With National Day approaching, we look at some of the cultures that also run alongside our national heritage: the rich Peranakan culture. Starbucks and The Intan — a private museum for Peranakan culture with tours & artefacts — have come together to launch the Starbucks + The Intan Collection — a collaboration that has been in the works for around a year.
Through this collaboration, they have created aesthetic Peranakan-inspired designs that depict iconic Peranakan shophouses in a cool and cute art style.
These designs are available on Starbucks merchandise like the mug (S$27.90), tumbler (S$29.90), and cold cup (S$29.90). You can grab them for yourself to up your aesthetic lifestyle game or present them as a gift to friends and family!
Not only will you be able to view the design on the merchandise, but if you happen to pass by the Starbucks Jewel flagship store or their outlet at Katong Square, you will be able to view them on a much larger scale. And if you look closely at some of the designs, you just might be able to spy a unique feature with your little eye. Spoiler Alert: It’s the classic Starbucks cup right in the middle!
While new merchandise is available with this collaboration, another Starbucks collab features a whole new menu too! Starbucks has partnered with the Singapore Kindness Movement to bring an all-new locally-inspired menu — Shiok! Food and the Shiok-a-ccino beverages will be available at all Starbucks outlets.
Cast the greys away and feel shiok with the Coffee with Earl Grey Jelly Shiok-ah-ccino (Tall, S$8.40)! Starbucks signature espresso blended with chocolate chips for that addictive gao flavour, paired with silky Earl Grey Jelly. Can you spot the adorable Singa chocolate topper hidden within the fluffy whipped cream?
If you’re more of a tea person, the Intense Tea with Earl Grey Jelly Shiok-ah-ccino (Tall, S$8.40) will satisfy your tastebuds. The beverage features a milk tea base, vanilla syrup and Earl Grey Jelly, the perfect solution for the sunny Singapore weather. Whipped cream with caramel drizzle and a Singa chocolate topper rest on this creamy smooth concoction — a tea-lightful treat for a satisfying finish. Hurry over to your nearest Starbucks, as the Shiok-a-ccinos will only be available for a limited time!
The little Singa chocolate topper is not the only cute addition to your drink; get a free Starbucks X Singapore Kindness Movement limited edition cup bag with every purchase of a venti-sized Shiok-a-ccino.
But drinks aren’t the only thing on the menu. Not one but three new local-inspired flavoured cakes, Mango Shortcake, Milo Gao Siew Dai Cheesecake and Pandan Coconut Cheesecake, will be available as part of the Shiok! Food menu at S$7.90 each.
Out of the three, the Pandan Coconut Cheesecake takes the cake! (Get it?) The pandan was not too overpowering, and the top was entirely covered with coconut shavings, adding a fruity flavour. The cake had the perfect balance of flavours and went exceptionally well together; I was tempted to get another few slices all for myself!
The cake has taken over as my number-one favourite cheesecake flavour! So if you’re in dire need of some sugar in your system, give it a try!
Last but not least, the Shiok! Food menu also includes some homely pies, which are my personal favourites! Choosing a favourite was a challenge, but why pick one when you can get both? The Curry Chicken Pie (S$7.50) was absolutely delicious, and the chicken portions were also generous! The huge chunks of chicken were juicy and coated with the flavourful curry — I was stuffed after eating this pie alone.
My other favourite dish, the Prawn Laksa Mac & Cheese (S$7.50), was also good! Surprising, considering I was initially very sceptical about the combination. Never would I have expected Prawn Laksa and Mac & Cheese to come together as one pie. But I was immediately proven wrong after giving it a go; never have I been happier to be proven wrong! The pie was stuffed with prawns and fried tofu on top of the mac & cheese and was gone within minutes.
So if you spot a Starbucks or are craving something other than your usual Starbucks order, give the all-new Shiok-ah! Food menu a try! And while you’re there, get your hands on the gorgeous merchandise in stores or purchase them online to level up your drinking experience. And hurry, as they’re only available while stocks last!
If you’re thirsty for more information on the new menu, visit your nearest Starbucks outlet or simply head over to the Starbucks Singapore website.
Photos by Sharleen Nadya of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Starbucks Singapore.
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