Culture is a fascinating thing. It carries people’s beliefs and values, reflects their history and heritage, and is expressed through their customs and behaviours. Taking inspiration from several cultures around the world, we’ve created this essential lifestyle guide featuring a selection of Far East Malls.
Follow our lead, let’s go!
KEEP IT SIMPLE AND SMART, LIKE THE JAPANESE
In Japan, everything moves like clockwork. Its train network has a reputation for being one of the world’s most reliable transport systems. If a train is ever delayed by more than five minutes, station employees will distribute Train Delay Certificates to affected commuters so that they can explain their tardiness to work or school!
This level of Japanese efficiency can be found in almost all aspects of life, fashion included. For a smart shopping experience, head to LUMINE SINGAPORE, a concept store that houses more than 20 leading Japanese fashion brands under one 10,000 square foot roof in Clarke Quay Central. From 1 to 31 May 2021, spend in store to receive a one-time 10% coupon code on LUMINE SINGAPORE’s online store. Shop at LUMINE SINGAPORE at Clarke Quay Central #02-20.
Japanese Zen has become a popular lifestyle aesthetic with its focus on clean lines and functional design. To bring that same understated look into your home, check out the homeware selection at IUIGA. It sources directly from manufacturers of luxury brands so you can get the same great quality without the hefty price tag. Shop at IUIGA at Orchard Central #04-03.
Simple and smart is also the key to Japanese beauty technology. You can experience it for yourself at Body Spark, a one-stop beauty salon established in 2013 by a Japanese founder. If you can’t decide which of the premium treatments to try, these deals are a great place to start:
● Customised Facial at $78 (U.P $228)
GET YOUR GLOW ON, LIKE THE KOREANS
The fact that Koreans have a term like ‘glass skin’, which basically refers to the holy grail of clear, luminous, seemingly transparent skin, shows you how seriously they take their skincare. Great skin is fundamental to the Korean definition of beauty, possibly because fair complexion was once regarded as a status symbol — back when Korea was formerly an agricultural society, the only privileged did not have to toil under the sun.
Well today, everyone can have glowing, healthy skin. Check out the brand I'm from, which takes pains to clearly list every ingredient in every product as well as the origin of its primary ingredient and the name of the farm where it was harvested. A sister brand of SKIN&LAB and CHICA Y CHICO, I'm from manufactures all its products in Korea, including its popular Honey Mask, Volcanic Mask, and Ginseng Serum. Shop I'm from at Guardian at Clarke Quay Central #01-55 and Greenwich V #01-16.
Beauty is more than skin deep. For a lasting glow, care for your skin from within, starting with plenty of hydration. Drink up with AOX, a line of award-winning, locally conceptualised and designed alkaline water dispensers for homes. Built with Korean materials and inspired by German technology, grab one of these to remind yourself to stay hydrated for healthy, glowing skin. Shop at AOX at Square 2 #03-20.
With your skin well taken care of, give your tresses and nails some attention — at the same time. Walking On Sunshine is a fairy-tale garden, beauty salon and café all rolled into one highly Instagrammable experience. The combination of perfectly coiffed hair, carefully manicured nails, tasty drinks and yummy bites is bound to make you glow for days! Experience Walking on Sunshine (Hair/Nail/Café) at Orchard Central #03-07.
ADD SPICE TO LIFE, LIKE THE INDIANS
Indian spices are a wonderful cacophony of colours and flavours that add character to the country’s cuisine. Of all the spices that the country produces, none are quite as extraordinary as saffron. Those grown in Kashmiri are known to be more fragrant than their counterparts from Iran, where over 90% of the world’s supply comes from. In fact, Kashmiri saffron can sell for as much as US$3,400 per kilogram—truly the world’s most expensive spice!
For a taste of India (with or without saffron), treat yourself to a meal at Royal Taj. The restaurant’s modern take on traditional Indian cuisine is deftly executed, with an extensive menu that spans many different states and regional food cultures. Visit Royal Taj at Mess Hall Sentosa #02-07.
India also produces large amounts of tea in the world and its people love their masala chai. After a satisfying meal, try recreating the taste at home by boiling tea in a saucepan with milk and spices such as ginger, fennel seeds, cardamom and star anise. If you love unwinding over a chai session at home, consider investing in a beautiful tea set from IHAAN DECO. Shop at IHAAN DECO at Square 2 #03-113.
Perfect your asanas (body postures) and pranayamas (breath work) to get your body in tip top shape. Yoga promises many benefits including physical and mental. Go back to basics with a Hatha class, where you learn to hold standard poses longer in order to develop mindfulness and better focus. Yoga enthusiasts looking for a deeper, more intense practice could consider taking up the 200-hour teacher training workshops at HOM Yoga. Visit HOM Yoga at Orchard Central #06-13.
GO BACK IN TIME, INSPIRED BY THE CHINESE
In ancient China, hair was an important symbol. Not only was it never cut casually, the way someone wore their hair reflected their status and position in life. Even the coming of age ceremony, held when girls turned 15 and boys turned 20, involved changing their hairstyle to mark adulthood.
Those days are over but taking care of our hair is an essential element of personal grooming. Avoid hair problems by keeping your scalp healthy with a custom blended botanical essence created by the trichologists and herbalists from CYL Scalp Lab Solutions. Visit CYL Scalp Lab Solutions at Clarke Quay Central #03-70 and Orchard Central #04-12.
Immerse yourself in China’s rich history and heritage with Mandarin books on wellness, mind and body, global cuisines and more. Local retailer Du Yi first started as a small comics store and has since grown into a fully-fledged bookshop offering boutique and handpicked titles from across Asia. For those who want to dabble in the art of Chinese calligraphy, you’ll find a nice selection of brushes in store as well. Shop at Du Yi Bookshop at West Coast Plaza #01-48.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has its roots date back more than 2,000 years and takes a holistic approach to healthcare and well-being. Try generation-trusted herbal remedies from established local retailer, Eu Yan Sang, or seek advice from registered practitioners at their on-site clinic. Visit Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic at Woods Square #B2-18 and shop at Eu Yan Sang at Icon Village #01-30 and Square 2 #03-50.
BE BOLD AND EXPRESSIVE, LIKE THE SPANISH
Spain’s tapas culture is so unique that Spanish food is now often associated with those delicious small plates. But for the Spanish, tapas is much more than food. It’s about sharing it with friends and spending time together. Bar-hopping is particularly popular in Spain, so it’s common to see groups having a couple of tapas at one place before moving on to the next, and the next, and the next!
For a Spanish spin on socialising, grab your friends and head to TAPASTA, which interestingly serves pasta and grain bowls during the day before transforming to a cool tapas bar at night. Its latest tapas menu features classic fare like Pulpo a la Plancha (grilled octopus salad) and Croquetas de Jamon (Spanish ham croquettes) from just $9 each. For the full experience, opt for the Spanish wine pairing at $32++ per bottle. For shopFarEast members, enjoy 20% off Spanish Wines and 10% off Tapas. Visit Tapasta at Far East Square, Pekin Street #01-01.
It can be said that the essence of Spain is captured in its music. Song and dance, like the Flamenco, are core to its culture. You could start plucking the strings of your first guitar with AlmaGuitar at JX Young, Asian representative and distributor of AlmaGuitars. Each guitar is handmade according to the Spanish traditions! Shop at JX Young at Orchard Central #05-40.
Barcelona fashion label, Desigual, is loved for its bright, explosive prints celebrating love, the joy of life and youthful vitality. Bring a touch of Spanish flamboyance to your wardrobe with Desigual’s collaboration with Catalan designer Maria Escoté. Shop at Desigual at Orchard Central #01-11.
LIVE CHIC, LIKE THE PARISIANS
Oh the City of Lights! Paris is romance, elegance and sophistication all rolled into one sleek metropolitan but ever wondered how it got its nickname? No one knows for certain but most people believe in one of two theories. The first theory suggests that it’s a reference to how writers, artists and academics once famously flocked to Paris, “lighting” it up with their presence. The other, more practical theory simply explains that Paris was one of the first European cities to adopt street lighting.
Whichever the case, we think Parisians always look well-put-together and that has less to do with the city’s lighting and more to do with the right hairstyle. Before you experiment with iconic French styles like Jane Birkin’s one-length hairdo or the modern French bob with its blunt, chin-length crop, however, you might want some expert advice from Organic Hair Professional. The leading organic lifestyle salon is not only great for the latest hairstyle trends, but also protects hair health by using only organic products. Visit Organic Hair Professional at Orchard Central #03-15.
Also, is it just us or do Parisians love their eyewear? Whether spectacles or sunglasses, eyewear can be the finishing touch to your style — just think how differently your OOTD would be with a pair of super skinny cat-eye frames or oversized square glasses. Pick one that accentuates your facial features best. Shop at Glance at Woods Square #B2-17.
If you prefer to experience Paris (rather than look like a Parisian), get a table at Le Faubourg. It won’t take much to imagine that you’re in the French capital at the quaint café, bar and restaurant. shopFarEast members also enjoy an exclusive deal: Mini Sweet Crepes Set for 2 at $30++ (U.P. $40++). The treat comprises six mini sweet crêpes with assorted condiments, small ice cream and fresh fruits and comes with two hot beverages. Visit Le Faubourg at Mess Hall Sentosa #01-02. Reservations are recommended. Contact 9348 9189 (WhatsApp) for bookings.
THINK BIG, LIKE THE AMERICANS
The Americans celebrate National Hamburger Day (28 May), which wraps up National Burger Month (May) but should not be confused with National Birth of the Burger Day (18 September). It’s safe to say the Americans love their burgers. It is popularly believed that hamburgers were first invented in 1885, with just ground beef, sliced onions and ketchup sandwiched between two slices of bread.
Well, burgers have come a long way since! For a taste of the super-sized American lifestyle, sink your teeth into Omakase Burger’s big and juicy burgers. Omakase Burger prides itself on using high-quality ingredients such as applewood smoked bacon, which is tightly rationed due to limited supply, as well as 100% USDA Choice Grade beef and a secret sauce recipe that is a unique blend of 13 ingredients. Try it out with this limited-time deal: indulge in a double-patty burger with 50% off your second patty, only from 21 to 30 May. Visit Omakase Burger at Orchard Central #04-23.
And since National Burger Month lasts a full month, why stop at one? The gourmet handmade burgers at Sid Burger and Craft Beer are best known for their perfectly-seared, ultra-juicy patty made of Wagyu and Angus beef. Wash it down with your favourite craft beer or natural Mexican sodas for a satisfying finish. Visit Sid Burger and Craft Beer at Icon Village #01-45.
After an American-sized meal, you might want to walk off the calories. If so, slip into Hush Puppies’ oh-so-comfortable casual footwear. The brand was founded in an era where dress shoes were stiff and hard; not exactly best for walking. Over time, Hush Puppies’ classic styles have been improved with its superior Bounce Technology platform. Shop at Hush Puppies at Clarke Quay Central #01-22 and Square 2 #01-38.
Not a shopFarEast member yet? Sign up now using <SFE2021> and get a $5 Far East Malls e-Voucher on us. Grow these SFE$ as you shop and dine at Far East Malls, and redeem them for rewards like e-Vouchers, dining treats, staycations, and more.
Download the shopFarEast app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
*Please note that deals and/or rewards listed in the article are time sensitive. The management reserves the right to change the terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.