[Sponsored] This week the best of Singapore's progressive art, culture, design, food and drink is coming to Kensington Street for a three-day showcase of everything the city-state has to offer. Think of it as a teaser trailer for your next adventure, warming up your travel muscles with a little taste of what's on offer in the tropical city-state. In fact, here are the top ten reasons to check out the Singapore: Inside Out festival.
1) To indulge your sweet tooth
The Dessert Collective combines the mighty powers of Sydney's Reynold Poernomo from Koi Dessert Bar; famed Peranakan chef Malcolm Lee; and master pastry chef Cheryl Koh. They're mixing up the recipe book with desserts with a Singapore twist to satisfy your sweet tooth. Or if chocolate is more your speed, head to the Demochoco and Kakawa collab, where they will be joining forces to produce a box of nine unique chocolates inspired by the flavours of Sydney and Singapore.
2) For the shopping
The ultimate Singaporean shopping experience is being brought to Sydney by retailer Naiise, who will host a pop-up shop that will preview 12 Singaporean brands or designers being showcased in the Singapore Designers’ Showcase, opening on Singapore's shopping belt, Orchard Road, in December 2018.
3) To be transported to a tropical urban forest in Donna Ong's art installation
Step into the tropics at the Old Clare Hotel, with a multi-media installation that explores the relationship between urban planning and nature in Singapore. Artist Donna Ong is known for atmospheric installations that use found objects to evoke fantastical realms. For Singapore: Inside Out she is adapting a 2014 installation made from glass bottles and steel poles, which explores stereotypical representations of the 'tropical' landscape.
Photograph: supplied
4) To see clouds form in Grace Tan's sculpture
Clouds of polypropylene loop pins will bloom like fungus from the surfaces of Stonemason House (46-48 Kensington Street), with this installation by artist Grace Tan. Adapted from her installation for the 2013 Setouchi Triennale (Japan), At the Angle of Repose is made from two million utilitarian plastic loop pins, and thus can be seen as an "expression of strength in multitude".
Photograph: supplied
5) To try Michelin-starred Peranakan cuisine, free
Malcolm Lee is the chef and owner of the only Peranakan (Straits Chinese) restaurant to boast a Michelin Star. Now the renowned chef is bringing the flavours of Singapore to Kensington Street, with a free culinary showcase involving four Peranakan-themed canapés enjoyed over a 45-minute slot each day. Be quick about getting your fill as he's only dishing out limited servings each day of the showcase.
6) For beautiful silk scarves unlike anything else
Living somewhere between the perfect souvenir, luxury item and art piece, Singaporean scarf label Binary Style design silk scarves inspired by the landscapes and architecture of Singapore. They are collaborating with architect-turned-shoe-designer label, Extraordinary Ordinary Day to create a limited edition silk scarf with prints inspired by the architecture in both Singapore and Sydney.
Photograph: supplied
7) To eat chilli crab with deep-fried mantou, those classic Singaporean buns
You can't help but think about chilli crab when you think of Singapore, but New Ubin Seafood is cooking up a modern twist on the classic dish at their pop-up at Alex Lee Kitchen in Spice Alley, Kensington Street. Instead of wok-fried crab they'll be serving chilli crab rillette with deep fried mantou.
Photograph: supplied
8) For a free cocktail sampler from an award-winning bartender
Award-winning bartender Peter Chua was part of the opening team of famed cocktail bar 28 HongKong Street, and now shakes things up behind the bar at Crackerjack in Singapore. He will show off his world class cocktail chops of the city-state with a mixology showcase. Swing by to pick up your free sampler each evening across the three-day showcase.
9) For art that pushes the boundaries
Ezzam Rahman might be formally trained as a sculptor, but he doesn't work in clay or stone for his work "I won't be me without you" at Singapore: Inside Out. The artist is using dead skin off the soles of his feet to make a delicate nature diorama of flowers and insects. You won't see this anywhere else.
Photograph: supplied
10) For dinner and a show
The latest round of chef showcases at Eastside Kitchen and Bar will pair the local hands of chef Stanley Wong with those of chef Sam Chablani of Fat Lulu's in Singapore. The central theme is 'charcoal and spice' and so expect the chefs to be heating up their Asian grills and extra hot marinades. To sweeten the deal the dinner will feature a comedy set from one of Singapore's top funny people.
Singapore: Inside Out is a free showcase of art, culture and food from Fri Nov 3 until Sunday Nov 5 at Kensington Street, Chippendale 2008.