Latest news with #CDCvouchers
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 restaurants & cafes in Singapore that accept CDC vouchers
If you haven't used the S$500 CDC vouchers that were disbursed in May, take the chance to do so over the upcoming National Day weekend. If you are a cafe hopper, you will be glad to know that many restaurants and cafes in Singapore 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 The post 10 restaurants & cafes in Singapore that accept CDC vouchers appeared first on
Independent Singapore
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Independent Singapore
Why some Singaporeans question the support given to lower-income families — is it really about entitlement?
Singapore: A recent Reddit post on popular subreddit r/askSingapore sparked thoughtful debate after a user questioned why lower-income individuals seem to feel 'entitled' to more support from schemes such as CDC vouchers. But behind this question — as many netizens have pointed out — lies a deeper conversation about equity versus equality. Equality vs equity: A key distinction Equality means giving everyone the same thing. Equity, however, means giving people what they need to reach the same opportunity. Singapore's CDC voucher programme, which is intended to help residents cope with the rising cost of living, has come under scrutiny, not because it is unwanted, but because it is uniformly distributed. In practice, when a resident in a landed home receives the same voucher value as someone living in a one-room HDB flat struggling to buy groceries, the intent of support becomes blurred. It isn't about resentment from those less 'fortunate' but about context. For lower-income families, $300 in 'Cost Of Living' vouchers might cover a month's essentials. For wealthier households, it's a small bonus at best, and at worst, an afterthought. Equal distribution, in this case, can unintentionally feel unfair to those who need support the most based on their immediate spending power. Singaporeans pride themselves on working hard. But hard work does not always translate into equal outcomes; socioeconomic factors like education opportunities, family responsibilities, health, or simply market forces that value some types of labour more than others cause a seismic tear in salary valuations. When social support schemes are targeted, it's not about punishing the well-off but lifting up those who face greater barriers, so that everyone has a fair shot at dignity and stability. Social policies in other developed nations take this approach — universal where possible, but progressive according to a slew of socioeconomic factors where necessary. A cohesive society requires nuance Rather than framing this as 'entitlement,' many netizens have urged that we can reframe it as solidarity. Citing that a cohesive society isn't just built on fairness of effort, but fairness of opportunity, recognising that success isn't only about personal choices, but also starting points. In fact, many who argue for more equitable distribution are not asking for handouts, but a dignified base — enough to survive and participate meaningfully in society without the stress of questioning whether they can afford to feed themselves or have a roof over their head. It's natural to question where the line is drawn when it comes to state support. But a more compassionate reading of these conversations reveals not entitlement, but a plea for a society that protects the vulnerable. In a city with soaring living costs like Singapore, social safety nets and targeted aid aren't a sign of weakness but a mark of a mature, caring nation.
CNA
14-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: What does it matter if Singaporeans spend their CDC or SG60 vouchers on ‘frivolous' items?
SINGAPORE: From this month, Singaporeans can start claiming their SG60 vouchers. Each adult citizen will receive S$600 in vouchers, while those aged 60 and above can claim S$800. This comes on top of S$800 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers which were given to each household earlier this year. Retailers have lost no time in offering discounts and promotions to entice Singaporeans to spend their vouchers on their products and services. However, a newspaper article published in May suggesting fun ways to make use of CDC vouchers – such as on dance apparel and craft workshops - prompted a flurry of online responses from netizens who felt that spending the vouchers on 'frivolous' items went against the stated intent of the vouchers, namely to help Singaporeans with the cost of living. IS THE ANGST JUSTIFIED? The truth is that while the vouchers are a lifeline for some households and individuals struggling with high living costs, they are for others no more than extra pocket money or even spare change. So is the angst over how the vouchers are spent justified? There are those who feel that SG60 vouchers should be distinguished from CDC vouchers in that the former are a celebratory gift while the latter are aimed at easing hardship. Others are not bothered about how vouchers – whether CDC or SG60 – are used. Their view is that once public money passes into private hands, people should be free to do whatever they want with it. After all, whether the vouchers are used to buy bread or a fancy meal, the spending will ultimately benefit businesses and boost the economy. Some have asked: Could the government have ringfenced the use of the vouchers to daily necessities? It is hard to draw a clear line between essential and discretionary expenditure. Moreover, money is fungible – saving on any kind of purchase frees up financial resources for spending on other items. There is a strong consensus among economists that giving assistance in cash or near-cash does more to improve consumer welfare than support that comes with conditions or restrictions because it offers recipients greater freedom of choice. DIFFERING SOCIAL BENEFIT PARADIGMS The crux of the issue may lie in differing concepts of what is prudent use of government money. On the one hand, there are Singaporeans who prefer not to receive cash handouts or vouchers as they feel that such support ought to be chanelled to the lower-income. This group is more likely to take umbrage at the use of vouchers for non-essential purchases. Targeting government support at those who need it most is still the approach adopted for most forms of social support in Singapore. These include means-tested housing and healthcare subsidies, as well as permanent social transfers such as the Workfare Income Supplement, Silver Support and the Goods and Services Tax Voucher. This paradigm of social support contrasts with models of universal welfare where social support is seen as a citizenship right. The latter, however, necessitates high taxes to enable extensive redistribution. In Singapore, the government's priority is to keep taxes on the middle class low in order to encourage work and enterprise. Under what is known as a 'progressive' system of taxes and benefits, the rich bear a larger burden of taxes, while those with lower income receive more in social transfers or benefits. Consistent with this approach, the Ministry of Finance estimates that the bottom 20 per cent of households by income receives around S$4 in benefits for every dollar of tax paid, while the top 20 per cent receive just S$0.30 for every tax dollar. On the other hand, there are Singaporean who feel that all citizens who contribute to the state's coffers should be entitled to a range of benefits, and not just limited to public goods such as national security or infrastructure. Some may feel aggrieved if they are excluded from certain benefits on account of their income or wealth, particularly if they are contributing a significant amount in taxes. Like wealthy donors at a charity dinner who take pleasure in good food and a door gift, these high-income earners derive satisfaction from receiving vouchers and other Budget goodies, even if these offset only a small fraction of what they pay in taxes. AN INJECTION OF UNIVERSALISM Singapore's approach towards social benefits is in fact evolving. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic saw the government disburse a 'solidarity payment' of S$600 to all adult Singaporeans in recognition of the broad impact of the pandemic on the population, with additional support given to seniors and families with children. Rebates on utilities and service and conservancy charges, however, were tiered according to Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat type. Those who lost jobs or saw a significant fall in income could apply for further financial help through the COVID-19 Support Grant or COVID-19 Recovery Grant. Taken together, Singapore's COVID-19 support can be seen as a form of 'progressive universalism' – where everyone receives some benefits, but those with greater needs receive more. Following the pandemic, supply chain disruptions saw inflation shoot up across the world, including in Singapore. The government responded with a series of payouts to all Singaporeans in the form of CDC vouchers – the vouchers having the dual aim of providing cost of living support while giving heartland merchants a leg-up. Notwithstanding these examples of universal benefits, most social support is still means-tested or tiered according to income or home value. There are advantages to having a mix of benefits – some universal and others means-tested with differing qualifying income thresholds. This approach avoids a 'cliff effect' where benefits drop off suddenly when one's income crosses a particular threshold, which could discourage career and income advancement. Some elements of universality also make for greater inclusivity and sense of solidarity among citizens. A MIDDLE WAY? As inflation has receded from the post-pandemic highs, we may see fewer CDC vouchers disbursed in future. But for this year at least, vouchers are very much a part of the conversation. Singaporeans who have no need for this support can easily donate unused vouchers to their preferred Institutions of Public Character via the CDC voucher website; they will even qualify for a 250 per cent tax deduction. For those who are still in two minds on how government vouchers ought to be spent, perhaps a good strategy would be to set aside a portion of the vouchers to give away, and then spend the rest on whatever you wish with a clear conscience.
CNA
14-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Over S$2.3b in CDC vouchers spent, with more than half going to hawkers and heartland shops
CDC vouchers have pumped over S$2.3 billion into Singapore's economy since its launch, with more than half going directly to hawkers and heartland shops. Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling gave this update, adding that the scheme has not just boosted footfall, but also strengthened community ties. Total usage of CDC vouchers is projected to cross S$1.4 billion by end-2025. Already, some S$43 million worth of SG60 vouchers that were launched earlier this month have been spent at hawkers and neighbourhood shops. Caitlin Ng reports. CDC vouchers have pumped over S$2.3 billion into Singapore's economy since its launch, with more than half going directly to hawkers and heartland shops. Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling gave this update, adding that the scheme has not just boosted footfall, but also strengthened community ties. Total usage of CDC vouchers is projected to cross S$1.4 billion by end-2025. Already, some S$43 million worth of SG60 vouchers that were launched earlier this month have been spent at hawkers and neighbourhood shops. Caitlin Ng reports.
CNA
12-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Heartland shops near Causeway lament low footfall but say CDC vouchers help cushion impact
SINGAPORE: Heartland businesses near the Johor-Singapore Causeway are experiencing decreased consumer activity as more people travel across the border to Malaysia during the June school holidays. Retail owners in Woodlands and Marsiling said that while government efforts like the Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers have lessened the impact, they are hoping for more assistance with increased operating costs such as rental hikes. Ms Noor Adibah, an employee at Aliyah Rizq, a Muslim-owned meat and seafood store in Woodlands North Plaza, said there has been an 80 per cent increase in business since the latest tranche of vouchers were given out last month. 'Before this, the shop (did not have) many people coming because we only (used) payWave or PayNow,' said Ms Noor. 'But with the government's CDC vouchers, more people came to the store.' She added that the shop is also promoting its products on social media to help increase sales during this period. CDC VOUCHERS The government on Feb 18 announced that Singaporean households will be given S$800 (US$600) in CDC vouchers to help offset rising costs. The first S$500 in vouchers were disbursed in May and the remaining S$300 will be given out in January next year. Hong Thai Ginseng Birdnest Pte Ltd, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) store in Woodlands, said the vouchers have helped to increase its earnings by between S$300 and S$600 last month. It added that about a quarter of its customers have been paying with the vouchers. However, the outlet said that its operating cost has also increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that rental prices in the area have gone up by 10 per cent in the last year. WELCOME BUT TEMPORARY RELIEF Some business owners said that while the vouchers spur spending, the relief is temporary and the problem persists in the long run. Mr Gene Hong, the owner of a clothing store that has been at Marsiling for 16 years, said that footfall has dropped by nearly 25 per cent in June. He said more customers usually make use of the school holidays to cross the Causeway to shop in Johor Bahru, where prices are typically lower. 'I thank the government for giving CDC (vouchers), but it is not enough. Because half (will go) to the supermarket, some of them retail. But how much can they buy? (The amount) … won't cover my rental,' he said. The 75-year-old said he is opening a hair salon a few units away from his clothing shop in hopes the new venture will provide him with another source of income. "(Even) at this old age, we will never give up. We are still trying a new trade. But the hair salon (business) is very, very competitive,' noted Mr Hong, adding he plans to offer prices as low as S$6 per haircut to stay ahead of competitors in the area. LOOKING BEYOND CDC VOUCHERS Department of Statistics data released last Thursday (Jun 5) showed that retail sales growth in Singapore is slowing, easing to 0.3 per cent year-on-year in April, as compared to 1.3 per cent in March. Experts said consumers are being cautious with their spending. 'Market conditions, which softened in the first quarter of this year could weaken further … and locals are finding better deals when travelling abroad amid a strong (Singapore) dollar,' said DBS Bank senior economist Chua Han Teng. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in March announced the creation of a task force to help rejuvenate retail areas and create opportunities in the heartlands, assisting local enterprises to compete with retail offerings in Malaysia. The task force said it will work with retailers and merchants' associations, aiming to release its findings and recommendations in 2026. Mr Hong suggested that authorities could improve the shopping area in Marsiling with festive decorations and organise more activities like carnivals to attract visitors to the estate. 'Maybe during Christmas or Chinese New Year, they can put up some lighting. This is like a dead town,' he said.
