Golden Mile Complex may have shuttered, but there are still ways for you to shop, dine and get pampered like you’re in Thailand.
TEXT: THERESE TAY
PHOTOS: DUSIT THANI LAGUNA SINGAPORE, SABAAI SABAAI, CHOWRAIOOI MUAY THAI, PENGUIN’S KITCHEN, HOMETEAMNS, AND WAT ANANDA METYARAMA
With the closure of the iconic Golden Mile Complex – dubbed Singapore’s “Little Thailand” – in May, long-time visitors lamented the loss of the 50-year-old building that invoked the Land of Smiles with its restaurants serving regional specialities and grocers proffering exotic produce such as banana buds.
It’s undeniable that Singaporeans’ love affair with the Southeast Asian country is nowhere near flaming out, with its capital Bangkok routinely appearing in lists of top destinations for travellers from the Lion City. But if you’re not up for a vacay yet, or simply want to prolong your Thai experience post-holiday, here are some ways for you to feel like you’re in Thailand.
1. Shop for Thai goodies at Thai Supermarket at Aperia Mall
Due to open anytime now, this Golden Mile Complex mainstay relocated to the first level of Aperia Mall after the building was sold en bloc. Besides grabbing takeaway from cooked food stalls selling Thai favourites such as grilled meat and seafood, noodle dishes, and Yaowarat buns (Thai-style charcoal-grilled buns with fillings), you can also stock up on authentic Thai groceries such as fresh native herbs and spices, a dizzying array of sauces, and interesting Thai-inspired snacks. The latter include boat noodle – and crab curry-flavoured Lays potato chips and Koh Kae battered-peanuts. Look out for the piquant J-Koong crispy shrimp typically sprinkled as a topping for noodles and other dishes.
2. Have an authentic Thai massage at Sabaai Sabaai
Singapore has no shortage of spas offering Thai massages, among which Sabaai Sabaai comes highly recommended. Indulge in their classic Thai Tradition Massage, where a therapist not only helps you stretch your body, but also applies rhythmic pressure using the hands and forearms to the meridian points to ease stiffness. The meridian system is a concept under Traditional Chinese Medicine whereby life energy (qi) flows through paths known as meridians. Besides this, there’s also the Thai Herb Massage, where a heated herbal compress is applied to promote lymphatic circulation and overall wellbeing. With two branches at Boat Quay and Wisma Atria, this spa has been in business for 14 years – so you know you’re in good hands.
3. Learn Muay Thai from experts at Chowraiooi Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a form of traditional martial arts that has gained mainstream popularity in recent years as a sport – it has gotten Olympic recognition. In Singapore, beginners and experienced practitioners alike can train at Chowraiooi Muay Thai, which is an affiliate of Thailand’s Chowraiooi Gym that is run by the country’s national Muay Thai coach, Adjarhn Chat. He produces some of the top Muay Thai champions in Thailand and together with head trainer Robert Yap, they hope to do the same in Singapore.
4. Staycay at the Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore
Located within the stunning grounds of Laguna National Golf Resort Club, the vibe at this five-star luxury resort that opened in the thick of the pandemic is decidedly elegant and contemporary Thai. You may want to splash out on a guest suite overlooking the green. Besides the subtle and soothing Thai touches in the resort’s decor (lounge on the three-fold triangle cushion in your room) and food selections at the biophilic Greenhouse restaurant, you’ll of course enjoy the legendary Thai service and heritage of the Dusit Thani brand. A treatment at the Thai-inspired Devarana Spa may include the signature massage, which combines Thai, Ayurveda, Shiatsu and Swedish massage techniques with aromatherapy to invigorate, revitalise and relax the muscles.
5. Enjoy authentic Thai food at Penguin’s Kitchen, Siam Kitchen, and Cheese Story Mookata Buffet
Hidden in a dusty MacPherson industrial estate, Penguin’s Kitchen is an almost-secret gem, with its tasty and Thai-level-spicy food and casual atmosphere reminiscent of a Bangkok street. For something unique, try the Century Egg Salad or Stir Fried Hot Basil Seafood.
Then there’s Siam Kitchen, which prides itself as the melting point of old and new. With chefs from Thailand, the café-restaurant presents authentic Thai favourites in a casual-modern setting. Must-tries include the Blue Swimmer Crabmeat Omelette and the Hat Yai Fried Chicken Cutlet. HomeTeamNS members get 10 per cent off the total bill at Siam Kitchen at HomeTeamNS Khatib.
Finally, fans of Cheese Story Mookata Buffet that was previously at Golden Mile Complex will be thrilled to know that they’ve relocated to HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier. Enjoy marinated meats, seafood and vegetables with their rich, cheesy dipping sauce. HomeTeamNS members are entitled to a 10 per cent discount on their total bill when they flash their HomeTeamNS digital membership card upon checkout.
6. Visit Thai Buddhist temple Wat Ananda Metyarama
You don’t have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the religion’s philosophies and Thai Buddhist temple architecture, which is distinguished by its soaring gilded stupas and steeply sloping tiled roofs. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the hilltop Wat Ananda Metyarama Thai Buddhist Temple, the oldest of its kind in Singapore at Jalan Bukit Merah. Aside from its more recognisable traditional carvings and hand-painted murals depicting the Buddha’s life, the centenarian stands out with its modern, angular $6 million five-storey extension designed by Czarl Architects. The arresting V-shaped building houses a cultural centre and shrine.
Those who want to experience the real thing can head to Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. With its central location near Pattaya Beach, the resort is an ideal base when visiting this tropical paradise. It’s a five to 15 minutes’ drive to attractions such as 3D art museum Art in Paradise Chiangmai; Sanctuary of Truth, a magnificent unfinished wooden castle; and the world-famous Alcazar Cabaret Show.
HomeTeamNS members enjoy 20 per cent off the best flexible room rate with a minimum two consecutive nights’ stay with breakfast.
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