Latest news with #JewelChangiAirport
New Paper
3 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
'We feel very connected to Singapore': The migrant workers who serve the country
When Mr Rayhan Md Abu first saw the blueprints for Jewel Changi Airport in 2017, he could not believe his eyes. An indoor waterfall? A large glass dome? A five-storey indoor garden? The Bangladeshi worker, who had just joined a construction firm working on the project, wondered if a building could truly look so spectacular. But over two years spent toiling 11 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, at the site, Mr Rayhan saw those plans slowly taking shape as a mammoth retail complex. When Jewel Changi Airport opened to much fanfare in 2019, he was struck by immense awe and satisfaction. Six years on, those feelings remain. Said Mr Rayhan, who had performed electrical works at the site: "I am proud that I helped to build something so beautiful. Mr Rayhan Md Abu is one of over a million migrant work permit and S Pass holders who have left their home countries to work in Singapore. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR "When I saw all the lights we installed come on for the first time, it was a very good feeling." Mr Rayhan, 29, is one of over a million migrant work permit and S Pass holders who have left their home countries to work in Singapore. These migrant workers play a crucial role in building and maintaining Singapore's infrastructure and caring for families, the elderly and those who are ill. After years here, many of them have also come to consider Singapore their second home, even as they support their families back home. The recent rescue of a woman from a sinkhole by seven workers brought the contributions of migrant workers here to the fore. It has also sparked conversations about their welfare and safety. Mr Rayhan, who is currently a supervisor for an underground substation project, said: "Every construction site needs migrant workers. We are helping to build Singapore, and helping it to develop and progress." Leaving his hometown of Dhaka at the age of 20 in 2016, Mr Rayhan has been working here ever since to earn a living for his family of six. This includes his elderly parents, who both suffered strokes in recent years and have to take medication daily for heart conditions. Nine years on, the Jewel Changi Airport project remains Mr Rayhan's most memorable, as the sheer scale of the complex still amazes him. "Sometimes on my day off, I go to Jewel. The shops are quite expensive, and as a foreign worker, I cannot afford to buy the things inside. "But I like to just go and jalan-jalan because everything looks so nice. Sometimes I will also eat at McDonald's or KFC there," said Mr Rayhan, using the Malay word for taking a walk. Attractions such as Marina Bay, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sentosa and places near his dormitory like Punggol Waterway Park are among his other go-to places to relax on his rest days. Some of Mr Rayhan's best memories from his nine years in Singapore are of watching the National Day Parade (NDP) fireworks with his friends at Marina Bay. Mr Rayhan, who plans on doing the same on Aug 9 this year, said: "We enjoy the fireworks and National Day 'feel'. We work very hard, and our families are far away - doing things like this together makes life happier." The Straits Times spoke to three other migrant workers who have contributed to Singapore's development in their own ways. Pride in helping to build Woodlands Health Campus For some, morning commutes are often sleepy, unremarkable affairs. But for construction worker Senthil Selvarasu, the drive from his dormitory in Senoko to worksites around Singapore offers a daily reminder of the fruits of his labour. Every morning, his company's lorry travels past the new Woodlands Health Campus, where he spent six months doing concrete works in 2019 for the construction of the hospital that started receiving patients in December 2023. Mr Senthil Selvarasu spent six months doing concrete works in 2019 for the construction of Woodlands Health Campus. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Mr Selvarasu said: "Seeing the hospital on the way to work every morning makes me happy and very proud that I was a part of making this place, where many lives are saved and where people get help." To the 35-year-old, who came to work in Singapore in 2016 from Tiruchirappalli in southern India to support his family, helping others is something he was inspired by Singaporeans to do. He recalled strangers patiently giving him directions when he did not know how to go back to his dormitory from places like Little India in his early days here. "This was my first lesson in Singapore - that whatever, whenever, people you see will come and help you with a smile," he told ST. There are also many groups that support and organise activities for migrant workers, like ItsRainingRaincoats, where he has taken English classes, said Mr Selvarasu. He added that such initiatives help migrant workers like him feel a greater sense of belonging to Singapore, which he considers his "second country". Said Mr Selvarasu: "Every day, when I sit in the back of the lorry, I see the big Singapore buildings, the parks, the trees, and I wonder how this extraordinary place was built. "A lot of workers come here and work very hard - a lot of sweat, some injuries, and in some places, workers have even died. People might see the beautiful buildings afterwards, but actually, there was a lot of hard work behind (them) by hundreds of workers." She picked up Mandarin and Malay to care for patients On her first-ever flight in 2008, Ms Panchavarnam Porkodi was a bundle of nervousness and excitement - and that was not just because of the thrill of being in the air. She had just turned 26 and was on her way to Singapore to work as a nurse after several years at a hospital in her home city of Chennai in India. Ms Panchavarnam Porkodi came to Singapore to work as a nurse in 2008 after several years at a hospital in her home city of Chennai in India. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Seventeen years on, the 43-year-old is now an assistant nurse clinician at Ren Ci Community Hospital, where she manages a team of about 30 nurses who care for patients undergoing rehabilitative and recuperative care. Her confident, chatty demeanour today is a far cry from her early days as a staff nurse, when she could not understand patients who spoke mainly Mandarin or Malay. By attending conversational Mandarin and Malay classes, and learning from patients who taught her basic phrases and corrected her pronunciation, Ms Porkodi grew to connect with her patients better and adapted to life in Singapore. "Our patients stay here for about three to four weeks, so we feel quite connected to them, and I look forward to coming in to take care of them at every shift," she said. "Singapore has become a second home for me... and (Ren Ci) is like a family. The entire journey for me is really wonderful. I really don't have words to express it." Ms Porkodi's husband, an electrician and safety supervisor here, is also from Chennai, and they share a Housing Board flat in Sembawang with several flatmates. The couple have a 13-year-old son in India, whom they visit once or twice a year. In the long term, the family intends to apply for permanent residency. "We feel very connected to Singapore, and want to make this our home," said Ms Porkodi. While she is rostered to work this National Day, she plans to turn on the television in her ward's activity area for patients to follow the parade and, when the time comes, sing the National Anthem with them. NDP among the highlights in her 23 years here Despite having watched the NDP on television many times before, nothing could have prepared Ms Leizle Menez for the emotions of the live show at the Marina Bay floating platform, which she caught with her former employer about a decade ago. Ms Leizle Menez came to Singapore to work in 2002. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY "It was so amazing and everything was so colourful. When the planes flew past with the Singapore flag, and when the fireworks began, I almost cried," said the 46-year-old Filipino domestic worker, who came here to work in 2002. Hailing from Bacolod, a coastal city in central Philippines about an hour's flight south of Manila, she is the eldest of seven siblings and the family's main breadwinner. "As domestic workers, we are part of Singapore's growth too. Our work means that people can work without worrying about their kids or their elderly parents," said Ms Menez. Besides her job, she has also volunteered as a health advocate with the migrant worker non-profit organisation Home for 17 years. "Celebrating NDP makes me feel even more like I'm a part of that story, and that I belong here in Singapore." Every year, Ms Menez, who has watched the NDP live only once, celebrates Singapore's birthday with friends at a park on Aug 9. Dressed in red and white and sporting Singapore-flag face tattoos, they catch up over food. Said Ms Menez: "It's also a celebration for us, of our time here as helpers."
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Migrant worker who helped build Jewel among those who call Singapore their second home
SINGAPORE: When Rayhan Md Abu first saw the blueprints for Jewel Changi Airport in 2017, he could not believe his eyes. An indoor waterfall? A large glass dome? A five-storey indoor garden? The Bangladeshi worker, who had just joined a construction firm working on the project, wondered if a building could truly look so spectacular. But over two years spent toiling 11 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, at the site, Rayhan saw those plans slowly taking shape as a mammoth retail complex. When Jewel Changi Airport opened to much fanfare in 2019, he was struck by immense awe and satisfaction. Six years on, those feelings remain. Said Rayhan, who had performed electrical works at the site: 'I am proud that I helped to build something so beautiful. Rayhan Md Abu is one of over a million migrant work permit and S Pass holders who have left their home countries to work in Singapore. - Photo: ST 'When I saw all the lights we installed come on for the first time, it was a very good feeling.' Rayhan, 29, is one of over a million migrant work permit and S Pass holders who have left their home countries to work in Singapore. These migrant workers play a crucial role in building and maintaining Singapore's infrastructure and caring for families, the elderly and those who are ill. After years here, many of them have also come to consider Singapore their second home, even as they support their families back home. The recent rescue of a woman from a sinkhole by seven workers brought the contributions of migrant workers here to the fore. It has also sparked conversations about their welfare and safety. Rayhan, who is currently a supervisor for an underground substation project, said: 'Every construction site needs migrant workers. We are helping to build Singapore, and helping it to develop and progress.' Leaving his hometown of Dhaka at the age of 20 in 2016, Rayhan has been working here ever since to earn a living for his family of six. This includes his elderly parents, who both suffered strokes in recent years and have to take medication daily for heart conditions. Nine years on, the Jewel Changi Airport project remains Rayhan's most memorable, as the sheer scale of the complex still amazes him. 'Sometimes on my day off, I go to Jewel. The shops are quite expensive, and as a foreign worker, I cannot afford to buy the things inside. 'But I like to just go and jalan-jalan because everything looks so nice. Sometimes I will also eat at McDonald's or KFC there,' said Rayhan, using the Malay word for taking a walk. Attractions such as Marina Bay, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sentosa and places near his dormitory like Punggol Waterway Park are among his other go-to places to relax on his rest days. Some of Rayhan's best memories from his nine years in Singapore are of watching the National Day Parade (NDP) fireworks with his friends at Marina Bay. Rayhan, who plans on doing the same on Aug 9 this year, said: 'We enjoy the fireworks and National Day 'feel'. We work very hard, and our families are far away – doing things like this together makes life happier.' The Straits Times spoke to three other migrant workers who have contributed to Singapore's development in their own ways. Pride in helping to build Woodlands Health Campus For some, morning commutes are often sleepy, unremarkable affairs. But for construction worker Senthil Selvarasu, the drive from his dormitory in Senoko to worksites around Singapore offers a daily reminder of the fruits of his labour. Every morning, his company's lorry travels past the new Woodlands Health Campus, where he spent six months doing concrete works in 2019 for the construction of the hospital that started receiving patients in December 2023. Senthil Selvarasu spent six months doing concrete works in 2019 for the construction of Woodlands Health Campus. - Photo: ST Selvarasu said: 'Seeing the hospital on the way to work every morning makes me happy and very proud that I was a part of making this place, where many lives are saved and where people get help.' To the 35-year-old, who came to work in Singapore in 2016 from Tiruchirappalli in southern India to support his family, helping others is something he was inspired by Singaporeans to do. He recalled strangers patiently giving him directions when he did not know how to go back to his dormitory from places like Little India in his early days here. 'This was my first lesson in Singapore – that whatever, whenever, people you see will come and help you with a smile,' he told ST. There are also many groups that support and organise activities for migrant workers, like ItsRainingRaincoats, where he has taken English classes, said Selvarasu. He added that such initiatives help migrant workers like him feel a greater sense of belonging to Singapore, which he considers his 'second country'. Said Selvarasu: 'Every day, when I sit in the back of the lorry, I see the big Singapore buildings, the parks, the trees, and I wonder how this extraordinary place was built. 'A lot of workers come here and work very hard – a lot of sweat, some injuries, and in some places, workers have even died. People might see the beautiful buildings afterwards, but actually, there was a lot of hard work behind (them) by hundreds of workers.' Nurse Porkodi picked up Mandarin and Malay to care for patients On her first-ever flight in 2008, Panchavarnam Porkodi was a bundle of nervousness and excitement – and that was not just because of the thrill of being in the air. She had just turned 26 and was on her way to Singapore to work as a nurse after several years at a hospital in her home city of Chennai in India. Panchavarnam Porkodi came to Singapore to work as a nurse in 2008 after several years at a hospital in her home city of Chennai in India. - Photo: ST Seventeen years on, the 43-year-old is now an assistant nurse clinician at Ren Ci Community Hospital, where she manages a team of about 30 nurses who care for patients undergoing rehabilitative and recuperative care. Her confident, chatty demeanour today is a far cry from her early days as a staff nurse, when she could not understand patients who spoke mainly Mandarin or Malay. By attending conversational Mandarin and Malay classes, and learning from patients who taught her basic phrases and corrected her pronunciation, Porkodi grew to connect with her patients better and adapted to life in Singapore. 'Our patients stay here for about three to four weeks, so we feel quite connected to them, and I look forward to coming in to take care of them at every shift,' she said. 'Singapore has become a second home for me... and (Ren Ci) is like a family. The entire journey for me is really wonderful. I really don't have words to express it.' Porkodi's husband, an electrician and safety supervisor here, is also from Chennai, and they share a Housing Board flat in Sembawang with several flatmates. The couple have a 13-year-old son in India, whom they visit once or twice a year. In the long term, the family intends to apply for permanent residency. 'We feel very connected to Singapore, and want to make this our home,' said Porkodi. While she is rostered to work this National Day, she plans to turn on the television in her ward's activity area for patients to follow the parade and, when the time comes, sing the National Anthem with them. National Day Parade among the highlights in domestic worker Menez' 23 years here Despite having watched the NDP on television many times before, nothing could have prepared Leizle Menez for the emotions of the live show at the Marina Bay floating platform, which she caught with her former employer about a decade ago. Leizle Menez came to Singapore to work in 2002. - Photo: ST 'It was so amazing and everything was so colourful. When the planes flew past with the Singapore flag, and when the fireworks began, I almost cried,' said the 46-year-old Filipina domestic worker, who came here to work in 2002. Hailing from Bacolod, a coastal city in central Philippines about an hour's flight south of Manila, she is the eldest of seven siblings and the family's main breadwinner. 'As domestic workers, we are part of Singapore's growth too. Our work means that people can work without worrying about their kids or their elderly parents,' said Menez. Besides her job, she has also volunteered as a health advocate with the migrant worker non-profit organisation Home for 17 years. 'Celebrating NDP makes me feel even more like I'm a part of that story, and that I belong here in Singapore.' Every year, Menez, who has watched the NDP live only once, celebrates Singapore's birthday with friends at a park on Aug 9. Dressed in red and white and sporting Singapore-flag face tattoos, they catch up over food. Said Menez: 'It's also a celebration for us, of our time here as helpers.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Migrant worker who helped build Jewel among those who call Singapore their second home
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – When Mr Rayhan Md Abu first saw the blueprints for Jewel Changi Airport in 2017, he could not believe his eyes. An indoor waterfall? A large glass dome? A five-storey indoor garden? The Bangladeshi worker, who had just joined a construction firm working on the project, wondered if a building could truly look so spectacular. But over two years spent toiling 11 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, at the site, Mr Rayhan saw those plans slowly taking shape as a mammoth retail complex. When Jewel Changi Airport opened to much fanfare in 2019 , he was struck by immense awe and satisfaction. Six years on, those feelings remain. Said Mr Rayhan, who had performed electrical works at the site: 'I am proud that I helped to build something so beautiful. Mr Rayhan Md Abu is one of over a million migrant work permit and S Pass holders who have left their home countries to work in Singapore. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'When I saw all the lights we installed come on for the first time, it was a very good feeling.' Mr Rayhan, 29, is one of over a million migrant work permit and S Pass holders who have left their home countries to work in Singapore. These migrant workers play a crucial role in building and maintaining Singapore's infrastructure and caring for families, the elderly and those who are ill. After years here, many of them have also come to consider Singapore their second home, even as they support their families back home. The recent rescue of a woman from a sinkhole by seven workers brought the contributions of migrant workers here to the fore. It has also sparked conversations about their welfare and safety. Mr Rayhan, who is currently a supervisor for an underground substation project, said: 'Every construction site needs migrant workers. We are helping to build Singapore, and helping it to develop and progress.' Leaving his hometown of Dhaka at the age of 20 in 2016, Mr Rayhan has been working here ever since to earn a living for his family of six. This includes his elderly parents, who both suffered strokes in recent years and have to take medication daily for heart conditions. Nine years on, the Jewel Changi Airport project remains Mr Rayhan's most memorable, as the sheer scale of the complex still amazes him. 'Sometimes on my day off, I go to Jewel. The shops are quite expensive, and as a foreign worker, I cannot afford to buy the things inside. 'But I like to just go and jalan-jalan because everything looks so nice. Sometimes I will also eat at McDonald's or KFC there,' said Mr Rayhan, using the Malay word for taking a walk. Attractions such as Marina Bay, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sentosa and places near his dormitory like Punggol Waterway Park are among his other go-to places to relax on his rest days. Some of Mr Rayhan's best memories from his nine years in Singapore are of watching the National Day Parade (NDP) fireworks with his friends at Marina Bay. Mr Rayhan, who plans on doing the same on Aug 9 this year, said: 'We enjoy the fireworks and National Day 'feel'. We work very hard, and our families are far away – doing things like this together makes life happier.' The Straits Times spoke to three other migrant workers who have contributed to Singapore's development in their own ways. Pride in helping to build Woodlands Health Campus For some, morning commutes are often sleepy, unremarkable affairs. But for construction worker Senthil Selvarasu, the drive from his dormitory in Senoko to worksites around Singapore offers a daily reminder of the fruits of his labour. Every morning, his company's lorry travels past the new Woodlands Health Campus, where he spent six months doing concrete works in 2019 for the construction of the hospital that started receiving patients in December 2023 . Mr Senthil Selvarasu spent six months doing concrete works in 2019 for the construction of Woodlands Health Campus. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Mr Selvarasu said: 'Seeing the hospital on the way to work every morning makes me happy and very proud that I was a part of making this place, where many lives are saved and where people get help.' To the 35-year-old, who came to work in Singapore in 2016 from Tiruchirappalli in southern India to support his family, helping others is something he was inspired by Singaporeans to do. He recalled strangers patiently giving him directions when he did not know how to go back to his dormitory from places like Little India in his early days here. 'This was my first lesson in Singapore – that whatever, whenever, people you see will come and help you with a smile,' he told ST. There are also many groups that support and organise activities for migrant workers, like ItsRainingRaincoats, where he has taken English classes, said Mr Selvarasu. He added that such initiatives help migrant workers like him feel a greater sense of belonging to Singapore, which he considers his 'second country'. Said Mr Selvarasu: 'Every day, when I sit in the back of the lorry, I see the big Singapore buildings, the parks, the trees, and I wonder how this extraordinary place was built. 'A lot of workers come here and work very hard – a lot of sweat, some injuries, and in some places, workers have even died. People might see the beautiful buildings afterwards, but actually, there was a lot of hard work behind (them) by hundreds of workers.' She picked up Mandarin and Malay to care for patients On her first-ever flight in 2008, Ms Panchavarnam Porkodi was a bundle of nervousness and excitement – and that was not just because of the thrill of being in the air. She had just turned 26 and was on her way to Singapore to work as a nurse after several years at a hospital in her home city of Chennai in India. Ms Panchavarnam Porkodi came to Singapore to work as a nurse in 2008 after several years at a hospital in her home city of Chennai in India. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Seventeen years on, the 43-year-old is now an assistant nurse clinician at Ren Ci Community Hospital, where she manages a team of about 30 nurses who care for patients undergoing rehabilitative and recuperative care. Her confident, chatty demeanour today is a far cry from her early days as a staff nurse, when she could not understand patients who spoke mainly Mandarin or Malay. By attending conversational Mandarin and Malay classes, and learning from patients who taught her basic phrases and corrected her pronunciation, Ms Porkodi grew to connect with her patients better and adapted to life in Singapore. 'Our patients stay here for about three to four weeks, so we feel quite connected to them, and I look forward to coming in to take care of them at every shift,' she said. 'Singapore has become a second home for me... and (Ren Ci) is like a family. The entire journey for me is really wonderful. I really don't have words to express it.' Ms Porkodi's husband, an electrician and safety supervisor here, is also from Chennai, and they share a Housing Board flat in Sembawang with several flatmates. The couple have a 13-year-old son in India, whom they visit once or twice a year. In the long term, the family intends to apply for permanent residency. 'We feel very connected to Singapore, and want to make this our home,' said Ms Porkodi. While she is rostered to work this National Day, she plans to turn on the television in her ward's activity area for patients to follow the parade and, when the time comes, sing the National Anthem with them. NDP among the highlights in her 23 years here Despite having watched the NDP on television many times before, nothing could have prepared Ms Leizle Menez for the emotions of the live show at the Marina Bay floating platform, which she caught with her former employer about a decade ago. Ms Leizle Menez came to Singapore to work in 2002. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'It was so amazing and everything was so colourful. When the planes flew past with the Singapore flag, and when the fireworks began, I almost cried,' said the 46-year-old Filipino domestic worker, who came here to work in 2002. Hailing from Bacolod, a coastal city in central Philippines about an hour's flight south of Manila, she is the eldest of seven siblings and the family's main breadwinner. 'As domestic workers, we are part of Singapore's growth too. Our work means that people can work without worrying about their kids or their elderly parents,' said Ms Menez. Besides her job, she has also volunteered as a health advocate with the migrant worker non-profit organisation Home for 17 years. 'Celebrating NDP makes me feel even more like I'm a part of that story, and that I belong here in Singapore.' Every year, Ms Menez, who has watched the NDP live only once, celebrates Singapore's birthday with friends at a park on Aug 9. Dressed in red and white and sporting Singapore-flag face tattoos, they catch up over food. Said Ms Menez: 'It's also a celebration for us, of our time here as helpers.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
32 must-try food spots in Jewel Changi Airport even if you're not flying [Aug 2025 update]
Your first thought of Jewel Changi Airport may be the HSBC Rain Vortex, but don't forget about the food options offered here, too! With a whopping 114 dining and restaurant establishments, you'll be spoilt for choice when you're hungry. But, don't worry about being indecisive. From Asian to Western, fast-food to desserts, and cafes to bars, we've compiled a list of 32 spots for you to fuel up at before you shop! 1. Hakka Yu (#03 – 220/221/222) Situated against the stunning backdrop of the Rain Vortex, Hakka Yu has more to offer than just a good view. With more than 80 stores in China, this first Singaporean outlet promises authentic Hakka cuisine! The Hakka Salt-baked Chicken (S$17.80 for Half Chicken, S$35.60 for Whole Chicken) is the talk of the town with that sultry golden skin and tender white flesh. Cooked on-site daily, the chicken just falls off the bone as you dig in. After this indulgence, combat savoury with sweet by ordering the Mango Pomelo (S$4.80). Creamy coconut milk is blended with tangy mango and topped with shredded pomelo flesh. With the chewy sago as a base, this bowl offers a myriad of textures and flavours you'll never tire of! +65 6908 6881 Daily: 11.30am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram 2. Josh's Grill (#B2-210) Looking for Western dishes? Josh's Grill, with its steak, pasta and seafood, is definitely what you need. Cooked to perfection, each dish is packed with meaty umami and generous portions that'll guarantee your satisfaction. The Rack of Lamb with Mint Sauce (S$39.13) comes with 2 racks of lamb dripping in rendered fat and aromatic glaze. Don't worry about the gamey taste of lamb — the mint sauce takes care of that, resulting in an almost floral fragrance that pairs well with the meat. The majority of dishes here come with a choice of 2 sides. You can pick from staple carb options like Baked Potato with Sour Cream and Butter or trendy Mala Broccoli with Crushed Peanuts. You'll be feasting like kings when you dine here, no doubt! For a list of locations, opening hours and phone numbers, please click . +65 6050 6624 Daily: 11.30am – 10pm Instagram | Website 3. Coucou Tea (#02-208/209) At the mention of Taiwan, 2 things come to my mind — hotpot and bubble tea. The famed Taiwan hotpot restaurant Coucou Tea strives to attract Y2K peeps who are hooked on bubble tea. What is a hotpot without perfectly sliced meat? Order quality meats such as the USDA Choice Beef Short Ribs (S$39/180g) which bear an endearing marbling. Other tempting meat options include Australian Lamb Shoulder (S$24/150g) and Shirobuta Pork (S$24/150g). When you select a soup base, the team recommends a bubble tea drink that complements its flavours. For instance, they recommend their Taiwanese Style Spicy Soup Base (S$38 for Single, S$24 for Twin) which comes recommended with Da Hong Pao Bubble Tea (S$5.80). Complete your hotpot meal with recommended ingredients ranging from Beef Tripe (S$19/180g), Tiger Prawn Wanton (S$11) and Golden Crispy Pork (S$14/150g). Save this spot for your next special occasion! P.S.— Only 1 private dining room is available at the Jewel outlet, so fastest fingers first! +65 6992 2549 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram | Website 4. Sampanman Kelong Changi (#B1-223) A boatload of ingredients, indeed! Sampanman is one of the newer restaurants that welcomes diners with a seafood obsession. Drop by to enjoy an assortment of fish, prawns and shellfish served in a myriad of flavours. The kitchen ensures that only the freshest catch is used so you should expect juicy, plump and sweet meat. Go for the Grilled Lobster Sampan (S$99) which feeds 2 pax. Dig your fingers into chunky lobster flesh, prawns, flower clams, scallops and more. If you're a fan of crabs, Sri Lankan crabs are served in the XL Fisherman Sampan (S$148) alongside clams, mussels and more. Dishes are available for smaller groups, too. I would personally order their Half Shell Cockle (S$25) and Butterfly River Prawns (S$38.80 for 3 pcs, S$14 for 1 pc). While the former comes dressed in either tom yum or sambal chilli gravy, the latter are marinated in signature spicy green chilli sauce. Sampanman is a muslim-friendly restaurant, so head down with your kakis and enjoy this ultimate feast! +65 8028 1231 Daily: 10am – 10pm | | 5. Hitoyoshi Izakaya Singapore (#05-205) Who doesn't love alcohol served alongside proper tasty grub? Hitoyoshi Izakaya Singapore adeptly fulfils both desires with its exceptional offerings. After all, an izakaya is essentially a meal filled with sharing plates and cold draft beers. Choose from an extensive array of side dishes including yakitori, sashimi and appetisers. The Kushi Mori Yaki (S$24 for 6) is a popular choice among diners. Fresh ingredients are flame grilled till charred and smoky. Other delectable treats include Yaki Corn Ribs (S$9), Tori Nanban (S$15) and Pork Gyoza (S$12 for 6) which are all perfect for sharing. To make the meal more substantial, order their Kake Udon (S$10) for a slurp-worthy end to your meal. Located on the top floor of Jewel in an alfresco setting, let your hair down and revel in the breezy dining experience for a good time! +65 6015 0398 Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12am | | Website 6. Yun Nans (云海肴) (#02-217) Well-known as the world's largest YUNNANS F&B chain, Yun Nans (云海肴) has opened a new outlet in Jewel. Not only that, this new outlet is also their very first out of China. Their signature Steam Pot Chicken Soup 云海肴汽锅鸡 (S$37.50) features ingredients which come all the way from Yunnan. They brew the dish using a special technique, making the clear soup incredibly nourishing and not greasy at all. They also brew it with a special breed of black feet chicken that's fork-tender and robust in flavour. Pair this show-stopper with Stir Fried Wild Porcini Mushroom with Dried Chillies (S$34.99) for a burst of flavour. If you're looking for a place to bring your parents and grandparents to, this is it! +65 6908 3677 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram 7. (#02-210) After opening its first Singapore outlet in Pacific Plaza along Scotts Road, Kam's Roast (甘牌燒味) has opened yet another outlet in Jewel. Meat lovers, this is a place not to be missed! A slew of roasted meats are cooked to perfection and the long lines are testament enough for its delicious taste! You will not go wrong with their classics including the Roast Duck (S$29.80), Pipa Duck (S$42.80) or Crispy Roast Pork (S$18.80). Each meat selection boasts a sublime crispy exterior with juicy meaty flavour contained within. Treat yourself with their Toro Char Siu (S$22.80), which embodies a smoky charred flavour paired with insanely tender meat. Fans of Iberico pork will be pleased to know they offer Iberico Char Siu ($S28.80) too. For single serving dishes, opt for their Roast Duck Rice (S$9.80), Crispy Roast Rice (S$10.80) and BBQ Pork Rice (S$8.80). Don't forget to pair your meats with side dishes including the delectable Jellyfish with Sesame Oil (S$9.80) and Marinated Black Fungus with Vinegar (S$6.80). +65 6513 3718 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram | Website 8. Beauty In The Pot (美滋锅) (#B2 – 224) For those of you who love hotpot, Beauty In The Pot (美滋锅) should be a familiar name. The brand is most known for its nourishing soup broths which are the perfect remedies for any rainy day blues. Their signature Beauty Collagen Broth which is carefully prepared by brewing the stock for more than 8 hours. An assortment of Chinese herbs including red dates, wolfberries and even ginseng enrich the soup. The result is an almost creamy consistency with a deep robust flavour fit to pair with fresh ingredients. The restaurant also prides itself on serving up a wide range of quality ingredients. Go for the Specialty Meat Platter (S$44.90) comprising sliced pork belly, US Kurobuta pork, US marbled beef cubes and sliced US beef. Best sellers also include handmade delicacies such as the Assorted Ball Platter (S$13.90) which carry a bouncy texture that's too hard to resist. You can be sure that you're getting your money's worth! +65 6242 5131 Daily: 11am – 3am Facebook | Instagram | Website Order Delivery: Deliveroo 9. Tim Ho Wan (添好運) (#02-223) An internationally-recognised dim sum brand, Tim Ho Wan (添好運) is no stranger to Singaporeans. Their restaurant in Jewel marks their 10th outlet in Singapore and it's also the very first in an airport. The Hong Kong Wonton Soup Noodle (S$12.30) is exclusive to this outlet. To prepare this dish, they've specially flown in the noodles all the way from Hong Kong. Not only that, the wontons are also handmade daily. Lastly, I cannot emphasise enough how robust and hearty that broth is, you simply have to try it for yourself! You cannot leave without feasting on Tim Ho Wan's iconic dim sum dishes. Start off with Baked BBQ Pork Buns (S$10 for 3 pcs) and Fried Beancurd Skin with Shrimp (S$8.80) before digging into Wok-Fried Radish Cake with Shrimp (S$13.50) and Steamed Golden Lava Salted Egg Buns (S$8 for 3 pcs). Head down to try out traditional Hong Kong dim sum dishes without booking a flight! +65 6513 8588 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram | Website Order Delivery: foodpanda 10. JUMBO Seafood (珍宝海鲜) (#03-202/203/204) Well-known for serving top-notch seafood dishes, JUMBO Seafood (珍宝海鲜) is a hot favourite amongst many Singaporeans and tourists alike. Only expect the freshness and most tender seafood options served here and rest assured, you won't be disappointed. I insist every diner order one of their crab dishes. For starters, their Award-Winning Chilli Crab (Seasonal Price) certainly needs no introduction. Naturally sweet and plump crab meat is piled high on a bed of creamy and luscious chilli crab sauce. Pair the savoury and spicy gravy with fluffy fried mantou to complete the experience. If you're dining in a large group, their decadent and crunchy Live Prawns Fried with Cereal (S$26) is a must-try. Featuring hefty prawn pieces, the addictive crunch of this dish is simply a crowd pleaser. I would expect nothing less than several chopsticks jabbing for more! Apart from that, the restaurant also serves up non-seafood dishes such as the Mocha Pork Ribs (S$26) and Chicken Stir Fried 'Gong Bao' Style (S$18). Definitely don't give them a miss! +65 6388 3435 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram| Website Order Delivery: foodpanda 11. Paradise Classic (樂天經典) (#04-244) Paradise Classic's (樂天經典) third outlet was opened at Jewel, offering sumptuous Chinese cuisine. The brand specialises in local delicacies that are done right and priced reasonably for the masses. The brand is also most known for their prawn dishes. As a zhnged up version of our hawker favourite, I would recommend the subtly spiced Braised Big Prawn Hor Fun with Prawn Broth (S$14.30 for Regular, S$21.90 for Large). Since the prawn stock is made after 6 hours of stewing, one can expect a bold and rich seafood flavour in this dish. Fit for 2 to 4 pax, the Double-boiled Drunken Kampong Chicken Soup with Chinese Herbs (S$27.80) is another must order. Their Crisp-fried Salted Egg Yolk Crystal Prawn (S$24.30 for Regular, S$36.80 for Large) is another item that fans love. Other rare zi char favourites that shouldn't be missed include Grandma's Scrambled Eggs with Tomato (S$11.80) and Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk (S$12.90). +65 6214 3129 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram | Website Order Delivery: foodpanda 12. LeNu Chef Wai's Noodle Bar (樂牛私房面家) (#04-244) Also under Paradise Group, LeNu Chef Wai's Noodle Bar (樂牛私房面家) has also opened an outlet in Jewel Changi Airport. This casual Chinese noodle bar with multiple outlets islandwide serves up a variety of noodle dishes, all at affordable prices. I'm personally a big fan of their Wagyu Beef Noodle in Braised Beef Broth (S$19.50), which comes with a soothing braised beef broth. The broth is cooked for over 18 hours with beef marrow, bones, as well as a ton of other ingredients. It's no wonder it has such an intense beefy flavour! If beef isn't your preferred meat option, rest assured. The Signature Pork Bone Soup is made laboriously with collagen and protein ingredients to produce a rich and creamy consistency as well. Under this category of soup base, the Fish Fillet with Pickled Vegetable Noodle in Pork Bone Soup (S$16.50) for a savoury yet refreshing taste. You can also choose your preferred type of noodles to go with your broth. From La Mian, Thick Vermicelli and Rice Noodle, there's definitely something for everyone. Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Instagram | Website Order Delivery: foodpanda The post 32 must-try food spots in Jewel Changi Airport even if you're not flying [Aug 2025 update] appeared first on
Straits Times
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Fun With Kids: Peranakan-inspired workshops, $4 cable car rides for two, new Monopoly S'pore edition
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Until Aug 31, local residents can enjoy a round-trip cable car ride for two people at $4 on the Sentosa Line, where the cabins are adorned with Peranankan-inspired designs. SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities. Peranakan-inspired workshops; $2 cable car ride Learn to make ang ku kueh, ondeh-ondeh and kuih dadar – using polymer clay, that is. Join artist Nur Rashidah Khalid, known for her miniature food crafts on Instagram account Sherry's Minis, for the Tiny Traditions workshop. You and your children will create non-edible miniature clay kueh to take home as a magnet or brooch. Rashidah's two sessions on Aug 30 are part of a Peranakan-inspired workshop series curated by Mount Faber Leisure Group to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Singapore Cable Car's Sentosa Line. Held at the Siloso Point Cable Car Station, each hands-on class is 90 minutes and costs $40.50 a person, which includes a round trip on the Sentosa Line. Kids must be at least six years old and accompanied by a paying adult. Learn to create non-edible miniature clay kueh from artist Nur Rashidah Khalid. PHOTO: SHERRY'S MINIS The Gunong Sayang Association, which promotes Peranakan culture, will also lead two different classes on Aug 31. At its Manek Magic workshop, you will learn the time-honoured art of embellishing the kasut manek (beaded slippers). Alternatively, engage your senses in Scents Of Sayang, a session focused on crafting bunga rampay. This potpourri of flowers, pandan leaves and herbs is a traditional gift at Peranakan and Malay weddings. Artisans of Gunong Sayang Association will guide you and your kids on the traditional art of Peranakan beading. PHOTO: GUNONG SAYANG ASSOCIATION To mark its 10th anniversary, cable car cabins on the Sentosa Line are adorned with Peranakan-inspired designs, featuring colourful motifs reminiscent of Koon Seng Road's iconic shophouses. Until Aug 31, Singapore citizens and local residents can enjoy promotions on the Sentosa Line: a round-trip ride for two people costs $4 (usual price: $17 an adult) and one-day unlimited rides for two are at $14 (usual price: $27 an adult). Sentosa island admission is not included. Go to for details. New Monopoly Singapore edition Landmarks such as Jewel Changi Airport and Bird Paradise have made their way onto the revamped Monopoly Singapore edition board game. PHOTO: HASBRO The Monopoly Singapore edition gets a reboot, aligning with the nation's progress. This latest version of the classic board game introduces new landmarks such as Jewel Changi Airport and Bird Paradise, and updated MRT stations such as Marine Parade on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Pity that while S.E.A. Aquarium is included, it has not yet been updated with its new name Singapore Oceanarium, which opened on July 24. The Monopoly Singapore edition was released in 2006, followed by a second update in 2016. Globally, Monopoly has also unveiled a fresh look for its board game as it celebrates its 90th anniversary. The new Singapore edition, like others, features larger tokens, houses and hotels, making them easier for players to handle and move around the board. The packaging has also been redesigned into a more compact square box, saving space compared with the previous rectangular version. In addition to the visual revamp, the company has introduced three new expansion packs, injecting new life into the gameplay. For instance, the Free Parking Jackpot expansion pack transforms the existing 'free parking' space into a jackpot, allowing players to draw bonus cards and acquire free properties. The new Monopoly Singapore edition retails for $49.90 at major retailers and online stores. Expansion packs can be purchased separately for $16.90 each.
