Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef

Living in a cosmopolitan city like Singapore pretty much equates being in a rat race everyday. Work days are ever fast-paced and stressful, and so demanding on us physically, emotionally and mentally. We spend more than half the week working, and we hardly get to treat ourselves to a full day of relaxation. Weekends are hence so coveted and precious, and more often than not, we countdown to the two full days to indulge in the activities to recharge ourselves.

And staying in a city means all sorts of modernity – we shop, we read, we wine and dine, we catch a movie or stay home to watch drama serials, we go for a swim or practice yoga… but we missed out embracing the rural goodness that Singapore has to offer. Maybe you never knew, but at an unassuming corner of Singapore is a countryside so beautiful and peaceful, you’d never find fresher air – Kranji Countryside.

So it is back to basics in a rustic environment. We spent a Saturday afternoon at Bollywood Veggies, and the quietness brought much calmness to our souls.

The drive in to the farm was in its own therapeutic as we watched our scenery change from Singapore’s typical high-rise buildings to a myriad of greens. Bollywood Veggies is a sanctuary catering to nature lovers – to come close to the unspeakable lives, to learn in depth about your vegetables, and to connect with your loved ones over a hearty meal at Poison Ivy Bistro.

Poison Ivy is a bistro that offers affordable local fare with homegrown ingredients. We had lunch over a spread of stir-fried vegetables, otah, tofu and curry chicken. Lightly seasoned and easy on the oil, salt and pepper, the dishes at Poison Ivy are anything but “poisonous”. If any, they are poignantly healthy and beyond comforting. The meal reminded us of the “taste of home” in such a loving way, and it was surely a nice change from our common Saturday brunch food.

When at Bollywood Veggies, do not leave without a trip to their ten acre farm. The kind owner, Ivy Singh Lim, opens the farm for both individual and guided tours for everyone to embrace the biodiversity. Take a walk in the many lanes, and you will learn how your vegetables look like in their natural state; inhale the fresh air and be lost in nature with the splendorous greens.

This is surely a way to unwind, rejuvenate your senses, and be reminded of life’s simplicity in the purest way. And the best part? It is nowhere near costly. Entrance to the farm is S$2, and parking is free. Now, forget all your statistics, stop cracking your brain for that report, and treat yourself to a weekend with the otherwise forgotten rural goodness.

Bollywood Veggies
100 Neo Tiew Road
Tel: +65 6898 5001