CHAITIME: CHAI IS THE NEW CHA
I love masala chai (Indian spiced milk – flavoured with cardamom, ginger, black pepper and cinnamon - mixed with black Assam tea) and usually go to Little India to get my fix. Now I don’t have to: Chaitime has opened in Shenton Way and is the first chai cafe here in Singapore. Sleek, stylish and ‘coffee-barish’ in feel, there are even vintage chairs to sit in. This brave move is the brainchild of an ex-commodities broker who perhaps feels – like I do – that once you’ve had a good chai, you remember it and come back for more. It’s not something that you can replicate in your own home (like say tea or coffee), there is more to it. The lattes are made from a retro-fitted espresso machine and their signature brew is the Spice Masala Chai ($5.80) is purportedly less rich and heavy than the average masala chai which is what I am probably used to. What is great is that these guys leave out the sugar (you can add it yourself) which I have never heard of before.
Chaitime, 8 Shenton Way
T: (+65)6423 1155
(Image courtesy of The Wall Street Journal Online)
TIM HO WAN: DIM SUM FRESH FROM HONG KONG
It’s been much anticipated but has now the one starred dim sum joint from HK has finally arrived here in Singapore two days ago (10th April). It’s nestled in the new wing Plaza Singapura has been busy creating and you will find me there this Saturday, or maybe, on reflection, having assessed the size of the opening day queue (above) in a few Saturdays time. A lot of staples will make up the menu (their much raved about char siew pau and rice rolls) as well as a few dishes uniquely crafted just for us. Mak Kwai Pui won’t be in the kitchen but he best mate will be who used to helm the Chinese restaurant over at the Marriott Hotel. There’s a rapid expansion planned, with five more restaurant set to open up before the end of the year.
Tim Ho Wan, Plaza Singapore, The Atrium@Orchard, #01-29A
(Image courtesy of Tim Ho Wan)
DRINK IN UNAPOLOGETIC OLD-SCHOOL STYLE
The Vintage Room is a new Duxton gem. A bar rather than a restaurant, the vibe and decor is vintage/second hand/old/expensive – delete as applicable. Come here to quaff grown up tipples, there are over 22 types of champagne on the list, as well as specially crafted cocktails. Food comes in the form of nibbles: small bits and plates for sharing including the ‘vintage’ croque monsieur. Love it!
The Vintage Room, 37 Duxton Hill
T: (+65) 6690 7565
(Image courtesy of The Vintage Room)
IT’S NOT NEW…BUT IT IS CLEVER
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OUTLETS : THEY MAY NOT BE BICESTER VILLAGE, BUT THEY ARE A START!
Mico is the designer outlet you’ve been scouring the island to find. Except it’s tiny and not at all what you expected. It stocks great labels (classic Missoni mini dresses at $200 anyone?) and is worth a monthly rummage. Labels include Vanessa Bruno, Stella, Chanel (yes – really), Lanvin, Dior and more…all priced at around $220-280. A treasure trove, but you have to be prepared to hunt and pass up some shockers on the way.
Mico, Great World City (#01-10), Kim Seng Promenade
T: (+65) 6733 7638
Opening Times: 10.30am-10pm daily
I’M WUYAGEGE is also worth a rummage, it’s on Haji Lane and stocks labels that are actually from current collections but wildly discounted (compared to what you’d pay if you went to a ‘proper’ shop/boutique). Do your homework and go to both.
I’m Wuyagege, 67 Haji Lane
T: (+65) 6396 7079
Opening Times: 12.30pm-8.30pm Mon-Sat
