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

Sitting on the City Hall Rooftop of our beloved National Gallery is Yàn, a stunning restaurant that offers elevated and luxurious authentic Cantonese cuisine served in modern day presentations. The elegant restaurant boasts a modern setting and intimate seating. Yàn also has private rooms which are ideal for hosting private sessions and to celebrate occasions.

Having loved what Yàn had to offer before, we set our bar high on our most recent visit. We were lucky enough to try several different seasonal seafood, each cooked in its own special way. Something to appreciate about the fresh seafood at Yàn is that you get to choose your preferred cooking method(s).

Have it steamed with Chinese wine a la the traditional way or go for something a little more unique like deep-fried with white wine sauce; your pick, your way. And now, we need to share with you more about our memorable lunch when we luxuriated with premium seafood in this gem of a restaurant.

Enjoy 15% off Live Seafood selections when you quote ‘Ladyironchef’ upon reservation, applicable till 31 May 2017.

STEAMED ALASKAN KING CRAB WITH CHINESE WINE AND EGG WHITE

We thanked our lucky stars when we saw the massive Alaskan King Crab (S$20++/100g, min. 2kg) in front of our eyes. Weighing about 4kg, our crab was massive. It is ideal for large groups because of its colossal size.

Alaskan King Crab is in season and we got the freshest catch, still alive minutes before it was cooked and served to us.

Yàn’s Master Chef Chan highly recommends to cook it with a combination of egg and Chinese wine. The crab is surrounded by the steamed egg that has been flavoured with the Chinese wine. With this style of cooking, the flesh turned out to be extremely sweet, juicy and oh-so-soft! Nothing can beat seafood that is simply steamed because you get to taste the undisturbed genuine flavours.

The fragrance of the Chinese wine was also very prominent and complementary to the sweet flesh of the crab.

STEAMED BAMBOO CLAMS WITH CHEF’S SPECIAL SOY SAUCE

These Bamboo Clams (S$14/piece) from Scotland were so meaty and substantial that we slurped them up in seconds. We had ours steamed with Chef’s special soy sauce and a dollop of delicious homemade chilli sauce on top.

The subtle soy sauce and a hint of fiery heat from the chilli were great complements to the actual fleshy clam. Each bite was just so pleasurable.

STEAMED TURBOT FISH WITH OLIVE LEAF

All the way from Busan in Korea, the Turbot Fish (S$18++/100g) is a luxurious fish. It is priced at a higher range than your regular grouper or pomfret and has a firmer flesh, almost like a combination of monkfish and stingray.

This flat fish might not seem like much, but have it steamed in this classic fashion and you have gold. There is something about Turbot Fish that is a little acquired but not difficult to love. Because of its firmer texture, eating it feels more gratifying in return!

DEEP-FRIED LOCAL LOBSTER WITH CHARDONNAY WHITE WINE SAUCE

Lobsters have long been regarded as an expensive treat. The Local Lobsters (S$18/100g) here at Yàn are amazing when deep fried with a side of Yàn’s house-made Chardonnay White Wine Sauce.

This cooking method is more of an upmarket Western style as opposed to the cooking style of the previous few dishes.

It is easy to overcook lobsters like this where it becomes rubbery, but fret not, the chefs have aced the deep frying and when you have the lobster served immediately, the flesh inside is still nice, warm and juicy.

DEEP-FRIED LIVE PRAWNS WITH FRAGRANT GARLIC, BLACK BEAN & CHILLI

As a great communal dish, go for some Deep-Fried Live Prawns (S$8/100g). We had ours deep fried then stir fried with some fragrant garlic and black bean for a burst of flavours.

Because these prawns have been deep-fried, you can even chow down the flesh with the shell! Nice and crunchy with every bite, we were just blown away by the simple yet intense flavours of this dish.

The next time you crave a really stellar seafood meal, head down to Yàn at National Gallery Singapore for the freshest seafood from the market and have it cooked to your desire. Your next family dinner will be great.

READERS OF LADYIRONCHEF GET 15% OFF LIVE SEAFOOD SELECTIONS

Enjoy 15% off Live Seafood selections when you quote ‘LadyIronChef’ upon reservation, applicable till 31 May 2017.

Terms & Conditions
Advance reservation is required and subject to availabilityValid for Live Seafood on a la carte menu.

Not applicable in conjunction with other promotions, offers, vouchers and privileges

Not valid on eve and day of public holiday, and special occasions.

Instagram perk: Receive a complimentary house dessert when you upload a photo of your Yàn feast and tag @yancantonesecuisine on Instagram.

Yàn
#05-02 National Gallery Singapore
1 St. Andrew’s Road
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6384 5585
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm daily
Nearest station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Yàn.

Cantonese cuisine is a fine art.

Preparation of Cantonese dishes requires a great deal of skill and expertise as the flavours of Cantonese cuisine must be well-balanced, not greasy whilst ensuring that its primary ingredients are the stars of the dish.

Situated on the 5th floor of Singapore’s iconic National Gallery and led by Master Chef Chan Kung Lai, Yàn specialises in authentic Cantonese cuisine that’s artfully prepared and presented. It is the perfect place for birthday celebrations, business luncheons and family gatherings!

From now until 31 March 2017, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy 15% discount on a la carte bills. More details below.

Yàn’s dim sum platter (S$18) deserves your attention.

The platter features an assortment of 6 different types of dim sum, and one to look out for is the Steamed Black Truffle Prawn Dumpling filled with shrimp and celery, which provides a refreshing take on the traditional expectations of dim sum. 

One of Yàn’s other signature dishes is its crispy roast suckling pig (S$124 for half a pig, S$248 for a whole pig) served 3 ways—crispy skin, carved shoulder and oven-baked fillet with lemongrass.

This dish must be ordered one day in advance.

You can never go wrong with Peking duck. Enjoy Yàn’s Peking duck (S$40 for half a duck and S$80 for a whole duck)—succulent crispy duck skin wrapped in the thinly sliced homemade crêpe together with cucumber stalks, leeks and drizzled sweet sauce; classic and always good.

Make your way down to this elegant Cantonese restaurant to enjoy a convivial feast in the company of your family and friends!

From now until 31 March 2017, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a 15% off all a la carte bills. This discount is valid for both lunch and dinner, with a minimum booking of 4 persons. A reservation must be made in advance, and it is subjected to availability.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Yàn
#05-02 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road
Tel: +65 6384 5585
Opening hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10.30pm daily
Nearest station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Yàn.

Doubled boiled soups are an important part of the Cantonese dining culture. A good bowl of traditional double-boiled Cantonese soup is gratifying and flavoursome, using simple yet nutritious ingredients that are often very beneficial for one’s health. It’s said that the mark of a good Cantonese restaurant also comes down to the taste of its double-boiled soups.

From now to 31 October 2016, Yàn at National Gallery Singapore will be introducing a ‘Prosperity Soup Feast’ which consists of 25 double boiled soups! Each soup order (S$13.80++) comes with a bowl of fragrant crispy rice, lightly poached in superior stock,to complete your meal.

With over two decades of Cantonese culinary experience under his belt, you can be assured that Yàn’s Master Chef Chan Kung Lai serves up authentic and delicious Cantonese-style double boiled soups with health benefits that can help cure common ailments.

Only natural ingredients are carefully selected and used in the preparation; think black garlic, a fermented garlic considered a health ‘superfood’ known to be a potent antioxidant, as well as a variety of Chinese herbs such as Huang Qi and Cordyceps.

The double-boiling method of cooking ensures that the nutrients in these ingredients are gently released and seeped into the soup, resulting in a clear broth that is intensely rich and flavourful.

Looking to strengthen the immunity system? Go for the Double Boiled Sea Whelk and Black Garlic. If you are down with a cold, try Double Boiled Duck with Parsely and Dried Orange Peel. A bowl of Double Boiled Pig Stomach with Pepper and Gingko dispels heat from the body.

Ladies, the Double Boiled Chinese Cabbage with Yunnan Ham is prepared specially for you and it nourishes ‘yin’ and lung functions. Then, there is the Double Boiled Baby Clam with Pepper that will help calm and warm your stomach.

The 25 soup options will be on rotational basis, and there will be a minimum of five different soups available daily. Guests are able to pre-order with the restaurant one day in advance if there is a particular one that interests you!

Give your body a dose of TLC with a warm and nutritious bowl of Yàn’s double-boiled soup today!

Yàn
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #05-02
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Reservations: +65 63845585 / reserve@yan.com.sg
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
www.yan.com.sg | www.facebook.com/yancantonesecuisine
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post was brought to you by Yàn.

The official opening of the long-awaited National Gallery Singapore saw the opening of several stellar dining establishments, and Yàn is one of the gastronomic destinations that every epicurean should make a special trip to.

154-seater Yàn is a beautiful Cantonese restaurant that sits on the fifth floor of the stunning museum, and we are completely in love with the restaurant’s chinoiserie-chic vibes and menu of elegant Cantonese cuisine.

A new Chinese gourmet star has emerged in Singapore’s City Hall district and we have to share with you the dining highlights of our meal at Yàn. From Crispy Roast Suckling Pig, Double-boiled Chicken Soup to Dim Sum Platter, here are 9 Dishes We Love From Yàn.

Quote “ladyironchef” to get 10% off your bill at Yàn from now till 30 June 2016 (the promotion is valid every day for both lunch and dinner.

#1 DOUBLE-BOILED CHICKEN SOUP

No better way to start your meal than with the Double-boiled Chicken Soup (S$22++ per person). Unlike traditional herbal soups that are served in ceramics, Yàn’s rendition of the chicken broth is interestingly served in a young coconut and with crispy breadstick on the side.

Dig in and you will discover a few clams, dried longans and goji berries. The overall taste profile is light and aromatic with a lingering aftertaste of fresh coconut flesh. It is one chicken broth that we won’t soon forget.

#2 CRISPY ROAST SUCKLING PIG

Yàn’s signature Crispy Roast Suckling Pig (half – S$124++, whole – S$248++) requires an advanced ordering a day prior to your visit, but the lusciously crispy skin will be worth the effort.

Imagine sinking your teeth into fragrant crispy pork skin complemented with pancake, carved suckling pig’s shoulder and a tender pig fillet oven-baked with lemongrass… We are certain that you will love it.

#3 PAN-FRIED CRAB MEAT WITH EGG WHITE

A recommendation by the chef was the Pan-fried Crab Meat with Egg White (S$12++ per person), and we sure loved it. The hearty dish features braised duo vermicelli tossed served with crabmeat, beansprouts and golden pumpkin sauce. Grab a spoonful of the de-shelled crustacean mixture, wrap it with a green lettuce and you are good to go.

#4 ROAST BARBECUE DELIGHTS

Roasts are synonymous with Cantonese cuisine, and Yàn showcases an impressive selection of mouthwatering roast delights – such as Barbecue Honey Pork (from S$18++), Peking Duck (half – S$40++, whole – S$80++), Roast Crispy Chicken (medium – S$23++, large – S$46++), Roast Duck (from S$20++), Roast Pork Belly (S$14++ per serving) and Soya Chicken (from S$18++).

Can’t make up your mind? We couldn’t too, that was why we went for the Barbecue Combination Platter (from S$22++).

#5 FRIED LIVE PRAWN WITH CRISPY NOODLE BALL

Master Chef Chan Kung Lai – with over two decaades of culinary experience – has successfully nailed the haute Cantonese cuisine with his gorgeous creation of Fried Live Prawn with Crispy Noodle Ball (S$12++ per person).

The seafood dish itself is an art; diners are supposed to pour piping hot broth over the deep-fried ball of crispy noodles, and the end result is a partial-crisp-and-partial-soft texture. Served with delicate sweet prawns, it is one light dish that is seemingly simple, but it will leave you craving for more with its light sweetness from the broth.

#6 PAN-FRIED CHILLI CRAB MEAT BUN

Ever wondered what a cross between Cantonese fare and Singaporean cuisine would look like? Well, the answer is right here.

Yàn has pushed all boundaries and surprised us with their newest dim sum creation – the Pan-Fried Chilli Crab Meat bun (S$9++ / 3 pieces). Think generous amounts of our national dish Chilli Crab stuffed in tasty wok-fried buns. It is akin to eating chilli crab the usual way, with our mantous and all, but this packs a different punch with the bun’s fragrance and slight oiliness, complete with sesame seeds no less.

#7 DEEP-FRIED CUSTARD BUN FILLED WITH SALTED EGG YOLK

We are unabashedly ashamed of being hopelessly obsessed with custard buns, or better known as liu sha bao. In fact, we are on an eternal pursuit to hunt for the best in town, and with this meal, Yàn has made the cut to our top few.

Yes, Yàn has seriously taken these awesome salted egg yolk buns to a whole new level. These buns are deep-fried, yet successfully retained its lava fluidity. We admittedly took a long time to photograph these treats – so imagine our surprise that the yummy lava was still flowy when we finally tucked in. Thumbs up, Yàn! We will be coming back for more of these!

#8 HOT ALMOND CREAM

Hot Almond Cream is a classic and timeless Chinese dessert – made from almond and rice – that instantly warms our hearts. Head Chef Chan Kung Lai is born and raised in Hong Kong, which is no surprise there on why the sweet treat tastes authentically Cantonese.

No frills about the cream, really. Just finely pounded almond to create the smoothest almond cream with equal consistency and at just the right degree of sweetness.

#9 DIM SUM COMBINATION PLATTER

Yàn does an excellent job in injecting new elements of surprises in its presentation of dishes, but without compromising on the key essences of authentic Cantonese recipes.

The Dim Sum Combination Platter (S$18++) features six delicate bite-size treats – steamed black truffle prawn dumpling, steamed fish roe siew mai, steamed vegetarian dumpling, deep-fried taro dumpling, deep-fried stuffed golden mushroom and deep-fried seaweed beancurd sheet.

A great sampler if you cannot decide on which dim sum dish to order!

OMAKASE AT YOUR PREFERRED BUDGET

Yàn is one place that is suitable for every occasion thinkable, from anniversary celebrations to birthday parties, business luncheons and family meals.

Private rooms are also available for booking, and omakase meals are an option should you be in the mood for some surprises. And what we love most about the omakase option is that you get to dine at your own budget.

Just let the chef know your budget, and he will customise a multi-course meal for you. Regardless of your budget, he will try his best to incorporate Yàn’s signatures so that you have a true taste of what the team is proud of and known for. Now, that’s one omakase that wouldn’t have you feeling ripped off.

As mentioned earlier, quote “ladyironchef” upon reservations/  billing to get 10% off your bill at Yàn from now till 30 June 2016 (the promotion is valid every day for both lunch and dinner.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Yàn
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #05-02
National Gallery Singapore
Singapore 178957
Reservations: +65 63845585 / reserve@yan.com.sg
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat and Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Yàn.

The spellbindingly beautiful National Gallery Singapore has finally opened its doors to the public! Home to the world’s biggest collection of modern Southeast Asian Art, the 64,000-square-metre museum has two permanent galleries featuring the development of both Singapore and Southeast Asian art. It is a must-visit for all art enthusiasts and history buffs.

From now till 06 December 2015, interested participants get to enjoy free admission into National Gallery Singapore. Note that visitors have to acquire the complimentary tickets prior to their visit from the attraction’s official website (a maximum of five tickets per transaction). The gallery is massive and let us tell you what to expect before you head down!

STUNNING ARCHITECTURE

National Gallery Singapore is housed in two old national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall. After a decade of restoration and S$532 million, the massive museum is now an elegant site characterised by historical heritage elements.

PERMANENT AND SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

There are two permanent exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore, namely DBS Singapore Gallery’s Siapa Nama Kamu and UOB Southeast Asia Gallery’s Between Declarations And Dreams. The former explores the influences that have shaped Singapore’s art, while the latter focuses on the ever-changing art of Southeast Asia.

Together, both permanent exhibitions boast a total of 800 artworks that dated back to the 19th century. There are also two other special exhibitions – Wu Guanzhong’s Beauty Beyond Form and Chua Ek Kay’s After The Rain. These captivating but temporary Chinese exhibitions will be in the National Gallery of Singapore till 03 May 2016.

GET INTERACTIVE AT THE SOCIAL TABLE

Visitors can also explore DBS Singapore Gallery’s artworks on the touch-screen table. The interactive digitalised table allows one to share his/ her favourite art pieces with friends and family alike. By selecting a particular artwork, you can read more about the connections between artists. You can even create a poster of the various arts and email it to yourself!

TIME CAPSULE TO BE RETRIEVED IN YEAR 3000

Located at the Former Supreme Court Foyer is the eight-sided foundation stone and beneath the stone is a cylindrical casket, which contains newspapers published on 31 March 1937 and coins from the Straits Settlements. The time capsule is to be retrieved in year 3000. Just the thought of it is mind-blowing!

ALTERNATIVE SKYLINE OF SINGAPORE

While Singapore does offer multiple breathtaking vantage points across the country, we are thrilled to discover that National Gallery Singapore also grants visitors an alternative view of the city’s skyline. The iconic Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade Theatres, Singapore Arts Science Museum and Raffles Place’s skyscrapers can all be seen from National Gallery Singapore.

PLETHORA OF DINING OPTIONS AT NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

National Gallery Singapore is home to eight exciting dining destinations – Altimate Gastrobar, Aura Restaurant, Aura Sky Lounge, National Kitchen by Violen Oon Singapore, Odette, Saha Signature Restaurant & Bar, Smoke & Mirrors and Yan.

HOW TO GET TO NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

By Bus – You can arrive there by bus 195 or 961.

By Train – Embark on a 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station via the Art Connector. National Gallery Singapore is also a 10-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT Station and Clarke Quay MRT Station.

By Car – If you are driving to National Gallery Singapore, you can park your vehicle at the basement car park (B2 and B3) within the building itself. After turning in from St Andrew’s Road, look out for the car park’s entrance on the far right of Coleman Street.

Daily parking rates are S$1.30 per 30 mins between 7am – 6pm, and S$3.20 per entry after 6pm. Motorcyclists pay S$1 per motorcycle and these rates are valid even on public holidays.

National Gallery Singapore
1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01-01,
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6271 7000
Mon to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Here is a selection of 11 fascinating museums in Singapore that might pique your interests!