When was the last time you spent a whole day with your best friends? Given the pace of life these days, chances are that it’s been a while. Too long, perhaps.
That’s the value of occasions like International Friendship Day. They may feel a little arbitrary, but such widely recognised events serve to remind us of something important. And what could be more important than friendship? (Fun fact: Real-life friendship — not just online friendship — has been found to have a profound positive effect on overall well-being.)
So, 30 July — the official, United Nations-recognised International Friendship Day — is as good a day as any to pause and make time to be with your since-day-one besties. And it’s really is just as simple as setting a time and place.
The time? Any time of the day. The place? Clarke Quay Central’s got you covered, because there’s always something cool to see, do, or taste. You can spend your entire International Friendship Day without even leaving the mall:
Catch up over brunch at Craftsmen Coffee
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With true friends, you’re never short of things to talk about. So if you need a properly long gossip session (surely you do), it’s good to start the day by bonding over a long, leisurely brunch. Whether you’re craving a salad bowl, eggs benedict, waffles, or even burgers and pasta, Craftsmen Coffee on the first floor has it all. Take your time and even sip coffee after — there’s no need to rush when you’re spending quality time with friends.
Sample artisanal banchan at Wanting Kimchi
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Among Clarke Quay Central’s many great attractions is Chef X, a sandbox space that showcases independent chefs known for home-based or private dining. Here, they run full-fledged commercial restaurants for one or two months. Currently, for July and August 2024, the pop-up is 'Wanting Kimchi' by Chef Zeng Wanting. They are offering artisanal banchan, kimchi jjim made with 8-month-old whole head cabbage, as well as Korean-style cai fan. It’s a perfect spot to meet up and chat with your chinggus!
A styling and pampering session at Threes Beauty Salon
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Say it loud: You deserve it! Bring friends for an afternoon of self-care and style at Threes Beauty Salon — a Japanese hair and beauty salon that offers haircuts, treatments, and even head spa services for anyone in need of some relaxation. Getting matching haircuts with your friend group is totally optional. (But hey, it is International Friendship Day!)
Belt out your feelings at Cash Studio
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Nothing bonds people quite like karaoke. There’s just something about being together in a private room and singing popular songs without much regard for your vocal capabilities. If your friends are true friends, take them to Cash Studio on the third floor and let loose. This is especially recommended if anyone in the group has recently experienced heartbreak. (Trust us. It’ll be a blast.)
Cap the day with late-night shopping at DON DON DONKI
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Done singing? No? Alright, but while you’re having a go at Adele and Ed Sheeran, the rest of your friends who aren’t singing can take a break and head down to DON DON DONKI, at the basement level. There they can grab snacks and maybe even some drinks, for a proper nightcap at someone’s place. That’ll round off a day to remember!
Like Clarke Quay Central, many Far East Malls are designed so you can enjoy a full day of fun without having to leave the premises. And if you plan to do so, it’s a good idea to download the shopFarEast app to earn SFE$ (points).
Not a shopFarEast member yet? Sign up now using <JOINSFE> 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, hotel stays, and more!