Living an authentic expat life in Singapore goes beyond venturing to Orchard Road and having a favourite hawker centre. In part two of our three-part series over Chinese New Year where we meet expats who are truly embracing the local culture, we talk to Deborah McKellar to talk about how the red dot inspires her art and business.
“I mix an Asian subject matter with a South African perspective”
Deborah McKellar is the founder of Talking Textiles, an art and design studio producing artworks and textiles for interior spaces. She’s originally from South Africa and moved to Singapore 20 years ago.
Deborah’s art looks at what’s precious to the island
Please tell us the history ofTalking Textiles … I started the business fourteen years ago in Singapore after studying a Masters in Textile Design in Sydney. When I was in Australia, I noticed lots of independent design studios there but very few in Singapore. I felt there was a gap in the market and thought it would be fun to develop my own art and design studio.
How soon did your surroundings influence you? Straight away. I was fascinated by my new environment, which I found really exotic and completely different to South Africa. I started embracing local life by including everyday Asian subject matter into my artworks right from the start, such as oil paintings of a typical Chinese rice bowl. Today, Singapore is at the core of Talking Textiles which shares stories of its unique culture and heritage, and looks at what’s precious to the island.
Which parts of the local culture are you particularly drawn to? The most obvious would be the shophouses and black & white bungalows. However, I also play with the stories of Singapore seen through motifs and objects around us. Images such as grains of rice, Chinese paper cut outs, dragons and phoenixes, tropical foliage, and chicken rice recipes, have all impacted my work.
Tell us about one of your pieces … Everton Road tells stories from the Blair Plain conservation area which has a rich Chinese heritage reflected in the architectural details. You can see green ceramic Chinese roof tiles and the beautiful details of the mosaic phoenix. Chinese lanterns dance on a string, adding a festive feel. The bright colours of the kueh (traditional sweets) are mimicked in the silk of the fabric cut-out dragons. As is characteristic to this area, I’m embracing local life by adding cheerful Peranakan tiles border the artwork.
From where else do you get ideas for your work? Visuals from home decor magazines, Pinterest and Instagram. My South African roots also help me to interpret the Asian subject matter in an autonomous way. There’s a certain rawness and use of textures, seen in my mixed-media, which has strong links to the visual style in South Africa. The general look in Singapore is more streamlined. It’s this mix of an Asian subject matter with a South African perspective and interpretation that I like to think gives my art a unique aesthetic.
The most romantic day of the year is fast approaching, which means it’s time to get in the mood for love and a meal as date night is on! Whether you want to celebrate your relationship with your significant other, your best mate, or your group of friends (Galentine’s Day is a thing, you know), it’s a great excuse to feel a bit warm and fuzzy and to show someone you care. Here’s where to head for Valentine’s Day Meals & Deals in Singapore this year.
Dine under the stars on delicious Middle Eastern fare at Shabestan
Shabestan
Food is the language of love and Shabestan has it in spades! First off, the lovely twinkly location by the water on Robertson Quay is already set up for romance under the stars. Secondly, their special Valentine’s menu of Persian fare certainly pulls out all the stops. Specially curated for filling hearts and bellies, the 5-courses begin with an amuse bouche accompanied by a refreshing pomegranate salad and fresh beetroot hummus, followed by Egyptian-style charcoal grilled meatballs. The wow-factor, however, is down to the Persian Platter, a veritable smorgasboard of lamb kubideh, chicken masti, prawn and fish kebabs served with Javaher rice. All dishes come in generous portion sizes, and are easy to share making dining an intimate and fun affair. The Rose Cheesecake is reminiscent of light Turkish Delight and as sweet as the person you’re sharing the meal with.
everything about Butcher’s Block at Raffles Hotel Singapore will get you swooning. Pic credit: Butcher’s Block
Butcher’s Block, Raffles Hotel Singapore
For an avant-garde wood-fire culinary experience this Valentine’s Day 2022, head to Butcher’s Block. Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao will serve up a multi-course dining experience beginning with Wagyu Tartare and a glass of Champagne BillecartSalmon Brut Réserve NV, followed by a selection of signatures including meats, seafood, vegetables from around the world such as Baby Corn, Smoked Bluefin Tuna Otoro Sashimi, and Australian Wagyu Striploin. Leave room for the Hibiscus Baked Mocha.
Address: 328 North Bridge Road, #02-02 to #02-07, Raffles Arcade, 188719
Date nights: 12 – 14 February 2022
Price: S$278++ per person | Tailored wine pairing available at an additional S$158++
Let Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse steal a bit of your heart this V-Day
Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse
Thirty Six Brewlab & Smokehouse is the ideal location for a chill night with your loved one(s) in a sophisticated gastro-pub style setting. Executive Chef XR has created a set menu with premium ingredients. The Wild Mushroom Soup is made from scratch and peppered with black truffle shavings and edible gold, while the Lobster Thermidor is made with live Boston lobster set on angel hair pasta. There’s also the Tuna Tartare and sharing dessert platter of Rose Cheesecake Chocolate Rocky Road, and Mixed Berries. Go inside to keep it cosy, or choose outdoor seating for a more lively al-fresco meal.
Featuring an exclusive preview of Chef Kurt Sombero’s (ex-Head Chef of Meatsmith Little India) brand-new dining concept ahead of its opening, Smoke & Mirrors has collaborated with Kubô to present a specially curated four-course menu paired with tailored cocktails for V-Day. Expect a menu featuring Sunseeker Oysters, Tuna Ceviche Tartine, braised and caramelized beef tongue, and the classic Filipino dessert, Halo Halo and a Strawberry Puff. If you don’t feel drunk on love by then, the Cupid’s Cup (Chivas 18 Years, Chivas Sherry Oak, Curaçao, Pedro Ximenez and Peat) will get your heart racing.
Address: 1 Saint Andre’s Road, #06-01, National Gallery Singapore, 178957
Spend Valentine’s Day 2022 on the beautiful rooftop of C’est La Vie. Pic credit: C’est La Vie
CÉ LA VI
Celebrate love with a skyhigh setting at the iconic rooftop destination CÉ LA VI with their Valentine’s Day Four-Course Set Dinner Menu on 14February only. Including the likes of Marinated Japanese Hamachi; Binchotan Roasted Free Range Chicken, Poached Maine Lobster and A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Striploin ( Black Truffle and Kaviari Baeri Royal Caviar are available as additional options, regular dinner on a Monday evening will never feel the same again.
Address: 1 Bayfront Avenue, Tower 3, Marina Bay Sands, 018971
Date nights: 14 February 2022
Price: S$198++ per person
Tel +65 6508 2188, or email reservation-sg@celavi.com. celavi.com
Just keep looking into one another’s eyes and you won’t realise how hight you are! Pic credit: Mount Faber Leisure
Cable Car Sky Dining
Take Valentine’s Day 2022 to the next level with dinner in a cabin on the Singapore Cable Car. From 12-14 February 2022, they’re offering a four-course Cable Car Sky Dining Valentine’s Day Set Menu. Start the evening with complimentary snacks, sip on signature cocktail Cupid’s Arrow, and dive into a special menu including American-style Lobster Tomato Cream soup, Char-grilled Beef Tenderloin and Crunchy Chocolate Tart. All accompanied by a bird’s eye view.
Zafferano promises there’ll be more food than petals. Pic Credit: Zafferano
Zafferano
Those at Zafferano are such sweethearts that they’ve created three bespoke Valentine’s Day dinner menus available from 13 February. The 5-course ‘Say Ti Amo‘ menu (S$298++ per person, early bookings at S$248++ per person), the 3-course ‘Say Ti Amo‘ menu (S$148++ per person), and the Romantic Terrace Experience (S$398++ per couple). The 5-course ‘Say Ti Amo‘ goes all out with luscious Spanish turbot and A4 Miyazaki wagyu, followed by his ‘n’ hers desserts. The Terrace Experience is more chilled with canapés and desserts, a bottle of fine wine or champagne, and a red rose for each female.
Address: 10 Collyer Quay, Level 43, Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
Enjoy fine dining with your favourite person at Jaan. Pic credit: Jaan
JAAN by Kirk Westaway
Famed for its two-Michelin-star status, JAAN by Kirk Westaway is sharing the love this February with their Valentine’s offering. This stylish set dinner begins with British snacks complemented by a glass of Krug Grand Cuvée. Then you’ll tuck into Majestic Irish Oyster with pickled cucumber, Organic Hen’s Egg with Kristal caviar and Jerusalem Artichoke, and Scottish Blue Lobster with black truffle and hispi cabbage. Expect love at first bite.
Address: 2 Stamford Road, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882
Date nights: 14 February 2022
Price: S$438++ per person | Wine pairing available at an additional S$238++ | Premium wine pairing available at an additional S$538++
Make a romantic meal of it at MONTI. Pic credit: MONTI
MONTI At 1-Pavilion
It doesn’t get much more romantic than MONTI, the crown jewel of Marina Bay. With the location and Italian flavours already prepped for passion, their 5- course dinner menu, specially curated by MONTI’s culinary cupids for Valentine’s Day, will be a winner. Dishes include Ricotta & Cage Free Yolk Ravioli, cooked with butter sage sauce, paired with spanner crab and garnished with fresh truffle; and an artisanal cut of Roasted Australian Wagyu Beef Tenderloin MB 8-9, paired with a medley of caramelised onion rings, turnip, and artichoke fritters. For those who prefer to stretch the V-Day celebrations over a weekend, check out MONTI’s Weekend Colapranzo Brunch.
Address: 82 Collyer Quay, 049327
Date nights: 13 February (brunch) and 11-14 February (5-course dinner)
Price: Brunch is priced at $88++ or $113++ per person (free flow Coffee, Tea, Juices, Soft Drinks & Mocktails) or $166++ per person (with free-flow Prosecco, Red & White Wines, selected Spirits, selected Beers). Dinner $230++pp (non-window seats) and $280++pp (window seats)
One way to create a fulfilling expat life and reap the benefits of living overseas is to embrace the rich local culture. Luckily for us, Singapore is filled with a fascinating blend of communities, behaviours and ancient traditions. In this three-part series, we meet three expats who’ve taken their love of the Lion City way beyond sampling laksa. First up, Iffy Ubby from Italy …
“My designs draw inspiration from the joy that CNY celebrations bring”
Ify Ubby moved from Italy to Singapore nine years ago. She’s the Founder, Designer & Creative Director of fashion label Olive Ankara, which produces unique apparel that fuses West African prints with Asian history.
Iffy with her new Ajo Aye (red), and Ewa Naibu (blue) fabric prints
You launched Olive Ankara in 2017. How did it come about? I moved to Singapore eight years ago as a cancer scientist. While completing my postdoctorate, I was also trying to find some African fabric for my wedding dress, and noticed the absence of African culture here. Eventually I sourced material from Nigeria to make my dress, and went on to open Olive Ankara as a way to bring African culture to Asia.
How have you brought an Asian influence into your designs? In all of my collections, I marry my Italian roots with my West African heritage and my new Asian life through pattern and colour. Take my two latest prints: Ajo Aye means ‘The Colourful Journey’ and fuses pink and red Japanese motifs with vivid Ankara styles. Ewa Naibu means ‘The Beauty Inside’ and features blue and green hues which are evocative of peacock feathers, oceans and the Japanese significance of water. However, my love of local culture is perhaps the most obvious in the styles, colours and prints of my cheongsam collection.
Tell us about your cheongsams … I started designing them in 2018. Being mindful of cultural appropriation, I talked to my local seamstresses and friends first who loved the idea, then I came up with a few different styles. I launched my first cheongsam collection in June of that year – now I create a new range each year which is more timely! For 2022 mycollection is called The Reunion Affair, and it draws inspiration from the joy, liveliness and mingling of cultures that the CNY celebrations bring.
Your designs are so unique. Please talk us through some of them … Each piece is different! Some come with mandarin collar fastenings, faux Chinese knotted buttons, big pockets, frills, puffy sleeves, or thick Asian-style belts. They’re all individually designed, but I especially like to take pre-orders so I can custom-make a cheongsam to suit personal needs and choose a fabric to match the buyer’s personality.
Pants inspired by the tradional lion dance
What are your favourite pieces in The Reunion Affair? ‘Gigi’ is a twin set of oversized shirt and high-waisted straight leg trousers – my take on the traditional ‘auntie’ outfit here. My lion dance pants, which shimmy and shake as you move in them, are influenced by the traditional Chinese Lion dance and Mu Guiying, a legendary Chinese heroine known for her martial arts. As the dance ritual is performed to bring luck, I like to think that my pants might be lucky, too!
What most inspires your work? Everything about living in Singapore motivates me. The people I meet in and out of my shop, the rituals taking place throughout the year, the nature around me in the Botanic Gardens, the energy in the markets, the water beside me as I run on the East Coast. Even the sound of the birds that intensifies around Orchard Road as the evening sets in can spark a creative idea.
What’s next for Olive Ankara? I’m very environmentally conscious and aiming to achieve zero waste by 2022. I’m almost there. Right now, 98% of my fabric is used and nothing goes to waste (the introduction of masks to everyday life really helped with this!). My new Ajo Aye and Ewa Naibu prints are my most sustainable yet, made with biodegradable natural fibres. I’m also interested in learning more about Singapore’s vibrant Indian culture for Olive Ankara, so watch this space …
The Reunion Affair is available for pre-order. Orders take approximately 2-4 weeks.
Visit the Olive Ankara showroom at #01-02, 79 Chay Yan Street, Tiong Bahru, 160079.
Nothing beats being valued and respected at the workplace. After all, work is stressful enough without it also being an unwelcoming environment that you have to spend a huge part of your time in. Besides doing wonders for the employees who work there, the company at large also benefits from staff feeling appreciated. Our friends at Pacific Prime Singapore reveal how to create an inclusive workplace environment right now.
What is inclusion at work and why does it matter?
Inclusion is a feeling of belonging in both a cultural and environmental sense. Those who feel respected and encouraged in an organisation are more likely to be loyal to the company. What’s more, they might tell their friends to join or leave your company. For a deeper dive into inclusion and other trends, download their free Global Employee Benefits Trends Report 2021.
Benefits of inclusion
A Deloitte study found that inclusive companies tend to be high-performing, and are likely to meet or even exceed financial goals. They also take the cake for being innovative.
Employees at these companies usually have high job satisfaction and a sense of wellbeing. On the flip side, staff who feel excluded have less motivation, impaired cognitive control, and may even experience physical pain in extreme cases.
3 tips to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
By building connections between team members, you help avoid any unconscious biases. Read on for three simple tips.
1. Be observant
Employees can find common interests among themselves simply by being observant. Notice a cat in the background of a Zoom meeting with your coworker? Start a conversation by paying attention to the small things.
2. Go for tried and true conversation topics
Asking about the interesting detail on their jacket or if they need a hand when you see them struggling with the printer are good examples of easy topics.
3. Team leaders can organise group activities
Icebreakers are fantastic at getting participants involved and fostering connections through activities. By believing that they’re the same, your employees will develop greater awareness and empathy towards their group members.
Looking to secure the right group insurance plan? Reach out to Pacific Prime Singapore. As experienced employee benefits specialists, they offer free plan comparisons and impartial advice. Contact them today to get a free quote.
The Lunar New Year of the Tiger 2022 will bring joy to many with its emphasis on bravery, enthusiasm and confidence. Commencing on Tuesday 1 February, Chinese New Year festivities continue for 15 days until Tuesday 15 February. While restrictions ease a little, this is also an opportune time to pay a visit to Chinatown or to celebrate at home, incorporating our own unique ways into this colourful festival, gleaned from our interactions with locals here or in neighbouring countries.
ON THE EVE On New Year’s Eve, the Family Reunion Dinner is a much-anticipated part of CNY. Set the table with colourful linen and round plates, home-decorate with auspicious red and gold touches, fill vases with chrysanthemums or potted kumquats, garlanded pussy willows (we place ours in an umbrella-stand, due to the plants’ tall stature) and bowls of mandarins which represent good luck. Complete with Chinese background music such as Teresa Teng’s emotive vocals.
Pre-dinner nuts, seeds and crisps with champagne or orange juice will tempt appetites for the traditional steamboat to follow, when diners cook their own choice of food at the table in the bubbling broth. Ingredients are taken from central platters of sliced raw meat, poultry, fish and vegetables, plus fish-balls, prawn-balls and noodles with accompanying sauces of soy and chilli. Mandarins are the main choice for dessert. Chinese tea, red wine or other colourful drinks complete the feast. This concept is ideal for being not too taxing on the host, while also creating camaraderie at the table.
ON THE DAY An “open house” is traditional on New Year’s Day of the Chinese New Year, incorporating the same decorations and snacks, both traditional and of your own interpretation. Sliced barbecued pork, groundnuts in their shells, chocolates enclosed in gold-foil, and colourful kueh (cakes) can be complemented by stuffed eggs, chilled prawns, strawberry cheesecake, lamingtons with strawberry jam centres, as well as pavlova with strawberries and bananas – all keeping to auspicious red and gold colours. Don’t forget to have ubiquitous local pineapple tarts ready to offer. Customary red date tea (simply simmering dried red dates and dried longans) sweetly binds everything together harmoniously.
IN CONCLUSION The fifteenth night of CNY celebrations, Tuesday 15 February, is known as ‘Chap Goh Mei’, and plays host to a final customary family dinner. Red lanterns are the usual decoration. Popiah is the chosen meal in our home, with everyone at the dinner table wrapping their chosen ingredients, taken from central platters, in spring roll skins. This dish may also be ordered from popiah vendors; try Qi Ji Catering (qiji.com.sg). Tang (hot soup) yuan (ball) dessert traditionally completes this meal and also the celebrations, symbolising family unity, harmony and sweetness. Tang yuan may be purchased, frozen, at supermarkets. If you prefer, substitute mandarins or pineapple tarts.
ENJOY With everyone dressed in their best, traditional hongbao (red envelopes containing money in even numbers) are prepared as gifts for children and mandarins (two is the preferred number) as auspicious gifts for adults. The exchange of offerings comes with positive expectations for the year ahead. Whichever way we choose to entertain, it’s always fun to embrace the local culture and perhaps initiate our own traditions, as we give thanks.
To one and all: “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” (“A Wish for Prosperity!”)
Born in Adelaide, Raelene Tan is an etiquette consultant and a food and travel writer. She has authored five books and has been a regular guest on radio and television.
Chances are you’ve grown very familiar with your home environment over the past year. And if you think nothing has changed inside your four walls, the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui might make you reconsider. “Every year, feng shui moves throughout your house,” explains Mae Kwan White, wellness creative and founder of Mase Lifestyle (maselifestyle.com) as we chat on my sofa in Tiong Bahru. “As it does, it spreads good and bad energy which affects the success, career, health, and relationships of those who live in that space,” she continues, “much like a living being, feng shui energy is changing and evolving constantly, just as we are.”
Former architect and interior designer Mae has come to my apartment to put her years of working with renowned Hong Kong feng shui master Chow Ho Ming, and her certified feng shui expertise into practice.
Feng shui expert Mae gives ANZA editor Jo tips on working with the good energy within her home
Mystical maths I’m initially apprehensive that Mae might tell me to remove a wall, but she assures me that is not how her personalised home readings work. “I never tell a client how to furnish their home, or suggest major structural changes,” she says. “I work out where the positive and negative chi is, and share practical tips on how to improve the balance. While you cannot change the feng shui at that time, there are things you can do to encourage a better flow until the energy moves again.”
After walking Mae through my house (and trying to draw attention away from my husband’s five – yes, five – bikes), I leave her alone to do some ‘mystical maths’.“Numerology (using numbers 1-9) pinpoints what energy is where. I merge this scientific aspect of feng shui with the layout of your space; the elements of earth, wind, water, fire and air; and my training and spiritual intuition,” she says. Here’s some tips Mae shared about my surroundings.
MAE’S VERDICT
Where the good vibes are
The best thing to do in a “good energy area” is to spend time in it and to utilise the chi. Make the space work for you so you want to physically be there:
Introduce bright flowers in bright colours such as peonies, flamingo lillies or heliconia
Bring in a fire element to positive spaces with candles
Water elements are a plus point. No space to install a waterfall? Bamboo plants work just as well
Move your desk into good energy areas if you’re working from home
Place a Himalayan Salt Lamp here and have it on constantly. Use a pink one as it represents fire (as opposed to white which represents metal)
Mirrors represent water in feng shui and are best placed in a positive energy zone
Green and blue hues also signify water and stimulate the flow of good chi
Where the bad vibes are
There will always be bad energy somewhere in your home, you just have to locate where! Once you do, it’s best not to sleep, eat, or spend much time in that area until the vibe shifts.
Something metal that is round and moves is best placed amongst negative chi. “I recommend a round metal clock. Windchimes are another option as long as they move,” says Mae
Avoid putting water, plants or flowers here – you don’t want to have anything that flourishes
Stay away from bright white light in your home, but particularly here. Stick to warm and golden glows
Beware of ‘number 5’ energy. In feng shui, it’s called ‘the misfortune star’ and considered the worst type. Explains Mae; “It’s linked to misfortunes like accidents, loss of wealth, illnesses and so on. While working as an architect, prospective homeowners would avoid anywhere with number 5 energy at the front door.”
Jo’s dog Bailey soaks up some of the good feng shui vibes
Open your windows
Cross-ventilation will increase the flow of good chi. Also, as windows represent the eyes of the inhabitants, clean your windows regularly!
Love your front door
The front door is literally and metaphorically where energy enters your home, and it can be an incredibly auspicious area. Keep it clean and clutter-free and don’t neglect it.
Where’s your bed at?
If you’re having trouble sleeping, your chi may be to blame. Avoid having doors that open directly in line with the bed, and try not to adopt the “coffin position” where your feet point towards the door. Place your headboard against a solid wall, with space on the other three sides of the bed.
Fan it out
Remember that any wall, ceiling or standing fan will increase the flow of energy whether it’s good or bad. This is great for positive areas, but not advised for negative ones.
Clear the clutter
Having too much clutter stores stagnant energy and impacts your mood. “Clutter is believed to take up valuable space that new incoming energy needs,” explains Mae. “Remove blockages – rid your rooms of unnecessary stuff and create space to bring in an abundance of health, wealth and prosperity as we bring in the new lunar year.”
I’m just building up to telling my husband and his bikes the bad news …
Chinese New Year is upon us once more, and what better way to celebrate than with a food recipe celebrating the best of CNY flavours? Our friends at Baker & Cook developed this Pineapple and Coconut Golden Galette recipe just for ANZA readers for this Lunar New Year of the Tiger. Featuring zingy pineapple, which represents wealth and good luck, this is a ubiquitous fruit during festivities and an auspicious gift for family and friends. When wrapped in pastry and glazed with apricot we think it tastes even better!
Rough puff pastry
250g bread or strong flour
1 tsp salt
220g butter
1 tsp lemon juice
150ml cold water
1. Place the flour and salt in a large bowl. Break the butter into small chunks (1cm x 1cm), add them gently to the flour, making sure not to break the pieces up.
2. Add cold water and mix until you have a dough mass. Use your hands to form a rectangle.
3. Place the dough onto a floured work surface and roll in one direction until you have a length of around 50cm x 20cm wide.
4. Keep edges straight and even. Don’t overwork the butter streaks; you should achieve a marbled effect.
5. Fold the top third of the dough down to the centre, then the bottom third up and over that. Give the dough a quarter turn (to the left or right) and roll out to the same length. Fold as before and repeat a total of three times. Cover with cling film and let it sit for at least one hour or overnight.
Creme Patisserie (make the day before)
4 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla
Zest 1 orange
250ml whole milk
50g granulated sugar
20g cornflour
1. Bring the milk, vanilla and orange zest to the boil in a saucepan. While waiting, beat the four egg yolks together with the sugar and the cornflour in a mixing bowl.
2. Pour the hot milk over the mixture while whisking the whole time.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and bring it back to simmer, whisking until it thickens. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Egg Wash
1 whole egg
1 tblsp milk
Mix together and use as required.
Apricot Glaze
100g apricot jam
4 tablespoons water
Place jam and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Strain through a sieve and brush on the tart while both the glaze and tart are hot.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Gently roll your pre-made Rough Puff Pastry dough onto a floured work surface and make a square 33cm x 33cm, ensuring a thickness of 3–4mm.
3. Cut the dough into 8cm x 11cm rectangles, using a knife to create small indents around the border for a little decoration.
4. Pipe the Creme Patisserie cream in a zigzag motion into the middle of the dough, taking care not to cross the border lines. Top with 6 pieces of canned pineapple (1 pineapple ring is cut into 4).
5. Cover the border with pre-made Egg Wash and bake in the pre-heated oven for 18–22 minutes or at least until golden.
6. Remove and cool completely.
7. Using a blow torch, gently torch the pineapple pieces then coat with the Apricot Glaze. Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and edible flowers.
“This pastry is perfect for Chinese New Year as it reminds me of the golden ingot and the pineapple fruit symbolises wealth and prosperity. The all-butter crust of this pastry is crisp and complements the sweet and juicy burst of flavour from the pineapple chunks”
– Group Executive Chef Jenna White at Baker & Cook Group
For a meal or a snack in a homely family-style atmosphere reminiscent of a local coffee-shop from times past, pop into Kueh & Mee (cakes & noodles) at heartland malls Jurong Point in the west or Northpoint City in the north.
Featured at the all-day kafe is Asian comfort food, such as the signature mee siam (rice vermicelli with a tangy sweet and sour gravy, topped with bean sprouts and fried beancurd); Malay mee rebus (yellow noodles with spicy sweet potato gravy); and curry chicken. Also, Indonesian nasi uduk, which is fragrant coconut rice with crispy chicken drumstick and savoury tempeh (fermented soybeans) accompanied by fiery sambal terasi (dried shrimp paste).
Time-honoured Indonesian kueh (cakes made with rice flour and coconut milk) tempt taste-buds with their appealing colours and shapes. Kueh lapis legit, a spice-flavoured layered cake is popular, as is ondeh-ondeh (individual sweet potato balls filled with syrupy brown sugar). Traditional local-style hot kopi and teh add to the comfortable olde worlde charm with an attractive updated modern welcome.
Verdict:Kueh & Mee beckons with a cosy setting to relax, reflect and feel refreshed.
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central
#02-22
Singapore 80317990
telephone 80317990
Northpoint City
1 Northpoint Drive
#01-167
Singapore 768019
telephone 96367990
Christmas and New Year done? It’s time to get into the spirit of Chinese New Year 2022! Whether you want to head straight into several courses of local favourites at a traditional restaurant, or take it more easy with a tasting at home, here’s some great dining in and out options to usher in the Year of the Tiger. Huat ah!
Take a pic before you pounce on Goodwood Park’s Tiger Swiss Roll
Goodwood Park Hotel
Goodwood Park Hotel presents a prosperous line up of Lunar New Year delights from 7 January to 15 February 2022. New festive creations include sweet treats such as the decadent ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Tiger Swiss Roll and an exceptionally Instagrammable Tiger Gâteau. A highlight is the Golden Fortune Bucket, a showstopper of golden coins and ingots, exuding prosperity and abundance.
Online delivery and self-collection available from 7 January. Advance order of five days required for takeaways. Last pre-order date is 10 February 2022. goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me
Tiong Bahru’s Por Kee offers no frills, but a feast full of good fortune
Por Kee Eating House
For a truly authentic experience you can always count on Por Kee, a traditional Chinese restaurant in the heart of Tiong Bahru. It’s long been voted one of the best zi char places on the island with their signature homemade beancurd, champagne pork ribs, and Thai Style Live Seabass. The indoor and outdoor eating areas are always packed with local families and expats year-round, and thanks to its enormous tables it’s ideal for reunion dinner and a memorable and hearty feast at reasonable prices.
Enjoy Yu Sheng with extra good fortune at Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Hotel Singapore is heralding the Year of the Tiger with heart-warming family reunions, auspicious gift hampers (and prosperous floral arrangements for those who are big on blooms). 藝 yì by Jereme Leung offers a set menu featuring exquisite and traditional fare such as Steamed Jasmine Rice with Chinese Goose Liver Sausages and Preserved Meats (from S$168 pp), however, what we’re really excited about are his Yu Sheng specials. This perennial favourite dish of auspicious ingredients (to toss and taste) he is available in a variety of platters such as Longevity Yu Sheng (arctic shellfish and Japanese sweet shrimps), or Prosperity Yu Sheng (tuna sashimi, Spanish Ibérico ham and honey melon). Both are available for dine- in and takeaway (also $168).
Find all the CNY classics at 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
15 Stamford by Alvin Leung
Capitol Kempinski’s signature restaurant 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung is the place to be for a sumptuous set lunch and dinner, reunion or gathering. Their 3-course Chinese New Year Set Lunch ($58++ pp) begins with Mandarin Orange Cured Salmon or Bak Kwa Toast, followed by Wild Atlantic Sardine with air-dried tomato puree and Pat Chun chicory or Braised Angus Beef Neck. Wrap it up with Spiced Persimmon. A 6-course Chinese New Year Set Dinner is also available ($168++ pp) featuring Alaskan King Crab, Korean Abalone, Scottish Lobster Dumpling, Fried Toothfish, Japanese Wagyu Beef Rib and a Pandan Nian Gao. Click here for more details.
Enjoy a sumptuous CNY feast in an elegant setting at Mimi
Mimi at The Riverhouse
Set against Clarke Quay’s storied backdrop of oriental intrigue, the 150-year-old Riverhouse is one of the only two remaining conserved Chinese mansions in Singapore – Mimi, a modern Chinese restaurant is housed on the upper floor. What better venue then, to celebrate the Year of the Tiger? Available from 22 January, the menu is a chic mix of King Prawn Ball, Crispy Wild Barramundi Fillet, 5 Spices Roasted Free Range Chicken and more. Mimi’s rendition of “everyone’s favourite bit of reunion dinners”, Yu Sheng, features a medley of pickled radishes, fried vermicelli, edible petals, fresh sashimi slices and abalone. Prices start from $288 for 4 pax.
Go sky high at CÉ LA VI where their decadent Lunar New Year Six-Course Set Dinner Menu is a head above the rest. Serving an array of contemporary Asian cuisine, the Lunar New Year feast includes Yu Sheng (of course!) alongside the likes of Hokkaido Scallop Ceviche & Clam with Baeri Oscietra Caviar; Coconut Saffron Mussel Cappuccino cooked with fragrant coriander, chilli and calamansi; fleshy Grilled King Prawns marinated in togarashi spice and drizzled with curry leaf oil; and A5 Kagoshima Wagyu Beef, asparagus, and truffle in a Kampot pepper sauce. From $398 for two. Prosperity Yu Sheng (from $48 for two pax) will also be available as an a la carte option from 10 January.
Find CÉ LA VI at 1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3, 018971. CNY offerings are available from 10 January-6 February. Reserve your table online here, by phone at +65 6508 2188 or email reservation-sg@celavi.com
Crystal Jade is all set for dining in and takeaway this year
Crystal Jade
Crystal Jade is always a guaranteed good choice for a Chinese New Year feast. For those staying at home, their Roasted Meat Platter ($68.80) offers a mixed spread of classics such as Crispy Roasted Pork Belly, Roasted Duck, Soya Sauce Chicken, Roasted Honey BBQ Pork and Jellyfish as well. Bonus: they’re sliced and ready-to-eat so completely fuss-free. If you prefer to dine out-out, you’ll find an array of exclusive Chef’s a la carte recommendations and a range of specially-crafted set menus (from $68 to $1,388) at various Crystal Jade outlets islandwide.
Din Tai Fung
To usher in the Year of the Tiger, Din Tai Fung have added the Classic Prosperity Smoked Salmon Yu Sheng ($48.80, serves 4-6) to the menu. Comprising flavourful Norwegian smoked salmon served alongside colourful and refreshing ribbons of carrots, and green and white radish. Additional ingredients included specially toasted white sesame seeds and fragrant roasted peanuts. Completing the taste is their in-house signature auspicious plum dressing that is delicately balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. A serving of Crispy Yam Strips created an added crunch.
Optional extras include Sliced Smoked Salmon (6pcs, $9.80/serving), Crispy Yam Strips ($3.80) and Fried Salmon Skins (6pcs, $4.80/serving). The Fried Salmon Skins give the Yu Sheng a deeper layer of texture and flavour. There’s also a Vegetarian Yu Sheng ($39.80, serves 4-6), which still packs in all the fortune, just without the pickled scallions and smoked salmon. Crispy Yam Strips ($3.80) are available as an added extra.
One of the many great things about Singapore is that she may be small, but she’s always striving to improve herself with offerings and opportunities for the masses. When it comes to entertainment and leisure, there’s always somewhere new to explore, or something unique to experience away from the tried and tested favourites.
We get it – after an age of restrictions it might feel like you’ve done all you can here – but have we got news for you! As part of a two part series (find the second part here), we spoke to members of the ANZA Executive Committee who revealed their Little Black Book of Red Dot moments away from the plethora of ANZA groups and activities available.
ANZA’s President Adam Martin moved to Singapore thirteen years ago. Today he lives here with wife, Mille, and three daughters Maddie, seven, Evie, four and Isabella, one.
“Kids get to see goats being milked and feed them hay”
Scale the treetops The Mount Faber trail through to Hort Park, which includes the TreeTop Walk and Henderson Wave Bridge, is a winner. There are stunning views and themed gardens, and you really feel like you’ve escaped from the city for a while. nparks.gov.sg
Down on the farm Hay Dairies is a gem for younger kids where they get to see goats being milked and feed them hay. As all of our kids were born in SG, it was an absolute treat to share this with them. You purchase hay via a vending machine (seriously!), and at least half an hour’s fun can be had as they plunder additional hay from the floor to feed to their new friends. haydairies.sg
Fly high This is not a secret, but Faber License is Singapore’s best bargain at $40 for annual cable car rides! At least monthly I’ll take the kids to the top of Mount Faber and they love it up there. Plus, the connecting ride along Sentosa is the perfect way to make an adventurous entry onto the island.
Do the Skywalk Fort Siloso Skywalk is fantastic, often overlooked, and free! You set off eleven stories high at the skywalk entry, then trek through a whole bunch of interesting WW2 bunkers, artillery and exhibits. Great for young and old! sentosa.com.sg
Stay in line The Skyline Luge Sentosa is for children aged 6+ but younger kids can be clipped in with adults. Our four year-old loves it. There are various beachside restaurants nearby where you can dine whilst the kids play in the sand and water. skylineluge.com
Hop to it Jurong Frog Farm (jurongfrogfarm.sg) is a unique and interesting experience where you can learn about frogs, pick them up and – if you’re game – try a freshly fried one!
John Nielson lives in Singapore with his wife Silvia and daughter, Trinity, 13. They’ve lived in Singapore for 11 years”
“Children love a midnight adventure when their friends are sleeping
Techie fun For some truly ‘out-there’ experiences, Sentosa’s Headrock VR, which transports you to the jungle and into crowds of crazed zombies, is a family favourite. Pretending to be a pilot on the Flight Simulator experience (singapore.flightexperience.com.sg) in a genuine Boeing 737-800 cockpit replica is lots of fun. We also love Timezone visits (timezonegames.com) for bowling, air hockey and bumper cars which are ideal when it’s raining (for kids and adults!).
Midnight bike rides Weekly rides from the East along the coast to the Marina Bay area while the air is cool and less people are around are great. We stop for drinks by the harbour, then cycle back. Children love the promise of a ‘midnight adventure’ when their friends are sleeping and enjoy the stops for refreshments, too.
Join virtual challenges We’re an active family and alongside ANZA activities, we joined the conqueror events (theconqueror.events) where you can find online virtual sports challenges. We joined to take on walking, running, cycling and swimming while in lockdown. They don’t compare to being out with groups, but are an ideal thing to sign up to as a family when restrictions are in place.
Try volunteering My daughter was in ANZA Nippers and Netball for three years. If you volunteer as a parent assistant, you get to learn a new sport yourself and become a coach. For example, you could do the bronze medallion surf life saving qualification and become a qualified surf life saver, while helping to train your kids and keeping fit yourself.
Ice cream on the rocks It’s very simple, but having an ice-cream at Sentosa port and watching the pleasure boats cruise by is a really nice shared experience for the family, and it feels grounding, too.
Which parts of the local culture are you particularly drawn to?
What’s next for Olive Ankara?
Nothing beats being valued and respected at the workplace. After all, work is stressful enough without it also being an unwelcoming environment that you have to spend a huge part of your time in. Besides doing wonders for the employees who work there, the company at large also benefits from staff feeling appreciated. Our friends at 
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Where the good vibes are
“This pastry is perfect for Chinese New Year as it reminds me of the golden ingot and the pineapple fruit symbolises wealth and prosperity. The all-butter crust of this pastry is crisp and complements the sweet and juicy burst of flavour from the pineapple chunks”
Down on the farm
Do the Skywalk
Hop to it
Midnight bike rides
