Audience: Family

Have Breakfast At Tiffany’s: Free Croissants And Coffee From Tiong Bahru Bakery Available 27 Aug To 3 Sep

For those of you who loved the classic 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn, having ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is no longer a dream.

Tiffany & Co. is collaborating with Tiong Bahru Bakery as part of the launch of their Tiffany Paper Flowers collection in Singapore.

From 27 August to 3 September 2018, Tiong Bahru Bakery will be handing out free croissants and coffee from their striking turquoise kiosk outside ION Orchard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm-WspPHqTb/

There are, however, certain prerequisites before you proceed to claim your croissant and coffee.

First, you’ll have to take a photo of the kiosk.

Next, upload it onto Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #tiffanypaperflowers and #tiongbahrubakery.

That’s it. You have earned your breakfast. Or lunch. Note that the kiosk operates from 10am to 2pm daily.

But if a croissant and a coffee isn’t sufficient, then you might want to head to the actual OG Tiong Bahru Bakery instead, which has also been taken over by Tiffany & Co.’s signature colour.

This is a feast for eyes, as much as it is for the stomach.

For those of you who are more interested in the Tiffany Paper Flowers jewellery collection, check out their ad below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTjxuqn67d4

The collection arrives in Singapore on 1 September 2018. In the meantime, can I interest you in some light refreshments? A croissant, perhaps?

Tiffany & Co. x Tiong Bahru Bakery Kiosk
Venue: ION Orchard, outside Tiffany & Co.
Date: 27 Aug – 3 Sep 2018
Opening Hours: 10am – 2pm
Website

Also read Life’s A Beach – Sentosa Offers FREE Entry For S’poreans From 1 to 16 September

(Header Image Source: @tiongbahrubakery)

Life’s A Beach – Sentosa Offers FREE Entry For S’poreans From 1 to 16 September

It’s almost September. You know what that means? It means Mercury is no longer in retrograde and that the 1-week September school holiday is almost here.

That’s right. From 1 to 16 September 2018, all Singapore residents will get free entry into Sentosa as the island gears up for Southeast Asia’s largest sand festival, the Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition!

Free Admission For All Modes Of Entry

Whether you’re entering via the Sentosa Express trains or driving in with Singapore-registered vehicles, admission fees will be waived.

What’s more, there will also be a competition where 14 of the world’s best sand sculptors will take part in a MARVEL-themed sand sculpting showdown.

You can catch the sand sculptors at work if you visit Sentosa from 1 to 3 September 2018.

Admission to Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition is free.

Dress Up And Win

Lastly, stand to win $700 worth of credits from Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore and $250 worth of credits from Capella Singapore when you dress up for Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition!

All you have to do is take a photo of yourself posing in your superhero costume at Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition, upload it to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #sentosasandsation before 2 September 2018, 11:59pm!

So this September school holiday, it’s time to take the family to Sentosa!

Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Date: 1 – 16 Sep 2018
Website

Also read Take Your Tastebuds Around The World At S’pore’s Largest Food Fair – Happening 30 Aug To 2 Sep

(Header Image Source: RSBU)

Take Your Tastebuds Around The World At S’pore’s Largest Food Fair – Happening 30 Aug To 2 Sep

As the end of August approaches, many events are taking place. If you love your booze, then you’ll be glad to know that Beerfest Asia will begin this Thursday all through the weekend.

However, if you’re not much of a drinker, then how about munching your way through the World Food Fair?

(Header Image Source:

FatBurger Gives You A Taste Of America With Its Quadruple-Sized Burgers – To Open 7 September

First, Shake Shack announces that they’ll be opening in Jewel Changi Airport.

Now, another American fast food chain has announced that they will be opening in Singapore – say hello to Fatburger!

Most of you would be wondering what Fatburger is, because our American fast food vocabulary is limited to Shake Shack, In-N-Out, Wendy’s and McDonald’s.

To start off, there is no affiliation to FatPapas or FatBoy’s.

All-American Fast Food

Fatburger has actually been around since 1952 and voted as America’s Best Burger on many occasions.

It’s odd that they’ve managed to stay out of Singaporeans’ fast food radar, considering that they have outlets in Japan, Beijing, and the Philippines.

Now that they’ve decided to open in Singapore, the first 2 stores will be opening in OneKM Mall in Katong and Velocity at Novena Square.

Here’s a look at what the stores are expected to look like.

If you think this is just another run-of-the-mill fast food chain, think again. Every burger is cooked upon order using fresh lean beef, chicken, or turkey.

While the full menu has not been revealed, we do know that you can choose to customise your burger in 4 available sizes – Single, Double, Triple, and Quadruple.

The last fast food chain that offered multi-layered burgers was Wendy’s (and we all know what happened to her). But here’s to Fatburger bringing it back because we’re all for customisable meals.

For sides, there’s your standard skinny fries, fat fries (chips), sweet potato fries, and onion rings. We’re loving this inclusivity. #AllSidesMatter

That’s not all, they even offer Buffalo Wings – traditional, boneless, and tenders.

To go with your burger, fries and buffalo wings, how about some milkshakes?

FatBurger has 4 flavours to choose from – Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Cookies & Cream.

The first outlet to open will be at OneKM, on 7 September 2018. The outlet at Velocity @ Novena Square will open a week later, on 14 September 2018.

Are you excited to try Fatburger?

Fatburger
Website

Also read If You’re Mad For Marbling, This Restaurant Serves Grade 9 Wagyu Beef Bowls Under $25

(Header Image Source: FatBurger Singapore)

Hold On To Your Straw Hats – The One Piece Exhibition Arrives On Our Shores This Nov

Back in April, we had a One Piece pop-up store at 313 @ Somerset for a week, which was the first One Piece-themed attraction/establishment that we’ve had.

This coming November, the Thousand Sunny and the Straw Hat crew will be back once again and docking in Resorts World Sentosa!

That’s right, from 27 November 2018 to 1 January 2019, the Straw Hat crew will be taking over the Maritime Experiential Museum for the Hello, One Piece Exhibition!

A pirate crew, in the Maritime Experiential Museum. How apt.

At the moment, there’s not much details revealed about the upcoming exhibition. All we know is that it’ll be at the Maritime Experiential Museum for slightly over a month.

For those of you wondering where the museum is, it’s that first few sections that you pass through when visiting the S.E.A Aquarium.

Entry to the Maritime Experiential Museum is $6 for children aged 4 to 12, $5 for senior citizens, and $9 for Singaporean adults.

In the meantime, this post will be updated once more information is released. Do keep checking back!

‘Hello, One Piece’ Exhibition
Venue: Maritime Experiential Museum, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Date: 27 Nov 2018 – 1 Jan 2019
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 7pm, Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6577 8888
Website

Also read Neon Lights Festival Is Finally Back This November – Interpol And Yuna To Headline

(Header Image Source: MyAnimeList)

If You’re Mad For Marbling, This Restaurant Serves Grade 9 Wagyu Beef Bowls Under $25

Let me just start off with a disclaimer – I’m a huge fan of steak.

So imagine my delight when I learned that I was going to be sampling Wagyu beef bowls one fine afternoon.

A short ride on my Grab later, I find myself in the heart of the CBD, at TOKIDON.

Beef Appreciation 101

Some background – TOKIDON is the new brainchild of the people who brought us sake gastrobar Kabuke, with the aim to educate customers and make them more discerning when it comes to beef.

Standing at the helm of this new venture, is Head Chef, Rio Neo.

Chef Neo started working in the kitchen when he was younger, helping out in his parents’ economic bee hoon stall, preparing ingredients and cooking. It is this experience which inculcated in him the belief that simple ingredients can produce big flavours, and that not everything has to be expensive to taste good.

He would later encounter the variety of Wagyu beef, as well as the different cuts and preparation methods during his time working in Fat Cow.

His stint in Kinki also equipped him with the know-how when it comes to food presentation and seamless fusion of different cuisines.

These experiences would subsequently culminate in TOKIDON’s menu.

A Beef-ed Up Menu

TOKIDON specialises in Wagyu beef bowls.

Chef Neo uses Grade 6 and Grade 9 Australian grass-fed Wagyu beef in the rice bowls.

For those of you who don’t know what the rankings mean, Australian Wagyu goes by the ranking of 1 to 9, with Grade 9 Wagyu having the best marbling (fat to lean meat ratio).

He mentions that he personally sources for the farms that raise the cows, to ensure that they live in optimal conditions and that the way the cows are slaughtered plays a part in the quality of the beef.

“Happy cows equals to delicious beef”, he quipped.

TOKIDON serves up 4 cuts of beef – Wagyu Tenderloin, Wagyu Striploin, Striploin, and Wagyu Shortplate.

If you’re new to Wagyu beef, Chef Neo recommends the Gyu Don ($11.90) which uses Striploin. It has a balanced fat to lean meat ratio, so it won’t be too rich and jelak after finishing a bowl.

But for those of you looking for something a little different, go for the Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($17.90) which uses Wagyu Shortplate. It’s a unique cut of beef that’s offered at TOKIDON.

Wagyu Shortplate is usually braised or slow-cooked to offset the chewy and tougher texture of the cut. At TOKIDON, the Wagyu Shortplate is sliced thinly and cooked sukiyaki-style, before it’s served in the beef bowl.

The result is a Wagyu beef bowl that makes Yoshinoya’s Gyu Don retire in shame.

Chef Neo’s personal favourite, however, is the Truffle Wagyu Don ($23.90), which uses Wagyu Striploin and is dressed with a house blend of truffle and soy sauce.

For the accompanying pescatarians, TOKIDON didn’t forget about you guys. They have a Salmon Cha Soba ($16.90) which comes with a teriyaki-glazed, sashimi-grade salmon served on a base of green tea soba and an onsen egg.

If you’re looking to reduce your carb intake, you can choose from a salad or cha soba for other base options.

While the mains are great, the sides aren’t lacking either, with options such as Tori Karaage skewers with Yuzu mayo ($1.90), Fried Ebi skewers with Mentaiko sauce ($1.90), Spicy Corn Cup ($3.90), and Wagyu Suji Miso Soup ($3.90).

The side that stood out to me was the Wagyu Suji Miso Soup. It was an interesting creation and I’ve never seen it served in Singapore.

Chef Neo explained that he tries not to waste any part of the beef, so he used the wagyu trimmings to make the soup, and mixed in miso paste for additional flavour.

“Suji is actually a dish I came upon when I was in travelling in Japan, where it was served in traditional restaurants. It’s like a stew that the Japanese usually prepare in Winter. It’s very comforting”, said Chef Neo.

This is a side dish that you have to try. It’s worth every cent.

TOKIDON also has a Sunakku menu that starts at 3pm. The only items on the Sunakku menu currently are the Wagyu Sliders ($12.90) and Wagyu Bolognese ($9.90).

The Wagyu Bolognese comes served with buttered, toasted slices of foccacia, which goes incredibly well with the Wagyu Bolognese.

The beverage menu features authentic Japanese canned drinks (from $2.90) and cup sakes ($11.90).

Happy hour begins from 4pm to 9pm and every order of 10 beers or 5 cups of sakes will get you one-hour of FREE FLOW TORI KARAAGE. This is not a joke.

TOKIDON Merchandise

Food aside, TOKIDON has also collaborated with local artist and creator of Kult Magazine, Gallery & Studio, Mojoko, and Flabslab to come up with official merchandise.

Get the limited edition “Tok-Tee” for $59.90, or the adorable 8-bit acrylic keychains at $9.90 each, or $26.90 for a set of 3.

What’s more, with every purchase of a beef bowl at TOKIDON will earn you a chance to try your hand at their Gachapon machine where you’ll stand to win any of the acrylic keychains or meal vouchers.

So if you ever get the craving for wagyu beef, TOKIDON is the place to go, with really affordable (there’s no GST) and high quality Wagyu beef bowls, perfect for the uninitiated or seasoned wagyu connoisseur.

As for me, I’m definitely returning for more wagyu beef bowls because I am officially converted.

Update (20/09/2018):

TOKIDON has just announced island-wide delivery with all orders made through the their website, with free delivery on orders $100 and above!

If you’ve been longing to feast on their beef bowls, TOKIDON has also released the Beef Bowl Party Set which is great for a group of six. The set comprises of two Gyudon, two Sukiyaki Wagyu Don, two Truffle Wagyu Don with two Tori Karaage, two Corn Cups and six Green Tea for $99 only (U.P. $136.40).

A $20 delivery charge applies for all orders under $50 and just a $10 delivery charge for all orders above $50.

Now, you can enjoy TOKIDON’s repertoire of gourmet beef bowls, featuring only the best Grade 6 Wagyu slices and Grade 9 Sukiyaki Wagyu, in the comfort of your home or office.

TOKIDON
Address: 16 Raffles Quay, Hong Leong Building #B1-33, Singapore 048581
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 9pm
Contact no.: 9151 9572
Website

Also read Can’t Fight This ‘Filling’ – This Izakaya In Novena Serves Gyoza In Unique Flavours Under $8

(Header Image Source: TOKIDON)

No Friends, No Problem – Deliveroo Removes Minimum Spending So You Can Order For One

If you’re like me and find that most of your income is going to food delivery services, then I’ve got great news.

As of today, Deliveroo has REMOVED minimum spending for orders in densely populated neighbourhoods such as Jurong, Woodlands, Sengkang, Punggol and Tampines!

This isn’t the full list, don’t worry. I’ll get to it below.

Say Goodbye To Minimum Spending

Previously, users will have to hit a minimum spending of $12 to be able to complete your order and have it delivered.

But not anymore! Because let’s be honest, the function only ended up with more food wastage and excessive spending for no particular reason.

Now, here’s the full list of neighbourhoods that will have $0 minimum spending implemented.

• Admiralty
• Ang Mo Kio
• Bedok
• Boon Lay
• Bukit Batok
• Bukit Panjang
• Choa Chu Kang
• Hougang
• Jurong East
• Jurong West
• Loyang
• Mandai
• Pasir Ris
• Punggol
• Sengkang
• Sembawang
• Tampines
• Woodlands
• Yishun

Other than these heartlands, the $0 minimum spend will also be implemented in the Central Business District (CBD) but there’s a catch – it’s only applicable for orders BEFORE 6pm.

Anyway, this is great news for people like me who use the food delivery service a lot because having to constantly find people to pile on the orders to hit minimum spending is tedious.

With this change, there’s no better time to download and use Deliveroo!

Also read Deliveroo Singapore Offers Halal-Only Delivery Bags To Cater To Their Muslim Customers

(Header Image Source: Deliveroo)

Swimming With Sharks And 9 Other Activities That Prove You Can Live Life On The Edge In S’pore

What to do in Singapore ah?

We’re sure that many of you might have asked this question at some point or another and wondered if Singapore is really THAT boring. Well, if you’re looking for something new and exciting, there are plenty of places to go in Singapore that offers a thrilling experience.

From breezing your way through a ninja warrior obstacle course to swimming with sharks, here are 10 activities you must check out if you’re a thrill seeker!

1. Swim With Sharks At S.E.A. Aquarium

Does the thought of swimming in waters full of sharks make you shiver? Fear not, because sharks are actually not as violent as we portray them to be.

At the Ultimate Marine Encounter: Shark Dive at S.E.A. Aquarium, you’ll get a chance to dive with over 100 sharks from 12 different species. The Shark Dive is great for adventurous thrill seekers with a passion for sharks and marine animals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=27&v=TPiqveP1NhM

From swimming with sharks to strolling under the water or even an open ocean life, you’ll get to experience the thrill of interacting with these predators in a safe environment.

In this 30-minute programme, you’ll dive into their Shark Seas Habitat for the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with over 100 sharks across 12 different species, including the endangered scalloped hammerhead shark, silvertip shark and sandbar shark.

However, this activity requires a current SCUBA diving certification from a nationality or internationally recognized organization. So if you are an active diver, grab your wetsuits and channel your inner Steve Irwin.

Shark Dive (S.E.A. Aquarium)
Price: SGD150 (Adult) | SGD148 (Senior) *Adventure Cove Waterpark admission ticket is required
Sessions: Mon – Fri (1pm)

2. Ride The Waves At Wavehouse Sentosa

We’re not blessed with natural waves for surfing unlike Australia and Bali, but Wavehouse Sentosa lets you experience what it’s like to surf the waves.

For beginners, the Double FlowRider lets you learn the basics of flowboarding together with a friend. It’s also the more gentler of the two waves available at Wave House Sentosa, and is the first step to your exhilarating flowboarding experience. Even if you have never tried flowriding, don’t worry, there are instructors to guide you.

And for the more experienced surfers, the FlowBarrel creates endless barrelling waves that can rival those from international surf meccas.

Set on Siloso Beach at Sentosa, it’s also a great place to chill with drinks as you soak up the sun! 

Wavehouse Sentosa DoubleFlowrider
Price: From $35 (weekdays), $40 (weekends)
Sessions: Mon – Fri: 12.00pm to 9.00pm (last session starts at 8.00pm),Sat – Sun & Public Holiday: 11.00am to 9.00pm (last session starts at 8.00pm)
Website

Wavehouse Sentosa FlowBarrel
Price: From $30 (Mon – Sun)
Sessions: Mon – Sun & PH: 12.15pm to 8.45pm (last session starts at 8.15pm), Closed on Tues & Thurs
Website

3.  Water JetPack At Ola Beach Club

Ola Beach Club is home to Asia’s first and only water-propelled JetPack thrill ride.

These are water-propelled jetpacks that can elevate you up to 30 feet in the air. Basically, you’re flying thanks to controlled water pressure blasting you into the air.

The best part is you don’t need prior experience for this sport. So, strap in, engage the throttle, and up, up, and away you go!

JetPack (Ola Beach Club)
Price: $198 (45 Minutes), Top up of $60 for additional 15 mins
Image Credit: Bounce Inc Singapore[/caption]

The X-Park may be a tad bit smaller than the original to cater to children but it’ll still give you a good workout if you run through the course at full speed. And it’s quite the test of agility and balance, so don’t go writing this off as child’s play just yet.

Give it your best as you battle to be the last Warrior standing. Maybe we’ll see you on Mt. Midoriyama.

Check out the full course here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=uDiH60ScAcA

Bounce Singapore
Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #09-01, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10am – 10pm, Fri: 10am – 11pm, Sat: 9am – 11pm, Sun: 9am – 10pm, *For Public Holidays: 9am to close
Price: General Access: $26/per person for 1st hour, $20/per person each additional hour
Website

5. Scale The Trees At Forest Adventure

For many of us, the last time we’ve gone on a high elements course probably dates back to our primary/secondary school camps. If you think obstacle courses are only meant for kids, think again.

Forest Adventure is back at Bedok Reservoir Park with an impressive new trail. Following a six-month overhaul, Singapore’s first and only treetop course is back and 40 per cent larger than before. With 69 crossings and six zip lines, it’s time to gear yourself up for the ultimate adventure.

The 2.5 hours tree top Grand Course is perfect for adults as you attempt to cross wobbly bridges in mid-air and Tarzan-swing from tree to tree!

Forest Adventure
Address: Bedok Reservoir Park,Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 479244
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun: 9.30AM – 6.30PM (closed on Mondays)
Price: Grand Course: $50 per pax, $46 for tertiary student (weekdays only)
Website

6. Go-Kart At The Karting Arena

Who says you need a driving license to get behind the wheel?

Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and race your friends at The Karting Arena where there’s no pesky red lights to stop you.

The 500m track at The Karting Arena has nine turns, consisting of sweeping corners, a hairpin and a chicane (bends intended to slow drivers down). The friendly competition, shrieks of excitement and need for speed – everyone is almost guaranteed to have a ball of fun.

The Karting Arena
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-01B The Grandstand, South Car Park Singapore, 287994
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm daily, Closed on Mondays
Price: $38 (non-member, off-peak), $45 (non-member, peak)
Website

7. Bungy Jump at AJ Hackett Sentosa

AJ Hackett houses Singapore’s first and only bungy tower, standing 50m above the ground on Sentosa’s Siloso Beach.

There are 3 activities for you to choose from to get your adrenaline pumping. Drop and swoop on the Giant Swing with your family members or test your will and conquer your acrophobia on the 47m Bungy Jump.

The site also features the Skybridge, a 40m walkway with see-through sections. On it, is the Paulaner Sundowner Deck, which has the best sunset views in Siloso.

For those who prefer not to tempt fate, food and beverages are served al fresco, which is open daily, from 11am onwards. Siloso’s new landmark is also the perfect spot to grab a cold one by the beach!

AJ Hackett Sentosa
Address: 
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 8pm, Fri – Sun and Public Holidays: 11am to 9pm
Price: Bungy Jump: $139, Skybridge: $16
Website

8. Kayak/Canoe At Kallang Basin

If you’ve always wanted to try your hands at kayaking, canoeing or pedal boating, here’s your chance to do so.

Enter our very own Water Sports Centre. Catered for public and community use as well as for national athlete training, the Water Sports Centre offers a variety of canoes, kayaks and pedal boats for rent.

Pedal boats are ideal for beginners and children, while experienced kayakers and canoers can challenge the 500m long Regatta course.

Rental charges are as follow:

Water Sports Centre
Address:  8 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397699
Opening Hours: Mon –  Sun: 7:00am – 8:00pm, Public Holidays: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Website

9. Cable Skiing at Wake Park

Singapore Wake Park is the country’s only cable-ski park built in a lagoon at Singapore East Coast Park.

Promising all level of fun and challenges, the park features three cable-systems. One full sized cable system for the experienced riders and two straight-line system for the complete novice and intermediate riders from as young as six years old.

Instead of the traditional motorboat tow system, you hang on to to a handle suspended from a motorised cable high up in the air; they can control the speed and you can do huge loops around the lagoon – they even have an obstacle course!

Singapore Wake Park
Address: 1206A East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449891
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am to 10pm; Sat – Sun and Public Holidays: 9am to 9pm
Image Credit: Sentosa[/caption]

The MegaJump lets you replicate the experience of a free fall parachute jump with a 15m drop with a stunning view of ocean, jungle and white sandy beaches.

If you’re looking for some exciting aerial thrills and car rides, there can be no better place for you than Mega Adventure Park.

Mega Adventure Park
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 7pm
Address: Mega Adventure 10A Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island  Singapore 099008
Website

Also Read Take A Break From Crowds At The Singapore Night Festival At This Indie Pop-Up Market At SOTA

(Header Image Source: S.E.A. Aquarium)

Can’t Fight This ‘Filling’ – This Izakaya In Novena Serves Gyoza In Unique Flavours Under $8

If you were at the Ramen Revolution back in July, you might’ve bumped into this restaurant’s booth at the event and watched Food League SG’s own competitive eater, Zermatt Neo, scarf down their signature gyozas.

Introducing Chao Chao Gyoza.

As the name suggests, they specialise in gyoza. All kinds of gyoza.

Gyozas For Days

Chao Chao Gyoza might be a new Japanese joint in Singapore, but it already has outlets in Japan, as well as Philippines and Hong Kong.

The quaint izakaya situated in Novena serves up gyoza in assorted flavours. You can expect to find traditional gyoza flavours such as Cabbage, Ginger Pork, and Spring Onion Pork.

For those of you more adventurous, Chao Chao Gyoza also has Curry, Onsen Egg and Cheese, Cabbage with Sriracha and Mayo, and even a seafood Kani and Ebi gyoza.

Some of their bestselling gyoza flavours are the Prawn, Garlic Pork with Kimchi Sauce, Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese, and the extremely local-sounding Salted Egg Chicken.

Don’t miss out on their signature Chao Chao Gyoza ($4.90 for 8, $$7.90 for 16).

These gyoza are served a little differently from the others, in that they’re panfried and served together rather than individually, like gyoza usually are.

The signature gyoza are filled with minced pork, handmade daily and use less oil in the cooking process. I can’t help but wonder if the “less oil” is because they’re all cooked together at once.

But anyway, while Chao Chao Gyoza specialises in gyoza of all sorts, it does not comprise the entire menu.

If you’re like me and believe that gyoza are side dishes and not mains, then go for the more substantial Wagyu Abura Soba ($16.90) which uses 80% buckwheat soba noodles and Australian 400-day grain-fed Wagyu.

There are plenty more sides available to go with your order of gyoza. Either come with a big group or be prepared to make multiple visits if you’re planning to try everything on the menu.

Chao Chao Gyoza
Address: 103 Irrawaddy Road, #01-05 Royal Square @ Novena, Singapore 329566
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 12am
Contact no.: 6352 0200
Website

Also read 5 Must-Order Dishes At Hougang’s Hainanese Village For $4 And Under

(Header Image Source: Chao Chao Gyoza and Burppler Blanche Tan)

5 Must-Order Dishes At Hougang’s Hainanese Village For $4 And Under

Growing up, I’ve always envied the ones living outside of the West side of Singapore because the food was always guaranteed to be better, more varied, and even cheaper.

So after hearing my colleagues rave about food in Hougang for months, I decided to head to Hougang and try the food for myself.

The destination? Hougang Hainanese Village.

And here are the 5 dishes to go for when you’re there.

1. Qiu Yun – Tom Yum Ban Mian

Ban Mian is a standard coffeeshop and hawker centre staple. There’s always a stall that sells ban mian, sliced fish soup and the likes. But not all are good.

However, that’s not the case at Hainanese Village. Qiu Yun is a simple store selling ban mian, mee hoon kway, sliced fish soup, and some Pu Tien-style dishes.

They even have Garoupa Head Fish Soup for those with a more adventurous palate.

I got the Tom Yum Ban Mian ($4) and wasn’t really expecting much. I’ve never been a big fan of ban mian. I’m okay with it but it’s usually not a first choice.

So I was genuinely surprised when the noodles remained springy without becoming soggy, even though I left it for a good 10 to 15 minutes, just busy getting more dishes.

The Tom Yum soup isn’t too spicy or salty either, which is good because I know of stall owners who are heavy-handed with their Tom Yum paste.

That being said, $4 for a decent-sized bowl of Tom Yum Ban Mian is actually worth it, though they could be a BIT more generous with the minced meat.

Qiu Yun
Unit: #02-17

2. Yi Liu Xiang – Nasi Lemak

Yi Liu Xiang serves up Chinese-style Nasi Lemak and you know it’s good because the queues are crazy long.

I managed to jump into the queue before 6 others hastily lined up behind me. Lord. I remember thinking to myself, “It’s JUST Nasi Lemak, why is it so hyped?”

First off, $2.50 for a simple plate of Nasi Lemak with a fried fish fillet, omelette and ikan bilis seemed a bit ridiculous to me. I can probably get the same at Ananas for $2.

Boy, was I wrong. The fried fish fillet was STILL crispy despite being left out for a while, and it wasn’t too oily. It also had a satisfying crunch that was lacking in most fish fillets.

Now, as with all Nasi Lemak dishes, the make-or-break ingredient is the chilli. Yi Liu Xiang’s chilli was a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and not too spicy that it’ll make you reach for your drink.

12/10 will return and queue for this. Do come early though (before 10am), some of the ingredients sell out VERY early.

Yi Liu Xiang
Unit: #02-30

3. Hup Huat White Carrot Cake

As its name suggests, this stall only sells white carrot cake.

For $2.50, you get a plate of White Carrot Cake that looks more like a fuyong omelette.

Each plate is cooked upon order and the smell is DIVINE. If you like your carrot cake crispy, this is it.

The chilli doesn’t overpower the taste of the carrot cake, and the omelette has a tinge of wok hei to it, making this extremely satisfying to eat.

Honestly, this is how carrot cake should be prepared islandwide. Make this a thing please.

Hup Huat White Carrot Cake
Unit: #02-35

4. Lai Xing Cooked Food – Duck Kway Chap

Kway Chap is traditionally served with pig offal and pork belly. But not here.

At Lai Xing Cooked Food, they serve up Duck Kway Chap. And for $2.50, it’s actually a very decent portion for one.

You get a small platter of fish cakes, tau pok, braised hardboiled eggs, and duck intestines. Since I shun offal like the plague, I decided to acquaint myself with the remaining ingredients.

The fish cake is fresh and springy with bits of vegetable in the fish paste.

Though the tau pok today seemed a little undercooked, I’m going to give them the benefit of doubt considering that it was early and the tau pok hasn’t been braised thoroughly enough to be sufficiently soft.

But all in all, Duck Kway Chap is an interesting dish and I highly recommend that you try it too.

Lai Xing Cooked Food
Unit: #02-09

5. Shun Quan – Soya Beancurd With Gingko Nut

As I was busy getting the other 4 dishes, I saw a few tables with soya beancurd.

And let me just clarify that I LOVE SOYA BEANCURD. So I tracked the source and found Shun Quan.

I was very surprised and had to double confirm the price when I ordered the Soya Beancurd with Gingko Nut. It’s only $0.80. WHAT.

Price aside, the beancurd was so soft, it’s barely solid. It just disintegrates as soon as it leaves the spoon.

The gingko nuts provide a nice contrast in texture from the (literally) silky smooth beancurd.

By far the best tau huay I’ve ever had. Rochor beancurd who?

Shun Quan
Unit: #02-38

So there, if you’re at Hainanese Village in Hougang, eat these. Legit no horse run. Also, all 5 dishes cost us a total of just $12.30.

The place is nestled deep within the Hougang neighbourhood so here’re some buses that you can take to the Hainanese Village.

Oh, and come with at least 1 other person because seats are hard to come by.

Happy eating!

Also read This Shop In Outram Sells Customised ‘Kim Zua’ Handmade By A 65-Year-Old Uncle

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)