SingFling

A few places to check out in Singapore that the guidebooks may - or may not – mention:

• I just discovered Haji Lane last weekend, which truthfully, is a blessing in disguise – no funds, no closet space! It’s an adorable lane of eclectic shops – with boutiques carrying Paul & Joe and Helmut Lang to Japanese vintage.  One of my favorites was Soon Yee.  I purchased a headband (Blair Waldorf w an Asian twist, natch).
• Atkins who, what? Welcome to Toast Box, where you can get “traditional toast” or “thick toast” with peanut butter, kaya (coconut jam), or just plain butter and sugar.  But, I love a Toast Box trip for the kopi – kopi C kosong, coffee with evaporated milk and no sugar.

• If you hit the National Museum of Singapore, their permanent exhibit are on par with their featured exhibits (recently: Robert Wilson’s VOOM Portraits- imagine a giant half-naked Brad Pitt image down the side of a museum…in Singapore! All in the name of art, I tell you).  The museum’s Living Galleries showcase Singaporean society/history/culture through lifestyle themes: food, film, photography, fashion. Food was by far the most fascinating — it provides an up close look at the history of “hawker” – paired with the sights, sounds AND smells…

• I mentioned earlier how much I like Singapore’s Dempsey area. The Wine Company was one of the first – or the first? – spot in the area. Since then, restaurants have opened like mad and to much fanfare, but this quiet spot is one of my favorites.   Sitting in their back patio – surrounded by trees – reminded me of sitting in my childhood backyard – minus the barking Peggy Sue dog.  The food is not as amazing as the ambiance. Go for a drink with friends instead.
• Yong tao foo - I’ll miss this dish; it’s my go-to lunch choice, in lieu of salad options. At the Kopitiam, select your favorite greens, tofu, assorted fish or meats, noodles or rice and it’s quickly cooked in a broth – served up with two sauces – chili and a plum (ish, something?).  It’s good! Trust me. 
• Books Actually – Hands down the best bookshop I have ever come across. Located in the Ann Siang Hill area, the shop has a perfectly curated assortment of literature, international magazines, clever gifts and impeccable decor.  I could spend all day there!
• And…saving the best for last. I have to find a chapati plate (my favorite veg lunch) just like the ones at Komala in Little India. No joke, New Yorkers.  I am on a hunt!