Supermarket: The New Social Scene
Before the world turned upside‑down by Covid, most of us treated supermarkets like the most boring place on the planet. We’d just pick up a couple of loaf boxes and decide to go home and “no need money hor!” Fairy‑tale heroes of remote work would chuckle about it, too—after all, buying groceries was probably the only thing that could keep their kitchens from turning into assistant managers’ offices.
Why Supermarkets Suddenly Rule the Day
- Almost everywhere you look, you’ll find people hustle past organic blueberries, carbon‑neutral beef, and egg‑free pancake mixes.
- Friends are nowhere to meet for a plate because vaccines, or the lack of them, keep the restaurants locked down.
- The occasional weekend at Coney Island or a trip down the Rail Corridor simply isn’t that exciting any more.
Fresh Finds and Fancy Items
Picture this: a supermarket isn’t just a grocery shop anymore—it’s an entertainment zone. There are fancy paper straws that look like a designer handbag, LED‑lit blueberry displays, and a whole aisle dedicated to products that promise you’ll never give up on your half‑baked diet. Supermarkets are turning into the “Ion Orchard” of the city, the MBS that you’d never know how to miss.
Local Chains Going Big
These local chains are pulling out the stops: investment‑banking‑grade bonuses for the staff who keep the shelves stocked and merrily moving. That’s right—your mom’s helper working a shift at the grocery store could be expecting dividends that might put the stock market to shame.
Extra Bonuses for Supermarket Workers
- They’re offering perks that would make you say, “Wow, this is actually very proper!”
- Supermarket workers are getting paid like big-time CEOs—because every shelf is a boardroom!
Loyalty Cards & Celebrity Cameos
Supermarkets now know we’re bored, restless, and hungry. That’s why they’ve decided to court our loyalty points with plus points and passion card offers. Imagine walking in and seeing a dazzling Li Nanxing parody or a flashy promotional flyer encouraging you to add these deals to your cart right now. Shopping has never been so fun, emotional and a little bit comic.
The New Market Routine
We’ve moved from “mostly just stuff to buy” to “unpacking experiences”—whether it’s the freshest organic berries, the latest MUST‑try organic protein, or a sweet surprise that makes your MFA day a little brighter. Just remember: next time you’re at the supermarket, it might be even cooler than going to the next big mall or the new Bangkok high‑rise.
CS Fresh Gold at Paragon – Your New Grocery Playground
Drop by the #B1-21/22 corner of Paragon and get ready for the fresh vibes of CS Fresh Gold’s latest flagship. It’s the shiny replacement for the old Market Place, so expect a whole new level of grocery fun.
First Stop: The Bakery Bonanza
- Picture a gleaming counter that looks like it was just pulled straight out of a food magazine.
- Grab a stack of goodies for breakfast – even the crowd-pleaser Sour Dough Multigrain Vienna is on the menu.
- Perfect for folks who like their bites seasoned with a dash of humor (and a lot of chew).
Whether you’re chasing the latest snack trend or just craving a morning bite, CS Fresh Gold at Paragon turns shopping into a delightful adventure. Ready to explore the aisles? It’s all waiting for you inside!
What’s on Offer at the Fresh Sushi & Salad Bar
Low‑cost salads in the city? Absolutely. That’s a given at the Fresh Sushi and Salad Bar – a spot every cheap‑eat‑out pro swears to know for its wallet‑friendly bowl lineup. (And yes, even if you’re a Cedele loyalist, the prices here are still on the downscale side.)
The Sweet Spot: Crystal Jade Collaboration
Step over, and you’ll bump into the exclusive collab with the Crystal Jade group. The highlight? Roast meats that don’t break the bank. Duck and char‑siew here cost anywhere from 20‑25% lower than their pricier Crystal Jade counterparts. It’s a win‑win for your taste buds and your wallet.
For the Raw Meat Fanatics
Craving beef or pork in its prime raw form? Ryan’s Grocery delivers carbon‑neutral dry‑aged beef and Borrowdale free‑range pork – premium quality that doesn’t carry a premium price. If you’re chasing something a bit more effortless, they’ve got lazy, oven‑ready options like beef Wellington and chicken Caprese that still taste like the chef’s masterpiece.
Wine & Spirits Wonderland
Then there’s CS Fresh Gold – the mega‑wine and spirits section of any Singapore supermarket! Picture a staggering 80 beer brands and 140 wine brands, all wrapped in an extensive organic collection. Pick a bottle or two, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure trove.
Takeaway List:
- Affordable salads at Fresh Sushi & Salad Bar
- Crystal Jade roasts with a sweet 20‑25% discount
- Dry‑aged beef and free‑range pork from Ryan’s Grocery
- Oven‑ready beef Wellington & chicken Caprese
- World‑class selection at CS Fresh Gold (80 beers, 140 wines, plus organic)
So next time you’re looking for a killer combo of budget eats, premium meats, and a wine tasting adventure – these spots have you covered. Just head down the line and dive in!
Wine & Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven
Why a Board Matters
Picture this: you uncork a glass of your favorite wine, the aroma hits your nose, the flavor unfolds—then suddenly, there’s no cheese to accompany that golden swirl. It’s like a movie without a soundtrack. Trust me, you’ll never want to drink that wine again.
Our Cheese Shop – 150 Types in a Row
At the in‑house Cheese Shop, you’ll find a carnival of flavors: 150 cheeses sorted by weight. Who wants to rot a whole wheel of Cornish Blue for months? Nobody. That’s why we let you pick and mix the pieces you love.
Build Your Own Board for Just Nine Dollars
You can riff off our menu to create a board that suits your taste buds. The cheapest pick is our Petite Platter, starting at $9 and featuring a mix of cheese, salami, dried fruit, and crunchy breadsticks.
Cheese, Charcuterie, & Laughs
- Cheese that’s smooth, sharp, and anything but boring.
- Salami that brings that salty, savory bite.
- Dried fruit that adds a sweet twist.
- Crunchy breadsticks to wrap it all up.
So next time you sip, remember: a good cheese board turns any wine into a rave—so grab a bite, and let the flavor party begin!
Shop Satisfied, Fur‑Friends Happy!
Got a Team of Paw‑Parents on the Go?
Thanks to CS Fresh Gold, you no longer have to feel a twinge of guilt every time you step out of the door – your furkids are good to go. The store has proudly launched the first Dog Treat Bar by Alison’s Pantry, the same crew that handles the hooman nuts‑and‑fruit pick‑and‑mix counters. Grab some salmon jerky and a few chewy cookies, and your pup will have a treat that will make them woof for joy.
- Salmon Jerky – premium, protein‑packed bites for adventurous pups.
- Dog‑Approved Cookies – crunchy, chewy, and filled with tasty flavors.
- Convenient Grab‑and‑Go – straight from the counter right into your bag.
HAO Megamart: Where Kidswear Meets Kitchenware (and a Touch of Cuteness)
Located at #01-01, 200 Turf Club Road, the HAO Megamart on The Grandstand isn’t just your run‑of‑the‑mill hyper‑market. It’s the ultimate playground for both tiny tots and globetrotting chefs.
What You’ll Find Inside
- Fresh Food & Household Essentials – the staple groceries you never forget.
- Kid‑Friendly Fashion – think strawberry‑applique dresses that look as sweet as they feel, and rainbow‑printed sneakers that are almost as colorful as a unicorn’s pride parade.
- Budget‑Friendly Kitchenware – those adorable ceramic plates that, if you’d been lucky enough to spot them in Ann Siang Hill or Joo Chiat, would have cost you a fortune. Guess those designers were saving them for a better future… or just our cheeky shop!
Why It’s Deliciously Different
Shopping here feels like stepping into a candy store where the candy is priced fairly and the daily specials include items you’d never consider a practical purchase. It’s a place where you can walk out with a bottle of sauce, a batch of La Croix, a twirling strawberry dress, and a set of plates that look like they belonged in a toy store.
Feel the Vibe
Every aisle is a mild carnival – sneakers popping, plates winking, and fresh produce that simply screams “ready for the next recipe.” Whether you’re there for the groceries or just browsing the cutesy offers, you’ll leave with a smile and a few wink‑worthy treasures.
Veggie‑Vibes at Ang Mo Supermarket – Where “Fake It Till You Make It” Meets the Freezer
If grocery shopping feels like a chore, skip the aisles and dive straight into the freezer section. Ang Mo Supermarket in Toa Payoh’s Lorong 4 is a hidden gem for anyone craving plant‑based delights that won’t break the bank.
What a shopper’s pantry could look like (and it’s all within a 1$ budget)
- 1$ Chye‑Sim packets – the perfect single‑serve for that WFH crunch.
- From Impossible Foods to Beyond Meat, the range is as fresh as it is futuristic.
- Even the “meat”‑lookers get something: sliced fish, spare ribs, and sneaky “luncheon meat” that will keep you guessing.
And for the curious about the name – it’s more a nod to its origins in Ang Mo Kio than a catalogue of “ang moh” items. Think pastas, olives, and the occasional veggie tail.
FairPrice Xtra Parkway Parade – Food, Drinks, and No‑Fat‑Footprint Cocktails
Picture this: you’ve piled your cart, hungry to the bone, and you realize you can’t wait to turn that ripped haul into a gourmet feast…
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (All in One Spot)
- Ban Tong Seafood – feast on Har Cheong Kai Burger & Salted Egg Squid Ring.
- Alfero Gelato – indulgent cakes and the wild edition of “Ondeh Ondeh”.
- House of Bakers by Li Nan Xing – “hae bee hiam” croissants that kiss you with flaky perfection.
They don’t stop at food. FairPrice Xtra claims to be the first supermarket‑hosted cocktail bar in Singapore.
The FairPrice Fizz & Martell Suan Mei
Mind‑blowing? All cocktails are crafted from an in‑house pantry, claiming zero extra carbon footprint. Pair the Fizz with fresh oysters, tortilla chips, and a cheese platter – because heck, why not have your dinner party on the floor?
With such options, who needs to drive home for dinner? It’s all a “no-obligation” feast!
Published first on Wonderwall.sg.
