Grab Your Mugs, A&W Is Making A Comeback And We Are Floating To Root Beer Heaven

If you love American fast food chain A&W, you’ll be happy to know that they’ll be coming back to Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_27881" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Image Credit: A&W Canada Facebook[/caption]

I’m sure we – or the older ones of us, at least – can all remember their delicious root beer floats and addictive onion rings!

A&W, which is short for “Allen and Wright”, shuttered their last store in Singapore in 2003. After disappearing from our island over 10 years ago, the fast food chain will be returning as part of its expansion into Southeast Asia in 2018. This means it will still be quite a wait before we can get get our hands on some A&W.

We can’t wait to be reunited with their root beer floats, Coney dogs, curly fries, waffles and more!

Other countries A&W plans to expand into in the Southeast Asia region include Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

[caption id="attachment_27880" align="alignnone" width="1600"] A&W Coney Dog (Image Credit: While there is no word yet on where their first store will be, there’s a good chance there will be a branch near you, as the fast food chain has plans to open 30 – 40 new restaurants a year between the 4 countries.

A&W is currently searching for “real estate for a flagship company restaurant in Singapore”, and this flagship restaurant will also “serve as a training store for Southeast Asia”.

Can’t wait for A&W to arrive in Singapore? We never thought this day would come, and 2018 CANNOT arrive any sooner!

Also read At This New Tempura Restaurant, Building Your Own Tendon Bowl Is As Easy As Ebi-C

(Header Image Source: A&W Canada Facebook)

At This New Tempura Restaurant, Building Your Own Tendon Bowl Is As Easy As Ebi-C

Love tempura bowls but cannot bear the long queues at certain eateries?

Here to feed your love of tempura – minus the crazy waiting time – is Kogane Yama!

Kogana Yama is the brainchild of the folks behind the popular Korean fried chicken chain, Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory, as well as Korean meat stew eatery, Masizzim. This 44-seater eatery pays homage to the humble yet satisfying tendon bowl.

Loosely translated to mean “Golden Mountain”, you can expect a lavish mountain of mouth-watering tempura pieces fried to golden-brown perfection.

[caption id="attachment_27474" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Tempura pieces that are fried to a crispy golden brown – perfection![/caption]

What sets this new kid on the block apart from others like it is that it gives you the option to customise your very own tendon bowl!

Tendon Bowls The Way You Like Them

Start your journey into tendon heaven by picking your preferred bowl. Although there are only four options available, be warned that you will need to do some serious decision-making!

[caption id="attachment_27475" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Be spoiled for choice with four different types of tendon bowls[/caption]

Chicken Bowl ($13.80)  – Love chicken? If so, this tendon bowl is the one for you! It comes with not one, but TWO tender fillets battered and fried to perfection, paired with vegetable tempura that includes shiitake mushrooms and carrots.

Prawn Bowl ($13.80) – What is tempura without seafood? The generous pieces of juicy prawn tempura accompanied by vegetable tempura will certainly leave you craving for more. That said, the star of this tendon bowl is indisputably the prawn head tempura!

Vegetable Bowl ($11.80) – Loaded with an assortment of perfectly battered veggies, veggie lovers, this is the bowl for you! It includes long beans, carrot, sweet potato, shiitake and enoki mushrooms, and more.

Mixed Bowl ($15.80) – For those who absolutely must have EVERYTHING in their tendon bowl, this is the obvious choice! It features crispy tempura prawns (prawn heads included), chicken fillet, and an assortment of vegetables. In this bowl, the mountain of tempura pieces is topped with a dollop of ebiko (prawn roe).

[caption id="attachment_27476" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Try having the unique, thin Udon as your base[/caption]

Thereafter, you can choose to have your tempura with one of three types of bases: Japanese short-grain rice, Soba, or thin Udon. Both the Soba and Udon are steeped in a clear and fragrant dashi broth, and will cost you will cost you $1 more.

[caption id="attachment_27477" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Alternatively, opt for the classic Zaru Soba[/caption]

Finally, complete your tendon bowl by choosing one of four levels of spiciness for the tentsuyu sauce – a sweet-savoury homemade blend of garlic, sesame oil, and premium Japanese shoyu.

The non-spicy version is ideal for young kids. However, if you are a true Singaporean who loves all things spicy, choose from the other three levels!

Add The Add-Ons

Indulging in a tendon bowl is simply not enough.

You can complement your delicious tendon bowl with two additional items for just another $2!

[caption id="attachment_27478" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Complement your meal with additional items![/caption]

Options include Chawanmushi, Miso Soup and Green Tea (free flow).

[caption id="attachment_27479" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Delicious chawanmushi to go with your tendon bowl[/caption]

Cool Off With Matcha

[caption id="attachment_27483" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Savour the creamy Matcha Latte with Azuki[/caption]

If the heat from their tentsuyu sauces is too much for you to handle, cool off with their wide selection of ice-cold beverages. These include their signature Matcha Latte concoctions, available in Original ($4.80), Chocolate ($5.80) and Azuki red beans ($6.80).

For something more refreshing to beat the heat in Singapore, go for their Honey Yuja ($5.80) or Honey Ume Soda ($5.80) instead!

Let’s face it – no one can pass up delicious, crispy tempura. If you’re on the hunt for another tendon place to add to your list, Kogane Yama is definitely worth the trip!

Kogane Yama
Address: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, #02-50, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 10pm; Fri, Sat: 11am – 11pm
Facebook

Also read, Soup Curry Is A Thing, And You Can Now Get A Taste Of This Hokkaido Specialty In S’pore

(Header Image Source: Verine Ling)

10 Amazeball Events And Makan Places To Jazz Up The First Half Of July [1-15 July]

Hello, July!

There’s no need to mope over the end of the June holidays. This month, there’s still a host of exciting activities and scrummy new eats to dive into!

This month’s line-up includes a trippy circus, an out-of-this-island trip to pulau ubin, interesting art exhibitions, and new food spots to tickle your tastebuds. Whether you’re an adventurer, an art lover, or a die-hard foodie, here are some ways to keep yourself busy for the first half of July!

Here’s a calendar of 10 electrifying events and eats to try out this month!

Play & Discover

1. Singapore International Festival Of Arts

Who says Singapore’s art scene is dead?

The Singapore International Festival of Arts is just one of the many arts events happening this month!

[caption id="attachment_27802" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image Credit: Singapore International Festival Of Arts[/caption]

From street performances to public film screenings, to even talks over brunch, everyone’s invited to this celebration of the Arts!

Helming the event are the best of local and international artists.

Maybe you’ll recognize some of the more established names like Robert Wilson, Michael Nyman, London Sinfonietta, and the Berliner Ensemble in the line-up.

This year, there are even some of the newest productions from Korea and the US, such as the award-winning The Chorus, Oedipus, and Robert Move’s Martha.

They’ll be showcasing quality works in theatre, dance, and music you don’t want to miss!

Singapore International Festival Of Arts
Where: Various Locations
When: 28 Jun – 9 Sep
Website

2. Pink Dot

Let your pride shine at the brightest event of the year!

Pink Dot is set to bring together family, friends, and lovers of all kinds at its annual event.

[caption id="attachment_27796" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Hong Lim Park, New Bridge Road, Singapore 059299
When: 1 Jul, 5pm
Website

3. Closing of Sungei Road Thieves Market

Sadly, another remnant of Singapore’s past will soon be no more. 

After eight decades of existence, Singapore’s oldest flea market in Sungei Road will be turning its last page.

[caption id="attachment_27804" align="aligncenter" width="930"] Image Credit: Sam’s Alfresco Coffee[/caption]

The open-air market was already reduced by half once, to make way for Jalan Besar MRT station.

This time, all of it will be cleared for residential and commercial developments.

Known as the “Thieves Market”, stolen items were once notoriously sold here.

Popular with tourists, foreign workers, and locals, it offers all sorts of nibs and nubs ranging from household items to jewellery and electronic items!

Come down and have a glimpse of this lesser-known bit of history before it’s gone for good!

Sungei Road Thieves Market
Where: Sungei Road
Last day: 10 July

4. Cirque du Soleil – KOOZA

Get ready for some jaw-dropping action.

Cirque Du Soleil is back in Singapore with KOOZA, its most chilling and thrilling show yet!

[caption id="attachment_27805" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Cirque Du Soleil[/caption]

KOOZA combines acrobatic performance with the art of clowning, while exploring the themes of fear, identity, and power.

Expect breathtaking acts like Hoops Manipulation, with up to 7 spinning hoops at once, as well as the Double Highwire, where the acts skitter and ride bicycles across wires criss-crossed diagonally at up to 25 feet above the stage.

There’s also the Skeleton Dance, a crazy trip to the dark side, and the Wheel of Death, an enormous spinning contraption that can’t be tamed.

Cirque du Soleil has brought so much wonder and delight to more than 300 cities, and it’s landed on our shores once again.

Don’t hold your breath, this is one circus show you’ll want to catch!

Cirque du Soleil – Kooza
Where: Under The Big Top Tent, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
When: 13 Jul – 20 Aug
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website

5. Gallery Children’s Biennale

No more dragging your children around to boring art exhibitions.

The National Gallery’s newest and most colourful display will have them clamouring to go again and again.

[caption id="attachment_27797" align="aligncenter" width="1620"] Image Credit: National Gallery[/caption]

Themed “Dreams & Stories”, the Children’s Biennale invites not just children, but your inner child, to embark on a creative journey.

Exhibitions are interactive, and truly let you delve right into and explore the world through the eyes of different artists.

The Obliteration Room, for example, lets you stick colourful stickers all over the furniture and walls of a completely white room. Watch as the space magically transforms as more and more colourful spots are added to it!

A series of public programmes, film screenings, special family tours, and artist-led workshops for children are also in the line-up.

Here, there’s something for everyone to discover, whether young or young at heart!  

Gallery Children’s Biennale
Where: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
When: 20 May – 8 Oct
Contact no.: 6271 7000
Website

6. Pesta Ubin

We’ve all heard of Pulau Ubin, our most happening offshore island.

This July, the yearly Pesta Ubin celebrates all there is to this little island!

[caption id="attachment_27794" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Pesta Ubin[/caption]

Pesta Ubin is a kampung-style open house, during which people step up to share their special slice of Pulau Ubin with the public.

That means activities are heartfelt, organic, and passionately led by the community.

Expect kampung photo booths, map colouring booths for the kids, and even kayaking with the family.

The event is set to highlight all of Ubin’s unique charms, its culture, kampung life, nature, and wildlife, on both land and sea.

Leave the city attitude behind and get a taste of the kinder, gentler way of life here.

What’s more, most Pesta Ubin activities are free of charge and don’t require registration!

So, simply take a bumboat to Pulau Ubin and join in the fun!

Pesta Ubin
Where: Pulau Ubin
When: 10 May – 16 Jul
Website

7. Imaginarium: To The Ends Of The Earth

How much do you know about the planet we live in?

This nature-focused art exhibition brings you in for a closer look at the environments we reside in.

[caption id="attachment_27848" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Image Credit: Time Out Singapore[/caption]

This is Singapore Art Museum’s seventh edition of the family-focused exhibition.

Young and old explorers alike are invited to see how people, flora, and fauna, adapt to their ever changing surroundings.

The lovely exhibits include a giant lizard’s tail, and a magical floating mountain.

There are even real life plants and mushrooms incorporated into the art pieces.

Walking amongst them will surely bring you closer to appreciating Earth’s many marvels.

With such inspiring and engaging artworks, be prepared to see the world that much differently by the end of it!

Imaginarium: To The Ends Of The Earth
Where: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
When: 6 May – 27 Aug
Contact no.: 65899 580
Website

Eat

8. Sama Curry & Café

The mention of curry most often brings to mind a spicy, thick gravy.

Well, Sama Curry & Café throws off all expectations as the first ever Japanese soup curry restaurant in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_26788" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Originating straight from Sapporo Hokkaido, Sama Curry reinvents curry in a delicious soupy bowl.

You’ll first get to take your pick from the Marathon Chicken, Oink Oink Hamburg, Keema Natto, Ocean Trophy or Vegetarian bear.

Then, choose from 30 levels of spiciness for just the right punch.

Lastly, select a soup base from Japanese wafu, Shrimp, Tomato or Coconut–and your perfectly customized curry bowl is done!

Remember to finish off your meal with their specialty Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette!

Sama Curry & Café
Where: OUE Downtown 2 Gallery Level 2, 6a Shenton Way Singapore 068809
When: Mon – Sat: 11am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6224 0590
Facebook

9. Gain City Durian Feast

Love it or hate it, durian is here to stay.

Gain City is holding a Gain City Durian Feast for all those who can’t get enough of our national fruit!

[caption id="attachment_27793" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Held for the third year running, Gain City is bringing durian lovers together for a sumptuous feast.

Get ready to pry open the spiny shell, and delve into the luscious flesh of the fruit you love so much.

You’ll also get to enjoy the cool breeze on the Gain City Megastore rooftop, mixed with the deliciously pungent scent of durian.

Remember to get your tickets online for this finger-licking good event!

Gain City Durian Feast
Where: Gain City Megastore @ Sungei Kadut, 71 Sungei Kadut Drive, Rooftop, Singapore 729577
When: 7 – 9 July
Contact no.: 6333 1212
Website

10. Singapore Food Festival

There’s no question that our Singaporean love for good food runs deep in our blood.

Well, there’s no better time to eat like a local than at the annual Singapore Food Festival!

[caption id="attachment_27799" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image Credit: Here, local culture, proud tradition, and contemporary dining are served up on a platter.

This is all done through unique culinary experiences, local chef collaborations, and workshops, which showcase Singapore’s rich heritage and culture.

Highlights include pairing traditional kueh with artisanal tea and coffee, learning to take great food photos like a professional, and an immersive food-and-dance experience!

Whether you’re a serious foodie or just a curious, hungry soul, you’ll get to savour a myriad of flavours and hear the stories behind the traditional snacks of Singapore.

So bring your appetite for a feast of the island’s best!

Singapore Food Festival
Address: Various Locations
When: 14 – 30 Jul
This ‘EZ-Link System’ For Beer Lets You Drink To Your Heart’s Content And Pay By The Millilitre

Get Your Post-Clubbing Food Fix At These 6 Late Night Haunts That Are Not McDonald’s

It’s 2am in the morning and you’re famished from partying and drinking all night. We’ve all been there – been drunk, tired, and hungry but with nowhere to eat.

Besides good old McDonald’s, there are actually quite a few places in Singapore you can go to feed your hungry soul at odd hours of the night/morning. So, instead of stuffing your face with french fries and chicken nuggets, head down to one of these popular supper spots – they’re sure to curb those post-clubbing hunger pangs!

1. Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café

For those of you who crave sweet desserts in the odd hours of the morning, make a trip down to Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café, a Korean Bingsu cafe that is open 24/7!

[caption id="attachment_27811" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Snow White bingsu (Image Credit: Garlic Cheese Injeolmi toast (Image Credit: Burpple User Anthony Ali)[/caption]

The Garlic Cheese Injeolmi toast ($9.90) will awaken your tastebuds as you dig into the buttered slices of bread toasted with garlic cheese. Cut open the toast to reveal bits of chewy mochi, injeolmi powder and almond slices! Definitely a sweet way to end the night!

Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café
Address: 
534 North Bridge Road Singapore, Singapore 188749 (opposite Bugis Junction)
Opening Hours:
Daily, 24 hrs

2. The Ramen Stall

Having hearty Japanese fare in the wee hours of the morning is now a reality, thanks to The Ramen Stall, which is certified halal. They serve an impressive range of Japanese favourites, including Ramen, Sushi, and Rice Don.

[caption id="attachment_27349" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Volcano Ramen (Image Credit: Burpple User Sihan Lee)[/caption]

The flaming hot bowl of Volcano Ramen ($11) is comfort food for the drunk soul, especially after a long night of partying. The chicken-based broth is robust in flavour and contains slices of chicken cha shu and bamboo shoot. You can also choose from three levels of spiciness!

The Ramen Stall
Address: 787 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198755
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 5pm – 6am; Sat – Sun, PH: 12pm – 6am
Facebook

3. Aroy Dee Thai Kitchen

Boasting authentic Thai flavours at affordable prices, Aroy Dee Thai Kitchen is a stall that never sleeps, just like its country of origin – Bangkok.

Day or night, there’s never a bad time for Pad Thai. The Pad Thai ($6.50), a Thai favourite in Singapore, has all the good stuff – prawns, eggs, diced beancurd, crushed peanuts, and beansprouts.

[caption id="attachment_27813" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Pad Thai (Image Credit: Burpple User Tammy Wee)[/caption]

The Chicken Green Curry ($6), filled with a generous serving of tender chicken is just the right amount of creamy. Order a bowl of rice – or two – to finish up every last drop of the curry!

Aroy Dee Thai Restaurant
Address: Sunshine Plaza, 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-12
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11.30am – 6am
Facebook

4. Casuarina Curry House

Prata is a popular supper option in Singapore and Casuarina Curry Restaurant is a hotspot for prata lovers in town.

[caption id="attachment_27814" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple Guides[/caption]

The plain prata ($1.30) is light, fluffy, and not too oily. With a crispy texture and slightly buttery taste, the pratas here are hugely satisfying.

[caption id="attachment_27815" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ondeh Ondeh Prata (Image Credit: Burpple User SG Food On Foot)[/caption]

Casuarina Curry House pays tribute to local flavours with its Ondeh Ondeh prata ($4.90). While slightly pricey for prata, its unique flavour makes it worth every buck. The crispy tissue prata is folded with pandan jelly cubes, a scoop of coconut ice cream, shredded coconut, and is drizzled with gula melaka.
Casuarina Curry House
Address: 136 & 138 Casuarina Road, Singapore 579524
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am – 12am
5. Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice (Jalan Besar)

 

[caption id="attachment_27571" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: Burpple User Jayson Yeoh[/caption]

Nothing is as delightful as a saucy, messy plate of curry rice when the city is fast asleep. This glorious plate of scissors-cut rice at Jalan Besar is liquid gold for late night party-goers. Slap a pork cutlet, braised cabbage, and a gooey fried egg onto your rice! As with any cai fun store, the price differs depending on what ingredients you pick, but the price hovers around $3.  
If you have extra calories to spare, add the Ngoh Hiang to your rice – it has a nice crunch from the water chestnuts within the fried, crispy skin.

The best part of this hearty and economical meal is the mixture of 4 different types of sauces on the mountain of food – curry, braised gravy, chilli oil, and chilli sauce. A beautiful mess indeed.

Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice (Jalan Besar)
Address: 229 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208905
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 3.30am

6. 333 Bak Kut Teh

[caption id="attachment_27572" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Coffee Shops Near Me[/caption]

Never let your cravings for Bak Kut Teh go unsatisfied again with 333 Bak Kut Teh, another joint that opens 24 hours daily.

The Pork Ribs Soup ($7) is made with a blend of pepper and various other spices, giving it a kick that will jolt you awake. The flavoursome and lean pork ribs are tender, pairing beautifully with the peppery broth. Dunk the you tiao into the broth to make these fried dough sticks even more addictive.

333 Bak Kut Teh
Address: 333 Balestier Road, Singapore 329765
Opening Hours: Daily, 12am – 12pm

And there you have it – a list of places that offer hearty meals to curb those post-clubbing hunger pangs. With these, you won’t have to go home hungry after your wild nights out!

Also read Newly Opened LuLu’s Lounge Brings The 60s’ New York Back Alley Club To Singapore’s Nightlife Scene

(Header Image Source: Burpple Guides)

Live It Up Like You’re In Hao Lai Wu – Enjoy Steamboat And BBQ In Lit Crystal Pots Till 3AM

There’s something to be said about Singaporeans’ devotion to a good, hearty steamboat or BBQ.

Clearly, this is something Hao Lai Wu recognises because they offer both steamboat and BBQ simultaneously, along with one of the widest arrays of ingredients we’ve seen in a single space.

[caption id="attachment_27630" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The mother lode[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27640" align="aligncenter" width="582"] Sauce galore![/caption] [caption id="attachment_27628" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Choose your own side, from kimchi to french fries[/caption]

Located at 8 Sago St, this shopfront is conveniently located next to the famous landmark, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. A spot that’s hard to miss, you and your friends won’t have any trouble finding each other at this place.

To cater to all of us Singaporeans whenever hunger strikes, the owners of Hao Lai Wu insist on keeping their store open from 11am – 3am daily! Up and hungry at ungodly hours? Hao Lai Wu’s got you covered!

[caption id="attachment_27635" align="alignnone" width="1024"] This place looks like something out of a Hong Kong film in the 70s[/caption]

We loved the charming, lived-in atmosphere permeating the entire shop.

From the moment the DiscoverSG team stepped in, we were taken with the lively, boisterous crowd, the communal cooking over steamboat bowls and BBQ grills, and the cheerful eating of family and friends.

[caption id="attachment_27631" align="alignnone" width="1024"] So much food to choose from![/caption]

Here, you can choose from 6 different soup bases: Mala, Tom Yum, Tomato, Chicken, Salted Veggie and Pork Bone.

We went with the house special, Mala soup, as well as Chicken soup. The main reason why we ordered the chicken soup was so we had a simple soup base that would allow us to properly appreciate the freshness of the ingredients served here.

Hao Lai Wu provides its customers with a wide range of fresh ingredients, sides, and sauces. It prides itself in its authentic Chinese cuisine, from the spices they put into their Mala soups to the drinks they import directly from China.

[caption id="attachment_27627" align="aligncenter" width="497"] The Honey Pomelo juice was surprisingly refreshing[/caption]

We settled down on the re-purposed oil drums and found that they came with detachable seat covers you could lift, to reveal a storage space for your bags or any knick-knacks you were carrying! With your belongings safely stowed away, the only thing you need to focus on is the mouthwatering food before you!

We were given an incredibly warm welcome with a crazy influx of dishes.

We had cute fishcakes…

[caption id="attachment_27636" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Adorable mouse-like fishcakes[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27623" align="alignnone" width="1024"] That’s mock shrimp! Fooled you, didn’t it?[/caption]

marinated meats…

[caption id="attachment_27633" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Meat, anyone?[/caption]

an understated but heavenly dish of fried mantous…

[caption id="attachment_27624" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Warm, crispy mantous[/caption]

and a TON of seafood.

[caption id="attachment_27626" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Seafood[/caption] [caption id="attachment_27638" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Just look at this crab![/caption]

And I mean a TON, because when all the food was brought out, this was what our table looked like:

[caption id="attachment_27625" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Half of these are seafood[/caption]

Someone even cooked an omelette for us on the spot as the food was on its way out! Filled with delicious, juicy sprigs of green onion, red chillis, and tiny morsels of mock crab meat, we loved every last bite of it.

[caption id="attachment_27637" align="alignnone" width="1024"] We had omelette made for us on the spot![/caption]

Being able to eat with a whole group of people, cooking and serving one another for 2-3 hours straight, and being given 3 different ways to cook your food (Mala steamboat, Chicken steamboat and BBQ), this is definitely a great place to gather with family, loved ones and friends.

As we said our goodbyes with expanded tummies and hearts, we left with 3 takeaways:

1. Come to Hao Lai Wu HUNGRY. You won’t survive if you’re simply peckish.

2. The Mala is truly delicious, and will leave you sweating as you reach for more.

3. The Mala soup should only be attempted by spicy food lovers. If you’re afraid of McDonald’s chilli sauce, you may want to pass on the Mala.

[caption id="attachment_27639" align="aligncenter" width="285"] Seriously, $1.95/100g is a steal[/caption]

If you’re looking for a new supper, dinner or lunch spot to have your next family or friend gathering, why not try Hao Lai Wu? We guarantee it’ll be worth your while, leaving you happy and satisfied both in the tummy and the heart.

Hao Lai Wu
Address:
8 Sago St, Singapore 059012
Operating Hours: 11am – 3am daily
Contact no.: 6221 0065
Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More!

Live Out Your Wizard Fantasies At Platform 1094 – Dine On Magical Food And Bewitching Drinks

Fancy yourself a bit of a wizard? At this cafe, you can pretend to be it for a day–or at least a couple of hours.

There’s a wizard themed cafe in town and here, you can leave the muggle life behind by donning the elaborate cloaks, witches’ hats, and accessories like wands and broomsticks that are provided free of charge.

[caption id="attachment_27385" align="alignnone" width="2880"] Pretend to be a wizard for a day at Platform 1094[/caption]

At this cafe reminiscent of The Three Broomsticks (the wizarding pub you may recognise from the Harry Potter books), a brick wall with a mystical-looking crest forms the perfect backdrop for all your photo-taking needs.

[caption id="attachment_27386" align="alignnone" width="2037"] The perfect backdrop (and props!) for all your photo-taking needs[/caption]

No mere muggle or wizard will be able to resist grabbing some nosh at this pretty place, and we quickly succumbed to their quirky menu that was filled with magical-sounding drinks, finger foods and desserts.

Where else can you find food that sounds like it came straight out of a spell book?

Drink, drank but not drunk: Mrs Lich’s Butterscotch Ale ($10)

[caption id="attachment_27716" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Spam fries[/caption]

When you’re wielding this wand of utter deliciousness, no Death Eater will dare get between you and your food. For an extra oomph to your Avada Kedavra, dip the hot and savoury spam sticks into the sweet Thai chilli dip. There’s no going back after that.

The Main Dish: Schnitzel Sous-vide Duck Breast ($19)

This dish consists of well-seasoned, meaty pieces of duck breast flavoured with herbs and spices. The duck is then battered and fried to a beautiful golden hue that almost outshines the Goblet of Fire.

[caption id="attachment_27710" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
Image Credit: Black Magic[/caption]

As if we were under the spell of dark magic, we found the unpredictable mix of flavours and textures oddly bewitching.

Intense black sesame panna cotta, crispy charcoal cake, squid ink profiterole filled with mango creme and crackly lace tulle… Eat this, and embrace your dark side.

Here at Platform 1094, wizards and muggles alike are bonded by food, laughter and cosy camaraderie. Whiz by on your broomstick (or drop by on your two feet) whenever you’re craving a little magic in your cafe-hopping spree!

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tues – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6204 6003
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Welcome To The Dark Side – These 13 Black Foods Will Surely Soot Your Tastebuds

Black – we love to wear it, we love it on makeup, we love to… eat it?

Black coloured foods seem to be the next big food trend and we think you’ll be seeing more of these dark, moody foods all over your Insta-feeds. From sinful desserts to devilish mains, with foods as black as our hearts, we’re not going to say no.

We’ve rounded up some of the blackest foods in Singapore, so let your inner goth come alive with these cold, black treats.

1. 黑 “Hei” Rice ($22) – Paddy Hills

[caption id="attachment_27591" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit:  Image Credit: Image Credit: Burpple User Seth Lui[/caption]

This signature dish consists of the OG black food, squid ink pasta, tossed with a generous amount of crayfish, scallops, prawns, clams, and squid. The pasta is infused with the natural taste of the sea from the squid ink, and the sauce is briny and flavourful. While squid ink pasta is not hard to find across our little island, this is one of the better squid ink pastas you can get in Singapore.

Pasta Brava
Address: 11 Craig Road, Singapore
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.45am – 2.15 pm (lunch), 6.15pm – 10.15pm (dinner); Closed on Sun & PH

4. Squid Ink Panini with King Crab and Prawns ($14) – Dolcetto by Basilico

[caption id="attachment_27694" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Image Credit:  Image Credit:  Image Credit:  Image Credit:  Black Magic[/caption]

You may have chanced upon this all-black dessert before. Now, it’s back again in all its glory. The magic unfolds in an intricately designed medley of black sesame panna cotta, squid ink profiterole, crispy charcoal biscuit, lace tulle, black berries, with a chocolate wand. A tasty and quirky combination that works wonders!

Platform 1094
Address: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 11am – 10pm; Sat & Sun: 10am to 10pm; Closed on Mon

10. Foie Gras Macaron ($12) – Hashida Garo

[caption id="attachment_27604" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: 
Image Credit: Burpple User V T[/caption]

To beat the heat, come to the dark side with KokoPanda’s black frozen yoghurt, made with charcoal and roasted coconut husk.

It’s a tangy, refreshing and absolutely yummy alternative to ice cream. What’s more, it’s also a much healthier choice as it comes topped with superfoods. These include dried strawberry, apple, pear, persimmon and Jeju tangerine, as well as caviar bubbles made with real fruit juice.

A single topping with the base froyo will cost $4.90, while a froyo with 3 toppings will cost $5.90, with additional toppings priced at $0.80 each.

KokoPanda
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B2-60, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm

12. Homemade Black Soy Ice Cream ($4.90 for Regular, with 2 toppings) – Dofu

[caption id="attachment_27607" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Image Credit:  Image Credit: Burpple User Zhi Hui Lim[/caption]

This grand tower consists of fine milk shavings topped with a generous layer of black sesame and kinako powder, a heap of red beans, and a scoop of ice cream. Feast your eyes on the Black Sesame Bingsu, a slayer at Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café that for good reason, has garnered its own fan club.

Nunsongyee Korean Dessert Café
Address: 534 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188749 | #02-25 Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, Singapore 529509 | 227 Upper Thompson Road Singapore 574359 | The Midtown Singapore, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road #01-14, Singapore 534785
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily (North Bridge Road branch) | Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm (Century Square branch)

It seems when it comes to food, black is now the new black. With all the multi-coloured and ombre foods and drinks we’ve been seeing lately, this is definitely a refreshing and much welcomed change.

If you’re in the mood to try something new, check out these deliciously dark eats. And of course, make sure to bring a mirror with you–you don’t want to be out in public with black stuff all over your teeth!

Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button

Cool SIA, You Can Now Enjoy Local Favourites Like Laksa On Your Next Trip Overseas

Can’t get enough of local food?

Pretty soon, locals and foreigners alike will get to enjoy local favouites when they fly Singapore Airlines.

The #2 airline in the world will be changing up its menu as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. A collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, this will be happening in conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival.

Starting next month, local delicacies near and dear to our hearts like chicken rice and carrot cake will be served as part of SIA’s new in-flight menu.

[caption id="attachment_27684" align="aligncenter" width="991"] Laksa (Image Credit: Chicken Rice (Image Credit: Fried Carrot Cake (Image Credit: Changi’s Jewel Is Like A Futuristic Playground – Bounce On Sky Nets And Play Among The Clouds

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The Best Rainbow Cakes To Indulge In While Celebrating The Freedom To Love

As June rolls around, it brings plenty of good stuff: the national treasure that is the Great Singapore Sale, turbulent Gemini season and, best of all, LGBTQ Pride Month.

Pride Month celebrations are meant to commemorate the June 28 anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, which is considered a milestone event in the modern fight for LGBTQ rights.

The rainbow flag has long been used to represent the LGBTQ community worldwide, and while there may have been some escalator drama and cake-bashing on our shores in recent weeks, love is still love and these events won’t dull our colours.

We’ve sussed out the best cafes around the island where you can give your sweet tooth the rainbow treatment in honour of Pride Month.

1. Dean & Deluca

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1152"] Image Credit: 2. The Coffee Daily [caption id="attachment_27550" align="aligncenter" width="960"]The Coffee Daily's Rainbow Cake Image Credit: The Coffee Daily[/caption]

Tucked away at Brighton Crescent is The Coffee Daily, where the vibes are chill, the coffee is good and the rainbow cake is gorgeous.

The presentation here really takes the cake—get it?—with chocolate drizzles and bonus rainbow sprinkles. Their rainbow cake is also one of the most popular items on the menu, known to sell out by mid-afternoon, so be sure to get there early!

The Coffee Daily
Address: 75 Brighton Crescent, Singapore 559216
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm; Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Lynn's Cakes & Coffee Rainbow Cake Image Credit: 4. I am… [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Rainbow Cake and Rainbow Latte from I Am... Image Credit: I am…[/caption]

This halal-certified café serves up some of the most iconic rainbow desserts in town.

Tuck into a classic seven-layer rainbow cake or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try out the rainbow mille crepe cake. Think white and dark chocolate cream between layers of soft multi-coloured crepe, drizzled with rich chocolate syrup. You can also pair these with a warm cup of rainbow latte—latte art’s never been so technicolour.

I am…
Address: 674 North Bridge Road, Singapore 199486
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 1am; Sun: 11am – 10pm
Website

Show your colours this month as we celebrate the freedom to love. Eat these cakes or gift them to your LGBTQ friends as a sign of support or solidarity! And to all our friends from the LGBTQ community, we stand with you! #loveislove

Also read Pancake Burgers Are The Latest Food Mashup In S’pore And We Are All Flippin’ Out

(Header Image Source: Pinterest)

There’s A Picnic Party Happening In July, And You Don’t Need To Bring Anything

Love the idea of a picnic, but not so much the process of preparing the food and lugging everything out of the house?

There’s a picnic party coming up, and at this picnic, all you have to bring is yourself.

Weird Wonderful World is a two-day picnic party happening from Jul 8 – 9 at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Led by Spa Esprit Group’s Tiong Bahru Bakery, at this picnic, there are pre-packed buckets (not baskets) filled with all sorts of goodies from the Spa Esprit brands.

Food-wise, expect sandwiches from Tiong Bahru Bakery, fish sliders from Open Farm Community, kong ba pau from House, and for drinks, juices, wines and more. Each bucket, with the exception of the starter bucket, also comes with all your picnicking needs including mats, fans, and even a helium balloon, because why not?

Picnic baskets start at $10 for a starter bucket with all your picnic essentials (includes a mat and a helium balloon) and go up to $200 for a premium bucket containing a wide selection of signature pastries and dishes. The WWow Bucket is tagged at$50, the WWWonderful Bucket at $100, and the WWWhoopwhoop Bucket at $200.

If you’re still hungry after emptying out your picnic bucket, there will also be pop-up stalls by Open Door Policy, House, Open Farm Community and Common Man Coffee Roasters at the Bandstand and Palm Valley areas of the garden!

Still on the fence about whether or not you should attend? How’s this: also present on the picnic grounds are plenty of fun, wacky inflatables, giant versions of our favourite childhood games Twister and Connect 4, roving buskers, relaxing shoulder massages and foot rubs, and even men’s grooming services!

For even more picture perfect fun times, you can buy giant flamingo, unicorn, and donut floats ($50) to sit on–a fun little detail to jazz up your own picnic area!

With music from concert performances at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, early morning yoga sessions and guided tours you can join, this weird and wonderful picnic party is the perfect remedy to a tough week of work.

Pre-order your picnic bucket from 19 June to 7 July at Tiong Bahru Bakery (Raffles City, Tangs Orchard, Eng Hoon), Open Farm Community, Open Door Policy and House at Dempsey, and receive a free Tiong Bahru Bakery tote worth $10! Limited buckets are available, so make sure you book them early!

Let loose and let the good times roll at Weird Wonderful World!

Weird Wonderful World
Address: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569 
Date: Jul 8 – 9
Website

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