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Unique Singapore Activities

Segway tours
See the famous city sights from a totally new perspective, balancing on a Segway. O-Ride SG offers two- or three-hour itineraries or get a group together for a customised experience. The tour starts off with a bit of Segway practice at the National Stadium in Kallang. Once you’re confident, head off to see the sights with your knowledgeable local guide. You’ll glide past famous landmarks like Marina Barrage, the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands and the Double Helix Bridge. The two-hour highlights itinerary starts from $80, book at oridesg.com

Tiger Brewery tour
In its 80-year history, this local beer has now grown to achieve international acclaim. The Tiger Brewery Tour will show you each step of the brewing process, from milling the malt to packaging. Then you’ll be taught how to tap the perfect pint of draught beer. Finish off at the Tiger Tavern for a beer appreciation session. Don’t forget to drop by the gift-shop for exclusive and unique Tiger merchandise.
The hour-long tour runs every Tuesday to Sunday in the afternoons (various timings). Book online at tigerbrewerytour.com.sg for discount prices, prices start from $18 for adults. Children are also welcome.

Haw Par Villa’s night tour
Haw Par Villa – a park founded by eccentric millionaire and creator of Tiger Balm, Aw Boon Haw – just got a little creepier with its ‘Journey to Hell’. This night-time tour shows off the famous 10 Courts of Hell, whose depictions of judgment in the afterlife take on a new level of horror in the dark; visit the King of Ghosts; experience a sneak preview of the park’s upcoming Hell’s Museum and see the Aw family memorials. Best to leave the kids at home for this one! Every Friday night from 6.30pm. Adults $20, Concession $15, book at journeys.com.sg/tosw/the-ticket-shop

History tours
Travel back to Singapore’s World War II days with a tour of Fort Canning’s underground war bunker, or a bus tour of important war locations.
Battlebox tour: Built in 1936, the Battlebox was a WWII British underground command centre inside Fort Canning Hill. It was part of the headquarters of Malaya Command, the army which defended Malaya and Singapore in WWII. It was inside the Battlebox that the British made the decision to surrender Singapore to the invading Japanese on 15 February 1942. Recreations of events, along with war artefacts and knowledgeable, entertaining guides, make this a fascinating tour. battlebox.com.sg
War Trail by Changi Museum: This bus tour commemorates the brave men and women who fought during World War II in Malaya and Singapore, and their subsequent internment. In Changi, visit the site of many POW camps during the Japanese Occupation. At the Straits of Johor, learn about the Singapore defence strategy then discover part of old Singapore at the quaint Changi Village to learn about its role in the war. The tour also visits Kranji War Cemetery. changimuseum.sg/visiting-the-museum/tours

Bollywood Veggies farm in Kranji

Urban farm tours
Take a guided tour through the peaceful Bollywood Veggies farm in Kranji. In this urbanised city, Bollywood is a great spot for both kids and adults to learn about various plants and their uses, and find out more about sustainable farming. The guided tour takes 30 mins and the Bollywood team recommends combining it with a potting class. For a more in-depth experience, gather a group and book a farm adventure. Choose from a harvest treasure hunt, nature art activities, rice paddy planting and terrarium making, traditional medicine seminars, and cooking classes. Try the fabulous restaurant, Poison Ivy.
Guided tours and potting classes $15 each, book at bollywoodveggies.com/events-activities/farm-tours-activities

National Parks Coast to Coast Trail

National Parks Coast to Coast Trail
National Parks launched this 36km cross-Singapore trail in April 2019. From Jurong Lake Gardens, follow parks, nature areas and park connectors all the way to Coney Island Park in Singapore’s north east. Struggling to get your kiddos outside? entice them by downloading the trail’s mobile app. This interactive guide has fun educational insights and virtual treasure-hunting activities.
Divide the trail into smaller sections for an easier walk, or tackle the whole thing in one day. Highlights include the Jurong Lake Gardens with its forest playground and water play; Bukit Batok Nature Park; Botanic Gardens; the playgrounds and waterways of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, the Sengkang Floating Wetland, Punggol Waterway Park and the Casuarina Boardwalk at Coney Island.
nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/coast-to-coast

Great Australia Day BBQ – Event Postponed

 

** Update **

Due to the current situation with the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (nCoV) in Singapore, the Great Australia Day BBQ (GADBBQ) scheduled to be held on Sunday 9 February has been indefinitely postponed. The GADBBQ is ANZA’s biggest family event of the year, bringing our community together for a day of celebration and connection. This decision was difficult to make, but in collaboration with The Australian International School we felt it was the best course of action. Maintaining the safety of our community remains our highest priority.

Thank you to all the vendors, groups and individuals who have supported the GADBBQ for your understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks and will provide further information when it becomes available.

Great Australia Day BBQ, proudly presented by HSBC
Hosted by Australian International School and ANZA

For the eighth fun-filled year, ANZA and the Australian International School (AIS) have teamed up to host the Great Australia Day BBQ. Join us at the AIS campus on Sunday 9 February, 2pm – 6pm to celebrate Down Under’s big day, as we warm up the grill, chill the eski and invite all our mates round for a party.

Expect a huge range of delicious eats including the all-time BBQ favourites from The Farmers Market, meat pies, tacos and lots more – including vegetarian and gluten free options. There will also be lots of sweet treats, great coffee, and a variety of cold bevvies to keep things cool.

Rain or shine there will be loads of fun things going on to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day. Browse markets, try pop-up arts and craft workshops, and rock out to live Aussie rock band The Kicks. Let the kids loose on the face painting station, dunk tanks, bouncy castles, slip ‘n’ slides and backyard sports.

We’ll be going green on the day with food waste recycling bins and rental options for reusable cups, plates and cutlery – or you can bring your own.

For the Shopaholics we have a Pop-Up stall area showcasing, organic and health products, beauty, clothing, homeware, garden and great kids stuff so don’t forget to bring your re-usable shopping bags.

Pack towels and swimmers for waterplay and don’t forget to stay hydrated – bring those refillable water bottles. See you there!

Watch the ANZA Facebook page and weekly EDM for the full list of vendors and more information.

Register here

 

Australian Fires: How to Help

Firefighters:

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cfa

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volun…/support-your-local-brigade

The Country Fire Service in South Australia is taking direct donations. https://cfsfoundation.org.au/donate

Donate to the Rural Fire Brigades Association to support firefighters in Queensland. https://www.rfbaq.org/donate-to-rfbaq

Salvation Army:

The Salvos are after cash donations to feed firefighters and evacuees, and aid in relief and recovery. https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/

Red Cross:

The Red Cross is raising money through its Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. https://www.redcross.org.au/…/disaster-relief-and-recovery-…

Comedian and actor Celeste Barber has launched a fundraiser for the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades donations fund. https://www.facebook.com/donate/1010958179269977/

How to help wildlife:

Donate to wildlife rescue organisation WIRES, to help rescue and care for thousands of sick, injured and orphaned native animals. https://www.wires.org.au/…/emergency-donations-to-help-wild…

The World Wildlife Fund Australia is directing its efforts towards koala conservation. https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency

Kangaroo Island:

Kangaroo Island have set up a GoFundMe page to help its wildlife after a third of the Island was burned in the Ravine fire. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-kangaroo-islands-koalas-and-wildlife

ANZA:

We will be raising funds for the Australia Bush Fire relief effort at the Great Australia Day BBQ on 9 February and need volunteers. Contact us for more information.

Newbies Guide to Singapore

Get to know the local markets and stores

Grocery Shopping:
Redmart. Part of the online shopping behemoth Lazada, Redmart is an online-only supermarket that offers quick delivery (sometimes same day), within a two-hour window of your choice. It has a wide range of goods and international foods. redmart.lazada.sg
Giant and FairPrice. These are the cheapest of the big supermarket chains, with locations all over the island. Both also offer online shopping and delivery. fairprice.com.sg, giant.sg
Cold Storage and Marketplace. Slightly pricier than Giant and Fairprice, the advantage of these two chains is the upmarket international product range and the convenient locations. coldstorage.com.sg
Wet markets. As well as being an interesting experience, Singapore’s wet markets offer a good variety of cheap produce and advice from knowledgeable stallholders. One of the biggest wet markets is Little India’s Tekka Market. It has many stalls selling meat, vegetables, fruit, and every herb and spice you could ever need (check out the stall churning freshly grated coconut to make coconut milk). Tiong Bahru Market has a great seafood section and also sells beautiful orchids and other flowers. There are plenty of other wet markets all around the island and it’s worth becoming familiar with your local one.
Mustafa. Open 24 hours, it’s usually hectic and crowded and easy to get lost, but you can find anything you ever wanted in this multi-level store. From watches to luggage to hardware to Swiss chocolate and obscure Indian spices, Mustafa is the place. And it’s cheap. Go early on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. mustafa.com.sg
Speciality shops. If you’re missing Aussie or Kiwi produce, there’s a few online shops to help you out. Try thefishwives.com, farmersmarket.com.sg or sashasfinefoods.com for meat and seafood. If you like to pick your produce out personally, head to Foodie Marketplace in Tiong Bahru or Katong for good quality meat at reasonable prices. foodiemarketplace.com.sg

Helper Rowena found a great connection with her family

Getting a helper:
Full-time household help is a huge benefit of living in Singapore. Having an employee living in your house might not be for everyone, but here are a few tips if you want to try it. The first step is doing the Employers’ Orientation Programme. This three-hour program is conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) and can be done online or in person. All first-time employers need to do it before they hire a helper.
Next, do a budget to make sure you can really afford a helper. As well as her monthly salary (depending on her experience this could be anywhere from $550 – $1000), you’ll need to pay a monthly levy to the MoM, currently $300. Some people may be eligible to claim a tax rebate for this levy, ask your accountant for advice. You also need to arrange her health insurance and pay a bond to the MoM. Many local insurance companies offer packages that include both. Depending on your insurance level, this could be around $200 – $500 for the duration of her two-year contract. Check out anda.com.sg or income.com.sg for insurance packages. Some employers offer a food allowance, others include their helper’s items with their own groceries. You may also consider contributing to costs such as phone and travel (taxis/MRT card). At the end of each two-year contract, you are obliged to pay for your helper to take home leave, including her flights. If she elects not to go, you pay her the equivalent in cash. To find your helper, use a maid agency or personal recommendations. Monitor the Singapore expat Facebook forums, or ask your friends if they know anyone who is leaving Singapore and wants to transfer their helper. Agencies will complete the paperwork for you. You can also opt to do it yourself online or use a service to help you tackle the forms.

Singapore has cheap, safe and reliable transport options

Getting around:
Taxis and public transport are safe, clean and cheap. Comfort Delgro is the largest taxi company in Singapore, with a handy app to book and pay for rides. Grab and Gojek are ridesharing apps. Grab bought out Uber in Singapore and has a large pool of drivers, while Gojek is a relative newcomer to the scene. To navigate Singapore’s extensive MRT and bus network, try the MyTransport app, or the Explore Singapore app. If you want to drive in Singapore, you can use your foreign licence for up to 12 months. After that you will need to convert to a Singaporean driving licence by sitting a theory test and then applying to convert your licence. Planning to buy a car, do check your licence requirements with your insurer first, as you may be required to have a Singaporean licence. gov.sg/news/content/ecitizen-how-to-convert-a-foreign-driving-licence

Medical issues:
Singapore has an excellent health system. When you need a GP, you can visit either a government polyclinic or a private clinic. A polyclinic is usually the cheapest option, but you may have long wait times and you will see whichever doctor is available rather than the same one every time. hospitals.sg/polyclinics
Private clinics are found island-wide. Some, like International Medical Clinic
(imc-healthcare.com), also offer paediatrics and other services.
If you need a hospital, you can choose between public hospitals (like Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital and KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital), or private hospitals like Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles or Raffles. All have Accident and Emergency departments. The public hospitals are generally larger and may have more specialists available, but wait times can be longer.

Check Out: Geylang

1. Geylang Fire Station
29 Paya Lebar Road 409005
Marked for conservation in 2007 this Art-Deco gem proudly stands sentry at the street corner it served for 73 years. Eventually renamed the Paya Lebar Fire Station it’s the second oldest fire station in Singapore after its multicoloured big brother on Hill Street. Last occupied by a fitness centre it’s currently available for commercial lease.

2. Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery
1 Engku Aman Turn 408528
pa.gov.sg/our-network/wisma-geylang-serai/facilities
One of the National Heritage Board’s newest cultural galleries opened in January 2019, providing a wealth of information about the origins of Singapore’s oldest Malay enclave. It occupies part of the sprawling Wisma Geylang Serai community centre, which also houses a handful of Asian restaurants and shops. Its neighbour, the Geylang Serai Wet Market is one of Singapore’s largest and most vibrant markets.

3. Former Queen’s Theatre
Back in the 1930s when a dollar could buy you a cinema ticket, moviegoers flocked here to watch their first Charlie Chaplin film. Originally called Wembley Cinema and then Ritz Cinema, it also featured Malay, Indonesian, European and sometimes Egyptian movies. Its last screening was in 1982.

4. Don Lechon
Grandlink Square, 511 Guillemard Road 399849
facebook.com/donlechonsingapore
A quaint little corner restaurant with alfresco dining by the Kallang river, this dining destination has grown to expand its market beyond its Filipino clientele. Come here for a serving of their house specialty, “lechon”, which means roast suckling pig in Tagalog, something most Filipinos can’t prepare themselves at home because, well, not everyone has a roasting pit and five hours to kill.

5. JB Ah Meng
534 Geylang Road 389490,
6741 2418
facebook.com/pages/JB-Ah-Meng
Ever since this zi char (home-style Chinese) restaurant earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand stamp in 2016 it’s attracted a queue of waitlisters outside. Its rooms are wallpapered with photos of the owner and his celebrity guests – from Spanish Michelin chef Ferran Adria to American comedienne Melissa McCarthy. Service is not the friendliest but don’t take it personally. Their goals are to be fast, efficient and fresh from 5.30pm-2am! Don’t miss the house specialties – White Pepper Crab and San Lou Bee Hoon, a seafood dish with crispy rice vermicelli. Call ahead to book a table.

6. Eng Tiang Huat cultural shop
10 Lorong 24A 398524
facebook.com/chineseculturalshop
Prepare to meet one of the nicest, most interesting locals around, plus his friendly giant dog, Hugo. Jeffrey is a 33rd generation Teochew whose charming pre-war shophouse is a literal treasure trove of stories from Old Singapore. Learn how his grandfather, a humble tailor, secretly supported the less fortunate, and how a prediction that the old man would die twice came true! Touch an ancient tapestry. Leaf through handwritten artefacts. Take part in an impromptu Peking opera ensemble. Entrance fee is $10 for ANZA members with a minimum of 10 guests per visit.

7. The Panic Room
311A Geylang Road 389350
thepanicroom.com.sg
Ironically, this curious little barbershop is run by a laid-back bunch of blokes whose passion is to keep customers pampered and refreshed as well as well-coiffed. Don’t mind the tattoos. They are Jedis with scissors. And their shelves hold a plethora of grooming products for the ultimate Dude’s Day, including Uppercut Deluxe from Down Under. Vinyl records sold separately. Book ahead.

8. Munch Munch
371 Guillemard Road 399779
facebook.com/sgmunchmunch
Shuffle back to 1980s Singapore with a colourful sampling of sweets, treats and traditional toys. This corner store aims to recreate the old school feel of Mama shops (“Mama” meaning uncle in Tamil), where Indian men sold sundries in kiosks underneath HDB buildings. Items on the shelf may not all be familiar. (Care for a butter cigarette stick?) Leave with a mouth full of Magic Rocks and a game of five-stones in your pocket.

9. SSVP Shop
501 Geylang Road 389459
ssvpshop.sg
The neighborhood’s newest thrift store carries a well-curated collection of unique finds. Before you hit the racks, say hello to the sunny gaggle of volunteers that restock them. They are parishioners of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, a lay Catholic organisation that began in 19th century France and came to Singapore in 1951. Proceeds of their sales support some 3,000 FINS or “friends in need”- underprivileged children, migrants, and elderly folk. Retail therapy that’s good for the soul and the pocket.

10. Desmond’s Creation
(Sik Bao Sin)
592 Geylang Road 389531
facebook.com/pages/Desmonds-Creation
Another Michelin favourite, this Bib Gourmand eatery was on the 2019 list. With only one chef in the kitchen (himself!) owner Desmond Chia is unapologetic about the waiting time (as long as an hour and a half) and the menu (only 13 items), which includes Sweet and Sour Pork, Steamed Pork with Salted Fish, Ginger Chicken and Tofu Prawns. Quality trumps quantity on his turf. That said, reservations are allowed only for groups of 10 or more.

ANZA Magazine January/February 2020

Continue

What’s On: Jan-Feb

8 – 19 Jan
Singapore Fringe Festival
Various locations
The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival is an annual arts festival of thought-provoking theatre, dance, music, visual arts and mixed media by international and local artists. This year’s theme is “My Country and My People”. singaporefringe.com

Light to Night comes to the Civic District

10 – 19 Jan
Light to Night Festival
Civic District
This year’s festival takes on the theme “Invisible Cities”, drawing inspiration from the novel by Italian writer Italo Calvino. Visitors can contemplate literature as they enjoy artworks that evolve from day to night.

17 Jan
Bon Iver – Live In Singapore
The Star Theatre
Bon Iver is an American indie folk band founded in 2006 by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. The iconic indie outfit from Eau Claire, Wisconsin will be showcasing their unique sound, and songs from their recently released fourth album, titled i,i. Tickets from $89, Sistic.

SMBC Singapore Open

16 – 19 Jan
SMBC Singapore Open
Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club
The SMBC Singapore Open returns with some of the world’s top golfers. England’s Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson from Sweden and American Matt Kuchar – the gold, silver and bronze medallists respectively at the Rio 2016 Olympics – are the star players in this US$1 million event. Tip: kids under 12 can watch the event for free. smbcsingaporeopen.com

Chingay Parade 

31 Jan – 1 Feb
Chingay Parade
F1 Pit Building
Chingay 2020 is themed “Colours in Harmony” – expect a dynamic, rainbow-hued showcase of Singapore’s multiculturalism and diversity. About 6,000 volunteer performers will be involved in the vibrant floats and performances, which include a flying dragon, lights, lasers, fireworks, stilt walkers and art displays. chingay.org.sg

Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts

31 Jan – 10 Feb
Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Usher in the Year of Rat with performances by Chinese artists or take your little one along to Parent-Child Workshops, designed for families to learn more about Chinese music, drama and craft. Check the website for details. esplanade.com

29 Jan – 16 Feb
Kidsfest! 2020
Victoria Theatre
Annual children’s theatre festival, KidsFest! is back with The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Stick Man by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, and Mr Men and Little Miss by Roger Hargreaves. kidsfest.com.sg

Justin Burford sings The Doors biggest hits

7 – 8 Feb
The Doors – Reimagined
Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
An orchestral concert, weaving through the songs of the revered band, The Doors – including Light My Fire, Touch Me, LA Woman, Riders on the Storm, Break on Through, and more. Bringing the collective memory of Morrison to life for this special occasion is End of Fashion frontman, Justin Burford.

Hamburg Ballet – The Lady of Camellias

21 – 23 Feb
Hamburg Ballet – The Lady of Camellias
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
The Hamburg Ballet presents one of choreographer John Neumeier’s most beloved works. This unconventional ballet performance tells the tragic tale of Marguerite, a beautiful courtesan secretly suffering from tuberculosis, whose life takes a turn when she falls in love. esplanade.com

Singapore Urban Polo 2020

22 Feb
Singapore Urban Polo 2020 – Presented by FWD Insurance
Marina Bay South
Set against the iconic Marina Bay Sands, this polo event offers a collision of sporting adrenaline and great music, as top polo players compete alongside beats from Singapore’s leading DJs. Put on oversized sunnies and get ready to stomp the divots, view some of the world’s best polo players in action and enjoy the finer things in life. Tickets at urbanpolo.com.sg

Meaningful Christmas Gifts

It’s the reaction that all gift-givers dread: the brief pause; the forced smile; the polite “oh, you really shouldn’t have”. All signs that your carefully chosen gift has missed the mark.
Buying a great Christmas gift for family and friends can be stressful and fraught with complications. How do you buy something meaningful, at a reasonable budget, that won’t eventually end up in your loved one’s regifting cupboard? Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid the emotional (and financial) embarrassment of offering an unwanted gift. What we really want when we give a gift, is for the recipient to feel a boost of happiness. So, what often ends up happening is we buy gifts that would make us happy. Or we guess at what will bring someone enjoyment. Thankfully, researchers have a great idea of what makes people truly happy; what boosts our sense of wellbeing and makes us feel good about life. This means we can take the guesswork out of great gift-giving. For gifts that will brighten someone’s day and put the ‘happy’ back into the holidays, try these tips:

Gift an experience: Studies are pretty clear about this – we are happiest when we spend money on experiences, rather than possessions. When you gift an experience, you are actually gifting a lifetime memory that won’t just boost happiness at the time of the experience, but also every time the recipient reflects back on that moment.

Make an on-behalf donation: When we are kind and generous to others, our brains reward us with a boost of wellbeing and joy. Letting someone know that you have donated to a worthy cause in their name is a great way to enhance happiness in the holidays.

Instigate a reunion: Studies show that social connection is one of the most important elements of a long, happy life. Therefore, a great gift is one that reconnects the recipient with individuals they love. Depending on your budget, you can arrange a surprise reunion, or a dinner out for the recipient and their loved ones, or simply invite ‘surprise guests’ to your festive celebrations.

Give something home-made or heartfelt: It’s impossible to overstate how important it is for us to feel that we belong; that we are seen and appreciated. It costs almost nothing to write a heart-felt letter of gratitude, or create a box full of reasons you adore someone. If you are going to give baked goods or holiday snacks, take the time to make these items yourself. This elevates these simple gifts into the realms of heart-felt human connection.
Remember, too, to be gentle on yourself and fill up your own happiness stores. It can take courage, but by offering an overdue apology or extending forgiveness to someone, you can lift your mood and enjoy a truly happy Christmas.

Kim Forrester is a holistic wellbeing author, consultant and educator.
kimforrester.net

Hotspot: Cloudstreet

Cloudstreet
84 Amoy St, Singapore 969903
6513 7868
cloudstreet.com.sg

After his casual bistro CHEEK picked up a coveted Michelin star, Chef Rishi Naleendra’s newest venture, Cloudstreet, is also a hit out of the park. We visit the contemporary fine diner on hip Amoy Street on a quieter weekday for lunch, drawn by the buzz from its recent opening.
Comfortable leather chairs at the wide chef’s counter are the perfect location for Rishi and his team to interact with us about the menu and wine pairings. We also get a front row seat to all the action from the plating section, watching the deft chefs work their magic on a series of thoughtful, carefully-presented dishes.
Diners can choose from five or seven courses at dinner, (with a few special extra bites) and three or five courses during lunch. Keen to take our time and explore the menu, we opt for five courses, which begins with a smooth mussel mousse, served between crackers cleverly made to look like black shells. Next is a Grilled Oyster, drizzled with fresh coconut milk, betal leaf oil, and pearls of tart, pink finger lime.

Grilled Oyster, drizzled with fresh coconut milk, betal leaf oil, and pearls of tart, pink finger lime. 

We nibble on a side plate of Singapore Stout and Liquorice Bread, a dense rye bun, glazed with molasses, spread with lashings of house-whipped French butter and salt. We move onto Sicilian Red Prawn, accompanied by salted tomato and olive oil, and a couple of delightful small bites – a ball of Beetroot and Smoked Goats Cheese, with a coating of puffed rice, and a dollop of Goats Milk, floating in fermented watermelon juice.
The standout dishes use Sri Lankan flavours – the crunchy duck roti, and the Sri Lankan Curry of King Crab and Tamarind, served with a cup of aromatic coconut broth are both on point. Grilled Lamb, Young Jackfruit and Mint is a successful interpretation of Rishi’s Sri Lankan and Australian influences, while the final Vegemite on Toast petit four is a lovely nod to the land down under.

Throughout the meal, Manuela Toniolo, Rishi’s delightful Australian wife and restaurant partner, offers insights into the drink’s menu – which includes 350 natural and classic style wines from around the world. Cloudstreet has a strong focus on wine pairings, and we let Manuela guide us from tart sparklings to crisp whites, bold reds and a sweet finish – every glass the perfect match for Rishi’s incredible food.

Verdict: This showcase of thoughtful, expressive dishes blends the very best of Australian and Sri Lankan flavours, with creativity, flavour and flair. Service here is immaculate and the overall experience is something very special.

Did you know? Cloudstreet is named after the 1991 novel by Australian writer Tim Winton, which chronicles the lives of two working-class families, the Pickles and the Lambs. It was the recipient of a Miles Franklin Award in 1992. Chef Rishi has a signed copy!

10 Facts About CATS

Photo: Stephen Frak

1. CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. It premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.

2. The catchy musical score, composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, is based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, published in 1939. It tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles.

3. Coming in just behind The Lion King, CATS is the fourth longest-running Broadway show.

4. The original Broadway production used yak hair for the feline’s luxurious wigs … more than 1300 kilos of it!

5. The show is performed entirely in song.

6. CATS has toured to more than 30 countries, been performed in 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 81 million people worldwide.

7. The musical has been the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

8. The entire set is made to appear two to three times larger than the feline performers.

9. On 26 December, a much-anticipated film adaptation of the musical will hit theatres starring James Corden as Bustopher Jones, Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat, Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, and Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots. Early public reactions to the movie trailer, and special effects have been mixed.

10. Memory, sung onstage by Grizabella, is one of the show’s most popular tunes, and it’s been recorded by more than 150 artists, including Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Susan Boyle, Liberace, and Barry Manilow.

** Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS comes to Singapore this December and January. Expect incredible musical performances, a junkyard setting, and wild cat costumes, as Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks gather for the annual Jellicle Ball. Tickets from $50, Sistic.

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