Presenting our first guide of 2021... Looks like January is going to be an exciting month!
The New Year is finally here! How’s everyone feeling? Looking at all the events that happened in 2020, we’ve certainly come a long way. But let’s leave that all behind and start with a clean state, shall we? As always, we’ve gathered the best things to do in Singapore. So while you’re finalising your New Year resolutions or starting the Veganuary movement, don’t forget to hit up these events for some fun in 2021.
Best things to do in January 2021
Exhibition: Dual Core Guard Metal Twisted G-Shock (MT-G) Pop-Up
11 January – 4 February
Casio unveils the technology behind its popular watch series the Dual Core Guard Metal Twisted G-Shock (MT-G). Peak inside disassembled MTGS and discover what makes the watches tick. Oh, and look out for the limited edition iridescent rainbow MTG-B1000 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Metal Twisted series.
Dual Core Guard Metal Twisted G-SHOCK (MT-G) Pop-Up, B2-93, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018972
Home & Living: Into the Woods: Okuyamato Craft from Nara
15 January – 21 February
Raise your hand if you’re all about clean, minimalist wood furniture. Into the Woods highlights the works of 19 craftspeople from Okuyamato, home to centuries-old Yoshino forests in the Kansai region of Japan. The result is a medley of gorgeous woods such as cypress, cedar, cherry and horse chestnut woods. Drop by the showcase for a glimpse of the craftsmen’s lives, their unique stories, and how they’ve incorporated age-old traditions and techniques. You can also take home unique furniture and home accessories.
Into the Woods: Okuyamato Craft from Nara, Lumine Singapore, #02-20, The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059817
Eat: Penang Culture x Datuk (Dr) Chef Wan Signatures menu
15 January – 28 February
There’s no need to travel all the way to Malaysia for authentic fare. Just make your way to Penang Culture for its collaboration with Datuk Chef Wan. The Malaysian celebrity chef dishes out culinary creations like mackerel in spicy and sour gravy (gerang asam), king tiger prawn rendang, massaman beef and nasi goreng emak. Enjoy the set menu at $90 (feeds four to five pax).
Penang Culture x Datuk (Dr) Chef Wan Signatures menu, multiple locations including Nex, Jem and VivoCity
Arts: S.E.A Focus 2021
20 to 31 January
There will be many firsts at the third edition of S.E.A Focus. In fact, it will bring together S.E.A Focus Digital (an online exhibition) and S.E.A Focus Curation (an offline presentation by artists and galleries from across the region). Explore contemporary Southeast Asian art at its finest through meaningful encounters of ancient culture and history.
S.E.A Focus 2021, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065 and online
Eat: The Grand Lobby Moscow Afternoon Tea
All month
The Grand Lobby at Raffles Hotel transports us to Moscow with a thematic afternoon tea feast. Get yourselves (and your stomachs) acquainted with Russian canapes like Kristal caviar and smoked salmon blinis, black sesame seed bagel and Russian apple sharlotka. Make it a memorable afternoon with handcrafted cocktails like the fruity Post Imperial Kir ($25) with champagne, gin, raspberry, cherry and orange. Or try the rum-forward Babushkiny Luchshiye ($20) with apple, beet, milk, tea and citrus.
The Grand Lobby Moscow Afternoon Tea, until 14 March, $88/pax, The Grand Lobby, Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Exhibition: Wild Critters AR Art Installation
22 – 30 January
Dip your toes into an immersive augmented reality installation with Wild Critters. Debuting in conjunction with Singapore Art Week, the installation blends art and science to create interactive AR visuals. Scan the QR code with an AR filter on Instagram to spot a mutated Rafflesia flower, a “Smarto Octopus” and gigantic bear-like creatures. The unique creations are designed by local artists Clogtwo, Machineast, Supercybertown, Tell Your Children (TYC), UFHO and Shang.
Wild Critters AR Art Installation, Gillman Barracks, outdoor locations, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Indulge: Lady M and Macallan’s Whisky Dark Chocolate Mousse
All month
Have a boozy cake treat thanks to Lady M. The luxury cake brand has joined hands with Macallan for the first time and the result is a decadent one. Treat yourself to a slice (or a whole cake) of the seasonal whisky dark chocolate mousse, infused with The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate whisky mousse is layered with whisky jelly with orange zest, a chocolate sponge base and crunchy dark chocolate feuilletine finish. The rich flavours are balanced with dehydrated orange slices, honey and vanilla.
Lady M, $18/slice; $180/$170 (online orders only) for a 9-inch whole cake; available until 28 Feb at all outlets including Orchard Central; or order online
Exhibition: M.U.T.A
8 – 22 January
Indie art collective No Horses Run presents M.U.T.A, an exhibition of installations, sculptures and performances. M.U.T.A is an acronym that describes mutability, transmutations and mutagen (all of them explore changes in state, btw). Marvel at the works of artists Aneesha Shetty, Choo Li Wei Lewis, and Chok Si Xuan with their own personal spins.
M.U.T.A, 12pm-8pm, CultureCave, #03-17, 18 Kaki Bukit Road, Entrepreneur Business Centre, Singapore 415978
Eat: Japan Rail Cafe
All month
For the first time ever, Japan Airlines and Japan Rail Cafe are working together to bring in-flight meals to those who are hungry for travel. Get your wanderlust fix with a selection of either salmon miso yaki or chicken takiawase tamago. Both options come with udon noodles and earl grey chiffon cake. To top things off, the travel-themed cafe is stocking up on exclusive JAL merchandise!
Japan Airlines at Japan Rail Cafe, #01-20, Guoco Tower, 5 Wallich Street, Singapore 078883
Concert: The More Further Adventures of Dick Lee
19 – 24 Jan 2021
Local maestro Dick Lee is back on stage with a storytelling performance that looks back at his decades-long experience in the industry. Sit back as he revisits his Cantopop stint in Hong Kong, shares untold stories and performs unreleased music from his private songbooks.
The More Further Adventures of Dick Lee, Tuesday – Sunday, 7pm-8.30pm; KC Arts Centre, Singapore Repertory Theatre, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035
Eat: New themed buffets at The Line
All month
The Line at Shangri-La is amping up its buffet offerings with two new thematic buffets. Pop by on Wednesdays for the “Butcher’s Table” and Thursdays for “Marine Harvest” a la carte buffets. Select from over 88 dishes, including lamb leg, sirloin, and beef kebab ourfali on Wednesdays, as well as Boston lobster, Canadian oysters, Singapore chilli and black pepper crab, and sashimi on Thursdays.
The Line, Butcher’s Table, $88, Wednesdays, 6pm-10pm; Marine Harvest, $98, Thursdays, 6pm-10pm; Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Exhibition: R for Repair
All month
Gone are the days where we try to fix something that’s broken. These days, we can easily replace anything, thanks to mass consumption. But, this exhibition at the National Design Centre is challenging that notion. R for Repair invites 10 local designers to unleash their creativity by breathing new life into broken objects. From a worn-out wristwatch to a teacup with a broken handle, the restored exhibits will make you see that repair work is more than just putting things together. It’s a process that also sparks innovation.
R for Repair, until 6 Feb, National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, Singapore 188969
Arts & Culture: RE•MIX 2k21!
15 – 24 January
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre is back with a hybrid virtual and onsite edition of RE•MIX 2k21!. Held over two weekends, the festival will feature exhibitions, fashion shows, silent music parties, escape games and performances. Round up the family for hands-on cultural experiences, musical acts and lotsa activities that celebrate Chinese culture.
RE•MIX 2k21!, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906 and online
Virtual fun: Murder at Mandai Camp: The Case Reopens
Until 16 January
Sight Lines Entertainment and local director-playwright Chong Tze Chien have brought back the immersive live theatrical production: Murder at Mandai Camp. The new edition sees Benjamin Kheng of The Sam Willows fame as the key CID officer who reopens the case. You can also stand a chance to participate in the mystery draw of $1000. Or booze up on themed bottled cocktails from Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall while you try to solve the case.
Murder at Mandai Camp: The Case Reopens, online
Eat: Wan Hao Pop-Up
From 2 January
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant will be whipping out delish Cantonese pastries at its Wan Hao Pop-Up. Sink your teeth into buttery Golden Nian Gao Tarts which are an exclusive during Chinese New Year launch. Other melt-in-your-mouth delights include cookie crusted egg tarts in coconut, gula melaka and classic flavours; baked char siew bun, “wife cake” (lao po bing) and nostalgic traditional CNY cookies.
Wan Hao Pop-Up, 2 January to 20 February, 11am to 5pm, Java+, Level 1, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865; only available for takeaway
Art: Lite On!
All month
Get your dose of ‘gram-worthy art fix at Downtown East this weekend. Lite On! highlights dazzling IG-worthy works by local artists like Speak Cryptic, Bod, Space Objekt and Shophouse & Co. Taking inspiration from imagined landscapes, existing spaces and everyday objects, the vibrant displays are a reflection of our world.
Lite On!, until 21 March, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
Eat: Auntie’s Wok and Steam reopens
From 4 January
You’ve had the popular dim sum buffets – now get ready for tze char with a Szechuan twist. The reopening of the restaurant sees a variety of Chinese classics and local faves including tantalising new plates. Try the Rainforest Alliance coffee pork ribs, Australian Angus striplion and poached herbal prawns for a comforting meal with the family.
Auntie’s Wok and Steam, Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354
Exhibition: #DrivingTomorrow by Porsche
Until 16 January
Drop by Jewel Changi Airport for a cool pop-up exhibition about Porsche’s marque journey towards electromobility, innovations through the years and future-proof solutions. Fans of the sports car brand can learn about its vision and commitment towards sustainability. There’ll also be car models on display for your viewing pleasure.
#DrivingTomorrow, 10am-10pm, free entry, level 2, Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Drink: Chivas Regal Winning Seat: Home Edition
All month
The whiskey brand brings back The Winning Seat with exciting virtual experiences, digital football challenges and a chance to win an exclusive virtual meet and greet with a Manchester United First Team player. Win weekly grand prizes up to $40,000, and instant prizes including Chivas Regal merchandise, Maui Jim sunglasses, KOHLER bathroom accessories and staycations. All you have to do is purchase a bottle of Chivas Regal 12 YO, scan the QR code on the bottle sticker, and enter your prize code to reveal your instant prize and increase your chances of nabbing that virtual meet and greet.
Chivas Regal Winning Seat: Home Edition, until 14 March, purchase a bottle at participating or e-commerce platforms
Eat & Drink: Melati Veganuary
All month
The non-alcoholic aperitif brand is joining hands with restaurants and cafes for a specially curated Melati Veganuary dining experience. Hop over to one of the participating establishments for a delish vegan meal served with a Melati mocktail (Melati Spritz and Espresso Melati) throughout the month. We’ve got our eyes on Caffe Cicheti’s brussel sprouts (one of the best we’ve had!), Sprmrkt’s pumpkin croquette with okra tempura and parsnip puree, and Afterglow’s kimchi avocado roll.
Melati Veganuary, multiple locations including Caffe Cicheti, Afterglow, Sprmrkt, The Butcher’s Wife and Open Farm Community
Art: An Exercise of Meaning in a Glitch Season
All month
As part of the Proposals for Novel Ways of Being initiative, where art institutions are sticking it to the pandemic with a wide range of exhibitions and programmes, National Gallery Singapore showcases a slew of mixed-media installations and moving image works. What’s the theme? This month, it’s time to reflect on our state of being, as an individual and a collective, in light of the current pandemic.
An Exercise of Meaning in a Glitch Season, City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery C, National Gallery Singapore, until 21 February, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Drink: Sala Spiritello pop-up
All month
Fill the void of your travel plans with InterContinental Hotels & Resort and Campari’s Sala Spiritello pop-up. Dip your toes into the Milanese culture of the aperitivo and the digestivo with six Campari-spiked cocktails including the exclusively-new InterContinental Negroni. With travel put on hold, the pop-up aims to bring luxurious travel experiences across South East Asia. Singapore’s one of the four participating countries together with Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Sala Spiritello pop-up, 5pm-9.30pm, The Lobby Lounge, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
Arts and culture: ThisConnect: Threading Worlds
Until 31 January
As a way to raise awareness on mental health issues, local artists Hunny and Lummy have launched ThisConnect: Threading Worlds. Their first full-fledged exhibition features seven bodies of works that convey stories of pain, loss and vulnerability from Singaporeans. Start the year right and partake in a much-needed self-reflection journey through the pieces.
ThisConnect: Threading Worlds, #03-02, Jinrikisha Station, 1 Neil Road, Singapore 088804
Stay tuned as we update the guide with more things to do in Singapore this month!
What you missed!
Eat: Riviera Bayside Brunch
9 January
The coastal Mediterranean restaurant is spoiling us with a boozy brunch for just one day this month. Enjoy three hours of free-flow champagne, French wines, punch bowl cocktails alongside live carving and egg stations. Save room for a la carte plates like milk-fed veal rack, grass-fed New Zealand lamb rack, free-range eggs prepared French style and artisanal burrata, just to name a few.
Riviera Bayside Brunch, from $118++ (for three hours of free-flow drinks), 12pm-3pm, #02-06, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
Eat & Drink: Sky High Hawker series
9 – 10 January
Ce La Vi’s sought-after Sky High Hawker series carries onto the New Year with its sixth edition. Enjoy local hawker creations by Ka-Soh, Restaurant Ibid, Fishball Story, Moghul Mahal, Table at 7 and Bonding Kitchen as the chefs whip out signature dishes. As always, the menu has long-standing bao burgers, pastries and cocktails by the Ce La Vi crew.
Sky High Hawker series, 12pm-10.30pm, dishes are priced from $10++, free entry with table reservation
Shop: Snag Wonder Woman goodies
Until 10 January
Caught the latest Wonder Woman flick and loved it? Snap up exclusive merchandise, plus deals, promos and even giveaways by Shopee. There are pouches, exclusive EZ-Link cards, Funko Pop Figures, makeup, plushies, toys and apparel up for grabs.
Snag Wonder Woman merchandise, available online
