Staying in the North has plenty of perks, with numerous attractions such as our world-famous Singapore Zoo and the only hot spring in Singapore, Sembawang Hotspring. Neighbourhoods that fall under the North area are Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Khatib, Yio Chu Kang, Sembawang, Woodlands and Seletar. To make your next makan trip easier, here are the best halal restaurants you should try in North Singapore.Read: Best Halal Restaurants & Cafes in Central Singapore - from Shellout, Salad Bar, Steakhouse to Thai Cuisine1. El Carbon Grill HouseSource: El Carbon Grill HouseSource: El Carbon Grill HouseSource: El Carbon Grill HouseFor a no-frills Western food that’s both delicious and highly affordable, El Carbon Grill House is your best bet. This authentic charcoal grill concept hawker shop had their first restaurant at Ang Mo Kio, but has since expanded to Yishun and Geylang. Not only does it have an aesthetic branding, but these good folks also go the extra mile with the matching plates and the overall white and blue colour scheme. Be impressed with their dishes too such as the Charbroiled Chicken Chop ($7.50), Grilled Norwegian Salmon ($11) and Carbonara ($5).Address: 721 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, #01-2823, S560721Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 9pm2. Coba CobaSource: Coba CobaSource: Coba CobaAlso known as “try try” in Malay, Coba Coba promises a satisfying Malay-Indo culinary experience. This humble café in the heart of Yishun serves Nasi Ambeng, a communal dining dish where everyone shares on the same tray. Starting from $32.90 for 2 pax and $43.90 for 3 pax, each tray comes with a variety of dishes. The Beef Rendang was tender due to its long hours of cooking, the Ayam Lemak was succulent, rich and creamy was just nice without being too jelak. Don’t forget to snap a shot of the beca (trishaw) right outside their restaurant.Address: 156 Yishun St 11, #01-106, S760156Opening hours: Mondays to Wednesdays 8am – 8pm, Thursdays to Sundays 10.30am – 8pm3. Fish & ChicksSource: Fish & ChicksSource: Fish & ChicksFusion food is either a hit or a miss, and at Fish n Chicks, it’s a hit for every dish. Their innovative take on incorporating Asian spices into classic Western dishes is praiseworthy. Their signature Mentaika Salmon Pasta ($10.90), is a hit with many of their customers for the al dente pasta and the thick slab of salmon topped with mentaiko sauce. Other fusion dishes include Tom Yum Pasta and Chilli Crab Fish & Chips ($9.90).Address: Food Paradise Coffeeshop, 120 Canberra Crescent, #01-01 S750120Opening hours: Daily 11am – 9.30pmRead: Best Halal REstaurants & Cafes in West Singapore - from Prawn Noodles, Mexican to Japanese Cuisine4. Yassin Kampung SeafoodSource: Yassin Kampung SeafoodSource: Yassin Kampung SeafoodReminisce the old kampong days and savour authentic Singaporean cuisine at Yassin Kampung Seafood. Established in 2002, the restaurant has four outlets in Clementi, Bedok, Admiralty and Woodlands. Helmed by Head Chef Muhammad Yassin Ng who has over 30 years of culinary experience, serves one of the best Halal zi char dishes in Singapore. Try their unique Kampung Durian Chicken ($20), an aromatic dish from the King of Fruits where the sauce coats every chunk of crispy chicken.Address: 676 Woodlands Dr 71, #01-03, S730676Opening hours: Daily 11am – 1amBook a Table here.5. Magic WokThere’s something magical about Thai food that we always find comfort in, and at Magic Wok, it’s a match made in heaven. Located at Sembawang Shopping Centre, they serve authentic Thai-Chinese cuisine with price starting from $4.80. Their raved Thai Pineapple Rice ($5.80), Phad Thai Prawn ($4.80) and Thai Prawn Cakes ($8.80) are some of their best-sellers. Magic Wok is easy on the wallet and worth every penny and your go-to Halal Thai restaurant in North Singapore.Address: 604 Sembawang Rd, #03-12/13, S758459Opening hours: Daily 10am – 10pm6. Citrus by the PoolSource: Citrus by the PoolSituated in Woodlands Swimming Complex, Citrus by the Pool is a Halal restaurant that prides itself in bringing people together over delicious comfort food. Started in 2013, the restaurant is a household name for not only residents in the North, but beyond.Source: Citrus by the PoolJust a 10 mins walk from Woodlands MRT, you’ll get to indulge on their best-selling dish, Fried Chicken & Waffle ($15.90) – chunks of crispy chicken atop a fluffy waffle, served with butter and choice of maple or homemade Citrus syrup on the side. Also, try the Big Boss Burger ($17.90). This giant dish of juicy double beef and mutton patty, with crispy fried onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, purple cabbage slaw smothered in satay sauce on toasted charcoal buns.Be sure to leave some room for dessert, because at Citrus by the Pool, their Mighty Milkshakes, such as the Caramel Popcorn and Snickerhead, will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.Address: Woodlands Swimming Complex, 3 Woodlands Street 13, S738600Opening hours: Tuesdays 9am – 3pm & 4pm – 10pm, Wednesdays to Sundays 11.30am – 3pm & 4.30pm – 10pm, closed on MondaysBook a Table here.7. Rasa Istimewa Waterfront RestaurantSource: Rasa Istimewa Waterfront RestaurantDining few metres away from the shore and above seawater are usually experiences we can only get overseas. However, at Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant you’ll get just that. Enjoy an unblocked view of the sea and Johor Bahru from the comfort of your seat while you dine. Indulge on an extensive range of Halal Chinese-styled seafood dishes, such as BBQ Shellfish Lala ($8), Nonya Sotong ($16) and Kung Po Chicken ($13).The limelight belongs to Rasa Istimewa Curry Fish Head ($25) - Red Snapper fish cooked perfectly in fiery curry gravy, resulting in delicate flesh that oozes with a tinge of sweetness from the fish’s natural flavour. It is served with an assortment of vegetables such as ladyfingers, eggplant and taupok that soaks up all the gravy goodness.Address: 6A Admiralty Road West, S757445Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 11.30pmRead: Best Halal Restaurants & Cafes in East Singapore - from Burgers, Tomahawk Steak, Italian to Peranakan Cuisine8. Tenderbest Makcik TuckshopSource: Tenderbest Makcik TuckshopSource: Tenderbest Makcik TuckshopAn extension to the Tenderfresh Tenderbest group, Tuckshop serves familiar comfort food that is both delicious and budget-friendly. Located in an industrial area in Woodlands, be left in awe by the jazz music playing in the background, and with the fancy wooden chairs and tables as their main furniture. Look up, and you’ll see beautiful illustrations of some of their cheeky quotes that’ll tickle your funny bones.Source: Tenderbest Makcik TuckshopTry the signature Crispy Fried Chicken and Roasted Chicken Leg that comes with yellow butter rice or the Laksa Prawn Spaghetti. It’s a Laksa-infused sauce, mixed with al dente pasta and fresh juicy prawns. Each bite exudes a familiar taste and pays homage to our favourite iconic local dish. Or try their mouthwatering Nasi Lemak served with fiery chicken.Address: MEGA@Woodlands, 39 Woodlands Close #01-68, S737856Opening hours: Daily 11am – 10pm9. Taste GardenLocated about 10 mins walk from Khatib MRT, Taste Garden is nestled in ORTO, a recreational park located in the North of Singapore. Taste Garden is one of the 10 restaurants in ORTO, and it’s Halal! Instead of your usual seafood options, the restaurant serves French cuisine, such as the special Confit De Canard – a classic French dish that comprises of a duck leg, served with mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms.  Here, you can try Miso Butter Chicken Roulade ($18.90), a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine. If you’re craving for local delights, be impressed by the Nasi Briyani Lamb Shank ($21.90). Due to the large area, you can also hold various events such as corporate meetings, wedding celebrations and birthday parties, that’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression.Address: 81 Lor Chencharu #01-02/03, S768198Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 10.30pm10. Royal Palm @ Orchid Country ClubServing eclectic options of Halal dishes from Asian to Mediterranean, Royal Palm @ Orchid Country Club uses only premium ingredients, making it one of the best Halal buffet restaurants in Singapore. Come for their dinner buffet, and you’ll get to taste their signature satay (chicken or mutton) from their barbecue station – juicy and tender meat with the right amount of char. Do note that they have a different menu every day, so it’s best to check their website to know what you’ll be expecting. Be sure to dine at the al fresco area, for a pool view and enjoy the breeze while you dine.The restaurant is within the country club, with 350 seating capacity that allows you to hold private events. If you’re coming from Yishun MRT, there’s a free shuttle service to Orchid Country Club daily, with 15 minutes interval from 8am to 11.30pm (from Orchid Country Club).Address: Social Clubhouse, 1 Orchid Club Road, #01-21/22, S768162Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 10pmBook a Table here.

Look around and you’ll probably see kids glued to their gadgets playing games or watching endless hours of video playback. How about bringing the kids outdoors for some family-fun activities? From discovering hidden gems such as animal farm in Seletar, exploring indoor Canopy Parks or having a splashing good time at water parks, these attractions will give you some ideas to explore Singapore with the kids.1. Jacob Ballas Children’s GardenSource: NParksSource: NParksDid you know Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is the first garden in Asia dedicated to children? Let the kids run wild and learn more about nature through the educational programmes for kids up to 14 years old. Get up close with green veggies at the Farm House, swing at the flying fox, or balance on the wooden bridge at Forest Zone. Best of all, admission is FREE! Psst… here are other FREE attractions you should check out too.481 Bukit Timah Rd, S259769Daily 8am – 7pm (last admission 6.30pm), closed on MondaysAdmission: FREE2. Canopy Web at Learning Forest, Singapore Botanic GardensSource: NParksSource: NParksBe amazed and witness trees that can grow up to the height of a 20-storey building at SPH Walk of Giants - Canopy Web at Learning Forest. Spot the Damar Hitam Gajah, with its cauliflower-like tree crowns and one of the largest tree here that can grow up to 80 metres in height. For the main attraction, get a closer look of the tree trunks at the Canopy Web where kids can experience what it feels like climbing a tree from a height of about 8 metres. Be sure to wear proper footwear and no jumping is allowed.Be sure to grab some food from these kid-friendly cafes nearby.1 Cluny Rd, Botanical Garden S259569Daily 5am – 12amAdmission: FREE3. Bird-spotting at Kranji MarshesSource: NParksSource: NParksEscape the sounds of the city and bring your binoculars for bird-spotting with the kids at Kranji Marshes! Start your morning walk with the family and spot rare birds such as the Black Naped Oriole, Javan Mynah or the Red-wattled Lapwing. Get a bird’s eye view and spot them from the 10-metre tall Raptor Tower.11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, S718814 (Next to D’Kranji Farm Resort)Daily 7am – 7pmPrice: FREEMake sure you slather sunblock for this adventurous trip! Get your favourite brands from Watsons or Guardian.4. Admiralty Park SlidesSource: NParksSource: NParksThe largest park in Woodlands, Admiralty Park is a 7-hectare space with a play area that features 26 slides! Divided into three main play areas – Adventure Play, Junior Play and Family Terracing Play, the playground is inclusive and caters to all kids, with and without special needs. Adjacent to the playground, take a stroll past a mangrove and open grassland which is home to more than 100 species of flora and fauna.31 Riverside Rd, S730000 (Next to Republic Polytechnic)Opens daily5. Future World at ArtScience MuseumSource: ArtScience MuseumSource: ArtScience MuseumA permanent exhibition at Singapore’s Art Science Museum, where art meets science. Created by teamLab, a Japanese interdisciplinary art collective, let the kids run riot with their impressive interactive and high-tech exhibits. Enter various magical worlds from Universe of Water Particles, Flowers & People, The Way of Birds to 100 Years Sea. After a day of exploring, why not grab some delicious burgers and monster milkshakes from Black Tap?6 Bayfront Ave, S018974Daily 10am – 7pm (last entry 5.30pm)Price: $45 for Family (2 Adults & 2 Children)6. Adventure Cove Waterpark at Resorts World Singapore (RWS)For a splashing good time under the sun, head over to Adventure Cove at RWS. Laze the day away in their lazy river, challenge the kids at the Dueling Racer or feel the adrenaline at their Riptide Rocket slide. For a more up-close experience, snorkel with 20,000 friendly fishes at the Rainbow Reef. After a day of adventure, treat the kids to some of the best ice-cream before heading home.8 Sentosa Gateway, S098269Closed until further notice, keep a lookout on their official websitePrice: 1-Day ticket $32 for Adult and $24 for Child (aged 4 to 12)7. Wild Wild WetTravel to the East and soak up the fun at Wild Wild Wet! At this insanely fun and newly revamped water park, get pumped up at their famous Free Fall (a vertical drop slide), Vortex (a 360-degree loop slide) or Kraken Racers (four-lane mat racer slide). But more importantly, there’s a Kids Zone, Splash Play and Professor’s Playground for the little ones where they can go down the mini tunnel slide and swim through the shallow 0.1 metre pool.Downtown East, 1 Pasir Rise Close, S519599Thursdays to Mondays, 12pm – 6pmPrice: SingapoRediscovers promo of $15 Day Pass till 31 Oct8. Canopy Park at Jewel Changi AirportSource: Jewel Changi AirportStay indoors for some fun at Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park that welcomes both the young and young at heart. There are 9 attractions here such as Mirror Maze, Discovery Slides, Petal Garden, and many more. But the one we love most is the Manulife Sky Nets, where you can leap around this giant net stretching 250 metres long.Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, S819666Daily 10am – 11pmPrice: For Bouncing, $19.80 for Adult & $16 for Child / For Walking, $13.50 for Adult and $9 for Child9. Forest AdventureSource: Forest AdventureSource: Forest AdventureAllow the kids to muster their courage and test their coordination skills at Forest Adventure, Singapore’s first treetop adventure course park. Start with the Kids Course (for kids aged 5 to 9 years old) to conquer 22 crossings and two zip lines, before moving on to the Junior Course and Grand Course.Bedok Reservoir Park, S479244Daily 9.30am – 6.30pm, closed on Mondays & ThursdaysPrice: $39 on Tuesdays (save $11 on the Grand Course) and $40 for Students on weekdays for Grand Course (U.P. $50)10. The Animal ResortDid you know besides our famous Singapore Zoo, we also have an animal farm in Seletar? Get a more kampong experience while you get up-close and personal with the friendly animals. You’ll see exotic birds such as Cassowary and Marabou Stork. Partake in animal feeding time and purchase a packet of hay for the horse, carrots for the rabbits or bread for birds. Do note that all visitors must make a reservation before your visit and they have two sessions from 10am – 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Email to jacqueline_lim@rictedkennels.com or WhatsApp to 91271323 with your Name, Date of Visit, Session A/ B and No. of Pax.81 Seletar West Farmway 5, S798058Friday to Sunday 10am – 5pmPrice: $8 for Adult (includes 5 packs of Animal Feeds) and $8 for Child (below 12 years old – includes 1 pack of Animal Feed)For successful cashback tracking, sign in to meREWARDS and click ‘Buy Now’ in brands’ pages. For more information on cashback, read here.

You spend most of your time at work and you should take note of the different steps to be a better worker for the team, and yourself. While having technical skills are crucial for your professional success, don’t ignore the soft skills (also known as people skills) as well. With a combination of technical and soft skills, you’ll perform better at work and might get that promotion. Here are 10 simple steps you’ll need to succeed at work.1. Take InitiativeWhether it’s for a work project or something personal like a birthday celebration or team lunch, step up to the plate from time to time, but just ensure it doesn’t interfere with your day job. Putting the initiative shows your boss and colleagues that you are willing to take charge when the time calls for it.2. Evaluate Yourself and Avoid Judging OthersIt’s easy to compare your performance to your colleagues’, whether you’re doing better or worse than them. But, why bother comparing? Be your own evaluator, and do occasional self-reflection. The best way to do this is by setting quantifiable goals with timelines. Month on month, you can assess your progress and see how much you have achieved and where can you perform better.3. Speak Up More During MeetingsRegardless if it’s an immediate team meeting or with other internal stakeholders, speak up and voice your opinions. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you by not voicing out your thoughts. Chances are, your thoughts could be the solution to a problem. If it helps, take note of the meeting’s agenda and pen down pointers for discussion before the meeting to prep yourself.4. Stay Organised and Take NotesOur brains can only remember so much information. Before you start your day, create a to-do list so you know exactly what’s needed to be done. Keep it short and sweet! Also, have a calendar on your desk and take note of the key important dates such as payment milestones or deadlines. Take notes when you’re in a meeting as well, so you can recap them over emails post-meeting to ensure all parties are aligned and clear of the next steps. Be cognizant that every task you do should bring you one step closer to your company’s goals and mission.Shop notebooks at Shopee, AliExpress, and Amazon SG.5. Forge RelationshipsWorking in a healthy social environment is important. Thus, while you are required to perform your best at work, spend some time to socialise with your colleagues and forge relationships. Understand how your colleagues want to be appreciated and show gratitude whenever they help you. Saying “thank you” is a good start! Remember that your colleagues aren’t your competitors, they are your team members. When everyone gets along well with each other, it creates a healthy working environment which helps you grow.6. Practice Active ListeningWhile it’s important to be collaborative with your colleagues, avoid speaking whatever is in your mind. Rather, allow your colleagues to finish and truly understand what he/ she would like to convey before you provide your two cents. Remember that being respectful at work is a key factor in a healthy working environment.7. Embrace Your FailuresFor you to be at the top, you’ll have to climb your way up from the bottom. Don’t be afraid of looking weak and failing, because if you have never failed in your life, you have never lived. If you’re stuck in a rut, ask for help! However, do ensure you’ve exhausted all possible solutions first, so it shows that you’ve put in your 110% effort to find the solution. Failing doesn’t need to be negative, it can be seen positively, where it allows you to get out of your comfort zone to develop new skills and encourage you to take more risks. Find out how you can manage stress in 10 mins or less here.8. Being HonestHonesty is the best policy! If you’re in a situation where you made a mistake, own up to it instead of sweeping it under the rug. Being honest with your boss and the team, allows them to trust you better. Once people find out you’re dishonest, it would be challenging to regain their trust. Don’t be afraid of failures! Read #7.9. Practice Strong Communication SkillIt’s one of the fundamentals, but the most important skill that one should inculcate. By having good communication skill, it allows your thoughts to be translated into words and ensuring others understand you clearly. For example, if you have to disagree with a colleague’s idea, learn how to provide constructive feedback by giving suggestions on how to elevate them, instead of completely disregarding their ideas.Shop self-help books at Kinokuniya Singapore.10. Be Prim and ProperEven if your office has a fairly informal dress code, it is not an invitation to show up in distressed jeans and flip flops. Looking polished and professional will also bolster your confidence. Invest in classic staples that will take you a long way.Dress your way to success in Charles & Keith, Zalora, Pedro, Pomelo and Love Bonito.For successful cashback tracking, sign in to meREWARDS and click ‘Buy Now’ in brands’ pages. For more information on cashback, read here.