As time goes by, there are more and more coffee shops sprouting. In general I have never got turned down by a coffee shop in the city, but you must be wondering what are the best coffee shops in Singapore, especially if you're a first timer in the city. Here I listed down some of my favourite. Go and check it out.



1. Omotesando Koffee
One of the top coffee shops in Japan, Omotesando Coffee is well known for their signature ice cappuccino with bubble foam and cocoa powder (pictured above S$7.5) I love how it has the milky taste but doesn't loose the coffee note. Located in the Downtown Gallery, you'll be greeted by their minimalist stall and friendly barista. Opens mon-fri until 6PM.
address: Downtown gallery #04-01





2. Kurasu Kyoto
Another coffee shop from Japan. Kurds Kyoto offers simplicity and minimalist interior with various espresso based and hand drip coffee. I can feel the vibe from their original Kyoto branch. The space is located within a compound of Odeon Tower building.





 



3. The Glasshouse
Centrally located inside Chijmes area, this rather new coffee shop is certainly match its name. With high glass windows and plenty of plants inside, it has becoming one of my to go coffee shops. Their ice white is best paired with the banana cake, especially on a hot sunny day. It opens quite early as well starting from 8 am, so it's my go to place if I wake up early.





4. Chye Seng Huat Hardware
nearest MRT: Lavender

5. Common Man Coffee Roasters
Common Man Coffee Roasters is definitely a specialty coffee shop, roasters, and wholesaler. My favourite thing is that they have so many single origins to choose from, which is also distributed through various coffee shops nationwide. They also serve various brunch menu, so fret not of being hungry.

address: 22 Martin Road


6. Hinoki
This Japanese style coffee shop is located inside Habitat by Honestbee, an integrated shopping complex in Pasir Panjang area. They use Kyoto roasted beans and Hokkaido Milk, making their cappuccino one of a kind. All order and payment is done within the application, so you have to download it before entering the Habitat.


nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang





7. 40 Hands
This cozy and warm coffee shop in Tiong Bahru has been my go to places for years. Their coffee beans are roasted by the people from Common Man Coffee Roaster. 40 Hands also serve delicious food. Perfect for brunch or those lazy day while reading your favourite book.


nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru





8. Atlas Coffeehouse
With marble and navy interior and industrial component, Atlas Coffeehouse is a go to neighbourhood coffee shop in Bukit Timah Area. Their coffee is roasted by the local roasters, 2 Degrees North Coffee Co. Totally love their food menu as well !


nearest MRT: Botanic Garden





9. Brawns and Brains
nearest MRT: Mountbatten


10. The Apartment
This scandinavian vibe coffee shop has becoming a cult favourite. With white space and plenty of light, the owner is inspired to create a space where people could feel like home. Their menu is simple and they also have seasonal beans from time to time.


nearest MRT: Lavender






11. PS Cafe
Most probably my most favourite branch in the entire city, the PS Cafe Harding Road is nested in the lush Dempsey Hill area. Choose the indoor or the outdoor alfresco seating. It is a nice break amidst the busy city. They have various food and delicious cakes too !
address: Harding Road



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Valentine's Day is coming soon, and I think finding a great staycation is one of the great ideas to spend Valentine's Day with beloved partner or friends. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, a luxury resort hotel offering a tranquil environment for work, rest or play set amidst lush tropical greenery, welcomes families and couples to treat themselves to three exclusive staycation packages. Guests are able to choose from Club Tiny, Villa Escape or Beauty Escapade to pamper themselves as well as their loved ones with 5-star accommodation and services, sumptuous buffet breakfasts and breath-taking views of Sentosa island.







Those looking to surprise their partners with an exquisite and indelible experience can do so with a private retreat in the lush oasis. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa offers the Villa Escape – a package designed specially for couples. Priced at SGD 680++ per night with breakfast buffet for two, the package includes a glistening sun-kissed private plunge pool that is attached to a stunning One-bedroom Villa complete with an elegant bedroom, sun-filled living room and an outdoor bath for couples to unwind together as they soak in the rich ambience of the resort.










Parents who wish to have a quick family getaway with their little ones in tow can opt for Club Tiny, a staycation package designed for families. From SGD 650++ per night on weekdays and SGD 680++ per night on weekends (including PH), step into the spacious Family Suite that is housed in a colonial-style heritage building and features a king-sized bed, living room, and an outdoor private veranda overlooking the infinity lap pool.










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When cuisine travel, they tend to become oversimplified and stereotypical. For example, when you mention Chinese dishes, people will simply said dumpling or noodle or fried rice. But again, you will definitely ask what type of noodle is it? how the broth taste like? What is the filling of the dumpling? and so on. Moreover, in Singapore, where culture blend and gastronomical sense collides, it is not easy to find a modern cuisine that reflect both Singapore where the dish is made and the dish origin itself. Perhaps that statement was countered by Dumpling Darlings, a recently opened new restaurant in CBD area.




We visited Dumpling Darlings on a fine evening for dinner. Located in a quaint shophouse in Telok Ayer area, the front part of the restaurant has a red light dumpling on top of it. When we reached there, the queue was about 30 minutes. Nevertheless, we waited and finally got in. The Dumpling Darling menu is simple, but the menu book is adorned with eye-catching illustration.





We decided to get the Dumpling Party tasting menu (S$20) comprises of five different flavour three pieces each. The flavours are The Original, Veggie mind, Mom Curry, Fried Pierogi, Smoked Duck. Their dumpling is freshly made each day. The quality and flavour of each filling is simply amazing and we can feel that there's much effort and thought placed in creating each flavour. All in all, our most favourite flavour was the Smoked Duck and Fried Pierogi. Compared to all flavour, the original one is the most mildly taste. We also ordered the Miso Mushroom noodle (S$5) which is a handmade thin egg noodle, topped with mushroom, boiled egg, and scallion. We thought that it tastes quite flavourful.





To end the tasting, we ordered a dumpling dessert which is pear and cheese dumpling with honey ice cream (S6). Wow it sounds like something new to us, but we must say that the dish was a superstar! It comprises of sweet and sour filling and the fragrant melting honey ice cream. Who would've thought that dumpling can be made into an excellent dessert?

All in all, I give this Dumpling Darlings restaurant a 4 star for its innovative dishes but not overcomplicating the original version of dumpling. I really recommend this place for those who would love to try a modern version of dumpling.


Address: 44 Amoy Street. Singapore


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I always love art and constantly finding new things to do in Singapore. I heard about Gillman Barracks a lot but haven't had time to visit it yet. That morning I decided to wake up quite early for breakfast then head to the place.







There are 2 main entrance to the premise, I took the one on Lock road. Gillman Barracks is an entire complex of different art galleries and exhibition space. Aside from that, there are also various restaurants in the premises like Timbre, The Naked Finn, and Hopscotch. There are several exhibitions going on. You can always check the schedule in Gilman Barracks website. One of the exhibitions that I visited was Boedi Widjaja: Rivers and Lake Tanah Air at Shangh Art Gallery (pictured above).


















Another notable exhibition was by Jef Geys Quadra Medicinale Singapore held in NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. His exhibition was about collecting different types of plant he found in various road intersection in Singapore. I was blown away by the details, his drawing, and all the photos taken over the years.






Gillman Barracks
9 lock Road Singapore
closed on monday and public holidays

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I always love finding unique boutique hotel and my recent discovery was The Great Madras Hotel. Located in the familiar Bugis-Little India precinct, this quaint hotel is located 15 minuted from the famous Orchard Road. Quite convenient, eh? Read more to see my complete review of this boutique hotel in Singapore.






The Great Madras Hotel Singapore is conveniently located behind the new Rochor Downtown Line MRT. With Wes Anderson vibes the moment you stepped in, there's no reason to not fall in love with the facade design. The lobby is decorated with floral wallpaper and an open air dining area. In the middle of the building is the elevator and a little barber shop. Upon walking to the back area, you can find a washing machine / dryer also a quiet reading nook.






The check in was a breeze and I immediately ushered to our room in the second floor. The superior room can be occupied by two person and is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and sink. There was a little sofa in the corner of the room and a window facing the pool. Room was moderately lit and the vintage wallpaper stole my heart.





The hotel is equipped with a swimming pool. It was not crowded the moment we stepped in, so we were happily swam around. The hotel also provides breakfast in the morning or you can also have a various breakfast in the area. 




With moderate price in low season, this Singapore boutique hotel can be an alternative the next time you visited Singapore. Which part of the hotel is your favourite?


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