Flying in all the way from Berlin, Le Raclet presents a unique print pop-up inspired by the communal spirit of hotpot. Showcasing a carefully curated selection of silkscreen works, the event features limited-edition prints from artists such as Jeroen Erosie, Ruo Han Wang, Nadine Redlich and many more. With only a handful of each piece available, this is a rare opportunity to add to your collection.
When: Till 22 March
Where: Knuckles & Notch, 261 Waterloo St, #02-25
Unfurling murmurs, an installation by Dylan Chan and Daniel Chong explores the tensions within fleeting queer moments. Blurring the lines between imagery and materiality, it forms structures that both invite and evade. The work embraces the fragility of memory—lingering like a quiet gesture, unfolding through movement and a watchful gaze. In these transient spaces, intimacy persists. Admission is free, but be sure to register in advance.
When: Till 6 April
Where: DECK Open Ground, 120A Prinsep Street, Singapore 187937
Register here
It took a while, but it's finally here. Immerse yourself in the dark, haunting world of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu. With a staggering 41 wins and 161 nominations—including a nod for Best Achievement in Cinematography at the 97th Academy Awards—this film is a masterclass in visual storytelling and gothic horror. Eggers tells a chilling tale of obsession, where a tormented young woman becomes the object of desire for a terrifying vampire, unleashing a wave of unspeakable horror. If you’re craving a cinematic experience that’s as visually stunning as it is unnerving, go see Nosferatu.
ArtScience Museum's latest exhibition, Mirror Mirror: Journey Into the Mind, created in collaboration with Moment Factory, explores the connection between the mind and body. Step into a forest of mirrors or interact with a cosmic art space where your touch shapes an evolving mural, featuring works by Singaporean artist Genevieve Chua.
When: 1 March onwards
Where: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, 018974
Get your tickets here
Leica just dropped its largest Southeast Asia flagship at South Beach Quarter, marking 100 years of iconic craftsmanship. Spanning 2,200 square feet, the space offers the full range of Leica cameras, cine gear, watches, and sports optics. There's even an in-house café (Café Leitz) serving exclusives like Leitz Kopi Blend and Noctilux Tea Blend, paired with a sleek indoor-outdoor vibe.
When: Everyday, 9.30am - 8pm
Where: 36 Beach Road, #01-01 South Beach Quarter, Singapore 189766
M&T (Monts & Terroirs) is a cheese bistro and boutique that brings the freshest French mountain cheeses straight to Singapore. Directly harvested from over 8,500 farms and 15,000 farmers, they pride themselves on championing sustainable rural farms and fair pay for producers.
Dive into their French Mountains sharing boards, featuring 3 or 5 cheese selections, cold cuts, or a mix of both—each served with a Bread & Butter Basket, Nuts & Jam. Or explore a curated menu where premium cheeses shine in dishes like the Angus Beef Burger, Comté Croque Monsieur, and Le Cordon Bleu Maison. C’est magnifique.
Pro tip: Close your eyes. Inhale the cheese’s aroma, then break it in half as you do so. Notice the shift in pungency before that first bite. It’ll enhance the experience.
When: Monday to Saturdays
Where: 5 Wallich St, #01 - 12 Guoco Tower, Singapore 078883
If you've done any sauntering around New Bahru since its inception, you might've noticed a clanedestine Korean restaurant tucked in the corner of the ground floor. Odem, Singapore’s first craft Makkoli bar and restaurant, has recently released a new lunch menu focused on hearty one-bowl meals—each paired with banchan (think house-made kimchi and marinated quail eggs), rice, and seaweed soup.
Before we get to the mains, do yourself the favour of ordering their Brioche, a ridiculously addictive bun glazed with sweet soy, served warm with a smear of gamtae butter. Yes, we're still raving about it.
Weekend brunch brings the Kalbi Sando—beef short rib, perilla pickles, and aged cheddar on milk bread—and the refreshing Duck Guksu, featuring BBQ duck on perfectly chewy buckwheat noodles with perilla seed sauce. Chef Yumi’s Abalone Boribap, a nostalgic nod to her childhood, is a must: tender abalone, pearl barley, and a silky makkoli-abalone jus. These dishes are exclusive only to the weekend, so you'll want to make your plans accordingly. And yes, their makkoli flights are there if you’re feeling bold at noon on a Saturday.
Sidenote: They also have a weekday lunch menu, which includes the Hwe-Dupbap, a Korean-style chirashi loaded with fresh seafood, spicy perilla, and cho-gochujang, or the Seoul-Style Beef Bulgogi, where tender grilled beef meets crunchy veggies and glass noodles.
When: The brunch menu will only be available on weekends, from 11:30am to 2:00pm
Where: 46 Kim Yam Rd, #01-17, Singapore 239351
When was the last time you've visited the Science Centre Singapore? I'd wager not very recently. But you now have an excuse to do just that. Space Explorers: THE INFINITE takes you aboard the International Space Station alongside NASA astronauts through stunning 360-degree footage captured in space. For an hour, you'll witness the first-ever spacewalk in virtual reality, explore a life-sized 3D model of the ISS, and watch the historic Artemis rocket launch. You'll even be able to see our earth from a perspective few humans ever have. Your ticket also includes access to Science Centre Singapore, making it a worthy outing to spend an entire day on.
When: Now till 24 March 2025
Where: Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, 609081
Every weekend—yes, every weekend—there's a new vintage marketplace spot open for you to find your next treasure. Whether its a cute digicam from @digi_cambam and @digicamsg, a visit to a makeshift tent for live tarot readings by @snowielogy, or a curated selection of vintage clothes, hand sculptured accessories and blind bags from @whowantsaynow, @dillydallydally, @woofie.co, @weare_.sg, and @vroomn_vintage, as well as many other hidden gems. So grab your friends or family, and come along to discover what's waiting at Resurrack's Vintage Market.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 3pm - 9pm
Where: Resurrack Vintage Market, Bugis Street Art Lane
TUFF is hosting a renunion featuring Australian DJ Nate Du, co-founder of Conspiracy Music as part of his debut Asia tour. Known for his high-energy sets, he'll be joined by Millhouse, co-founder of Hanoi's THEM crew, along with Haute Encounters and YY founder Nikola. Expect a night of eclectic sounds and a lively atmosphere, bringing together a mix of international and local talents.
When: 1 March
Where: 138 Robinson Road ##19-01 Singapore, 068906 Singapore
Get your tickets here
From university gigs to running a record label and event series, DJ Dustin has built a name in the electronic music scene. He'll be bringing his signature atmospheric sound to RASA's floor, joined by local DJ guests Daytime Dancing and Sivanesh for a night of deep, immersive beats.
When: 1 March
Where: 02-01, #02-02, Republic Plaza, 9, Raffles Place, Downtown Core, 048619 Singapore
Get your tickets here
Forged, the cultured meat pioneers, are joining forces with Two Men Bagel House to reveal a new bagel creation: the Foie King. A warm, freshly baked bagel stacked with sharp cheddar, smoky honey mustard, juicy beef skirt steak, zesty jalapeño relish, and the star of the show—cultured foie gras made from Japanese quail cells. So now you can enjoy foie gras, minus the guilt.
There's going to be a launch party celebrating this collab. DJ Arms1 from Choice Cut Pizza & Records will be spinning live, and the talented artists from Dreamhouse Collective Tattoos will be on hand for free flash tattoos. Oh, and the first 30 orders will even snag a limited-edition T-shirt.
When: 1 March 2025, 11am - 3pm
Where: Two Men Bagel House, 465 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427677
My fellow cat lovers, it's happening. This weekend, Singapore's largest cat event is taking place at Marina Bay Sands. Whether you're a seasoned cat parent or a casual cat enjoyer on Instagram, the Singapore Cat Carnival is packed with a series of curated activities. Think cat fashion shows, talent contests, and breed showcases judged by pros. Dive into workshops on grooming, nutrition, and pet care led by veterinarians and animal welfare experts. Plus, shop exclusive products from local and international vendors.
When: 22nd-23rd February
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall C
There's a fresh face in the local art scene, and it's making quite the statement. Meet Tokonoma—the brainchild of gallerist and art collector Ken Tan and art director Joash Thum—a gallery that thrives on defying labels. Think of it as the cool rebel of the art world where rules don't apply. Their debut exhibition, DNA (Design Nor Art), is a curated collection of eight intriguing objects that live somewhere in the grey zone between art and design. Highlights include Duchamp's iconic Bottle Rack (yes, the one that transformed a drying rack into art history) and a pair of Olivier People sunglasses made exclusively for Andy Warhol—because why not add a touch of Warholian flair to the mix?
When: 10 January-28 February
Where: Tokonoma, #03-10, 16 Shaw Road
By appointment only
Looking for your next cultural fix without breaking the bank? Head to the Central Arts Library (CAL) at the National Library Building, where a treasure trove of arts and culture content spanning books, music scores, and play scripts reside. But here's the kicker: their massive collection of 30,000 film titles, ranging from dance performances to theatre productions and operas, are all available in crystal-clear quality up to 4K resolution. There's even a cosy viewing room on level 8, complete with a surround sound system that'll have you feeling like you're front row at the theatre.
When: Everyday, 10am - 9pm
Where: 100 Victoria Street, National Library Board, Singapore 188064
If you're finding yourself by your lonesome this Valentine's season, fret not. In the heart of Duxton, resides TLC Under One Roof, an event space turned self-love sanctuary. Here, you can indulge in Maha & Co’s cuisine, flash tattoos by Stefan Jude and Valerie Chio, tarot readings by Clifton Turner, grooming by fdcuts, manicures at The Nail Social, and soothing massages from SAVH. Bring a buddy or attend yourself—either way, it's time to indulge in a little self-care.
The Singapore Dog Festival is just around the corner. Located at Palawan Green, Sentosa, you'll get to explore a marketplace of local pet goods, join contests like Best Dressed and The Weight is Right, and snap pics at themed photo spots. With games, goodie bags, and chill zones, it’s gonna be a day of fun with your furry friend. For those without a dog, perhaps you'll make a new furry friend or two.
Think our little red dot's size limits its excitement? Think again. This weekend, the Aliwal Urban Art Festival proves there's no shortage of activities to dive into. From an urban art exhibition to live graffiti painting, music and dance performances, workshops, artist open studios, and a vibrant lifestyle arts market, there's something for everyone. If that's not enough, you can join a free skateboarding session and try your hand at some new tricks.
When: 25 January, 12pm onwards
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
Ten years of film screenings, ten years of goooood music and ten years of unforgettable parties—The Projector marks its 10th year anniversary this weekend with a band. Expect a special interactive screening of the 'best worst movie' ever, followed by a DJ party to keep the celebration going. With an all-day happy hour and a lucky draw in the mix, grab your friends and head down to celebrate. Oh and don't forget to RSVP—you might just win a coveted Project membership.
When: 25 January, 8pm onwards
Where: The Projector, Cineleisure (Level 5)
RSVP here
Get ready for a night like no other—FOMOHOMO's new queer party, BUMBUM, is pulling out all the stops. Headlining the event is none other than Lagoon, the first drag queen to ever curate a Boiler Room London gig, so you already know the beats will be next-level. Adding to the lineup are DJs Ketia, tashsan, and FOMOHOMO's own resident DJs Loyboy, Dineash, and Nicki Aiko. With this powerhouse crew behind the decks, you're in for an unforgettable night.
When: 25 January, 10pm onwards
Where: MDLR, 62 Cecil Street, Singapore 049710
Grab your tickets here
The annual Singapore Art Week (SAW) is back, and perhaps better than ever—though art is subjective, so we’ll let you be the judge. Titled "Art Takes Over," SAW 2025 boasts over 130 events spread across ten days, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Highlights include highly anticipated exhibitions such as Art SG, S.E.A. Focus, and Light to Night Singapore, alongside Robert Zhao Renhui’s Seeing Forest installation, fresh from the Venice Biennale, and a rare glass art showcase by the Bangkok Glass Company.
When: 17-26 January
Where: Check out the SAW 2025 website for times and locations
Beyond the exhibitions, there's a makers' market to awaken your creative side, and come evening, a lively music festival with sick jams awaits. Spanning two weekends, the first features acts such as indie stalwarts Subsonic Eye, experimental art rock collective sub:shaman, alternative R&B duo nkei, jazz-pop Alicia DC, and the eclectic South Korean alt-electronic duo Haepaary. Weekend two offers a dynamic mix, including neo-ethnic fusion ensemble Mantravine, whilst an immersive projection mapping display by indie art studio Kult, and plenty more to discover.
When: 17-18 (first weekend), 24-25 (second weekend) January
Where: Singapore Art Museum, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
Art and design shop Shrub is hosting an exciting pop-up offering creativity and craftsmanship as always. The pop-up features a carefully curated selection of past and present objects, alongside video works by a range of emerging artists, showcasing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Adding to the allure, exclusive one-off pieces created in collaboration with Islands Peninsula will also be available for purchase.
When: 18 January-1 February, 10am-10pm
Where: Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman Street
Sure, you could probably just go outside and see the vibrant streets of our city with your own eyes, but why do that when you can view the very same sights as pictured through the lens of celebrated visual archivist Aik Beng Chia instead, who’s been capturing the lifeblood of Singapore on his camera for 15 years. As part of Singapore Art Week 2025, his newest exhibition SingKaPor REMIXED presents a series of large-scale photographic collages that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Singapore’s urban landscapes and vibrant communities. Chia’s collages capture the intimacy and charm of everyday moments, with these new works expanding upon his previously more individual snapshots to offer a panoramic view of life in Singapore.
When: Till 26 January
Where: 5 Lock Rd, #01-06 Gillman Barracks
If you're looking for something thought-provoking this weekend, this might be it. The Substance by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat offers a gripping dive into ambition, vulnerability and the social pressures shaping our lives. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, this isn't just entertainment; it's an intense, emotionally resonant experience that feels both personal and universal. Carolie's direction brings each character's journey to life with personal performances and stunning cinematography, making it hard to look away. Not to hype it up too much but just saying, this could be my favourite film all-year-long.
I won't spoil too much so I'll just leave you on a cliff-hanger. The Substance explores the choices we make, leaving viewers with plenty to reflect on, and probably grossed out too—in a good way, of course. So don't miss it—this film will linger with you long after the credits roll (it's still lingering after watching it last week.)
Where: All theatres near you
There’s something oddly captivating about feeling nostalgia for a place you’ve never actually known. That’s how I feel about New Bahru, the creative cluster that now occupies what was once Nan Chiau High School. Classrooms have transformed into shops, and corridors into walkways between creative businesses. This made me wonder: how often do places get a second chance at reinventing themselves? Especially one that has shifted so dramatically, from school to mall—or perhaps even... a hotel?
I had the opportunity to stay at Alma House recently, a brand-new serviced apartment venture by hospitality collective Project X. My introduction to the space came through its paradoxical lobby on the third floor of New Bahru—a versatile area that resembles a living room, but doubles as an event space. When the space isn’t being rented, exclusive programmes are organised for the guests, which helps facilitate conversations and authentic connections.
An unassuming door beside the lobby leads to Alma House proper—83 rooms spanning an entire block. An ID was inspected, a keycard was given, and before I knew it, I was standing in a cosy shoebox room where clever design makes every square foot count. Wooden tiles and homely furniture create warmth, while a full complement of amenities— washer, dryer, kitchen with hood, hob, undercounter fridge, microwave, and all the necessary cookware—promises the comforts of home. Like any rational person facing a spotless new kitchen, I was tempted to cook something nice for dinner, especially with a Cold Storage just a few floors down. But even with the kitchen practically begging to be used, my culinary ambitions peaked at reheating a magnificent Beef Birria taco from Huevos that I had delivered as room service for lunch. No regrets, though.
A red partition cleverly separates the bed from the living space, creating a snug sleeping sanctuary that feels both private and protected. Morning arrived with gentle determination, natural light filtering through curtains with just enough intensity to energise. While the view outside wasn’t anything spectacular, watching cars gather in the parking lot below felt somehow symbolic of New Bahru’s gathering community.
The few minor qualms I had to feel almost too petty to mention: no complimentary toothbrush? Good on them for being environmentally conscious. The smart TV requires personal login credentials to use the streaming services offered but who doesn’t have a Netflix account nowadays? Still, it would’ve been nice to see what’s playing on other streaming services like Amazon Prime though.
Alma House It’s impossible to talk about Alma House without mentioning the brands surrounding it since they’re integral to the New Bahru experience. From its bathroom products and sleeping mist being provided by Omno—a body beauty brand just a level below Alma House—to complimentary breakfast bundles from PPP Coffee exclusive to guests, Alma House truly embodies the communal spirit New Bahru stands for. Their reach extends to over 15 local brands in the cluster, offering exclusive discounts and amenities to guests.
My visit included an invitation to Hideaway, a new massage and bathhouse facility. Immersed in work, I found myself panicking upon receiving a text reminder about my session. 3:03pm. I scrambled my way to the door, grabbing some clothes as I went. Before long, I found myself standing in a cosy, earthy enclave adorned with soft, warm lighting, brown walls, and Frank Ocean playing in the background. 3:05pm. It struck me then just how seamlessly everything at New Bahru is interconnected.
After a quick survey to customise my massage preferences, I was led to the bathhouse—a space straight out of my Pinterest board under “dream apartment.” Frosted windows, square glass-tiled dividers, sleek metal, and warm wood accents created a serene atmosphere. It is here where I baked myself in a private infrared sauna, followed immediately by a cold plunge. This hot and cold process not only boosts cardiovascular strength but also muscle recovery and mental rejuvenation.
The Classic full-body massage, with its Swedish-inspired strokes, was equally revitalising. The masseuse’s attention to detail was exceptional. One of my usual pet peeves—knee discomfort when lying face down—was avoided as she carefully tucked a towel under my feet without being prompted. Listening to a playlist curated by founder Grant Wee, which featured artists like Bon Iver and Cigarettes After Sex instead of the typical spa tunes added an oddly cathartic layer to the experience. By the end of the session, my neck and shoulders felt wonderfully loose.
With room service options from restaurants like One Fattened Calf, Huevos, and Dearborn, and a dedicated spa experience at Hideaway, Alma House feels like a deconstructed hotel. It’s as if someone took apart the traditional model, scattered its pieces throughout the creative cluster, and reassembled them in a way that makes more sense for modern living. The result is something that captures the spirit of a kampung, those traditional Singaporean villages where community wasn’t just an amenity but a way of life. When you stay at Alma House, you’re not just paying for accommodation—you’re buying into a vision of what communal living can be.
Plus, there’s something magical about adding your own chapter to a place that’s already layered with history, don’t you think?
Alma House is located at 46 Kim Yam Road, #03-03 Singapore 239351
Singapore's design scene has got a major upgrade as Beyond The Vines opens the doors to its first-ever Design House in the country. Located in the latest lifestyle hotspot New Bahru, the Design House is not only the brand's largest space to date, but also a bold celebration of creativity and its local roots.
Spanning an impressive 3,800 square feet, the Design House is more than just a retail experience. It's a visual and tactile journey, featuring geometric shapes, vibrant colours, and a mix of textures that invite exploration. From brushed stainless steel and raw concrete walls to glossy tiles and mirrored surfaces, the space blends industrial elements with playful design touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both modern and fun.
Step inside and you'll be greeted by a striking showcase of Beyond The Vines' iconic Dumpling bag series. The pieces are set against a wave-like structure in the brand's signature Engineer Blue colour as a nod to the brand's design philosophy of mixing the bold with the understated.
For Beyond The Vines' littlest customers, a whimsical kids' section inspired by building blocks, invites them to explore pillars stacked with geometric shapes. For adults and children alike, an immersive tunnel adds an element of wonder, making the Design House feel like a space for discovery as much as shopping.
Adding on to the already stacked design intricacies, Beyond The Vines debuts its first-ever customisation area within the Design House. Personalise accessories with in-house-designed lettered key tags to add playful and bespoke touches to everything from the Dumpling bags to Crunch Carryall to the Poofy series.
Beyond The Vines opened its first Design House in CentralWorld Bangkok a couple of months ago that was then, its biggest store. Its first Singapore Design House only proves that the brand continues to grow and push for good design that's accessible to all.
The Beyond The Vines Design House, New Bahru is located at 46 Kim Yam Rd, New Bahru Big Block #01-07.
Here's another reason to (re)visit the hip new enclave the entire country is seemingly buzzing about. The space will play host to the largest event for all things eco over this entire weekend. Now on its third year, GREEN-HOUSE has over 80 participating local brands spanning, you know, the usual—fashion, beauty, home, food and crafts.
It's organised by Pass It On Studio (Singapore's first plantable candle, if that information was somehow vital to you), and some big brand newcomers for this year include Nespresso and Samsonite. Just so you don't get overwhelmed with the variety of workshops and activities, the event will be sectioned into three zones.
For every attendee that registers, one tree will be planted in support of Eden Reforestation Projects.
The first space will centre on art installations such as an exhibit transforming used car parts and a tapestry from fabric linings of reclaimed luggage from Samsonite's Trade-in campaign. You are welcome to bring unwanted fabric and adding it onto the existing weave with a traditional loom. (If you're wondering what happened to the hard-shell exteriors, some are upcycled into pet beds donated to the animal welfare organisations at the Reconnect zone!).
You can also catch free movie screenings of feature films co-curated by Singapore Nature Film Festival at the Helinox Cinematheque. Otherwise browse second-hand furniture from Objects.re, eco-friendly home designs from Ferticlay (alternative clay processed from mid-stream waste materials) or smaller knick-knacks like notebooks by OFFCUT that repurposes print production waste paper.
Besides being a pet-friendly picnic space, this is also where the dedicated pet societies are stationed. From Cat Welfare Society to Chained Dog Awareness, learn about the little companions and even make the lifelong commitment to bring them home.
No event is complete without grub. Have a cup on Nespresso's dime while you watch how each capsule is locally recycled so you can feel a little less guilty about your atas instant coffee. Participants can also learn how to make fertiliser from old coffee grounds and leave with an edible plant.
This special pop-up cafe has two lunch seatings featuring a plant-based three-course using local ingredients that's paired with three non-alcoholic drinks. It's the first in collaboration with FURA, which if you like the bar's style, you'd know what to expect.
All dinnerware for the session are made exclusively for Mercedes-Benz by Pass It On Studio, by the way. Even cups are constructed of FDA-certified upcycled bio-composite materials AKA agricultural waste like eggshells, coconut and rice husks. Should you have missed making reservations, limited portions of the menu's New Age Goreng Pisang will be available from 3pm onwards on both days.
GREEN-HOUSE 2024 happens 13 & 14 July, 10 am - 7 pm at New Bahru, 46 & 58 Kim Yam Road. Admission is free.
What defines the essence of being Singaporean? Is it the laksa and chicken rice we eat? Our kiasu nature? Maybe it's the way we speak. Whatever it is, I’d argue nothing encapsulates our cultural identity quite like secondary school. For every Singaporean, secondary school was a crucial rite of passage. It’s a time when we are thrust into a melting pot of local culture and self-discovery. These are our most formative and tender years, which harden to form some semblance of who we eventually grow into. In a setting that perfectly embodies the wistful nostalgia and vibrance of Singaporean culture (if you’ve ever revisited your alma mater, you’ll know what I’m talking about), The Lo & Behold group decided to launch New Bahru, a project in this exact place that brings together local businesses to form an artist’s collective.
Brought to you by the folks behind Odette and Tanjong Beach Club, New Bahru repurposes the skeleton of Nan Chiau High School to create a space spanning food and beverage, retail, wellness, entertainment, education, arts and culture. The project's goal is to capture the quintessential Singaporean spirit and unleash our city's untapped creative potential. Despite the easier path of demolishing and starting anew, The Lo & Behold Group chose the more challenging one. By preserving the original framework, they've retained that intangible magic of adolescence. This essence permeates every repurposed classroom-turned-store, echoes through the hallways, and lingers in the parade square.
Home to the infamous SGD18 Nasi Lemak, The Coconut Club resembles how we imagine a Singaporean diner to be. They serve elevated local fare like the Quail Goreng Berempah, made with livestock from Singapore’s oldest family-owned game bird farm. Another standout dish to look out for is the River Valley exclusive Wagyu Beef Roti John.
For everything bedroom, check out SOJAO, a local brand known for 100% ethically made organic cotton products. You’ll find anything from bedsheets, sleepwear and fragrances—one of which White Noise, a collaboration with stillgoods, caught my nose. It’ll have you sniffing the sample paper like an inhaler (in the best way possible) due to its calming effect. I hear they’re collaborating with 50 other local brands, embracing the kampung spirit we’ve grown so out of touch with.
Hearing Nujabes playing in the background of Soilboy told me everything I needed to know about the plant studio. The atmosphere evokes a Zen Japanese garden, with blends of textures—cork on metal, smooth and textured, soft but rugged. Soilboy curates a careful selection of plants that involve intensive research and propagation. The result is a catalogue of flora you probably expect to see in somewhere like Gardens by The Bay instead. Their collection of handmade ceramics is also available for sale in their first experience store, so rest assured your plants won’t go home unclothed.
To effectively sum up what MAKE is, one can only describe it as a kitchen for clothes. Launching as an experience-based concept store, they allow customers to customise a selection of materials and fabric (the seasoning stage as I like to call it) and quite literally, steam them in an “oven” once they’ve undergone the arduous process of this or that. What comes fresh out of the oven is a creation—either a garment or a bag—complete with a beautiful pattern of pleats, a signature design of the studio.
Chef Rishi Naleendra's homage to his Sri Lankan heritage, the restaurant used to be at Wanderlust Hotel but traded it for a bigger space and a thirstier clientele. Now with a bar and a new vigour to the menu, the joint has a new lease of life. Sure, Chef Naleendra may have to travel a little further from his other two establishments—Fool and the two Michelin-starred Cloud Street, both within the Tanjong Pagar district—but you can't really beat the vibe of New Bahru.
Once an online portal, MORNING has now succumbed to having a physical retail space. It's about time though. It's hard to experience the ease of making your own coffee with MORNING's signature Morning Machine. Drop in and the retail staff will walk you through the handling of the machine, as well as, recommend the different coffee profiles that might tickle your fancy. Expect future endeavours like sampling sessions, workshops and events.
What started as an Etsy side hustle has now blossomed into a third physical space at New Bahru. As the first to introduce permanent jewellery (where a custom-fitted piece is welded close without any clasp) in Singapore, Curious Creatures at New Bahru offers fine and demi-fine jewellery collections as well as the only outlet that has a bespoke service.
Located at the Big Block, Alma House's nomenclature is taken from "alma mater" as the building was once Nan Chiau High School. It's a new-to-market serviced apartment concept that's designed by local design studio FARM. With furnishings supplied by Commune, there are six room tiers to stay at; with the Deluxe Room (18sqm) that's fitting for a single traveller or the largest Alma Family Suite (55sqm) that... well, the whole family can enjoy.
If MAKE by Ginlee is a kitchen for clothes, it only makes sense to liken Crafune to a kitchen for leather handbags and accessories. Here, they offer a series of hands-on workshops focused on leather craftsmanship, but there’s also an emphasis on upcycling. That old leather bag you just can’t bear to part with? Under Crafune's guidance, your own hands can transform it into a stylish wallet, cardholder, or any number of creative accessories.
To understand what ÁTIPICO is, look no further than the name itself. Defined as “different from all others of the same type,” ÁTIPICO has had its background as a bakery and caterer for high-end fashion brands. At New Bahru, Room #15 will be its first foray into the restaurant industry, and it seems poised to make a splash in fine dining with a fresh perspective. Based on the tantalising samples I’ve tried, I have no doubt ÁTIPICO will transition just fine into the industry—albeit a little disruptive with how unique it promises to be.
Opening its doors as Singapore’s only Makkoli bar and restaurant, Odem takes pride in its curation of meticulously handcrafted makkoli that’s been brewed with local ingredients and free of preservatives—a far cry from your typical mass-produced rice wine. As someone who struggles to finish a pint of beer, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying a flight of five makkoli glasses without much resistance. Though we must admit, we’ve always had a soft spot for makkoli. Pairing each sip with a warm and comforting bite of their Soy Glazed Brioche and Gamtae Seaweed Butter hit every spot for us.
Traditional Korean dishes are refined using modern techniques, resulting in a menu featuring comfort food such as the Gulim Mandu and Barbequed Kalbi. The ambience is bathed in soft light, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s sure to get those long conversations going. If you do decide to visit, don’t leave out the Brioche, seriously.
