THURSDAY, JAN 20, 2022

LIFESTYLE

Usher in the Year of the Tiger

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Roaring Lunar Festivities from Singapore

Up your social currency with loads of Instagrammable #CNY2022 shots

If your social media is starved from not having enough travel-related content, a visit to the tiger-themed street light-up at Singapore's Chinatown is a great way to start. Flaunt off your new Chinese New Year #OOTD with the tiger-themed light-ups and festivities from Singapore that would make for the perfect backdrop.

The majestic centrepiece stands at 10.5m and comprises a harmonious family of tigers, with tiger cubs holding on to the ingots and gold coins that depicts the art of keeping fortune (守财) for better days

This year, cross-border Lunar New Year celebrations between families and friends in Malaysia and Singapore may be in some of your plans— and what's better than ushering in the year of the Tiger in the majestic city-state of Singapore.

While the celebrations are designed to put everyone's health and safety first in Singapore, you'll still be able to soak in the festive mood with various exciting celebrations across the island. For those who were lucky enough to secure the highly coveted VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) tickets to Singapore, here are some ideas on how you can innovatively capture the festive spirit with friends and family members.

Chinatown plays centre stage in Singapore to a slew of Chinese New Year celebrations, including its zodiac calendar -themed light-ups that should not be missed. Upon arriving at Chinatown, a gigantic display featuring a family of tigers that stands proud on the intersection of Upper Cross Street and New Bridge Road will greet you - a picture perfect Instagrammable backdrop.

The tiger-themed decorations are mainly located along the New Bridge Road and are separated into three (3) segments, each signifying a different phase of a tiger's life. The first segment depicts a cubs early life, exploring the world and frolicking in nature. The second stretch shows the tigers' journey into adulthood with accompanying symbols of wealth such as pineapples and gold ingots on display. The final stretch spotlights on flowing waters and koi fishes, representing perseverance and longevity.

Apart from all the dazzling street light-ups, join the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon- theme at Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Tour" for the untold stories of historic spaces; learn about the hidden symbolism, significance and get inspired by ancient wisdom. Best of all, savour the local delicacies that bring you luck and prosperity for the new year.

The experiences are available from now till 2 March 2022. To purchase your tickets for the Walking Tour (available 22 & 29 January), click here.

● #Insta-worthy 1: Tiger-themed Chinese New Year Light-Up at Chinatown

Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay

Visit the Chinese New Year floral display Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay for a more floral-themed tiger-inspired backdrop. Witness the stunning River Hongbao lantern, Spring Fragrances (花香满溢) that takes centre stage in the flower field. The lantern features three Chinese moon gates, a pair of rabbits and larger-than-life narcissus blooms, all set amidst about 2,000 showstopper dahlias and vibrant azaleas, chrysanthemums and cymbidiums. There will also be adorable tiger cubs figurines on display to ring in the Year of the Tiger, and auspicious decorations such as giant coin pouches (福袋) and couplets (春联) symbolising good fortune and Prosperity.

Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay will be held from now till 20 February 2022. To purchase your tickets, visit:click here.

● #Insta-worthy 2: The Chinese New Year floral display, Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay

Auspiciousness meets awesomeness at Universal Studios Singapore

● #Insta-worthy 3: Auspiciousness meets awesomeness at Universal Studios Singapore

Suppose you are a fan of Kung Fu Panda. In that case, get the chance to meet Master Tigress and Po the Dragon Warrior from Kung Fu Panda at Universal Studios Singapore for that perfect photo opportunity. Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and soak in all the auspiciousness around you with rows of beautiful cherry blossom wishing trees, gold ingots and unique zodiac banners to see what good fortune awaits you - a must-do every Lunar New Year. You can even master the Art of Making Tang Yuan at a heartwarming cooking session at StarBot Café in the USS.

Learn how to make this festive delicacy from scratch and creatively mould them into auspicious and adorable designs, another opportunity to get some Insta-worthy shots of your handmade tang yuan this Chinese New Year!

The experience is available from now till 13 February 2022. To purchase your tickets, click here.

To book your Tang Yuan Workshop available from 1-6 February and 10-13 February 2022, click here.

Creative Intersections: In the Year of The Tiger, curated by Chan + Hori Contemporary and Funan (Image courtesy of Funan)

Get some Insta-worthy artistic shots at Creative Intersections, Funan’s first mall-wide art activation. this newfound creative collaboration between various artists and brands across products and services is part of Funan‘s Art-Meet-Retail programme. The Creative Intersections: In the Year of the Tiger, curated by Chan + Hori Contemporary, is also part of Singapore Art Week 2022. The mall-wide activation delves into Singapore's connection with tigers - the creatures inscribed in Singapore's history and whispered about in mythology and folklore.

Expect to see numerous collaborations that bring art into the areas of fashion, food, and lifestyle; from exclusive workshops from BERNINA Singapore to Love, Bonito's idea of fierce femininity spotlights the tigress among their pieces.

Available from now till 13 February 2022. For more information on Creative Intersections: In the Year of the Tiger, click here.

● #Insta-worthy 4: Creative Intersections: In the Year of the Tiger at Singapore's Funan

Fortune Abalone and Salmon Yu Sheng by Shisen Hanten

Gold Rush Prosperous Tiger Head-shaped "Lou Hei" Yu Sheng from Peony Jade Restaurant

Toss to prosperity with Michelin-starred Peony Jade Restaurant's Gold Rush Prosperous Tiger Head-shaped "Lou Hei" Yu Sheng featuring Asian Lobster Carpaccio, Australia Whole 8-Abalone, Hamachi, Atlantic Salmon, Ikura, Gold Leaf, Champagne Jelly Lychee Pops & Organic Farm Tender Daikon. So if you're craving some classic and modern Cantonese cuisine, ranging from dim sum feast to prosperity set menus, sweet or savoury, Peony Jade got you and your loved ones covered!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/PeonyJadeRestaurant/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/peonyjadesg/

Website: https://peonyjade.oddle.me/en_SG/

From bountiful Yu Sheng and Poon Choi platters to delectable dishes brimming with seafood delights, the Lunar New Year is always about welcoming the new year with prosperity, abundance, and an extremely satisfied appetite! Here are some inviting and delicious arrays of festive dine-in or delivery delights and roarsome gifts from Singapore to usher in prosperity and good fortune.

● The Unmissable Dumpling

Two-Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten offers a range of eight auspicious-themed set menus that all come with a Yu Sheng platter, a must-have for any Lunar New Year celebration. Featuring the essential delectables like abalone, bird's nest, tiger prawns, and seasonal specials like Lotus Seed in Red Glutinous Rice Wine served with Golden Mantou, and specially handcrafted Poached Tiger Stripes Minced Pork Dumpling to mark the year of the Tiger. Find loads of gifting treats available in the form of Golden Pineapple Ingots that reveal hand-grated pineapple jam baked in a buttery shell and the Four Treasure Mini Nian Gao wrapped in a crispy pastry.

Available from 10 January 2022 onwards.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/shisenhanten

IG: https://www.instagram.com/shisenhanten/

To check out more of Shisen Hanten's festive offerings, click here.

● The Unmissable Toss to Prosperity

Feast your way to a roarsome year

Gold Rush Prosperous Tiger Head-shaped "Lou Hei" Yu Sheng from Peony Jade Restaurant

Deliver a Prosperity Treasure Box that includes Water Chestnut Jelly Pudding perfumed with Osmanthus, Flaky Tiger Pastry from Conrad Centennial Singapore. filled with sweet Winter Melon Paste as a surprise delivery to your loved ones in Singapore. Festive menus such as Grrrrreat Buffet Treat at Oscar's, Golden Peony - Auspicious and Delicious, or Golden Peony's rendition of the Yu Sheng featuring a sugar tiger perched on the Chinese salad are also available to fill your reunion dinners with blessings and sumptuous food.

Available from now till 15 February 2022

FB: https://www.facebook.com/conradsingapore/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/conradsingapore/

To check out Conrad Centennial Singapore's festive offerings, click here.

Fortune Cat Collection from Baker's Brew

Reinvigorated with a modern twist, take on the roaring 22s with distinct Southeast Asian staples and Peranakan flavours. In addition, Baker's Brew's Fortune Cat Collection features a variety of irresistible nostalgic cookies packaged in adorably paw-some tins with five fortune feline friends.

A must-try is their signature Ondeh Ondeh Cookies, made with a pandan-infused dough and filled with a generous amount of gula Melaka coconut filling. Bak Kwa lovers will enjoy the Pineapple Bak Kwa Cookies, which puts a savoury spin on a favourite. Next, the Hae Bee Hiam Cookies are something unique, made with umami shrimp and spicy sambal. Finally, their classic Pineapple Pillows and Peanut Almond cookies are also not to be missed. If you are not in Singapore to savour these unique flavours, it is a fantastic gift to surprise your loved ones in Singapore.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/bakersbrewstudio

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bakersbrewstudio/

Available at all Baker's Brew outlets and online at https://www.bakersbrew.com/

● The Unmissable Snacks of Happiness

(L-R) Hoo Hoo Cookies - Hoo Hoo Orange Castella Cake from Ah Mah Homemade Cake

If you're looking for some tiger-themed snacks to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, Ah Mah Homemade Cake got you covered. From their Hoo Hoo Cookies to the Hoo Hoo Orange Cake (阿嬷虎虎蛋糕), these specially created festive treats is another perfect gift to share with your friends and family in Singapore to herald in a bountiful and prosperous Lunar New Year.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/iloveahmahsg

IG: https://www.instagram.com/iluvahmahsg/

Available at all Ah Ma Homemade Cake outlets and online at https://www.ah-mah.com.sg/

● The Unmissable Lunar Cook-Off

Up your culinary game and impress your loved ones with your homemade Chinese New Year treats from Singapore. Get inspired from a series of festive Chinese New Year videos on Singapore's Chinatown Festivals FB Page, from making your homemade Bak Kwa Gourmet Platter (available from 16 January onwards) to ultra-crispy Love Letters (available from 22 January onwards) to learning how to prepare a decadent Pen Cai from a reputation chef from Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre (available from 5 February onwards).

Singapore’s Chinatown Festivals FB: https://www.facebook.com/chinatown.festivals/

Dress your way to a tiger-rific year

From matching tiger-rific family outfits to festive modern cheongsams, some fashion brands from Singapore will get you in that festive celebratory mood – and a plus is that they also ship to Malaysia. So wherever you are in Singapore or Malaysia, you can still dress and look for the part for the Lunar New Year.

Le Petit Society’s CNY 2022 Botanic Series

Whether you're shopping for yourself or the family, Le Petit Society has a Chinese New Year collection with a wide variety of options from newborns to grandparents for your annual Chinese New Year family portraits. The collection features fresh pieces in six unique and gorgeous series - Botanic, Lion Dance, Mandarin Orange, Chinese Motif, Tiger and Lace that you can coordinate with your entire family.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lepetitsociety

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lepetitsociety/

Start your CNY 2022 shopping from Le Petit here: https://www.lepetitsociety.com/

(L-R) Aleah Duo in Joy - Yokihi Plisser in Nordic Blume from Lark & Peony

If you love fab patterns, fantastic colour combinations, and versatile two-pieces that you can turn into different looks, Lark & Peony would have what you need. Revive your nostalgic love of cheongsam and heritage wear with Lark & Peony's contemporary take on cheongsams that weaves modernity, comfort and sensibility into every piece they create.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/larkandpeony

IG: https://www.instagram.com/larkandpeony/

Start your CNY 2022 shopping from Lark & Peony here: https://www.larkandpeony.com/

(L-R) Dante Batik Cheongsam Dress (Strawberry Sorbet) - Mingzhu Batik Cheongsam Dress (Pink Fusion) from YeoMama Batik

Mother and daughter team Mama Yeo and Desleen are behind this lovely and quirky label- YeoMama Batik, all about handmade batik designs spanning tops, dresses, the cutest jumpsuits and tailored pants. Check out the printed maxi dresses, cheongsam shift dresses, colourful playsuits and elegant designs blending batik and cheongsam elements from YeoMama Batik to find your perfect fit.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/yeomamabatik

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yeomamabatik/

Start your CNY 2022 shopping from YeoMama Batik at: https://yeomamabatik.com/collections/new-in