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Monday 31 May 2021
Senior global bankers may now skip Hong Kong’s Covid-19 quarantine - South China Morning Post
from
via "singapore travel" - Google News
ByCanary rewrites the handbook for online jewellery stores
*Produced by SilverKris for ByCanary*
Online jewellery stores aren’t exactly new. While buyers once preferred the reassurance of brick-and-mortar stores, millennial expectations on aesthetics, price points and the shopping experience have rapidly evolved in recent years. Dozens of online jewellery retailers have popped up in Singapore alone, offering secure shipping, everyday designs and affordable prices.
![ByCanary online jewellery stores](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ByCanary-Vintage-Collection_Rings.jpg)
But there’s more to it than just convenience. “Contemporary online buyers aren’t just looking for collectible stones,” explains ByCanary founder and third-generation jeweller Johnny Lam. “They’re looking for design-forward items that speak to their sense of self and their values.”
An off-shoot of decades-old jewellery brand Canary Diamond, ByCanary is an online platform that engages millennials by combining generations of industry know-how with contemporary concerns, such as sustainable sourcing and an interest in heritage. In doing so, Johnny believes the brand goes above and beyond the competition.
Here’s what makes ByCanary so special.
Everyday, affordable design
Johnny is all too aware that contemporary jewellery shoppers are looking for design-forward pieces that can be worn every day and that don’t cost the earth. That’s why, in addition to diamond and ruby pieces, ByCanary’s rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets feature pearls and personality-packed semi-precious stones such as pink tourmaline, onyx, yellow citrine and lots more.
Affordability aside, this diversity of stones also invites buyers to consider their personalities and tastes. ByCanary’s Vintage Collection, for example, is comprised of nostalgia-inspiring pendants and other pieces. The upcoming Golden Conversation will feature a series of short videos celebrating what’s special about people from all walks of life. This campaign will be followed by the launch of the Quintessence collection, whose iconic feature will be the floating diamond.
![ByCanary online jewellery stores](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ByCanary-Vintage-Collection_Curb-Link-Bracelet.jpg)
Collaborations that tell heritage stories
ByCanary’s biggest unique selling point is its creative collaborations with personalities in Singapore and across the world. The company teams up with these women to produce one-off jewellery collections that represent the collaborator’s beliefs, aesthetics and heritage. Johnny explains that ByCanary equips their collaborators “with best practices for jewellery design, and support them in doing the rest.” In addition to keeping the inventory fresh, these collaborations also encourage cross-pollination between diverse fan bases.
Their inaugural collaboration, for example, has been with Malaysian fashion entrepreneur Ung Yiu Lin, founder of online fashion retailer ShoesShoesShoes. The collection comprises customisable, modular bracelets and necklaces set in simple, classic designs. Each collaboration also has a charitable component – Yiu Lin selected Malaysian educational charity Dignity for Children to receive 10% of all profits from the collection.
![ByCanary online jewellery stores](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ByCanary-Yiulin-X-Bycanary_Modular-Ring-_-Pendant_Round.jpg)
ByCanary has a steady pipeline of exciting upcoming collaborations, including a hiphop-inspired collection with Singaporean musician Abbey, and a Greek mythology-inspired one with Singapore-based blogger Nixalina – both scheduled to be released from June onwards.
Later in the year, ByCanary will launch a collection by Colombian fashion designer Laura Aparicio, who is using yellow gold and carnelian to create modern, wearable jewellery inspired by the Indigenous Pijao community. Tierra Grata, an organisation that provides water, sanitation and energy for rural communities, will receive 10% of all profits from the collection to further support the Pijao.
Johnny believes these collaborations give ByCanary shoppers meaningful connections with other people and other cultures. “You can’t exactly jump on a plane and go to Colombia these days,” he says. “The world may have shrunk, but human connection feels harder to come by.”
![ByCanary online jewellery stores](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ByCanary-Yiulin-X-Bycanary_Set.jpg)
Customised and personalised jewellery
One potential drawback of online jewellery shopping is the lack of customisation that brick-and-mortar stores provide. ByCanary makes customisation possible and affordable in a few key ways.
Customisation is limited to the gold and the choice of stone. Customers can choose from rose, white, yellow and black gold, and in many cases they may swap out the stones as well. “We had a client who customised a sentimental piece for herself,” Johnny recalls. “The centre stone was her husband’s birthstone, and since her she and her son share the same birthstone, we placed them as the two side stones of the piece.”
Delivery takes roughly 30 days, and while this is longer than some online jewellery stores, there’s a very good reason for it. “We make all pieces to order in order to have a more mindful and sustainable production process,” Johnny says. “This eliminates unnecessary costs and allows us to offer better prices to our customers.”
![ByCanary online jewellery stores](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ByCanary-Custom-Birthstones-Necklace.jpg)
Ethical supply chains and eco-friendly mailing
Online shopping has gone into overdrive over the past year, and with it the amount of plastic used in packaging. ByCanary is mindful of its carbon footprint in this regard. “All our suppliers are certified sustainable,” explains Andrea Chy. “We use FSC-certified paper boxes and shreds made of recycled paper – and we’re still determined to keep improving.”
More than just packaging, ByCanary’s supply-chain reflects its contemporary ethical concerns, from the gold to the stones. “We only work with diamond suppliers who undergo the Kimberley Process and ensure the diamonds we buy are all ethically sourced,” Johnny explains. He goes on to proudly describe how even the gold and precious metals are recycled as much as possible to avoid mining the earth.
In the ever-expanding world of online jewellery stores, this two-pronged commitment both to creative collaboration and ethical business practices sets ByCanary apart – and keeps buyers coming back for new and refreshed collections.
Discover ByCanary’s jewellery collections and collaborations.
The post ByCanary rewrites the handbook for online jewellery stores appeared first on SilverKris.
from SilverKris
Sunday 30 May 2021
Senior global bankers face easier travel to and from Hong Kong as Asia's financial hub offers a sliver of chance to resume travelling - Yahoo Finance
Senior global bankers face easier travel to and from Hong Kong as Asia's financial hub offers a sliver of chance to resume travelling - Yahoo Finance
8 great podcasts that let you travel the world with your ears
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/shutterstock_1737118799.jpg)
While widespread leisure travel may still remain a pipe dream for now, the past year has seen a proliferation of virtual experiences that transport you – however figuratively – to many wondrous far-off places.
From tours of world-class museums such as the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museum and the Rijksmuseum; to being able to get up-close and personal with animals at a myriad of different zoos; to being able to glimpse stunning Unesco World Heritage Sites using 3D-mapping technology, these platforms have the ability to get us as close to the real thing as logistically possible until international borders fully open up again.
If you’re looking for an aural rather than visual escapade, though, there are a plethora of podcasts that let you explore the world from the comfort and safety of your home – all you need to do is kick back, close your eyes, press play and unlock your imagination. Be it an exploration of the many kooky cultural quirks of Japan to a jaunt through some of England’s most gorgeous gardens and landscapes, here are a few to check out.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/LakeDistrict_118756720.jpg)
1. National Trust
An initiative by the National Trust, an organisation dedicated to the heritage conservation of the United Kingdom’s historic buildings and landscapes, this evocative podcast – which spans four series – takes listeners on tours of some of the country’s most storied sites. Tour Agatha Christie’s old stomping grounds in Devon where she retreated to during the holidays; head out on an idyllic gander through the barren plains of the Lake District in winter; explore the unique wildlife that calls the Isle of Wight home; and journey along with a ranger on a foraging trail for edible nettles, juicy berries and more – all without leaving the comfort of your living room.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SaleemReshamwalaHeadshot3-e1602486629851.jpg)
2. Far Flung
Far Flung (previously known as Pindrop), a TED original podcast, sees intrepid host Saleem Reshamwala travel the globe in search of some of the most intriguing ideas that different cultures and cities have to offer. Follow along through the bustling streets of Bangkok to find out more about how a local radio station doubles up as an emergency hotline, lost and found and community noticeboard all at once; learn more about a joyous art movement in Nairobi, Kenya, that challenges prevailing narratives of the country; and journey to New Jersey in the United States and listen along as residents try to stop a prehistoric graveyard from being turned into an apartment complex.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Geisha_313469315.jpg)
3. Uncanny Japan
Japanophiles who want to find out more about its history and culture: this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Thersa Matsuura, an author and American immigrant who has spent over half her life living in a small fishing town in Japan, Uncanny Japan explores the various superstitions, traditions, folktales, customs and language quirks that are woven into the storied fabric of Japanese culture. These include diving into the history of the oiran, a high-ranking courtesan similar in appearance to a geisha; a primer on the Bon Odori summer festival; and an examination of food superstitions, such as why you shouldn’t eat crab and watermelon together.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Yellowstone_595869314.jpg)
4. America’s National Parks
While the United States’ sprawling national parks may be out of reach for many of us at the moment, this story-based podcast gives listeners an inside and in-depth look at the events, people and nature that have shaped the parks into what they are today. Topics range from the quirky (such as an episode that touches on a store at Yellowstone National Park’s Upper Geyser Basin that the owner has wallpapered with hundreds of cancelled checks) to the heart-wrenching (how climate change is utterly ravaging the parks’ flora and fauna) to the educational (an examination of the Great American Outdoors Act and how it will impact the parks).
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/NewYork_720919105-e1602486742450.jpg)
5. The Splendid Table
Hosted by acclaimed American food journalist Francis Lam and produced by American Public Media, The Splendid Table takes listeners on a culinary voyage through the United States and beyond. While it may not be a travel podcast per se, the show spotlights some of the country’s best restaurants specialising in all manner of global cuisines and interviews renowned chefs from around the world, including the likes of Samin Nosrat, Yotam Ottolenghi and René Redzepi. Standout episodes include a deep dive into the regional flavours of Thailand and America’s Thai restaurants, as well as an exploration of global breads – from New York bagels to Ethiopian injera.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AfricaMusic_1722881116.jpg)
6. Afropop Worldwide
Produced by National Public Radio, this Peabody Award-winning weekly podcast offers a guide to the rich and complex music cultures of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. From the ancient past to the present day, find out more about how these beats, tunes and refrains form an integral part of – and in some cases define – a myriad of societies around the world. Episodes transport you to a lively music festival in Abidjan, the musical hub and capital city of Ivory Coast; bring you along on Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo’s tour of the United States in 1991; and take you to Miami for this year’s edition of Afro Roots Fest.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Finland_1151146988.jpg)
7. Field Recordings
Bring the outdoors in with this ingenious podcast dreamt up by British producer Eleanor McDowall, in which various audio creators and sound artists were tasked with going out into the world and simply recording the everyday sounds of their surroundings. Far from being quotidian, though, each episode offers a meditative immersion into different locales through ambient noise. Need to wind down before bed? Tune into the sound of small waves gently lapping against the rocks on one of the last days of summer in Finland. Feel like listening to the sounds of nature as you go about your morning routine? You can queue up a track of the soothing sound of birds chirping on a misty morning in England.
![](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/NewOrleans_390070024.jpg)
8. The Bitter Southerner
If you’re hoping to discover more about the American South, you’ve come to the right place. With the aim of spotlighting the many complexities of the region, The Bitter Southerner explores this often misunderstood and stereotyped slice of the country through interviews with politicians, musicians, farmers, chefs, innovators and change-makers. Find out more about the politics of baking in the region; get schooled on the culinary history of okra, a vegetable that’s connected Southerners across the lines of race, faith, and gender for centuries; and journey to Clarkston, Georgia, which functioned as the first American home for more than 60,000 refugees across three decades.
SEE ALSO: WFH (work from hotel) at these 8 chic and luxurious boltholes around the world
This article was originally published on 17 Octoboer 2020 and updated on 30 May 2021.
The post 8 great podcasts that let you travel the world with your ears appeared first on SilverKris.
from SilverKris
Senior global bankers face easier travel to and from Hong Kong as Asia's financial hub offers a sliver of chance to resume travelling - Yahoo Finance
Saturday 29 May 2021
Friday 28 May 2021
Our top picks of Singapore brands and businesses (June edition)
*Produced by SilverKris for the following brands*
As Singapore once again retreats into the safety of home, our thoughts turn to supporting local businesses and all the purchases, big and small, that soothe us in uncertain times. Whether that’s upping your cooking game, a natural bamboo standing desk for your work-from-home set-up or finally planning your ever-postponed small wedding, these Singapore-based businesses offer top-notch products and services that help make life beautiful, no matter the circumstances.
![Natural bamboo standing desk by Own Element](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/NorticDesk-with-Bamboo-Table-top.jpg)
Own Element
As working from home takes a toll on our bodies, a standing desk is no longer just for hipsters. Singapore-based ergonomic furniture company Own Element makes affordable, high-quality motorised standing desks that get regular rave reviews from customers. Not only is a flexible sit-stand setup good for your posture, Own Element lets you create your own desk with various choices for colour, materials and dimensions to suit the aesthetic of your workspace. You can even go for natural bamboo or elmwood – and all desks come with the option of a hassle-free five-year warranty.
ownelement.com; hello@ownelement.com; +65 8223 1072
![Quality gems and French design by L'Excellence](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LExcellence.jpg)
L’Excellence
Those seeking engagement rings, anniversary gifts or family heirlooms will love the bespoke service and enchanting story behind this third-generation family jeweller. L’Excellence began in the ’50s when Chinese-Thai entrepreneur Mr Khau started a renowned ruby and sapphire mine in Cambodia’s legendary Pailin region. In the ’70s, the family moved to Paris where his son expanded into diamonds and other gems wholesale and incorporated the highest standards of French jewellery-making. Today his grand-daughters, former investment professionals Sylvie and Sophie, carry on the family legacy by offering a unique proposition: direct sourcing of certified diamonds and gems, bespoke designs and crafting at French standards and consultation in gems acquisition for investment. Book an appointment.
lexcellencediamond.com; #30-01 Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place; +65 6589 8738
![A home renovation by Liminal](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Liminal-photo.jpg)
Liminal
It’s a good time for that long-overdue home makeover, but renovations can be intimidating: unpredictable timelines, over-optimistic budgets and creative compromises. But Singapore-based firm Liminal is on a mission to improve the experience, be that for your condo, HDB, office or commercial space. Through best-in-class products, tech know-how and a network of trusted partners, Liminal collaborates with clients to create beautiful spaces that reflect both style and needs. The firm also specialises in traditional gates, aesthetically pleasing doors and high-tech locks. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned real-estate investor, Liminal leverages its years of experience to deliver improvements that match your vision.
liminal.sg; #01-37/38 1 Queensway; +65 9795 5757
![Maifan stone cookware by K-ART](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/K-Art-updated-art.jpg)
K-ART Cookware
The past year has made a home-chef out of everyone (almost!) but if you need a bit more encouragement, treating yourself to new and affordable cookware might do the trick. K-ART specialises in cookware, kitchen accessories and stainless steel goods. The made-in-Korea maifan stone series of woks and pots are particularly inspiring, with seven layers of coating that promote even heat distribution, produce 80% less smoke and ensure no chemicals leach into the food. Wellness enthusiasts will also appreciate the high-quality non-stick nano coating which requires far less oil than other cookware, approved by the US FDA.
k-art.store; #04-05 Compass One, 1 Seng Kang Square; +65 6386 3236
![A wedding-day shoot by Jeffery Koh Photography](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Jeffery-Koh-Photography.jpg)
Jeffery Koh Photography
Weddings in Singapore have become smaller than ever, so you want a photographer who can blend in while capturing those fleeting moments you’ll savour for years to come. Jeffery Koh is an experienced professional who delivers cinematic vignettes and authentic portraits. Whether it’s a meaningful glance between family members, the wind in the bride’s hair or a gentle laugh between the groom and his best man, Jeffery captures candid moments in a natural, vibrant and airy style – as well as the organised group shots that are a must-have for your big day. Get in touch with Jeffery for pre-wedding and actual-day adventures.
jefferykoh.com; +65 9438 5476
The post Our top picks of Singapore brands and businesses (June edition) appeared first on SilverKris.
from SilverKris
Online home bakeries for the best artisanal sourdough in Singapore
![Sour My Dough Singapore bakery](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-28-at-10.51.18-AM.jpeg)
The words sourdough bread immediately conjure up a comforting image of warm, crusty loaves with a tangy aroma. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of soup or as an open face sandwich heaped with treats like smoked salmon and avocado. But besides being delicious, sourdough bread has plenty of health benefits. Research has shown it is more digestible than the average commercial loaf of bread. It also has lower levels of gluten than other forms of bread and is an excellent source of antioxidants, on top of being packed with nutrients.
There is an arduous amount of dedication, discipline, and time needed when it comes to creating the perfect sourdough loaf. While there are plenty of artisanal bakeries in Singapore to get your hands on these lovely bakes, consider the humble home bakery, usually comprising a solo baker elbow deep in flour and dough, kneading these bakes while armed with sincerity and love. Each loaf is done with hard work and commitment, each baked fresh daily. In these challenging times, it is even more necessary to support the underrated bakers who have scores of enthusiasm and passion but little resources to promote their wares.
Here, we have found different home-based online bakeries that sell the best artisanal sourdough in Singapore. Give them a try and you might be pleasantly surprised.
![sourdough bakery online local singapore](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/heartland.jpeg)
1. Heartland Sourdough
This bakery is started by Greg Yap and Tjie Siew Lim, a pair of university friends who share a common passion for baking and experimenting in the kitchen. The duo started out gifting their bread to friends and family, but were encouraged to start their own business after receiving positive feedback. Inspired by their love for Singaporean neighbourhoods, their loaves – made with organic flour and naturally leavened – are all named after a particular area and inspired by Asian foods. The Sembawang Sesame Bread, for example, is mixed with slow-roasted black and white sesame and tastes like sesame tang yuan (glutinous rice balls), while the A.M.K., or Ang Mo Kio, is stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes. Each bake is wrapped in a nostalgic ‘Good Morning’ cloth and placed in a woven basket before it is secured with a handwritten card – a nice gesture guaranteed to bring warmth to your hearts and tummies.
![Sour My Dough](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-27-at-10.31.40-AM.jpeg)
2. Sour My Dough
A home bakery located in the northeastern part of Singapore, it’s helmed by a husband-and-wife pair who hold full-time jobs but are doing this out of their passion for fermented food. The bakes here are done in small batches and are freshly made with premium Nippon Murasaki Botan wheat flour with natural levain. Standouts include the crowd favourite rosemary cheddar that’s salty, airy and fluffy with a herbaceous note; an eye-catching sweet potato loaf that sports purple swirls; and a new sourdough banana bread that’s moist and fragrant. Sour My Dough offers a monthly menu with classics and rotating seasonal specials, with limited collection dates per month. Currently up for grabs is the unique chocolate orange loaf made with dark chocolate callets and laminated with a special homemade orange jam.
![Walnut Cranberry Sourdough Bread Time2Rise Bakery](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/walnut-cranberry_time2rise.png)
3. Time2Rise Bakery
Time2Rise specialises in naturally leavened bread that are handmade in small batches. On top of the usual sourdough, its bakes come in unique flavours such as a tangy orange zest cranberry, aromatic black garlic and smoky black sesame. You can’t go wrong with the micro bakery’s crowd favourites – the walnut cranberry and the herb garlic sourdough. Whichever flavour you choose, reviews have shown that the loaves are crispy on the outside, and chewy and airy on the inside. If you want to try your hand at baking, the bakery also sells artisan bread flour and homemade almond and cashew butter spreads made with slow roasted nuts.
4. Doughands
This Muslim-owned home-based micro bakery has been around since 2020 and sells mainly sourdough bread. Fascinating flavours include black garlic sesame with cheese, kimchi, pumpkin, honey butter oats and peanut butter chocolate. Her bakes are loved for their intricate bread scores, with designs ranging from delicate ferns and leaves to stars and wheat stalks. If you want a quick snapshot on what sourdough is about, check out “SD 101” in her Instagram highlights – she shares the fundamentals behind making sourdough bread, as well as techniques on how to store and reheat your loaves.
![sourdough bread singapore artisan local online](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Charcoal-roasted-garlic-and-gouda-cheese-sourdough-3.jpg)
5. Juls Bakes
After falling in love with the melt-in-your-mouth hot cross buns she tried while living in the United Kingdom, baker Juls is determined to make the same comforting taste available in Singapore, and not just during Easter. Her Sourdough Hot Cross Buns are naturally leavened and filled with spices and dried currants, accompanied by a touch of orange zest, best had with salted butter. Besides buns, she also makes crusty sourdough loaves in unique flavours (think butterfly pea swirl, chocolate swirl and walnuts sourdough, and matcha swirl), sourdough soft bread, as well as cream sponge cakes and chiffon cakes.
6. 12 Bakes
12 Bakes is a small project started by a self-professed self-taught home baker. The menu here is fuss-free – simply choose from a plain small (250g) or plain large (550g) loaf that is baked with a mixture of rye, spelt, wheat and bread flour, and opt for either delivery or self collection. The bakery also offers seasonal specials such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic fruit cakes during Chinese New Year and banana bread during Mother’s Day. P.S: You might want to grab a bag or two of their bestselling freshly baked chocolate chip cookies if you’re getting a loaf.
![bakery online sourdough artisan doughingok](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/scallion-cheddar.png)
7. Doughing Ok
This cheeky bakery, whose name is a clever play on the phrase “doing okay”, gives its sourdough bakes adorable titles that are inspired by the loaf’s texture or ingredients. Examples include the Dark Chocolate Swirly Boy with orange zest (a monthly special), the Regular Smol Yeasty Boy, the Round Boys (sourdough doughnuts) and the now-defunct Savoury Onion & Scallion Flaky Boy. We especially love the Round Boys dusted with cinnamon sugar, and the Salty Boys which are in fact buttery, fluffy shio buns with a crispy exterior.
SEE ALSO: Rising above: 8 artisanal bakeries in Singapore to try
The post Online home bakeries for the best artisanal sourdough in Singapore appeared first on SilverKris.
from SilverKris
Thursday 27 May 2021
Need a laugh? Check out these stand-up specials by Asian comedians on Netflix
![Netflix Top 8 Standup Comedian for Laughs May 2021](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Feature-Image-Netflix-8-Standup-Comedian.png)
Recent news about needing to tighten measures in Singapore, in light of a spike in community cases of Covid-19, has been a bummer. With group sizes reduced to only two, social gatherings limited and dining-in suspended, this was perhaps not the summer we were envisioning. “Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)” will take effect from May 16 through Jun 13 in the city state, and that means most of us will be working from home and staying indoors as much as possible.
If you, like us, need a dose of hilarity in your life, consider the ever-reliable streaming site Netflix. These stand-up specials by talented Asian comedians will allow you to laugh your troubles away and help distract you from reality.
1. Ali Wong: Baby Cobra
No list of Asian comedians is complete without mentioning the veritable Ali Wong. Brilliant, brash and provocative – helped along by a third trimester belly bump – the feisty comedian is no-holds-barred in her fiercely funny stand-up set. She delivers zing after zing in trademark charismatic fashion on her dating experiences, the challenges of pregnancy and society’s double standards towards fathers. If you loved this one, try her second special, Hard Knock Wife, where she performs pregnant with her second child and is just as hilarious and bold.
2. Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
Homecoming King was Hasan Minhaj’s first stand-up comedy special, released a year before he got his own Netflix series Patriot Act – an influential talk show that led to him getting listed among TIME‘s 100 most influential people in the world. In this stand-up set, the “Daily Show” alumnus delivers a hugely personal and emotional narrative on his experience growing up in an Indian-American-Muslim family. It’s humorous, poignant and heartbreaking, and it helps that Minhaj has an earnest, sincere quality as well as an ability to deliver his punch lines with perfect rhythm and ease.
3. Ken Jeong: You Complete Me, Ho
Best known for his outrageous role in The Hangover films, Jeong – a doctor-turned-comedian – returned to stand-up with this offering. Incidentally this is his first-ever stand-up special. The Korean-American’s irreverent performance is enthusiastic and entertaining, even if it’s far from original, and makes for an enduring watch if you want to learn about his journey from being a general practitioner moonlighting as a stand-up to scoring a part in Knocked Up. There are also some heartwarming moments of how he met his Vietnamese American wife (who’s surname is Ho) and his thoughts on filming The Hangover while she underwent treatment for breast cancer.
4. Ronny Chieng: Asian Comedian Destroys America
You may recognise the Malaysian comedian from Crazy Rich Asians or on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah as its senior correspondent. In this special, Chieng shines on stage with his insightful yet hilarious riffs on modern American life, delivering a brilliantly cutting perspective as an Asian immigrant that will leave you in stitches. Even though it was released back in December 2019 before the pandemic hit, his rapid-fire commentary is just as relevant and still incredibly funny.
5. Fakkah Fuzz: Almost Banned
Fakkah Fuzz (real name: Muhammed Fadzri Abdul Rashid) is no stranger to controversy. It could be his notoriety that led him to landing his own stand-up comedy special on Netflix – no small feat considering he’s the first Singaporean to be featured in the streaming platform’s stand-up comedy line-up. The hour-long session, which was the taping of a stand-up comedy session, features jokes about his experiences as a Malay man living in Singapore. He also touches on the differences between Malay communities in the region – something Singaporeans and Malaysians can relate to.
6. Aditi Mittal: Things They Wouldn’t Let Me Say
If nothing else, watch this performance for the breakthrough that it represents. Aditi Mittal remains one of the few female stand-up comedians in India and is also the first female comic from India to have her own special on the web-streaming service. Mittal is a refreshing presence, joking about stereotypes, menstruation and her experience as a single woman. The most enjoyable portion is when she morphs into her character, a foul-mouthed elderly lady Mrs Lutchuke, who talks frankly about marital experiences while doling out idiosyncratic advice.
7. Prashasti Singh, Kaneez Surka, Supriya Joshi and Niveditha Prakasam: Ladies Up
This is a collection of four 15-minute stand-up pieces by, as its name suggests, four ladies based in India. The women address everything from dating mishaps to body positivity, maternity and life in quarantine. The show serves a good laugh here and there, but sadly some don’t quite land. Still, the show is a much-needed win for female comics in India, given the largely male-dominated industry.
8. Jason Leong: Hashtag Blessed
Another doctor turned stand-up comic, the Malaysian comedian is ruthlessly funny in his dissection of traditional medicine, racism and business class show-offs. He also talks about his own experience with interracial relationships (he is married to his Malaysian-Indian wife Komella, who is also a doctor). There’s plenty of laughs here to tickle the funny bone, and you’d definitely relate to Leong’s affable, down-to-earth nature and spot on delivery.
All images courtesy of Netflix.
SEE ALSO: Netflix food shows that let you see and taste the world
The post Need a laugh? Check out these stand-up specials by Asian comedians on Netflix appeared first on SilverKris.
from SilverKris
Wednesday 26 May 2021
14 top restaurants in Singapore offering delivery or takeaway services
With phase two (heightened alert) placing curbs on dining in at food-and-beverage outlets, many restaurants are rolling out convenient and affordable options for diners to enjoy top-notch cuisine in the safety and comfort of their dining room. From nasi lemak and pasta to fresh seafood, baked goods and high tea, you’re spoilt for choice if you’re hoping to indulge in some good nosh to keep the monotony of staying home away. While you’re at it, why not create a restaurant-worthy atmosphere to jazz up the whole experience?
![Tablescape's Afternoon Tea Set](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Grand-Park-City-Hall_Tablescape_Afternoon-Tea-at-Home.jpg)
1. Tablescape
For those looking for a luxurious afternoon escape, Tablescape is offering its Afternoon Tea Set (two pax) for both delivery and takeaway. And don’t worry, it’s no less fancy than actually being on location. The set arrives in sophisticated packaging that when lifted, reveals a three-storey tower. Each tier is adorned with delicately made cakes, tarts and light bites, including open face sandwiches with salmon and salmon roe and foie gras tartlets with nectarine and pistachio.
The restaurant is also known for its beloved roving bread trolley service from which you can select handmade European breads to accompany your meal. Now, it’s bringing the experience straight to your doorstep. The Bread and Butter Set includes a selection of five different types of artisanal breads (think onion bread and brioche) that are made daily, two fresh house-churned butters (Tablescape’s Signature Butter and house-made Lobster Butter), and truffle oil. They all arrive in perfectly packed sustainable paper bags within a recyclable canvas tote. Come mid-June, you can have these with extra treats: the set will be available with additional charcuterie, cheeses and condiments. There’s 10% off for self-collection and free delivery if you order two sets or more. Do order at least a day in advance.
![Buona Terra](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Buona-Terra_Group-shot-2.jpeg)
2. Buona Terra
Who says you can’t enjoy a Michelin-starred experience in your own home? Chef Denis Lucchi has come up with an exclusive takeaway menu that includes favourites such as the Squid Ink Tonnarelli as well as the Signature Herb Crust Lamb Loin. Choose from an elegant five-course menu put together by chef Lucchi that highlights the best seasonal ingredients of the week, or pick your faves from the a la carte menu. Call ahead and pick up your order from the restaurant. There’s free delivery for orders above S$300.
![BTM Mussels & Bar](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Thailandaises-1.jpg)
3. BTM Mussels & Bar
This Franco-Belgian restaurant is offering a selection of mussels and bar bites in dinner sets designed for four. Bites include cheese croquettes and bitterballen, crisp fried balls made from a thick roux with beef. Three other restaurants under its restaurant group (as well as the catering arm) are also offering similar family sets. In addition to mussels, consider ordering Spanish cuisine from Sabio by The Sea, Mediterranean delights from Riviera Forlino and solid, affordable steaks from L’Entrecôte.
![Lamb cutlets and chimichanga](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Lamb-cutlets-and-Chimichanga.jpg)
4. Chimichanga
If you’re craving for some Mexican food, you can now have your fill of freshly made tacos, burritos, quesadillas and crispy chimichangas, sent to your home. Wash them down with the cocktails and beers available on its menu. We recommend the citrusy, herbaceous and floral Aviation Double cocktail that is best served with ice.
![The Coconut Club Feast for 3 with Famous Nasi Lemak](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Coconut-Club-Feast-for-3.png)
5. The Coconut Club
Known for its fragrant nasi lemak that is both flavourful and comforting, the restaurant is offering delivery and takeaway of some of its favourites. Choose from its bundle deals that are good for two, three or five people. You can also take your pick from options such as its signature French Poulet Leg Set that comes with aromatic coconut rice, juicy chicken leg, anchovies, peanuts, fried egg and sambal. Another top pick is the nasi lemak with fried fish, otah or chicken breast. The restaurant also offers dishes such as Iga Bakar (charcoal-grilled twice-cooked beef short rib in secret sauce, served with sambal hijau and sambal ulek) and Sambal Udang Petai (wok-fried prawns with petai beans and sambal tumis) that you can add on to your order. Free delivery for orders above S$100.
![Nude Seafood provides delicious set meals for 2 or 3 pax](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Nude-Seafood-Meals.png)
6. Nude Seafood
Expect the freshest catch at this joint – after all, its family business is Hai Sia Seafood, a third generation seafood wholesaler. You won’t go wrong with any of its delightful seafood-centric dishes that come with an Asian twist. Standouts include the red snapper with creamed spinach, layered potato, tobiko (fish roe), momiji oroshi (spicy grated daikon radish) and a shitake ragout; hickory-smoked salmon with black forbidden grains and cauliflower; and tiger prawns served with savoury sauce and house-made mantou. Go a la carte or go for its feast for two or four that comes with starters, main, side, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks. Free delivery for orders above S$80.
7. Meatsmith
Get the American smokehouse barbecue experience in your own home with Meatsmith’s selection of classic American dishes. The Family Pack for four is an obvious choice, including juicy meats such as beef brisket, spiced pork ribs and Nashville chicken chop as well as cheeseburgers and chicken burgers. Dishes are served with Meatsmith Slaw and corn bread to cap the experience. Other sets offer equally hearty options such as fried buffalo wings, pork belly and sandwiches. Free delivery for orders above S$50.
![Delicious meals from Kabuke for you to savour at home](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Kabukes-Wagyu-Bowl.png)
8. Kabuke
This sake gastrobar offers a delicious umami-packed menu that’s based on seasonal ingredients and meant to pair perfectly with your choice of sake. Go for its signature Wagyu bowl that features perfectly charred slices of juicy beef on top of a bed of fluffy white rice, and elevate your choice with toppings such as foie gras, sea urchin and ikura (salmon roe). It also offers a selection of somen, small bites and sharing plates. Not to be missed are its Goma Goma Wings, which are crispy and sesame coated, paired with a yuzu wasabi mayo dip. Opt for delivery or go for kerbside pick up at least 30 minutes in advance. Free delivery for orders above S$100.
9. Da Paolo
This beloved café chain’s extensive takeaway menu runs the gamut from meal prep essentials and salads to pastas, pizzas and a cheese & charcuterie board. You can also shop from a selection of breads, seasonal products and gourmet groceries, such as fresh pastas and preservative-free sauces, wines and more. Pamper a friend with one of their care packages, such as a Work From Home Starter Kit with essentials to make your own pasta dish or a Tiramisu Gift Box that contains four different variations of its signature tiramisu. Orders can be made on the website at least two days in advance. You can collect on your selected day from any Da Paolo branch. Free delivery for orders above S$150.
![Amò - Italian Restaurant Serves amazing take home meals](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Amo%CC%80-Take-home-Meal-Beef-Tagliata.png)
10. Amò
This casual Italian restaurant under the ilLido Group is loved for its rustic wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta. Now you can enjoy its authentic Italian flavours right at home. To get a taste of its full range, go for its bundle deals (good for two to eight people) that offer a selection of antipasti, pastas, pizzas, grilled mains and desserts. Standouts include the fluffy truffle pizza with generous portions of mushrooms, mascarpone, Tuscan pecorino and of course, truffle. Another great option is the strozzapreti with crab, tomato and mascarpone. And the nicely charred grilled octopus with Sardinian paella, fregola pasta, fava beans and cherry tomatoes is always a hit. If you’re a budding home chef, you can also get your hands on premium ingredients such as artisanal pastas, sauces and cured meats made in-house to whip up your own delicious feast.
![Casarecci AL Ragu D’Agnello](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Casarecci-AL-Ragu-D%E2%80%99Agnello.jpg)
11. Shangri-La Hotel
This upscale hotel’s signature restaurants are all geared up for takeaway. The highlights at international buffet restaurant The Line include Asian favourites such as wanton noodles and butter chicken as well as Western dishes such as the Wagyu beef burger. At Cantonese restaurant Shang Palace, expect comfort food such as roasted crispy pork belly or the braised ee fu noodles. Waterfall Ristorante Italiano is doing freshly made pizzas and hearty pasta dishes such as the casarecce pasta with lamb ragu. If you’re picking up your food, order 30 minutes in advance. Free delivery for orders above S$200.
![Tiffin Room Lucknowi Murgh Biryani](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lucknowi-Murgh-Biryani.jpg)
12. Raffles Hotel Singapore
Singapore’s most iconic hotel Raffles has repackaged the dining experiences from four of its restaurants into a grab-and-go service. 藝 yì by Jereme Leung is serving healthful dishes such as crunchy kale with shrimp paste, Hunan-style steamed cod fish and its dim sum selection, while Tiffin Room is making available its Lucknowi chicken biryani, lamb leg raan and other signatures.
Alternatively, order an Omaha prime beef tenderloin, local delights such as mee goreng and Hainanese chicken rice, or a healthy salmon bowl from the Grand Lobby. Wash it all down with bottled cocktails, whiskies and fine wines. All orders must be made at least 45 minutes prior, and collections take place at Raffles Boutique (enter via Seah Street).
![Coffee Lounge - Chicken Rice](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coffee-Lounge-Chicken-Rice.jpg)
13. Goodwood Park Hotel
Put together a sumptuous feast from the hotel’s signature eateries – Coffee Lounge, Min Jiang, Min Jiang at Dempsey and The Deli with their takeaway and delivery service. From Min Jiang, get the selection of dim sum as well as crowd favourites such as the beef cubes with asparagus and black pepper sauce or the sautéed prawns with dried red chilli. The Coffee Lounge’s famous Taiwan porridge comes bento-style during lunch and dinner. Round off your meal with mouth-watering durian pastries from The Deli.
![Akira Back - Brother from Another Mother](https://www.silverkris.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Akira-Back-Brother-from-Another-Mother.jpg)
14. JW Marriott
Sup on contemporary Japanese cuisine from Akira Back, which serves creative spins on traditional dishes such as the mushroom pizza, which comes with an umami-laden aioli, and sushi rolls with unexpected ingredients such as crispy pork belly and baked crab. And from modern Cantonese restaurant Madame Fan, take home signature dishes such as the jasmine tea smoked ribs and the stir-fried XO mooli (radish) cake. All orders must be made at least one hour before pickup. Collect them from each individual restaurant.
SEE ALSO: 7 newly minted Michelin-starred restaurants to try in Singapore
This article was originally published on 5 May 2020 and updated on 26 May 2021.
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