Stepping into the interview in a bright pink chinois jacket and a pair of jeans, Sylvia Lim looks relaxed and unassuming—nothing like the persona portrayed during the nine-day hustings. Personable and eloquent, answers easily roll off her tongue when asked about politics and the work of her party. But delve into Sylvia Lim the person, and long pauses and hesitation fill the air.
Realistic and practical, she typifies the composed party leader with her feet (and ear) firmly on the ground. Don’t expect her to be championing women’s causes in Parliament. Her passion lies in the bread and butter issues of the regular Joe. And bring up the fact that she is the first woman opposition MP since 1963, she retorts, “So what if I am male or female. It doesn’t make a difference.”
From a supporter who donated bottles of birds’ nest drinks for each Workers’ Party candidate, to an anonymous man who sent Lim constructive feedback on her rally speeches every day via email, to the hordes that attended the nightly rallies, these actions surprised, touched and affirmed her cause in giving Singaporeans another voice in politics.
Did you feel that you were given justified media coverage during the elections?
I think this round, generally, the English and Chinese papers did not represent the Workers’ Party in a bad light. And because of this, it affected voters’ perception of us as well. So people started to think, “Hey, Workers’ Party is not crazy.” But then, we could have had more coverage vis a vis PAP, but that’s the way things are.
“The way things are.” Is that a resigned statement or …?
It’s born out of a sense of realism and also from having worked with people who have been in opposition politics longer. They’ll tell you “Oh, it’s so much better than the previous elections, don’t complain.” So there is a little bit of taking the scraps that fall from the table, that kind of thing. Of course we want things to improve, but we can’t expect things to improve in quantum leaps overnight, so we try to push the boundaries. I find sometimes also that because people are too resigned to the fact that the status quo will remain, that there’s no inclination for change, and that’s wrong. Because if you’ve ever tried to push the boundaries, you will realize that things can happen. If you’re there and you’re prepared to take a risk, things will happen.
What part of campaigning did you find enjoyable?
I think it was enjoyable to know that a party of our size—which is nothing compared to the PAP—can make some waves. So it’s always good to know that you don’t have to have a lot of money or a lot of manpower to make some difference. Even little steps do matter. People are prepared to come forward to join the party and stand as candidates against the PAP. These are the pillars on which bigger things will be founded.
What was the high point for you?
I found the Serangoon Stadium rally quite a high point for me. It was the final rally, first of all. Secondly, it was the one and only rally site that we had where we could see the audience, because the stadium was very well lit and we could see people’s faces. That was very very uplifting. And we ended off the whole thing with the pledge—and I think there was some sense of unity of purpose, some solidarity with the people.
What was the lowest point?
For me personally, I think there were times when I thought that I didn’t do as well as I could. For example, for the party political broadcast on TV, the feedback was that I came across as arrogant, blah, blah, blah. I didn’t intend to be so, but I realized that it’s got a lot to do with media training. Other than that, what I imagined the campaign to be eventually turned out to be not as scary as I thought.
Were you scared?
I wasn’t scared at all. But initially, you know, when you think of it in vacuo, you think that the PAP is going to dig out everything you’ve done from the time you were in kindergarten or whatever. I was waiting for that, but nothing came. In the end, they were just harping on the James Gomez thing.
What is your feeling on the outcome of the James Gomez incident?
I was surprised that the police gave him a warning. Not because I felt that he had done anything wrong.
Was there any point in time when you thought, “Yah, we actually have a chance of winning.”
Such thoughts do cross my mind, but generally I know that we really need to be prepared for the worst, because if we don’t win or if our margins are poor or whatever, we still have to face the media and the people. And we have to be composed at that point, you see. So it’s always important to be prepared for all eventualities.
Were you pleased that you actually met your 40 percent target?
I wouldn’t say it was a target, but we are pleased that the voters showed that they were prepared to support us. We were not really surprised by the results, but I think we still hoped that we could have done better.
How did you feel when the Party decided that you would be the NCMP?
I felt a sense of responsibility, that I have to do it properly. And also not to let down the people who had voted for us.
What can we expect from you in Parliament? What kind of issues will you be championing?
The traditional concerns that WP tends to raise, i.e. to speak up for those who are not doing very well under the free market economy. So we’ll be watching issues like cost of living, health care costs, retirement concerns. At the same time also, because I’m legally trained, I will be reviewing the legislation concerning Parliament, which I’ve been helping Mr Low to do for the past few years anyway. So I’ll be speaking up on that. And personally, I guess I will take an interest in some of the law and order debates. But I must add that I’m not there to canvass my own causes.
What is your mantra, speaking generally?
Fairness. I think people should be treated fairly. I think that’s the fundamental principle.
Do you think you’re misunderstood?
No, not really (laughs). I don’t think people’s impressions of me have fossilized yet. It’s hard to put this in a neutral way. People have come up to me after the elections, in public places, and told me things like “Thank you for what you’re doing,” “Thank you for giving us a choice,” and “Don’t give up.” So for whatever reason, I think that they believe that what we’re doing is actually something for them. Which I think is really (pause) it! We’re not in this for ourselves because, frankly speaking, the benefits you get are (laughs), you know, let’s not talk about that. There are some sacrifices made, because we think that it is probably better for Singaporeans in Singapore if there are elections where people have choices. And because of that, if the people perceive it, then I think we’ve achieved quite a lot.
That speaks of the party, but what about you?
Similarly too, I think, okay, I don’t know about everyone, and I’m sure some people hate me, but ah …
Does that concern you?
You can’t please everyone, so that’s okay. But I think so long as the average person believes that I am sincere in what I’m trying to do on the Workers’ Party platform, that is try to advance their interest and keep the government accountable, so long as people believe that, I think that would be good enough.
Do you think people believe this?
It may be too early to form a definitive judgment, but I think, based on the elections feedback and all that, that people do believe that I’m sincere in what I’m trying to do. It’s something that is a long haul thing, you know. Of course I’m not saying that I’m going to be around forever. I think, personally, I would commit my time and energy if I feel that there’s support for the things we’re trying to do and we’re making headway. But if I find that we’re not making headway, then what’s the point. I mean, we all have lives to lead, right?
You’re a public figure now. How does that make you feel?
I think that’s alright. I think I can still bear with that. But I suppose I have to be more circumspect in the things I do. So I guess you can expect me to be going out of Singapore more (hearty laughs). Like just yesterday I went down to my neighborhood coffee shop dressed in my home clothes. I put on sunglasses to try to look as unrecognizable as possible. I was waiting for my mother, actually, and along came this group of retirees, and they said “Oh, we finally get to meet you” or something like that. It was very, very touching. They were supporters of Workers’ Party. And they told me about the rallies they had attended and gave me feedback. It’s useful to remain in contact and be approachable. We don’t want that to change.
So who is Sylvia Lim?
I’m idealistic, but I’m also a very practical person. So I would make sacrifices for my ideals, but still try not to break the law in doing that.
Is being Chairman of WP and lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic your entire life? Or is there more to it?
No, no, it isn’t. I would say it takes up quite a lot of my time. I still have time left over, which I save for a few things like my family, close friends and myself. And I will always leave that pocket there, because I think that’s very important for my sanity.
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Rock Factors:
This sweet Mandarin pop star hit stardom at just 22 with her self-titled album, Yan Zi. It was number one on the sales charts of two of the biggest record stores in Taiwan, remaining in the top three for 11 weeks. The album sold 250,000 in Taiwan and 200,000 in China.
Her second album, My Desired Happiness, released in December 2000, sold more than 750,000 in Asia. Since then, Sun has made nine albums, and won over 33 awards in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. Most notably, at the prestigious Taiwan Golden Melody Awards, where she walked away with the Best Newcomer prize in 2001, and the Best Female Mandarin Singer prize in 2005. She also made it to the MTV Chinese Top Ten Most Popular Artist in 2001, and won the MTV Asia Aid Awards Singapore’s Most Popular Singer prize for four consecutive years.
Sun is currently on a regional concert tour, performing in sold out concerts in Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai and KL. She was quoted as saying that her priority is to make quality music, instead of over-commercialized products that sell well but have a lower level of artistic quality.
What rule do you live by since becoming an international pop singer?
Don’t do it for the fame or the money.
What don’t you like about your work?
Incredulous journalism.
What gets you out of bed each morning?
My sense of responsibility, but most of the time, the alarm clock.
What pisses you off?
People who are selfish, mean or unbelievably clueless.
What turns you on?
Humor. OK, and big hands.
Rock Factors:
Braema Mathi is a prolific champion of the underprivileged. Few know that she initiated The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund in 2000 when she was a journalist, and is the main driving force behind Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) which advocates improved working conditions for foreign maids.
More might recognize her as a former Nominated Member of Parliament (2001-2004) and the immediate past president of Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE, 2004-2006). As if that’s not enough, Mathi is also the Vice-President of Action for Aids and a member of the Singapore Children’s Society.
If you could give yourself your own title, what would it be?
Advocate or Busy Body Extraordinaire.
What drives you to be involved with such causes?
Conviction and passion. If it is within our means to improve the human condition and clear the messes that we are party to, then we should in one way or another.
What don’t you like about this work?
Navigating through the systems to get to the point you want to be.
What rule do you live by since being an activist?
Try to live by the standards that you raise awareness to the lack there(of). For example, working through from a feminist perspective, not to take away the space from men or ridicule their behavior by default.
What pisses you off?
Not being upfront and open and having to resort to talking around.
What turns you on?
View from the top of a mountain, poetry, sunsets by the sea, wind in my face on a bike, injustice, the special people who pass through my life …
Life is like … ?
… the colors of the ocean because there is a sameness in the human condition and an unpredictable uniqueness about us.
Rock Factors:
This avid music fan and accidental track-dropper found herself spinning at her own birthday party in September 2004. Surprised by the warm response, she gathered other gal-pals and has been spinning since, as the leader of Pop My Cherry, a platform for female DJs to experiment and try their hands at DJ-ing in the male dominated industry. To date, 15 girls have spun with the group.
Venturing beyond our borders, Pop My Cherry was the only female DJ group to play at the Hong Kong Fringe Festival at the Fringe Club in February this year, and they also played a gig at Zouk’s The Loft in Kuala Lumpur.
Describe your sound.
I like tunes from various genres, from down tempo to house, to minimal and drum ’n’ bass. So I just play different stuff according to the moods and events.
Who are your influences?
Laurent Garnier and Josh Wink for set programming; Doc Scott, Amit, Technasia and Loumo for music production; and local boys Ash & Kiat for homegrown quality drum ’n’ bass tunes.
What do you like about being a DJ?
When a good tune is dropped and you see punters smiling or getting really happy and excited to the tune, that makes me happy.
What don’t you like about it?
Climbing five flights of stairs with a very, very heavy record bag.
What rule do you live by since being a DJ?
Must not spend ALL pay on records and music stuff, and wine is not water.
What turns you on?
Looks of concentration and good conversations.
Rock Factors:
This Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore’s law faculty is better known as a published playwright whose acclaimed works have been produced in Singapore and ASEAN. Her trilogy—Mergers & Accusations, Wills & Secession and Jointly & Severably—was one of the first few plays that made a social impact on the Singapore theater scene and, when they were staged in the 1990s, became some of the first gay and lesbian plays. Mergers is about a lesbian lawyer who conveniently marries her male best friend to maintain some form of social respectability while continuing her relationship with her lover, with her husband’s acceptance of her sexual orientation.
Wong was quoted as saying that the main impetus of these plays was to enlarge the sphere of understanding and celebrate diversity. She has since written over 10 plays to date.
Why these themes?
The themes often come to me and knock me on the head! My themes choose me, perhaps? The themes that seem to like me (and that I like back) tend to deal with questions of self-actualization, honesty and fairness.
Written in 1992 and staged several times thereafter, how was the response to Mergers each time?
Well, in 1992, I think there was a lot more “shock and awe” when Ellen and Lesley kissed. By the time it was restaged in 1996 and then again in 2003 (Mandarin version in 2004), the audience was a lot less “squeamish” about certain representations that might have been unfamiliar in 1992.
What rule do you live by?
Be as true as you can.
What pisses you off?
Intolerance and bullying.
What turns you on?
A sexy mind (uhmmm, but to be honest, sexy other parts also help).
Rock Factors:
Funky fashion designer Jo Soh is the creative brains behind hansel, the distinctly quirky womenswear label found exclusively at Felt. After graduating with first class honors in fashion design from Central St. Martins in 1999, she spent the following four years working with some of the best in the fashion industry, sewing haute couture for Tristan Webber in London to designing for Song+Kelly21.
Named after her Jack Russell Terrier, hansel made its debut at the Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Melbourne in November 2003 and has since been invited to present at the event ever since, garnering local and international acclaim. Soh was awarded the Moet & Chandon Fresh! Designer/Label of the Year at the Singapore Fashion Awards 2004.
What do you like about your work?
I love the positive impact my clothes have on the people who wear them—the wearers get complimented, the wearers feel good about themselves, they feel confident, and with the light-hearted humor and details that go into my clothes, the wearers feel happy wearing hansel!
What don’t you like about your line of work?
The insecurity and the bitching that comes with it.
What pisses you off?
Irresponsible people who blame anything and everything when something goes wrong.
What turns you on?
Blue skies and blue seas.
What rule do you live by since becoming a fashion designer?
Same rule I have lived by all my life—follow my intuition.
Rock Factors:
Singapore’s most internationally renowned writer, who is also known to be an “intellectual, a political commentator, a feminist and an incorrigible young-at-heart,” got published only by accident. She wrote six short stories as supplementary reading material for secondary students— part of a course she was taking. These stories stayed in her drawer for years until she told a friend about them and he took it upon himself to bring them to the attention of a local publisher. In 1978, her first book, Little Ironies: Stories of Singapore, was published. Since then, she has written seven novels, one novella and 11 short story collections to wide acclaim.
Bondmaid, her best-selling novel, sold 75,000 copies and has been made into a film by Hong Kong Director Stanley Kwan, starring Fann Wong. Her e-novella, Leap of Love, will be on the big screen by Raintree Pictures.
How do you choose your themes for your short stories/novels?
I am generally interested in the theme of the special psychodynamics of men-women relationships, especially against the background of the Hokkien traditions I grew up with in a little town in Malaysia in the ’40s and ’50s, when the traditions seemed to be especially oppressive to women.
When did you start writing political commentaries? Why?
My first two political commentaries appeared in late 1994 and early 1995. I have always been a keen observer of the political scene in Singapore, especially in the relationship between the government and the people, and I wrote the commentaries when I felt I was ready to share some strong views with fellow Singaporeans.
What rule do you live by?
Always be AUTHENTIC, being oneself, keeping faith with one’s strongest beliefs and instincts, never allowing oneself to be influenced by, or worse, dictated to by outside forces such as power structures, social convention, the commercial pull etc.
What pisses you off?
Insincerity and dishonesty, pretence and deceit.
What turns you on?
The sheer wonder of being alive and well, and happy, living in the most interesting of times, having access to a phenomenal amount of knowledge that is still daily building up, being surprised, almost on a daily basis, by the mind-boggling (sometimes scary) advances of science.
Rock Factors:
Ginny Phang is the only local full-time doula in Singapore. What that means is that she is a trained person who assists another woman during labor, providing non-medical support before, during and after childbirth.
In 2003, together with another single mum, Frae, Phang co-founded Flying Solo, a support group for unmarried mothers in Singapore, to provide information and support. Phang is herself a single mum, having decided to go through with her pregnancy five years ago, despite the fact that her relationship with her ex was beyond repair and that her parents disapproved. She was just 23, with no money or a job at that time. Today, she shares her experiences and offers advice to more than 80 Flying Solo members who meet each month.
What made you start Flying Solo? Why?
When I found myself pregnant, one of the things I wanted to do was to find someone else in a similar situation and I did not manage to until I met Frae. So when our monthly meetings became regular (though there were only the both of us), we figured that there must be more of the same people in similar situations. That idea started it all. I have always been blessed no matter what happens to me and I believe in giving back what I have been fortunate enough to receive. So this is my way of giving back to society.
What obstacles did or perhaps still do you face being a solo mum?
The balancing act of being a mother, and running my own business, as well as nurturing myself … finances and dating are the biggest issues.
What rule do you live by?
Whatever does not kill you will only make you stronger. Our lives are the result of the choices we make, both big and small.
Rock Factors:
This wheelchair-bound sportswoman has been swimming competitively for the past seven years. Despite being born with spina bifida, a birth defect in which part of the spine is not properly formed, Goh has gone on to win numerous sport medals.
Adding to her collection most recently are three gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games 2005 in Manila. In fact, she won seven gold medals in the World Wheelchair and Amputee Games in Brazil in 2005 too. Most recently, she was just 0.05 seconds shy of the world record at last month’s Telkom SA National Aquatic Swimming Championship in South Africa. Given her astounding track record, the Singapore Disability Sports Council is confident that she is within reach of a Paralympics medal in the 2008 Beijing Games.
Back home, Goh has won SportsWoman of the Year 2004 and the Singapore Youth Awards (Sports and Adventure) 2005.
What made you decide to be a professional swimmer?
I’m not sure. Everything happened too quickly for me to say. I am still swimming competitively because I still haven’t achieved my goal in the Paralympics. I’d like to end my career on a high, with probably a medal in the Paralympics and a couple of world records along the way.
How do you personally deal with the disparity between able-bodied and disabled sportsmen—physically and monetarily?
I don’t. Personally, I feel that the able bodied athletes getting more monetary benefits than the disabled athletes is no big deal. I went into competitive swimming not for the monetary awards, and so I feel the money would be nice but it’s a bonus. However, I want to add that a lot of disabled athletes train as hard or even harder than some able bodied athletes.
What rule do you live by?
Never give up till the goal is achieved.
What pisses you off?
Politics. I hate politics. I also hate it when people walk by and kick my chair.
Rock Factors:
Tan is the President of the International Council of Women and the first Singaporean to be elected to the United Nation Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). She also founded the Singapore Association of Women Lawyers and the Singapore Council of Women’s Organization, being the president of both organizations for several years.
Her name is synonymous with the women’s movement in Singapore, and she is proud to have played a major part in changing the Women’s Charter twice—once in the late ’70s and again in 1995. A mother of two, and a grandmother twice, Tan still runs her own law practice and also serves as an active council member in the National Crime Prevention Council, and is Chairperson of the Security for Senior Citizens Committee.
What do you like about all the community work you do?
The feeling that you have done something and made a little difference to an individual, group or community.
What don’t you like about it?
Sometimes when I am in these positions, my good intentions get misunderstood and pot shots are targeted at me indiscriminately. I’ve come to the conclusion that you can’t please everyone. As long as I know that what I’m doing is for the general good of everyone, and that it benefits my community, I just put it behind me and move on.
Where do you find all the energy to do all you do?
You’d be surprised … when you have to do it, you just have to do it. I sleep less, and work through holidays most times.
What rule do you live by?
I enjoy every minute of the day of whatever I’m doing.
What pisses you off?
Bullies … That’s why my kaypoh (busybody) instincts come on.
Life is like…?
… a lotus pond. From the murky water, a beautiful lotus flower can bloom. Human beings can rise above the murkiness and bring joy and peace to our surroundings.
Rock Factors:
Being the Chairman of the opposition Workers’ Party, Sylvia Lim is the only female political leader in Singapore. This being her first election year, she’s up against the old guard in an arena dominated by men.
Trained as a lawyer and called to the Bar in 1991, she joined the Singapore Police Force as a Police Inspector, but returned to practice law three years later. Today, she lectures at Temasek Polytechnic, though that had to be put on hold during the hustings leading up to Election Day. She contends that, “The real service is rendered not by the critic who stands aloof from the contest, but by the man who enters it and bears his part!”
When and what spurred you to join the Workers’ Party?
It was after the General Election 2001 and 75 percent of the votes were won by PAP. I decided it was time for me to do my part—no point wishing for a strong and credible opposition if one is not prepared to do anything. I met the “street-fighter” Mr Low Thia Khiang on 13 November 2001 and got myself “enrolled.” The first evening when I made my way to the Party office for a meeting, my heart was beating like crazy and I kept looking around to see if anyone was following me!! That fear has now largely passed. It gets easier each time and what is important is taking that first step to put away our self-inflicted fears.
Were you always politically inclined?
I am not by nature a political animal but I do believe that having opposition political parties and opposition Members of Parliament is important for Singapore. I suppose the natural instinct of lawyers is to value diversity of opinion and to question propositions.
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Rabbit food no more, salads are fast becoming fancier and funkier. Weight watchers and vegetarians aren’t the only ones heading to salad bars for lunch nowadays. Those preferring a light lunch so they won’t be caught by the post-lunch Z-monster are wise to eat their greens.
Often these salad joints also include sandwiches, soups, and sometimes pastas, on their menus. Some outlets have dine-in facilities, but these aren’t exactly your sit-and-chat places. In fact, most cater to the grab-and-go busy executive working nearby. We bring you the lowdown on where you can crunch into a decent bowl of salad.
#B1-08 Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, 6535-3230.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 9am-2pm.
This is a true salad bar, where juices and salads are the main items on the menu. Juiced Rawbars pride themselves in providing only fresh premium seasonal produce, mostly from Australia (after all, this is a Sydney import). Opened at the start of this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Design your own salad for $7.50, which comes with a Rawbar leaf mix, any six base ingredients from the 32 available, such as cous cous, beet, mushroom and kidney bean, and top it off with any of the 13 dressings on offer, such as Rawbar vinaigrette or the honey and mint dressing. If you want something fancier with your greens, pay an extra $1 to $2 more depending on the ingredient.
The juices and smoothies (there’s soy and low fat milk too) take up half the menu. Apart from traditional smoothies, there are citrus smoothies, exotic smoothies (mostly berry-based) and tropical smoothies (expect pineapple juice in most). Of course, you can also design your own juice, but what sets this place apart is that you can boost your juice with ingredients like echinacea, ginseng and spirulina. As much as it is primarily a salad and juice place though, the daily-made soups and freshly-made wraps are definite must-tries. Stop for lunch or pick a salad to complement your dinner on your way home.
#01-29, 3 China Square, Pickering St., 6536-6280.
Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:30pm; Sat 11am-2pm.
As the name implies, you pick the ingredients, they toss. Here’s how it works: Choose a base salad of either mesclun ($4), romaine ($3.50), or iceberg ($3.50) and then pick a minimum of four ingredients from 42 available ($0.50 and $2.50 for each topping), such as baked tofu, bacon bits and green apples. Decide from the 15 salad dressings you’d like and ta-dah, you’ve got a salad. For quality control, most of their dressings are home-made. The honey mustard dressing and the fat free Asian dressing are the two most popular. If making a decision is too much of a strain during your lunch break, then there are ready-made salads to pick from. Apart from traditional salads like Greek salad ($4) and garden salad ($5.20), there are also special Tossz creations, such as blackened steak salad ($7) and the Southwestern salad ($7).
The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, 6877-8995.
Open daily 7am-8pm.
Tucked away in the corner of the Fullerton Hotel is this tiny nook brimming with delicious salads, sandwiches and pastries. This three-month old deli offers mouth-watering salads that are both exotic and unusual. Must-tries include the Chinese roast duck salad ($6), grilled vegetables and cous cous salad ($5) and the shellfish salad with Thai guava and apple lily ($7). Being part of Fullerton Hotel, expect five-star hotel quality, right down to the last detail. Everything is made with the best and freshest ingredients—which means each bite is full of flavor and truly delicious. Because there are no seats at this deli, it really is a grab-and-go joint. But rest assured, each meal comes with sufficient utensils and napkins packed neatly so you can enjoy the food at your office desk, or leisurely on a bench by the Singapore River nearby. Post Express Deli makes deliveries at a minimum of $200 per order. Place your orders in the morning if it’s just lunch you’re after.
#B1-01 Bank of China Building, 4 Battery Rd., 6536-5235.
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-2pm.
This is literally a hole in the wall, and what’s more, it’s in the basement. So you could easily walk past and not even notice it. Obscure as it is, the Moomba Tuckshop has been a popular lunch-time place for executives who work around the area. Offering a selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads and pastries, there’s not a lot of space to sit and eat there, so when it gets crowded, you’re better off crunching into your salad elsewhere. Better still, have your lunch delivered to your office (a min. $20 order is required). The Thai chicken salad ($6) is a specialty, though you can find six other ready-to-go standard issue salads like chicken and egg salad ($6) and Caesar salad with fresh romaine leaves ($6) too. Service is fast and efficient, perfect for those who don’t have much time for lunch.
The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6720-8000.
Open daily 8am-9pm.
For those in the Orchard Road area, Something To Go at The Regent Singapore offers some interesting salads. Spinach salad with citrus, papaya seed dressing ($9) and lemon and parsley tuna salad with black pepper ($12) are two that stand out from the usual options. A new salad that has just been added to the menu is Mozzarella Alla Caprese ($10). Created by their new chef Joseph Oldham, this is a traditional south Italian dish. Cheese made from buffalo and cow’s milk is accompanied by fresh ripe tomatoes, sliced basil, cracked pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Low in fat and calories, it’s a must-try. Not exactly a sit-and-eat place, the best part of the deli is that there are parking lots right outside the deli for a quick drop-in and dash-out.
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