Wanna know what’s happening and trending in Singapore? Pop by every week as we give you the buzz on what’s new and cool in the city.
If you’re wondering what’s happening in Singapore this week, we’ve got you covered. Life moves so fast it’s impossible to stay updated, so we’re bringing you the latest and greatest in food and drinks, entertainment, and viral trends – all in easy-to-read, bite-sized doses! Bookmark this page for your weekly dose, and check out our guide on things to do this weekend in Singapore.
The buzz on what’s happening in Singapore this week
1. Mask up because the haze is hitting record highs
The haze in Singapore is showing no signs of going away as it climbs into the high 200s. Those who are vulnerable to the smog are encouraged to collect their free N95 masks at community clubs and vending machines at selected pubic transport hubs, Social Service Offices, and People’s Association venues. You can find the closest collection point via the HazeMaskGoWhere website.
You can collect masks from the vending machines and at community clubs if you fulfil one of the following criteria:
- You’re a member of the Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation
- Hold an orange or blue CHAS card
- Have a medical fee exemption card
- Receive ComCare Assistance
For pregnant women, those with asthma or chronic heart conditions, and children aged 7 to 16 years old, collection can be done at the community clubs only.
Haze shelters have also been established at selected community clubs, integrated community hubs, residents’ committee centres, and residents’ networks for those who need a safe space to get away from the haze. Stay safe, everyone!
2. A smokin’ new smokehouse
From the same team that brought you Grain Catering comes Ember, a brand new smokehouse changing the way we eat smoked meats. You’ll find your typical smoked suspects here, like brisket, chicken, short ribs, and even smoked sausage. But what makes Ember special is the Asian twist. Think smokehouse meets KBBQ, where you can wrap proteins in veggies and slather them in Asian-inspired sauces like nam jim jaew, and chimichurri made with coriander, mint, and fish sauce.
We had it for lunch and our team devoured the Feed the Bear set ($220), thanks to the smokey aroma and the fall-off-the-bone meats. For sides, we recommend the uber sweet maple cornbread and the nori smashed potatoes. You also can’t go wrong with the fresh kimchi for fresh bite. The best part? Ember’s food is halal-certified.
3. We have Zouk at home now!
We’ve got fabulous news for Zouk regulars, because the nightlife destination has launched Sorry For, its bottled liqueur brand inspired by a familiar character. If you’ve been to Zouk enough times, you would’ve had a taste of its infamous sour plum shot. Now, you don’t have to be at the club till 2am to enjoy it! Order yourself a bottle of the ready-to-drink sour plum vodka for the nights you feel like staying in, but still want a sip of something delicious.
4. Our latest sourdough obsession
When it comes to bread, we haven’t been able to get Starter Lab’s sourdough out of our head. Naturally leavened and fermented with natural starters, Starter Lab’s bread has a distinct, tangy flavour we can’t get over. Grab a loaf for yourself at Little Farms and give it a try! Our grilled cheese sandwiches have never tasted better. You can also find other baked goodies like bagels, cookies, and buns (which are just as delicious).
5. FairPrice says annyeong
You don’t have to go to Korea for some of your favourite snacks anymore because FairPrice is bringing it to you! The FairPrice Korea Fair is happening from now until 21 October 2026 with a curated selection of Korean snacks, drinks, pantry staples, and new-to-Singapore finds. We’ve been big fans of the Labnosh protein shakes that pack a whopping 50g of protein!
6. Raise your glasses to these award-winning wines from M&S
Vinophiles will be familiar with Marks & Spencer’s dazzling wine range. With a dedicated team (including two in-house winemakers) working to create exclusive labels for the brand, these wines deliver on both quality and value. Some of these wines have garnered prestigious accolades across major industry competitions this year, including the IWC, IWSC and Decanter, and we’re shining the spotlight on them.
The Collection Barolo Peironte takes the limelight with multiple accolades: the coveted Decanter Platinum award, as well as IWC Silver and IWSC Bronze medals. This medium-bodied ruby red hailing from Italy features floral notes, and potpourri and red plum flavours.
Want more award-winning recommendations? Those who fancy bold red wines can peek at the Collection Grand Reserve Rioja and Collection Barossa Valley Shiraz; while the Finca Miguel Cava Brut is a sparkling pick balanced with fruity notes and fresh aromas of apple, citrus and toasted almonds.
What’s happening in Singapore: What you missed last week…
7. Ion Orchard’s premium food hall is back bigger and bolder
Going hungry isn’t an option when shopping at Orchard, especially with the recent unveiling of Food Opera at Ion Orchard. If you’ve visited the shopping mall over the last few months, you’d know this refurbishment is a long time coming – three months, to be exact. The 20,000 sq ft revamped space now seats up to 600 diners and boasts an award-winning line-up of brands and heritage hawker brands.
Reminiscent of Orchard Road in the 1970s, the interiors are an instant blast to the past. Peep the nostalgic storefronts inspired by the era’s iconic trades like barber shops and beauty salons. 90% of the stores are new, so you’re in for a real treat.
Need some recommendations? Our favourites were the signature Henghua fried bee hoon from 93-year-old Ming Chung White Lor Mee; roast platter with perfectly caramelised char siew and melt-in-the-mouth pork belly from Chef Lup Roasted; and ayam berempah from the popular Berempah Bros.
And there’s more to be excited for. Stop by Toast Box’s first outlet with live roasting and a debut house blend, Nanyang Supremo; Treasure Bakery, a new bakery concept serving nostalgic British bakes with Nanyang flair; and Orchid Gallery, a dedicated retail and lifestyle concept for gifts and souvenirs. Who says food courts are boring?
8. Two local bars rank in this year’s The 50 Best Bars
The 18th edition of The 50 Best Bars, recently unveiled in Milan, saw watering holes from over 26 cities. Topping the list once again is Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, taking home The Best Bar in Asia and The World’s Best Bar titles. Two of our homegrown bars made the cut this year: Jigger & Pony lands at #18, while Nutmeg & Clove ranks #38. While we’re celebrating, let’s not forget Offtrack, which made its debut in the extended 51 to 100 list when it was announced late last month. Congratulations to the three bars!
9. Singaporeans plan to travel as much as they can in 2027
Inflation who? According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report, 89% of Singaporeans are maintaining or boosting their 2027 travel plans. Local holidaymakers won’t sacrifice their trips; instead, they’ll adapt by prioritising what matters most to them.
The trends shaping next year’s travel include logging off during their holidays, travelling far and wide for the best keepsakes, couples spreading their romance across a series of trips, visiting historical and ancient destinations, and staying active and prioritising healthy choices while overseas.
Skyscanner’s report also lists destinations that are seeing the biggest search surges. Belitung in Indonesia has come out on top, while Chicago claims the pole position for best value holiday destination.
10. Hotpot lunch at a steal at Hip Pot
Hip Pot at One Holland Village has just given us the perfect excuse to have hotpot for weekday lunch: set meals from $14.90! On weekdays (from 11am to 5pm), swing by solo to enjoy the single grilled fish sets (from $14.90), or bring a friend along for the super value meal ($32.90), featuring beef, pork, vegetables, prawn and cuttlefish paste, and two drinks.
If you’re in the mood for spice, the restaurant also serves customisable mala tang bowls. You can choose from 10 types of soups – including mala spicy soup, collagen soup and Chaoshan beef soup – and more than 60 premium ingredients. Lunch or dinner, rest assured you can enjoy quality ingredients and great value-for-money anytime.
11. Three local films nominated at the Golden Horse Awards
Majulah Singapura, indeed! Three Singaporean productions, which have toured the international film festival circuits throughout this year, have clinched nominations at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards.
Leading the pack is Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers, nominated in seven categories including Best Narrative Feature Film, Best Director, Best Leading Actress for Yeo Yann Yann and Best Supporting Actor for Andi Lim.
The animated film The Violinist, recently released in Singapore, received nominations for Best Animated Feature, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. Finally, Ah Girl by Ang Geck Geck was nominated for Best New Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best New Performer. The feature drama will screen at the upcoming Singapore International Film Festival.
And that’s a wrap on what’s happening in Singapore this week (and beyond).
