Artbox
Photo: Time Out Singapore
Photo: Time Out Singapore

Guide to Artbox 2019: Instagrammable spots, what to buy and eat

Head to the right shops for snacks, souvenirs and those #OOTD shots for Instagram

Written by: Nathalie Teo
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Over the years, Artbox has made a name for itself as one of Singapore's most popular pop-up markets. Moving to a bigger home this year at The Grounds@Kranji, you can expect over 250 booths at the weekend market. There's plenty of food, fashion and lifestyle stalls to browse through and many pretty spots to take photos. This year's theme is Eden and you can see the garden theme in the lush decor – there are vines and fairy lights all around. If there's one thing to go to this weekend, it's this luxe pasar malam. But let's be smart about navigating the crowds on the weekends of 15 to 17 November and 22 to 24 November so here is a guide.

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Eat

A taste of Thailand

As a nod to Artbox's roots, you'll find some of that spicy Thai spice in the food served at select booths. At Thailand Street Food, dig into a minced basil pork donburi with onsen egg, head to Triple C for Thai boat noodles and if you want Mookata to-go, check out Mookata Express.

Some of the stalls are also coming up with exclusive creations for Artbox – Hot Star have tom yum flavoured fried chicken, Beef Bro serves up a tom yum Wagyu burger and pad phat kaphrao beef cubes and hit Dum Dum Thai Drinks for some Dirty Thai Tea with brown sugar konjac balls.

Tea-off

One thing's for sure, it's going to be hot and humid at Artbox. Hydrate at the many tea stands around the market. Get a refreshing cold brew mocktail at the local tea makers' stand, Gryphon Tea, go to Teabrary for artisanal dessert tea like Ananas tea and lemongrass green tea. Need some Thai milk tea? There is more than one stall that has it – just pick the shortest queue.

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Meat me at The Goodburger

Plant-based meat makers Impossible Foods are also being represented at The Goodburger stand. Stick to The Classic ($16) for a standard combination of a juicy patty, cheddar cheese and buttered buns but if you want to get a little adventurous, splurge on the Artbox-exclusive One Night In Bangkok ($20), a tasty Thai yellow curry burger. 

The sweet things

Make room for dessert and queue at Taiwanese bakery Kazo for cheese tarts, mango cream puffs or the Artbox-only Thai milk tea cream puff. Over at Golden Moments, it's a durian blowout with premium Mao Shan Wang ice cream, dark chocolate Mao Shan Wang macarons and a Golden Moments platter if you want the best of the best durian desserts. 

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Skip the queues

Hate queueing? Artbox has collaborated with the team at Fave so you can skip queuing by ordering food on the app (there are discounts!) and collecting your purchases immediately at the booth. It’s a win-win situation, you get your food fast and there's more time to explore the sprawling venue.

Buy

Cop them designer merch

Hailing from Malaysia, Pestle & Mortar has exclusive merch available on site. Bring home a graphic tee, printed bowling shirt, tote bags and stickers. In its make-shift container shop, catch its Halloween collection on sale together with the merch.

Take centre stage with vintage

Want to rock the 80s dad look? Or if you're in search for some old but gold finds, there are plenty of thrift stores at Artbox. From Hong Kong, sift through old-school clothing and accessories at Vintage 1961. At Thriftanic, check out vintage gems from Ralph Lauren, Champion, Nike, Ellesse, and so much more. 

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Indonesia represent

This year's edition will see independent makers from Asia gather to sell their wares. One country that stood out? Indonesia.

Pick up a designer raincoat at Ame from Bandung. Designs are unisex and practical but stylish. Though started in Singapore, Kraton sources its products from Indonesia. The Javanese word for a traditional royal palace, Kraton is a homeware brand where you can find hand-poured candles, wooden bowls and ikat fabric. 

Game on

Taking a break from all the shopping and want to burn off some calories before you go to your next food stall? Head down to the aisle by The Arcade People and get your game face on. Challenge your friends and family to a game of arcade basketball or air hockey before continuing your Artbox journey. 

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Work-shopping

Get creative at Artbox and sign up for some workshops while you're at it. The activities over the two weeks include DIY jaguar tattoos, leather crafting, bookbinding, mini pottery painting and 3D jewellery-making. 

Check out art

Welcome to the container park

From the get-go, a huge container installation welcomes visitors into the market. The massive three-storey high gateway arch was made on the site and is covered with vibrant graffiti by various artists from around the region. You can find more graffiti art containers spread around the grounds as well, and if you're lucky you might find an artist painting Artbox red while you’re there.

Be part of interactive wall art

As part of a partnership with the Singapore's Children Society, children were given an opportunity to work with a homegrown artist to create their idea of paradise reimagined onto a huge art pillar at Artbox. The QR code embedded in the artwork allows visitors to scan it to make donations to the charity. And while you're at it, remember to take pictures with the art as your backdrop. 

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Bask in a sky of fairy lights

The Garden of Eden theme really comes to life at night when the sparkly lights can make anyone wax romantic. And if you want a break from the crowds or just a space to sit down and enjoy your goodies, head to one of the lounge areas at Artbox. You can enjoy a light show at the Garden of Creation or sit in front of the stage and enjoy performances all night long while with a bottle of apple cider or Tiger Beer. 

Walk through the Heart of Eden

Visitors can embark on a multi-sensory journey and take an immersive walk through the Heart of Eden. The container is converted into an air-conditioned and mirrored room decorated with flowers, leaves, fairy lights and even a tree. The room is also filled with a bespoke scent made by local perfumers Scent by Six just for Artbox.

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Horsin' around

As a tribute to the hosting grounds of Artbox, four life-sized horse statues that have been painted by Singaporean artists, Moon Malek, Olivia Fones, Rifqi Amirul Rosli and Sara Hermes. Make some time to snap a photo with the horses before you join the race to queue for food. 

More things to check out

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