What does the month have in store? Read on for all the top things to do in Singapore this May!
We can’t believe we’re already five months into 2023! What’s on our agenda for the month ahead, you ask? Scroll ahead to find out. We’ve got the scoop on cool collaborations and menus coming up. Immerse your artistic side with exhibitions and unique films. Not forgetting doing good and giving back with a charity gala. Can we get a hell yeah?
Best things to do in Singapore: May 2023
1. Eat & drink: Bruichladdich Distillery x The Elephant Room
27 April – 11 May
As part of its “We Also Make Whisky” campaign, Bruichladdich Distillery is collaborating with The Elephant Room. The two come together in their missions to support local communities. Bruichladdich aims to regenerate the local community around its distillery in Scotland while The Elephant Room advocates for Singapore’s Indian community. This includes sourcing ingredients from Tekka Market in Little India and giving back to migrant workers.
Expect four whisky-infused cocktails showcasing the “why” behind Bruichladdich’s whisky. The Bruch Lady is an aperitif-style cocktail made with mango. It balances sour, sweet, and spicy notes with mango powder and Jaggery, a type of cane sugar. For those who want to taste more of the whisky, opt for the spirit-forward Golden Glow that uses turmeric. Or you can try the Octomore 13.1 which combines flavours of masala chai. And on the sweeter side, go for the Candy Shop. It’s a delicate mix of rose water and rose petals with a punch of whisky.
Bruichladdich Distillery x The Elephant Room, 20A Teck Lim Road, Singapore 088391
2. Eat & drink: Mandala Masters x Amaya Ventures presents Indian Accent
9 – 25 May
If you haven’t heard of Mandala Masters, where have you been? This local culinary residency programme has featured globally acclaimed names and World’s 50 Best Restaurants recipients. Think the likes of Narisawa, Mirazur by Chef Mauro Colagreco, Gaggan Anand, and MASL by Pia Leon and Virgilio Martinez. Talk about star power.
For this month, we see the 19th best restaurant in Asia, Indian Accent, take the stage. Straight from the bustling hub of New Delhi are Chef Manish and Shantanu Mehrotra. The two will be making their debut at Mandala Club. Expect inventive and creative approaches to Indian cuisine during this two-week residency. Choose between a four, seven, or nine-course menu. Prices start at $188 for lunch and $238 for dinner.
Mandala Masters x Amaya Ventures presents Indian Accent, 31 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
3. Things to do: Daughters Of Tomorrow – Mothers’ Day Fundraising Gala
14 May
It’s the month for mums! To make the occasion extra special, sign up for this Mothers’ Day fundraising gala by local charity Daughters Of Tomorrow. The event centres around empowerment and celebrating the journey of mothers from the low-income community. The goal is to raise $300,000 to support its new and existing programmes and services. There’s even tote board matching for all donations, which means all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar!
Wanna do more? Consider signing up to be an event sponsor. You’ll be considered a Platinum sponsor if you donate $30,000. It gives you recognition on the stage backdrop and even a complimentary table at the gala.
Daughters Of Tomorrow: Mother’s Day Fundraising Gala, 7pm – 10pm; Jen Singapore Tanglin, 1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716
4. Entertainment: Phum Viphurit live in Singapore
25 May
Here’s a quick lowdown on Phum Viphurit. He’s a Thai-born, New Zealand-raised indie singer-songwriter with enchanting tracks. He writes inviting tunes with charming lyrics in his take on alternative indie-pop. The bounce in melody pairs perfectly with themes of finding your voice and exploring your place in the world. He’s recently released a new album called The Greng Jai Piece! Want the chance to listen to him croon tunes like “Lover Boy” and “Long Gone”? Catch him at Capitol Theatre for a night of vibes.
Phum Viphurit live in Singapore, Capitol Theatre, Capitol Singapore, 17 Stamford Road, Singapore 178907
5. Concert: Blackpink World Tour
13 – 14 May
If you haven’t already heard, Blackpink’s coming to town this month. They’re back for a second world tour following their latest full album “Born Pink”. It made history by becoming the first album by a female K-pop group to make be a double-million seller. Now that’s legendary. But you know what’s even better? They’ve added an extra show to their calendar! If you missed scoring tickets to the Saturday show, you can nab a spot for Sunday instead.
Blackpink World Tour, Singapore National Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629
6. Arts & entertainment: European Film Festival 2023
16 – 31 May
Returning to the big screen at The Projector, the European Union Delegation to Singapore is running the European Film Festival. It brings the best of contemporary European cinema to our local screens. Be prepared for over 20 films that reflect on the diversity of perspectives, histories, languages, and cultures. You’ll transport yourself to a whole new world with these films. Think the likes of Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Romania, and more.
European Film Festival 2023, multiple locations including The Projector and The Projector: Picturehouse
7. Eat & drink: The Marmalade Pantry’s Floral Bliss & Scents afternoon tea
All month
Expect a multisensorial afternoon tea experience at The Marmalade Pantry’s afternoon tea. Your sense of smell and taste will be in for a treat. On the menu, you’ve got sweets like lemon macarons and Earl Grey cupcakes. On the savoury side, seared scallops on focaccia, feta and pumpkin tarts, and truffle egg mayo sandwiches. Plus in collaboration with Botanica Fragrance, you’ll be treated to three aromas. Complimentary diffusers come in scents like Red Berry, Orange Cinnamon, and Sleep Ocean. Opt for the $138 menu for two to score all three! If you can’t make it down to any of its locations, you can always have the set delivered to your home. It comes in an exclusive two-tiered package with plaid patterns.
The Marmalade Pantry’s Floral Bliss & Scents afternoon tea, multiple locations including Downtown and Ion Orchard
8. Entertainment: Shows at Comedy Masala
Every Tuesday
Ever wonder why Circular Road seems to be livelier on Tuesday nights? You can thank Comedy Masala during its takeover of Hero’s. It’s laughter and tears of joy galore as local comedians bring you tall tales and comedic skits to brighten your day. The highlight for this month? An adults-only magic show by award-winning magician Adrian Saw who brings laughs and wonder from down under. His show’s got a blend of almost everything. Don’t worry, there are no top hats and rabbits, or girls being sewn in half.
Shows at Comedy Masala, Hero’s, 69 Circular Road, Singapore 049423
9. Arts & culture: Familiar Smells by Yam Shalev
Until 14 May
With a focus on personal moments during a trip home to Israel, Yam Shalev presents his second show at Cuturi Gallery. Familiar Smells is a showcase of pieces that depict still life. From plants and flowers to food and home decor, each painting is carefully detailed and created. Using photographs as reference points, Yam mimics the neat painting style of other artists like Pedro and Guy Yanai. We can’t get enough of the paintings, especially Saturday Noon on King George St. It brings together several Mediterranean influences of Tel Aviv. You can see this on the tablecloth and Bauhaus Greek-influenced tiles.
Familiar Smells, Cuturi Gallery, 61 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199937
10. Bonus: i Light Singapore 2023
1 – 25 June
That’s right, i Light Singapore is back to illuminate Marina Bay. The visual playground returns with new installations and programmes that’ll delight your senses. This year, the festival is bigger than ever. It’ll be expanding to South Beach and Millenia Walk to bring fresher experiences. That also means bringing the artwork closer to more people. This year’s theme is “A New Wave” which focuses on the colour blue and its association with emotions of calmness and serenity.
i Light Singapore 2023, multiple locations including Marina Bay, South Beach, and Millenia Walk
May’s looking mighty fine with loads of things to do in Singapore.