Bacha Coffee has opened its largest retail flagship store yet at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3. The only drawback — it’s located within the transit area so only travellers can access the store.

Step through magnificent illuminated arches and be greeted by a 7,000 sq ft space with a hand-painted stained glass ceiling, and a towering 11m-high library of coffee canisters with 100 per cent Arabica coffees.

Exclusive to the store is the Expedition Coffee Collection, a curated set of fine-flavoured ground coffee packed into 150g canisters — great for gifting. It comes in collections of two, four, or six coffees priced at $60, $110 and $160. Those with a penchant for Asian flavours can opt for the Expedition to the Forest ($110), a box of four canisters comprising two single-origin coffees from Asia and two fine-flavoured options redolent of nuts and caramel.

For dining in, there’s a cosy bar where you can take your pick from over 200 varieties of fine coffees. For takeaway, there are light bites like sweet and savoury croissants, kouglof and pound cakes.

Bacha Coffee is at #02-52, Changi Airport Terminal 3, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663.

Taking its name from the word for “light” in the auxiliary language Esperanto, Lumo at South Bridge Road is a 1,600 sq ft cocktail bar and restaurant that specialises in modern European fare. The space is divided into two — a sleek contemporary bar and a more intimate dining area with an open kitchen.

The smoked cod fish liver taramasalata with Avruga caviar, crumb and ciabatta drizzled in EVOO ($18++) makes for a moreish sharing plate to kickstart the night. The trofie pasta ($28++) hits the spot, capturing flavourful briny lobster bisque and offering an addictive bite. The whitefin prawns on the side however felt a tad overcooked on our visit.

Also worth ordering is the Canadian prime rose pork rack ($48++), with moist slivers of protein topped with a juicy fat cap that pairs well with a sweet-savoury whisky raisin jus. Earthy Padron peppers on the side temper the richness. And if you like lamb, you’ll enjoy the juicy Tasmanian lamb kofta ($30++) with a bright mint tzatziki, and addictive bite-sized chunks of cauliflower tempura.

The cocktail program has been reimagined as well, imbued with colours associated with feelings. The signature Lumo ($20++), with Sui gin and a lingering Kyoho grape taste, is a light floral tipple that makes for a good aperitif. Other cocktails include the Serenity ($23++) with chamomile and honey, and Blue Blue ($23++), a white wine concoction with cognac and fig liqueur.

Lumo is at #01-00, 50 South Bridge Road. To find out more, visit www.lumo.sg.

InterContinental Singapore’s Lobby Lounge has new afternoon tea experiences, such as the Quintessential Nonya High Tea.

The tea set nods to the hotel’s heritage precinct with a clutch of Peranakan-inspired desserts — there’s bubur hitam cheesecake topped with coconut chantilly and coconut crunch, a fluffy pandan chiffon sponge layered with gula melaka cremeux, and a bandung creation with raspberry lychee marmalade. From the savoury selection, expect chicken fillet with spicy bean aioli, jumbo lump crabmeat grape jelly with crisp mantou, and an otah and prawn quiche. The quintessential scones get an Asian spin too, made with bak kwa as a nod to the upcoming Lunar New Year.

For those on a vegan diet, InterContinental Singapore has something too. Tuck into “fishless fingers”, plant-based nuggets, pandan cake with avocado cream, chocolate mousse made with miso, and a caramel banana tart with a vegan tart shell.

There’s something for the kids too, so they can have their own little fancy affair — think popcorn chicken, lemon meringue lolly cones, orange chocolate sable tart, and red bean mochi. Every Kid’s Afternoon Tea set ($58 ++ for two kids) comes with two beverages and parents can top up $20++ for InterContinental Singapore’s iconic Baba Lionel Soft Toy for an added squeal of joy.

The Quintessential Nonya High Tea and Vegan Afternoon Tea is at $52++ per adult (weekdays) and $58++ (weekends) inclusive of fine loose-leaf tea or coffee and free-flow ice cream. Available from Jan 3, 2023 (two seatings: 1pm and 3.30pm).

 InterContinental Singapore is at 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966. Visit its website for reservations or more information.

South Korea’s famous convenience store chain has come to Singapore and landed at Jurong Point as well as Nex. The brand is best known for its affordable meals and lifestyle items, including cosmetics.

Fried chicken is on the menu, of course, with various options. Chow down on lightly battered bone-in fried chicken, or Honey Soy Dak Gung Jung; fried chicken with a sweet savoury glaze. For a spicy edge, there’s YangNyum(Sweet and Spicy) Fried Chicken, and if that’s not enough, y can even request a ‘secret menu” homemade hot sauce. Or explore other classic Korean offerings like gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), dosirak (Korean lunchboxes), and tteokbokki.

Don’t miss out on the snack section too. Not only does it stock products from its own private label I’m E, butEmart24 is also one of the few in Singapore to carry products from the popular Korean snack food label, No Brand. And for beverages, the mart is working with local suppliers to offer seasonal coffee blends and craft beers that are specially created and available exclusively at Emart24.

Emart24 is at #01-16G/H/J Jurong Point, 1 Jurong West Central 2, Singapore 648886 and #B2-50/51 Nex, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083.

Baristart Coffee has turned four, and to mark the occasion, is bringing back its Coffee Cream Puff ($7++).

Each is piped with rich and creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk custard that’s also been infused with Baristart Mild Blend coffee beans that lend to an aromatic and nutty profile.

Along with the puff, you can get your hands on the Baristart Coffee Cream Puff Affogato ($12.80++, dine-in only). The puff comes with soft serve ice cream and espresso, with three flavours available — milk, coffee and mixed. The puff and affogato are available at the Tras Street and Sentosa outlets from Jan 3 to 29, 2023. 

At the same time, the brand is running a special 4th-anniversary promotion from Jan 3 to 6, 2023. Purchase a Coffee Cream Puff or Coffee Cream Puff Affogato and enjoy a Baristart Coffee Cold Brew at $4++ (choose between Black or White). Available only at Tras Street outlet for dine-in and takeaway.

Visit its website for more information. Baristart Coffee is at 65 Tras Street Singapore 079004 and 40 Siloso Beach Walk Singapore 098996.

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