Singapore’s celebrated cocktail bar, 28 HongKong Street, is turning up the creativity with its latest menu launch, DR-INK! This exciting new offering features a collection of 12 signature cocktails inspired by the unique artistry of local tattoo artists. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this new menu an unmissable experience.
DR-INK! is more than just a menu – it’s a visual and sensory celebration of Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry. Each cocktail is crafted in collaboration with four renowned local tattoo artists: Ocean Tattoos, Honest Bob Tattoo, Clifford Wong, and Of Gods and Monsters. Their artwork, reflecting personal and cultural narratives, is the muse for these imaginative drinks.
Signature Cocktails to Savor
River City Paloma: Inspired by Ocean Tattoo’s depiction of Singapore’s urban-nature interplay, this cocktail blends Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, Avallen Calvados, tomato shrub, and citrus, topped with grapefruit soda and a touch of salinePetals, Pincers and Parallels and Samsui Synthwaveby Clifford Wong (from L – R): A visually stunning cocktail with Brass Lion Singapore Dry & Butterfly Pea Gin, lemongrass cordial, Mancino Bianco vermouth, citrus, and tonic, paired with Clifford Wong’s orchid crab artwork; Paying homage to the samsui women, this rich mix includes Matcha Ilchiko Shochu, Horchata liqueur, Amaro Lucano, coconut milk, and egg whiteFemme Fatality: A nod to the rising influence of female bartenders, this drink combines Greater Than Gin, chrysanthemum, absinthe, Benedictine, and honey vermouth, adorned with a homemade lollipop
Innovative Menu Design
Presented in a luxurious faux-leather bound menu, DR-INK! offers a ‘speed’ summary of the new cocktails, followed by detailed descriptions and the corresponding tattoo artwork. Each page provides intuitive symbols for the Alcohol By Volume (ABV), key flavor profiles, and recommended glassware, making it easy for guests to choose their perfect drink.
Head Bartender Tamaryn Cooper, who curated this menu, emphasizes the deep connection between cocktail culture and tattoo artistry. “Celebrating Singapore’s tattoo artistry through cocktails felt like a great way to pay homage to the amazing world-class bars and bartenders in this city today,” she says.
Final Thoughts
28 HongKong Street continues to push the boundaries of cocktail innovation with DR-INK!, blending artistic expression and mixology mastery. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a unique night out, this new menu offers an immersive experience that celebrates the creativity and spirit of Singapore.
Located behind an unassuming façade at 28 Hongkong Street, this bar is open from 5 PM to midnight daily. For reservations and more information, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.
This July, BACARDÍ®, the world’s most awarded rum, is bringing the heat with its annual Rum Month celebration, inviting everyone in Singapore to join in the fun and sip on classic BACARDÍ cocktails. With over 50 participating bars and a series of exciting events lined up, there’s no better time to raise a glass and enjoy the spirit of summer.
BACARDÍ Rum Month kicks off with a bang, featuring three international cocktail days dedicated to their most beloved drinks:
International Piña Colada Day on 10 July
International Mojito Day on 11 July
International Daiquiri Day on 19 July
Celebrate these days by enjoying these classic cocktails and innovative twists at various bars around Singapore.
Event Highlights
Guest Shifts at Neon Pigeon and Origin: Experience guest shifts from renowned bar teams like Shanghai’s The Odd Couple and Bangkok’s Lost in Thaislation.
Mojito Day Party at Jungle Ballroom: On 11 July, join the ultimate summer party featuring Head Bartender Adrian Besa and an all-female lineup of top bartenders from ATLAS, Employees Only, Ola Beach Club, and more. Enjoy signature Mojitos and dance to tropical beats.
Yardbird’s Soul of Miami Party: On 20 July, revel in the vibrant atmosphere with exciting mixology and lively entertainment.
Tiki Bash at MO BAR Singapore: On 27 July, get tropical with a live band and three specially crafted cocktails celebrating Rum Month.
Continuing the Celebration
The festivities extend into August with even more events:
Bangkok’s Dry/Wave Cocktail Studio at Offtrack: Enjoy innovative rum cocktails from 1-2 August.
Native Welcomes Penang’s Backdoor Bodega: Experience an ultimate evening of BACARDÍ rum cocktail creativity.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of BACARDÍ and enjoy the best of summer cocktails. Visit participating bars and soak up the Caribbean vibes with delicious drinks in hand.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to celebrate summer, BACARDÍ Rum Month offers an array of exciting events and delicious cocktails. Gather your friends, join the festivities, and make this July one to remember. Cheers to the spirit of adventure and tropical good times!
For more information on BACARDÍ Rum Month and to book events, visit the BACARDÍ website. Stay updated with the latest news by following BACARDÍ on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Get ready to see Singapore in a whole new light with Bombay Sapphire’s exciting new campaign, “Saw This Made This.” The innovative initiative blends art and mixology (how about that!), inviting you to discover the creative inspiration that lies within Singapore’s iconic landmarks and vibrant bar scene.
The campaign launched on 11 June 2024, launched a creative call-to-arms with their global campaign. It saw Eight of Singapore’s top bars crafting a unique set of cocktails inspired by famous local landmarks, creating a visual and culinary feast for the senses.
Featured Bars and Cocktails
Here’s a sneak peek at a couple of the bars and their landmark-inspired cocktails:
Flight Of Nostalgia inspired by Park View by bartenders Christopher Foo and Shadrach Shan, ATLAS BarThe 1979 reimagined by the Dragon Playground by Nazri Zurimi, Sago HouseFlowing Still reimagined by the ArtScience Museum by Jimmy Kok, Elephant Room
Other cocktails include reflections of the Singapore Flyer, Raffles Hotel, Gardens by the Bay, Esplanade, and Merlion at prominent bars like the Writers Bar at Raffles Hotel, Employees Only, and more.
For the next three months, these creative cocktails will be available at the participating bars. Each drink, a masterpiece on its own, is inspired by the landmarks that define Singapore’s skyline. This collaboration also features stunning visuals by local photographers Yik Keat and Wei Ping, capturing the essence of these landmarks and the resulting cocktails.
Maria Kim, Trade Ambassador for Bacardi, emphasizes that this campaign aims to inspire everyone to find beauty and creativity in everyday moments. “With the ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign, we hope to inspire people to see the world in a new light and unleash their own creativity,” she says.
As renowned filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, the Creative Director of the global campaign will have it “creativity lies within us all. Indeed, it does.
Don’t miss out on the exciting showcase of incredible creativity within Singapore’s bar scene, and visit the participating bars and have an intoxicating evening today!
Southeast Asia is a treasure trove of beautiful destinations. Apart from the common haunts most of us know and love, did you know there’s some lesser-known gems to see without breaking the bank? From stunning beaches to bustling cities and serene islands, there’s something for each traveler. In this guide, we’ll cover ten of the best and most affordable places to visit in Southeast Asia.
The land of smiles sure has plenty of hidden spots lying around, and Hua Hin is one of them. A charming coastal town in Thailand, Hua Hin offers a perfect medley of beaches, markets, golf courses, and historical sites. It’s known for its beautiful vineyard too. Located hours away from bustling cities, this laidback town provides an atmospheric landscape at every turn. Remember to check out the popular night markets, indulge in plenty of fresh seafood, and head over to nearby parks to make it an enjoyable destination.
Another coastal city that will hit the spot is Nha Trang. Located approximately an hour and a half away from Ho Chi Minh City, this quaint Vietnamese city which bears close resemblance to Miami’s South Beach, is renowned for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Naturally, it’s an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving due to its divine coral reefs. Adding to the city’s charm, it’s also home to the Vinpearl Amusement Park and the Po Nagar Cham Towers (think a smaller version of the Ang Kor Wat). Nha Trang is also filled with plenty of budget-friendly accommodations and eateries.
Did you know Malaysia is filled with a plethora of beautiful islands? Rawa Island, a small coral island off the east coast of Malaysia, is one of them. Loosely dubbed the hidden paradise, Rawa Island is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Like many Malaysian islands, it is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities on top of resting your mind, body and soul. The island offers a serene escape with limited but cozy accommodations, making it the ideal getaway spot for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
Can’t get enough of Malaysia? Why not head over to Tawau – located in Sabah, a state that’s on the northern portion of Borneo in the region of East Malaysia. Escape to Tawau for its stunning natural attractions like the famous Tawau Hills Park which is great for hiking and exploring waterfalls. The city is also known for its seafood and cocoa, making it a culturally-rich destination.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang is known for its well-prrsevered architecture, beautiful temples, and calm atmosphere. Despite being a lesser-known destination hot spot in Southeast Asia, expect to do a wide range of things here. First, be sure to head over to the local markets to get some shopping done, then make your way to UXO Laos Visitor’s Center to check out real-life bombies on display. After that, climb up a scenic, steep 329 step staircase to make your way up the sacred hill of Luang Prabang – Mount Phousi. Be sure to add other sights like the Pak Ou Caves, Kuangsi Waterfalls, and Tad Sae Waterfall to your list.
Embrace the island life at Cambodia’s premier beach destination, Sihanoukville. Offering a relaxed vibe and stunning beaches, you can also get on an island-hopping tour and head over to Koh Rong or partake in other water activities like snorkeling or diving. If you’re a budget traveler, this is the perfect destination for you!
Welcome to Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar and home to thousands of temples and pagodas. If you’d like to strengthen your spirituality whilst traveling, this is the place for you. Expect to find stunning landscape and historical significance where you can bring back a wealth of knowledge from this fascinating destination. You can opt to explore the temples by bike, horse cart, or even hot air balloon. The must-visit destination is generally considered safe for tourists to visit amidst ongoing political issues.
We can’t forget about Yogyakarta, can we? Home to the breathtaking Borobudur and Prambanan temples, Jogja (as its often referred to as) is in the cultural heart of Indonesia. Apart from its historical sites, you’d also enjoy a vibrant traditional arts and street food scene. The affordable city is slapped with plenty of fun and cultural activities.
Don’t sleep on Vientiane, the capital of Laos found along the Mekong River. Vientiane is popular for its French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and vibrant night markets – an excellent spot for exploring Laotian culture. This city has a thriving night scene, is filled with plenty of outdoor activities for the adventurous souls, and comes with a variety of local delicacies to sink your teeth in.
Haven’t gotten enough of Vietnam, yet? Enter Da Nang, a sleepy coastal city with a luxury vibe. Unlike Nha Trang, which has a consistent weather throughout, Da Nang is actually warm and cold. How does that work? Well, the higher you go to the Marble Mountains and Golden Bridge the colder it gets, and if you decide to remain by the beach, you get to bask in the Sun and its warmth by the sea. Do remember to pack a windbreaker as you head on up to the Golden Bridge (situated 1,400 meters above sea level) via the Ba Na Cable Car – which holds the world record for “longest non-stop single track cable car”.
Final Thoughts
There’s more to Southeast Asia than meets the eye, especially when it comes to affordable travel destinations that offer diverse experiences. Despite there being only 10 on this list, you best believe there’s actually more in each country waiting for you to source them out. It’s time for you to get out of your cave and start exploring these picturesque spots for your next trip!
Ask anyone in Singapore and they will tell you that Chicken rice is an iconic dish here. Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, each area in the city has its own renowned spots for this delectable meal. Think fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, succulent chicken meat with crispy roasted skin, a bowl of warm, hearty soup paired with spicy, homemade chilli. The sheer thought of the dish is enough to make us drool at our desks. If you, like us, are huge fans of chicken rice, here is a list of best chicken rice stalls in each area.
Let’s begin with the best side of the lot, the East. Honestly, there’s more than one stall that serves exceptional chicken rice. But the winner, for us, will have to be Bruce Lee Chicken Rice. This hidden spot in East Coast Road will get you going back for more. Although a tad bit unconventional, an order of roasted chicken rice will get you a plate of chicken coupled with a medley of vegetables (bean sprouts, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and braised tofu) doused in a secret savoury sauce. It also comes with an unlimited serving of achar! And in true Bruce Lee fashion, the chilli here packs a punch and will surely get you screaming for waataah!
Where: 396 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428994
North Side
Another household name is Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice. This stall has been a staple in the North for years. Known for its flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked, aromatic rice, the stall draws crowds from all over the island. But is it worth traveling down to the North for? You bet it is. They have also branched out over several areas, where the remain consistent in quality to give people what they want. You can expect tender and moist chicken, and a serving that’s full of robust flavor! The chicken rice here also comes with a tiny side of achar. Be sure to get to the original stall early to avoid a long queue.
Where: Blk 1, 925 Yishun Central, #01-249,
Photo Credits: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
South Side
On to the South we have Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Also known as the late Anthony Bourdain’s favourite joint. Located at Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian is known for their juicy chicken and rice that’s chock full of flavor. A bowl of soup, chilli and ginger paste are provided here, making it the perfect accompaniments to your chicken rice experience. Don’t believe men? This stall’s long queues are a testament to its quality and reputation.
Where: 1 Kadayanallur St, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184
West Side
Finally, we have the West Side. Admittedly, this is an area that’s less frequented by many. And tucked away in this ulu area, we have Hoe Kee Kitchen located in Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre. Known for its steamed chicken rice, Hoe Kee Kitchen was also included in the Michelin Guide Singapore with a Michelin Plate in 2023. It’s also famous for its affordable price, at only $2 per plate. Despite its official closing time of 6pm (as listed on Google), they are notorious for selling out by late lunch time, with a queue sometimes forming before their official opening hours of 10am. Talk about a hit!
Where: Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre, #01-39, Blk 505, Jurong West Street 52, Singapore 640505
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the East, North, South, or West of Singapore, you can find top-notch and highly raved about chicken rice stalls that do justice to the nation’s unofficial national dish. Each stall offers a unique take on this classic meal, making your trip down worthwhile. It wasn’t easy narrowing down one stall from each area, but we did it. However, we do understand that taste is subjective so don’t come for us if you feel like any of the stalls above aren’t the best that Singapore has to offer!
“There’s nothing to do in Singapore,” is something we hear far too often. However, contrary to popular belief, she isn’t that boring and has a slew of events hiding under her belt. You have to look for the exciting things in the right place. From vibrant festivals to immersive exhibitions, there’s no shortage of fun-filled activities to fill your weekend. Check out this guide to know more.
Are you a fan of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2? If so, this will be a treat for you (and the kids, of course)! Bask in the 10th edition of the Gardens by the Bay Children’s Festival, where everyone can immerse themselves in the world of wonder. The festival includes an outdoor carnival with large-scale installations, interactive activities, and themed play areas. That’s not all, your inner moody self can hang out at the Mood Swings – an area to swing the moodiness away and transition to a joy(ous) self, and hop over to the doodle wall after. This is the perfect way to have fun and learn at the same time!
You don’t have to be a fan of lights to head on over to i Lights Singapore 2024. This year’s festival includes innovative installations made from eco-friendly materials, creating a stunning visual spectacle around the Marina Bay area. Don’t miss the i Light Forum at Millenia Walk, where you can engage with artists and learn about the concepts behind their out-of-this-world creations too.
Is your tummy always rumblin’ and eardrums always beatin’? Check out GastroBeats 2024 for a culinary and musical extravaganza. This lively festival features an eclectic mix of food stalls, live music, and engaging activities. Enjoy a variety of delectable dishes from local and international vendors whilst grooving to stage performances by talented artists. If you’re a foodie and a music lover, this one’s definitely for you!
Kanpai! If you love all things Japanese or alcohol, make your way down to Sake Festival Singapore 2024. An event that offers a wide selection of sakes from various regions of Japan, provides an excellent opportunity for both novices and connoisseurs to explore and appreciate. Enjoy sake tastings, sumptuous food pairings, and insightful talks from sake experts.
5. Celebrate Donald Duck’s 90th Birthday at VivoCity
Have a quackin’ good time at Donald Duck’s 90th birthday at a Mickey and Friends-themed event at Vivocity this weekend. The event includes interactive games, photo opportunities with life-sized installations, and exclusive Disney merchandise. It’s definitely made for Disney fans of all ages.
Still think Singapore’s boring? Offering a plethora of events and activities, Singapore definitely aims to please. Especially for the weekend. So whether you’re (not) getting blinded by the lights or reliving your childhood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned for the next weekend guide to help you plan your weekend right!
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