10 restaurants & cafes in Singapore that accept CDC vouchers
Here is our list of 10 restaurants and cafes in town where you can spend your vouchers.
1. Geometry Cafe
Geometry is a minimalist heartland café that has been specialising in handcrafted gelatos and desserts since 2016. All their in-house gelatos and desserts are prepared in the café. They perfect their consistency and texture with an emphasis on the right sweetness level.
Their gelatos and desserts are painstakingly handcrafted with high-quality natural ingredients made from scratch, through a combination of botanical tea fusion, meticulously sourced cocoa, nuts and natural fruits, using the cafe's recipes and production techniques.
Their Double Chocolate Gelato Pint (4-5 single scoops) (S$15.80) is a creamy and decadent dessert. It features a blend of dark chocolate gelato with semi-sweet chocolate morsels. The result is a smooth, intensely chocolatey experience with a caramelised note.
Their Bing Bong Gelato Pint (4-5 single scoops) (S$13.80) tastes like Paddlepop, a popular childhood ice cream. Paddle Pop is a brand known for its kid-friendly frozen treats, often with colourful designs. They are made with dairy milk, providing a source of calcium.
95D Henderson Road, #01-01, Singapore 154095 Daily: 12pm – 10pm | |
2. Refuel Cafe & Bakery
Refuel Cafe & Bakery is a friendly neighbourhood cafe that was first started at Bedok Reservoir. Great coffee and good food have always been our passion. Whether you are looking for a cup of coffee or some comfort food, they are always ready to fuel you up.
If you are looking for breakfast, they serve the Bacon & Pancakes (S$14.50), a classic sweet and savoury combination. The salty, crispy bacon contrasts with the fluffy, sweet pancakes. Often drizzled with maple syrup, the dish offers a mix of textures and flavours.
Alternatively, try their Croffle, Eggs & Avocado (S$16.50), which has a croissant baked in a waffle iron, topped with avocado and eggs, typically served poached or scrambled. It's a popular brunch item, combining the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant with the crispy texture of a waffle. The avocado and eggs add a savoury and satisfying smack to the meal.
744 Bedok Reservoir Road, Reservoir Village, #01-3029, Singapore 470744 +65 6448 0015 / +65 8653 2277 (WhatsApp) Daily: 9am – 9pm | |
3. Curry Cafe
At Curry Cafe, customers are greeted by the aroma of brewed coffee, the smell of freshly cooked Curry and different varieties of Asian dishes. They provide value-for-money dishes.
Their signature dish is their Curry Chicken (S$5, add on S$0.70 for Rice or Noodles), featuring chicken pieces simmered in an aromatic sauce with spices. The core of chicken curry involves cooking chicken with a blend of spices, often including turmeric, cumin and chilli peppers, alongside onions, tomatoes and other ingredients such as ginger and garlic.
If you are unable to take the heat, cool down with their Chrysanthemum Tea (S$1.20), a fragrant, herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the chrysanthemum plant, known for its light, floral flavour and cooling, soothing properties. It's a popular beverage, particularly in East Asia. The drink is often enjoyed for its potential health impacts and refreshing taste.
Admiralty Link, Jelutung Harbour Park, #01-13, Singapore 750482 +65 8688 3369 / +65 9164 0788 (WhatsApp) Tue to Fri: 9am – 9pm Sat & Sun: 8am – 8pm Closed on Mon | |
4. Drips Bakery Cafe
Drips Bakery Cafe is a cafe in Singapore that serves delicious and high-quality pastries, particularly its fruit tarts and other baked goods. Customers often praise the cafe for the exceptional quality of its food and the warm, inviting atmosphere of its Tiong Bahru venue.
Their Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart (S$13.80) sees homemade custard infused with vanilla beans, topped with the freshest fruits of the day. As they only use the freshest fruits and berries available on the day, the actual product may differ slightly from the above picture.
Their Fresh Yuzu Tart (S$11.80) features a crisp pastry crust with a bright, tangy yuzu curd. The yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, provides a unique flavour profile that's a mix of lemon, grapefruit and mandarin orange, with a fragrant, floral aroma. The curd is smooth and creamy, offering a balance of sweet and sour notes that complement the buttery crust.
82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082 +65 6222 0400 Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
71 Seng Poh Road, #01-37, Singapore 160071 +65 8733 6001 / +65 97668188 (WhatsApp) Daily: 8am – 6pm | |
5. Time Table Cafe
Time Table Cafe is a family-oriented, simple cafe with down-to-earth service and food, serving affordable Western fare. Enjoy delicious desserts and freshly brewed coffee there.
Their Pomodoro Spaghetti (S$7.50) is a simple yet classic Italian pasta dish known for its tomato flavour. It features spaghetti tossed in a sauce made using fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes. The dish is distinguished by its light and fresh taste.
Their Grilled Sea Bass Fillet (S$13.10) has a mild and slightly sweet flavour with a firm, flaky and buttery texture. The fish skin, when grilled, becomes crispy and adds a textural contrast to the tender flesh. It is a versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of flavours.
Jurong West Street 41, Block 456, #01-726, Singapore 640456 +65 6566 5088 Mon to Fri: 11am – 11.30pm Sat & Sun: 8am – 11pm (Breakfast till 11am) | |
Where to use S$300 CDC vouchers: 12 lesser-known places that accept them as payment
6. Trovato Restaurant
Trovato is a hidden gem tucked away in the neighbourhood of Jalan Selaseh in Yio Chu Kang. Don't be fooled by its appearance. The joint is a welcoming cafe by day. But at night, the eatery transforms into a laid-back and cosy contemporary Italian restaurant.
If you are looking to share food with your companions, order their Freshly Shucked Oysters (3 pieces) (S$20.90). They open and prepare the oysters before serving. They have superior taste, texture and safety compared to regular oysters. This ensures peak freshness and quality, allowing you to appreciate their briny flavour and smooth texture.
Alternatively, go with their Pepperoni Pizza (S$24.90), a classic American-style pizza characterised by a rich tomato sauce base, melted cheese and chunks of pepperoni. The pepperoni, made from cured pork and beef, has a slightly smoky, spicy and bright red appearance. When cooked, the pepperoni meat often curls up and crisps at the edges.
26 Jalan Selaseh, Singapore 808445 +65 8842 9826 Tue to Thu: 11am – 10pm Fri: 11am – 11pm Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 11pm Closed on Mon | |
7. Rangooli Restaurant
Rangooli Restaurant is a traditional North Indian joint nestled in the heart of the West Coast since the 1990s. On top of a serene and quiet ambience, the restaurant serves up authentic North Indian cuisine brought to you by their chefs who hail from Northern India.
Their Tandoori Chicken (S$15.50 for Small & S$24.50 for Large) is a popular Indian dish with a vibrant colour and smoky flavour. Their chefs usually cook it in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor. They marinate the chicken in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, then cook it at high heat. This results in a tender, flavourful dish with a slightly charred exterior.
If you prefer mutton to chicken, their Mutton Rogan Josh (S$16 for Small & S$23 for Large) is a flavourful, aromatic lamb curry of Kashmiri origin, known for its vibrant red colour and tender meat. The name, derived from Persian, translates to 'red oil' (Rogan) and 'intense heat' (Josh). They prepare it using lamb or mutton and braise it with a gravy of yoghurt, garlic, ginger and aromatic spices. They finish it with a slow-cooking technique.
For a full list of locations, opening hours & contact numbers, refer . | |
8. Chin Lee Restaurant
For a taste of genuine old-school Teochew food in the heartlands, Chin Lee Restaurant does it right. It is pretty expensive for a neighbourhood dining joint. But it would make a great place for birthdays and special occasions, especially amongst the older generation.
If you are there, you have to try the Teochew Braised Vegetable (S$21). It's a stew of mixed vegetables, often including ingredients such as mushrooms, black fungus, beancurd and preserved mustard greens (Kiam Chye), braised in a flavourful broth. This dish has a rich, savoury and slightly sweet flavour, which they achieve through the braising process.
If you don't like traditional food and prefer a fusion dish, go with their Coffee Pork Ribs (S$19), a beloved dish in Singaporean Chinese cuisine known for its rich combination of sweet, savoury and slightly bitter flavours. The dish features tender pork ribs coated in a caramelised coffee sauce. This creates an irresistible balance of textures and fragrances.
For a full list of locations, opening hours & contact numbers, refer . | |
9. Sakunthala's Restaurant
Sakunthala's Restaurant is a Singaporean restaurant that serves South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese fusion cuisine. It's a Halal-certified establishment that started as a food stall in 1997. Since then, it has grown into a well-known brand with multiple locations.
A must-try is their Chicken Biryani (S$13.50 at Dunlop & S$12.50 at Yishun), a popular and flavourful rice dish that is often njoyed as a special meal or a weeknight dinner. The dish is cooked with marinated chicken and aromatic spices that pack a punch.
Another must-order is their Prawn Masala (S$9.50 at Dunlop & S$9 at Yishun), a masala (a mixture of ground spices used in Indian cooking) dish with prawns, onions, tomatoes and spices. The spicy masala prawns are best served with rice or flatbread.
151 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209466 +65 6293 4431 Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
3 North Point Drive, Yishun Town Square, #01-01, Singapore 768020 +65 6235 9260 Daily: 11am – 10pm | |
10. Jing Long Seafood Restaurant
Jing Long Seafood Restaurant started off as a humble zichar stall at a coffee shop in Bedok in 1999. Although they struggled to make ends meet each day at first, they ended each day with a smile, believing that a passion for serving good food would bring success.
If you prefer noodles to rice, opt for their Seafood Mee Gorong (S$13 for Small, S$21 for Medium & S$29 for Large), a stir-fried yellow noodle dish popular in Singapore. This meal includes seafood such as prawns, squid and fish cakes, alongside vegetables such as bean sprouts and chye sim. The ingredients are tossed in a spicy, sweet and savoury sauce.
If you are in the mood for soup thereafter, go with their Fishmaw with Crabmeat Soup (S$33.80 for Small, S$46.80 for Medium & S$57.80 for Large), a rich, collagen-rich Chinese soup known for its health benefits and luxurious texture. It features fish maw and crab meat, alongside ingredients such as ginger, chicken broth and sometimes mushrooms or scallops. The soup possesses skin-enhancing properties due to its high collagen content.
Block 412, Bedok North Ave 2, #01-152, Singapore 460412 +65 6442 9398 / +65 6449 9358 Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10pm | |
THIS CAFE @ 326: Simple family-style HDB eatery with $5.50+ Western mains like aglio olio & crispy fish & chips
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ICA also reminds travellers to ensure passport validity and settle outstanding fines before departure. With National Day falling on Saturday, the long weekend is expected to draw thousands across the Causeway. Read on ICA's travel advisory for National Day weekend here. Train services on Singapore's East-West MRT Line have resumed after a point machine fault near Jurong East disrupted morning operations. SMRT confirmed at 11:05am on Wednesday (6 Aug) that the fault had been cleared and services between Boon Lay and Buona Vista were fully restored. Earlier in the morning, commuters faced delays of up to 25 minutes due to the fault, which affected train switching at track junctions. SMRT deployed free regular and bridging bus services to ease congestion, which have now ended. Commuters heading to Jurong East were earlier advised to reroute via Woodlands and Bishan stations using the Thomson-East Coast and Circle Lines. As services resume, SMRT advises commuters to add approximately 10 minutes to their travel time between Boon Lay and Buona Vista. The rest of the East-West Line operated normally throughout the disruption. SMRT issued updates via social media and in-station announcements, and encouraged affected passengers to download e-Travel chits as documentation for delays. President of SMRT Trains, Mr Lam Sheau Kai, apologised for the inconvenience and thanked commuters for their patience while engineers worked to resolve the issue. (Updated throughout) Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has received the Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia, the country's highest civilian honour, for his pivotal role in advancing bilateral ties. The award was presented during an investiture ceremony hosted by the Australian High Commissioner. The citation highlighted SM Lee's leadership in forging trade, defence and strategic partnerships. Under his watch, Singapore and Australia signed multiple agreements, including the Digital Economy and Green Economy pacts, and deepened military cooperation through the Five Power Defence Arrangements. SM Lee reflected on Australia's early recognition of Singapore's independence and its enduring support. He noted that the two nations, despite their differences, share a pragmatic worldview and commitment to multilateralism. The ceremony was attended by Mrs Lee, government officials, and members of the Singapore-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. SM Lee expressed confidence that the relationship will continue to flourish under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's upcoming visit. 'His statesmanship cemented Australia as a natural partner for Singapore,' officials noted during the ceremony. This award follows similar recognition given to former leaders like Goh Chok Tong and George Yeo, underscoring Singapore's longstanding diplomatic rapport with Australia. Read on SM Lee given Australia's highest civilian honour here. Singapore Airlines crew mistake leads Muslim passenger to eat pork Singapore Airlines (SIA) has apologised after a Muslim passenger was served pork on an 18-hour flight to New York. The dish, containing prosciutto, was misidentified by cabin crew who didn't know it was pork, according to Mothership. The passenger, Jiyad, had pre-booked a Muslim meal for one service but chose a 'Book the Cook' option for another. He said the dish had no pork label and was assured by crew it was safe to eat. After realising the mistake, he filed a complaint and rejected multiple compensation offers. He has since escalated the issue to the US Department of Transportation. SIA says it has strengthened crew training and service procedures. It also reminded passengers to pre-select special meals for all services on long-haul flights. Read on the Muslim passenger mistakenly served pork aboard SIA flight here. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has apologised after a Muslim passenger was served pork on an 18-hour flight to New York. The dish, containing prosciutto, was misidentified by cabin crew who didn't know it was pork, according to Mothership. The passenger, Jiyad, had pre-booked a Muslim meal for one service but chose a 'Book the Cook' option for another. He said the dish had no pork label and was assured by crew it was safe to eat. After realising the mistake, he filed a complaint and rejected multiple compensation offers. He has since escalated the issue to the US Department of Transportation. SIA says it has strengthened crew training and service procedures. It also reminded passengers to pre-select special meals for all services on long-haul flights. Read on the Muslim passenger mistakenly served pork aboard SIA flight here. Malaysians caught smuggling drugs at Woodlands face death penalty; Singaporean nabbed in follow-up operation Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) have arrested two Malaysian men in separate drug smuggling attempts at Woodlands Checkpoint. Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of a 52-year-old Singaporean man near Bras Basah. The combined haul, worth over $150,000, included methamphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis and ketamine. ICA and CNB estimate the drugs could feed over 820 addicts for a week. A Malaysian motorcyclist was caught with 4,149g of cannabis and 10g of ketamine concealed in his vehicle's rear box on 2 August. The cannabis alone could feed 590 addicts for a week. ICA officers found 414g of methamphetamine and 46g of ecstasy hidden in a car and on the driver's body on 31 July. CNB later arrested a 52-year-old Singaporean linked to the case. Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act mandates the death penalty for importing more than 250g of meth or 500g of cannabis. Both cases meet that threshold. Authorities say investigations are ongoing and border checks will remain tight. Read on Singapore authorities busting drug smuggling attempts here. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) have arrested two Malaysian men in separate drug smuggling attempts at Woodlands Checkpoint. Follow-up investigations led to the arrest of a 52-year-old Singaporean man near Bras Basah. The combined haul, worth over $150,000, included methamphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis and ketamine. ICA and CNB estimate the drugs could feed over 820 addicts for a week. A Malaysian motorcyclist was caught with 4,149g of cannabis and 10g of ketamine concealed in his vehicle's rear box on 2 August. The cannabis alone could feed 590 addicts for a week. ICA officers found 414g of methamphetamine and 46g of ecstasy hidden in a car and on the driver's body on 31 July. CNB later arrested a 52-year-old Singaporean linked to the case. Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act mandates the death penalty for importing more than 250g of meth or 500g of cannabis. Both cases meet that threshold. Authorities say investigations are ongoing and border checks will remain tight. Read on Singapore authorities busting drug smuggling attempts here. US axes mRNA vaccine funding, citing safety risks The Trump administration has terminated 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines, citing safety concerns and limited efficacy against respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced the move on Tuesday (5 August), marking a dramatic shift in US vaccine policy. The cancelled projects, worth nearly US$500 million, include proposals from pharmaceutical companies Moderna, Pfizer and Sanofi. While some late-stage contracts will continue to preserve taxpayer investment, no new mRNA initiatives will be launched under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Kennedy said the decision followed a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments. 'We're shifting funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms,' he stated, referencing whole-virus vaccines and novel technologies. Public health experts have condemned the move. Dr Paul Offit called it 'short-sighted', while epidemiologist Mike Osterholm warned it could cripple future pandemic response. Despite the backlash, Kennedy insists HHS remains committed to safe and effective vaccines. Read on the US ending mRNA vaccine fundings here. The Trump administration has terminated 22 federal contracts for mRNA-based vaccines, citing safety concerns and limited efficacy against respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced the move on Tuesday (5 August), marking a dramatic shift in US vaccine policy. The cancelled projects, worth nearly US$500 million, include proposals from pharmaceutical companies Moderna, Pfizer and Sanofi. While some late-stage contracts will continue to preserve taxpayer investment, no new mRNA initiatives will be launched under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Kennedy said the decision followed a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments. 'We're shifting funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms,' he stated, referencing whole-virus vaccines and novel technologies. Public health experts have condemned the move. Dr Paul Offit called it 'short-sighted', while epidemiologist Mike Osterholm warned it could cripple future pandemic response. Despite the backlash, Kennedy insists HHS remains committed to safe and effective vaccines. Read on the US ending mRNA vaccine fundings here. Israel's Netanyahu pushes for full Gaza takeover as ceasefire talks collapse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to order a full military occupation of Gaza, citing the need to 'complete the defeat of Hamas' and secure the release of hostages. The move comes as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas reach a deadlock, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. Netanyahu's office confirmed a three-hour security meeting with army chief Eyal Zamir, ahead of a cabinet session expected to greenlight expanded operations. Israeli media report that Netanyahu wants the army to enter areas where hostages may be held, despite IDF concerns over risks to captives. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. UN agencies warn of famine, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed and dozens dying from starvation. Aid deliveries remain restricted, and looting of incoming supplies is rampant. Hamas insists it will not shift its position unless Israeli forces withdraw. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners are pushing for permanent reoccupation and Jewish resettlement of Gaza. The international community is watching closely. UN officials warn that further escalation could have 'catastrophic consequences' for civilians and hostages alike. Read on Israel considering total occupation of Gaza here. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to order a full military occupation of Gaza, citing the need to 'complete the defeat of Hamas' and secure the release of hostages. The move comes as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas reach a deadlock, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse. Netanyahu's office confirmed a three-hour security meeting with army chief Eyal Zamir, ahead of a cabinet session expected to greenlight expanded operations. Israeli media report that Netanyahu wants the army to enter areas where hostages may be held, despite IDF concerns over risks to captives. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. UN agencies warn of famine, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed and dozens dying from starvation. Aid deliveries remain restricted, and looting of incoming supplies is rampant. Hamas insists it will not shift its position unless Israeli forces withdraw. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners are pushing for permanent reoccupation and Jewish resettlement of Gaza. The international community is watching closely. UN officials warn that further escalation could have 'catastrophic consequences' for civilians and hostages alike. Read on Israel considering total occupation of Gaza here. Dormant cancer cells multiply after COVID, flu infection Scientists have discovered that COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant cancer cells, potentially leading to relapse and metastasis. The study, published in Nature, found that inflammation from these viruses activates immune proteins that trigger cell proliferation. In mice, dormant breast cancer cells multiplied rapidly after infection, forming metastatic lesions within two weeks. The process was driven by IL-6, a molecule released during immune response. Human data confirms the risk. Cancer survivors who tested positive for COVID had significantly higher rates of cancer-related death and lung metastases. The research suggests that respiratory infections may silently reignite cancer, even in patients long considered cured. It's a wake-up call for oncologists and survivors alike. Read on how respiratory viruses may trigger cancer relapse here. Scientists have discovered that COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant cancer cells, potentially leading to relapse and metastasis. The study, published in Nature, found that inflammation from these viruses activates immune proteins that trigger cell proliferation. In mice, dormant breast cancer cells multiplied rapidly after infection, forming metastatic lesions within two weeks. The process was driven by IL-6, a molecule released during immune response. Human data confirms the risk. Cancer survivors who tested positive for COVID had significantly higher rates of cancer-related death and lung metastases. The research suggests that respiratory infections may silently reignite cancer, even in patients long considered cured. It's a wake-up call for oncologists and survivors alike. Read on how respiratory viruses may trigger cancer relapse here. AI-powered job scam nets millions for North Korea North Korean IT workers are gaming the global job market, using GenAI to infiltrate hundreds of companies and rake in millions. The operation has grown 220 per cent in just 12 months. CrowdStrike reports operatives use deepfake video interviews, AI-written resumes and multilingual bots to pass hiring stages. Once inside, they juggle multiple jobs undetected. The regime trains tech talent in Pyongyang, then deploys them to countries like China, Russia and the UAE. Each worker must earn $10,000 monthly, often through legitimate IT work. Court records show Fortune 500 firms have unknowingly hired thousands of these operatives. Some have aided cyberattacks and crypto thefts. The scam blends espionage, AI and employment fraud, raising alarms across the cybersecurity world. Read on North Korea's GenAI job scam surging over 200% here. North Korean IT workers are gaming the global job market, using GenAI to infiltrate hundreds of companies and rake in millions. The operation has grown 220 per cent in just 12 months. CrowdStrike reports operatives use deepfake video interviews, AI-written resumes and multilingual bots to pass hiring stages. Once inside, they juggle multiple jobs undetected. The regime trains tech talent in Pyongyang, then deploys them to countries like China, Russia and the UAE. Each worker must earn $10,000 monthly, often through legitimate IT work. Court records show Fortune 500 firms have unknowingly hired thousands of these operatives. Some have aided cyberattacks and crypto thefts. The scam blends espionage, AI and employment fraud, raising alarms across the cybersecurity world. Read on North Korea's GenAI job scam surging over 200% here. What makes Singapore irresistible Singapore's got a lot going for it. Locals and tourists rave about the hawker food, spotless streets and ultra-efficient public transport. The city's blend of tradition and tech makes it a standout in Southeast Asia. But it's not all smooth sailing. The humidity is relentless, and shopping streets like Orchard Road can feel like a sardine can. Prices, especially for drinks and hotels, can leave wallets gasping. Still, the city's safety, multicultural vibe, and green spaces keep people coming back. Whether you're here for kaya toast or skyline selfies, Singapore's got universal appeal. Just pack an umbrella and patience. Read on why Singapore wins hearts worldwide here. Singapore's got a lot going for it. Locals and tourists rave about the hawker food, spotless streets and ultra-efficient public transport. The city's blend of tradition and tech makes it a standout in Southeast Asia. But it's not all smooth sailing. The humidity is relentless, and shopping streets like Orchard Road can feel like a sardine can. Prices, especially for drinks and hotels, can leave wallets gasping. Still, the city's safety, multicultural vibe, and green spaces keep people coming back. Whether you're here for kaya toast or skyline selfies, Singapore's got universal appeal. Just pack an umbrella and patience. Read on why Singapore wins hearts worldwide here. Singapore Gen Z chef builds restaurant on grandma's Peranakan recipes When engineering didn't click, Ernest Ang turned to the one thing that did – his grandmother's Peranakan cooking. After months of persuasion and kitchen shadowing, he unlocked her secret recipes and launched Kokoyo Nyonya Delights. The eatery, tucked in Serangoon, runs on $13,500 rent and 12-hour workdays. Ang and three friends handle operations, while grandma remains the final judge of every dish. Her recipes, once too precious to share, now power a menu of bold, fragrant classics. Ang's dedication includes prepping rice through a 23-step process and refusing to serve leftovers. The restaurant's name, logo, and even discounts for grandparents pay homage to the matriarch who made it all possible. For Ang, it's not just food – it's family. Read on how Singaporean chef Ernest Ang honours his grandma's legacy here. When engineering didn't click, Ernest Ang turned to the one thing that did – his grandmother's Peranakan cooking. After months of persuasion and kitchen shadowing, he unlocked her secret recipes and launched Kokoyo Nyonya Delights. The eatery, tucked in Serangoon, runs on $13,500 rent and 12-hour workdays. Ang and three friends handle operations, while grandma remains the final judge of every dish. Her recipes, once too precious to share, now power a menu of bold, fragrant classics. Ang's dedication includes prepping rice through a 23-step process and refusing to serve leftovers. The restaurant's name, logo, and even discounts for grandparents pay homage to the matriarch who made it all possible. For Ang, it's not just food – it's family. Read on how Singaporean chef Ernest Ang honours his grandma's legacy here. SAF recruits to train in drone warfare and countermeasures Singapore's Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) is rolling out drone training for all new recruits, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing announced during a visit to Pulau Tekong on Monday (4 Aug). The move reflects the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) push to modernise its capabilities amid rising unmanned threats. Recruits will learn to fly drones and counter them through a phased curriculum, starting with self-directed videos, followed by simulations and field exercises. The first batch of over 3,000 recruits began training in July and will graduate in September. Chan emphasised the need for spatial awareness in three dimensions, noting that urban warfare and drone proliferation demand more than traditional ground-based tactics. 'Soldiers must think 3D,' he said. The SAF is also developing doctrine to evade drone detection and integrate unmanned systems into tactical operations. Recruits will eventually operate a suite of technologies, including drones and robots, alongside conventional weapons. Read on BMTC going high-tech with drones here. Singapore's Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) is rolling out drone training for all new recruits, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing announced during a visit to Pulau Tekong on Monday (4 Aug). The move reflects the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) push to modernise its capabilities amid rising unmanned threats. Recruits will learn to fly drones and counter them through a phased curriculum, starting with self-directed videos, followed by simulations and field exercises. The first batch of over 3,000 recruits began training in July and will graduate in September. Chan emphasised the need for spatial awareness in three dimensions, noting that urban warfare and drone proliferation demand more than traditional ground-based tactics. 'Soldiers must think 3D,' he said. The SAF is also developing doctrine to evade drone detection and integrate unmanned systems into tactical operations. Recruits will eventually operate a suite of technologies, including drones and robots, alongside conventional weapons. Read on BMTC going high-tech with drones here. National Day weekend: ICA warns travellers expect heavy checkpoint traffic The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a travel advisory ahead of the National Day weekend, warning of heavy congestion at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 8 to 10 August. Travellers heading to Malaysia should expect longer immigration clearance times. The advisory follows record-breaking traffic during the June school holidays, when daily crossings averaged over 525,000. On 20 June alone, 578,000 people crossed the land checkpoints, surpassing the previous high of 562,000 in December 2024. Car travellers during peak hours faced up to three-hour waits due to tailbacks from Malaysia. ICA recommends using cross-border bus services to avoid congestion and checking traffic conditions via the app or ICA's social media channels. Motorists are urged to use QR codes for faster clearance and refrain from queue-cutting, which could result in being turned away. ICA also reminds travellers to ensure passport validity and settle outstanding fines before departure. With National Day falling on Saturday, the long weekend is expected to draw thousands across the Causeway. Read on ICA's travel advisory for National Day weekend here. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a travel advisory ahead of the National Day weekend, warning of heavy congestion at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 8 to 10 August. Travellers heading to Malaysia should expect longer immigration clearance times. The advisory follows record-breaking traffic during the June school holidays, when daily crossings averaged over 525,000. On 20 June alone, 578,000 people crossed the land checkpoints, surpassing the previous high of 562,000 in December 2024. Car travellers during peak hours faced up to three-hour waits due to tailbacks from Malaysia. ICA recommends using cross-border bus services to avoid congestion and checking traffic conditions via the app or ICA's social media channels. Motorists are urged to use QR codes for faster clearance and refrain from queue-cutting, which could result in being turned away. ICA also reminds travellers to ensure passport validity and settle outstanding fines before departure. With National Day falling on Saturday, the long weekend is expected to draw thousands across the Causeway. Read on ICA's travel advisory for National Day weekend here.