Delicious And Affordable Places For Vegan Food In Singapore

One of the things Singapore is abundant of is food. The diverse food selection extends to the vegetarian options. From organic snacks to vegan Western food, this list has you covered!

1. VEGGIE COTTAGE

Camouflaged within the neighboring grocery stores is a beautifully casual cafe called Veggie Cottage. It serves a wide array of Asian and Western vegetarian food such as Avocado Salad, Claypot Tofu Rice Set, and Spaghetti Bolognese. They also sell cupcakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With seriously inexpensive prices ranging from S$2.50 to S$10.80, you will surely wear a smile while browsing their menu – here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/162388397257546/photos/a.162391280590591.1073741826.162388397257546/575124989317216/?type=3&theater

Image Credits: facebook.com

Online Reception: 100% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 13 Dalhousie Lane, Singapore 209682

2. GOKUL VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Fusing Indian cuisine with other yummy vegetarian meals, GOKUL Vegetarian Restaurant boasts with over 100 food items. From bite-sized munchies such as Samosa Chaat and Dosa to health main courses such as Tom Yum Noodles and Paneer Fried Rice, they have it all for you. Furthermore, all of these are free of onion, garlic, and egg.

Image Credits: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/gokul_vegetarian_restaurant_upper_dickson_road/photo/98920000

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 19 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207478

3. CI YAN ORGANIC VEGETARIAN HEALTH FOOD

Nestled at the bustling streets of Chinatown is a humble treasure of an eatery called Ci Yan Organic Vegetarian Health Food. This place serves nothing but organic ingredients without the use of MSG.

With an uncomplicated menu of only 4 to 6 dishes that vary per day, it will take your taste buds to a healthy adventure. The quality of the dishes makes up for the lack of choice. However, if you are a picky eater, you may call them up in advance at 6225 9026. Worry not about their prices, as the average plate is S $7 while the noodle dishes are about S $5.50.

Online Reception: 84% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Location: 8 Smith Street, Singapore 058922

4. REAL FOOD

If I were asked to name a place perfectly suited to a health conscious Singaporean, I would definitely suggest Real Food. Known for serving organic and vegan yet really tasty food, Real Food consists of affordable meal selections.

All of the Real Food outlets showcase a contemporary setting with relaxing lighting. What separates it from other eateries is that the Killiney Road outlet has a 3-in-1-concept design featuring a Cafe and Restaurant, a grocery, and a bookstore. Everything you need in one delightful space.

The recommended dishes include Steamed Dumplings (S$9.80), Beet Millet Burger ($13.80), Genovese Pesto Pasta (S$11.80), and Rise-n-Shine Breakfast ($8.80). End your meal with one of the cold-pressed fruit juices priced as low as S$6.50.

As blogger Doria Teo puts it:
“Everything is vegan and organic and especially for someone health conscious like me, this is a rare gem. I hardly find food that tastes so good and yet is so healthy at the same time.”

Online Reception: 77% Upvotes at HungryGoWhere.com

Locations: Several outlets islandwide, visit: realfoodgrocer.com/outlets for more information.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Special DIY Gifts To Make Your Mother Smile

There are women in this world that are willing to work tirelessly for others, are willing to teach young minds, are willing to forgive failures and are willing to put someone’s else’s happiness ahead of their own. Remarkable in every way, these women are called mothers.

With less than three weeks more under your belt, it is about time to think of a precious gift to reward your beautiful mother on Mother’s Day (May 8). The good news is that you do not have to spend loads of cash since you can just use the materials you already have at home!

Here are some inexpensive yet very heart warming ideas for you:

1. FOR YOUR CRAFTY ARTSY ANGEL

If the angel of your life is into creating artistic items than receiving them, plan an afternoon crafts session. While sipping your tea, you can create lovely jewelry with the materials on promotion at Spotlight such as Pony Beads (S$4.99), Pom poms (S$2.99), and Quill Feathers (S$5.99).

Alternatively, you can grab a DIY kit from Typo to make the stylish and useful items such as a tote bag (S$34.99) and a scrapbook (S$29.99).

2. FOR YOUR POETIC PARENT

Celebrate the essence of Mother’s day by capturing the moment through a poem. Describe her in the sincerest of ways. A unique gift such as this will flatter her heart and make her feel how much you are thankful that she is in your life. You can also put a melody and turn your poem to a song if you want to.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

3. FOR YOUR CINEMA CHAMP

My mother is one of those people who are fond of films. From romantic comedies to action, she is delighted to watch any flick as long as she has her family along. Apply this concept at home by purchasing a few DVDs from the yesteryear. As much as possible, select her favorite movies. Gather your family in the living, as having everyone present is valuable to the occasion.

4. FOR YOUR WORKAHOLIC WARRIOR

The best way to reward your workaholic warrior is by giving the present of an enjoyable bath time filled with relaxing fragrance. Achieve that by making bath bombs that are similar to the ones sold at Lush Singapore.

Image Credits: www.lushsg.com

Image Credits: www.lushsg.com

Here are four ways you can make different types of bath bombs from basic to herbal type.

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4 Ingenious Travel Scams Singaporeans Should Be Aware Of

Do not taint your vacation by becoming a victim of the latest travel scams targeting unsuspecting tourists. From your expensive belongings to your personal safety, the risks of scams are overwhelming. The finest form of protection in these situations is to be forewarned.

1. THE PHOTOGRAPHY SCAM

The wonderful backdrop of Bali’s serene sunset deserves to be encapsulated forever through a photograph. As quick as you are, you gathered your group to take a special “jumping shot”. Then one of the locals approached you and offered to take your group photo for free. Seconds later, your newfound friend disappears with your expensive camera.

Bustling city attractions are the most vulnerable places for this scam. Do not be fooled! If you have to take a photo, it is best to ask your fellow tourists and return the favor to them.

2. THE PIZZA FLYER SCAM

As a busy tourist with a fully packed schedule, you are bound to forget about your meals at times. A promotional pizza flyer slipped beneath the doors of your hotel room seems like the most convenient choice. So you gave your payment details over the phone and end up waiting for nothing. There was no pizza and you just gave your credit card details away to a stranger! Cue the *panic* music here.

This is why it is best to check with the authorization of the fliers first at the hotel’s concierge.

3. THE FAULTY TAXI METER SCAM

Using the different modes of transportation overseas will make you realize how lucky you are that Singaporean taxi companies are very well-regulated. But in other countries, the taximeter can be faked. Your driver may overcharge you by not stopping the meter while he takes a “toilet break” or by wiring the meter itself. To avoid this you must negotiate the rates beforehand, have your map handy, and ensure that the meter is in tact.

Here are the other taxi tips by Christine Kaaloa :

4. THE BOGUS WIFI HUB SCAM

Modern technology paved way for keeping all your information such as credit card details (via Blogshop sites), savings account details (via internet banking), and school data (via university portal) in one place – your laptop or Smartphone. And as you login through the “free WiFi” at a terminal, you can fall prey to hackers. Hackers may set up unsecured WiFi spots in public locations in order to access of your device and steal important information.

Avoid this by asking which WiFi connection belongs to the establishment and by bringing your own pocket router while you travel. Consider the affordable portable WiFi Router available at Changi Recommends.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Types Of Car Loans In Singapore

1. BANK’S CAR LOANS

Bank car loans are the most accepted, traditional, and typical route consumers take. Due to their traditional nature, loaning money in the bank requires the completion of fixed procedures that attest your financial stability.

You will be asked to complete a loan application that may include: your name, NRIC, date of birth, address, current and previous employers, length of employment, occupation, sources of income, total monthly income, and information about existing credit accounts. This along with your application shall help the bank decide if you are trustworthy and credible enough to pay the loan. This is why you must have a stable income and good financial history if you are considering this option.

The interest rates for bank car loans can go as low as 2.28% (DBS Car Loans) or 3.25% per annum (Maybank Car Loan).

2. FINANCE COMPANY’S CAR LOANS

Finance companies, licensed under the Finance Companies Act, are focused on providing saving deposits and credit facilities to individuals and firms.

They typically work with banks, insurance companies, and auto dealers to give the best possible deals to their clients. If you are striving for the cheapest price for a used car, get a loan from a finance company that is also an auto dealer. Such company purchases vehicles from various sellers for resale. Aside from this, finance companies are a great source for refinancing loans.

For example, Speed Credit Pte Ltd offers a car-refinancing loan with a maximum amount of 80% of its Prevailing Quota Premium.

3. LICENSED MONEY LENDER’S LOANS

Licensed money lenders are businesses that are regulated by the country’s law. Unlike the loan sharks that lend with high interest rates, licensed money lenders’ fees are controlled by the parameters of the law, which means you can expect to have a fair deal. Some of the known money lenders in Singapore are Max Credit and CashMax Credit.

It is important to realize that the loans offered by the licensed money lenders are heavily influenced by your annual income. If your annual income is more than S$30,000 but does not exceed $120,000 then you can loan up to 4 times the amount of your monthly income. And if your annual income is at least S$120,000, you can loan as much as you want.

So if your annual income is less than S$20,000, licensed money lenders are the ideal option for smaller loans such as repairing your existing car.

4. SELLER’S CAR LOAN

An unconventional loan option is arranging a deal directly with the seller. You can either pay the seller in installments or pay the seller with a deposit. By paying in installments, you can only get the full ownership of the used car once you have paid the complete amount. By paying the seller with a deposit equal to what he has paid in the bank, the balance will be your responsibility after transferring the ownership to you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

This option only applies to used cars.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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Newbie’s Guide To Collecting Currency In Singapore

Welcome to the wonderful world of currency collection!

History manifested coin and banknote collection as a pastime for scholars. Nowadays, being a scholar is not a mandatory feature of a collector. It is the interest towards currency collecting that drives this hobby into motion.

Banknotes are unique collectible pieces that  embody arts, culture, politics, history, and distinct serial numbers. Coin collecting, on the other hand, has been popular since the medieval times (collected by the European monarchs in 1500s).

As a start, you can collect the banknotes and coins available in Singapore and in the neighboring countries. If you have a limited budget, it is more inexpensive to collect currencies in lower denominations. Joining a currency collection club and attending related exhibitions are useful ways to update your knowledge. For instance, the Singapore Historical Banknote Collections’s Facebook page announced the “Singapore International Coin Fair” last April 1-3. It is a coin and banknotes exhibition that happens only once a year. Follow their page to stay informed.

Newbie collectors are advised to specialize not only because of a tight budget but also because of the opportunity to become an expert on a certain series. Currency collection with a face value can both signify a hobby and an investment.

TYPES OF BANKNOTES

  • UN-CIRCULATED COINS: These notes are taken out from a pack of unused banknotes and are placed carefully in protective holders.
  • COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES: These notes are issued to honor a special event such as the ones issued to celebrate SG50.
  • RARE NOTES: These were created with misprints or errors. Being one of its kind, these are sold at a high premium.
  • NOTES WITH DISTINCTIVE MARKS: These are notes with distinctive logos, commemorative text, and serialized numbering of notes printed.
  • NOTES WITH LIMITED CIRCULATION: These are sought after notes due to its limited supply.
  • NOTES WITH AUSPICIOUS NUMBERS: In the Chinese culture, there is a widespread belief of auspicious or lucky numbers. These auspicious feature can only be found in notes where numbers are serialized.

TYPES OF COINS

  • SINGAPORE CIRCULATION COINS: A complete set of all the coins in Singapore must start in 1967. There are 6 denomination of coins in circulation such as 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and $1.
  • CIRCULATION COINS: One of the least expensive and the most popular collection among beginners.
  • EARLY COINAGE OF SINGAPORE: These are the coins issued before the formation of the Republic (expanding way back to 1819).
  • NUMISMATIC & COMMEMORATIVE COINS: These are released occasionally at various times of the year.
  • COINS BY THEME: These are collectible coins with themes such as people, endangered species, sports, and many more.
  • BULLION COINS: These coins are mainly minted with gold, silver, and other precious metals. They are sold at premiums marginally above their “gold content” to entice investors.
Image Credits: facebook.com/SingaporeCoinsAndNotesMuseum

Image Credits: facebook.com/SingaporeCoinsAndNotesMuseum

Sources: 1 & 2

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