Vianne Chia

We’ve curated a variety of exciting events to fill your week with storytelling, art, and a touch of whimsy. Mingle with renowned authors and fellow bookworms at the Singapore Writers’ Festival, or catch a German film amid the lush greenery of Botanic Gardens at the German Film Festival. Art aficionados will enjoy the range of evocative installations on display at the Singapore Biennale, while pet lovers might want to attend the Good Pet Fair for a fun day out with their furkids. In need of a family-friendly activity? Book tickets for Alice: Into the New World, an immersive, multi-sensorial experience that reimagines the children’s classic for all ages. RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and the best free things to do in Singapore    

Nothing beats getting your nose stuck in a paperback. These bookstores line their walls and displays with a wide range of print publications including secondhand gems and specialty books and magazines to niche readers. Besides endless shelves of hard copies, these are also the best spots to check out the works of local authors and the literary scene in Singapore. Time to refresh that reading list and get lost in the pages of your new favourite book! RECOMMENDED: The best independent and alternative cinemas in Singapore and The best hidden cafés in Singapore for a quiet brunch sesh    

There are several factors that make a café Instagrammable: its food, its interior decor, and its surroundings. Out of the hundreds of cafés around the island, we've picked out the most photogenic ones to help you rack up those likes. After all, we come for the food but stick around for the photos. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagram-worthy places in Singapore and the most Instagram-worthy HDB blocks in Singapore

You may or may not binge-watch Korean soap dramas or idolise the Bangtan Boys (that's only the most popular Korean boyband, BTS for you) but chances are, you will be a fan of Korean cuisine. From its famous kimchi to barbecued meat, here are the restaurants to hit when that K-food craving hits.  RECOMMENDED: The best Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore and the best Korean dessert restaurants and cafes in Singapore  

We’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to food options in Singapore. And with the spate of new eateries opening here, we won’t even have to travel overseas to dine at famous restaurants from around the world – they’ll come to us. Use our roundup of the best international food chains that have made their way to Singapore to go on a food crawl that takes you all over the globe. Given the anticipation surrounding their openings, there will likely be long lines, but the nosh is sure to be worth the wait. RECOMMENDED: Singapore’s 50 best restaurants and The best cafes in Singapore for brunch and coffee

We’re probably used to seeing cities like London, New York City, and Paris in the movies and TV shows that we watch. But in recent years, Singapore’s iconic skyline and landmarks have also received plenty of screen time – some of our most scenic attractions, like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, have made conspicuous cameos. In celebration of National Day, we look at seven films and TV shows that were filmed in Singapore, as well as the locations featured (including several unexpected ones). Read on to find out more about how you can catch Singapore on the big and small screen.  RECOMMENDED: What Crazy Rich Asians got right and wrong about Singapore and Where to see interesting architecture in Singapore

Travelling is a stressful experience for everyone, but especially so for tourists that identify as part of the LGBTQ community. For them, destinations may not be safe or inclusive – some countries have strict laws and may not be the most accommodating to queer tourists. If you’re an LGBTQ tourist and you’re looking for safe, inclusive destinations with vibrant queer communities, here’s your guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the Asia Pacific region, based on the results of a survey by booking.com. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and 50 best reataurants in Singapore

The City Hall neighbourhood, located in the centre of the Civic District, has seen many significant moments in Singapore’s political history over the past two hundred years. It’s named for the former City Hall building (now home to the National Gallery, along with the former Supreme Court), which served as the seat of the British colonial government in the 1800s. The Civic District’s original layout was planned by Stamford Raffles, who envisioned that the area would become a city centre of sorts. Many of the buildings from the colonial era still exist – they now house museums, restaurants, offices, shops, and theatres. There’s plenty to do and to eat in the neighbourhood. Given the number of museums and colonial-era buildings clustered in the area, City Hall is a great place to learn more about Singapore’s rich culture and heritage. You’ll also be able to find some of Singapore’s best restaurants and eateries in the neighbourhood, including several Michelin-starred options like Odette. Shopping is also plentiful – the area boasts two large malls, Funan and Raffles City, which are situated within walking distance to each other. Read on for our guide to City Hall. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and Singapore's 50 best restaurants

Sometimes a solo exploration around the city can refresh your love for the places you’ve been to countless times before. Whether you’re out to tick off some must-dos on your bucket list or up to experience something new, here’s how to discover a different side to the city on your own. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and the best sights and attractions in Singapore

Support homegrown and regional indie artists at Supersonic.mp3, an event presented by *SCAPE and PARKA this Sunday evening. Featured acts include YAØ, who will bring his signature blend of R&B and Japanese city pop to the stage, indie-pop R&B artist lovlaine, multifaceted singer-songwriter and producer ICEBOX, and OUT THE MIDDLE!, who combines R&B with hip-hop. Supersonic.mp3 is part of the X *SCAPE festival, a youthful celebration of creative arts, urban culture and emerging talent that’s happening this weekend. Activities on offer at the festival include everything from graffiti jams, craft workshops, and immersive art, to dynamic dance, DJ sets, rap battles, urban sports, and street parades. 

Take a peek behind the closed gates of the Istana at this Sunday’s open house, which celebrates Deepavali. Visitors will get the chance to explore the beautiful grounds, enjoy live cultural performances, and participate in family-friendly workshops and activities. These activities include Deepavali traditions such as making toranams (garlands) and decorating deepams (oil lamps), as well as contemporary workshops like horseshoe painting, crocheting, and water marbling. Animal lovers can also participate in animal-assisted therapy with adorable mini horses. For a fee, visitors can join a heritage walking tour led by NParks volunteers. Hungry after all the fun? Food and beverage stalls will be available, but take note that only cashless payment is accepted. Be sure to get there early – the Istana is only open up to five times a year, so the open house is bound to attract crowds. Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors have to pay an admission fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child.

Dance the night away under Far East Square’s Glass Dome at SYBER: Singapore, which brings Australia’s cutting-edge underground music collective to local shores for the first time this Saturday. The event, headlined by Australian DJ Tye Turner, promises an eclectic mix of techno and house music, genre-blending beats, and high-energy performances that blend international and underground sounds — all of which will be filmed live for SYBER’s popular YouTube channel. While early-bird tickets are sold out, advance tickets from $65 and limited table packages are still available here.

Pottery and ceramic lovers are in for a treat this weekend at the Singapore Clay Festival, where attendees will be able to shop for beautifully crafted pieces and meet the clay makers behind each piece. This year’s edition features more than 220 ceramicists from Singapore and beyond, who will be selling everything from plant pots, matcha bowls, and unique mugs, to cute figurines, and tableware. In addition to shopping, activities include hands-on workshops, clay demonstrations, pottery throwdowns, and curated ceramic exhibitions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the festival will have something for you. Tickets start from S$10 for a day pass.

Splurge on your furkids at the Good Pet Fair, which returns from November 7 to 9 at Changi Exhibition Centre. With over 100 vendors, including international pet brands, animal welfare groups, and lifestyle partners, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. Beyond an endless array of pet goods for sale, lifestyle brands such as Curious Creatures and even BYD are also making an appearance at the fair. Hungry and thirsty after all that shopping? Check out the fair’s F&B zone, where you’ll find familiar favourites such as Hello Arigato and Yeastside. Shopping isn’t the only activity available at the fair – proud pet owners can also break records and make history at the fair by joining the Largest Pomeranian Gathering on November 8, and the Largest Dachshund Gathering on November 9. If you’re worried about the inaccessibility of the venue, fret not – a pet-friendly shuttle bus runs all day between Expo MRT (Exit B) and the venue, with ample on-site parking for those driving.

Want to immerse yourself in German film and culture? From now till November 9, the German Film Festival, presented by the Goethe Institute, returns to light up screens across Singapore. Cinephiles can delight in the eclectic lineup of films available this year, which range from social dramas and edgy comedies to bold documentaries and compelling shorts. This year’s iteration of the Festival is extra special too – it’s part of a series of events that celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Singapore. This week, there are films for all ages and budgets. For a free, family-friendly movie night under the stars, catch Niko - Beyond the Northern Lights at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Not your thing? Hysteria, screened at Suntec City’s Golden Village, and In The Fade, shown at OTH Festive Arts Theatre, are dramatic thrillers that will have you on the edge of your seat. Football enthusiasts, meanwhile, might enjoy Lessons of a Dream, an award-winning film based loosely on the life of football pioneer Konrad Koch.

Coffee meets fashion at Ralph’s Coffee, a cafe concept by Ralph Lauren. The coffee chain has over 18 outlets all over the world – the first opened in New York City in 2014, and has since expanded to cities like London, Tokyo, and Shanghai. And it’s finally made its way to Singapore, next to the new Ralph Lauren concept store at MBS, which carries the American brand’s premium Purple Label.  Given the timeless elegance its Purple Label is known for, the cafe’s interiors are appropriately chic, but still warm and inviting. Greens, whites and browns dominate, as do wood and tile elements. Seating is scarce, with only a couple of tables available in the cosy space. On the menu are classic cafe offerings. For drinks, try the signature Ralph’s Coffee, a black coffee that you can order iced ($6) or hot ($5.50), or a latte (from $7). If you don’t do coffee, try the Singapore-exclusive pineapple shaken tea ($8) or a matcha latte (from $7.50). If you’re feeling hungry, a number of sweet treats are also on offer, including Ralph’s Chocolate Cake ($14) and soft-serve ice cream ($9), also a Singapore exclusive.

Wu Pao Chun eponymous bakery first opened to much anticipation at Capitol Singapore in 2019.

Cult-favourite ice cream brand Van Leeuwen opened its first overseas outpost in Singapore. The brand started in 2008 as a yellow truck on the streets of Brooklyn, New York and has since expanded to 27 physical stores across the United States. And why do fans love it so much? For its decadent French ice cream – ice cream made with double the amount of egg yolks than regular ice cream, for extra creamy goodness.  Ice cream lovers will be glad to know that over 16 scoop flavours (from $6.50 for a classic scoop) will be available at the outlet. Highlights include fan-favourite Black Cherry Chip, a delicious combination of cherry ice cream, chocolate chips, and juicy black cherries; Honeycomb, a sweet cream ice cream studded with crunchy and gooey honeycomb pieces; and Praline Butter Cake, also a sweet cream ice cream, but loaded with praline pecans and pieces of brown butter cake. In addition to scoops, milkshakes (from $13), root beer floats (from $9), pints ($17), and boxes of ice cream bars ($17 for a box of four) will also be available. And if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, Van Leeuwen also has a range of vegan flavours so good you can barely tell the difference between their vegan and non-vegan offerings. The creamy scoops are made with coconut cream, cashews, and oat milk, and come in indulgent flavours such as Churros and Fudge and Brown Sugar Chunk.

Go!KBBQ is located in Tanjong Pagar, where KBBQ joints abound. What sets Go!KBBQ apart, however, are its aged meats. You’ll notice the difference immediately – the wet-aging process imparts flavour to the meat and has a tenderising effect. Can’t decide which meats to order? Try the aged black pork neck or belly ($26/150g). Or, go for one of the sets, which offer good value (from $69 for 450g of meat).

The newly-opened restaurant, a well-known Korean BBQ chain in Korea, has proven to be extremely popular among Singaporeans, attracting long queues outside its Boon Tat outlet every day. Though it’s a KBBQ restaurant, the main draw here is its Busan-style gukbap, or pork and rice soup ($21) – a rare find in Singapore. Um Yong Baek’s Busan-style gukbap consists of rice and a mixture of pork cuts (cheek, collar, and belly), submerged in a clear broth. However, it’s currently only available for lunch. Only Jeju-style BBQ (also a rare find in Singapore) is available for dinner, along with other mains like stews and cold noodles. Either way, expect a queue.

Chang is a KBBQ institution that’s been around since 2006 and has continued to steadily attract a loyal clientele over the past 17 years. Nestled within the verdant Dempsey enclave, it is known for churning out fresh, high-quality meats and authentic Korean dishes. Offerings here are decidedly premium – you’ll be able to order meats like Wagyu beef and Kurobuta pork. Prices are higher than the average KBBQ restaurant, but if a more upscale KBBQ experience is what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with Chang.