The ultimate guide to Queenstown

Did you know that Colbar is short for ‘Colonial Bar’? This old-school kopitiam used to be a canteen for the British Army when it first opened in 1953. Back then it served a selection of British beers and Asian-Western comfort food. Now, its menu has expanded to include curry, Chinese dishes, sweet treats and milkshakes. Regulars swear by its prawn cocktail ($11) and T-Bone steak with chips and peas ($25).

Opened in 1974, ABC Brickworks has long been a favourite among Westies for hawker food. With nearly a hundred stalls offering everything from Hainanese chicken rice and Penang assam laksa to prawn noodles and oyster omelette, you’re spoilt for choice. And if late-night hunger pangs kick in, this hawker centre makes a great supper spot as several stalls open past 11pm.

This Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning stall constantly sees snaking queues for its piping hot bowls of laksa served in claypots (from $4). The use of claypots instead of plastic bowls helps keep its temperature hot and gives it a distinctive smoky (wok hei) flavour. Don't expect the usual uniformly lemak gravy – the one here is split into a thicker coconutty layer and a thinner soup base.

While Keng Eng Kee manages the usual seafood fare with aplomb, the brand is more well-known for its range of zi char dishes. One of its homemade specialties is the prawn roll ($8) – crispy beancurd skin wrapped around minced meat, carrot and prawn, with diced water chestnuts added for a sweet crunch. It also offers a range of stir-fried venison dishes ($18), for those who enjoy the rich, earthy taste of deer. Fish head ($18) is popular here, prepared in a variety of ways - deep-fried, marinated in black bean sauce, sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce.

Fans of the King of Fruits can get their fix at Ah Seng Durian’s new dessert cafe at Bukit Merah Lane. No prizes for guessing the superstar flavour here – the dessert cafe serves cakes and pastries by Keong Saik Bakery and Flor Patisseries, made with Ah Seng Durian's very own supply of Mao Shan Wang (MSW) puree. Treat your sweet tooth to bestsellers like MSW durian tart ($8.50), MSW shortcake ($9.50), and MSW burnt cheesecake ($11). Pair 'em up with coffees from Common Man Coffee Roasters (from $3.50), or the signature Oatly chocolate ($7).

This coffee joint has been roasting and brewing beans for more than half a century and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it's got an outlet within FairPrice Xtra VivoCity and another one at One-North. Tiong Hoe offers beans and blends from all over the world. Ask for a brew from its rotational range of single-origin coffee beans roasted, ground and brewed in-house. Can’t get enough coffee? The team also hosts coffee appreciation workshops and sells roasted and raw beans.

Beat the heat and cool down with Carrara's homemade gelato and ice-cream, which comes in a variety of flavours like the classic chocolate, cookies and cream, Kopi guyou, Thai milk tea, seasalt gula melaka, salted egg yolk, and even Tiger Beer. Believe it or not, there are over 100 different gelato flavours here, so you'll be spoilt for choice. The café also takes pride in handmade gelato that is rich in flavour and low in fat and sugar, with no artificial flavouring or gelatine included – a healtheir dessert option, no less.

At some point, you have to take your kids out for a meal, so why not order comforting treats at this Aussie-inspired restaurant? The young ’uns can dig into stacks of pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup, or French toast with honey at this cosy nook in the west. Kids eat free with every main course ordered on Mondays. But first: let them jump around the bouncy castle from 3pm, or let their creative juices flow at the arts and crafts corner from 5pm to 8pm.

Switch up your home essentials for new ones from the Swedish furniture giant. While you’re at it, check out the showrooms for ideas to jazz up your crib. If all that shopping worked up an appetite, stop by the restaurant for Swedish meatballs with mash and broccoli, starting from $6. It also has local dishes like mee siam, mee rebus or carrot cake at $2.50 a pop.

One of the oldest shopping complexes in Singapore, Queensway Shopping Centre is full of sports stores with great discounts all year round. Though the selection might not throw up the trendiest choices, it offers a range of last season’s Nike football boots or a decent squash racquet if you’re willing to settle. You can even get a pair of Nikes to go for less than $100 depending on the shoes you have set your eyes on. As the prices vary between shops, we’d recommend that you browse for a bit before buying.

As with wine, there's always a perfect cheese for everyone. And you'll definitely find it here at The Cheese Ark. More than just artisanal cheese, the place specialises in rare (and authentic) cheese. All of the cheese here is sourced by the founder Ai Ming Syu who has travelled far and wide for cheese. Borrow her expertise in choosing the perfect one for you or opt to create your own cheese platter (with help of course). The cheese selection changes weekly, depending on whatever is peaking.