What’s happening in Singapore
The best things to do this week
Experience the French way of life over refreshing pints of Kronenbourg 1664 at this open-air soirée. As this premium French beer takes over Emerald Hill Road at Orchard for three days, watch this well-loved street liven up with live performances, interactive games and all-time favourite bar bites. Soak in the evening's ambience and don't forget to snap pictures at the Insta-worthy photo booths for keepsake.
Football fever rages on post- Champions League with the 2019 International Champions Cup. Four of the world’s biggest clubs – Manchester United, Inter Milan, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur – are warming up for the ultimate face-off to land the prestigious trophy at the National Stadium.
Turn on your creative lightbulb as Singapore's favourite visual arts destination is hosting a three-day art and lifestyle event. Cop affordable quality art at a steal, create a work of art at the available workshops, get cosy for award-winning films, and check out a dedicated lifestyle zone for exclusive prints and furniture by local brands and designers at Blk 7 and Blk 9 of Gillman Barracks.
NCTzens, rejoice! K-pop sensation NCT 127 is returning to Singapore – this time, as part of its first world tour. Don't miss the group's first-ever headline show in Singapore as all nine members perform electrifying hits like Fire Truck, Limitless, Cherry Bomb, Regular and Simon Says. Expect special treats with cross-overs from the members – you'll just have to be there, or be square.
Strap in for a magic carpet ride to a whole new world this July. The hit Broadway musical Aladdin is landing at Marina Bay Sands with a chest full of the music, glittering costumes and jaw-dropping sets to recreate the fantasy city of Agrabah. Sing along to show-stopping musical numbers like A Whole New World and seven new songs that'll keep you entranced all the way through to its happily-ever-after ending. There's no doubt it's going to be shining, shimmering, splendid.
From 18 to 20 July, you can commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11's landing on the moon at Moongazers. The three-day event is complementary to Floating Utopias. Specially curated by ArtScience Museum, the programmes explore the reverberations of Apollo 11's achievement through a series of performances, talks and workshops.
Singapore Tea Festival is back, bigger and better, with three days' worth of masterclasses and 50 tea merchants all under one roof. Look forward to a vast array of both local and international tea brands, as well as new launches including UK brand Pukka, Kindred Teas' bottled cold-brewed Rooibos Orange with Honey, and bubble tea from Woobbee. Sign up for the STF masterclasses hosted by global and local experts to make your own Kombucha and learn the basics of tea. Try your hand at the new rapid food scanner, ProfilePrint, which identifies quality, taste profile and origins, and recommends foods that will complement your selection of teas to bring out fuller-tasting.
Happening over four weekends, Sentosa Grillfest returns this year with live music performances, beachfront dining and so much more. Witness Siloso Beach transformed into a bustling grub hub featuring 27 exciting food and beverage kiosks. Expect everything from Gelatissimo’s sinful GrillFest Gelato Bomb (five scoops of Gelato served on a waffle basket with sugary treats) to exotic options like grilled durian, bamboo rice and the plant-based Impossible burger. Did we also mention the three-metre tall tepee barbecue pit on Siloso beach?
The future is female and that's apparent in N.O.W., a three-week public project by TheatreWorks Writers' Lab. Celebrate women creators, thinkers and change-makers through everything from performance to film, music to visual arts, workshops to talks, and see through their lenses as they journey through the world, facing issues such as identity, class and race.
The latest features
Dotted with everything from bold street art to avant-garde buildings, this vibrant German city and the rest of Western Europe offer plenty to discover
America, the land of the free and the home of the brave... and gluttonous. There's no denying that Americans love to eat – they're the ones that brought us mac and cheese, pecan pie and the fast food joints we all know and love, after all. Not that we're complaining. Here's where to go for your fill of hearty American cuisine. RECOMMENDED: The best Mexican restaurants in Singapore and the best burgers in Singapore
Say the word Funan and the phrase "the IT mall" immediately comes to mind. But after three years of development and a $560 million revamp, the latest shopping centre by Capitaland is back to show us that it can be so much more. With a retail section that spans six storeys housing 192 tenants, Funan has something for everyone, whether you're looking for tech, food, fashion, fitness or culture. The futuristic mall houses flagship stores of international brands such as Brompton Junction and Taobao, as well as local labels like Carrie K. and Another Sole. It also has an ABC Cooking Studio, Golden Village, a futsal court, and tech-enabled handsfree shopping plus a food court where you can pay for food with your cryptocurrencies. If all that sounds a little too overwhelming, here's a guide to some of the things you can do, eat and shop, only at the new Funan. RECOMMENDED: Guide to Meidi-Ya supermarket in Great World City and plastic-free grocery shopping in Singapore
This July 25 and 26, catch a localised take on one of Shakespeare’s lightest and sunniest comedies, As You Like It. In a twist of the original play, the production (tickets at $27, with bundle discounts) is set in Singapore and Malaysia in 1965, just as the nation is about to be exiled from the Malayan Union and set adrift to become a wholly independent state. The jungles of Malaysia transforms into the forest of Arden, where an exiled politician returns to assume power, characters get married to form alliances and new unions are celebrated. Performed by students from the LASALLE College of the Arts BA (Hons) Acting programme, the spirited play takes on new resonances that makes for an apt commemoration of Singapore's Bicentennial. The production is part of Gateway Arts Festival, which takes place from July 6 to July 28. Head on down to Gateway Theatre in Bukit Merah for a series of performances and programmes like this one that are fun for the whole family. Time Out Singapore in partnership with Gateway Theatre
Think of drinking at Orchard Road and Emerald Hill is the first place to come to mind. The historic street in the heart of town is a local favourite for post-work drinks, whether at reliable favourites like No.5 Emerald Hill for those har cheong gai wings and martinis, Que Pasa for wine and tapas or Ice-Cold Beer for exactly what it says on the tin. This July 18 to 20, French brand 1664 – named after the year Kronenbourg Brewery was founded in Strasbourg, France – is making the street even better with an open-air food and beer soirée. Crack open a refreshing pint of 1664 as the Emerald Hill comes to life with a delightful line-up of live performances, interactive activities and all-time favourite bar bites. Expect a soulful weekend with local songbird Miss Lou serenading the crowd with her retro vocal stylings with a touch of modern sensibility. She’s sharing the stage with R&B funk trio BrB, the geniuses making waves regionally for their unique musical signature. Don’t miss their bangers such as recently-unveiled single, Cool With It. Have a taste of limited edition 1664 X FATCAT desserts, novel 1664-infused creations the team behind this neighbourhood ice cream joint has come up with just for this event. Beyond food, there's plenty to feed yourself (and your 'gram) with. With its old-school shophouses in vibrant colours complete with French windows, Emerald Hill is hands down, one of the most photogenic spots in Singapore. Add on the stunning set-up of the 1664 Terra
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Birthday cakes. Wedding cakes. Cheesecake. Chocolate cake. Cake for one, just one. We sift through the best bakeries to present you with the best cake shops on the island. Don't worry – the perfect cake is not a lie. But if you want to lie to yourself about the calories you're consuming, go right ahead. RECOMMENDED: The best traditional bakeries and cake shops in Singapore and the best cafés in Singapore for dessert
Rice is the source and symbol of sustenance – and also the main part of nasi padang (besides rendang of course). It's also a popular lunch option because you get everything in a single serving on a plate. Lucky for us, there's plenty of shops and restaurants to get our fix around town. Don't forget to add on the sambal for a good kick. RECOMMENDED: Best halal restaurants and cafés in Singapore and the best communal dining restaurants for big groups
Singapore's big day might only be happening on August 9, but that doesn't mean we can't get the party started in July. On July 6, Smoke & Mirrors at the National Gallery Singapore is throwing A Rooftop Soiree where you can watch the fireworks, indulge in a spread of local delights and have plenty of cocktails. From 6pm, look forward to a live station carving roast meats and Peking duck, as well as an array of Singaporean favourites like satay, bak kut teh, laksa and chicken rice before the fireworks go off at around 9pm. We're giving away a pair of tickets (worth $320) to this exclusive event to one lucky reader. All you have to do is answer the question below and sign up for our newsletter. Closing date: July 4, noon. The winner will be notified by July 4, 6pm. ENTER HERE By participating in this giveaway, you agree that you have read and accepted the prize draw terms and conditions, terms of use and privacy policy of Time Out.
"Success is a Blend" is the theme for this year's Chivas Masters, a global cocktail competition that showcases the creativity and skill of bartenders around the world. Now in its sixth year, the international challenge has been extended to mixologists in Singapore for the first time. After a gruelling selection process, six contenders from the city's top bars were selected to vie for a spot at the Chivas Masters Global Final taking place across the UK later this year. Time Out Bar Hoppers and the Chivas Masters minibus On June 4, 30 Time Out readers joined us for a fun night out where they were ushered to the six bars on a minibus to try all the creative concoctions of Tim Rosete at Manhattan, June Baek at Madame Fan Bar, Demitria Dana Paramita at Anti:dote, Logaraj IM at Long Bar, David Kim at Chihuly Lounge as well as Mark Graham Thomas at Copper. At the end of the night, they got to vote for their favourite creation. Tim Rosete from Manhattan preparing his cocktail, The Wingman At the Chivas Masters Grand Final party, which took place on June 10 at Cool Cats, the Time Out Readers' Choice Award was given to Tim Rosete from Manhattan for his drink, The Wingman. He named the drink, which was a twist on a classic Manhattan, after one of his regular customers who has now become a dear friend – a symbol of what Chivas stands for, hospitality and brotherhood. The judges (from left to right): Tim Webb, Rhys Wilson, Vivian Peh and Andy Griffiths During the event, e
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If you love Japanese snacks and food produce a little too much, then the name Meidi-Ya would be familiar to you. The Japanese supermarket is well-established in Singapore. For a while, the sole outlet at Liang Court has been a key spot for groceries imported from Japan. Now, more than 15 years later, Meidi-Ya opens its second outlet at the revamped Great World City. Though it's not as vast as the first branch, the Great World City offers the same great shopping experience – and a little more. RECOMMENDED: The best grocery stores, supermarkets and markets in Singapore and plastic-free grocery shopping in Singapore
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Find me a date
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
They've gone for their blind date – here's what the couples have to say about each other
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
Game, set, match – we played matchmaker in a blindfolded, speed-dating event and managed to pair up some lovebirds
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
Let Time Out and GaiGai play matchmaker as we bring our popular Find Me A Date series to real life – with a blinding twist
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date
Every month, we set up two readers on a blind date at one of our favourite restaurants or bars – and it's on us!
The best of Singapore
Neighbourhood guides
Once a prominent red-light district, you’d think it would take loads to eradicate the impression of Keong Saik Road being littered with brothels in the 1960s. Well, you’re right – and it has. Now, this bustling neighborhood has somehow seamlessly fused the traditional with modern to offer some of the most unique (and delicious) places to visit whether you’re a tourist or a local lifestyle enthusiast. From gourmet restaurants to trendy bars and even bespoke tailors, you’ll be filled with an endless array of activities as you traverse along the streets of shophouses. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Singapore and the best bars to try out in Singapore
Busy, noisy, filled with people, that’s the general consensus of the Chinatowns of the world. Singapore’s is no different, but ours (perhaps we’re biased) has a charming air about it that appeals to both tourists and locals. A good mix of hawker fare and swish eateries, history and architecture, here are a few good reasons to head down to Chinatown. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and guide to getting around Singapore
Joo Chiat and Katong have gained popularity over the years for their blend of Instagram-worthy Peranakan shophouses, delectable cuisine, and indie retail stores. Named after philanthropist, Chew Joo Chiat, this charming corner in the east of Singapore was once a small village of seaside retreats for the wealthy. It's since been revamped into a residential suburb surrounded by shops and eateries. Declared as Singapore’s first Heritage Town in 2011, this East Coast enclave still holds timeless treasures and insight into the rich Peranakan cultural heritage of the 1950s. Today, most of Joo Chiat’s multi-ethnic influences are most evident in its architecture, dining options, and activities. RECOMMENDED Creative spaces in Katong and Joo Chiat and the best restaurants and cafés in Katong
Singapore's glamorous shopping belt dazzles with luxury stores, local boutiques and plenty to eat, see and do.
It’s a given that Little India is colourful, vibrant and a hive of activity – but it’s also changing and gentrifying. There’s never a dull moment on this stretch, here are some of our favourite spots. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat in Little India
What was once Singapore’s sleaze central has smartened up big time thanks to classy new developments like Andaz. While the area is evolving into a mini CBD, it hasn’t gone all business-like just yet. With its mix old-and-new, here are some of our new (and old) favourite haunts. Still can't get enough of what this colourful neighbourhood has to offer? Check out the best cafes in Bugis or go on a bar crawl guide in Bugis when it gets dark out.
Singapore's infamous redlight district is the place to go your craving for the king of fruits and good food at any hour of the night.
Take a one-way (MRT) trip to the far east – you’ll find more than chalets and droves of army boys. Hit up Pasir Ris and Changi for a walk through nature as you explore the mangroves or chug down refreshing brews by the seaside. We round up where to hang out and what to do while you're in these two quaint neighbourhoods.
More than just the neighbourhood with Singapore's first IKEA, Queenstown is also home to plenty of cheap and good eats, outlet malls for a good bargain and more.
Get acquainted: Tampines – named for the large number of ‘tampinis’, or ironwood, trees that used to be in the neighbourhood – is the largest residential area in Singapore. The colourful HDB blocks and smart design of the district earned Tampines the United Nations World Habitat Award for Excellence in Housing Design in 1992. Make a deal: Just outside the MRT exit, bargains abound in 513 Tampines Central 1. Get cheap clothes at CK Discount, then wander around the building clockwise until you hear the carnival soundtrack and come to stall No 152 – Three Stars Buy 1 Free 1. Just like the name says, when you buy one of the household goods on sale, you get one free. Along the way, keep your eyes open for discount underwear and a jewellery pawn shop. Eat: On the third floor of the Tampines Mall (4 Tampines Central 5, and ground zero for mainstream shopping in this area), peek in the window of Din Tai Fung and watch dim sum masters rolling out dough and turning it into divine dumplings… okay, enough watching. Time to grab a seat and eat! For what could possibly be Singapore’s best dining bargain (a major claim), head to block 823A on Tampines Street 81 and find stall No 820 in the Food Park for a plate of $1.30 chicken rice. Get fit: After all that chicken rice (at those prices, you know you’ll get seconds), you’ll need a workout. The Tampines Sports Hall (495 Tampines Ave 5 S) offers 19 badminton and table tennis courts where you can play with your birdies and balls. If that doesn
