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A Guide to Dining Out in Singapore for Food Allergy Sufferers

A Guide to Dining Out in Singapore for Food Allergy Sufferers

I had a close call with a food allergy abroad recently. I was craving a pork chop bun in Macau and managed to get hold of one in a neighbourhood shop. V, who was with me, saw how much I enjoyed it and got one for herself too.

I didn’t think about the eggs that could have been in the batter, and V was allergic to eggs. By the time I realised my mistake, she had already taken three bites. She spotted the look of horror on my face.

‘Don’t worry; I’ve already taken a pill for that.’ I breathed a sigh of relief.

I penned this post with that episode in mind. Asian cities are great for their street food, but the ingredients that go into these delicacies and their condiments may contain allergens that diners aren’t aware of. For visitors with food allergies, staying satiated, comfortable and alive requires extra research and planning. I’m focusing on Singaporean dishes since I’m familiar with them. Hopefully, the knowledge translates into a less painful experience in the city-state for you and your guests.

[Read on]

A Singaporean Guide to a NZ Working Holiday

A Singaporean Guide to a NZ Working Holiday

If you think it’s difficult for Singaporeans to travel long-term or work abroad, nothing could be further from the truth. Under New Zealand’s Work Exchange Programme, up to 200 Singaporeans between the ages of 18 and 30 may work and stay in the country for six months on a New Zealand Working Holiday visa. Unlike other schemes that you might have seen, you can arrange it yourself without going through an agency or being tied to one employer.

You could do worse than go on a New Zealand working holiday. It’s perfect if you have just graduated from the Polytechnic or university. Get a change of scenery, live independently, discover your resourcefulness, deal with a foreign culture and see a bit of the world – there won’t be any lack of moments to share with everyone. I speak from personal experience (and I paid for everything – this post isn’t sponsored in any way).

In this guide, I’ve put together a few things that my friends and I learnt to make your journey smoother. Interested? Then read on.

Last updated: Nov 14, 2018 @ 10:57 AM
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How to Spend Two Weeks in Singapore

How to Spend Two Weeks in Singapore

Have you seen anyone write about how they spent two weeks in Singapore?

Two weeks in Singapore without leaving the country? You mad, bruh? I’ll die of boredom there.

Perhaps I am. The average visitor stays in the country for 3.5 days. The Lonely Planet guidebook provides only a one-day itinerary. Even the Tourism Board doesn’t have a plan that lasts more than seven days. What are people to do if they’re staying with their friends or loved ones in Singapore for a few weeks, though? It’s tempting to spend a significant number of days in Penang, Bali, Bangkok or some nearby city, but that needn’t be the case.

So here’s the brief I set myself: Create a two-week itinerary for slow travellers that takes in the major sights and more. Give them a glimpse of everyday life and introduce them to the history of the country from more than one perspective.

Challenge accepted.

Last updated: Nov 28, 2018 @ 10:52 PM

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5 Cheap Late Night Eats Near the Singapore Grand Prix

5 Cheap Late Night Eats Near the Singapore Grand Prix

Last updated: Sep 11, 2018 @ 4:21 PM

If you’re reading this, you’re probably heading to the Singapore Grand Prix. I’m looking forward to it as well!

For visitors, there is no lack of options around the city for breakfast and lunch, and the race organisers bring a good variety of street food vendors and celebrity restaurants to the circuit grounds. However, the race and practice sessions end well after most of the food outlets and restaurants downtown close for the day. If you spend the rest of the evening partying or autograph hunting, even the food stalls around the circuit will be closed by the time you’re done. Operating on European time has its downsides.

I’ve put together a handy guide to 5 places near the circuit that operate well into the small hours. While none of them would feature on a racing driver’s diet list, the selection should please most fans no matter where they hail from. Best of all, a single dish from these places rarely exceeds S$20. You can walk or use Grab to get a ride and satisfy those hunger pangs. [Read on]

5 Activities to Consider Trying on Your Travels

5 Activities to Consider Trying on Your Travels

I’ve said that there’s a time and a place for different kinds of trips before. While others may fill theirs with shopping and sun-tanning, I prefer to fill mine with enriching and exciting things (like driving Mario karts on public roads). Sometimes it involves getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new, so here are five ideas for activities to consider trying when you travel.

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