Hotspots: Humpback
A stalwart in Bukit Pasoh, Humpback, located in a 1930s shophouse, has undergone an exciting transformation with a revamped menu and interior. The new roster offers seafood-focused dishes blending European culinary traditions with Japanese influences, complemented by an extensive wine collection. A meal here invariably involves oysters and – reader – we couldn’t wait!
We started with Hama Hama oysters with light and clean undertones and a hint of cucumber. Each one is freshly shucked and served with its house mignonette, lemon, and a seasonal citrus. My favourite, Summerstone, was a lusciously creamy number that carried a touch of sea breeze and culminated in an unexpected, sweet aftertaste ($8 each, min 6x order). We paired them with a refreshing glass of Loire Valley Muscadet Domaine L’Ecu Classic 2020, ($19/ glass, $90/bottle).
From the Snacks and Bites section, we relished the Mussel Toast with Spicy Nduja priced at $16 for two pieces. This irresistible snack features succulent and plump Australian mussels tossed in a smoked oil, served on toasted brioche fingers and topped with vinegar gel, fennel flowers, and chives. Moving on to my personal standout, we had the House-cured Hamachi Pastrami ($18). This light yet refined starter packed in a generous serving of sliced Hamachi cured in-house with pastrami spices and then smoked with applewood; the dish is finished with smoked sour cream, pickled mustard seeds and dill sprigs.
From the Small Plates we tried the White Asparagus with Blue Crab and White Miso ($25) where chunks of lump blue crab came with shaved white asparagus, all dressed in a delicate miso-mustard dressing. The Red Prawn Tartare with Tosazu Jelly and Pomelo ($26) was delectable, featuring sweet and meaty Argentinian scampi marinated in dashi and rice wine vinegar, then combined with tomato, celery, and pomelo.
We wrapped up with the outstanding Ricotta Cavatelli with Swordfish Bacon and Chitose Corn ($28), the only pasta available. The smoky flavour of the fish bacon beautifully complements this creamy dish and was a unanimous winner among our group, not least because it was accompanied by a glass of Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Chardonnay 2020 ($26/glass; $125/bottle), a lively white burgundy with velvety notes and a long finish.
From the Large Dishes, we opted for the Marble Goby with Broccolini, Black Garlic and mussels ($52). This featured two generously sized fillets of wild-caught marble goby which were expertly pan-seared with thyme, garlic, and butter. The fish was finished with a reduction of mussel jus and brown butter, served alongside broccolini and black garlic that put a perfect finising touch on the fish.
By this point, we were fit to burst, but somehow managed to squeeze in the Toasted Castella Cake with Crème Fraîche Ice Cream and Soy Caramel ($14), a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The soy caramel provided an umami taste topped with wafer-thin flakes of snow salt for a special touch, making it an ideal finish to an excellent meal.
Verdict: Humpback’s new menu is innovative and unique. It brings a flavourful fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese essence resulting in a culinary experience where the freshness of the ingredients and sophisticated techniques deliver fantastic food. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted showcasing the chefs’ creativity and passion – a must-visit!
Humpback
18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, 08983
humpback.sg
ANZA Ladies Night @ 1927 Rooftop Bar – Hotel Telegraph | Wednesday 20 September 2023
1927 Rooftop Bar sits atop Hotel Telegraph in the heart of Singapore. Guests can enjoy food and refreshing drinks with panoramic vistas of glistening city lights and skyscrapers.
- Free flow of white wine and red wine for 3 hours @ $65.00++ per person
- Selected cocktail @ $15.00++ per glass
Negroni
Whisky sour
Mojito
Bee’s knees
- @ $10.00++ per glass for below
Choice of Straight Pours (with choice of mixers) : Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Tequila, Rum
(with choice of : Tonic, Soda, Coca Cola, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice)
- 10% discount for bar bites food menu @ 1927 Rooftop Bar
Flying solo or with a flock, the ANZA team will be there to welcome you on the night!
Growing up as an expat in Singapore – Nina’s story
Hello, my name is Nina. I’m nine years old and from Australia, with European heritage. I can’t remember coming to Singapore as I was only two years old, but my first memory here is breaking my arm at the Singapore Science Centre when I was three (!).
When I think of Singapore, I think of bustling crowds, my friends, hot (temperature and chilli), green grass, Indian minor birds, monitor lizards, hawker centres, playing on HDB playgrounds, half boiled eggs, pangolins (which are from Singapore and nearly extinct because of their beautiful shells), and Jurong Bird Park.
“When I think of Singapore, I think of hawker centres and HDB playgrounds”
Awesome Aunty
If we were living in Australia, my parents would be working all day long and we would also have no Aunty to help us. In Singapore, we have an awesome Aunty called Rosaly who helps Mum and Dad to spend more time with myself and my brother Miles. When we eventually move back to Australia, we will move to Melbourne near my Oma and Opa, and I hope to get a house with a back yard, a sausage dog called Ash, and a Birman cat called Majid.
I go to school at Dover Court International School, and I’ve been going there for six years. I’ve had the same school bus driver, Uncle Majid the whole time, and I feel like I’m part of the school now. My favourite subject is Project Work because we learn about the land, the sea and the sky. My dream jobs when I‘m older are to be a singer and songwriter, an animal rescuer and an artist who paints with watercolours. My favourite hobby is making slimes and potions, but my mummy and daddy don’t like it as it stains everything.
The Matildas
I joined ANZA Soccer in 2022 because I love soccer and my parents encouraged me to join. We get up early on Saturday morning to go, but it’s worth it. I really like my team “The Matildas – Sirens” because the girls are super-nice, and we always have fun. Our coaches Andy and Will are also funny and teach us a lot, however we need to practice at winning because we only won one match this year. I’m looking forward to next season already.
My best friends in Singapore are Olivia, Molly, Gracie, Ellie, Alaz and Joao. They are from a mix of Singapore, England, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Brazil, Italy, South Africa. They are cool because they all make me laugh and this is just what friends are for.
What makes me happy is my hamster, Dylan, animals, singing and dancing, and making slime. My favourite foods are pasta, dumplings, sushi and udon noodle soup. I’m vegetarian because I love animals.
My special message to my family who are reading this from overseas is “Hi family, I love you so much!!!!!!!!”. I also want to wish ANZA a massive Happy 75th birthday and wish it another 75 years or more in the future.
Bye!
Expat Health Coverage: Is my employer’s insurance enough?
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Many expats make the mistake of assuming they can rely on their employer-provided health insurance, only to realise their misconception when it’s too late. From not knowing their corporate benefits to feeling healthy, there are various reasons why expats avoid investing in health insurance.
However, it’s crucial to understand that most corporate health insurance policies offer only standard coverage at best, and healthcare inflation is rapidly rising. While living in the Lion City grants you access to world-class healthcare, it comes at a cost – and the peace of mind that comes from having expat health insurance is invaluable.
Our friends from Pacific Prime CXA are here to discuss why your employer’s insurance coverage is likely inadequate.
Corporate Health Insurance: Pros & Cons
A corporate health insurance policy undeniably offers a great benefit as it provides a certain level of financial protection for your health, covered by your employer. However, issues such as coverage amount and policy duration highlight the problem of solely depending on a corporate health insurance plan to fulfill your needs.
A significant advantage of an employer-provided health plan is the waiver of the waiting period, ensuring employees are covered from the first day of the policy. Similarly, claims are often accepted regardless of any pre-existing conditions (though you should review the policy to confirm) and pre-medical screenings are not required.
Downsides of corporate health plans, such as coverage amount and the capping of hospital room rent capping, can result in you having to pay the difference out of pocket – which can be a substantial amount considering Singapore’s healthcare costs. Your coverage is also tied to your employment, leaving you without coverage if your employment ends.
It’s also important to note that dependent family members aren’t always covered by employer health insurance plans. If you’re in Singapore with your family, ensure that your corporate health plan also covers them, or consider obtaining family health insurance to bridge the gaps.
Why Expat Health Insurance in Singapore Is Essential
Foreigners in Singapore aren’t eligible for government-provided MediShield Life, and some don’t even have access to employer-provided health insurance. Whether you’re looking to supplement your existing policy or secure a comprehensive health insurance plan tailored to your needs, it’s wise to safeguard yourself against the unexpected.
Contact Pacific Prime CXA for impartial advice or a free plan comparison today!
Celebrating history, diversity & unity at UWCSEA
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Founded in 1971, UWCSEA celebrated its 50th year during the 2021/2022 school year. Fiftieth celebrations included a series of community-centred events with students, staff, parents, alumni, as well as global and local community partners. Celebrations ended with the highly anticipated UWCSEA Forum – ‘Learning to Shape the Future’. This capstone event was held over two days and played host to more than 2,000 attendees from more than 128 countries. The forum was a celebration of the past 50 years of college history and the many contributions made to the success of our holistic model of education.
Service from the heart
One of the five interlinking elements of the UWCSEA learning programme is ‘Service’. This is at the heart of the UWCSEA Mission and enables students to actively contribute to solving social and environmental problems, globally and locally. We believe that when students deepen their understanding of why these problems exist, they realise that everyone can play a part in taking informed, purposeful action. UWCSEA has 115 Global Concerns service groups and 96 local service groups in Singapore. In our 50th year we showcased some of the partnerships students have fostered over the years with our Singapore partners and you can listen to these stories on our UWCSEA Stories podcast.
During this year’s Hari Raya celebrations, nine of our student-led Local Service groups on East Campus hosted an event for local community partners. They also enjoyed cultural performances by preschool students from SGM Murni Child Care Centre, a UWCSEA service partner of 10 years.
Connections to local and global communities through our service programme enables students to develop their sense of identity as global citizens, who have the ability to enact positive change in the world.
Intercultural understanding
The intentional diversity in our UWCSEA community adds to the learning environment and outcomes for our students: increasing the richness of ideas, creating an internationalist mindset and, most importantly, building an understanding and respect for others. We honour diversity through the recognition and celebration of cultural holidays and festivals; through linguistic landscaping and displays on campus; and through in-classroom activities and academic programmes.
‘Artists in Residence’ is one programme that brings students and cultures together through art, drama, music and other artistic forms. Students have been fortunate to receive instruction from Uli Fadhli, founder of Inspire to Greatness, who works with local communities and schools to share his passion for Silat- a fusion of traditional art and music from the Nusantara and surrounding areas of Southeast Asia.
Community spirit
In celebration of community spirit and diversity, this year saw the much-anticipated return of the annual UWCSEA Family Festival and Community Fair on East and Dover Campuses. Together these events hosted 5,000 guests; 90 vendors; almost 400 volunteers and performers; and more than 100 student-led Global Concerns groups.
The food stalls were a standout, showcasing culinary delights from around the world – Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, American, Australian, German, Middle Eastern, Dutch and more! Stalls are run by parents, staff, and students, and visitors could sample a variety of homemade recipes and family favourites. There was plenty of fun for everyone with bouncy castles, face painting, carnival games, handicraft stalls, used book sales and sports games. The annual UWCSEA Family Festival and Community Fair are wonderful celebrations of our college community and are put together by our dedicated Parents’ Associations.
Reflecting on our history in Singapore and looking ahead, we are excited. Excited about the future of learning for our students; about the stories of impact that will come from our alumni; and about the continued strengthening of our ties with local service partners. As a united UWCSEA community we will continue our mission to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future for all.
UWC South East Asia
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Rd, 139654 | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73, 528704 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg
10 minutes with … ANZA’s General Manager Kerry Low
Congratulations on 12 years in the driving seat! How’s the ride been?
Sometimes a rollercoaster, sometimes a racing car, and sometimes a sailing boat, but never lonely and always fun!
You joined ANZA in 2011. What was your first task?
To immerse myself in the ANZA community and connect with the incredible volunteers who are the driving force behind ANZA’s sports and sub-groups. It was essential for me to understand their valuable contributions and the dedication they bring to our organisation. Many of these individuals continue to be steadfast ANZA rockstar volunteers to this day.
What was ANZA’s membership and demographic like back then?
Australians and New Zealanders accounted for approximately 70%. However, over the years, ANZA has successfully conveyed its message of inclusivity for everyone, resulting in a significant diversification of its membership base. Today, ANZA proudly represents over 60 nationalities, attracting and engaging individuals from all backgrounds and cultures, creating a vibrant and multicultural association.
How else has ANZA evolved?
We’ve undergone significant evolution in terms of operations and communications. A new CRM system has greatly improved our data collection and reporting capabilities. Our revamped website now offers comprehensive editorial content and details on ANZA events and sub-groups, while also facilitating effective information sharing. The weekly e-newsletter keeps our members informed.
“Every day brings fun, challenges, and continuous learning”
What do you think has most contributed to our success?
The strong sense of community fostered by our members and the volunteers who lead our sports and sub-groups. Also, the invaluable support of our strategic partners who share ANZA’s vision and values. Many of these partnerships have endured for decades. I enjoy working to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with new and existing partners who are valued contributors to our community. These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of ANZA.
What’s been your proudest moment?
There’s too many to mention, but I will pick the remarkable resilience and unity our community demonstrated during the pandemic. It was an anxious time which included cancelling major fundraising events and pausing our weekly sports and sub-group sessions. Nonetheless, it was through the collective efforts, cooperation, and unwavering support of our community that we managed to keep ANZA strong.
Please answer the following: I couldn’t do my job without …
My team. Over the past 12 years I’ve worked with some extremely talented and dedicated professionals, and the support of the ANZA Executive Committee. They serve as the caretakers of our organisation.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Every day brings fun, challenges, and continuous learning. My job also brings a profound sense of purpose on a personal level, providing me with an extended family, especially when my own is far away. My life has been enriched in ways I could have never imagined, reminding me of the boundless goodness and generosity that exists within our community.
What makes the hard work worth it?
When I read heartfelt messages from departing members. They often share a common sentiment, exemplified by one I’d like to share: “We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience with ANZA. The community that has been created and sustained over generations, and the friendships and support we have experienced have been priceless. We wholeheartedly recommend ANZA as a ‘MUST’ for any newcomers to Singapore”.
What are your hopes for ANZA?
That we continue to thrive in the next 75 years and beyond, expand our reach and impact, touch the lives of even more individuals and make a lasting difference in our community.
Exciting new cocktail menus at bars in Singapore
Jungle Ballroom
Jungle BallroomPrepare for a wild ride at Jungle Ballroom, the new bar at recently opened hotel Mondrian Duxton. The fun starts before stepping foot in the venue which you can reach via a ‘secret’ lush canopied tunnel wrapped in vines. Step inside and you’ll find the welcoming smile and award-winning skills of head bartender, Adrian Besa, whose track record of clinching the prestigious ‘Art of Hospitality’ award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2020 sets the stage for adventure.
Besa and his team have conjured up an electrifying cocktail menu that blends cutting-edge mixology, zesty Asian ingredients, and the untamed spirit of the jungle. Cocktails are colourful, refreshing, come in quirky glasses, and are infused with punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Brace yourself for beverages that don’t just surprise and satiate, but also light up your senses – in some cases, literally!
Indeed, the menu at Jungle Ballroom features captivating ingredients such as longan, banana leaf, young mango, turmeric, black sesame, ginger, and cacao. According to Besa, Jungle Ballroom has the most extensive Southeast Asian spirits collection of any bar in Singapore.
“The Shrub” offers a twist on the classic Negroni, infusing it with nashi pear, anise-fennel, and a touch of sneaky vinegar. “The Lost Ruins” is a daring Martini with a splash of racilla, a dash of fennel, bitters, and a cheeky splash of champagne vinegar. Our favourite, “The Queen of the Jungle” is a journey in itself, comprising herbaceous and nutty rye whisky, Barolo Chinato, walnut, New Orleans bitters, and innovative presentation (see above!). There’s also a non-alcoholic Faux ABV selection for those who are off the sauce, but fancy a fruity and spicy concoction.
With a license to operate until 2am, Jungle Ballroom is an epic night out just waiting to happen. Prop up the bar, soak up the spirit of the tropics and indulge in some of the most innovative drinks in town. Watch this space for the announcement of DJs to keep you swinging into the small hours.
16A Duxton Hill, #03-03, 089970. book.ennismore.com
Smoke & Mirrors
Smoke & MirrorsIt’s hard to pip the skyline views at Smoke & Mirrors at the National Gallery Singapore, but this bar’s third menu release The Real Art of Drinking Volume III appears to do so. With cocktails that bring the world of mixology and creativity together, wow-moments are many as the offerings become a work of art in themselves.
Taking inspiration from the likes of tattooing, performance art, culinary arts, and installation pieces, the entire drinking experience becomes an interactive journey in itself. “Let’s Get Inked” is presented visually on monochrome rice paper. “License to Kill”, pays tribute to fictional spy James Bond and serves up oolong tea notes with hints of smoke and mildly peated whisky.
Our favourite, “Kiss of Revival” is both super-spirited with its VSOP cognac, tequila and Cointreau base as well as being an optical illusion. Paying reference to the fairy tale Snow White, this complex concoction comes served in a mini smoky cauldron. Was it the drink playing magical tricks with our senses? Try it yourself to confirm!
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 178957. smokeandmirrors.com.sg
Sugarhall
SugarhallOver 10 new concoctions await at Sugarhall on the new playful Not Too Sweet menu. Taking inspiration from the team’s favourite non-alcoholic beverages, you’ll find the likes of on the updated “Rose, Rosé I Love You”, an inventive number which plays homage to Bandung, the bright pink hued drink popular across Southeast Asia. Ingredients are mixed together with oat milk, and it oozes subtle floral aromas from cherry blossom tea.
Champion Highball, in honour of the classic Milo drink, offers warm biscuity and citrusy flavours infused with Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum. For fans of bubble tea, “Boba Razzi” is a creamy and milky gin-based concoction that even packs in Grenadine caviar for extra pops of flavour.
The new snacks menu at Sugarhall is also a crowd pleaser with elevated bar bite versions of supper favourites. We loved the Pepper Fry Chicken Ribs and Vegetable Momos but the ultimate showstopper was good ol’ Indomie noodles – the perfect partner to a boozy session.
19 Cecil St, Level 2, 049704. sugarhall.sg
Raffles Writers Bar
This iconic bar welcomes a new chapter with a refreshed menu of bespoke cocktails inspired by the poems of new Writer-in-Residence Madeleine Lee. “Spinoza’s Toast” is a warm, earthy concoction of gin, vodka, chestnut and sencha, while “Rob Roy” is a blend of Writers Reserve 18-Year Scotch, elevated with Scrappy’s Aromatic Bitters for a fragrant, spicy edge. Sip in the elegant bar, or give the newly-opened alfresco space, Palm Terrace by Writers Bar, a whirl.
1 Beach Rd, 6337 1886. raffles.com/singapore
White Shades
White ShadesWhite Shades is less of a bar, more of a cocktail playground! This brand new and unique concept by JiaWei Bai, co-founder of one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, Stay Gold Flamingo, is spread over four floors, and guests can explore spirits in all their possible forms.
Craving an alcohol-tinged gelato? Walk this way to the ice cream parlor featuring 12 snazzy flavours, including four alcoholic concoctions and two sorbets. Looking for something boozy and bespoke? The second floor is ‘Cocktail’, a sophisticated bar with outdoor tables and bespoke cocktail menu, ‘unRAW’. The “Bomber J” is a lively mix of Suntory World Whisky AO, toasted rice syrup and Hinkoi bitters. Our stand-out, “Savi Galloping” is inspired by Hermès scarves and horse gallops, and marries Codigo Blanco tequila, paprika, lime, fire water and smoked chips.
Draft cocktails float your boat? Follow us to the rooftop where you’ll also find live music and Asian fusion cuisine by Chef Hosni (previously from Employees Only), all set against the stunning backdrop of Singapore’s skyline.
25 Boon Tat St, 069622
6 things to do after the movers leave
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Moving to a new home can be both exciting and exhausting, especially during the first few weeks. International Moving Companies in Singapore understand the excitement of moving to a new home how it can transform into fatigue and exhaustion in no time once the movers leave. The process of unpacking and settling in can be overwhelming, but with proper planning and organisation, you can make the transition smoother.
1.Clean and disinfect your new home: As a priority, wipe down all surfaces in your new home with EPA-registered disinfectants to ensure a germ-free environment. This step is crucial for your health, especially considering the current global situation. Disinfecting your furniture and belongings during unpacking will also contribute to a clean living space.
2. Inspect and plan your new home: Take some time to explore your new home and decide where you will place your furniture and belongings. If the previous tenants left anything behind, carefully consider whether to keep or discard those items, and remember to disinfect them thoroughly if you choose to use them. As one of the best relocation companies in Singapore, we know that accidents and emergencies can happen. Therefore, locate important utility shutoff points for water, electricity, gas, and oil to be prepared for any emergencies.
3. Don’t forget to also take photos of your new home before doing any unpacking. If you are moving into a rented flat, chances are you have given your landlord a security deposit. Therefore, you need to take photos of your new space. This ensures that you can document what your apartment looks like before you can begin using the space. This helps you have a clear picture of any damage that happens afterwards if you decide to move in the future.
4. Prioritise your moving essentials bag: If you are too tired to start unpacking immediately, set up your beds using items from your moving essentials bag. This bag should contain essential items such as toiletries, medications, snacks, pet supplies, and electronic charging components. Having these necessities readily available will help you settle in comfortably and make your first night in your new home more relaxing.
5. Create a checklist for after moving: Although you may have already made a to-do list before moving, adapting it to your unique circumstances is essential. Create a detailed checklist with tasks ranging from unpacking dishes and clothes to arranging furniture and organising spaces. This will help you stay organised and focused throughout the unpacking process.
6. Get your utilities in place: Before moving in, make sure your utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and Wi-Fi are set up and functional. Having these services ready from the start will prevent any inconveniences and make your transition into the new home smoother.
By following these steps, you can simplify the post-move period and make it more manageable. Take the time to settle in and transform your new house into your personalised space gradually. Remember to pace yourself and take breaks when needed to avoid exhaustion. Happy settling in!
About SIR MOVE
Established in Singapore and Malaysia in 2006, SIR Move Services is a Singapore/British brand, and it is a moving company that continues to build a business based on integrity and trust. SIR provides Complete Move Solutions for International, Commercial and Domestic Relocations inclusive of storage and insurance. We move pets too. Moove My Box (MMB) is the newest addition to our suite of services allowing customers to ship small shipments faster. Similar to Air Express Delivery with the addition of packing and collection services. SIR Move is a qualified FIDI/FAIM Quality Mover.
SIR Move Services
Email talk2us@sirmove.com
Visit www.sirmove.com
Call 65 65347345
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