New sorbet based on signature drink to be launched at Istana Open House

Called the Istana Harvest Sorbet, Dr Tan and Mrs Tan will be launching the sorbet to commemorate Singapore’s 52nd birthday.

Dr Tony Tan said the Istana Harvest is a signature drink created in 2016 using ingredients found in the Istana’s Spice Garden.

“Currently served exclusively to foreign dignitaries and guests of the Istana, Mrs Tan and I wanted to share this unique flavour with more Singaporeans. We therefore explored the idea of creating a sorbet based on the Istana Harvest drink, as a refreshing treat for visitors to our Istana Open House,” he said.

A collaboration between the President’s Office and President’s Challenge partner Udders Ice Cream, the Istana Harvest Sorbet will be on sale at the Udders Ice Cream booths at the Istana Open House.

All proceeds will be donated to President’s Challenge.

Another highlight of the Istana Open House is the annual Istana Art Event, organised by the Singapore Art Museum and the National Heritage Board.

The Istana Art Event comprises an on-the-spot art competition for three-to 12-year-olds and hands-on activity booths at the Arts & Heritage Village.

The Village will offer art and craft activities such as batik painting and calligraphy.

Visitors can also look forward to music performances by Ang Mo Kio Secondary School as well as song and dance performances by Thye Hua Kwan Child Care and Student Care Centre and So Drama! Entertainment.

The Open House will also have paid tours such as a guided nature walk to showcase the Istana’s flora, fauna and biodiversity as well as a tour of the Istana main building.

Istana souvenirs as well as long-stemmed red and white roses by Roses Only will be on sale during the Open House.

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents.

All others visitors will have to pay an entrance fee of $2 each.

Proceeds from the sale of souvenirs and all entrance fees collected will be donated to charity.