blog | Cove

discover our insider lifestyle features covering Singapore’s co-living scene, well-being, things to do, places to visit, trendy eateries and beyond.

Time to awaken your tantalising tastebuds!

Around the world in 8 food places

We may not be physically travelling to other parts of the world due to the border restrictions, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t able to taste the joy of being on a holiday. 


In this article, I will be bringing you around the world in 8 eateries! 🌎


For those of you whose taste buds are not so adventurous, this is the chance to start something new. Challenge yourself and try out new cuisines which you’ve never heard of before.


Specialising in French gallates and crepes, this Instagram-worthy restaurant nestled in the shophouses at Telok Ayer is worth the travelling for!

Most of us may be accustomed to eating sweet crepes for dessert (which they also serve), but the real deal that you should try at French Fold is the savoury galettes!


The ambience of this restaurant is indeed very chic, a perfect place to impress your date, so why not bring them here


address: 204 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068640
opening hours: 8.00am - 10.30pm


Indian food is not foreign to most of us. Food such as prata, murtabak, biryani, naan and many more are readily available everywhere in Singapore. 


But what’s unique about Gravy Restaurant & Bar is that they serve exotic fusion Indian dishes like mutton handi gravy, samosa chaat, fish malvani and many more which you can pair up with alcoholic drinks!


And exclusively for fellow Coveys, you’ll get 20% off* when you sign up for their events by calling or WhatsApp them at 9101 5824. Just quote “Cove” when you’re making the booking.


Not only that, you can also get 1-for-1 drinks* at their Tanjong Katong and Tanjong Pagar outlets when you flash your Cove tenant app on selected days, from 5pm till 7pm!


*Terms & conditions apply. 1-for-1 promotion is available at Tanjong Pagar outlet from Tuesday to Sunday & at Tanjong Katong outlet from Wednesday to Monday.

address: 1 Hoe Chiang Rd, Singapore 089310

opening hours: 11.30am - 10.00pm, closed on Mondays

address:  246 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437034

opening hours: 11.30am - 10.00pm, closed on Tuesdays


Located in a shophouse, this quaint Thai restaurant opposite Sultan Mosque will certainly remind you of the traditional eateries in Thailand!


Some of the must-haves at Koh Nangkam are steamed sea bass, pandan chicken and clear tom yum soup, to name a few. And what’s a visit to a Thai restaurant without ordering a glass of refreshing Thai Milk Tea, right?


This halal Southern-Thai restaurant also does delivery on the weekend so you can easily order from them for your gatherings with friends!


address: 4 & 6 Jln Kledek, Singapore 199621

opening hours: 11.30am - 9.30pm, closed on Tuesdays


If you miss Japanese food, drinks and snacks, Don Don Donki is the place you should head to!


Instant bento, soba, sashimi, cute Japanese snacks, drinks, desserts, you name it! Everything is in a giant store! 🍱


With eight outlets island-wide, namely at JEM, JCube, City Square Mall, 100am, Orchard Central,  Square 2,  Clarke Quay Central and Harbourfront Centre, your nearest Don Don Donki is just a few minutes away! I can promise you that you’ll never walk empty-handed from this huge supermarket even when you walked in with just the intention of ‘looking around’!  🤣


It’s so good that even a Japanese YouTuber who is residing in Singapore, Ghib Ojisan, recommends it!


Visit their website for all eight outlets’ address and opening hours!


Opened in January 2019, Kafe Utu is Singapore’s original African cafe with food from the different countries in Africa. Even before tasting the unique flavours of Africa, your eyes probably would have feasted on the intricate interior and decoration of this 3-storey cafe!


On the first floor, you’ll be sure to spot the 8-metre banquette seat. Fun fact: it’s made from a single tree! 🌳


If you’re looking for a new spot to drink, head over to their bar & terrace for an African cocktail experience!


address: 12 Jiak Chuan Rd, Singapore 089265

opening hours: Wednesday - Friday: 10.00am - 5.00pm, 6.00pm - 10.30pm

                         Saturday - Sunday: 9.00am - 5.00pm, 6.00pm - 10.30pm

                         Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays


Craving for Mediterranean food? We suggest you head over to Pano Kato for some Mediterranean and Greek food!


This restaurant is perfect for you if adhere to strict dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegan!


According to their website, Pano Kato means ‘upstairs downstairs’ in Greek, referring to its sister restaurant, AnLi’s Store and Bistro located upper floor while Pano Kato is just below!


When you’re done with your delicious spanakopita, Maria’s moussaka or baklava, visit the retail store that’s linked to the restaurant where you can find decor items that are being used in the restaurant!


address: 163, #02-23 Tanglin Rd, Tanglin Mall, 247933


Nobody can resist a good BBQ, right! 🍖


Not only is I’m Kim Korean BBQ is affordable, but their signature volcano chicken is also to die for! Other menus include signature Korean chicken wings and spicy pork collar!


Only 5 minutes away from Dhoby Ghaut MRT, this restaurant which is located at School of The Arts (SOTA), is hard to miss with its huge bright signage.

Remember to make your reservations earlier to avoid disappointment! And to our Muslim friends, don’t worry. You can always visit their halal restaurant called Captain Kim Korean BBQ & Hotpot located in the East!

address: 1 Zubir Said Drive #01-04 School of The Arts, 227968

opening hours: Monday - Friday, 11.30am - 4.30pm & 5.30 - 10.30pm

                         Saturday & Sunday, 11.30am - 10.30pm

address: 300 Tampines Ave 5, #01-06 NTUC Income Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653

opening hours: Monday - Friday, 11.30am - 3.30pm & 5.30 - 10.30pm


We’ve all heard grilled chicken, grilled fish and even grilled vegetables before, but what about grilled… rice?


Yes, that sounds a little strange but I can ensure you that once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to revisit again!


Bara Food serves its authentic Indonesian dishes with rice that has been wrapped in banana leaf, grilled till perfection.


My personal favourite is the Ayam Goreng Serundeng - Javanese style fried chicken topped with ‘Serundeng’, mixed fried Indonesian herbs and spices!


For those of you working in the CBD area, do drop by this restaurant located few minutes away from Tanjong Pagar MRT!


address: 16 Enggor St, 01-10, Singapore 079717

opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11.00am - 8.00pm
                         Monday, 11.00am - 4.00pm


I hope that these recommendations have helped those who miss traveling and trying out new food. For those who miss the taste of home, did these foods remind you of home?


Talking of home, do you know that you can now easily send money back home with WorldRemit?


You can send up to 70 currencies to 130 countries! WorldRemit has one of the best exchange rates up front, with no hidden costs! You can even transfer money right from your smartphone. Convenient, isn’t it?


Now that I’ve shared with you many different cuisines from around the world, it’s time for you to take that leap of faith and try out new delicacies to expand your palette! Have fun tasting these yummy foods and remember to take lots of photos!


Don’t miss out on these makan articles:

Ultimate guide to endless food deliveries

Don't just foolishly believe what you've been told!

Debunking common co-living myths and misconceptions

“It’s expensive! There’s no privacy! I don’t wanna live with a stranger!”


Those are probably the excuses that you’ve given yourself when you’re considering moving into a new place. We totally understand, moving in is such a big deal and that’s why you’re beginning to have so many questions or second thoughts.


But don’t worry, we’ll debunk these myths and clear up the misconceptions you have about co-living!


For those of you who just discovered what co-living is, you must be wondering what the craze is all about. In short, it’s similar to renting a room in any apartment. Just that there are multiple added perks to it. Such as a friendly community and the amenities found in the common spaces which you can use! To know more about co-living, read up the blog post which we have here.


One look at the monthly price may scare you away and you’ll probably avoid visiting any co-living websites forever.


It may seem like it’s not within your budget at first but I’m pretty sure if you really do the calculations, it’s actually the perfect deal for you!

Spacious living room at Lorong Sarina, fully equipped with sofa set and coffee table!


At Cove, the price listed on our website includes not just the basic monthly room rent. The monthly rent includes wi-fi, aircon, housekeeping, dedicated maintenance support, community events, perks and more! If you’re living in a condominium, the gym and pool are also accessible at no extra charge.


So what you’re paying for is really the whole experience of living with Cove - all inclusive! Yup, you read that right, you pay for your room and you can utilise the whole house.


Whether you need to cook in the common kitchen or binge on Disney+ from the smart TV in the living room, you’re free to do that!


Forget dodgy landlords who offer you “cheaper” rooms but exclude all the things you need such as wi-fi or limited use of the kitchen. They’ll even ask you to pay extra for such things in the apartment!


It’s like living in a hostel or dormitory!


Unlike in a dormitory or a typical college hostel where you probably share the room with more than 5 other students and have to wait so long just to use the shower cubicle, I assure you you won’t have to experience this when you’re with Cove.


You don’t only have the room to yourself, you can also choose to stay in a room that comes with an ensuite bathroom. So you can take your own sweet time freshening up in the bathroom without having to worry about someone else knocking on the door while you’re enjoying your hot shower!

A room at Geylang that comes with an ensuite bathroom!


Sharing a home doesn’t mean your privacy is compromised at all. You get your own room all to yourself, that’s for sure.


The only places where you’ll share with your flatmates are the kitchen, dining area and living room. These are the spots where you’ll bump into your flatmates the most. Why not start a conversation with them and talk about your day, at least there’s someone acting as a listening ear, isn’t it? That’s what flatmates are for!


Co-living may be a little daunting for introverted individuals due to the fact that you need to talk to new people and such, you can always invite a friend over if you’re shy and start a chat with your new flatmates in groups! Your friend can also stay the night if he/she wants!


But, if you’re the type of person who actually prefers to live alone, Cove also has studio rooms for you to check out!


Exclusively for millennials or hipsters only!


While most Coveys are indeed from the millennial generation, co-living is not only for them. It’s for everyone!


And by everyone, we mean everyone! Not just hipsters! It’d be silly if we only accept hipster individuals to stay with us.


In fact, we have Coveys from different professions. Entrepreneurs, chefs, engineers, students and many more. To know more about our fellow Coveys, check out Coveys Got Talent blog series here!


Not to mention, Cove has provided homes to over 900 people from 57 nationalities so far! 


Whether you’re single, moving in with a friend, or a married couple waiting for your BTO to be ready, you’re more than welcome to stay with us. 


Instead of expressing your frustration or being passive aggressive towards your flatmates when they’re somehow ticking you off, why not be the bigger person?


If they’re not washing their dishes after a meal, don’t barge into their room and demand them to do it. You can always ask them politely and find out why they’re not doing it.


It could be they’re having a bad day or just waiting for more food to arrive so they can wash it up in one go!


At the same time, you can also tell your flatmates that if anything you do doesn’t sit right with them, you’re always open for a conversation. That way, you can always avoid misunderstandings. 


Read this blog post for more tips on how to get along with your flatmates.


You’ll never know, your new flatmate could be your new bestie!


Now that we have debunked the myths, it’s time for you to view our available homes. Check it out here!

Time to eggs-plore these exciting activities 🍳

Egg-citing things to do this long weekend!

Another long weekend is approaching with Good Friday and Easter Sunday just around the corner.


To celebrate this short weekend getaway, I’ve cracked my brain for a list of egg-related activities you can do with your loved ones!


For those of you who prefer staying in this Fry-day to Sunday, why not go for a Disney Easter Egg hunt?


Mrs Potts and Chip from Beauty and The Beast making a cameo in Tarzan!


Rewatch your favourite Pixar movies on Disney+ and spot as many Easter eggs you can find! Be it Hidden Mickey logos or other characters from other Disney shows, you’ll certainly have fun trying to beat each other’s points.


Ok, listen up. Cooking an egg might be a walk in the park for most of you, and you must be wondering why is ‘cooking an egg’ even an option in this list.


But do you know that there are actually more than a hundred different ways to cook eggs? Isn’t that eggs-traordinary?!


We have sunny side up, scrambled, boiled, poached, omelette, half-boiled and the list goes on. Why not learn a new method of cooking an egg this weekend? Who knows, what could be your next favourite type of egg? 


Head down to Jurong Bird Park this weekend to look at cute little eggs in the Breeding and Research Centre and learn about the process of breeding these little birds in the oldest wildlife park in Singapore!


If it’s your lucky day, you might even witness a tiny baby bird hatching from its egg.


You can even use up your SingapoRediscover Vouchers if you haven’t!


Soak in your legs in a hot spring, while eating eggs!


This sounds a little bizarre but that’s what most people do at Sembawang Hot Spring Park! 


In this newly revamped park, you can boil eggs in one of Singapore’s natural hot springs and also enjoy the warm water running through your legs. 


But don’t worry, there are separate areas to do these different activities. Just remember to bring your own pail, eggs, bowls and cutleries! 


So, what will you be doing this long weekend? Share with us and tag us on Instagram!


We’re also having an Easter giveaway on our Instagram, where you can stand a chance to win an Easter dinner for 8 pax worth up t0 $200! We’ll also be giving away 2 Easter goodie bags worth $30 to 2 lucky winners!


All you have to do is count the number of hidden easter eggs in the photo! Click here to participate!


Don’t miss out on our other reads here:

The best hawker centre in Downtown Singapore

A phone is all you need to book a room with us!

The best hawker centres in Downtown Singapore

Hawker centres are an iconic part of Singapore’s cultural landscape. Offering tasty fare at affordable prices, dining out is never expensive, not even at Downtown. 


Here are our top 5 picks for the best hawker centres to satisfy your cravings during the lunch hour.


Home to hawkers who have their own cult followings, the stalls at Tanjong Pagar Plaza are family-run and have lasted generations.


Rong Xing Hakka Yong Tau Foo, is the reigning champion out of all the stalls here. Crisp greens, freshly stuffed tofu and expertly fried brinjals in a broth enriched with the deep, warming flavours of soy take this beloved dish to a whole new level.


Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most diverse hawker centres in Singapore. Offering fares like oyster pancakes, Hokkien snacks and Peranakan cuisine, this hawker centre satisfies any palate. If you live around the Raffles Place or Tanjong Pagar area, it’s the go-to late-night supper spot!


The famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, which beat Gordon Ramsay in a cookoff and impressed even Anthony Gourdain, always has long lines. The plump chicken is fall-off-the-bones delicious and rice is probably some of the most fragrant we’ve ever tried.


Serving everything from fish noodle soup, mee pok to kaya toast, Amoy Food Centre is home to some of Singapore’s most famous hawker stalls, dating back to the 70s. Young hawkers have also set up stalls selling gyudon bowls, pepper rice and Norwegian salmon, a contemporary twist on traditional hawker food.


The Big Bowl Project, a halal poke bowl shop serves top-quality salmon dons at affordable prices. The mentaiko salmon bowl costs $8.90 and was absolutely gorgeous to bite into, with a perfectly golden onsen egg sitting atop creamy mentaiko and tender salmon.


Visiting the Chinatown Complex Food Centre is a must for any enterprising foodie. We fell in love with the fragrance of claypot rice, sweet barbequed wings and soft and springy popiah—spring rolls stuffed with cabbage and other greens. This centre is a catalogue of near-forgotten dishes from Singapore’s extensive food history.


Ri Ri Hong Ma La Xiang Guo serves spicy hotpot, fresh ingredients drenched in a spicy, numbing, fragrant sauce originating from the Si Chuan province in China.


Right in the heart of the CBD is 24/7 open Lau Pa Sat hawker centre (Yes, the one you saw in Crazy Rich Asians). From North Indian briyani and prata, to halal char siew noodles, this hawker centre caters to any and every diet.


Every night after 7PM, you’ll find the street by Lau Pa Sat lined with stalls and benches under the open sky. This nightly Satay Street specializes in Southeast Asian barbeque, which goes very well with beer. We recommend going with friends for intimate discussions over plates of delicious, smoky food!

All you need to book a room with us is your smartphone!

Have you ever wanted to book a viewing with us, but your schedule is a little too tight, so there’s rarely any chance for you to be available to come down to any of our fully-furnished properties?


Or even worse, you’re actually serving your Stay Home Notice (SHN), so you’re literally stuck in the room and can’t get out! 


The great thing about living in this digital era, almost everything can be done online. That includes our viewings too! We make it super easy for you to view our homes no matter where you are! 👍


Before booking a virtual viewing, you can always first take a look at the 360 VR tour that’s available on our listing. It’s so life-like that most people are shocked at how real it is when they physically visit or move in.

Look out for this section or click “VR tour” to view our houses virtually!


In the virtual tour, you can view your preferred unit as though you are physically there! You can start from the main entrance of the shophouse, condominium, landed property or walk-up apartment and go to the kitchen, dining area or balcony. Feel free to look at any of the rooms and zoom at the walls or microwave oven to check what brand or type we have in your future home. 


This VR tour also allows you to view the occupied rooms with ease as sometimes the rooms may look a little different once another Covey has moved in and brought their own extra decor or furnishings. Thankfully, the VR tour was recorded before any Coveys move in, making it possible for you to explore the other rooms' layouts!


For a preview of how our 360 tour looks like, take a look at our TikTok video of one of our shophouses at Upper Weld Road!


If you wish to get up close and personal with our units, then virtual viewing is the way to go! In this virtual viewing, our sales team will hop on a video call with you to show you around the unit and share with you more information about your dream home. 


You can also take a look at any facilities in the building, such as the gym or pool.


Who knows, you might also bump into your potential flatmate in that video call! 


This virtual viewing is ideal for people who are serving their SHNs in hotels upon reaching Singapore or even when they’re still overseas! Convenient, huh? 😎


Our entire booking experience is online, so you don’t have to worry about coming down to our office to sign our feasible contract agreement or any paperwork. 


The same goes for our payment methods! The rental invoices will be sent to your email address on a monthly basis. Plus payment is all fully digital-enabled as well, making the whole process hassle-free. 


In other words, we’re not only contactless, we’re paperless too! We’re doing our part to be environmentally-friendly. 🌱

Moving in is as easy as 1,2,3 with Cove, you can do it within minutes from your phone, it’s that simple! 


The only laborious work on your end is probably rolling into your new home with your luggage of clothes!


To complete your stay with us, why not consider these premium essentials which you can rent or purchase from us.


Need more co-living tips? Check out our articles here.

These activities are more romantic, trust me!

Valentine’s Day date ideas that won’t hurt your wallet

It’s the most romantic time of the year this weekend. Valentine’s Day is when couples exchange gifts to express their love for each other and typically celebrate being together by dining at romantic restaurants, under the starry sky.


Sadly we’re still in a pandemic this year. 😢 Which means it’s probably more difficult to book a table at a fancy restaurant cause it’s already taken up by other couples. What more, it’s a day after a long Chinese New Year weekend, and some restaurants or cafes might not be operating on that day.


But hey, a romantic dinner doesn’t necessarily have to be in a fancy place, right? You can always express your love for your partner anywhere! It’s the company that matters!


So here’s a few places where you can spend this special day with your other half, without burning a hole in your pocket.


But first, make sure you wear the right protection when you’re outside. And by that I mean, mask up! 😷 


Soak up the sun by having a picnic by the beach. Enjoy the beautiful sand and sea, while eating chips or reading a book on a picnic mat with your favourite person. Play some card games; the loser has to dunk in the sea! 🏖️


Remember, to book a reservation if you’re intending to head to the beaches at Sentosa!


Love some peace and quiet together? The museum is the place to go then! You can even flirt with your partner by saying some cheesy pick-up lines like, “the paintings here are beautiful, but the real masterpiece is you.” Cringe, I know.


Here are some museums that are perfect for couples:


Get up-close and personal with nature and your partner at the Singapore Zoo. Take loads of photos, and as a challenge, why not snap all the 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac for fun? 🐃

Image: Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Facebook


You can always head down to the other animal parks too such as River Safari, Night Safari or Jurong Bird Park!


Forget cafe hopping, that used to be a hipster thing pre-2020. How about starting a new tradition with your date by going to your favourite fast food restaurant all over Singapore every fortnight or so? 


This Valentine’s Day could be the start of something new! Plus, fast food is rather more affordable than food from bourgeoisie cafes, isn’t it? 🍟


Ate a little too much during Chinese New Year? Get rid of those calories by taking a walk in nature with your boo.


You get to spend time with your partner, enjoy nature and sweat it out. Seems like an ideal date to me! Here’s a list of our recommended trekking spots.


Giving flowers to your partner on this day seems like a ritual almost every couple practises up till today. What’s worst, bouquets’ prices tend to hike up during this season! 


This year, to break this costly tradition, why not bring your partner to see the flowers instead? 🌹


There are many places where you can bring them to do so. There’s Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, Hort Park to name a few. 


Remember to take tons of photos of each other overlooking the Instagram-worthy background!


Revisit Singapore from a tourist’s lens by signing up for heritage walks where you can explore the unknown parts of Singapore.


All you need to do is download this SmartGuide app and you’ll be on your way to rediscover the rich history of Singapore through this heritage trail.

Image: Ministry of Communications and Information


We hope you’ll have a memorable Valentine’s Day date this coming weekend. For those of you meeting your date for the first time, all the best! 💖


Listen to our Spotify playlist for a more romantic night with your other half.


Don’t miss out on our other lifestyle reads:

How to pick the right co-living in Singapore?

Who says retail therapy has to be costly?

Top 4 bargain shopping malls in Singapore

Strapped on cash but needing retail therapy? Step away from Gucci and Chanel and indulge in some discount hunting. 


Singapore is one of the most expensive cities to live in, so here are some of the best ways to take your paycheck as far as it can go.


Home to factory outlets that sell off-season items at incredible discounts, IMM is the best place to find brand-name items at a price you won’t find anywhere else. From Coach, to Charles and Keith and Cotton On, both luxury and affordable retail options are available at amazing prices.


What's amazing is that it's located near 3 other huge shopping malls, namely JCube, Westgate and Jem, all these malls (including IMM) are linked to Jurong East MRT station via a sheltered walkway!


If you want a change from brand-name mega-stores everywhere, check out Bugis Street, a bustling indoor market packed to the brim with shops filled with every type of clothing imaginable.


Once you're done shopping, head over to Bugis+ or Bugis Junction to enjoy a delicious meal! 



Just a few minutes walk from Orchard MRT station, Far East Plaza hosts a variety of salons, retail stores, tattoo parlours and bespoke tailors for all your fashion and beauty needs. 


You’ll be able to find some truly unique pieces here, including rhinestone-studded gowns for depressed prices.


Home to wholesale retailers, the shops at City Plaza offer fashion at some of the lowest prices imaginable. 


With several second-hand stalls on the highest floors and a semi-regular flea market at the bottom, the mountains of clothing available for any eager shopper to sift through are filled with treasures waiting to be found.


So, where will your next shopping destination be? Remember to use these payment methods to even save more money when you shop!

Travel around the globe with Netflix

We’re all still stuck in Singapore, sadly, as our holiday plans have been put on hold due to the border restrictions. But hey, at least we can still enjoy watching our favourite shows on Netflix which bring us all over the world. 


Well… we have already gotten used to working from home, now it’s time to travel from home!


Here’s our list of must-watch travelogues on Netflix that will make you feel like you’re travelling the globe in a single night, just like how Aladdin showed Princess Jasmine the world on their magic carpet ride. 🧞


Immerse in different cultures with Joanna Lumley

showing blogposts with #guides

Around the world in 8 food places

Debunking common co-living myths and misconceptions

Egg-citing things to do this long weekend!

The best hawker centres in Downtown Singapore

All you need to book a room with us is your smartphone!

Valentine’s Day date ideas that won’t hurt your wallet

Top 4 bargain shopping malls in Singapore

Travel around the globe with Netflix

7 activities to do with 7 other friends during Phase 3

Top 5 online fashion sites in Singapore

What’s so great about Geylang and Joo Chiat?

7 nature spots to kick off the new year

Fun things to do in your new Cove home

Where to buy random things you actually need for your home

What changes can you experience when living abroad in Singapore?

3 simple DIY Christmas ice cream you can try at home!

Secret hideouts for your drinking pleasure

A comprehensive guide to grocery markets in Singapore

Money-saving apps you should install...right away!

Finding the best telco for you

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