cream! Scoopz handcrafts all of their uniquely-flavoured ice cream, and the stall at the Takashimaya Food Fiesta is no different.

We selected the soft pink coloured grape ice cream that’s exclusive to the fair, and also paired Avocado and Chocolate Ice Cream together.

Takashimaya Food Fiesta
391A Orchard Rd
Takashimaya Square, B2
Singapore 238873
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset
Open from 30 May to 16 June 2019

This post was brought to you by Takashimaya.

A new kid on the block, DUAL Cafe Singapore joins the line-up of hip cafes on the famed and graffiti-covered Arab Street. The cafe is decorated with classic wood furnishings and welcoming shades of green.

Impeccably fusing Western culinary techniques with Asian flavours, DUAL Cafe Singapore offers customers the option to pick from dishes on their set menu or create their own food bowls.

With customisable protein bowls often coming with a hefty price tag, it is easy to understand the cafe’s popularity; their lunch special on Mondays to Fridays, from 11.30am to 2pm, offers food bowls with Ice Lemon Tea for just S$6.90 nett!

We customised our own bowls for the lunchtime special—with a choice of one base (such as Soba Noodles and House Salad), one protein (including Dijon Chicken Thigh, Baked Garlic Dory and Sesame Chicken Breast), and three toppings.

Customers also have the option to add extra sauce to their bowls without extra charge!

Our first bowl was made up of Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Mirin Salmon, Sous Vide Egg, Mushroom Medley and Honey Balsamic Mushrooms.

The servings were incredibly generous considering the price. Every single ingredient on the plate was well seasoned and complemented one another perfectly.

The other customised bowl we ordered consisted of Organic Brown Rice, Braised Pork Belly, Mushroom Medley, Steamed Broccoli and Corn. Unsurprisingly, the highlight of the bowl here was definitely the Braised Pork Belly.

Fatty and salty enough to enjoy with the fluffy bed of brown rice, the pork belly was so flavourful with it being steeped in a myriad of sauces for hours to give it that savoury burst of flavours.

Office workers looking for a healthy yet affordable lunch meal in the area should definitely check out DUAL Cafe Singapore; they even serve local brew craft beers at wallet-friendly prices so you can indulge yourself after office hours!

DUAL Cafe Singapore
48 Arab St
Singapore 199745
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 10.30am – 9pm
Sun: 10.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

We enjoy Japanese BBQ and shabu-shabu for how interactive the dining experience is. We enjoy having control over cooking the meat to the level of doneness we enjoy and the incredibly satisfying sounds of the meat sizzling on the hot grill.

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ & Shabu Shabu offers this very experience in the heart of Orchard at their outlet in Cineleisure. Choose from the Deluxe BBQ or Premium BBQ menu, where a plethora of meat selections are available including chicken, pork and beef cuts.

Feast and leave with no regrets by ordering their Premium BBQ buffet with free flow of wagyu beef and sashimi!

We were served a diverse range of meats, including ox tongue, pork cheek fillet, pork belly, lamb intercostal and more.

The wagyu beef cuts were definitely the highlight of our meal with the great marbling on every piece. Each slice of the Wagyu Karubi (Wagyu Beef Short Rib) and Wagyu Rosu (Wagyu Beef Rib Eye Cap) was cut into sizeable pieces for easy eating.

Those who are seeking to take their tastebuds on an adventure should also try the Wagyu Yukke Sashimi (Marinated Wagyu Beef with Egg Yolk) and Wagyu Sashimi (Wagyu Beef Sashimi).

Taste the flavours of the ocean with the seafood selections here such as fresh sashimi along with giant scallops, large pieces of prawn and Hokkaido jumbo oysters.

We thoroughly enjoyed the seafood assortment here. The vibrant pieces of sashimi tasted fresh while the giant scallops we seared on the grill were tender and appetising.

If you are craving grilled meats and hot pot with a cook-it-yourself dining experience in Orchard, head over to Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ & Shabu Shabu.

Deluxe Buffet*
Lunch: $29.9++
Dinner: $34.9++
(Child $19.8++)

Premium Buffet*
Lunch: $59.9++
Dinner: $64.9++
(Child $29.8++)

*Fri, Sat, Sun, Eve of PH and on PH additional $5 per adult.

8 Grange Road
Cineleisure #02-11
Singapore 239695
Tel: +65 6365 8389
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Hailing from London, Burger & Lobster has finally landed on our shores in Singapore at Jewel Changi Airport. What’s more, their restaurant is open until 3am daily so that late-night guests at Jewel Changi Airport can have a hearty supper!

Burger & Lobster’s beginnings on a London rooftop started in 2011 by a group of 4 schoolmates with only three items on their menu: whole lobster, lobster roll, and a beef burger—all of which were priced at £20 each. Their original intention was to open an eatery that impeccably dished up meals made up of only a few ingredients.

They have since increased the prices of the individual menu items, but their popularity has also risen internationally, having opened their doors in New York, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuwait City, and Genting Highlands.

Burger & Lobster Singapore’s signature lobster with fries and salad is priced at S$65 and there’s a Singapore-exclusive Sambal Glazed Lobster. The outpost in Singapore will officially open to the public on 23 May and the operational hours are from 9am to 3am daily. Here is what you can expect from their opening in Jewel Changi Airport on 23rd May 2019.

Nestled away in the Canopy Park at Jewel Changi Airport, Burger & Lobster has a seating capacity of 81 diners. The restaurant enjoys a grand view of the serene Shiseido Forest Valley, as well as the magnificent HSBC Rain Vortex.

To ensure that they serve premium quality to all of their restaurants’ diners around the world, live lobsters are flown in from Nova Scotia, Canada; while beef is sourced from the cattle ranchers in Nebraska, U.S.A.

Renowned for their lobsters, diners have the choice of enjoying the crustacean either grilled or steamed with clarified butter or their famous lemon and garlic butter.

The Original Lobster (S$65) features a 1.5lb wild, live Canadian lobster steamed or grilled with a choice of clarified butter or Burger & Lobster’s famous lemon & garlic butter. It comes with fries and house salad.

There’s also a Singapore-exclusive Sambal Glazed Lobster—a whole steamed 1.5lb lobster glazed with sambal.

Brightly coloured in a brilliant reddish hue, the Sambal Glazed Lobster packs a punch and is not for the faint hearted. Although a tad messy to eat, the sambal sauce hits all the right spots with a delightful tangy sweetness with a lingering heat to tantalise tastebuds.

Despite it being reminiscent to chilli crab, the Sambal Glazed Lobster is clearly catered to local tastebuds with the familiar spicy sauce.

The Original Lobster Roll (S$40) is served with a buttery and toasted brioche roll, as well as heaping chunks of lobster pieces tossed in Japanese mayo, a side of crispy golden-brown fries and house salad.

On Burger & Lobster Singapore’s menu, you can also find three burger options—The Mayfair (S$25), The Hot One (S$25) and The Impossible Burger (S$20).

True to its original atmosphere in London, there is also a bar serving up fantastic cocktails for the complete experience.

Burger & Lobster

Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard, #05-203
Singapore 819666
Daily: 9am – 3am
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Seoul is an urbanised, metropolitan city that attracts lots of tourists annually. With the impact of Hallyu or the Korean Wave, the awareness of Korean cultural products has increased immensely, and so has the amount of tourism.

However, with a large amount of interest garnered towards modernised Korean culture, the Korean traditions and heritage may have taken a backseat.

But let’s not forget the 5 grand palaces in Seoul, all of which create the most interesting contrast and backdrop against the skyscrapers of the urban city. You shouldn’t visit just because they look great for Instagram; they are so full of history and cultural heritage.

Don the traditional Korean dress—known as Hanbok—and you’ll gain free admission into the palaces. Admission is also free for all on Culture Day, which falls on the last Wednesday of every month. These Five Grand Palaces of Seoul are a must-see when you’re in the capital.

#1 GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

Just north of Gwanghwamun Square in the very heart of Seoul is Gyeongbukgung Palace, which translates poetically into English as “palace greatly blessed by Heaven”.

This palace is one of the most well-recognised sights in South Korea. Having stood the test of time, the construction for the palace was completed in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was first built when the capital of Korea was shifted from Kaesong, located in present day’s North Korea, to northern Seoul, originally known as Hanyang.

Gyeongbokgung was unfortunately destroyed twice, once during the Japanese invasion of Korea from 1592 to 1598, as well as during the Japanese occupation during the early 20th century.

The palace has mostly been restored to its original form and is referred to as the grandest of the five palaces, boasting enchanting gardens, vivid colours and traditional Korean architecture.

Today, tourists from all walks of life pay a visit to the palace dressed in the traditional Korean costume, known as a Hanbok, to learn about Korea history. Don’t forget to check out the traditional Korean court music performances while at Gyeonbokgung as well.

161, Sajik-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

#2 DEOKSUGUNG PALACE

Located next to Seoul’s present-day City Hall, Deoksugung Palace is nestled amongst the backdrop of urban buildings, making for the most magnificent pictures that contrast traditional Korean and contemporary Western architecture.

The Palace was previously both a temporary palace and a residence to the kings and their royal relatives. Subsequently, the different wings and halls in the palace have had a long architectural history that has also integrated Western styles into the grounds.

The Seokjoseon Hall, which completed its construction in 1910, is an exceptional Western-style building that was constructed towards the end of the Joseon Dynasty. The Imperial family previously occupied it as their private living quarters.

Deoksugung Palace is typically packed with visitors due to the beautiful fusion of architecture and rich history. Take a stroll through the palace if you happen to make a stop at City Hall.

99 Sejong-daero,
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 9pm
(Closed Monday)
Nearest Station: City Hall Station

Photo Credit: The Soul of Seoul

#3 GYEONGHUIGUNG PALACE

Not too far from Deoksugung Palace is Gyeonghuigung Palace—the youngest of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul. It was originally built as a secondary palace for the king during the 1600s after the first Japanese invasion destroyed the other palaces.

Unfortunately, during the 1800s, the palace was engulfed in a fire which severely damaged the building and it was completely destroyed in the 1900s by the Japanese occupation.

Today, Gyeonghuigung is a modern reconstruction which is also smaller in scale to the original. Although it is a modernised version of the palace, Gyeonghuigung is still worthy of a visit as the Seoul History Museum and Jongno Street are both nearby.

The elegance of the palace is also still present in the stonewall road that leads towards Deoksugung Palace.

45, Saemunan-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Seodaemun Station

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

#4 CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE

Recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee, Changdeokgung Palace was the second palace built in 1405.

As the best-preserved palace of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul, the palace grounds were a royal villa for the kings to rest and was made up of a public palace area, a garden and the royal family residence.

The palace has been well-loved by Koreans for ages due to its beauty, particularly during the fall when the autumn foliage engulfs the palace grounds and gives it a mystical and enchanting atmosphere.

The Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden also houses an enormous tree that is over 3 centuries old! A must-visit for the natural beauty of the greenery and the charming palace grounds, this palace is not one you should miss out.

99, Yulgok-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Anguk Station

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

#5 CHANGYEONGGUNG PALACE

Right by Changdeokgung Palace is Changyeonggung palace, which was constructed by King Seongjong, the Joseon Dynasty’s 9th king.

It was made to be residential living grounds for the king’s royal relatives and elders with the idea of it being highly accessible to travel between the two neighbour palaces.

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization – VisitKorea

Within Changyeonggung Palace is Korea’s fifth Western-style greenhouse, built in 1909, which make for beautiful pictures as it is constructed with glass exterior for natural light and white frames.

The palace is a popular location for tourists and couples on dates due to the stunning scenery through autumn and spring with the two seasons’ bright, welcoming colours.

185, Changgyeonggung-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 9am – 5.30pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Hyehwa Station

Photo Credit: Dome Cafe Singapore

After a solid two decades on our little red dot, Ministry of Culture Pte Ltd has announced that Dome Cafe will be closing the doors to its last outlet at Parkway Parade on the third week of June 2019.

Photo Credit: Dome Cafe Singapore

Their menu’s main focus was on a contemporary Australian menu with brunch foods by utilising fresh produce to present well-rounded meals including salads, sandwiches and pasta.

Head down to the Parkway Parade to bid a farewell by indulging in their scrumptious brunch meals, delightful sweet treats and fragrant blends of coffee.

Dome Cafe Singapore
80 Marine Parade Rd, 01-69A/K5/K6, Singapore 449269
Tel: +65 6348 8498
Daily: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Sitting on Havelock Road is Irodori Japanese Restaurant, a restaurant that offers diners an extensive range of à la carte buffet menu dishes with the freshest ingredients sourced from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Europe.

Fans of Japanese cuisine will be overjoyed by the endless flow of sashimi, sushi, tempura and assorted hand rolls—all at one All-You-Can-Eat price.

SIDE DISHES

A standout dish for us at Irodori Japanese Restaurant was the Grilled Prawn with Mentaiko. The prawn was fresh, grilled to perfection and topped with creamy mentaiko. The combination of the prawn and mentaiko may seem simple but we were blown away by the rich flavours!

We also enjoyed the Mixed Tempura, which was fried to perfection with its light and crisp batter.

Another highlight of our meal was the Sashimi Moriawase, and we loved that the slices of seafood were thick and generous.

Expect an array of grilled foods, deep-fried dishes and teppanyaki selections too.

SUSHI AND HAND ROLLS

Spotting a bright hue of oraneg from the abundance of fish roe it was covered in, the Irodori Special Roll was a tasty departure from the typical sushi roll.

We ordered the California Te-maki, Spider Te-maki (Soft Shell Crab), and Ebi Te-maki (Tempura Prawn). Each of the hand rolls was stuffed with fragrant Japanese rice and filled to the brim with fish roe! The generous amount of ingredients made it hard to bite into, but we loved it all the same!

Irodori Japanese Restaurant is great for diners looking for a relaxing and affordable Japanese buffet experience without having to get up from their table to grab more food. Simple and delicious, nothing overly fancy; we will be back for more.

Lunch and Dinner Buffet
Adult S$38.80++, Child S$24.80++

Irodori Japanese Restaurant
382 Havelock Road,
Four Points by Sheraton Singapore
Riverview #03-01, Singapore 169629
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay/Chinatown

While cherry blossom season in Japan is a popular period for tourists to visit, another season that is highly anticipated among visitors to Japan is the autumn season. With a medley of warm colours that is sure to stun, experiencing the fall foliage in Japan is another breathtaking sight to behold and one you must experience.

If you’ve missed out on booking your tickets this season for spring, consider marking your calendars for autumn. A sight like this is something you definitely do not want to miss out on!

We share with you a forecast of the best dates to visit, as well as the recommended cities and their various viewing spots.

Photo Credit: ZEKKEI Japan

#1 HOKKAIDO

Famous for the natural hot springs, skiing areas and volcanoes, the autumn foliage season typically begins and peaks first on the north-most island of Hokkaido. Without a doubt, enjoying the fall sceneries here will be utterly jaw-dropping and beautiful.

Best Viewing Spots:
Daisetsuzan National Park – If you wish to avoid large crowds of tourists, this is the perfect location. In addition to the fall foliage, this national park boasts other sights like volcanoes, mountains, lakes for you to admire and even a hot spring for you to soak in.

Shiretoko – A popular location due to its reputation as a UNESCO world heritage site, head over to Shiretoko Five Lakes and Shiretoko Pass to view the autumn sights.

Hokkaido University – Autumn greets the university through a line of 70 gingko trees that turn into an elegant golden colour. Consider visiting at night as well, the trees are illuminated which gives it a more enchanted look.

Kosetsu-en – Take a stroll through the garden here, which is also the only government-designated cultural-asset, and enjoy the autumn leaves on an estimated 150 trees. Look out for the Hakodate MOMI-G Festa as well, a festival where you can don a kimono and take in the views,

Best Viewing Period: Mid-September to Late October

Photo Credit: Hitachi Seaside Park

#2 KANTO

Kanto is a broad region that includes the capital city of Tokyo and seven other districts such as Chiba and Kanagawa.

Best Viewing Spots:
Nasu Kogen – This is a great location for people looking to escape the metropolitan lifestyle for a bit. There is the option of taking a cable car up to Tyausu Dake Mountain to enjoy the view here.

Tanigawadake – A well-known location for tourists to visit for pictures of trees filled with warm golden leaves is Ichinokura.

Ibaraki – Visit Hitachi Seaside Park for its beautiful kochia, that change from green to a gorgeous red colour, as well as an amusement park. Also not to be missed is Fukuroda Falls.

Best Viewing Period: Late October to Early December

Photo Credit: hisgo by H.I.S. International Tours (NY) Inc.

#3 KYUSHU

If you like the scenic countryside, then Kyushu is a must-visit. It boasts magnificent sights to see and great hospitality by warm-hearted locals.

Best Viewing Spots:
Takachiho Gorge – An impressive sight to behold with waterfalls and the warm-hued leaves of trees framing it, autumn is a great time to take a stroll here.

Ohori Park – Holding a diversity of trees including azalea and rosebay, this park is located in central Fukuoka.

Maizuru Park – The lookout spot here offers a gorgeous view of maidenhair and maple trees.

Best Viewing Period: Early November to Early December

Photo Credits: Must-see Japan

#4 AOMORI

If you enjoy looking at bodies of water, Aomori is the perfect escapade away from the city for you as it has awe-inspiring views of shores, lakes and mountains for you to take in.

Best Viewing Spots:
Lake Towada – The best way to fully enjoy the sights here is through the sightseeing boat cruise, giving you a panaramic view of the multi-coloured trees and the expansive lake.

Hirosaki Park – Wander around the park and visit other sites such as the Hirosaki Castle, Gokoku Shrine, and Hirosaki Botanical Garden. This is another spot for you to consider visiting at night.

Best Viewing Period: Early October to Mid November

Photo Credits: Cool Photo Japan

#5 TOKYO

The ever-busy capital city offers both modern and traditional sights, with sky-high buildings to historic shrines. There is something for everyone in this bustling city, whether you’re going around sightseeing or visiting the eateries for a break.

Best Viewing Spots:
Yoyogi Park – Often packed with people, this park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to take in the fall scenery due to the beautiful gingko trees that are coloured warm gold and bright red.

Meouro River – A popular spot particularly during the cherry blossom season, this is also a great location for sightseeing during the autumn season.

Ueno Park – Do not miss out on visiting this park as it boasts more than 8,000 trees. With that much greenery, it will definitely be a breathtaking sight during autumn.

Rikugien Garden – Visit this garden at night and enjoy the entrancing views with its numerous maple trees transforming the garden during autumn.

Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to Early December

#6 KYOTO

Previously the capital of Japan, Kyoto offers an abundance of tradition, history and culture with its gorgeous backdrops and cultural sites.

Best Viewing Spots:
Eikando Temple – One of the more visited spots in Kyoto, the temple is home to over a thousand maple trees that turn into a stunning reddish-brown colour during autumn season.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – Housing 300 maple trees, this is not only an excellent spot to visit for fall, as it is also rich in history as the shrine was built in 947AD. Catch local students visiting the shrine to pray for good exam results.

Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to Early December

Photo Credits: Nikko Yumoto

#7 NIKKO

Another location that is popular for its history and culture, Nikko is a small city that is home to numerous magnificent temples and shrines.

Best Viewing Spots:
Lake Yunoko – Catch the stunning views and breathtaking colours of the leaves being reflected on the serene waters of the lake here, this is a sight to not miss out on.

Senjogahara – One of the less populated locations, take trek along the vast marshland and enjoy the remarkable fall colours offered at Senjoghara.

Best Viewing Period: Early October to Late November

#8 NARA

Mention Nara and people will more often than not mention the famous and well-liked Nara Deer Park, where deers are free to roam. The city also offers historical sites and artwork that go back to the 8th century, when Nara was still Japan’s capital.

Best Viewing Spots:
Nara Park – Established in 1880, Nara Park is one of Japan’s oldest parks, stretching across 1,600 acres. Apart from the adorable deers, the park also offers sights such as the Momiji-lined canal and Kasuga Shrine for you to enjoy the fall foliage.

Tanzan Shrine – Originally constructed as a Buddhist temple in the Asuka Period, it was later turned into a shrine in the Meji Period. Visit the pagoda for an expansive view of the brightly saturated leaves.

Best Viewing Period: Early November to Early December

Photo Credits: Kawaguchiko.net

#9 LAKE KAWAGUCHI

Another famous site in Japan, Mount Fuji is an attraction that every visitor should not miss out on. Imagine capturing the magnificence of the mountain towering over the saturated warm hues of the trees lining the water, it will surely be the highlight of your trip.

Best Viewing Spots:
Maple Corridor – Home to many maple trees, and the Koyo Tunnel, which offers an impressive view of Mount Fuji and the fall leaves in combination.

Best Viewing Period: Late October to Late November

#10 HAKONE

Known as a hot springs’ heaven, Hakone is a town surrounded by mountains and resorts, as well as scenic views of Mount Fuji. Other nature attractions include Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, and Owakudani, a volcanic valley.

Best Viewing Spots:
Gora Park – Visit this western-style botanical garden and admire the flowers along with other sites such as the greenhouses, a fountain and a tea house.

Lake Ashi – Enjoy the autumn scenery and catch a peek of Mount Fuji at the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture on one of the boats that cruise along the lake.

Best Viewing Period: Early November to Late November

Photo Credit: Masayoshi Hirose

#11 SHIZUOKA

Home to Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, Shizuoka is a medium-sized city on central Honshu’s Pacific coast that is known for tea.

Best Viewing Spots:
Shuzenji River – Stroll along the river and take in all the brightly coloured leaves while enjoying the relaxing sounds of the water crashing against the rocks by the river here. Make sure to pass by Katsura Bridge as well, the vivid red colours will make for stunning pictures.

Okuni Shrine – Another scenic nature spot, this ancient shrine is located in Shuchi County and is visited by numerous locals who are greeted by brilliantly coloured autumn leaves right at the entrance.

Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to Late November

Photo Credit: FUN! JAPAN

#12 NAGOYA

Nagoya is Japan’s third most-populated urban city and houses many famous gardens such as Ninomaru Garden, Shirotori Garden, Hisaya-Odori Garden Flarie and Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Nagoya is definitely a city you want to visit to catch the fall foliage.

Best Viewing Spots:
Nagoya Castle: This is a must-visit site, regardless of whether you are going during the autumn season or not. Capture the multi-coloured trees framing the traditional castle and catch the autumn festival, this is another sight not to be missed in Japan.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Head over to this zoo and gardens for their autumn festival if you are travelling with young children, they will surely be entertained by the animal feeding sessions and autumn light up at night!

Best Viewing Period: Mid November to Early December

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Note: The above dates are an approximation based on the past five years’ cherry blossoms periods. It is hard to predict the exact days as weather forecasts are ever-changing. It is, however, important to book your air tickets and accommodation months in advance to avoid exorbitant peak period prices, and to secure your necessary rooms and hotel stays.