For all their mind-boggling dishes and ground-breaking creations, it comes as a shocker that Spice World Hotpot has ceased its operations in Singapore. There has been no reason provided yet for their closure.

This hotpot establishment in Clarke Quay shot to popularity for their wild innovation that saw dishes such as teddy bear broths and metre-long meat platters. Some skeptics may have seen them as being over-the-top and gimmicky, but Spice World Hotpot proved them wrong with their dedication to quality and service.

Spicy World Hotpot arrived in Singapore in 2018 and served up authentic Sichuan flavours.  Flying their ingredients and soup bases in from Sichuan, they were certainly not messing around with their robust broths and fresh ingredients.

Their Teddy Bear Spicy Butter Soup Base was well-loved for more than just its theatrical value while their Barbie Australian Wagyu Beef Slices promised marbled cuts of excellent quality.

We can only hope that Spice World Hotpot will re-open soon. Till then, Hai Di Lao and Beauty In A Pot will have one less competitor.

Hands up if you’re one of those typical Singaporeans who drinks at run-of-the-mill bars along Holland Village or Clarke Quay! Don’t worry, that makes two of us. The drinking scene in our little red dot may seem a lil’ uninspiring, but there are some alternatives you can get wasted at than your habitual watering holes and clubs.

We discovered a slew of ingenious themed bars that have stepped up their game and creativity to lure alcoholics in – from a 20’s-inspired speakeasy to an 80’s arcade, there’s everything for everyone.

Ditch your old drinking spot and pop by these 10 unique themed bars offering not only great booze, but great vibes too!

Any trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without having a meal (or should we say every meal?) in one of their many cha chaan tengs, snacking on a couple of Hong Kong egg tarts in one seating and slurping up some Hong Kong-style milk teas to end your day on a sweet note.

Even though that the service is definitely not the best around, Hong Kong still remains as one of the best food destinations in Asia. Thankfully for us, there are quite a number of iconic Hong Kong restaurants that opened in Singapore over the past few years.

Forget about the 4-hour flight to Hong Kong, here are 7 Hong Kong food concepts in Singapore that will gau dim any lingering HK food cravings.

HONOLULU CAFE

Founded in the 1940s, Honolulu Cafe started out as just a humble eatery that serves Hong Kong-style coffee, tea and baked goods. They have since expanded their menu extensively and now serve Hong Kong classic dishes such as macaroni noodle dishes and weekly specials alongside their freshly baked egg tarts.

Their egg tarts (S$1.70) are to-die-for and we dare say that Honolulu Cafe dishes out one of the best renditions in Hong Kong.

#01-33 F/G, 176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6734 6609
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TAI CHEONG BAKERY

As if the Holland Village area isn’t already a food haven, Tai Cheong Bakery has opened the brand’s first ever sit-in concept there in 2016.

Tai Cheong Bakery has been serving these irresistible delicious egg tarts for more than half a century and they hold a special place in the hearts of Hong Kongers across generations. Fret not if you are looking for more substantial meals for they also serve main courses such as Scrambled Egg Toast and Beef Brisket Curry Rice.

31 Lor Liput
Singapore 277742
Tel: +65 9828 1954
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

TIM HO WAN

Hailing from Hong Kong and perhaps one of the biggest openings here in Singapore is dim sum chain, Tim Ho Wan. With certain outlets open for 24-hours, this is another supper spot to consider should the likes of steamed, baked or fried dim sum peak your fancy.

The Baked Bun with BBQ Pork, Spicy and Sour Dumplings and the hugely underrated Vermicelli Roll with Shrimp are our go-to dishes at Tim Ho Wan and they never disappoint.

68 Orchard Rd, 01-29A/52
Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TSUI WAH

Despite opening its doors only in June 2018, Tsui Wah has already been a hit amongst Singaporeans to get affordable and undeniably satisfying Cantonese cuisine.

Similar to what you will find in their Hong Kong outlets, Tsui Wah Singapore offers a variety of their signature dishes including Crispy Bun with Sweet Condensed Milk (S$4), Pork Chop Bun (S$7.50), King Prawns in XO Sauce with Tossed Noodles (S$11) as well as their legendary Swiss Sauce Chicken Wings (S$11).

3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay #01-03
Singapore 179020
Daily: 11am – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

MAK’S NOODLES

Mak’s Noodles has got to be one of the best (if not the best) noodle stores in Hong Kong. Starting out as just a small eatery, Mak’s Noodle expanded to a chain of 6 eateries all over Hong Kong and now, a couple of outlets in Singapore too.

Their dishes are simple, comprising just noodles topped with their signature wontons but do not be fooled by their simplicity for every mouthful will envelop your taste buds with myriads of flavours!

#01-63/64, 176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6235 5778
Daily: 11am – 10pm

MUI KEE CONGEE

Mui Kee Congee serves delectable congee that is a league of its own. Using recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through three generations, you can count on Mui Kee Congee to deliver silky smooth congee filled with old-school ingenuity.

Be prepared to queue for up to an hour at this real-deal congee stall during lunch hours before laying your hands on a bowl of their delights. During dinner time, they also serve a variety of claypot dishes as perfect accompaniments to your meal.

1 Scotts Road, #01-12
Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6737 2422
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

KAM’S ROAST

Kam’s Roast has earned itself a one Michelin star for 3 consecutive years and for good reason. If you are there for the first time, opt for their classic char siew and roast pork noodles set (S$11.80) that features perfectly caramelised char siew and crisp roasted pork nestled atop springy egg noodles.

Granted that these dishes do not come cheap, what you get is a solid meal that will leave you satisfied and planning your next visit here.

9 Scotts Road
Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 6836 7788
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Providing a delectable buffet spread that includes a selection of perfectly grilled premium meat and an extensive salad bar, Rodizio Do Brazil prides itself with using the freshest ingredients to cater to every palate. Health-conscious people would be glad to know that their beef and lamb are grass-fed, which means that they are higher in nutrients and lower in fat.

Situated just minutes away from Clarke Quay Station, this authentic Brazilian restaurant located by the Singapore River is a great spot to unwind after a long day at work and you can gather with your friends and family and treat yourselves to a slew of quality meat dishes at a really reasonable price.

We treated ourselves to their Full Churrasco + Salad Bar Buffet (S$49++ for Adults and S$18++ for Children) and we were completely blown away when the food arrived.

The perfectly grilled meats are threaded onto large skewers and upon being sliced and served tableside, the chef will make it a point to talk about the dish being served, giving diners a better idea of what they’re about to eat.

Meat lovers are spoilt for choice with their wide selection of meats from Beef Rump to Honey Ham Pork and even Grilled Chicken Hearts.

Their signature Beef Rump was extremely tender and well flavoured but what stole our hearts was definitely the Grilled Chicken Hearts. A bite into these tiny morsels will set you on a trip to flavour town and they come with a bounciness similar to fresh squid.

After stuffing yourself with those flaming-hot grilled meats, have yourself some refreshing grilled pineapple to wash down the grease and to give your palate a sweet, refreshing wake up call.

Rodizio Do Brazil
3E River Valley Road
Clarke Quay #01-07
Singapore 179024
Tel: +65 6253 8858
Sun to Thurs: 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Japan’s renowned Kushikatsu chain with over 160 outlets, Kushikatsu Tanaka, is now in Singapore. Located right smack in the middle of bustling Clarke Quay, this less-than-a-year-old eatery is famous for its Kushikatsu (fried cutlet skewers) and signature dipping sauce.

Kushikatsu is a Japanese delicacy comprising an assortment of lightly breaded and deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. In Japanese, kushi translates to skewers while katsu refers to a deep-fried meat cutlet.

A step into Kushikatsu Tanaka will transport you to a traditional izakaya in Japan, with its dim-hued interior and a rustic decor that sets does well to mimic a similar mood. Offering a range of wallet-friendly Japanese bar grub and alcohol, this is definitely the go-to spot for some after-work drinks and gathering.

First up on our table was the lightly steamed and perfectly salted appetiser, Edamame (S$5++). These protein-rich soybeans are fresh and sweet, making for a good pre-meal snack.

Moving on to something that required a little elbow grease, was the DIY Potato Salad Mentaiko ($10++)!

It came with a generous portion of potatoes, an ajitsuke tamago (Japanese marinated soft-boiled egg) and crunchy bacon bits seasoned with black pepper and mayonnaise, topped with a decent portion of savoury mentaiko chunks—all of which required grinding and mixing using a pastel. 

By grinding everything together yourself, you can adjust the texture of the salad to suit your taste. We liked ours to be slightly chunky so that we can taste a bit of everything.

The star of the night was definitely the legendary Kushikatsu (Assorted Skewers). We got ourselves the Recommended 5 (S$8.20++), which came with Asparagus, Lotus Root, Beef, Pork and Onion.

Coated in Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried till golden brown, the skewers were insanely crispy without being greasy at all. What made this dish even better was the special dipping sauce that was tangy and extremely addictive.

Kushikatsu Tanaka
3A River Valley Road, Merchant Court
Clarke Quay Block A #01-01B
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6258 3789
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

The wait is finally over—famous Hong Kong cha chaan teng, Tsui Wah, opens its doors to the public on 15 June 2018, 1pm!

Known for their Swiss Sauce Chicken Wings, King Prawns in XO Sauce with Tossed Noodles and Hong Kong-style milk tea, Tsui Wah Singapore will take over the space of former Attica Club at Clarke Quay which faces the Singapore River.

Fans will be delighted to know that the culinary team has been trained by chefs from Hong Kong to ensure that standards are kept high. So if you are ready to find out what Tsui Wah has to offer, continue reading on.

With its reputation in the Hong Kong food scene, it is little wonder why many Singaporeans (including us) are excited about the opening of this popular Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng in our city.

Tsui Wah’s flagship restaurant at Hong Kong Central is a popular spot for party-goers at Lan Kwai Fong as it opens for 24 hours daily. So we are not surprised to know that Tsui Wah Singapore has chosen Clarke Quay as its first location.

Similar to what you will find in their Hong Kong outlets, Tsui Wah Singapore will be offering their signature dishes including Crispy Bun with Sweet Condensed Milk (S$4), Pork Chop Bun (S$7.50), King Prawns in XO Sauce with Tossed Noodles (S$11), Malaysian Beef Brisket Curry with rice as well as their legendary Swiss Sauce  Chicken Wings (S$11).

Enjoy your food with the iconic Hong Kong-style Milk Tea (S$3.50), of course. However, you might have to wait a little longer for their iconic Bo Luo Buns and Chicken Rice as Tsui Wah will be slowly rolling out the full menu in Singapore.

The King Prawns in XO Sauce with Tossed Noodles (S$11) is fragrant and prawns served are plump and juicy. The noodles are cooked to a great al dente texture which we enjoyed thoroughly.

The Kagoshima-style Pork Cartilage in Fish Soup with Mixian features tender and delicious pork with a generous amount of smooth cartilage. You can also have it dry with instant noodles–the true Hong Kong-style.

Tsui Wah’s Signature Pork Chop Bun is a Hong Kong staple and it comes highly recommended. Simple but oh-so-satisfying!

The Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk is one those with a sweet tooth must not miss out on. The condensed milk adds texture and so much flavour to every bite. Ultra-addictive!

If you are looking for more sweet options, the Savoury French Toast Bites Served With Vanilla Ice Cream is a great way to end a hearty meal at Tsui Wah.

Tsui Wah Singapore’s new operating hours are from 11am to 1.30am daily and there are four new menu items especially for supper which will start from 10.30pm with the last order at 1am.

For quality Cha Chaan Teng fare at really affordable prices, head down to Tsui Wah Singapore to truly have a taste of authentic Hong Kong food.

Tsui Wah Singapore
3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay #01-03
Singapore 179020
Daily: 11am – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Read: 17 Best Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong you must dine at.

It is Friday night, you’ve just booked out of what seemed to be an endless cycle of eat, sleep, torture, repeat. We all know the pains of being bald, bored and broke when you are serving the nation—at least us guys do—and nothing alleviates the misery better than a tipple or ten.

Look forward to the weekends because it is time to get your booze on with your mates but don’t fret because we are well aware that your pocket runs pretty shallow as a recruit. So here is our list of 12 cheapest drinking spots for your post-book-out hangs.

1 TYRWHITT BISTRO & BAR

A cafe by day and trendy bar by night, this dining establishment is conveniently located a stone’s throw away from Jalan Besar Stadium. 1-for-1 deals on beers coupled with a good soccer match? Game on.

1 Tyrwhitt Road,
Singapore 207522
Tel: +65 6341 5167
Wed to Mon: 11.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Lavender

AL CAPONE’S RISTORANTE & BAR

Located at *SCAPE, this is a hot favourite among party-goers to load up on pre-party drinks before the night’s antics for the very simple reason that it is insanely cheap. Three Heineken can be had at only S$13 and a full pint of Guinness at S$8—what a steal!

2 Orchard Link,
#02-38 Scape Building
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6509 5097
Daily: 11am – 3am
Nearest Station: Somerset

AMBER NECTAR

Located right across Kanpai 789, Amber Nectar is another popular haunt for cheap booze. Their beer tower promotions are a steal—3 towers of Hite beer go for S$39 each which is considerably cheaper than other joints and is also great news for army boys looking to get smashed.

11 Unity St, 01-10/11,
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 6737 3774
Mon: 5pm – 12am
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

CUSCADEN PATIO

This no-frills underground drinking den is home to some of the tastiest chicken wings around, and although they may not have an official happy hour per se, they make up for it with really cheap beers around the clock.

For S$20, you can get a 1.5-litre tower of San Miguel, and on Tuesdays, their beer jugs are priced at S$13!

21 Cuscaden Road
Tel: +65 6887 3319
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon, Wed & Thu: 3pm – 1am
Tue: 3pm – 2am
Fri: 3pm – 3am
Sat: 4pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Orchard

FIVE ORIENTAL

Five Oriental is a Japanese izakaya that is conveniently located at the heart of Collyer Quay, serving up Asahi draught all day, every day at S$5 for a half-pint.

If Japan’s premier brew isn’t your ideal choice of poison, sip on a range of international beers at just S$30 per bucket of five—now that’s a hot deal.

16 Collyer Quay, #01-05B,
Singapore 049318
Tel: +65 9826 1049
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

KANPAI 789

It is not often you can get a pint of ice-cold craft beer for less than S$10, and with five choices of craft brews on tap, you’re bound to find something that piques your fancy.

Order nosh such as fried calamari rings, truffle potato balls, and yakitori skewers for less than S$10 each. Unfortunately, the service here leaves much to be desired, but the price point makes up for it.

11 Unity St,
#01-18/29 Robertson Walk
Singapore 237995
Tel: +65 9800 4954
Daily: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SMÖÖBAR

So you think you can drink? Well, over at Smööbar, not only are you encouraged to chug a whole jug of beer, but you also stand a chance to walk away with S$100 for doing so!

Catered for students studying at the nearby campuses, you just know that prices are cheap. Be sure to snag their happy hour towers that go for S$50 daily.

70 Stamford Road,
Singapore 178901
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

STICKIES BAR

Stickies Bar is incredibly popular among youngsters—particularly those strapped for cash—and is often crowded by 2pm in the afternoon.

Beer prices here begin as low as S$2 from 2pm onwards and increases by a dollar with every hour that passes by, all the way till the clock hits midnight. Need we say more?

11 Keng Cheow St, #01-10
Singapore 059608
Tel: +65 6443 7564
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

TANGO’S

Located at the far end of Holland Village’s row of drinking holes, Tangos is easily one of our all-time-favourites places to hang out on weekends.

During happy hour between 3pm to 9pm, beers, house pour spirits and selected wine labels are 1-for-1, which is perfect for thirsty tipplers.

35 Lorong Mambong,
Singapore 277692
Tel: +65 6463 7364
Sun to Thu: 3pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

THE GOOD BEER COMPANY

Craft beer aficionados flock to this humble hawker stall for two very simple reasons—the extensive range of craft beers as well its insanely affordable price point (starting from S$8). The Good Beer Company offers over 60 different beers and ciders from Europe, Asia and the US, so beer gurus get excited.

2 Science Park Drive
Savourworld #01-23, Singapore 118222
Tel: +65 9859 7386
Sun to Thu: 4pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 11.45pm
Nearest Station: one north

THE MASK

An underrated watering hole in the Boat Quay area, The Mask is a hot spot among the young and those who are on a budget, especially with prices for bottles of spirits starting from S$70. Need we say more? The Mask is where you and your buddies need to be!

23-24 Circular Road,
Singapore 049379
Tel: +65 9060 4444
Sun to Fri: 11am – 3am
Sat: 5pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

TWO FAT MEN

For cheap beer towers and a whole host of Thai and Western nosh, Two Fat Men is the place to be. This unassuming neighbourhood joint along East Coast Road carries a diverse range of craft beers as well which makes this a good quiet spot for a night out with the boys.

They run very attractive Happy Hour promotions such as S$5++ house pours so be sure to check them out!

376 East Coast Road,
Singapore 428984
Tel: +65 6348 0241
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 2pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Eunos

TWO CHEFS BAR

Two Chefs Bar’s Happy Hour deals features pints going at S$10 all day, every day! Now that’s taking Happy Hour to the next level! So quickly gather your palsfor a night out of solid tipples and fun times.

This promotion is only valid at the Holland Village outlet. The best seller frozen Margarita with premium tequila and irresistible Pina Colada are two must-try cocktails that will make you go for more.

17D Lorong Liput
Holland Village
Singapore 277731
Tel: +65 6463 3903
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

Read: 10 Sensational Happy Hour Spots On Orchard Road That You Need To Know About.