Skip the cheesy red and white t-shirts on National Day – you don’t have to literally wear your national pride on your sleeve!
There’s many other alternative (and cooler) ways to appreciate our lil’ Lion City this August and we have some ideas. From Mala croissants to hidden nature gems, this is the Singapore we know the best.
Celebrate Singapore’s love for all things Mala
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Your favorite neighborhood croissant joint is spicing it up in the month of August. Collaborating with mod-Sichuan restaurant Birds of a Feather, TBB will be rolling out a special menu this month featuring a spicy and savory Sichuan Roast Beef Croissant ($13) and a Sichuan Rojak Chicken Bun ($12) that packs a punch with the slices of pineapple and a peanut dressing.
For the sweet-tooth customers a Kopi Pecan Kouign Amann ($7) is also available for the whole month.
Available at all Tiong Bahru Bakery outlets till Aug. 31. Check out the full list of outlets here.
Cook some vegetarian local dishes
Singaporean chef and author Pamelia Chia who is behind the book Wet Market to Table recently published her new book Plantasia which showcases recipes, techniques and perspectives of cooking with vegetables – with a focus on Asian flavors.
Like most of us, Chia grew up eating meat and even as a chef depended on meat, seafood and animal products for flavor but her time in Australia encouraged her to explore the world of vegetables more.
Try recipes like Hot Butter Mushrooms, Thunder Tea Kimbap, Podi-Rubbed Roasted Cauliflower, Split Pea Tofu Salad with Chilli Crisp and more.
Pre-order her book Plantasia (S$49.90) or download the e-book (S$39.90) here.
Big boy no more, catch Le Le at his 2nd birthday bash
![Singapore’s baby panda ‘Le Le’ showing off its chomps. Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group](https://cdn.coconuts.co/coconuts/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jia-Jia-and-Le-Le-spending-quality-time-bonding-in-the-main-exhibit-Day-202-3-March-2022.-Image-credit-to-Mandai-Wildlife-Group-1024x683.jpg)
The beloved panda baby Le Le, now grown into full Giant Panda form, is inviting everyone to come celebrate the lead up to his 2nd birthday on Aug. 14!
The panda-themed celebration happening now lets guests go through a Panda-stic Trail to learn more about the beefed-up cub’s favorite snacks and toys, as well as hearing from the keepers about how they care for him at an interactive booth.
He also even has his own merch with a t-shirt collection, more photo opportunities with Giant Panda mascots and crafty activities.
Even better, show up on the big day on Aug. 14 to join in on the live birthday celebration with Le Le who will enjoy a bamboo cake and many treats.
Till Sept. 10 at River Wonders, 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826.
Honor the power of kindness in Singapore
![Photo: Doris Yuen](https://cdn.coconuts.co/coconuts/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/doris-yuen-kampung-admiralty-1024x461.jpg)
Kindness really is everywhere in Singapore. From condo estates in Orchard to a rooftop garden in Admiralty, we’ve seen some of the best sides of Singaporeans in the most unexpected places.
Check out some of the stories behind Singapore’s Friendly Neighbourhood Awards and find out what’s brewing in your own hood. It’s never too late to make a difference in your own community!
Sign up for a walk at a hidden gem
Never heard of the Alexandra Woodlands? Well now you can even explore it – with the help of some enthusiastic volunteers from the Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity.
Learn about the history of this hidden green pocket next to the Rail Corridor track and take in the views of the freshwater swamp and some of the unexpected wildlife that live in the area.
Sign up for a walk on their page. You can also check out other cool trails around Singapore if you want to get a little outdoorsy this week!
Chin Mee Chin launches limited edition merch
There is still red and white in these limited edition merch just dropped by Chin Mee Chin if you want to switch up the National Day swag.
Celebrate the nation’s heritage with one of Singapore’s oldest coffee shops who has launched old-school style enamel mugs, ringer tees, crew socks and enamel pins to go with a cup of coffee and their pastries.
Available at their physical store on 204 East Coast Road from Aug. 9.
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