The pandemonium of getting Taylor Swift tickets, the sudden rise of puffer bags, and Barbenheimer. So many things caught our attention in 2023. I compiled them all for us to remember; better yet, catch it before the year ends.
OMG, I Love This Restaurant

Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar
The way we flock to Japan every holiday season is no small indication of how much we love the culture, the weather, and of course — the cuisine.
Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar at Tanjong Pagar can sate your cravings for something warm and savoury for around $20 to $45 per person.
OMG, I Love This Kopitiam
At the heart of Singapore culture would undeniably be our hawker centres, or, kopitiam. These are always the popular ones, rivalling cities like New York for the ambiance.

Old Airport Road Food Centre
I’ve had some of the best char siew here. So many options to choose from.
Lau Pa Sat
The loud chatter of happy friends and family, with a side of satay and beer. Need I say more?
East Coast Lagoon Food Village
Cool down and dust off the sand with beachside local grub.
Newton Food Centre
A must-try, despite the price and tourists, if only for the Crazy Rich Asian vibes.
OMG, I Love This Cafe
Is there anything better than a hot cup of coffee and pastries?

Cedric Grolet
The TikTok-famous French pastry chef Cedric Grolet finally opened his patisserie in Singapore. He specialises in crafting desserts that bear an uncanny resemblance to the very fruits that inspire them — truly something you can’t miss. They’re open from 8.30 am to 6pm. Check it out!
Now, to pair your breakfast, lunch, or dinner: Shows.
OMG, I Love This Netflix Series
Spend less time clicking through Netflix for what to watch when eating. Here are the top two Netflix series released in 2023 you have to see. (I couldn’t just pick one.)

For a feel-good, Victorian-era romance to Netflix and chill with your partner, watch Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. But if you’re in the mood for something darker, Black Mirror is the best. Its sharp and often chilling reflection on the pitfalls of our technology-driven world will make you think twice about your life online.
OMG, I Love This Moment
Did Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig foresee the pop culture moment that will forever be cemented in history when they scheduled the release of their respective moves Oppenheimer and Barbie?

The Barbenheimer phenomenon blew up the Internet, and rightly so. The two movies were cinematic masterpieces on their own. But together, they’re a sensation. If you haven’t seen it already, Barbie’s already on HBO Go.
OMG, I Love This Event
Well, two events. Again, I couldn’t just pick one. The F1 Singapore Grand Prix is always one to look forward to — especially if, like me, you binged Drive to Survive and got obsessed with the sport (and the drivers) — not just for the race, but also for the concerts.


The Van Gogh Singapore Exhibition in 2023 is only one of the immersive experiences you can be a part of in Singapore. It was definitely worth it; laying down in a room surrounded by art was a relaxing way to spend time with friends and family. And next year, you can do it again with the Disney Immersive Animation — perfect for your kids. Keep an eye out for that!
For more things to see, here are some of the best local spots in Singapore you have to visit.
OMG, I Love This Neighbourhood
The not-so hidden gem of Singapore: Emerald Hill. This neighbourhood, just off Orchard Road, shows off a tapestry of homes restored in historic architectural styles.

Emerald Hill is now home to atmospheric bars as well, so it’s the perfect place to visit on your day off or when you have friends and family visiting from abroad.
OMG, I Love This Home Trend
Speaking of homes, this home trend really took off in 2023: Arches in interior design are not merely structural elements; they’re powerful aesthetic features that seamlessly merge form and function.

The clean, curved lines offer a soft contrast to the simplicity of minimalistic design, adding a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the space.
Beyond their visual allure, arches serve a practical purpose by delineating spaces without the need for excessive ornamentation, contributing to the uncluttered and serene atmosphere characteristic of a space.
OMG, I Love This Park
This one’s a classic.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens offer a diverse array of attractions like the renowned National Orchid Garden with its celebrity-named hybrids, the lush Rainforest section, and the picturesque Swan Lake.
It’s also fun to watch wedding parties have photoshoots at all of the garden’s iconic spots.
OMG, I Love This Local Brand
Of course, I have to shout out some homegrown brands that everyone has been loving in 2023.

Puffer bags were a big thing in 2023, with local brands such as The Paper Bunny and Beyond The Vines taking center stage. I’m so pleased these are now in trend and no longer the big Gentle Woman tote bags of 2022.
Local jewelry brand By Invite Only has also been popping up in all the major malls of Singapore. I’ve personally purchased necklaces and earrings from this brand, and I can vouch for the good quality.