16 Things To Spend Your CDC Vouchers On, Now That The Government Has Distributed Round 2 – TheSmartLocal
CDC vouchers – Things to spend on
If there’s anything Singaporeans can agree on, it’s that free things must take. After all, the only thing better than a good deal is not having to pay a thing at all.
The second round of CDC vouchers was released in mid-May, and with over 14,000 merchants to spend them on from now till 31st December 2022, we’re pretty spoilt for choice. Here are 16 things to spend your CDC vouchers on, including things to do, eat and buy that you might not have known about.
For more to do in Singapore, check out:
– Things to eat –
1. Butterspace – Fresh ice cream sandwiches, open till 2am
In a sea of potongs and wafer sandwiches from ice cream cart uncles, gourmet ice cream sandwiches with soft, chewy cookies and freshly churned ice cream are a different twist on a well-loved classic. At Butterspace, they sell exactly that. Among the many things to do in Bedok is this industrial-themed bakery serving up fresh desserts and ice cream sandwiches.
Image credit: Eatbook
While the sleek, modern interior may suggest high prices, the treats here, like their brownie, start from just $1.60. A Cookie Sandwich may be pricier at $8.50, but considering the fact that it comes with your choice of ice cream, topping, sauce, and cookie, it’s worth the splurge.
Address: 55 Chai Chee Drive, #01-198, Singapore 460055
Opening hours: 12pm-2am, Daily
Telephone: 9850 7754
2. Milleaville Macarons – Customisable desserts for gifts
Long regarded as one of the hardest desserts to perfect, macarons are known for their crisp outer shells and chewy centres. At Milleaville Macarons, the normally serious French pastries are prepared with a playful twist – coming in a number of different flavours and designs.
Image credit: @milleaville_macarons
While they do make classic macarons (from $12 for 6pc) in flavours like Salted Caramel, Pistachio and Speculoos, they specialise in character macarons (from $24 for 6pc) that are perfect not just for kids, but also those who wish they were still kids.
Address: 51 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #01-84, Singapore 310051
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 9050 5780
3. Jumpstart Bakes – Cafe-worthy waffles in a hawker setting
Located in the heart of Toa Payoh, Jumpstart Bakes serves up piping hot waffles paired with ice cream. Though these popular treats are typically only found in cafes, here, they are sold out of a humble hawker stall.
Image credit: Jumpstart Bakes
Don’t let the setting fool you, however – the handmade waffles ($3) can hold their own against any cafe’s version. Though they primarily sell waffles, they also sell croffles ($2), a tasty dessert that combines the flaky, buttery crust of a croissant with the fluffiness of a waffle.
Address: 127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-08, Singapore 310127
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 7am-7pm | Sun 7am-3pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 8764 2243
4. Bailey and Whiskey – Pet-friendly cafe serving all-day brunch
Tucked along Depot Road lies Bailey and Whiskey, a pet-friendly cafe serving all-day brunch. Known for their French Toast ($16), the safari-themed cafe has all wooden furnishings and plenty of plants to really complete the nature theme. The floor is even carpeted with artificial grass on which the kids can make themselves at home.
Image credit: @ilivetoeat_jpg
For those looking to truly embrace their wild side, they have outdoor seating open to all, fur friends included.
Address: 108 Depot Road, #01-30 Depot Heights Shopping Centre, Singapore 100108
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8.30am-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 9325 6563
5. Little Island Brewing Co – Artisanal brewery with 30 beers on tap
With over 30 craft beers, wines and spirits on tap, Little Island Brewing Co – a microbrewery in Changi Village – is perfect for those who enjoy their booze. Made in-house using traditional methods, the beers are brewed fresh – from grain to glass.
Image credit: @kevinteosy
Available on a rotational basis, signatures include the Nitro Chocolate Milk Stout and Queen of Tarts, a sour ale infused with hints of lemon, grape and calamansi lime. Prices start at $13 per serving, and vary depending on size.
Address: 6 Changi Village Road, Singapore 509907
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12pm-10.30pm | Fri 12pm-12am | Sat 11am-12am | Sun 11am-10.30pm
Telephone: 6543 9100
Little Island Brewing Co website
– Things to do –
6. The Cat Cafe – Bukit Timah cafe with 14 felines to cuddle
Nestled deep in Bukit Timah is The Cat Cafe – with 14 snuggly kitties under one roof. Unlike most other animal cafes that don’t really sell food, they have a pretty substantial menu here, with signatures such as Lasagna ($9.50) and Chicken Mushroom Pie ($5.50).
Image adapted from: The Cat Cafe, The Cat Cafe
$16 gets you 2 hours with the fluffy felines and a canned drink, thereafter, additional half-hour blocks are charged at $4 each, in case you can’t bear to leave your new furry friends so soon.
*While the cafe has another branch in Bugis, do note that only the Rail Mall outlet accepts CDC vouchers.
The Cat Cafe Rail Mall
Address: 392 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678046
Opening hours: Wed 3pm-9pm | Mon-Tue & Thu-Fri 10am-9pm | Sat-Sun 10am-10pm
Telephone: 6977 9579
The Cat Cafe Bugis
Address: 241B Victoria Street, Singapore 188030
Opening hours: Mon 3pm-9pm | Tue & Thu-Fri 10am-9pm | Sat-Sun 10am-10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Telephone: 6338 6815
7. Flowers by Sadha – Bouquet workshops & art jamming
Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but if they’re a little too far out-of-budget, you can never go wrong with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Since nothing shows sincerity like a handmade gift, go the extra mile with Flowers By Sadha’s floral arrangement workshops where you can make your own bouquet.
Image credit: Flowers by Sadha
In addition to the workshops and countless colourful pre-made arrangements, the florist also hosts intimate art jamming sessions, where you can paint and draw to your heart’s content. Like their pre-made bouquets (from $25), the classes are affordable, at $15 for the art jamming sessions and $45 for the workshops.
Address: 67 Telok Blangah Drive, #01-222, Singapore 100067
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 9336 7940
8. Bakefresh studio – Cutesy baking classes in Tanjong Pagar
If it’s not flowers, but the other f-word that you’re into: food, Bakefresh Studio in Tanjong Pagar offers baking classes where you can learn to make all sorts of adorable treats. Class sizes are kept small to maintain a more intimate environment, so you won’t need to worry about not being able to keep up as a beginner.
Sumikko Gurashi Pudding Tartlets (left) and 3D Art Floral Jelly Cake (right).
Image credit: Bakefresh Studio, Bakefresh Studio
Like most baking classes, sessions are on the pricier side, starting at $150. This is where the CDC vouchers come in clutch, discounting the classes to a cool $50, less than what you would typically pay for just the desserts alone.
Address: 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-42, Singapore 082001
Opening hours: Tue-Wed & Fri-Sun 8.30am till last class of the day, entry by appointment only. (Closed on Mondays & Thursdays)
Telephone: 9710 1227
9. Cards Citadel – Pokémon card trading shop
You may remember Pokémon trading cards from back in the day, when they were all the rage. While some of us have traded in our playing cards for business cards since then, in others, the passion is still going strong.
Cards Citadel is a literal trading hub for card enthusiasts, hosting regular game sessions.
Image credit: @cardscitadel
If you consider yourself somewhat of a Pokémon trainer, you may want to check out Cards Citadel – a Pokémon card trading shop in Khatib – to level-up your game. More than just selling and displaying rare cards, the shop also acts as a meeting point for Pokémon card enthusiasts to trade, chat and just play cards.
Address: 464 Crawford Lane, #02-01, Singapore 190464
Opening hours: Mon-Wed & Fri 3.30pm-9.30pm | Sat 3.30pm-4pm (Closed on Thursdays and Sundays)
Telephone: 9616 8926
– Things to buy –
10. Fishing Buddy SG – Fishing supply store in Novena
In addition to rods, Fishing Buddy stocks a number of reels and lures.
Image adapted from: @fishingbuddy_sg, @fishingbuddy_sg
Fishing Buddy SG, quite simply, sells all the reels, rods and lures you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water. While the Taman Jurong outlet may be a little out of the way for some, their Race Course Road branch is just a 4-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT station, and situated amidst a number of Farrer Park cafes so you can grab a bite after all the shopping.
Fishing Buddy Taman Jurong
Address: 399 Yung Sheng Road, #01-57, Singapore 610399
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6265 2120
Fishing Buddy Race Course Road
Address: Block 682, #01-325 Tessensohn Road, Singapore 210682
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6291 1018
11. Hitoyoshi Yakiniku & Mart – Japanese-style “konbini”
Image credit: Google Maps
You don’t need to be a weeb to know what konbinis are – high-level convenience stores that are iconic in Japan, but practically non-existent in Singapore. Not entirely though; on Upper Bukit Timah road sits Hitoyoshi Yakiniku & Mart, a Japanese-style konbini that may very well be one of the only ones of its kind on the island.
Image credit: @taroxtaco
Split into mart and restaurant sections, the former stocks nostalgic Japanese snacks, drinks and fresh foods while the latter specialises in yakiniku, made with special cuts of imported Japanese Wagyu beef.
Address: Upper Bukit Timah Road, #01-380, Singapore 678040
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
Telephone: 6980 6859
Hitoyoshi Yakiniku & Mart website
12. Kiddy Palace – Children’s department store in Toa Payoh
If you grew up in the 90s, department store runs were probably a big part of your childhood. Though most of the OGs like Tangs and John Little are now obsolete, Kiddy Palace is a close reminder of what once was.
Image credit: @kiddypalacesg
Specialising in children’s and maternity products, the department store chain is a one-stop shop for parents, with everything from toys to toothbrushes in one place. Plus, most of their products are heavily discounted in comparison to retail, a welcome surprise considering how expensive parenting can be.
*While the chain has branches all over the island, do note that only the Toa Payoh outlet accepts CDC vouchers.
Address: 500 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #03-30 HDB Hub, Singapore 310500
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
Telephone: 6352 7781
– Services –
13. “Hair” By Common Studio – Organic treatments
“Hair” By Common Studio is known for doing, well, hair. Located in the Queenstown area, the minimalist salon specialises in organic hair treatments. On top of that, they also use eco-friendly products in all their services because it’s just as important to take good care of the planet as it is your hair.
Image credit: “Hair” By Common Studio
More than just being eco-friendly, their services are wallet-friendly as well – treatments start from just $68, while a cut will only set you back $20.
Address: Block 53B Strathmore Avenue, #01-02, Singapore 144053
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10.30am-8pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Telephone: 8860 8358
“Hair” By Common Studio website
14. Fur Friends’ Pet Grooming – Specialises in Teddy cuts
We all know that the CDC vouchers can be used by humans – I mean, duh. What many people don’t know is that the vouchers can also be used to pamper man’s best friend; located in the heart of Yishun, Fur Friends’ Pet Grooming & Salon offers grooming services for dogs, cats and even rabbits.
Image credit: Fur Friends’ Pet Grooming
Though they are able to work with all fur-styles, they specialise in teddy cuts, a special technique in which the fur is cut in a rounded manner to create an end look similar to a bear.
Address: 106 Yishun Ring Road, #01-185, Singapore 760106
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-6pm | Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Telephone: 9737 0294
Fur Friends’ Pet Grooming website
15. Beng Watch Service and Repair – Run by an elderly couple
Buried within a sea of much newer establishments in Bendemeer Market is Beng Watch Service and Repair, an old school watch and clock repair shop. With a quirky, retro interior, stepping into the shop feels like going back in time.
It’s run by a sweet elderly couple, and there are no prices here – in true old school fashion, the services are charged on a case-by-case basis. Still, this doesn’t mean they overcharge customers; in fact, several online reviews state that the couple have, on many occasions, insisted no payment be made at all.
Image credit: Google Maps
Address: 29 Bendemeer Road, #01-108 Bendemeer Market & Food Centre, Singapore 330029
Opening hours: 8am-2.45pm, Daily
Telephone: 6396 6212
16. Sidhu’s Brow House – Popular threading shop in Bishan
They say that the brows are the windows to the face – whoever “they” may be, it’s undeniable that a tidy set of eyebrows can have a dramatic effect on one’s appearance.
If you want to keep your caterpillars eyebrows under control, threading is a quick and effective option – and there’s no better place to try it than at Sidhu’s Brow House. Hidden in Bishan, the shop is especially popular among students studying in the neighbouring schools.
Image credit: Zula
Known for their speedy services done with expert precision, they’ll have you in and out before any of the pain even hits you.
Address: 503 Bishan Street 11, Singapore 570503
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11am-7pm | Sat-Sun 11am-6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6459 4282
Where to spend your CDC vouchers
Until about 10 minutes ago, chances are you were one of many who thought that your CDC vouchers could only be spent at the same hawker stalls you’ve been frequenting all your life. From this list, though, it’s clear that that is not the case.
From pet grooming to eyebrow threading, you can not only spend your vouchers on yourself, but your pets too. Heck, you can even spend them grooming the hair pets above your eyes.
Find out more about CDC vouchers here
While you’re here, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Eatbook, The Cat Cafe, @kevinteosy, Bakefresh Studio