Singapore's TidbiTs

Half a Century of Books, Art, and Resilience In the heart of Singapore’s civic district stands a building that doesn’t shout for attention. No flashy glass façade, no luxury brands – just a modest 1980s complex that has quietly become one of the city’s most cherished cultural landmarks. For over four decades, Bras Basah Complex – affectionately known as the “City of Books” – has been a haven for readers, artists, musicians, and dreamers. Its story is also the story of Singapore’s evolving cultural soul. The Birth of a “Book City” Bras Basah Complex was completed in 1980 , built by Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) as a bold experiment: to preserve the old bookshop tradition that had thrived along Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, which were being redeveloped. The entire project cost about S$13 million and comprises two...

Singapore Food & Culture King and Queen of Tropical Fruits Durian is the undisputed king of Southeast Asian fruits—though whether it is the most beloved is a matter of fierce debate. Its pungent aroma is legendary: some detect notes of caramel and almonds, while others compare it to gym socks or raw onions. Love it or loathe it, the durian is impossible to ignore. Beneath its formidable green, thorn-covered husk lies a treasure of soft, custard-yellow flesh with a texture like rich pudding and a flavor reminiscent of mango, vanilla, and caramel all at once. What many visitors do not realize is that durian is native to Singapore . The very name testifies to this heritage: duri is Malay for "thorn," and Lorong Lew Lian (Lew Lian Lane) in Serangoon takes its name from the Hokkien word for durian, marking the site of former durian plantations. Durian trees bearing fruit in Pulau...