Just like The Lion City, the Singapore Grand Prix is many things—bold, quirky, and glamorous.

What better way to celebrate the Singapore F1 weekend, than by exploring Singapore on a grand adventure with a twist? Part of a TikTok campaign with Aussie comedy trio @Swag.On.The.Beat, we invite you to experience Singapore with three unexpected locals who would know it best–three gran(dmother)s.

In this first part of the guide, join Gran Appolina, as she uncovers hidden gems across the island on her ‘Gran’ Prix Singapore Style. A world of traditional fun, feasts and heritage awaits.

10am: Eurasian Heritage Centre

Singapore may be a modern Asian city, but I enjoy its traditional side best—we're a melting pot of cultures, races and ethnicities, and a city of delightful, unexpected treasures. To learn more about our diverse traditions, I recommend spending the morning at the Eurasian Heritage Centre.

The space consists of three heritage galleries, filled with fascinating factoids about Singapore's vibrant Eurasian community (which I'm proud to be part of!). You'll get to learn about local icons and prominent personalities, from Olympic Gold Medallist Joseph Schooling to politicians like Benjamin Sheares.

12pm: Quentin's the Eurasian Restaurant

I love to cook Eurasian dishes and my heirloom recipes have been passed down through generations, so food is something that's near and dear to my heart. Eurasian cuisine is all about variety and versatility, and you can sample authentic fare at Quentin’s the Eurasian Restaurant.

The restaurant has two outlets—one located at Sentosa and the other within the same building as the Eurasian Heritage Centre—making it convenient for when you're done exploring the galleries. I recommend trying the Curry Devil and Sugee Cake!

2pm: Singapore Sidecars Tour of Joo Chiat and Katong

While you can certainly explore Singapore on foot, one of the most novel ways to discover our sunny island is from the sidecar of a vintage Vespa. 

The Singapore Sidecars tour will take you on a whirlwind ride around the neighbourhood of Joo Chiat and Katong. It's one of Singapore's most beautiful districts, filled with rich history and unique architectural styles, from heritage shophouses to pastel-coloured terrace buildings.

The two-hour tour will bring you to a local hawker centre (a great option for lunch!), as well as a pre-war school that's now home to an arts complex with pottery workshops, martial arts schools and music studios. 

4pm: Tong Mern Sern Antiques

I love antiques, and Tong Mern Sern is a great place to go treasure hunting. 

This charming space is housed in a conserved pre-war shop, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, and is filled to the brim with interesting artifacts and curious items. You'll find old vases, beautiful religious statues, ceramics, glassware and so much more!

630pm: Keng Eng Kee Seafood

When I have friends visiting from overseas, I always bring them to eat zi char (meaning "cook and fry"). Keng Eng Kee is a great place as the food here is always delicious. 

This five-decade-old eatery's been run for three generations with their most popular dish being the Moonlight hor fun (think Singapore's version of a carbonara)—which is made with velvety, wok-fried flat rice noodles topped with an egg yolk. You'll also want to try their other dishes like coffee pork ribs and marmite chicken.

8pm: Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert

Singapore's hawker centres are some of the best places to dine like a local. If you’re in search for a sweet treat to round off your evening, I heartily recommend Jin Jin Hot/Cold Dessert.

Located in the ABC Brickworks Food Centre, this stall specialises in a range of traditional treats like chendol (shaved ice dessert made with rice flour jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup) and cheng tng (a cold, clear soup made with a variety of healthy ingredients).

My personal favourite dessert here is their ice kachang (shaved ice dessert made with red beans, jelly and syrup), which comes topped with durian puree or mango chunks.

Gran's Gift to bring Home—Sugee Cake

Eurasians in Singapore tend to eat Sugee Cake on festive occasions like Christmas, but you can eat this treat year-round if you fancy it! It's made with semolina and almonds and topped with marzipan and royal icing.