Audience: Foodies

Singapore Already Has A MasterChef And His Instagram Is Basically Food Porn

With the drama surrounding Mediacorp’s decision to air the upcoming MasterChef Singapore on Channel 8, let me just take the time to inform everyone that technically, Singapore already has a MasterChef.

That’s right. Everyone seems to have conveniently forgot about MasterChef Asia, and that we had Singaporean contestants participating in said competition.

It gets better. The winner of MasterChef Asia is Singaporean. Meet Woo Wai Leong.

The 30-year-old home cook won the coveted title of MasterChef back in 2015.

Food Porn By A MasterChef

If you love food like I do, then allow me to introduce the Instagram account of MasterChef Woo Wai Leong to you.

The MasterChef Asia winner uploads some of the most interesting dishes he’s tasted, as well as his wonderfully quirky and interesting creations, on Instagram and every dish is a gastronomical delight.

As someone who enjoys reading menus to see what unique food combinations chef come up with, Chef Woo’s Instagram captions are informative and interesting to me.

I mean, just look.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWCIcL6DfHm/?hl=en&taken-by=woowaileong

He takes Instant noodles to the next level. Mascarpone and Instant noodles! Genius. This dish leaves even the best Maggi Goreng you can find in Singapore, in the dust.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVd6g5MjCY1/?hl=en&taken-by=woowaileong

Salad You Tiao (dough fritters) meets Ngoh Hiang. And the entire You Tiao is wrapped in caul fat before it was deep fried. I am shook, honestly. I’ve never seen anyone use caul fat except maybe in a cooking anime.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWeY3bIj1Z-/?hl=en&taken-by=woowaileong

If you’re sick of regular vegetarian pizzas, feast your eyes on this tofu pizza. Traditionally asian ingredients in an Italian staple. How is tofu butter even made? Tofu butter isn’t the only unique butter that Chef Woo makes. Check out this next dish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXFy03sjRAY/?hl=en&taken-by=woowaileong

Did you know that the most intense flavour of a prawn lies within the head? Chef Woo managed to bring out that flavour, turned it into prawn head butter and used it in his own rendition of Char Kway Teow.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdl8TzSjxyw/?hl=en&taken-by=woowaileong

Just reading the description of this literal sin on a plate is about to give me a heart attack.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be93-T1jmoW/?hl=en&taken-by=woowaileong

Another one of Chef Woo’s Indomie creations. This one uses Shaoxing beurre blanc (reduced white butter sauce) and topped with Chinese caviar. Is that even Indomie anymore?

If you enjoy Chef Woo’s gastronomic creations, you can see more on his Instagram.

He will also be at the District Design Dialogue – Holland Village in the Locked-In-A-Room Session: Ask Me Anything, as one of the guest speakers.

Who said Singapore has no talent?

Also read This New Tom Yum Ramen Brings Together The Best Of Both Thai And Japanese Cuisine

(Header Image Source: Australian Network News)

This New Tom Yum Ramen Brings Together The Best Of Both Thai And Japanese Cuisine

What do you get when you combine Thai and Japanese cuisine together?

This masterpiece.

Kop Khun Konnichiwa

Together with sister brand Soi Thai Soi Nice, Ramen Tenji has launched the Tom Yum Ramen ($17.90) which will be available for a limited time only.

You can expect your favourite springy ramen noodles bathed in an aromatic Tom Yum broth that is prepared from scratch daily by Soi Thai Soi Nice’s Head Chef Worawang Phairit.

This Tom Yum Ramen is packed with big succulent prawns, tender Charsiew meat, a side of black fungus and not forgetting the ingredient that every ramen must have – the Ajitama egg perched on top of a mound of noodles.

The best part? This Tom Yum Ramen is available for both dine-in and takeaways at Ramen Tenji and Soi Thai Soi Nice at The Seletar Mall.

Looking for a change from your usual Japanese Ramen? This cross-cultural mash up is right up the alley.

Ramen Tenji
Address: 33 Seng Kang West Avenue, The Seletar Mall, #01-28, Singapore 797653
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm, Sat: 11:30am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6581 2189
Website

Soi Thai Soi Nice
Address: 33 Seng Kang West Ave, The Seletar Mall #01-29/30, Singapore 797653
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 10pm, Sat – Sun: 11am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6581 2190
Website

Also Read Get Some Pho-King Good Noodles At These 8 Vietnamese Restaurants

(Header Image Source: Ramen Tenji)

Rice Burgers Are So Mainstream – MOS Burger Releases 3 New Pasta Burgers

Joining the likes of interesting food creations like the McDonald’s Chocolate Pie and KFC’s Zinger Mozzarella Burger, is our family favourite, MOS Burger!

MOS Burger has just launched an Italian Pasta Burger which replaces their buns with pasta.

Who Needs Buns In Burgers?

As part of their 25th anniversary in Singapore, MOS Burger released three Burger di Pasta which is exactly what it is, pasta in a burger form.

Best part, they’re so cheap and underrated, you probably won’t face any long queues.

Their launch was so low key, barely anyone noticed when they launched these new items.

They have 3 different options for you to choose from: Beef Bolognese ($4.30), Teriyaki Chicken Mushroom Sauce ($4.70) and a vegetarian option, Caesar Salad ($3.50).

The Burger di Pasta is currently only available in two outlets, Plaza Singapura and Marina Bay Financial Centre.

So hurry on down before they remove these burgers from their menu.

Are you planning on giving these burgers a try?

MOS Burger Plaza Singapura
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B1-01 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6883 0026
Also Read If You Love Muah Chee, You’ll Love This New Bubble Tea By Playmade

(Header Image Source: MOS Burger Singapore Facebook)

Get Some Pho-King Good Noodles At These 8 Vietnamese Restaurants

Call us basic but we love ordering pho at any Vietnamese restaurants. It’s simple. It’s great. It’s straight-forward, no frills. You know what you’ll be expecting.

There’s no need for you travel all the way to Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi just to satisfy your pho cravings. Singapore now has plenty of Vietnamese restaurants serving real pho-king good Pho.

So pho-rage ahead my fellow makan kakis, here are 8 top places to satisfy your pho cravings.

So Pho, So Good

1. Pho4U

For all my Muslim foodies out there, you know what I’m talking about. Pho4U is one of our favourite places to have halal pho that doesn’t compromise on it’s authenticity.

The broth is light and beef slices are so tender, you can’t help but want to order another bowl.

At just $8.50, you can get the basic pho which consists of half cooked steak and well done brisket. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can also get flank and meatballs in your pho.

Here’s a tip if you’re planning on dining here, get their Vietnamese coffee, hot or iced, it’s great.

Pho 4U Halal Vietnamese Cuisine
Address: 783 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198751
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6816 3797
Website

2. Mrs Pho House

Mrs Pho has been serving hearty bowls of pho along Beach Road which is a favourite among office executives nearby.

Fans of this popular restaurant can enjoy their beef pho at their second location, Mrs Pho House as well!

Mrs Pho House is known for their Sliced Beef Pho ($8.90) or Beef Combo Pho ($9.90).

Mrs Pho House
Address: 221 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218459
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Contact No: 9173 1083
Website

3. So Pho

Here’s another halal pho option for you! Best part of So Pho is that they have several outlets around Singapore so you don’t always have to head down to Bugis for halal pho.

If you’re not feeling very beef-y, they have chicken pho for you as well. At $10.80, you’ll get a bowl of pho filled with sliced beef, brisket as well as beef balls.

However, if you’re a spice girl, they’re known for the Spicy Australian Beef Noodles ($14). It’s not as spicy as you’d think it is but it’s definitely stronger in terms of flavour.

Saigon Alley
Address: 273 Thomson Rd, #01-06 Novena Gardens, Singapore 307644
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Contact No.: 6265 7662
Website

5. Pho Stop

Located at Downtown Gallery, home to hip work spaces and food gems, Pho Stop is a popular  spot among office workers nearby.

If you’d like more beef than noodles, try their Beef Feast Combo ($13.90) which consists of sliced beef, beef shin and beef balls.

Pho Stop
Address: 6A Shenton Way, #02-28 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30am – 9pm, Sat: 11.30am – 8pm, Closed on Sundays
Contact No.: 9695 6885
Image Credit: Nam Nam Noodle Bar Facebook[/caption]

If you’re vegetarian, NamNam has a vegetarian version of the beef pho with brown rice noodles instead.

NamNam Noodle Bar Raffles City
Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-46/47, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 8.00am – 10.00pm
Contact No.: 6336 0500
Image Credit: @saigonjalan[/caption]

Saigon Jalan
Address: Block 86 #01-919, Whampoa Drive, Singapore 320086
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 8.30pm, Closed on Sundays
Contact No.: 9239 8287
Website

8. Moc Quan

Fun Fact: ‘Moc’ means simple, ‘Quan’ means restaurant, so Moc Quan just means simple restaurant.

All the ingredients used at Moc Quan, are specially brought over from Vietnam weekly. The owner/chef, Jeff Koh, flies over and personally hand carry these ingredients to maintain the authenticity of their food!

Have a go at their Mixed Beef Pho ($9.50) which is packed with vegetables, herbs, sliced beef and meatballs.

(Header Image Source: Pho Stop Facebook)

If You Love Muah Chee, You’ll Love This New Bubble Tea By Playmade

If you’re not familiar with Playmade by 丸作, they previously caused a stir in the local bubble tea community with their interesting pearl flavours.

From Burnt Caramel to Pink Cactus and Black Sesame, Playmade has certainly carved a niche in the existing bubble tea market.

Nutty Sensation

Playmade has come up with a brand new drink for those of you who love your traditional desserts.

That’s right, from now till 21 March 2018, the Peanut Milk Tea With Muah Chee Pearls ($1.90) will be available at both Playmade outlets.

No prizes for guessing what local dessert inspired this particular milk tea flavour. While the Muah Chee pearls have been around since January as a limited time pearl flavour, the accompanying Peanut Milk Tea is new.

The Peanut Milk Tea with Muah Chee Pearls will only be around for another 2 weeks, so head down to any Playmade outlet and get yours today!

Playmade
Address: 108 Depot Road #01-03, Singapore, 100108
Opening Hours: Daily: 11am – 8pm
Contact no.: 9067 7297
Website

Address: 10 Tampines Central 1, #01-59, Singapore, 529536
Opening Hours: Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 9067 7297

Also read Ditch The Macs Queue For Chocolate Pie And Go For Legit Ones At Windowsill Pies

Ditch The Macs Queue For Chocolate Pie And Go For Legit Ones At Windowsill Pies

Singaporeans appear to have a sweet tooth. Or sweet teeth, in this case. The point is, with so many dessert franchises available in Singapore, we have so many options to choose from should a craving hit us at any time.

However, one particular type of dessert that doesn’t get enough love from us (in our opinion) is Pie. The dessert is traditionally more popular in Western culture but it offers so much versatility in the filling that goes into it.

Enter Windowsill Pies. These lovely pie-makers are making pie “hip” again with their interesting flavour combinations, using classic pie flavours as the base.

Pie, Anyone?

Windowsill Pies has 2 branches, though they recently closed the Suntec City branch and moved to Haji Lane.

Since you’re already here, why stop at 1 slice? Go for the incredibly photogenic Strawberry Lemon Pie ($7.50 per slice) next.

This pie is perfect for those who love their Lemon Meringue Pie. Made with tangy and refreshing lemon curd, pockets of strawberry jam and sweet meringue, this Strawberry Lemon Pie is surprisingly easy on the palate, without being too jelak.

There are 3 flavours that contain alcohol. The Banana Cognac Pie ($7 per slice), Rum And Apple Pie ($7.50 per slice), and the Coconut Lime Vodka Pie ($8 per slice).

The Banana Cognac Pie is inspired by the classic Banoffee Pie, made with banana parfait, almond brittle, and cognac cream. No coffee here.

No prizes for guessing what the Rum And Apple Pie is based on. A Christmas special that ended up being a permanent menu item, this Apple pie is made with poached apples, rum-soaked raisins and baked almond custard.

And finally, the tropical Coconut Lime Vodka. Lime curd, cubes of vodka jelly (OMG????) and coconut cream makes this pie. The only thing that’s missing is pineapple, else it’ll be a Pina Colada Pie.

If these don’t make you want to eat pie, feel free to live a pie-less existence, in gloom and misery. We’ll be here eating our pies, living life with clear skin and full 8 hours of rest.

Just kidding, we just really love pies okay?

Windowsill Pies
Address: 17 Haji Lane, Singapore, 189210
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 8pm, Fri – Sat: 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 9004 7827
Let The Beat Guide Your Feet To The Finish Line At This Year’s Music Run

(Header Image Source: Windowsill Pies Facebook)

Not Just Chocolate Pie – McDonald’s Introduces 4 New Thai Milk Tea Desserts

A few days ago, we were blindsided by the sudden news of the arrival of the Rich Chocolate Pie, Fish And Fries, and the Sweet Chilli Fish Burger.

Today, 4 new desserts show up in McDonald’s dessert kiosks islandwide.

First up is the Thai Milk Tea Hot Fudge Sundae.

There’s also the Thai Milk Tea Cone, Thai Milk Tea Twist Cone, and the Thai Milk Tea ChocoCone.

At the moment, these 4 new items are not available on the McDelivery portal. However, you can still get yours at any McDonald’s Singapore dessert kiosk.

Locate your nearest dessert kiosk here.

Also read McDonald’s Expands Its Menu With Chocolate Pie And Fish & Fries – And We’re Lovin’ It

(Header Image Source: McDonald’s Singapore)

This Affordable Korean Army Stew In A Hawker Centre Will Leave You Feeling Seoul Shiok

Korean food has seen a surge of popularity ever since the rise of KPOP nearly a decade ago. With multiple Korean food chains popping up all over Singapore, it’s easy to satisfy any Korean food cravings.

From fried chicken to Korean BBQ, we’re really spoilt for choice. However, most Korean restaurants are pricey. What we need, is good and affordable Korean food.

Located at Fareground, on the 2nd level of the Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, this humble hawker stall serves up authentic Korean food at affordable prices.

Meet Seoul Shiok.

Seoul Good, Seoul Shiok

Having opened their first stall in Sengkang, Seoul Shiok now brings their affordable Korean fare to Pasir Ris.

We’re all familiar with those days when we’re craving Korean food but the coffeeshop downstairs only sells the cheap, overly salty “Korean” kimchi ramyeon and hotplates. (Is it just us or does every coffeeshop nowadays have a stall like that?)

Seoul Shiok aims to bridge that gap and provide authentic and affordable Korean fare.

Seoul Shiok serves up 3 different sizes of Korean Army Stew. There’s the Mini Army Stew ($7.90 without cheese, $9.40 with cheese), the Army Stew ($24.90), and the Army Stew with Cheese Dip ($29.90).

The Mini Army Stew is perfect for 1 person and comes with a generous portion of ramyeon, luncheon meat, hot dog, artificial crab stick, kimchi, and pork belly slices.

The broth, while not overly spicy, does still work up a sweat on our foreheads. Maybe it was just a really warm day. Either way, the Mini Army Stew is satisfying and filling.

If you’re coming with a group of friends or family, Seoul Shiok also allows you to completely customise your Army Stew With Cheese Dip from a list of ingredients.

For sides, we highly recommend their Korean Fried Chicken Wings (2 pieces for $3.90, 6 pieces for $11.50, 12 pieces for $22.90) which come in 3 flavours, Original, Spicy, and Soy Garlic.

Our favourite is the Soy Garlic-flavoured chicken wings which are twice-fried to perfection in a chunky, crispy batter, before being dunked in a sweet soy sauce and garlic marinade. Each bite is Seoul Shiok!

The chicken wings are fried twice. First to cook the chicken wings, and the second time to crisp up the batter, so your chicken wings stays crispy.

Other items on the menu include various rice bowls, kimchi soup, soy bean soup, ramen, and even tteokbokki with cheese!

If you’re ever in the area, drop by Seoul Shiok at Fareground, on the 2nd level of Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre!

UPDATE

Now if you’re craving for Korean Army Stew, you can order your own and Seoul Shiok will deliver it straight to you!

No, this isn’t part of any food delivery service, it’s the Seoul Shiok team that’s offering to deliver their food to you. Talk about DEDICATION.

What’s more, it’s islandwide delivery, with free delivery for orders over $100.

There are 3 different sets that you can choose from, depending on the number of people you’re ordering for – the Buddy Meal ($29.90), the Mahjong Khakis ($55.90), or the largest, House Party ($88.90).

You can even order their signature Korean Fried Chicken Wings to go with your Army Stew!

For delivery + set up, the delivery fee is $50. For delivery of orders without set up, the delivery fee is $25.

Order your Army Stew from Seoul Shiok today by calling 8685 2025 or 9028 3925!

So….anyone craving for Army Stew?

Seoul Shiok
Address: Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre, #02-20, Singapore, 519641
Opening Hours: Thu – Tue: 11.30am – 10pm, Wed: Closed

Also read Picnic In The Park? Too #basic. How About Concert In The Park This March?

(Header Image Source: Seoul Shiok)

McDonald’s Expands Its Menu With Chocolate Pie And Fish & Fries – And We’re Lovin’ It

McDonald’s has always been a constant in our lives. Introducing seasonal flavours and menus, some hits, some misses.

But ever since people discovered that the McDonald’s in South Korea, Japan and Bangkok sell a sinful AF Chocolate Pie, we’ve all been a little (actually, very) salty that we don’t have it in Singapore.

But that’s not going to be true for long. YAS GURL, McDonald’s Singapore is fighting the good fight and they’re bringing the Chocolate Pie to Singapore!

Going Loco For Cocoa

It’s about time the Chocolate Pie made its way to Singapore.

After all, we’ve been just contending with the signature Apple Pie (which is our favourite to be honest) and its other seasonal variants which are a little more lacklustre and don’t really leave much of an impression.

McDonald’s announced on their Facebook page that the Chocolate Pie will be included on McDonald’s Singapore menus starting on 1 March 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/mcdsg/videos/1724404504272782/

Check out that molten lava chocolate filling. OH MY GOD. McDonald’s better deliver because the disappointment is going to be massive if the filling is minimal.

That’s not all, they also introduced a new main, The Fish And Fries that was previously available in McDonald’s Philippines and Malaysia. Because Fish and Chips is too common a name.

https://www.facebook.com/mcdsg/videos/1724403704272862/

Listen to that crunch though.

We anticipate that the queues at McDonald’s islandwide are going to be insane.

Are you ready for the decadence of the chocolate pie?

Also read Gather Your Amigos For Affordable Halal Spanish Tapas At The Great Mischief

Gather Your Amigos For Affordable Halal Spanish Tapas At The Great Mischief

Great news for all you trendsetters, influencers, vloggers, cafe hoppers, young couples looking for a place to paktor and you!

You’ve seen this Wes Anderson style hotel in Little India but did you know that there’s more to it than just pastel walls and vintage decor? Sprawled across the lobby of The Great Madras Hotel, is a brand new cafe serving halal Catalan-inspired fare.

If you’re planning on where to have brunch this weekend, this hidden gem in Little India is your go-to brunch spot with your amigos.

Run by the lovely folks behind The Black Hole Group who operates Working Title, Afterwit, The Mad Sailors and Santap, you know the food served at The Great Mischief is gonna be amazing.

Gather Your Companeros

Located right smack in backpacker’s haven, The Great Mischief is a cafe located conveniently at the lobby of The Great Madras Hotel, with open air dining and al-fresco seats.

The Great Mischief serves some seriously amazing Spanish tapas ideal for sharing and gathering.

Even though we have zero idea on how to pronounce at least half of the food items on here, they all sound bloody amazing. Just take a look at it!

There’s a variety of tapas for you to choose from at very affordable prices. Perfect for all you individuals going on a budget but still want to enjoy quality food!

The Croquetas ($9) is what we describe as love at first bite. Choose between pulled beef or chopped mushrooms in breaded smashed potatoes.

Another hit on their menu is the Gambas Al Ajillo ($12). These prawns are perfectly pan fried and tossed in their homemade garlic sauce. These prawns really packs a punch of flavours.

They’ve recently revealed a Raciones menu as well! It is not typical to order raciones by yourself; the portions are far too large to be enjoyed without company. To do so would really limit the variety of what you are trying since you are unlikely to have the appetite to eat that much – but you do you!

The Filet De Tonyina ($24) is a yellowfin tuna with a herbed breadcrumb crust served with mix greens.

This next one is perhaps our favourite on their menu. The Fideuà De Marisc ($22) is a squid ink paella pasta cooked in a seafood broth with prawns and aioli.

Their new raciones are made for sharing, but will you want to after looking at those images?

What’s a good meal without desserts? The Churro Con Chocolat ($8) comes with 2 perfectly fried churros rolled in cinnamon sugar served with a dark chocolate dip.

Complete your meal with their mocktails such as the Startled ($9) which is an interesting concoction of cinnamon, egg white, kaya, lemon, milk.

If Spanish cuisine is your thing, this place is the ideal place for those sit down, chit chat sessions with your makan kakis. Great ambience, amazing food at affordable prices, what more can you ask for?

The Great Mischief
Address: 28 Madras Street, Singapore 208422
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 6pm – 10.30pm, Fri: 6pm – 2am, Sat: 12pm – 2am, Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Contact no.: 9392 2762
Website

Also Read This Aroi Mak Nasi Ambeng Swaps Rendang And Achar For Green Curry And Mango Salad

(Header Image Source: The Great Mischief Facebook)