ingaporeans will have another Japanese snack brand to look forward to here, when Giraffa opens its first Singapore outlet at Westgate mall this December. The curry bun chain, which is popular in its native Kamakura, is named after the Italian word for ‘giraffe’. According to its website, that’s because the chain “hopes that [their] curry bread would be something customers wait for with [stretched necks], like a giraffe with a long neck”. Giraffa's hoarding at Westgate. (Photo: 8Days) According to its hoarding, the chain has won the “Japanese Golden Award for three consecutive years”. Giraffa specialises in curry buns which boast light and chewy bread that is “slightly sweet with a milky flavour”, stuffed with a chunky beef-and-pork curry filling. The curry itself is sweetened with honey and apples, with tartness from tomatoes and red wine. Giraffa also apparently uses ”a blend of 30 kinds of spices, including turmeric, coriander and cumin, which creates rich aroma and flavour”. While most Japanese curry buns are coated with panko crumbs before being deep-fried, Giraffa’s version has a “specially formulated batter that gives it a light, crispy texture”. 

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Update on Jan 10: Responding to a Stomp query, SBS Transit spokeswoman Grace Wu said: "Thankfully no one, including our bus captain, was injured in this incident. "We are sorry for the distress and inconvenience caused to affected passengers. We are assisting the police in their investigations." Original article: A 74-year-old bus driver is assisting with police investigations after an accident in Bedok on Jan 9. The police told Stomp they were alerted to the accident along Bedok Reservoir Road towards Kaki Bukit at 12.15pm. The bus was believed to have skidded. No injuries were reported. Stomper Remy said he was returning to work after lunch when he witnessed the bus plough through the grass verge. A video that he shared shows an SBS Transit bus mounting the pavement. The bus appears to have narrowly avoided hitting a lamppost and a tree. An ambulance can be spotted at the scene. Remy recounted: "I was amazed to see the entire bus go in straight. You can see the bus on the right side of the grass when you turn into the Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu mosque and go straight on the second traffic light." Police investigations are ongoing.

While there are probable Singapore winners arising from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), analysts believe that there are even more Malaysian beneficiaries. “Stock beneficiaries are largely on the Malaysia side. Most of the nine zones focus on manufacturing and logistics, with some energy and other service sectors identified,” said Macquarie in a note. The SEZ comprises nine zones in the state of Johor that will enjoy tax incentives under the agreement. Both countries have set a target of 50 projects in five years and 100 projects in 10 years; the goal is to drive investments in 11 key sectors. Want the full story? PAP AND PAP la

3   If you’ve never dined at the Prada-run Pasticceria Marchesi in Milan or the Prada Caffe in London, there’s no need for FOMO. The Italian fashion house has just soft-launched its newly refreshed boutique at #01-01 and #02-15 Ion Orchard, now featuring its latest addition: an in-store Prada Caffe. Credit:Imran Jalal The dramatic spiral staircase that leads to the Prada Caffe The F&B joint occupies the second floor of the duplex store, which spans over 12,900 square feet and features everything from ready-to-wear to homeware and fine jewellery. Inspired by Prada’s iconic flagship at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan – home to the brand’s first boutique, opened in 1913 – the cafe showcases the signature mint green walls and black-and-white chequered marble floor synonymous with Prada’s aesthetic. Credit:Pang Jia Wei Prada packages its takeaway desserts in sustainable packaging made from a composite of potato starch. Overlooking Orchard Road through its curved glass facade, adorned with the Prada triangle pattern, the cafe offers an elegant in-dining area with plush green velvet sofas, black marble-top tables, and dining chairs. There’s also dining-out service for those on the go. Credit:Pang Jia Wei   The Prada Caffe is currently not open for dine-in service, but customers can still enjoy takeaway options for its confectionery and desserts. The yet-to-be-confirmed menu features brunch and tea-time favourites. During our preview, we sampled items like Lobster Toast and Smoked Salmon & Avocado Crostone, along with indulgent sweet treats such as Berries Tartelet and Apricot Sacher Cake. Sweet-tooth customers will be spoilt for choice with tartlets, pralines, panettone, and pastel-hued monoportions that evoke the same sophisticated shades as Prada’s iconic bags. Credit:Noelle Loh Prada monoportions, each topped with the signature Prada triangle, come in a variety of flavours: green is pistachio, pink is red fruit, and blue is gianduja. Currently, the cafe is not taking dining-in reservations as they are fulfilling VIP appointments, but customers can still grab takeaway monoportions, tartlets, pralines, and panettone.