Zooming into 2020: What Singaporeans Were Googling
When the world hit pause and the office became a living room, our fingers got a lot more use—mainly on smartphones and laptops. We were hunting for the digital little things that could whisk us out of isolation or make the stay‑home vibe a bit comfier.
Beyond the Food Fight
Google’s Year‑in‑Search 2020 gave us a snapshot of those endless scrolls. While the headline was “food, food, and delicious delivery at all hours,” the list of what we craved stayed a lot more varied.
- Local Lock‑down Guides – “Which parks are open?” and “What mask rules are in place?”
- Night‑Owl Eats – 24‑hour delivery searches went through the roof.
- DIY Projects – “Home office inspiration” and “How to build a DIY treadmill” popped up.
- Remote Learning – “Best online courses for adults” and “Kids’ online homework help.”
- Dating & Social Life – “Virtual date ideas” and “Online speed dating tips.”
- Health & Wellness – “Home workout routines” and “Mental health support.”
- Entertainment – “Movie streaming services” and “Best podcasts for binge‑listening.”
- Finance & Rewards – “Budgeting apps” and “How to earn cashback for groceries.”
Why Food Wins the Search Spin‑Attack
We all know we’re at a food‑conscious place in Southeast Asia, but the pandemic cartoons caused a shift. The “Food Delivery” search mania meant that users were giving 60‑second options a thumb‑up while staying snugly at home.
Remesaning oddities found during the data sweep? Well, ninety‑plus percent of those searches were for “cheapest online delivery” and “ghost kitchen only” options
In Summary
From bedtime memes to night owl cravings, 2020 proved that Singaporeans were glued to their screens, looking for solutions to survive and thrive. Who would’ve thought that the key to maintaining our sense of community and comfort was a simple Google search? And that the day brought us a lot of conversation about food? At least we can say we’ve quizzed every corner of search.
1. Grocery delivery
Bubble Tea & Delivery Slots: A Modern Tale of Appetites
Bubble tea stepped up as our second‑most prized pastime this year—right behind food. While we were busy refreshing the RedMart and Cold Storage sites for those elusive delivery windows, it reminded me of the good old days when we camped in front of our computer screens, anxiously waiting for concert tickets or, yeah, even those dreaded module bids.
When the Chatbots Take the Stage
- Singapore’s tech nerds invented Telegram bots that ping us every time a new slot pops up.
- No more endless scroll‑sessions or missed chances—just a gentle notification that’s as timely as the morning kopi.
Why It’s More Than Just a Convenience
These bots aren’t just tools; they’re life‑savvy allies that let us reclaim our mornings for actual rest, or a cheeky laugh, instead of the digital anxiety that comes with checking e‑stores.
In a Nutshell
So, next time you’re scrolling through a grocery website, remember this: behind every buzzing notification lies a blend of ingenuity, a splash of bubble tea, and a dash of Singaporean spirit.
2. Banana cake and dalgona coffee
Kitchen Chronicles: A #StayHome Tale
Picture this: every single person in town suddenly turned into a culinary wizard, whipping up masterpieces in their apartment kitchens while strolling the sabbatical streets with a freshly brewed cup in hand.
What Went Happen
Instead of routine grocery runs and café outings, the living rooms became professional bakeries and fancy coffee shops. The heat of ovens replaced the blushing adults scattered across lanes, while the aroma of espresso filled the walkways of quiet neighborhoods.
Top Recipes (and Blends) That Took Over
- Fluffy Pancakes—because everyone needed a fluffy hug with syrup!
- Whipped Chocolate Soufflé—for the sunup tea-time soul-searcher.
- Coffee-Crafted Creations—espresso, chai, and macchiato all served with a side of giggles.
The Heart of It All
It wasn’t about perfect pastries or flawless cups; it was the shared joy of turning a commonplace day into an event where the kitchen was the center stage, and laughter served the best garnish.
3. How to survive in our new normal
From Zero to DIY Hero – The 2019 Surprise
Back in 2019, the idea of turning a pile of screws into a sleek coffee table sounded like a prank. Fast‑forward to today, and we’ve become pretty good at turning almost everything into a DIY masterpiece. This list would have made 0 sense back then, but look how adept we are now at DIY‑ing everything.
The DIY Playbook: What We’re Mastering
- Renovation on a Budget – Swapping out that dated tile for clever, reusable panels without hiring a pro.
- Furniture from Scratch – Turning lumber and paint into a jungle‑style chair that’s actually ergonomic.
- Tech Meets Handcraft – Installing smart lighting with just a soldering iron and a bit of trial and error.
- Garden Grown Hacks – Building raised beds from reclaimed wood, proving that green thumbs and grey‑hairs can coexist.
- Emergency Repairs – Plugging a leaky faucet in under 15 minutes (and documenting it on TikTok for posterity).
Why This Matters
It’s more than a trend; it’s a cultural shift. We’re not just fixing stuff—we’re creating our own narratives, because every hammered nail or glued plank tells a story of resilience and creativity.
A Final Thought
So if you’re still stuck on that “embarrassing 2019 list” of what you can’t DIY, grab a hammer, a bit of courage, and start. The 2025 world is ready to applaud every homeowner’s new souvenir: a story worth sharing—one screwdriver at a time.
4. Keeping ourselves mentally healthy
Surviving 2023: A Coffee, Tea, and App Survival Guide
It feels like the year was a marathon of stress. But hey, there are silver linings: apps that help you breathe, and teas that turn your mug into a Zen station.
Top Apps to Keep Your Chill
- Headspace – Guided meditation that feels like a vacation in your inbox.
- Calm – Sleep sessions plus talks from famous mindfulness gurus.
- Insight Timer – Free sessions, all day, all night.
Calming Teas: Why Your Cup Matters
- Chamomile – Sweet and soothing, like a gentle hug.
- Lavender – A floral whisper that makes even the snooze button taste good.
- Green tea – The perfect pick‑me‑up while you stare at your to‑do list.
Wrap‑Up: The Brain‑Tea Combo Works
You don’t have to become a monk overnight. Just bundle your favorite app with a warm tea, and watch stress melt like a snowflake on a sunny day.
5. Shedding the circuit breaker calories
When the Gym Closed, We Made Home a Gym
Remember the day the local gym shut their doors because of the pandemic? We didn’t let that stop us from staying fit. We turned the living room into a makeshift workout studio and the lunchbox into a hydro‑serving snack bar.
Why We Hopped on the Home‑Workout Bandwagon
- Convenience: No more traffic jams or sweating while we searched for a parking spot. The couch is a reliable starting line.
- Health Freedom: With gym memberships on hold, staying active felt less like a chore and more like a personal challenge.
- Time‑savvy: Even a quick 20‑minute “mad‑cap” routine fits between a cup of coffee and a pizza delivery.
The Snack‑Swap: From Fast‑Food to Protein‑Power
With the rise of food delivery apps, our kitchen cupboards suddenly felt like a culinary battlefield. But we didn’t settle for nothing more than a pizza slice. Here’s how we made the most of our pantry without compromising on health:
- Batch‑prep smoothies: Blend a mega‑batch of spinach, banana, and protein powder – one scoop for each smoothie.
- Air‑fried nachos: Replace the classic (and deepfryer‑ing) nachos with a crispy, low‑oil version for a guilt‑free snack.
- Homemade hummus dip: Whip up a quick chickpea dip and pair it with sliced veggies instead of fries.
A Few Words About Mental Health
Moving out of the gym might sound like a small detour, but staying active in this new light depends on maintaining a healthy rhythm. The positivity of strengthening our bodies is a great buffer against the uncertainty that came with the lockdown.
Recipe for Success (At‑Home Edition)
Step 1: Pick a simple routine – 5 minutes of warm‑up, 10 of your favorite exercises, and 5 minutes of cool‑down. Step 2: Keep healthy snacks close at hand – a bowl of unsalted nuts or a veggie plate. Step 3: Celebrate the finish! Goodbye sweat, hello happy dance moments.
So, if the next time the gym closes you find yourself stuck at home, remember you can still crush your fitness goals while also feeding your cravings with gusto. Let’s keep the workout coming, the food deliveries happening, and our moods bright.
