Drink Responsibly! 5 Bars Near CBD for After-work Happy Hour
Singapore/ Delish/ Bars

Have a Chill, Regret-free After-work Booze Session at These Bars Near CBD

5 Bars Near CBD for After work Happy Hour

Are you the type who loves catching up with your colleagues over a round of drinks after a long day? If so, an after-work drinking session is a fun way to destress, but there are caveats: don’t gossip about other colleagues and stay out of office politics.

Whether you want to chill out or have a drinking party, the Downtown Core, also known as Singapore's Central Business District (CBD), is teeming with wine bars and cocktails lined up along Shenton Way, Robinson Road, Cecil Street, Tanjong Pagar, and the Anson subzones. 

We recommend exploring five of the best bars near the central area that you can visit during happy hour. Drink responsibly!

Graffiti Sky Bar

Seated in the upscale, environmentally friendly hotel Carlton City, Graffiti Sky Bar is a seven-minute drive away from the Downtown Core. As its name suggests, the sky bar flaunts a stunning view of the city skyline with its illuminating interiors that brighten as the evening falls.

The bar serves a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers while you and your colleagues savour the sunset. Some of its after-work drinks include Champagne, sparkling wine, white wine, and wines by the glass. 

Other drinks available are draught beer, bottled beer, craft beer (proudly brewed in Singapore), shooters, whiskey, and mocktails, to name a few. The Graffiti Sky Bar is open daily from 4 PM-12 AM. 

Location: Graffiti Sky Bar, Rooftop Level 29, Carlton City Hotel Singapore, 1 Gopeng Street

The Secret Mermaid

If you and your colleagues love American craft spirits and cocktails, The Secret Mermaid is the place to be. Its signature cocktails – classic and modern – are made with fresh fruits and pressed juice.

To better enjoy your after-work drinking night, you may order some gourmet food from the bar. You can choose between the artisanal cheese box and seafood combo. The cheese box comprises six types of cheese, wafers, and assorted dehydrated fruits and nuts, while the seafood combo includes a tin of salmon pate, garfish in olive oil, codfish, and spiced sardines. Each cost S$45. 

You may reserve a table here.

Location: The Secret Mermaid, Ocean Financial Centre #B1-09, 10 Collyer Quay

Tess Bar & Kitchen

Because of its laid-back vibe and convenient location near the Raffles Hotel, Tess Bar & Kitchen is an ideal place for a post-work drink and some friendly conversation.

Its beverages feature bespoke cocktails, while its food is a fusion of modern European fare with Asian influences. Its ]drinks include the pub’s award-winning cocktails (S$23), classic cocktails (S$24), and twisted cocktail (S$23-S$24).

Take note of the alcohol level of each drink, categorised as Sit Back, Get the Party Started, and Call me a Cab! To view its Dinner and Cocktails menu, click here.

Tess Bar & Kitchen kicks off its happy hour from 12 PM-7 PM daily, while the bar is open every Monday (4 PM-1 AM), Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (12 PM-1 AM), and Friday and Saturday (12 PM-3 AM). 

Location: Tess Bar & Kitchen, Singapore, 38 Seah Street

Flow Bar

Go with the flow with Flow Bar! The bar is known for its “timeless classic cocktails and progressive concoctions.” 

The bar’s drinks menu is classified into four pillars named after different spaces – Living Room, Garden, Office, and Playground. 

Similar to its house function, the Living Room menu offers comfort and familiarity, the Playground is about fun and creative drinks, the Garden offers seasonal and refreshing concoctions, and the Office features spirit-forward creations. 

For reservations, you may contact the Flow Bar via WhatsApp (+65 8028 5865) or book online.

Location: Flow Bar, Duxton Plain Park, 76A Duxton Road, Level 2

The Elephant Room

Inspired by the culture and history of Singapore’s Little India, The Elephant Room is also a great spot for after-work cocktails near the CBD. Its culture-forward cocktails are freshly sourced from Tekka Market.

The bar was named after the Tuskers because they symbolise loyalty, companionship, and unity. Its bar team is dedicated to fostering close relationships amongst patrons by serving good drinks and hearty fare.

Redefined classic drinks, such as the Espresso Martini, Margarita, Milk Punch, Tom Collins, and Dark Stormy, are available everyday from 6 PM-8 PM. The cocktail bar is open daily from 6 PM-12:30 AM. 

Location: The Elephant Room, 20A Teck Lim Road

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Singapore/ Delish/ Happenings

Get a Chance to Win Up to S$18,000 Cash With KFC's Huat Heist

Get a Chance to Win Up to S18000 Cash With KF Cs Huat Heist Photo by KFC Singapore

Feeling lucky this Lunar New Year? If you do, KFC Singapore is inviting you to join their latest KFC Huat Heist for a chance to win a big cash prize!

KFC fans and customers will have a chance to win up to S$18,000 while enjoying the chain’s newest offering, the crunchy and mouth-watering Cereal Chicken. For this competition, two Huat Heist vaults will be set up at the Kallang location on Jan. 22 and on Feb. 5, which can be opened only by cracking the code given by KFC.

To join, participants must be able to spot eight lucky numbers hidden in the Cereal Chicken campaign posters, to be posted regularly on KFC Singapore’s social media page. Then, participants must purchase Cereal Chicken or Cereal Chicken Burger bundles from any KFC outlet and keep the receipt. Each receipt is equal to one chance to open the vault.

On the activation dates, those who have cracked the code can head over to KFC Kallang and present their receipt to the staff and key in their eight-digit code to attempt to open the vault. Those who would be able to unlock the two vaults first will win S$9,000 each!

Any cash prize that will not be won will be donated to charity, according to KFC’s announcement.

Prior to this, KFC has also launched their mofusand merchandise, which can be purchased with Cereal Chicken and Cereal Chicken Burger boxes.

Unleash your inner Sherlock and join the heist! To get the clues, follow KFC Singapore on Instagram. You can also check out the full mechanics here.

Location: KFC Kallang, 190 Stadium Blvd., Singapore

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Singapore/ Delish/ Happenings

Make Your Chinese New Year Gatherings Cuter with the My Melody Mahjong Set

20250113 Mcdonalds SG Photo by McDonald's Singapore/Instagram

McDonald’s and Sanrio always have some of the cutest collaborations ever.

Just in time for the Chinese New Year, McDonald’s Singapore launched a "My Melody" Collectible Mahjong set that’s sure to make family gatherings even more special.

Sanrio fans and collectors will be able to usher in prosperity for the Lunar New Year and get this must-have addition to their collection for SG$228, after redeeming 3,888 points at the McDonald’s app.

Want to know how to get your own? Here’s how you can claim the McDonald’s "My Melody" Mahjong Set.

Step 1: Exchange 3,888 points for the ‘McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set’ Deal

From Jan. 13, 2025, at 3 PM, you’ll have to log in to your McDonald’s app and tap on the “Redeem McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set” tile. These points are accumulated from all the times you’ve ordered McFood!

After entering the waiting room, queuing, and confirming that you have sufficient points, book your slot to purchase the "McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set," which is from Jan. 20 to 23, from 3 PM to 9 PM.

Step 2: Redeem the ‘McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set’ Deal to purchase and collect at McDonald’s Suntec City

Once you have your timeslot, you can proceed to McDonald’s Suntec City branch to buy the mahjong set with your details. Remember! The staff will not accept screenshots or photographs of the "McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set" Deal.

You can redeem the deal at the Self Ordering Kiosk, with each mahjong set retailing for S$228. Once you’re done, head on to the collection counter and claim your McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set!

Mahjong Sanrio-fied, and Made Cute

The “McDonald’s My Melody Mahjong Set” is everything you can think of when you try to envision it: a set adorned with the golden arches logo with a red background, with My Melody peeking out of the brown takeaway paper bag at the back, and My Melody surrounded by McDonald’s menu items at the front.

The tiles are of the Singapore mahjong playing style, which includes the animal tiles. These animal tiles include a cat, a rat, a rooster, and a centipede. In this set, they’re Sanrio-fied — the rat is a friendly Sanrio mouse, while the centipede is now a happy caterpillar.

My Melody can be seen as the flower suit, paired with McDonald’s faves. The bamboo suit is replaced by McDonald’s garlic chili fries, while the circle suit is given a fast-food makeover, with burger buns and patties in place of the wheel.

For more information and updates on their menu and offerings, visit McDonald’s Singapore on their Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also check out their website for the Terms & Conditions.

Location: McDonald’s Suntec City 3, Temasek Blvd, #02-732, Singapore 038983

Redemption Hours: 3 PM to 9 PM, last queue at 8:30 PM

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Singapore/ Delish/ Restaurants

Chinese New Year 2025: Where to Feast on Chinese Delicacies in Singapore

TBA SG CNY Photo by Hai Tien Lo and Peach Blossoms/Instagram

Chinese New Year in Singapore is a time of traditions, family reunions, and feasts that symbolize prosperity and togetherness. From the dazzling lights of Chinatown to the energetic beats of lion dances, the city-state comes alive with festive cheer.

A highlight of the celebration is the food – with each dish carrying its own auspicious meaning. Whether you’re craving Yu Sheng for good fortune or Peking Duck to share with loved ones, finding the right restaurant can make your Lunar New Year celebration unforgettable. Plan your Chinese New Year celebration and check out our list of restaurants serving Chinese cuisine to kickstart the Year of the Wood Snake on a good note.

Peach Garden

Peach Garden is a distinguished restaurant group in Singapore, celebrated for its authentic Chinese cuisine and refined dining experiences. With multiple outlets across the island, including locations at OCBC Centre and Chinatown Point, each branch offers unique features, from breathtaking views to casual elegance. Signature dishes like Roasted Peking Duck and an impressive array of dim sum make Peach Garden a favorite among diners.

This Chinese New Year 2025, the restaurant is pulling out all the stops with themed menus, exclusive catering promotions, and exciting perks for early reservations, ensuring a memorable start to the Year of the Snake. To see their promotions, visit their website.

Location: Peach Garden, Multiple branches

Dian Xiao Er

Established in 2002, Dian Xiao Er is a celebrated restaurant chain in Singapore, renowned for its signature Crispy Herbal Roast Duck. Prepared with premium Cherry Valley ducks and marinated in a unique blend of Chinese herbs, the dish comes in flavors like dang gui, Ten Wonders, and Ginseng Duck. With 16 outlets and a diverse menu of zi char dishes, Dian Xiao Er offers a cozy setting perfect for family gatherings and authentic Chinese cuisine lovers.

Location: Dian Xiao Er, Multiple outlets

Chin Lee Restaurant

Chin Lee Restaurant, a beloved fixture in Bedok since 1973, is renowned for its authentic Teochew cuisine and over 50 years of culinary excellence. Signature dishes like Teochew Steamed Pomfret, Cold Crab, and Roasted Suckling Pig showcase traditional flavors that have captivated generations of diners. For a sweet finish, the Teochew Yam Paste (Orh Nee) remains a must-try, offering a rich and nostalgic dessert treat.

Location: Chin Lee Restaurant, Multiple branches

Peach Blossoms

Peach Blossoms offers a modern take on Chinese cuisine, with Executive Chef Edward Chong bringing creativity and storytelling to each dish through seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. The restaurant has earned multiple prestigious accolades, including recognition in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and the Tatler Dining Awards.

This Chinese New Year, Chef Chong presents a festive menu that includes Set Menus, Family Bundles, Yu Sheng, and more, available for both dine-in and takeaway until February 2025.

Location: Peach Blossoms, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Level 5 PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

Hai Tien Lo

Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Singapore is offering a luxurious Cantonese dining experience for the Lunar New Year 2025, with a series of specially curated set menus. From Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, guests can indulge in highlights like Braised South African Whole Abalone with Truffles and Deep-fried Crispy Chicken Wing stuffed with Bird’s Nest.

For those seeking à la carte options, a premium selection including pan-fried A5 Wagyu Beef Tenderloin and Abundance Yu Sheng is available until Jan. 27, with traditional Yu Sheng platters available for both dine-in and takeaway.

Location: Hai Tien Lo, Level 3, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore

Madame Fan

Led by executive chef Pak Chee Yit, Madame Fan highlights innovative dishes that bring together traditional cooking techniques, modern flavors, and presentations. For Chinese New Year 2025, they have different promotions such as Art of Blossoming – Divine Dining, which features culinary creations that complement spring, and Fleur in Bloom, an indulgent celebration by Chef Pak Yee Chit which features set menus and take-home options. For more information, visit Madame Fan’s website.

Location: Madame Fan, The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore

Crystal Jade Singapore

Crystal Jade, a globally recognized culinary brand from Singapore, has been delighting diners with exceptional Chinese cuisine for over 25 years. With more than 100 outlets across 25 cities, including the Michelin-starred Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the brand has evolved from humble beginnings to become a leader in fine and casual dining worldwide.

For Lunar New Year 2025, guests at the Crystal Jade fine dining restaurants can look forward to their Yu Sheng platters such as the Premium Prosperity Yu Sheng with Fresh South African Abalone, Great Amberjack Fish & Australian Scallop; and the Reunion Yu Sheng with Norwegian Salmon.

Location: Crystal Jade Singapore, Multiple branches

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Singapore/ Delish/ Happenings

KFC's Cereal Chicken Returns with mofusand Collab Merch

Untitled design 8 Photo by Website/KFC Singapore

KFC Singapore is launching the most purr-fect collaboration to ring in the new year as its crowd-pleaser, Cereal Chicken, officially makes a comeback!

Made with a tasty blend of buttery cereal, curry leaves, and chilies coated on KFC’s signature Hot & Crispy Chicken, this finger-lickin’ good menu item is a fire way to start 2025 and celebrate Chinese New Year.

But that’s not all, starting Jan. 13, KFC is also launching its highly anticipated mofusand collaboration merch which includes a series of plushies, keychains, red packets, and blind sticker sheets!

If you don’t know already, mofusand is a group of cats donning cute headgear and costumes created by Japanese artist, Juno. These KFC kawaii kitties are too cute for words and are designed with some of the fast-food chain’s iconic menu items like the chicken drumstick, egg tart, and red and white striped bucket. Here’s how to get your paws on them.

KFC x mofusand Keychains

KFC mofusand keychains
Photo from Website/KFC Singapore

You can get the limited-edition keychains for S$12.95 with any purchase of a Cereal Chicken or Cereal Chicken Burger box. These are available in all stores, except Singapore Zoo and Sentosa, and can be ordered via POS only.

The keychains will be launched weekly with a different design each week, so make sure to remember these Mondays: Jan. 13, 20, and 27. Queue tickets will be distributed on the day and can be redeemed by 1 PM only. Each customer can purchase a maximum of two mofusand keychains with the purchase of two Cereal Boxes.

KFC x mofusand Plushie

KFC mofusand plushie
Photo from Website/KFC Singapore

The plushie is available for S$19.95 with a purchase of the Cereal Chicken or Burger box. There’s a maximum order of one plushie per customer. The item will launch after 11 AM on Feb. 5 at these KFC outlets:

  • Kallang
  • West Mall
  • Tampines Mall
  • Causeway Point
  • Vivo City
  • Serangoon Nex
  • Jurong Point
  • Lot 1
  • Compass One
  • Northpoint City

KFC x mofusand Red Packets, Stickers Sheets, and Pouches

KFC mofusand packets
Photo from Website/KFC Singapore

The packets come for FREE with any purchase of the Cereal Chicken or Cereal Chicken Burger Box, Buddy Meal, or Feast. It will be available from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11 at all KFC outlets, except Singapore Zoo and Sentosa. Each pack has two designs with six packets.

Meanwhile, the sticker sheets come for FREE with a minimum spend of S$12 during breakfast hours from Jan. 13 to Feb 11 at KFC Breakfast Stores.

KFC mofusand stickers
Photo from Website/KFC Singapore

The limited-edition pouches come for FREE with any purchase of the Cereal Chicken Family Feast, but only via KFC delivery from Jan. 20. All the merch is available while stocks last so make sure to save the dates!

For more information, click here. You can also follow KFC Singapore on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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Singapore/ Delish/ Openings

Influencer Lukeychan Opens a Pasta Restaurant with a Twist at Bukit Merah

20250106 Pasta Papa Photo by PastaPapa/Instagram

You could say this is a “Cooking Papa” simulator in Singapore.

Singaporean content creator, Luke Chan, more popularly known as "Lukeychan," has made a 180-degree turn from his online persona and forayed into the F&B industry with his Italian café, PastaPapa.

Hidden in the Sports Lifestyle Center at Bukit Merah, PastaPapa is a partnership between Chan his gym partner, DLLM Lok Lok’s owner Jayden Loh, and two others.

While it seems like a very normal Italian café, selling Italian cuisine like pasta, risotto, tiramisu, and panna cotta, there’s an experience you won’t see in any other restaurant: You can cook your own food through PastaPapa’s self-cooking stations.

For about S$39.90 (for two), diners have the option of DIY-ing their own meals and cooking their own pasta mains, choosing from either Bolognese, Carbonara, Vongole, or Seafood Aglio Olio, along with a choice of appetizer, two bowls of mushroom soup, and a choice of dessert.

Of course, this includes wearing a chef’s whites, and instructional videos to guide the “chef” along the way—for the immersive experience.

The videos were made and animated in the “Cooking Mama” style, with the voice-over done by Luke Chan himself. Diners and chefs can expect hearing phrases much like in the cooking simulator game, once they get their dishes done!

If diners aren’t in the mood to cook, PastaPapa has their regular menu, with their signatures including the Carbonara (S$11.90), Bolognese (S$10.90), and Seafood Aglio Olio (S$13.90). Their appetizers feature French Fries (S$7.00), Truffle Fries (S$9.50), Flame Torched Smoked Duck (S$6.90), Popcorn Chicken (S$8.00), and more.

What are you waiting for? Head on to PastaPapa to get your “Cooking Papa” simulation on! Follow PastaPapa on their Instagram!

Location: PastaPapa, 3500A Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 159837

Opening Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM (Closed on Sundays)

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Singapore/ Delish/ Happenings

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Untitled design 2025 01 03 T104302 875 Photo by Courtesy of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Still figuring out where to host your Lunar New Year gathering? Whether it's a festive family reunion or a lively luncheon with colleagues, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium has you covered with two standout dining spots: the Halal-certified Atrium Restaurant and the elegant Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant.

Nian gao with sweet potato
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

From Jan. 13 to Feb. 12, 2025, Atrium Restaurant will serve up a Chinese New Year-themed buffet featuring festive treats like yu sheng, dim sum, chicken bak kwa, and fried nian gao with sweet potato. Rotational highlights include salmon sashimi, oysters, grilled lamb chops, laksa, and chocolate fondue.

Special festive dishes like Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Braised 10-Head Abalone will be available from CNY Eve to Day 4 (from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1). Prices start at S$98, with an exclusive 1-for-1 offer for adults.

Looking for something more refined? Head to Xin Cuisine for their Reunion Dinner. Starting from S$768++ for six diners, enjoy dishes like Vegetarian Salmon Yu Sheng, Braised Dice Abalone with Shredded Fish Maw, Sautéed Prawns in X.O. Sauce, and Steamed Marble Goby Hong Kong Style. Plus, enjoy a 10% discount on banquet menus!

nian gao
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

For those who want to celebrate at home, pre-order Xin Cuisine’s Chinese New Year takeaways until Feb. 9, 2025, which include a luxurious Sliced 2-Head Abalone Yu Sheng from S$128, or a traditional Pen Cai packed with abalone, scallops, fish maw, and prawns, priced from S$398. For sweeter offerings, try Xin’s in-house signatures: Yam and Pumpkin Cake for S$55 per box or Nian Gao with Coconut Sauce for S$53.

Location: Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, 317 Outram Road, Level 4

Opening Hours: Wed-Sun, from 11:30 AM to 3 PM, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

For more information, visit Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium on their website, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

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Singapore/ Delish/ Happenings

For a Limited Time Only: BAKE Cheese Tart Is Back in Singapore!

BAKE Cheese Tart Is Back in Singapore Photo by BAKE Cheese Tart

Missed those sweet and tangy tarts from BAKE Cheese Tart? Great news, because the Japanese dessert brand is making a comeback in Singapore with a pop-up outlet — but for a limited time only!

According to the brand’s press release, the reopening is “a response to overwhelming demand and fond memories from fans who fell in love with its iconic tarts.”

Unveiled at Takashimaya along Orchard Road last Dec. 27, BAKE Cheese Tart’s new pop-up outlet offers their classic cheese tarts, made with smooth Hokkaido cream cheese and crispy double-baked crust, among other flavors.

To celebrate its opening and the Lunar New Year season, the outlet is also offering an exclusive promo. From today until Jan. 27, customers who purchase a six-tart set, which comes in Lunar New Year-themed packaging, will receive one complimentary Earl Grey Cheese Tart.

The Earl Grey Cheese Tart is a first-in-Singapore offering and is made with a blend of fragrant Earl Grey tea and their classic cream cheese filling.

BAKE Cheese Tart first opened in Singapore with a West Gate outlet in 2016, which saw long queues and rave reviews from dessert lovers in the city. In 2019, the brand closed its Singapore stores to make way for its sister brand, ZAKUZAKU.

Get your hands on these sweet treats while they’re here! For more details, follow BAKE Cheese Tart Singapore on Instagram.

Location: BAKE Cheese Tart, Basement 2, Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore

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