Alex - Here have what I know

INDOCHINE WATERFRONT
Not the original but definitely the best IndoChine outlet in our book. The fact that the Club Street outlet (soon to relocate next door) is still going strong when all about it seems to be in a state of flux is testament to its popularity. Waterfront is pretty much unbeatable if you have visitors in town. Early reservations are essential to guarantee an outdoor table. Service can be erratic and the food isn’t truly authentic, but that’s not the main reason you come here. The menu offers dishes from all over Indochina: expect the likes of Vietnamese spring rolls, fresh rice paper rolls, and seafood, poultry and meat dishes enhanced by lashings of fresh Asian herbs and aromatics.
Asian Civilizations Museum, 1 Empress Place, tel: +65 6339-1720; 49B Club Street, tel: +65 6323-0503.

LE TONKIN
Authentic food, both Vietnamese and a little French throw in in acknowledgment of the country’s multi cultural heritage, thanks to a chef and owner who are both Vietnamese. Match that with a trendy, Oriental chic vibe and you have a winning combination, and they even have al fresco tables on a landscaped deck. After Mohammed Sultan’s sharp downturn, it was a signal that things were on the up again with the arrival of this little beauty. Top marks for imperial spring rolls with lobster, pho, steamed crab claws and rack of lamb.
18 Mohammed Sultan Road, tel: +65 6235-6006.
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She keeps eyeing you from afar

If you can’t pick up on this smoke signal, frankly, you don’t deserve her companionship. But be classy about it, would ya? Have the waitress bring her a glass of whatever she’s drinking.

she initiates conversation

If she made the first move, don’t assume she’s some kind of domineering, hair-pitted feminazi who’d never allow a man to buy her a beverage. She may be - but double standards apply!
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Relationship expert Dr. Jackie Black reveals what a woman’s drink says about her.

Martini
“She’s likely to be high-maintenance, but a serious drinker. Martini women are typically stressed out, depressed, and looking to shift their mood.”

Lemon Drops
“This person would be really fun to go out with. She’s fashionable, trendy, and fun-loving. She may have street smarts, but she isn’t a Rhodes Scholar.”
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One-third of all men suffer from premature ejaculation, according to the Journal Of sex & Marital Therapy. Want to rock her world into the wee hours, or at least until your clock registers another minute? Then take these strategies out for a test thrust.

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BOMBAY WOODLANDS
Goodness gracious me! Isn’t this little number looking snazzy these days after a modernising makeover? So now you can have delish South Indian veg food in a smart environment. The a la carte reads like a what’s what guide to vegetarian cuisine, but don’t overlooking the daily lunch and dinner buffets. Mult-tries include the idli and vadai, or the paper-thin, crunchy masal dosai served with spicy sambar and creamy coconut chutney.
Tanglin Shopping Centre, #B1-12, 19 Tanglin Road, tel: +65 6836 6961.

CHAT MASALA
Tasty food from the length and breadth of India is the order of the day here so you can head north menu-wise if you are feeling spicily challenged. Masala chicken, paprika prawns, Mysore mutton and Kerala fish curry are all popular. If the East Coast is off your radar, try the genteel environs of Greenwood Avenue instead.
158 Upper East Coast Road, tel: + 65 6876 0570; 18 Greenwood Avenue, tel: +65 6762-2133.

CHUTNEY MARY
Billed as serving Indian fast food, Chutney Mary is popular with Indian expats - which is always a good sign. Well known for the range of chaat - an unfussy tapas-style of food which originated on the streets of Indian cities but is now served in restaurants worldwide. The papri pakori chaat (crispy flour cakes with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, mint sauce and spices) is pretty dammed good and the dum biryani (yellow rice with chicken or beef) is much more interesting than it sounds. Undoubtely the best thing about Chutney Mary is the Bollywood music videos played on the loop.
719 East Coast Rd, tel: +65 6242-4468.

GO INDIA
Hungry and need to dive for cover at Vivo City? Go India is probably your best bet. Also a good option pre or post flicks. All-white and full of modern Indian promise, the food is tasty although not quite as updated as the decor implies. Expect competent South Indian numbers and a decent buffet. The alfresco deck is a draw.
#01-152/155 Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, tel: +65 6376-9644.

IVORY-THE INDIAN KITCHEN
Sophisticated sister of Go India, this is one of those pleasing restaurants that’s in the middle of it all yet satisfyingly removed from the melee. What we’re trying to say is that it’s upstairs at Clarke Quay. Dark, contemporary decor and moody lighting is not there to distract you from the food which is good enough to bring people back time and again. Seafood is a highlight here; try the masala crab cake and you will never want to order anything else again - and serving sizes are big.
3A River Vally Road, Clarke Quay #02-04, tel: +65 6333-4664.
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Method: Drink coffee
Does it work? NO
It simply keeps you drunk and awake at the same time. If anything, the caffeine in the coffee dehydrates and irritates your stomach further. Drink lots of water if you insist on downing some java. Also, the caffeine prevents the sleep that the body needs to recover

Method: “Hair Of A DOg’
Does it work? NO
And we don’t mean chewing on your beagle’s tail either. ‘A hair of a dig that bit you’ refers to the idea of drinking the same drink that you drank the night before, to relieve the effects. Part of why you feel so crap because your body is going through mild withdrawals from an alcohol overdose. By drinking more alcohol, you may alleviate some symptoms of the hangover, But the effects are only temporary.
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Can’t be arsed to go to the pub anymore? Make your own bar at home!

Bar Strainer
This is used to separate the liquid and the ice in drinks such as lychee martinis. “Some drinks are served with ice, while others are not, so this helps to strain the liquid out after a drink is made.”

Jigger
This little piece of equipment determines how strong your dink is, as it’s used to measure the proportion of spirits used in a drink. “The standard pouring in Singapore is 30ml and this helps to keep drinks consistent, wherever you go.”

Ice Tong or Scoop
Bars most commonly use ice scoops. “The only scenario in which ice tongs are used in a bar is when a customer orders a bottle of alcohol. The bottle is then served with a bucket of ice and a pair of ice tongs.”

Ice Bucket
This comes in several sizes and is served to a customer when he or she orders a bottle of spirit. “Bars also use wine buckets - which is a bigger ice bucket - to keep a bottle of wine in, to keep it chilled.”
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With towering peaks, stupas and awe-inspiring shrines, Kathmandu’s your best bet for nirvana

Where you’re at:

The capital of Nepal, fabled land of picturesque mountain ranges, Hindu and Buddhist sites and scenic wildlife. Kathmandu - at once old, modern, poor, rich, colourful and grey - is a traveller’s best introduction to the landlocked country bordered by India and China that’s long been a favourite of pilgrims and thrill seekers.

Good To Know!

September to November - the start of the dry season when the weather turns cool - is the best time for navigating Kathmandu’s dusty roads and more crowded spots. The perfect weather also translates into spectacular clear views if you’re hitting the highlands and countryside.

How to get there?

3 direct SilkAir flights to Kathmandu every week (Tuesdays, Thurdays and Saturdays)
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