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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘I have pieces I've worn for years': Zoe Tay helps open iRoo's first eco-conscious outlet store
Veteran local actress Zoe Tay at the launch of Taiwanese fashion label iRoo's first outlet store in IMM as a VIP guest. PHOTO: IROO SINGAPORE – To veteran local actress Zoe Tay, sustainability does not begin and end with recycling bins or buzzwords. It starts in the wardrobe. 'I have pieces I've worn for years,' says the 57-year-old. 'Even if I rewear them, I'll style them differently. If it's well made and timeless, why not?' Among her favourites is a pair of jeans from Coterie – a label by Malaysia-based Singaporean fashion designer Celest Thoi – that she continues to reach for. While Tay says she has a soft spot for bags, she is just as quick to pass them on. 'Some of them, I give to my niece and nephew, in-laws or assistant,' she says. 'There're so many. I used to keep them all hidden in my wardrobe cabinets. But when I finally displayed them, I realised I had a lot of duplicates.' She has also contributed to donation drives, such as one organised by Channel 8 that collected celebrity fashion items to be resold. 'I think the important thing is when you re-give your items and people enjoy them.' The black-clad Mediacorp artiste was speaking to The Straits Times at the opening of Taiwanese fashion brand iRoo's first outlet store at Singapore's largest outlet mall IMM on May 23. iRoo has opened its first outlet store at IMM in Jurong. PHOTO: IROO The womenswear label founded in 1999, with more than 70 branches in Taiwan, is best known for its fast-turning weekly collections. Its fifth and newest 1,600 sq ft boutique in Singapore – which offers pieces from past seasons' collections at prices at least 40 per cent off – marks a more reflective chapter. Not only is it the brand's first outlet store, but it also introduces iRoo's first tentative steps into sustainability through a creative collaboration with Singaporean eco-innovation company Wynist. Under the initiative, Repurposing Waste For A Greener Future, the IMM outlet store showcases fixtures, hangers and even sunglasses made from compressed textile waste and discarded coffee grounds. Each display table, for instance, is made from 25kg of repurposed fabric waste – none of it iRoo's own, but a symbolic start to a wider ambition. Taiwanese fashion label iRoo's first outlet store in IMM spans 1,600 sq ft. PHOTO: IROO 'I'm drawn to a monochromatic palette – black, white, grey. My wardrobe is full of these colours,' says Tay, who was invited to the launch as a VIP guest, gesturing to the tailored blouse and belted skirt she had selected from iRoo's current collection for the occasion. But the actress' latest role – as formidable matriarch Liu Xiuniang in the Mediacorp Peranakan period drama Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story (2025) – did nudge her out of her monochrome comfort zone. She says each character had a distinct palette, thoughtfully assigned by the production team to reflect his or her personality. 'This was my first time dressing up as a Nonya,' adds Tay, who is Teochew and Cantonese. 'My colour was green.' Actresses Zoe Tay (centre, wearing a green kebaya labuh) and Jesseca Liu (right) in Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story. PHOTO: MEDIACORP Of all her on-screen outfits, one in particular stood out. 'The first one I wore – that long coat – it was very hot,' she says, referring to the kebaya labuh, a traditional full-length kebaya often associated with older women. 'But the colour lent so much vibrance to the character and the whole image.' Tay's openness to evolving with time – and staying true to what feels authentic – mirrors iRoo's new direction. Ms Emily Huang, chief operating officer of iRoo International, says: 'Sustainability often clashes with lifestyle. We travel, we shop – and that creates tension with the idea of a carbon-free blueprint. But we wanted to find a balance.' According to her, iRoo's production model has always diverged from traditional fast fashion. 'We don't do mass production,' she says. 'We release only about 20 styles a week – not 1,000 pieces like other brands – and we produce in limited quantities. If consumers respond well, we replenish. So, there's more variety, but also less waste.' Ms Emily Huang (left), chief operating officer of iRoo International, and actress Zoe Tay. PHOTO: IROO 'Singapore is always the first step for our brand to step out of its comfort zone,' adds Ms Huang, adding that iRoo's debut here in 2010 was a strategic move that established the city as a test bed for international growth. 'That's why our headquarters decided to launch this new concept – sustainability – in Singapore first. The next step is to bring it to other South-east Asian markets such as Malaysia and Vietnam.' Her goal? To one day recycle iRoo's leftover fabrics and unsold goods into store fixtures like hangers and tables. Whether this circular ambition becomes reality remains to be seen. In the store's quiet backroom, rows of conventional plastic hangers still line the racks – a quiet reminder that sustainability, like style, is a work in progress. iRoo's outlet store is at 01-112 IMM, 2 Jurong East Street 21. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Voraciously hungry? Check out these buffets to get the best bang for your buck , Lifestyle News
PUBLISHED ON May 27, 2025 7:00 AM By Noah Haerman When it comes to buffets, you're already spoiled for choice by the sheer number of options you can pick and choose at your fancy. But here, we've narrowed down the best buffets that give you more bang for your buck. Think dessert bars with 48 flavours of ice cream and gelato, live carvings of tuna sashimi and even unlimited servings of beloved local delights. Food aside, these buffet places are also known for their aesthetic and cosy vibes, which make them great places to catch up with loved ones. After all, food is best shared in the company of many. Here are the restaurants' highlights at a glance: Restaurant Food Highlights Dessert Highlights Halal Certification Event Space Swensen's Unlimited Geneo, Changi Airport T2, VivoCity Live station satay, pizzas, roast carvings, baked rice and pasta, Asian delights Unlimited ice cream and gelato (48 flavours) with chocolate fountain and toppings ✅ Available at Geneo Hokkaido Sushi M Hotel Agedashi tofu, salmon mentai, handroll, deep-fried karaage, wagyu with kimchi, salmon shioyaki, angus ribeye ❌ ❌ ❌ Colony Ritz Carlton Snow crab, sashimi, kueh pie tee, braised beef short rib, bucatini carbonara, nasi goreng kampung Peanut wrap, tiramisu, ice cream and sorbet (7 flavours) ❌ ❌ Peppermint PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Hay-smoked grilled wagyu beef belly, Moroccan-style whole lamb, Thai gai ping Warm desserts, Nonya kueh, pastries and gelato. ✅ Available 1. Swensen's Unlimited at Geneo, Changi Airport T2, VivoCity If you're a 90s kid, there's a chance you remember birthday parties at Swensen's. The family restaurant prides itself on their extensive ice cream flavour selections, as well as their halal-certified western and local cuisines. For those looking to relive the nostalgia, you can now enjoy all that at Swensen's Unlimited, the diner's buffet counterpart. You'll find live stations serving satay, a la minute baked rice and pasta, roast carvings and even hand-stretched pizza. Since they're made to order, you'll get to watch a tantalising spectacle as chefs put together your dish before it's served sizzling hot! It's Swensen's after all, so the buffet also has a dazzling dessert selection. There are 48 flavours of ice cream and gelato, which you can pair with the decadent drippings from a chocolate fountain or enjoy with your choice of toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, marshmallows, and fruits. The buffet deal is sweetened further for any diners celebrating their birthday at Swensen's Unlimited. They'll get a special Unlimited Birthday Joy Sundae just for the occasion. The buffet has a 90-minute dining limit, which is more than enough time to savour and explore Swensen's Unlimited's fulfilling choices. Plus, children below the age of four get to enjoy free dining with every paying adult, which means they'll be able to enjoy unlimited desserts at their heart's content! Swensen's Unlimited is already available at Changi Airport T2 and VivoCity but Westies can rejoice as there's a newly opened outlet at Geneo at Singapore Science Park. But it's no ordinary outlet. This Swensen's Unlimited boasts a 200-seater space with professional audio and visual services and LED signage. In other words, if you've ever thought of hosting a wedding with the nostalgia of Swensen's, here's where you can actually do it. It's not just weddings that this Swensen's Unlimited outlet can host. If there's an event you have in mind, like a company dinner and dance or any occasion to celebrate with all your loved ones, Swensen's can curate it for you. Location Mon - Fri Lunch (11am – 4.30pm) Mon – Thur Dinner (5pm – 11pm) Sat – Sun, Eve of/on PH Lunch (11am – 4.30pm) Fri – Sun, Eve of/on PH Dinner (5pm – 11pm) Swensen's Unlimited Geneo, Changi Airport T2, VivoCity $35 (Adult) $15 (Child) $38 (Adult) $25 (Child) $50 (Adult) $30 (Child) $60 (Adult) $30 (Child) Swensen's Unlimited The Acacia @ Geneo Address: 1 Science Park Drive #01-06, Geneo, Singapore 118221 Changi Airport Terminal 2 Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, #01-03, Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore 819643 VivoCity Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-117, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 Website: Swensen's Unlimited 2. Hokkaido Sushi at M Hotel When you've no idea what to eat, Japanese is usually a safe crowd pleaser, which is exactly what you'll find at Hokkaido Sushi at M Hotel. But the Japanese buffet here takes your regular servings of sushi and sashimi to a whole new level. Diners are treated to a live demonstration of tuna carving - just as it's done at Tsukiji Market. Watch as sushi chefs deftly slice through an 80kg Bluefin, after which you'll get to sink your teeth into the fresh slices at the buffet. It's not just the tuna that's fresh; other seafood is also air-flown fresh daily from Japan to feed hungry buffet-goers. Beyond that, you'll also other authentic Japanese staples like yakitori, udon and tempura at this buffet. It's no wonder Hokkaido Sushi is counted as one of the most popular Japanese buffets in Singapore. For special occasions, select a seat at the sushi counter where you'll get to see sushi prepped right before your eyes. But if you prefer a more private space to celebrate, the restaurant has four private rooms available for booking. Location Weekday Lunch Weekday Dinner Weekend Lunch Weekend Dinner Hokkaido Sushi M Hotel Mon- Fri $45++ (Adult) $27++ (Child) Mon- Fri $56++ (Adult) $30++ (Child) Sat/Sun/PH $49++ (Adult) $27++ (Child) Sat/Sun/PH $56++ (Adult) $30++ (Child) *Child Pricing is only in effect for diners below 1.4m in height. Hokkaido Sushi at M Hotel Address: 81 Anson Road, Level 9, M Hotel Singapore, Singapore 079908 Phone: (65+) 6221 3075 Email: HokkaidoFineDining@ Website: Hokkaido Sushi 3. Colony at The Ritz Carlton View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colony (@colonysg) If variety's the name, Colony's the game. Western, Italian, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine are all available in its buffet menu. Trust us when we say you'll want to come prepared to feast - crowd favourites like pork belly, risotto, nasi goreng, satay and tandoori chicken are just scratching the surface of what's available here. Aside from mains, there are also appetisers and small bites at the ready for eaters too impatient to wait at live stations. Head over to the cold section for fresh seafood, salads, cold cuts and cheeses. Otherwise, warm up your belly with roast meats and even dim sum. Post meal delights are also at the ready, with chilled fruit juices and desserts. Six flavours of ice cream and sorbet and a la minute desserts like tiramisu and peanut wrap are there for diners with a second stomach for a sweet treat. If cold desserts aren't your fancy, there are also baked goods like cookies and chocolate truffles available. Location Weekday Lunch (12 – 230 pm) Weekday Dinner (6 –1030 pm) Weekend Lunch (12 –1030pm) Weekend Dinner (6 – 1030pm) Colony Ritz Carlton Mon- Fri $74++ (Adult) $37++ (Child) Sun-Thu $96++ (per person) Sat only $78++ (Adult) $39++ (Child) Fri/Sat/PH $118++ (Adult) $59++ (Child) *Child prices are only in effect for children six to 12 years of age. Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Address: 7 Raffles Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Singapore 039799 Phone: (65+) 6434 5288 Email: Website: Colony at The Ritz-Carlton Singapore 4. Peppermint Roast & Grill Buffet at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Most buffets offer a plethora of seafood options like sushi, lobster and snow crab. But if you're more carnivore than pescatarian, then the Roast & Grill Buffet at Peppermint in Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay would be right up your alley. True to its name, this halal-certified buffet's focal point is its sizzling meats prepared with international inspiration from other countries. Moroccan lamb, hay-smoked wagyu beef belly and Indonesian ayam bakar are just a few of the many meaty highlights available to diners. There's even an open kitchen display, meaning you'll be able to delight in hearing and watching your choice of meat sizzle and brown before it makes its way to the buffet lineup. But don't worry if you aren't the biggest fan of red meat. There's grilled Thai-style seafood, salt-baked whole seabass and mala grilled fish collar to fill up on. To finish, the buffet also offers a sizeable range of desserts like Nonya kueh and gelato. Location Weekday Lunch (12 – 230 pm) Weekday Dinner (6 –1030 pm) Weekend Lunch (12 –3pm) Weekend Dinner (6 – 1030pm) Peppermint PARKROYAL COLLECTION Mon-Thu $72++ (Adult) $36++ (Child) Mon-Thu $98++ (Adult) $49++ (Child) Fri-Sun $82++ (Adult) $41++ (Child) Fri-Sun $112++ (Adult) $56++ (Child) *Smart Casual dressing is required. Children below the age of 6 are entitled to free dining. *Adults are considered above the age of 12, children between 6 to 12. Peppermint Roast & Grill at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Level 4, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore 039594 Phone: (+65) 6845 1000 Email: Website: Roast & Grill Buffet at Peppermint Have a feast at best bang for your buck buffets in Singapore These buffets offer grand dining delights at great prices. Foodies and families who are starving for an indulgent dining out can look forward to fulfilling this list, bound to meet your every preference and leave you satisfied. This article is brought to you in partnership with Swensen's. chinese foodSingapore buffetHotelscuisinejapanese foodbudget This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Voraciously hungry? Check out these buffets to get the best bang for your buck , Food News
PUBLISHED ON May 27, 2025 7:00 AM By Noah Haerman When it comes to buffets, you're already spoiled for choice by the sheer number of options you can pick and choose at your fancy. But here, we've narrowed down the best buffets that give you more bang for your buck. Think dessert bars with 48 flavours of ice cream and gelato, live carvings of tuna sashimi and even unlimited servings of beloved local delights. Food aside, these buffet places are also known for their aesthetic and cosy vibes, which make them great places to catch up with loved ones. After all, food is best shared in the company of many. Here are the restaurants' highlights at a glance: Restaurant Food Highlights Dessert Highlights Halal Certification Event Space Swensen's Unlimited Geneo, Changi Airport T2, VivoCity Live station satay, pizzas, roast carvings, baked rice and pasta, Asian delights Unlimited ice cream and gelato (48 flavours) with chocolate fountain and toppings ✅ Available at Geneo Hokkaido Sushi M Hotel Agedashi tofu, salmon mentai, handroll, deep-fried karaage, wagyu with kimchi, salmon shioyaki, angus ribeye ❌ ❌ ❌ Colony Ritz Carlton Snow crab, sashimi, kueh pie tee, braised beef short rib, bucatini carbonara, nasi goreng kampung Peanut wrap, tiramisu, ice cream and sorbet (7 flavours) ❌ ❌ Peppermint PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Hay-smoked grilled wagyu beef belly, Moroccan-style whole lamb, Thai gai ping Warm desserts, Nonya kueh, pastries and gelato. ✅ Available 1. Swensen's Unlimited at Geneo, Changi Airport T2, VivoCity If you're a 90s kid, there's a chance you remember birthday parties at Swensen's. The family restaurant prides itself on their extensive ice cream flavour selections, as well as their halal-certified western and local cuisines. For those looking to relive the nostalgia, you can now enjoy all that at Swensen's Unlimited, the diner's buffet counterpart. You'll find live stations serving satay, a la minute baked rice and pasta, roast carvings and even hand-stretched pizza. Since they're made to order, you'll get to watch a tantalising spectacle as chefs put together your dish before it's served sizzling hot! It's Swensen's after all, so the buffet also has a dazzling dessert selection. There are 48 flavours of ice cream and gelato, which you can pair with the decadent drippings from a chocolate fountain or enjoy with your choice of toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, marshmallows, and fruits. The buffet deal is sweetened further for any diners celebrating their birthday at Swensen's Unlimited. They'll get a special Unlimited Birthday Joy Sundae just for the occasion. The buffet has a 90-minute dining limit, which is more than enough time to savour and explore Swensen's Unlimited's fulfilling choices. Plus, children below the age of four get to enjoy free dining with every paying adult, which means they'll be able to enjoy unlimited desserts at their heart's content! Swensen's Unlimited is already available at Changi Airport T2 and VivoCity but Westies can rejoice as there's a newly opened outlet at Geneo at Singapore Science Park. But it's no ordinary outlet. This Swensen's Unlimited boasts a 200-seater space with professional audio and visual services and LED signage. In other words, if you've ever thought of hosting a wedding with the nostalgia of Swensen's, here's where you can actually do it. It's not just weddings that this Swensen's Unlimited outlet can host. If there's an event you have in mind, like a company dinner and dance or any occasion to celebrate with all your loved ones, Swensen's can curate it for you. Location Mon - Fri Lunch (11am – 4.30pm) Mon – Thur Dinner (5pm – 11pm) Sat – Sun, Eve of/on PH Lunch (11am – 4.30pm) Fri – Sun, Eve of/on PH Dinner (5pm – 11pm) Swensen's Unlimited Geneo, Changi Airport T2, VivoCity $35 (Adult) $15 (Child) $38 (Adult) $25 (Child) $50 (Adult) $30 (Child) $60 (Adult) $30 (Child) Swensen's Unlimited The Acacia @ Geneo Address: 1 Science Park Drive #01-06, Geneo, Singapore 118221 Changi Airport Terminal 2 Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, #01-03, Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore 819643 VivoCity Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-117, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 Website: Swensen's Unlimited 2. Hokkaido Sushi at M Hotel When you've no idea what to eat, Japanese is usually a safe crowd pleaser, which is exactly what you'll find at Hokkaido Sushi at M Hotel. But the Japanese buffet here takes your regular servings of sushi and sashimi to a whole new level. Diners are treated to a live demonstration of tuna carving - just as it's done at Tsukiji Market. Watch as sushi chefs deftly slice through an 80kg Bluefin, after which you'll get to sink your teeth into the fresh slices at the buffet. It's not just the tuna that's fresh; other seafood is also air-flown fresh daily from Japan to feed hungry buffet-goers. Beyond that, you'll also other authentic Japanese staples like yakitori, udon and tempura at this buffet. It's no wonder Hokkaido Sushi is counted as one of the most popular Japanese buffets in Singapore. For special occasions, select a seat at the sushi counter where you'll get to see sushi prepped right before your eyes. But if you prefer a more private space to celebrate, the restaurant has four private rooms available for booking. Location Weekday Lunch Weekday Dinner Weekend Lunch Weekend Dinner Hokkaido Sushi M Hotel Mon- Fri $45++ (Adult) $27++ (Child) Mon- Fri $56++ (Adult) $30++ (Child) Sat/Sun/PH $49++ (Adult) $27++ (Child) Sat/Sun/PH $56++ (Adult) $30++ (Child) *Child Pricing is only in effect for diners below 1.4m in height. Hokkaido Sushi at M Hotel Address: 81 Anson Road, Level 9, M Hotel Singapore, Singapore 079908 Phone: (65+) 6221 3075 Email: HokkaidoFineDining@ Website: Hokkaido Sushi 3. Colony at The Ritz Carlton View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colony (@colonysg) If variety's the name, Colony's the game. Western, Italian, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine are all available in its buffet menu. Trust us when we say you'll want to come prepared to feast - crowd favourites like pork belly, risotto, nasi goreng, satay and tandoori chicken are just scratching the surface of what's available here. Aside from mains, there are also appetisers and small bites at the ready for eaters too impatient to wait at live stations. Head over to the cold section for fresh seafood, salads, cold cuts and cheeses. Otherwise, warm up your belly with roast meats and even dim sum. Post meal delights are also at the ready, with chilled fruit juices and desserts. Six flavours of ice cream and sorbet and a la minute desserts like tiramisu and peanut wrap are there for diners with a second stomach for a sweet treat. If cold desserts aren't your fancy, there are also baked goods like cookies and chocolate truffles available. Location Weekday Lunch (12 – 230 pm) Weekday Dinner (6 –1030 pm) Weekend Lunch (12 –1030pm) Weekend Dinner (6 – 1030pm) Colony Ritz Carlton Mon- Fri $74++ (Adult) $37++ (Child) Sun-Thu $96++ (per person) Sat only $78++ (Adult) $39++ (Child) Fri/Sat/PH $118++ (Adult) $59++ (Child) *Child prices are only in effect for children six to 12 years of age. Colony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Address: 7 Raffles Avenue, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Singapore 039799 Phone: (65+) 6434 5288 Email: Website: Colony at The Ritz-Carlton Singapore 4. Peppermint Roast & Grill Buffet at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Most buffets offer a plethora of seafood options like sushi, lobster and snow crab. But if you're more carnivore than pescatarian, then the Roast & Grill Buffet at Peppermint in Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay would be right up your alley. True to its name, this halal-certified buffet's focal point is its sizzling meats prepared with international inspiration from other countries. Moroccan lamb, hay-smoked wagyu beef belly and Indonesian ayam bakar are just a few of the many meaty highlights available to diners. There's even an open kitchen display, meaning you'll be able to delight in hearing and watching your choice of meat sizzle and brown before it makes its way to the buffet lineup. But don't worry if you aren't the biggest fan of red meat. There's grilled Thai-style seafood, salt-baked whole seabass and mala grilled fish collar to fill up on. To finish, the buffet also offers a sizeable range of desserts like Nonya kueh and gelato. Location Weekday Lunch (12 – 230 pm) Weekday Dinner (6 –1030 pm) Weekend Lunch (12 –3pm) Weekend Dinner (6 – 1030pm) Peppermint PARKROYAL COLLECTION Mon-Thu $72++ (Adult) $36++ (Child) Mon-Thu $98++ (Adult) $49++ (Child) Fri-Sun $82++ (Adult) $41++ (Child) Fri-Sun $112++ (Adult) $56++ (Child) *Smart Casual dressing is required. Children below the age of 6 are entitled to free dining. *Adults are considered above the age of 12, children between 6 to 12. Peppermint Roast & Grill at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Level 4, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore 039594 Phone: (+65) 6845 1000 Email: Website: Roast & Grill Buffet at Peppermint Have a feast at best bang for your buck buffets in Singapore These buffets offer grand dining delights at great prices. Foodies and families who are starving for an indulgent dining out can look forward to fulfilling this list, bound to meet your every preference and leave you satisfied. This article is brought to you in partnership with Swensen's. chinese foodSingapore buffetHotelscuisinejapanese foodbudget This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.
Listly
07-02-2025
- Listly
Must-See Attractions in Singapore - The Heart of the Lion City
Just minutes from the skyscrapers and luxury hotels, Singapore's Chinatown is a gold mine of rich heritage and culture. Packed with traditional shophouses, an impressive Taoist temple, and busy streetside stalls, the sights and sounds of Chinatown showcase the cultural diversity of Singapore. Visitors can sample authentic local flavours drawn from the various Chinese communities of Singapore, from Cantonese delights to fusion Peranakan (Nonya) fare. Chinatown's marketplace and collection of charming shops also offer a different, yet exciting shopping experience to the glitzy malls of Orchard. Additionally, Chinatown's sleepy rooftop bars and hidden speakeasies come alive after sunset, serving up craft cocktails inspired by Singapore's heritage.
