At 10 at Claymore, the Festive Plates of Pleasure (December 1-31) include char-grilled US Angus beef, New Zealand oven roast rack of lamb and baked Norwegian wild salmon. They are part of a buffet (from $58 for lunch; from $98 for dinner) of Christmassy favorites like cranberry blackforest yuletide log cake.

From December 1-23, 21 on Rajah has got a Christmas semi-buffet lunch (from $28)—including turkey salad, log cake and mince pie—and a Christmas communal set dinner (from $68), featuring dishes like baked salmon and braised duck leg confit. Plus, on Christmas eve, they’ll have a buffet dinner (from $58), and on Christmas Day, a brunch ($38) including an egg station, smoked ham and roast turkey. 

Over at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, a six-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner await you. Priced at $178++ per pax, the two delectable feasts include a glass of prosecco and feature creations made using exquisite ingredients such as Sicilian red prawns from Italy and the restaurant's signature prime beef short ribs flown in from the States. A buffet-style Christmas Day brunch is also available ($128++ per pax). There'll be over 20 dishes on offer, from flambé crayfish with Grand Marnier & orange zest to buffalo mozzarella imported from Puglia.

Balzac Brasserie’s festive lunch menu (December 2-January 2; $38) includes French classics such as duck and chicken liver pate, pork belly with truffle mash and Christmas apple tartlette. There’s also a more elaborate Festive menu–available from December 13-31; $98—with indulgent recipes like grilled kurobuta pork belly with onion-potato mousseline and sautéed French winter fruits with gingerbread ice-cream.

At Bar-Roque Grill, take home festive treats like gamon ham glazed with honey (from $138), apple pie ($60) and foie gras with figs (from $95). Place orders from November 15 - December 20. And orders can be collected until December 24. 

In the mood for some Chinese cuisine this Christmas? Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House is offering a 7-course Festive Menu (December 23-January 1) at $88++ per pax. 

Brussels Sprouts - Belgian Beer & Mussels, too, is offering up a range of festive offerings this Christmas season. Starters will cost from $18++, mains from $28++ onwards and desserts at $14++. From December 24 to January 1. 

For the Christmas period, Canele is offering nutty chocolate panettone ($15), traditional fruit cake ($17) and Fairytale Logcakes ($38) in two flavors:  Snow White (sponge cake with Tahitian vanilla cream and strawberries) and Dark Knight (almond praline, dark chocolate mousse and dark chocolate glaze).

At Café Mosaic, listen to festive tunes by Christmas carolers as you dig into buffets such as the 12 Days to Christmas Prelude dinner (December 12-23; $78), the Christmas eve and day dinner (December 24-25; $88) and the Sparkling Christmas Brunch (December 25; from $78). Expect festive dishes such as roasted turkey with chestnut, honey baked ham with pineapple raisin sauce and Christmas chocolate log cake.

Tuck into signature specials at Catalunya on Christmas Eve and enjoy a Christmas brunch on the big day. The Christmas Eve a la carte menu is available at a minimum spending of $160++ per pax and features items like Catalunya tartar and lobster rice, while brunch on Christmas Day showcases the finest selection of Spanish cured meats, seafood, stews and desserts (available at $98++ per pax from 12:30pm-4pm).

The Chop House raises a toast to the festive season with its December Set Lunch offerings (from $25++), available on weekdays except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Their December specials, braised turkey thigh ($27++) and roasted beef striploin ($27++), are also available daily. 

At The Fullerton Bay Hotel’s French brasserie Clifford, there’s a four-course degustation dinner menu available from November 27-December 23. Priced at $95 per pax and $268 per couple (both pricings include a bottle of Champagne), relish divine creations such as foie gras terrine on brioche, traditional season carved turkey with stuffing, as well as Mont Blanc—a chestnut cream snow meringue with caramelized chestnut. 

Pair your festive celebrations with picturesque views of the sea at Coastes. Available all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this beachside venue offers a Christmas platter for groups or four or more ($70 per pax, $60 per pax if bookings are made before December 15) consisting of classics like roast turkey and roast beef. 

Da Paolo Gastronomia has got roasts and meats galore for you to order and take home for Christmas feasts. Group executive chef Andrea Scarpa has come up with specialties like sous-vide turkey stuffed with cotecchino, porchetta and duck leg confit ($278), which you can order through December 21.

East 8 is offering a wide selection Christmas tapas with its Volume 7: The More The Merrier menu (December 10-28). Expect small dishes like whole baked Boston lobster with melted cheese and cream of mushroom, and dark chocolate smores panna cotta. The menu is available a la carte, or as festive sets for two (from $80 per person with two glasses of champagne) or four (from $75 per person with Prosecco, or $88 per person with champagne).

At Edge, there’ll be a Christmas buffet (December 22, 24 and 25; from $78) spotlighting Asian cuisines: Chinese, Malay, Indian, Singaporean, Thai and Japanese, as well as a range of Christmas specials such as honey glazed gammon ham bone-in, roast turkey, crunchy hazelnut log cake, gingerbread macaroon and chestnut crème brûlée.

Alternatively, Faber Bistro’s Christmas Eve menu (December 24; $68) comprises chilled crab salad, fillet of beef and toffee apple crumble.  

Japanese beef specialist Fat Cow rolls out its month-long omakase dining special (December 2-31; $180)—think premium tuna and lots of wagyu. Add champagne ($100 upwards) for that VIP experience. 

At Flavours at Zhongshan Park, their four-course Christmas set lunch ($25) includes nonya pork salad, turkey ballotine and pumpkin cheesecake. There’s also a Festive Dinner Buffet ($56) with dishes like turkey buah keluak and turkey fricassee from December 16-23.  

Staying in this Christmas? Get festive treats delivered right to your door with the help of Foodpanda—online food delivery portal. Picotin has a special Christmas set menu (available December 13-31; $50++ per pax) featuring starters like foie gras terrine with fig compote, mains such as honey glazed ham, roasted turkey breast, and pan-fried salmon, and desserts like pavlova and warm Christmas pudding with brandy custard and vanilla ice-cream. A la carte choices are also available. There's also Spizza and their Christmas specials (available December 1-31), such as Pizza Natalizia (mozzarella, roasted turkey, white onion, raspberries and cranberry sauce, $24). 

There’s also the Festive Merriment deal at Gravity Bar (December 12-25) including drinks like the Christmas Vogue ($13)—vodka, lychee liqueur, soda, lime and cherries—Golden Christmas ($13), a blend of vodka, amaretto and praline syrup, as well as Mistletoe Mojo ($10) a mocktail of lime cordial, cucumber, mint leaves and raspberries.

Hai Tien Lo’s Christmas set menu (December 24-25; from $108) is a six-course feast featuring dishes such as braised whole abalone with beancurd in truffle sauce, Chinese style rack of lamb with carrot cake and double-boiled Buddha Jumps over the Wall with deer tendon and cordycep flowers. There’s also an à la carte yum cha buffet (December 25; from $78), with dishes such as barbecued pork belly, steamed pork dumplings and deep-fried prawns tossed in wasabi mayonnaise.

Go local this festive season and head to Jumbo Seafood for a seafood feast. The main star of the Christmas specials? Sweet, tender Boston lobster. The Boston Lobster Christmas set menus (November 15-January 5) are accompanied by other Jumbo Seafood classics, such as braised abalone, steamed garoupa and of course, chilli and black pepper crab. The set menus are different at each Jumbo Seafood outlet and range from $238 for 4 persons to $968 for 10 persons.

Executive chef Frederic Faucheux of KU DÉ TA restaurant will put out a four-course festive menu, including dishes like fresh coffin bay oysters, beef and foie gras cut roll, and pork belly lollipop. Drinkwise, there’ll be wines by the House of Louis Roederer curated by chief sommelier Michael Leitner. (If you book before December 23, you’ll get a complimentary bottle of Louis Roederer too.) For the sweet toothed, there’s also a special Sweet Christmas Weekend Brunch starting December 1. 

Feast on Lawry's signature roasted prime beef ribs and other exquisite mains like black truffle turkey breast and dark cherry chicken & foie gras by chef Nick Lee. The festive a la carte lunch and dinner menus will be available from November 1 to December 30 (except on December 24, where there'll be a special Christmas Eve dinner menu). Other special menus will also be available on Christmas Day for brunch and dinner.

Check out the festive promotions at Marina Mandarin's AquaMarine and Peach Blossoms restaurants. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the former, there'll be a buffet with highlights such as Peranakan turkey, a Christmas meat platter, cheddar and smoked duck, and more (from $68 per adult), while at the latter, you can expect a seven-course menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (from $98++) with items like smoked and drunken turkey, roasted turkey roll accompanied with chilled smoked duck breast.

Also on offer is ME@OUE's five course Christmas menu ($145)—available from December 20-25—including a luxurious sashimi platter, foie gras poele and Christmas Chocolate Sphere a la mandarine (mandarin-lime gelée, orange sponge biscuit, chocolate sphere, dark chocolate crémeux and Mandarin sorbet).

Japanese stalwart Mikuni will serve up festive menus (December 24, 25 & 31; from $250)—prepared by executive chef Moon Kyung Soo—featuring premium Japanese ingredients such as Ise lobster, Kyushu abalone, Hokkaido sea urchin, Kagoshima wagyu and Kurobuta pork.

Have yourself a Spanish-inspired Christmas this year at My Little Spanish Place. On December 24, tuck into a four-course menu ($80++ per pax), which includes Spanish favorites like suquet de peix (Catalonian light fish and seafood stew), cochinillo asado (Spanish suckling pig), paella de la casa (house paella), and tabla de postres (chocolate tart and churros).

At Pan Pacific Orchard, dig into a Christmas Day lunch (December 25), priced at $568 for a table of 10, including dishes like roast turkey and chestnut stuffing and honey bakied ham, washed down with your choice of your choice of a bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne, red or white wine.

Opt for Japanese fine dining with Keyaki’s Christmas set dinner menu (December 23-25; from S$170) cooked up by Masterchef Ishii. Highlights include grilled eggplant with foie gras, assorted sashimi, grilled lobster and wagyu beef.

Celebrate Christmas by the bay at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro, which has a range of Christmas sets (December 24-26), from a 3-course lunch to a 5-course dinner (from $79++). Set dinners all come with a complimentary glass of wine. 

Restaurant HOME, helmed by chef Tan Yong Hua, is offering a Christmas-New Year’s menus (December 20-January 1; from $58) including signature dishes like lychee wood barbecued duck with special duck sauce, chilled egg beancurd topped with caviar, and pumpkin soup with Japanese mirin and lobster meat. Plus, East-meets-West recipes such as bone-in beef tomahawk steak with three dips, pan-fried wagyu beef steak with black truffle sea salt, steamed sea perch with chrysanthemum mango sauce and baked lobster with mentaiko and cheese cream.

Inject a Spanish flavor into your Christmas this year at Sabio by the Sea. The Spanish restaurant is offering a host of festive offerings (December 1-31), including spanish churros with a choice of three new festive dips at $11++. 

Fine dining restaurant Saint Pierre is upping the ante this Christmas with an extravagant Christmas Eve 8-course set dinner (December 24; $148++). Christmas Roast is also available on Christmas Day itself at $88+ per pax. 

The Christmas Eve menu (December 24; $120) at Spuds & Aprons includes a trio of oysters, lobster bisque, granny smith apple sorbet, turkey roulade stuffed with foie gras and chocolate chestnut cake.

The Glitter buffet menu at STREET 50 Restaurant & Bar (December 24, 25, 31 and January 1; $98) is a feast of items like langoustine with Thai pomelo salsa, tandoori turkey breast and bread and butter pudding with ginger, longan and vanilla brandy sauce. 

Tandoor’s holiday season menu runs from November 28 to January 1. Priced at $58, the four-course Festive Gourmet Menu includes 10 dishes, with two main course options. There’s roast pumpkin and clove soup and Christmas mince pie filled with semolina and dried fruit. Plus, hearty turkey pankhi—turkey breast stuffed with lightly spiced cream cheese and mushrooms—and turkey raan, braised turkey legs.

For something a little more casual, check out The Chop House. Their December set lunches (from $25)—available December 2-30—feature recipes like pumpkin soup, stuffed turkey breast and warm Christmas pudding. They also have holiday-appropriate specials such as braised turkey thigh ($27) and roasted beef striploin ($27) for the month of December.  

At The Knolls—from December 1-23 and 26-30—executive chef David Senia will serve up festive lunch and dinner menus like cod fish with portobello mushrooms and Champagne butter sauce, and roasted turkey breast with salsify confit, chestnut and natural truffle jus.

What would Christmas be without sweets? Tiong Bahru Bakery has got two special log cakes this season: the Juliette Log (almond dacquoise, mixed berries cream, mixed berries jelly, and vanilla mousse) and the Caulaincourt Log (hazelnut dacquoise, chocolate ganache, mango jelly and Jasmine tea mousse). The treats are available December 15-31.

Expect Tuscan specials at Trattoria Nonna Lina from December 1-25, including oven baked homemade Cannelloni stuffed with ricotta cheese ($35++), slow-roasted pork loin stuffed with herbs ($38++), and oven baked handmade egg pasta layered with seafood ragout and mozzarella ($35++). 

They are offering Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) set menus at Wooloomooloo Steakhouse. There’s a four-course set lunch (December 24-26) priced at $68, and a five-course set dinner at $158. Chow down on recipes like tuna carpaccio with iberico bellota, turkey with chestnut stuffing and warm Christmas pudding.

Oxwell & Co.

This fun, refreshingly non-elitist gastrobar has a stripped-down drinks list with a local touch. Think indigenous spices and botanicals—like leaves plucked fresh from nutmeg trees around Ann Siang Hill—in their housemade sangria and G&T ($12 each). And their house beer, the Oxhorn Lager ($12), is a collaboration with local brewer Jungle Beer. All of these, plus rotating wines ($12 per glass), come out of actual plumbing-style taps mounted on the wall behind the bar.

Napoleon

Looking and sounding like a stylish friend’s apartment with black leather, exposed brick, iPad menus and an indie-dance playlist, this wine bar is perhaps the unstuffiest of them all. The centerpiece is a long row of enomatic machines holding 32 (count ‘em!) wines sorted by flavor. You get a little “credit” card, insert it and press the right button to dispense however much of each wine you want into a glass (from $1.50 for a sampling portion). Self-service intoxication!

Ding Dong

This hip Southeast Asian small plates joint isn’t exactly the place to go for classy eats—bright pink lighting and Asian motifs lend the place a kitsch ‘70s vibe, except with thumping drum & bass rather than disco tunes—but it’s fun for drinks. Apart from an innovative cocktail list, they also serve red and white wine on tap (from $9); you can opt for a glass or go straight for a carafe of the good stuff.

Black & Bold 

Brow and Shadow

Best Salons to Get Brow Waxing

Browhaus

 

3/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0344. www.browhaus.com. Open daily 10am-9pm

 

This street-themed semi-private salon nestled in Siam Discovery offers both threading and waxing. There’s no makeup service when you’re done but for B1,000 you can also have your brows dyed to match your hair color.

 

Price: B450 for classic threading and B600 if you also want it tweezed. 

 

 

BareHare Wax Salon

 

Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 081-100-7971. www.facebook.com/barehare. Open Wed-Mon noon-9pm

 

This girly pastel salon offers a customized brow design before starting the brow wax or 3D brow tattooing. Results are impressive, as if you had your brow wax at the very posh Anastasia, and it comes complete with makeup.   

 

Price: B700 for normal brow shaping and B6,900 for permanent 3D brow tattooing.

 

 

Benefit Brow Bar

 

M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7773. www.facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsthailand. Open daily 10am-10pm

 

Still the only cosmetics brand with a proper brow waxing bar besides their cosmetics counter. Despite the not-so-private atmosphere, the service is impeccable and is topped off with a full makeup service. This is probably the best pick if you’re doing it before your big date.

 

Price: B450 and B650 for brow & upper lips. 

Kaze Fresh Japanese Restaurant 

The buzz: Situated in the Thonglor neighborhood this stylish restaurant is perfect if you’re in the mood for a classic sushi bar menu and vibe. Despite the lack of fusion food, Kaze isn’t boring, thanks to décor that’s fit for a Thonglorite.

The décor: A mix of marble and wood, a painting of Koi carp, warm lights and two floors to choose from: the sushi bar where the chef shows off his skills and the dining room upstairs. 

The food: The highlights are the light battered tempura moriawase (prawns and vegetable, B360), or opt for the set of nine bites comprising fish like otoro, anago, engawa and uni (B3,200). The restaurant uses beef sourced from Kagishima (B450), said to be tastier than the more commonly found wagyu. If you’re still hungry, indulge in some rice topped with foie gras (B550).

The drinks: A standard selection of sake starts from B130 with the recommendations including Ozeki Karatanba (B4,000 for 1.8 liter).

The crowd: A mix of trendy Thais and Japanese expats. 

318 Sukhumvit 55 (between Thonglor Soi 10 and 12), 02-392-3544. Open daily noon-2pm, 5-10:30pm

Sen-ryo

The buzz: Sen-ryo imports everything from Japan; from its chef to the crockery, and of course nearly every ingredient used to create the traditional dishes on its menu. The attention to detail extends to the water they use to clean the fish and cook their rice, which is cleaned through reverse osmosis. The first Sen-ryo outside of Japan was in Hong Kong and it’s a pretty big deal out there, with customers lining up for lunch.

The décor: Simple, elegant sofa seating along the conveyor belt and the requisite light-colored wooden furnishings. Private rooms are also available.

The food: Mainly classic sushi dishes. Plates placed on the conveyor belt have a chip attached to them to ensure freshness by getting automatically removed from the belt after a certain amount of time. Recommended dishes include the fresh kama toro sushi (tuna cheeks, B350), salmon roe sushi (B280), wagyu beef (B480) and incredibly creamy sea urchin (B780).

The drinks: Sake starts at B240/glass and beers include Asahi Draft (B75), Singha (B125) and Heineken (B90).

The crowd: Mainly Japanese expats from the area.

RG01, Nihonmura Mall, 85 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-9688. Open daily 11:30am-2pm and 6-10pm

Kaguya

The buzz: Set on the corner of Thonglor Soi 10, Kaguya serves a mix of contemporary Japanese and French cuisine under the same management team as its next door neighbor, Wine Republic. The hip young crowds should dig the DJ, lengthy cocktail list and one of the most stylish decors on the strip.

The décor: A layered series of screens, from bamboo strips to rods tied into narrow scaffolding, filter warm light through their golden, natural colors. Choose from bar seating under the glowing yellow cloud of light, outdoor sofas, or the vividly colored dining room’s orange and sea green chairs. 

The food: Start off with an aromatic, velvety vanilla soup with seared scallop (B200) followed by red mullet with black olive and lemon (B320) and 56-hour sous-vide wagyu tongue with soy sauce, rosemary and thyme (B420). Aside from the sashimi and sushi bar, Kaguya serves main dishes like grilled king crab’s leg with sautéed mushroom and caramelized leek puree (B1,300) or lamb rack marinated in herbal miso, rosemary foam, kimchi mashed potato and mint ponzu (B1,000).

The drinks: This place takes its drinks very seriously. Cocktails include Gentleman’s Truth (Tanquery gin, Violet, herbal liqueur, citrus, oregano, B320) and the bartender’s own creation’s, such as Panna (Gold Label, Fireball cinnamon whiskey, honey, pineapple juice, B280). Beers include Hoegaarden (B160), Norrebro (B280), Mikkeller (B280) among others. They also have an impressive list of Japanese spirits categorized by taste such as woody, mellow, fruity, peaty and floral from B220-900. 

The crowd: Groups of hip and well-heeled Thonglorites.

The Third Place, 137 Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-9974. Open Mon-Fri 5:30pm-1am and Sat-Sun 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-1am

Sushi Planet

The buzz: From California to Bangkok, the chain restaurant Sushi Planet has landed in Bangkok, where it serves up its signature fusion rolls from the original venues with tweaks designed to better suit the Thai palate.

The décor: Casual and simple with TV screens tuned to football emphasizing the laid-back atmosphere. 

The food: Contemporary rolls which use lots of spicy mayo, jalapeno and avocado. The recommendations include Oh My God (rolls with spicy shrimp salad, shrimp tempura, salmon and avocado on top, B395) and Big Boss (rolls with shrimp tempura, crab salad and cucumber inside with seared tuna and fried red onion with spicy karashi sauce, B375). You can also sample some light appetizers such as the Japanese ceviche (B355) or drop by on the lunchtime for lunch sets ranging from B195-B290.

The drinks: Asahi draft beer is B99. The Ozeki hot sake is B249 and Berry Mix Sparkling Jelly sake is B250. A selection of wine starts from B120 by glass. 

The crowd: The majority of the customers are Western expats and families from the ‘hood.

Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, BTS Ploen Chit, 02-168-5214. Open daily 11am-10pm 

Kokoro Hello Japanese 

The buzz: Located in the community mall Rainhill, Kokoro promises a traditional cooking style led by Japanese Chef Mi Chan whose experience spans over four decades.

The décor: Warm and sophisticated, with views over Sukhumvit, the restaurant is divided between a sushi and cocktail bar at the front, and private rooms decorated with traditional paintings out back. 

The food: Besides classic dishes like otoro sushi (B690), uni sushi (B469) and buri kama shioyaki (grilled salted yellowtail cheek, B1,090), the place also recommends their deep broth shabu (B690) for a smooth addition to your meal. You could also opt for the sashimi set (B1,490). And don’t leave without trying the delicious coffee jelly (B100).

The drink: Sake ranges from B320 to B1,800. Beers covers everything from Singha (B80) and Heineken (B90) to Federbrau light (B140). 

The crowd: Thai families and groups of friends seeking convenience and tradition rolled into one sushi joint.

3/F, Rain Hill, Sukhumvit Soi 47, 02-261-7539-40. BTS Phrom Phong/Thong Lo. Open daily 11:30am-10pm

more Japanese restaurants in Bangkok

Cassia
The dim sum high tea at this swish Chinese restaurant includes small meaty bites like steamed siew mai with abalone, and deep-fried taro box with chicken.

Indocafe - The White House
Dig into tea Peranakan-style, with spicy savories like mini otah, kari kapitan tarts and kurobuta pork buah keluak on mantou buns.

Salt grill
Australian celeb chef Luke Mangan’s restaurant offers tapas for tea, with options like chorizo iberico, tempura zucchini flowers and tomatoes with burrata.

Amphawa has lost much of its tranquil appeal ever since it became a favorite destination for Bangkokians who swamp it every weekend to get some fresh air while shopping and eating at the bustling market. In the old days, Bangnoi Market was the busier of the two, as it was one of the major trade centers in Samut Songkram. But as roads grew more important than canals, Bangnoi faded into obscurity. Today, that’s exactly what makes it such an appealing destination.

Eat and Shop

Though Amphawa still reigns supreme as a food destination for its vast range of choice, Bangnoi does have a few yummy treats of its own. Start with Roti Tae Jiew (open Sat-Sun 9am-4pm), a Chinese take on roti stuffed with brown sugar and sesame. “It’s called ‘lau guay’ in Chinese but that’s hard to pronounce in Thai so we’ve decided to just call it Roti Tae Jiew,” says Nee, as she flips the crepe on her hot pan. “It’s our family’s special recipe. We’d always make it when celebrating the Chinese festivals.” Nee insists that the roti has to be eaten while it’s still warm and followed by Chinese tea to wash down the sweetness.

The next delicacy you must sample is at Khao Pad Pla Tu Boran Mae Phu (open Sat-Sun 11:30am-2pm, 081-308-7378), which combines two of Samut Songkram’s most famous products: namprik kapi Klong Khone (fermented shrimp paste) and mackerel. Half the charm is the presentation, as Mae Phu serves her famous dish in a banana leaf cup decorated with local flowers such as the deep blue un chan. Get there early as they run out fast. 

No market trip is complete without some noodles. Guay Tiew Tom Yam Jae Sa-nguan (open Tue-Fri 9am-2pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm) serves a local tom yam recipe topped with small pieces of dried shrimps—delicious. Still hungry? Gung Mae Nam Yang (open Sat-Sun noon-5pm, 034-738-265) grills giant freshwater prawns plucked straight from the river. Be warned that they run out fast too. Along the way, you’ll also see many ladies selling fresh greens from their gardens—so, stock up!

After you’re nice and full, take a small walk across the wooden bridge to the other side of Klong Bangnoi to Rakna Bangnoi (69 Moo 6, Bangkhontee, 081-931-6505), a shop selling vintage cupboards in bright colors. One whole wall of the shop is decorated with vintage steel trays in various styles, a rather stunning sight. “I just had this crush on the motifs these trays are painted with,” says Kob, the cheerful owner. “I thought there were only a few types of motifs at first, but after I started collecting them, I found out there were many, many different types, some of which are very delicate.” The trays, unfortunately, are not for sale “unless you buy the whole set.”

See

If you cross the Mae Klong River, there are a few places of note. Start with Wat Bang Kung, which was listed as one of the Unseen Thailand spots for its giant bodhi tree and 100-year-old ubosot (Buddhist chapel). Another site is the Church of the Virgin Mary or Atsana Wihan Maephra Bangkoet that is three kilometers further down stream. This 113-year-old church was built by Catholic missionaries and all the stained glass was imported from France. It is considered one of the most beautiful gothic churches in Thailand.

Stay

If you want to live the really slow life, Bangnoi offers many small, cute homestays. Our first choice would be Sai Nam Rue Ja Kan Homestay and Gallery (85 Moo 8, Bangkhontee, 081-336-7469) which has two non-air-con rooms at B800 per night. Befitting its name, this place is dotted with pictures and postcards portraying the river life around Bangnoi. At the corner further down the road, Bangnoi Koy Rak (83 Moo 8, Bangkhontee, 086-789-7833) has two air-con rooms with the great views of the Mae Klong River and balconies to take it all in. The first floor also serves as a little boutique with books, clothes and curios. Room rates start from B800-1,000. Come Nite Non Ni is a new homestay with three rooms which one of it can house four guests. Room rates start from B800-1,600. Finally, another brand new place is Ram Ruay Homestay (76/1, 034-761-768, 084-673-3768). The western-vintage style rooms are cute, if a little bit out of place here. Rates are B1,200 for two people and B1,800 for 3-4 people.

Getting There

Take Rama 2 Road until Km. 63. Then take the flyover to Samut Songkram. Take the same turn to Amphawa and continue for five kilometers.

As for public transportation, the easiest way to go is to catch a van at Victory Monument (Century Mall) to Amphawa where you can jump on a connecting local bus to Bang Noi.

All the Way
More great live acts are coming to town—but you’ll have to wait till next year to see them. The fourth edition of Singapore's indie music festival St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival (www.singapore.lanewayfestival.com) will feature Daughter, Jamie XX, James Blake and The Jezabels, taking place next year on Jan 25 at The Meadows, Gardens by the Bay. “We're exceptionally proud of this year's line-up,” says Laneway founder Danny Rogers. Other marquee acts in the line-up include Youth Lagoon and Kurt Vile, so log on to the site for the full list and to book tickets, with special packages available for early birds. Also not to be missed, French golden band Phoenix, who perform Jan 15 at The Star Performing Arts Centre (1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055, $68-148 from Sistic).

Nil by Mouth
More indie names, this time in the realm of electronic music, will also play at the second edition of the Super 0 pop-up parties. After taking over Gillman Barracks earlier this year, the organizers are bringing the gig to Annex @ The Mill (5 Jalan Kilang) this time near Redhill and Alexandra every Saturday on Nov 9, 16, 23, 30. Industrial venue aside, the names are some of the most underground and credible in the scene today, including Germany’s Terranova, the UK’s South London Ordnance and the US’ Daniel Bell. $25-35 at www.supero.sg. Want more? The brilliant DJ-producer Four Tet is also slated to play a live set on Nov 28 at Zouk (17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, $40-50 from www.zoukclub.com).

The Bookie
The first Singapore Art Book Affair, spearheaded by Books Actually’s Kenny Leck with the assistance from the Singapore Tourism Board’s new Kickstart Fund will take place Nov 28-Dec 1 at Gillman Barracks (9 Lock Rd., www.gillmanbarracks.com). The fair will be dedicated to local art and design literature, featuring artist talks, film screenings and book sales and launches—definitely a must for bookworms.

A for Arbite

Why it's hot: Chef-proprietor Mark Wee (who's also behind Arbite) has just revamped the menu of fusion small plates and they are really affordable—prices start at $3.
What to eat: The scotch egg with soba hollandaise ($8), smoked pork belly bun ($7) and the beef onglet tataki with buttery crumbly onion "soil" ($6).
What to drink: Belgian craft beers like the Steenbrugge Double Brown ($14). Wee says, “Asian food is spicy and robust beers can stand up to the flavors in a way wine can’t.”
When to go: Unlike sister restaurant Arbite, which is most popular at brunch, this joint only really gets buzzing at dinner.
Why you'll be back: It’s an easy-going venue, perfect for unwinding with a cold brew and value-for-money chow.

Ding Dong

Why it's hot: It’s a collab between the Spa Esprit group and chef Ryan Clift (of Tippling Club fame)—you know you can trust these people.
What to eat: Vietnamese Scotch eggs ($16) and smoked pork bao ($19)—pretty much the signatures of the Asian tapas movement—plus Clift's take on a local dessert Malacca chendol 2013 ($15).
What to drink: Draft wine and sophisticated Asian-inflected cocktails like the Golden Mile ($17), a mix of Thai herb-infused vodka, blue ginger gomme and chilli oil.
When to go: At night, it feels like a ‘70s discotheque with hot pink lights. We prefer going at midday when they have a sweet three-course set lunch ($35).
Why you'll be back: For the drinks. It’s rare to find a joint where the cocktails are just as creative as the food.

East 8 New York Fusion Tapas + Bar

Why it's hot: Inspired by eighth street in NYC—a veritable Little Tokyo with yakitori spots, noodle houses, bakeries and tea houses galore—this place has a cool urban vibe.
What to eat: Order from the raw bar—options include yellowfin tuna with lemon-avocado—and save room for desserts like banana tempura ($12).
What to drink: Sweet girly cocktails like the Nolita Lychee Saketini ($15) and watermelon shochu ($68 for six).
When to go: The ladies nights (Wed; 6:30-8:30pm) are a big draw with one-for-one cocktails and a lively, younger crowd.
Why you'll be back: It’s the hippest joint in the area for a Japanese-ish meal and drinks.

LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar

Why it's hot: This modern Chinese restaurant is dark and dramatic with an illuminated resin statue at the centre of the main dining room. The decor recalls famed NYC restaurant Buddhakan.
What to eat: Tapas like the mantou burger with braised USDA prime beef ($16) and cream of bak kut teh ($12), a refined take on the local hawker classic.
What to drink: Fresh cocktails such as Cherry for the Geisha ($22)—sake, cherry liqueur and prosecco—plus, digestifs like Silky Road in Summer ($22), rum-spiked ginger milk.
When to go: Come for a late dinner so you don’t miss the nightly closing ceremony: Chefs in the open kitchen take a bow as a curtain comes down.
Why you'll be back: It’s a glitzy, high impact spot to take a date or even some clients you’d like to impress.

Sarang

Why it's hot: It's not your typical Korean barbecue joint. Head chef Jung Yun Yur says, “It’s what you’d find on the streets of Gangnam today: Korean classics served tapas style.
What to eat: East meets West recipes like crispy tofu with kimchi cream sauce ($5.50) and ginseng chicken terrine ($16).
What to drink: Simple straightforward drinks made with Korean alcoholic beverages like kiwi shochu (from $12) and makgeolli sprite ($23).
When to go: In the evening, when it’s cool and breezy. They’ve got a nice alfresco bar. Eating there is a whole lot more civilized than sitting inside with blaring K-pop tunes.
Why you'll be back: For inventive Korean-inspired bites at a convenient Orchard Road location.

Tigerlily

Why it's hot: Housed in the space formerly occupied by Dempsey Brasserie, this Asian-inspired bar looks pretty slick: The ceiling is covered with birdcages and there are lots of Chinese motifs.
What to eat: Drink-friendly snacks like chilli crab dip with fried mantou buns ($12), chicken satay with peanut sauce ($11) and Peking pulled pork mini burgers ($14).
What to drink: There’s not a bespoke cocktail in sight. Instead, throw back beers such as San Miguel ($13) and a choice of New World wines (from $13).
When to go: Late at night (it's open till 2am). “People forget to eat when out drinking and then come here hungry at 11pm,” says Alistair Christine, co-owner of Tigerlily.
Why you'll be back: It’s an unpretentious spot to fill up on comfort food late at night when few other places are open.

Aqua Spin

What: One of Europe’s hottest fitness crazes takes traditional spinning underwater for a low-impact, high-resistance workout that burns up to 800 calories an hour.It also promises to boost blood circulation, improve cardio fitness and build muscle strength.
The benefits: “Your weight is supported by the buoyancy so there is zero strain on the joints,” says Aqua Spin instructor Yannick Dedigama. “Spinning underwater also generates a massaging effect that reduces cellulite, water retention and muscle ache.”
Where to do it: Aqua Spin offers group classes ($40 per class) at various sports and country clubs including The Tanglin Club (5 Stevens Rd., 6622-0555, www.tanglinclub.org.sg). Email [email protected] to book a class.

Caveman Workout

What: It’s a functional training exercise that uses everyday body movements such as pushing, pulling and climbing to build strength and resilience, resulting in better performance when taking on daily tasks.
The benefits: “It makes you stronger and more flexible,” says Margarida Ferrao, operations director of Vivafit. “What’s good about the caveman workout is that you can do it anywhere. If equipment is not available, your own body weight is enough.”
Where to do it: Vivafit’s (#03-00 Malacca Centre, 20 Malacca St., 6536-3360, www.vivafit.com.sg) Power Moves class is based on the same principles. First-timers can purchase a pass for three classes at $29 via the website.

CoreAlign

What: This machine works the body in an upright position to improve posture, balance and functional movement. CoreAlign workouts combine deep stretches, core training and strength work all in one—perfect if you want a heart-pumping yet flexibility-boosting routine.
The benefits: “You might think that CoreAlign is related to Pilates—it’s not: the majority of exercises are done standing,” explains instructor Audrey D’Cotta. “The machine
helps train the core muscles to work in unity with the whole body, and it’s great for performance enhancement or simply as a regular exercise regimen.”
Where to do it: Available at The Moving Body Group’s Robertson Walk studio (#01-23/24 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 6235-1051, www.themovingbody.com.sg).

Piloxing

What: A core-centric, high-intensity workout that fuses boxing and Pilates, this hybrid routine reportedly burns up to 900 calories in a session and incorporates the use of weighted gloves to further tone arms and maximize cardiovascular health.
The benefits: “Piloxing provides an efficient workout in a limited time frame,” says Lucretia Cheng, a certified Piloxing instructor.  It helps build lean muscle mass and core stength, leading to an increase in metabolism and better body balance.”
Where to do it: Fitness Fun (6875-6115, www.fitnessfun.com.sg) offers a class ($18 for a drop-in class) every Friday, from 7-8pm, at ARCA Dance (#01-464 Crawfort Court, 464 Crawford Lane, 6295-5555, www.arcadance.com.sg).

Want to put YouTube to good use? Check out these online workout channels to exercise from the comforts of your home.

BODYROCK.TV
Instructor Zuzana Light demonstrates intense workouts using basic equipment or none at all.

Six Pack Shortcuts
Michael Chang and his crew mean serious business when it comes to developing that set of washboard abs. From crunching workouts to dietary advice, this is a free A-Z guide to achieving that holy grail.

Blogilates
Turn your own room into a pilates studio with Cassey Ho, a cheery Pilates expert who conducts her workouts to pop music for a fun, upbeat session.