These Restaurants Are Ditching Their Reunion Dinners So You Can Order From Them This CNY!

There’s nothing more important than food during Chinese New Year.

For the lucky ones with a whole family of masterchefs, reunion dinners and visitations are filled with kitchen-fulls of dishes, and table-fulls of homemade pineapple tarts and the like.

But what about those of us who aren’t as lucky? Or those of us who could potentially burn down our kitchen by simply boiling a pot of water?

Well, UberEATS wants to come to the rescue with their list of restaurants (both Chinese and non-Chinese) open during the weekend to whet your appetite and satisfy your hunger!

Chinese Restaurants Opened On CNY (28-29 Jan)

For those without a chef to tank all the visitors’ hungry stomachs, the team at UberEATS has come up with a list of some of their favourite Chinese restaurants:

Lao Jiang Superior Soup (Bukit Timah)

Specialities: Malaysian soup dishes such as the Ipoh Hor Fun Superior Soup and the signature Red Grouper Soup.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM, 28th and 29th Jan 2017

Indocafe The White House

Specialities: A Lunar New Year set menu, and the Fortune Set which has classic dishes like Yu Sheng and ee fu noodles.

Opening Hours: 12 PM to 10:30 PM, 28th and 29th Jan 2017

Five Loaves Two Fish

Specialities: Their well-known MSG-free collagen fish soup, and tze char dishes.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, 27th to 29th Jan 2017

Tong Fu Ju Sichuan Restaurant

Specialities: Sichuan-style dishes with a speciality in seafood dishes. Popular options include kung pao chicken and charcoal grilled fish.

Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 27th to 29th Jan 2017

5 Star Hainanese Kampung Chicken Rice

Specialities: Their famous chicken rice topped with free-range chicken, which is a healthier option of the meat.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, 27th Jan. 12 PM to 12 AM, 28th Jan and 29th Jan 2017

Guo Se Tian Xiang

Specialities: Hunan delicacies like steamed fish head with homemade chili and griddle-cooked spicy shrimp.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM, 27th to 29th Jan 2017

Kelong Seafood

Specialities: Seafood staples like curry fish head and Fu Rong omelette from the long-standing stall in Holland Village.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, 27th and 29th Jan 2017

Ju Hao by MOF

Specialities: Northern Chinese cuisine like their signature freshly-made noodles and Xiao Long Bao (mini soup dumplings).

Opening Hours: 3 PM to 10 PM on 28th Jan 2017 and 11 AM to 10 PM on 29th Jan 2017

Non-Chinese Options Opened On CNY (28-29 Jan)

For those who are sick of yu sheng, pineapple tarts, roasted meat and fried rice, UberEATS also has some non-Chinese options up their sleeves:

Tree Lizard

Specialities: Some of their more popular dishes include a 48-degree sous vide salmon (with truffle mash potatoes) and tasty baked escargot.

Opening Hours: 12 PM to 12 AM28th and 29th Jan 2017

The LoKal

Specialities: An Aussie-inspired cafe which prides itself on its homemade creations, and has gotten much attention from its Sunday roast chicken.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 3:30 PM28th and 29th Jan 2017

Two Blur Guys

Specialities: Gourmet burgers that come with thick patties ranging from prime beef, salmon, pulled pork and more.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 10:30 PM28th and 29th Jan 2017

The Workbench Bistro

Specialities: A ‘hipster cafe in the heartland’, they serve Western dishes with a Singapore twist. Some dishes include purple sweet potato waffles with gula melaka and salted egg pasta.

Opening Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM28th and 29th Jan 2017

KuCina Italian

Specialities: A Muslim-owned option, it serves reasonably-priced Italian cuisine with specials like braised veal leg and turkey bacon carbonara.

Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 10 PM28th and 29th Jan 2017

Aroi Na Thai Kitchen

Specialities: Thai food from the Holland Village food centre stall which offers favourites like green curry, mookata and pad thai.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM28th and 29th Jan 2017

The Garden Slug

Specialities: For a non-conventional family which wants a Western option, it has New Year Reunion and Prosperity Trays. Some picks include lamb loin chops and caramelised confit of smoked duck breast.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 Pm28th and 29th Jan 2017

Delhi 6 Katong V

Specialities: Indian favourites like garlic naan, spicy tikka butter masala, mutton briyani and also vegetarian options.

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM28th and 29th Jan

UberEATS CNY-Friendly Features

Above are just a few eateries given to us by the UberEATS team, and they have assured us that there will be more available during the weekend, so explore away!

In the meantime, the team has also shared about some CNY-friendly features on the app that will make ordering during the break much smoother:

1. No Minimum Order

Whether you’re feeding a party of friends, or just feeding yourself during the break, UberEATS would accept your orders – regardless of amount!

2. Scheduled Orders

If you’re a kanchiong spider, and would rather die than deal with a roomful of hungry guests waiting for their meals, you can now schedule orders from the UberEATS app.

You can start placing your orders a week in advance, so in light of the possible rush, we’d advice that you start picking your dishes now.

3. Concurrent Orders

This allows you to handpick the best from each restaurant, so that you won’t need to do multiple orders just for a single meal.

The app also lets you keep track of all your orders – just tap the receipt icon to see your past and upcoming orders!

Ditch The Fast Food, Treat Yourself This CNY Weekend!

In preparation for Chinese New Year, there is already so much to do from spring cleaning the house to shopping. Cooking, especially if you are expecting a healthy number of hungry guests, will simply add to your list of worries.

Since UberEATS is offering to take that fuss off our plate(haha), why not take up their offer? You can download the app here on the Apple store and Google Play.

Start shopping for your CNY meals starting from now and have the security of mind that your guests will be well-fed.

This article first appeared at Vulcan Post.

Also, read 9 Incredible Yu Sheng To Toss So You Get Good Luck In The Year Of The Rooster

7 Classy and Cheap Date-Night Activities in Singapore This January

With the end of year festivities well out of the way, we can all take solace in that our lives can finally return to normalcy.

After emptying the bank for all those Christmas presents and New Year parties, here’s a guide on life hacking date-night activities this January without burning a hole in the pocket.

Here are seven classy date-night ideas that will go easy on the wallet.

1. ART AFTER DARK

[caption id="attachment_21373" align="alignnone" width="768"] Image: Gillman Barracks[/caption]

Held at the Gillman Barracks, Art After Dark is a highlight of Singapore Art Week which combines contemporary art exhibitions, live music performances and amazing food vendors in one evening.

The event will also see the launch of LOCK ROUTE, an outdoor public art showcase featuring works in the form of murals, sculptures and installations by popular and emerging local artists.

This year, local musicians Charlie Lim, Riot !n Magenta and .gif will make an appearance, accompanied by pop-up food booths from Park Bench Deli and Gattopardo.

When: 13 January 2017, 7pm till late
Where: Gillman Barracks
Price: Free

2. NASA: A HUMAN ADVENTURE

[caption id="attachment_21374" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image: Marina Bay Sands[/caption]

Treat your partner to an experience that is out of this world at NASA: A Human Adventure. The exhibition is said to be the most comprehensive in showcasing space flights throughout history, with artifacts from the U.S. and Soviet Union space programs.

The public guided tours are in either English or Mandarin where participants can learn about some of the most extraordinary innovations in space technology and scientific achievements in human history.

The exhibition runs all the way until March and will be a great way to start the New Year by learning about the human endeavour in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

When: Daily until 19 March 2017
Where: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Price: S$15-19 (Singaporeans and PR), S$20-25 (Foreigners)

3. ALIWAL URBAN ART FESTIVAL

[caption id="attachment_21375" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image: Singapore Art Week[/caption]

In conjunction with Singapore Art Week, the Aliwal Urban Art Festival is an annual event held to celebrate the wonderful world of street art highlighting the talents of local urban artists, dancers, skateboarders and musicians.

Visitors can learn about the history of urban art in Singapore while ‘The Writers Bench’ will see urban artists collaborating to work on a 12-metre long wall.

There will be live performances from local indie bands Ant-Men and Disco Hue. Skateboarding enthusiasts can also head down to the Aliwal Car Park to witness ‘The Asphalt Challenge’, a skill competition featuring Singapore’s top skateboarders.

When: 14 January 2017, 5pm till late
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre
Price: Free

4. FULLERTON MONUMENT TOUR

[caption id="attachment_21379" align="aligncenter" width="1207"] Image: The Fullerton Hotel[/caption]

While all Singaporeans will recognize the iconic Fullerton Hotel, many may be unfamiliar with its history. Amidst an ever-transforming city landscape in Singapore’s CBD, The Fullerton Hotel has remained a constant, witnessing some of Singapore’s history moments.

This guided tour will reset the clocks to 1928, taking you in a journey through time from the very beginnings of the Fullerton Building to when it hosted the General Post Office, became an elite British club and exquisite hotel.

Participants will get a glimpse of exclusive preserved areas of the building with its rich history and monumental significance of Singapore’s past. The tour ends with a “Heritage” local breakfast in the hotel courtyard.

When: 22 January 2017
Where: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Price:  The Istana Singapore[/caption]

Get a unique glimpse of the Istana this January. Held during the Istana Chinese New Year Open House, this guided walk will showcase the Istana’s rich and diverse flora and fauna.

The Istana estate is a vast parkland of greenery, with areas such as The Swan Pond, The Lawn, Japanese Garden, The Spice Terrace and The Grove.

The walk is conducted on an hourly basis between 10am to 4pm, and is open to the general public.

When: 29 January 2017
Where: The Istana
Price: $4 (Singaporeans and PR), $10 (Foreigners)

6. STORY OF THE FOREST

[caption id="attachment_21377" align="aligncenter" width="1372"] Image: teamLab[/caption]

Story of the Forest is an immersive installation inspired by the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings at the National Museum of Singapore.

The exhibition takes 69 drawings from the prized collection and breathes life into them through wide-scaping displays. There is also an app that will enhance your visit, making the exhibition an interactive one for all to enjoy.

The installation was setup by teamLab, the same people behind Future World, the permanent exhibition at the ArtScience Museum.

When: Daily, 10am to 7pm
Where: National Museum of Singapore
Price: Free (Singaporeans and PR)

7. ARTWALK LITTLE INDIA

[caption id="attachment_21376" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image: ARTWALK Little India[/caption]

From January 12 to 17, ARTWALK Little India returns with its third edition to liven up the Little India precinct, showcasing the area’s rich tradition through a variety of arts and culture.

Throughout the week, visitors can immerse themselves in art installations and live performances that celebrate the heritage of Little India. This year’s theme is Your Path To Remember, giving visitors a nostalgic journey of stories and memories through the medium of the arts.

The initiative is a collaboration between LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Tourism Board.

When: 12 to 17 January 2017
Where: Little India
Price: Free

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For more updates and listings of events for your date-night activities, pick up your free copy of this month’s A List Singapore from City Hall, Raffles Place, Tampines and Jurong East SMRT stations. Alternatively, you can check out A List Singapore’s The Playbook.

Also, read Dying Art Culture? Nope. Here’s What To Expect During Singapore Art Week 2017

Heading To Thailand? Here Are Two Places You Must Visit For An Epic Holiday!

This December, we were invited to fly over to Thailand on a 3D2N trip. Our ambassador, Valerie, flew over, and she had the opportunity to visit two PlearnWan Panich restaurants. One is located in popular metropolis Bangkok, and the other is located in a town exuding old world charm, Huahin.

[caption id="attachment_20646" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Valerie at the branch in Bangkok[/caption]

What exactly does ‘Plearnwan’ mean?

It means “to play and learn”, and the restaurants are designed to emanate an air of classical romance.

There is a unique theme at each branch. For example, the branch in Bangkok is gorgeously old-fashioned, nostalgic, and full of cute little knick-knacks

[caption id="attachment_20647" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Cute little display items at Plearnwan Panich Bangkok[/caption]

The interior design accentuates the theme and will enrich your dining experience.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Valerie’s experience at the Plearnwarn Panich branch in Bangkok! 

Plearnwan Panich in Bangkok

 The Plearnwan Panich branch is situated at Siam Square 1 in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Blast to the past” best summarises the theme and overall, the restaurant gave off chill hangout vibes.

Just a 30 minutes ride from the airport, this is a great stop over before you head to other parts of Bangkok.

To our delight, the menu is presented in two languages – Thai and English!

When dinner was served, it was no less than a gastronomical fare.

[caption id="attachment_20667" align="aligncenter" width="399"] Old school biscuits to go with our drinks[/caption]


The mains were delish – authentically Thai food, just the right amount of spiciness, and oh-so-good.

Just when we thought the food couldn’t get any better, desserts were served! There are plenty of desserts to choose from, and they were as quirky and cute as the décor.

These were soft, moist and chewy. You can dip them in either condensed milk or kaya!

Last but not least, this dessert comes in corn and coconut flavor. Chewy on the inside, this was a real delight.

All in all, the ambience was delightful and serene. It was like being transported into a different world – back to the past with comfort food and homey décor.

Plearnwan in Huahin

Valerie then took a three-hour ride to Huahin, where she explored the wistful and cutesy village.

[caption id="attachment_20654" align="aligncenter" width="938"] There are booths featuring carnival games in the background![/caption]

There is a rustic charm to the ambience at both the village and hotel (Piman Plearnwan). Rudimentary elements are even incorporated into the facilities, so you enjoy the old-world charm in its entirety!

[caption id="attachment_20652" align="aligncenter" width="938"] A big water tub in the hotel. You’ll have to scoop the water out and shower yourself with it![/caption] [caption id="attachment_20651" align="aligncenter" width="938"] The intricately and intriguingly designed hotel room in Piman Plearnwan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_20650" align="aligncenter" width="938"] The lounge area[/caption]

Plearnwan in Huahin opened 7 years ago.

Like the Bangkok branch, they serve comfort and homey food at affordable prices. Their food is so genuine, even their coffee beans are sourced locally. If you’re looking for a great place to chill over food, you won’t go wrong at Plearnwan at Huahin.

[caption id="attachment_20649" align="aligncenter" width="886"] Valerie loved her breakfast set so much that she had the same set for two days![/caption]

Anyone visiting Thailand should set aside some time to visit Plearnwan to soak in some old school nostalgia, whether in Bangkok or Huahin.

And each of the Plearnwan Panich branch is beautiful in its own way. The Bangkok branch’s décor, ambience and food made Valerie feel at ease and contented, especially after a flight.

On the other hand, the village (community) in Huahin is captivating with the traditional carnival booths and sentimental furnishings.

Coupled with good and affordable food, the Plearnwan Panich branches are simply unmissable and must-visit spots!

Plearnwan (Huahin):
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Piman Plearnwan (the hotel Valerie stayed at in Huahin)
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Also, read Because Bangkok Is Overrated, Let These Hidden Gems In Thailand Take Your Breath Away

Fit For A King: You’ll Need These Delectable Desserts To Complete Your Christmas Feast!

After hanging up your hundredth bauble, unwrapping your thousandth present, and exchanging your millionth kiss under the mistletoe, you bet it’s time for something more. If what you’re thinking is what we’re thinking, it’s none other than a Christmas feast.

Be it turkey with all the trimmings, indulgent desserts or spiced tipples, tis’ the season for feasting!

Read on for our choice picks of binge-worthy festive fare.

1. Bakerzin

This festive season, let home-grown Bakerzin tantalise your taste buds, spice up your parties, and keep your guests coming in droves.

We were lucky enough to lay our hands on a few items in their Enchanting White Christmas Takeaway Menu, and it had us wishing Christmas would never end.

Roast Cajun Capon – $36 (approx. 2kg)

Roasted for 1 ½ hours under carefully-calibrated temperatures, marinated overnight and stuffed generously with aromatic herbs and spices – that’s how much goes into preparing each roast.

It was all worth it because the chicken was moist, tender and flavourful. And, it came with crispy golden skin – a big plus.

We dipped pieces of the meat into the refreshing and tangy Chimichurri Sauce, an interesting Argentinian-inspired concoction. Equally tasty was the Christmas Tangy Sauce – an earthy, wholesome sauce made from hours of simmering chicken bones and tomatoes, and infused with red wine.

To round off the dish, we tucked into heaps of sweet roasted carrots cut to bite-sized perfection and moreish mini potatoes.

Yule Love Chocolate Log Cake ($52 – approx. 1.2 kg)

Not for the faint-hearted, don’t mess with this bad boy unless you’re a serious chocolate lover. We’re glad to say that the confection contained more chocolate mousse than cake, with a chocolate-to-cake ratio of approximately 70 to 30.

Rich and decadent, this bittersweet chocolate mousse cake is made from fine Valrhona chocolate, and luxuriously covered with chocolate frosting. 

The cake was an overall winner, considering that it nailed the chocolate just right and it was a treat for the eyes. Decorated with adorable mini Santas and crunchy candy canes, we couldn’t say no to it!

Galette des Rois – $40 (approx. 580g)

Add some pizazz to your Christmas party with this rustic Northern French pastry, otherwise known as the King Cake.

At first bite, we noticed how delicate and buttery the puff pastry was. It was considerably tastier and more buttery than most other puff pastries that we’ve tried. After that, the sweet and fragrant scent of the almond frangipane filling hit us. Baked to a golden brown hue, the cake looked as good as it tasted.

What’s more, this dessert contains a fève (porcelain toy figurine)! According to tradition, the lucky person who finds it will be the “king of the day”. Will it be you?

Croquembouche (Available in vanilla custard or Coffee Cream) – $22.80 for 27 pcs (approx. 800g)

A traditional French confection popular at weddings, this sweet pyramid dessert consisted of 27 mini choux pastries, stacked like an awesome Christmas tree.

Freshly-baked daily and glazed with a generous coating of indulgent, homemade butterscotch, this dessert is worth getting a belly for. The delicate and airy choux pastries were filled with rich and smooth coffee cream, which brought the dessert to great heights.

While the choux pastry was fluffy but not the fluffiest, the coffee cream was pretty amazing. Deep and fragrant, the coffee flavour was strong enough to lend the dessert an edge. Popping several of them made us feel like we’d downed a good cuppa, which we absolutely love.

Bakerzin
Enchanting White Christmas Takeaway: 11 November  2016 – 2 January 2017
Order: Place orders online at https://www.bakerzin.com/ or at Bakerzin outlets in Singapore

2. Cat and The Fiddle

Looking for a little slice of decadence?

Cat And The Fiddle’s Happy, Merry, Boozy! cake is a dense black forest cake crafted from a layer of chocolate mousse atop a layer of brandy-infused chocolate sponge cake. A generous offering of brandied cherries comes with every second bite.

The cake even comes with a Christmas tag and two gold Christmas tree ornaments!

Our ambassador, Vanessa, tried the cake, and here’s what she had to say:

“In lieu of the festive season, I tried The Cat and The Fiddle black forest cake that was such a sensation for my taste buds! Loved the surprise of brandy infused cherries and the soft mousse on the chocolate cake. Unconventional compared to the usual creamy log cakes!”

We’ll be giving away this cake on our Facebook soon. Like us for updates!

Cat and The Fiddle
Happy, Merry, Boozy! 
is available from 15 November 2016 to 1 January 2016
Price: $49.90 (inclusive of GST)
Approximate weight: 1KG (good for 8-10 servings)
Order: Place your order online at https://www.catandthefiddle.com

3. Flor Patisserie

Named after the Portuguese word for ‘flower’, FLOR Patisserie is a Japanese-inspired confectioner serving authentic French pastry. For honest baking, fresh ingredients and sincerely tasty baked goods, step right up.

Strawberry Log Cake

Our ambassador, Stephanie, tried the Strawberry Log Cake, here’s her experience:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNl_YFjDwSo/

“I really liked that the cake was moist and fluffy, and that it wasn’t very sweet, so it wasn’t too rich or overwhelming to have one slice after another. Also there wasn’t a lot of cream used, which I liked, cause it’s not that oily and fattening. ? The strawberries were a little sour, but it was a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake ??”

Chocolate Brick Log Cake

After a bite of this tasty brick, you’ll probably crack a grin, but not your teeth! The bittersweet cake offered a solid chocolate punch.

A strong player in the texture game, smooth chocolate fudge cream was sandwiched between fluffy layers of dark chocolate sponge, complemented by crisp and flaky puff pastry on both sides of the cake.

Offering an interesting texture contrast, were the crunchy chocolate-covered pearls hidden within the cake

FLOR Patisserie
Strawberry Log cake

9.5 x 17cm – $53.50
9.5 x 24cm – $69.60
Chocolate Brick
9.5 x 17cm – $55.70
9.5 x 24cm – $72
Order: Place your order online at 
at their outlets

4. Asanoya Bakery

Asanoya Bakery first captivated the people of Japan. Now, they’re doing the same right here – blending the best of Japanese flavours with tried and tested European recipes. You might have known them for their creative spins on the salted egg craze – matcha lava, and maple lava salted egg croissants. This Christmas 2016, they’ve hit us with yet another round of tasty tricks.

Chocolate Banana Log Cake

Our ambassador, Victoria, tried the log cake. Here’s what she had to say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5eu1MBtQj/?taken-by=victoinette

Christmas Gift Box

Asanoya’s Christmas Gift Box makes for a great gift – 1 traditional stollen, 9 pieces of Madeleine, 9 pieces of Christmas cookies and 9 pieces of Yuzu Miso Rusk, we guarantee the recipient of this box will be grinning like a Cheshire cat.

We enjoyed everything! Every bite of the stollen guaranteed fruit bits and it was very addictive. Unlike traditional Madeleines, the ones from Asanoya are green tea flavoured and perfect to go with tea. The Yuzu Miso Rusk was a unique twist – the mishmash of flavours is surprisingly delectable. You get a strong yuzu taste that does not overpower but was the perfect contrast. As for the Christmas cookies, they were crunchy yet smooth but not too dry.

All in all, we couldn’t think of a better Christmas goodie box to gift to friends.

Asanoya
Christmas Gift Box: 
$78
Chocolate Banana Yule Log: $45.80
Website:
Diana, tried the log cake. Here’s what she had to say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN–qezDUXb/?taken-by=dianabakar_

“Bursting with nutty flavour, the log cake was an eruption of pure joy at first bite. A myriad of textures – from the smooth pudding, sponge cake to the crunchy wafer bits delighted my palate. The log cake was complete with dark chocolate toppings and the cutest reindeer that joyfully highlights this Christmas season.”

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Order online More details Pies & Coffee is a bold and vibrant cafe that specialises in freshly baked handmade gourmet pies and coffee. Tuck into their scrumptious buttery and flaky pastry crusts which will melt in your mouth.

This Christmas, Pies & Coffee has taken an unconventional twist on the traditional Christmas log cake by infusing our local favourite – Ondeh Ondeh flavour!

Bite into a piece of this Ondeh Ondeh-infused log cake and revel in the sweet yet not overpowering gula melaka creamy exterior. Coupled with slightly crispy coconut flakes and a deliciously soft and slightly moist pandan chiffon interior, it is almost like having an Ondeh Ondeh itself!

This unique cake is artfully decorated with white chocolate bites and sweet golden balls as well. For a refreshing and Singaporean-style log cake this Christmas, Pies & Coffee’s Christmas Rhapsody Log Cake will surely not disappoint!

Pies & Coffee
Christmas Rhapsody (Ondeh-Ondeh) Log Cake
Weight: 1kg (approx.)
Price: SGD45 nett
Website

A slight nutty aftertaste of the cream rendered us dumbfounded until we found out it was made of kinako (soya bean) powder. Perfectly light and fluffy, you’ll definitely reach for seconds!

Christmas Nama Chocolate Log Cake

Topped with an array of adorable Christmas treats, the Nama cake had a fluffy sponge that was mildly sweet and yet hid just the right amount of nama cubes within the airy layers of cream.

Definitely the choice for those who subscribe to the non-sweet tooth club but yet wouldn’t mind finding the occasional hidden sweet delights.

Patisserie Glace
Website:
Named after a stop on London’s Northern Tube Line, Chalk Farm is a cosy white bakery that is well-known for its plethora of sweet treats. From delectable Salted Caramel Macadamia cupcakes to chocolate Guinness loaf, brownies and cheesecakes, expect an array of uniquely crafted desserts here at Chalk Farm.

Rich Christmas Fruitcake

Christmas will certainly be an even more beautiful festive season with this Rich Christmas Fruitcake from Chalk Farm! This yearly fruitcake offering looks positively gorgeous with its pink marbled fondant robe.

The dark and moist interior is a mixture of fresh prunes, sultanas, raisins, currants, glace cherries and walnuts which offers an authentic fruity flavour. Prepare your taste buds for a slight rum hint as you savour a small piece of this rich fruitcake. Artfully decorated with a crown of gold-dusted bay leaves and nuts, this Rich Christmas Fruitcake from Chalk Farm is surely a pretty sight.

Rich Christmas Fruitcake
Weight: 2.2kg
Price: SGD140 (including GST)

Espresso Meringue

You know that first sip of coffee on a busy morning? Chalk Farm’s Espresso Meringue is the perfect embodiment of that warm cup of coffee. We were impressed by how the light coffee flavoured sponge cake balanced the dense heavy coffee-infused cream.

A slightly bitter kick of the cream pairs well with the light and slightly sweet fluffy sponge cake. If you’re a true coffee enthusiast, Chalk’s Espresso Meringue is a treat worth splurging on.

Espresso Meringue
Weight: 1kg
Price: SGD78 (including GST)

Midnight Chocolate Bundt Cake

Dark, smoky and just slightly bitter Chalk Farm’s Midnight Chocolate Bundt Cake is crafted from a dense chocolate cake, unlike light sponge cakes.

This dessert is both a sweet treat and a perfect tea time snack. With hints of coffee and Christmas spice, Chalk Farm’s Midnight Chocolate Bundt Cake is topped with chilli spiked chocolate for that perfect dark twist.

Midnight Chocolate Bundt
Weight: 1.2kg
Price: SGD86 (including GST)

Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Cake

[caption id="attachment_19838" align="aligncenter" width="460"] Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Cake[/caption]

The Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter cake is layered with moist sponge and cream with banana. The peanut butter wasn’t overpowering, and the chocolate was decadent, smooth, and left us wanting for more.

Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Cake
Weight: 1kg
Price: SGD75 (including GST)

Chocolate Chestnut Log

[caption id="attachment_19839" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Chestnut Log Cake[/caption]

The Chestnut Log featured luscious chocolate ganache slathered on the soft chocolate sponge, with a chestnut cream middle. With the perfect amount of sweetness, this gold encrusted log is fit for kings!

Chocolate Chestnut Log
Weight: 1kg
Price: SGD88 (including GST)

Chalk Farm
Paying homage to age-old recipes from their grandmothers, the folks at Butter Studio have a fierce passion for cakes and all things sweet. Everything is made by hand, well-sourced quality ingredients are used, and they’re dedicated to making honest, delicious desserts.

What are some of their Christmas goodies? Christmas Rocher Ganache Log, Cupcakes, Macarons, and Speculoos Red Velvet Yule Log!

Butter Studio’s Christmas Rocher Ganache Log has just the right amount of chocolatey goodness! Light chocolate sponge cake is coated with a luxurious and sweet layer of chocolate ganache.

Their cupcakes were also moist and flavourful, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. As for the Speculoos Red Velvet Yule Log, this soft and fluffy cake reminded us of cookie butter. The log was topped with cookie butter crumbs and they provided a nice crunch with every bite.

Butter Studio
Chocolate Rocher Ganache Yule Log, 
$62 per 1kg
Season’s Greetings Cupcakes, $35 per dozen
Speculoos Red Velvet Yule Log, $62 per 1kg
Website:

While Christmas may be celebrated in many ways around the globe, one tradition has stuck worldwide – the Christmas feast. Food brings people together, sparks merriment and bonds hearts. What better way to experience the warmth of this season than to love, laugh and eat?

Header image credit: Bakerzin

Also, read Riverside Point Is Bringing The Joy of Feasting To The Next Level With All Their Amazing Giveaways!

6 DIE DIE Must Visit Stalls For Lovers Of Seafood White Bee Hoon!

The seafood white bee hoon buzz is one of the latest food craze in our sunny island.

This unassuming tze-char dish has been around for ages in Singapore, with no one paying so much attention to it until now.

With so many wannabes in the market riding on the wave of the craze, it’s rare to come by stalls that genuinely know their stuff.

Here are some of the places we recommend for a good plate of our favourite local seafood white bee hoon!

1. Woon Woon Pek Beehoon

This small hawker stall at Changi Village Hawker Centre brings in long lines of customers every week.

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Their speciality is the seafood that goes with its bee hoon. Choose from a top-up of fish, crab, prawn, crayfish or mussels. If you’re feeling hungry (or are in a group), you can try the seafood platter ($30 or $40).

Woon Woon Pek Bee Hoon
Address:
Blk 2, Changi Village Road #01-52, Singapore 500002

2. East Seafood White Beehoon

Led by a chef with 30 years of culinary experience, East Seafood hawker chain prides itself on offering affordable seafood white bee hoon amidst rising seafood prices.

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Image: facebook.com/eastseafood

With three hawker branches located in Toa Payoh, Hougang (Ciyuan CC) and Ang Mo Kio, they also offer great seafood add-ons with their bee hoon (crayfish, lala and crabs).

East Seafood White Bee Hoon
Address:
Blk 210 Toa Payoh Lorong 8, #01-06, Singapore 310210
Blk 407 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 #01-733, Singapore 560407
No.51 Hougang Ave Ci Yuan Hawker Centre, Singapore 538776

3. Jia Wei White Beehoon

Quietly tucked away in an HDB coffee shop in Jalan Bukit Merah (near ABC Brickworks hawker centre), Jia Wei brings a homey taste to its tze char specials.

[caption id="attachment_14517" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Credit: Felicia Sim Credit: Apart from seafood white bee hoon, they also serve up popular dishes such as Har Cheong fried chicken and black pepper crab.

Jia Wei White Bee Hoon
Address: Block 2 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150002

4. White Restaurant The Original White Beehoon

When it comes to seafood white bee hoon, this famous restaurant chain in the north is the mother of them all.

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Image: uncletehpeng.com

White Restaurant The Original White Beehoon is one of the pioneers of the famous Sembawang White Bee Hoon. Their version is dressed in thick sauce and copious ingredients (eggs, sotong, chai sim, and prawns – yum!). Beware of the long queues on the weekends!

White Restaurant The Original White Beehoon
Address: 22 Jalan Tampang (Opp Sembawang Shopping Centre) Singapore 758966

5. Hualong Fishhead Steamboat

Though not seafood white bee hoon specialists, Hualong manages to differentiate its rendition of the dish by making it drier than usual.

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The seafood white bee hoon is served on an opeh leave, and topped with sliced cabbage, fried garlic and lime for flavour.

Complete your meal with one of their delicious dishes, such as fish maw soup, fried sotong and fuyong omelette.

Hua Long Fishhead Steamboat
Address: Block 347, #01-2142 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Singapore 560347

6. Hong Yun Seafood

One of the more successful coffee shop stalls in Toa Payoh, Hong Yun is known for the crispy – and huge – pork lard that they generously scatter across several of their dishes. Same goes for their seafood white bee hoon dish!

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Image: uniquelious.blogspot.sg

While you’re there, try out their sambal kangkong and potato leaves – shiok!

Hong Yun Seafood
Address: Block 124, Toa Payoh Lor 1, #01-459 Singapore 310124

What is it about seafood white bee hoon that keeps drawing customers – new and old – week after week?

Could it the salty rice noodles that make up the core of the dish? Is it the prawns and sotong that accompanies it? Or could it be the fragrant, hot gravy that tops it all off?

It’s pointless to think too much into it – just join the queue this weekend and find out!

Also, read Wanna Share? 7 Steakhouses With Portions So Huge, You Need To Call Your Entire Squad!

Wanna Share? 7 Steakhouses With Portions So Huge, You Need To Call Your Entire Squad!

Who can resist a good steak? Be it Wagyu or Angus, a seared chunk of peppered beef never fails to tickle our taste buds.

But not all of us are built to chow down 300g-portions effortlessly. For the light eaters, sharing a meal with friends is the perfect solution! Here are 7 steakhouses that offer some of the most generous sharing portions you can find in Singapore!

1. Morton’s The Steakhouse

Start off your steakhunt with one of the more atas spots: at Mandarin Oriental Hotel!

Swanky international restaurant Morton’s maintains its name by using the highest quality, US Department of Agriculture-designated ‘prime’ steak.

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Image: pinkypiggu.com

We recommend the Double Porterhouse Steak (1.3kg at $250++), which can serve around four to five pax! If you’re still craving for more, get a ribeye (460g at $102) to share between two to three peeps.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Fourth Storey, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Singapore 039797
Tel: 6339 3740

2. Badoque Café

Nothing beats a food joint with friendly service!

Not only does Badoque Café have warm and approachable service staff, but they also whip up a really good steak too.

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Image: thehalalfoodblog.com

Feast like royalty with their “King & Queen” promotion, which unites 1.2kg worth of ribeye with a 1.3kg king crab for $298. The set also comes with two starters (blue oyster and Greek salad), four soups and four drinks. This serves about five to six pax!

Badoque Café
Address: 246 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370
Tel: 6552 1646

3. iSTEAKS Diner

This grill-specialist has gathered a sizable fan following since its conception as a humble hawker stall in Serangoon Gardens years ago.

Having evolved into a modern diner, the long queues at both its current branches at MyVillage (Serangoon) and Holland Village are no doubt due to the superb and affordable grilled meats that iSTEAKS whips up.

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Share a 1.2kg Australian Wagyu D-Rump amongst four pax at $85 (includes four complementary sides), or a 600g Australian Porterhouse T-bone for $49. They make fantastic burgers too! Yummeh!

iSTEAKS Diner
Address: MyVillage, 1 Maju Ave, Singapore 556679
Tel: 6285 8839

4. Bedrock Bar & Grill

Think chic dark wood, plush leather and dim lights on a hot date night. We like!

Tucked in the middle of Somerset Road, Bedrock Bar & Grill was named Singapore’s top restaurant in 2015 by Wine & Dine.

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Image: facebook.com/BedrockBarAndGrill

The must-try F1 Tomahawk Steak serves up to three persons at 1.4kg (market price), while the double cut dry-aged Porterhouse feeds two (1kg at $180).

Complete your meal with a side of bedrock mac n’ cheese. Ooh. La. La.

Bedrock Bar & Grill
Address:
96 Somerset Road, #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore 238163
Tel: 6238 0054

5. Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro

When all else in life fails us, we need a no-frills, value-for-money diner we can fall back on.

Look no further than Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro! The Australian Tomahawk is available here with an 800g option at $98, that comes with crushed green peppercorn and feeds around two pax.

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Image: peppersteak.com.sg

Light-eating duos can try the 500g Chateaubriand tenderloin fillet at $74 (each sharing option also comes with thick-cut fries, sautéed spinach and a sauce of your choice). Apart from the meats, Pepper also offers an affordable lunch special that comes with five main-course items (at $15-18 each) and a buffet for salads and soups!

Pepper Steakhouse & Bistro
Address: Great World City, #01-66/67, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: 6887 3229

6. Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

Italian restaurants don’t just serve pasta and meatballs okay!

Bistecca Tuscan is one of the best fine-dining steakhouses in Singapore, using only organic-fed Australian F1 Wagyu for their steaks (with an impressive marbling score of 6+). Their Florentine-style cooking method produces steaks with juicy cores and charred crusts.

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Image: facebook.com/BisteccaTuscanSteakhouse

Dig into a sumptuous 1.1kg Bistecca alla Fiorentina T-bone or Bistecca alla Costata ribeye ($188++ each) with one or two other friends. Don’t forget to take a wefie in the breezy al fresco area.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse
Address: 25 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238969
Tel: 6735 6739

7. Cocotte

Nestled on the ground floor of the quaint Wanderlust hotel along Jalan Besar is the snug French restaurant-bar Cocette.

They serve up family-esque rustic French cuisine inspired by homemade meals enjoyed by the entire kampong (or the French-countryside equivalent).

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Image: facebook.com/restaurantcocotte

Order a Tasmanian grass-fed Prime rib Côte de Boeuf to share in a group ($18++ per 100g), or the Truffle Wagyu for one (250g at $69++).

Still got space? Top your meal off with a helping of mussels and clams (350-400g at $35).

Cocotte
Address: 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
Tel: 6298 1188

Steaks come from different sources, in various cuts, and the taste varies based on individual cooking styles.

Depending on the number of people you are eating with (and how much you can eat) you should try out different types of steak, as they all have unique experiences to offer.

If the quantitiy is too much for you, it’s okay! You can always share with your friends! Bon appetite!

Also, read We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

Singapore’s Lost Elegance

Modern Singapore stands today, close to 200 years after it came into being as a trading post, as one of the most advanced cities in the world. Icons of the new age now dominate the metropolis, its financial district, much of which came up on land that was made out of marshland and water, is now an amazing maze of glass and steel for which the sky seems the only limit.

Against all of this, it probably will be difficult to imagine Singapore as having been anything other than a city of skyscrapers – even if some fragments of the past are still found within the modern world; certainly not the elegant municipality it seemed to be a century ago as postcards and photographs from the era certainly depict. Having the air, almost, of a European urban centre, the commercial centre of the municipality had by the centenary of its founding, already taken on the appearance of the “great commercial emporium” its founder, Stamford Raffles, had envisioned of it.

Progress has seen that that charming and dignified old Singapore could not survive. The 1950s was probably when the beginning of the end came with the addition of the first “skyscrapers” to the waterfront (interestingly there was an attempt to limit the height of buildings at the waterfront back in the 1920s to a height of 96′ 6″). Much was also to follow, especially in the post independent years and by the 1970s the face of the financial district would drastically be changed.  The 1970s also saw substantial amounts of land being reclaimed, creating the land on which Singapore has built its city of future.

Empress Place and Princess Square

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The statue of the founder of modern Singapore, Raffles, was moved to (its current location at) Empress Place from the Padang on the occasion of the centenary of British Singapore’s founding. The colonnade seen around it was damaged and removed during the war years.

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Another view of Empress Place, with the Fullerton Building (completed 1928) already constructed.

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Princess Square – looking up High Street towards Fort Canning Light. The Singapore Cricket Club is on the right and the Hotel de L’Europe stands at the location of old Supreme Court (now part of the National Gallery).

Battery Road/ Fullerton Square

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Fullerton Square, before the Fullerton Building came up. Part of the first HongKong Bank Chambers can be seen on the left. The Exchange and the old General Post Office on the right is where the Fullerton now stands.

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Battery Road, seen with the Tan Kim Seng fountain (since moved to Esplanade Park)

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Another view of Battery Road at Fullerton Square. The Medical Hall is where the Straits Trading Building now stands.

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Battery Road at the turn of the century. The Dispensary, at the corner of Bonham Street is where 6 Battery Road (Chartered Bank) now stands.

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Another view up Battery Road.

Finlayson Green

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Finlayson Green at the turn of the last century. The Straits Times offices can be seen on the left with the offices of the Dutch shipping company Koninklijke Paketvaart Maatshappij on the right along with the three storey headquarters of Behn Meyer.

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Another view of Finlayson Green.

Anson Road / Robinson Road

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Anson Road, with the once iconic Boustead Institute at the meeting of Anson and Tanjong Pagar Roads.

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Robinson Road. The Neo-Classical former Eastern Extension Telegraph Company Building (1927) and part of Telok Ayer market can be seen on the left.

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Another view of Robinson Road.

Collyer Quay and the lost waterfront

Built along a bund constructed by convict labour in the mid-1800s, Collyer Quay was completed in 1864 and was soon lined with rather grand looking edifices. By the time the road was widened in the second decade of the 1900s through further reclamation, buildings such as the Alkaff’s Arcade and the five storey St. Helen’s Court had already been erected.

Now around which some of the tallest buildings are found, limits on the height of buildings along the waterfront was a subject of much discussion in the 1920s. In 1921, the Municipal Commission took a decision to limit the height of buildings along the waterfront to 96′ 6″ (about 29.5 metres), the height of St. Helen’s Court. This was to permit “much needed circulation of air at ground”. This was to however be challenged by the architects for soon to be built Union Building, who were successful in having the restrictions relaxed despite objections. One objection raised by John Little’s positioned behind the new building was motivated by a concern that the height of the Union Building would be of “disadvantage and inconvenience to them in the matter of light” (see: The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 30 January 1922).

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Collyer Quay in the late 19th century. The first HongKong and Shanghai Bank chambers (completed in 1892) can be seen at the near end.

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A view from the far end of Collyer Quay at Finlayson Green. Princes Building, the 1909 built Alkaff’s Arcade can be seen along with 5 storey St. Helen’s Court. St. Helen’s Court, which was later to be renamed Shell House and subsequently Clifford House after the new 15 storey Shell House was built, was then the tallest building along Collyer Quay

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Collyer Quay in the 1930s, with the second Ocean Building (built in 1924) along with Princes Building, the Arcade, St. Helen’s Court, Union Building (1924) and the Fullerton Building (GPO, 1928) already up. Trolley buses had by that time replaced trams as public transport.

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The waterfront in the late 1920s with Johnston’s Pier.

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Clifford Pier, built in 1933, in uncluttered settings.

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The view of the waterfront from the inner roads with the Union Building, HongKong and Shanghai Bank Chambers and the Fullerton Building.

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A view of the Fullerton Road end of the waterfront.

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The waterfront in the 1960s. By this time, taller buildings such as the Asia Insurance Building, had already begun to transform the skyline.

The Esplanade

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The Esplanade, late 1920s.

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Anderson Bridge, when first completed.

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Connaught Drive, possibly in the late 1920s.

This article originally appeared on Jerome Lim, The Long and Winding Road, and is republished here with permission.

(Feature Image: Singapore’s 63 Islands! Here Are 6 Islands You Can Visit To Get Away From The Crowd!

A Travel Diary – S’pore From The Eyes Of A Tourist [by The Girl Beneath The Headscarf]

Singapore is famous for having 3 majority communities being Chinese, Malay and Indian. The beautiful Little India is a great place to experience the rich Indian heritage and culture, decorated in a variety of colours.

The Sultan Mosque near Arab St is another one of Singapore’s must-see tourist attractions, not only showcasing Singapore’s diversity but also some incredible architecture.

This article first appeared on Also, read Can You Believe It? This Dinner In Singapore Costs SGD $2.7M!

True Thoughts – Singapore From The Eyes Of A Tourist

Singapore Travel Diary

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With a stopover in Singapore on my way to Vietnam to meet my sister, I decided to extend my stay in the city. I had never been but had heard a lot about the city-state that continually reinvents itself. Two nights seemed like a good amount of time to become acquainted with Singapore. It’s one of the most expensive places to travel in the world, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Litter is non-existent (I honestly saw someone sweeping up a single leaf at the Botanic Gardens) and chewing gum is banned. Singaporeans seem more reserved than other places I’ve visited in Asia, but friendly and polite.

New Majestic Hotel

I stayed at New Majestic Hotel, a boutique hotel in Chinatown. It’s a small hotel with each room designed by a different local artist.

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Chinatown

If you’re ever in Singapore, I highly recommend staying in Chinatown. It has a distinctly local feel to it, the architecture is beautiful, and many of the shops, restaurants, and cafés are world class. Some people say Chinatown is touristy, but I found it much less touristy than other parts of the city. My hotel was only a two-minute walk from the Outram Park MRT station, which was incredibly convenient.

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My favourite spots in the area are:

For Singaporean hawker food, you can’t go wrong at any of the corner stalls in Chinatown. Order a Tiger and some Hainanese chicken rice, and watch the world go by. Here are some suggestions for those who might prefer a more vegetarian-friendly option:

Breakfast: The Daily Roundup, excellent coffee, great atmosphere, and a menu consisting of sweet and savoury crepes (unlike the ones you’ll have in Europe).

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Lunch: Try the dumplings and broccoli with oyster sauce at the inconspicuous Jing Huá Xiāo Chi.

Coffee: The Populus Coffee and Food Co.Common Man Coffee Roasters and Toby’s Estate are all fantastic options for strong coffee and yummy food.

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If you’re after a Western breakfast, Luxe (a popular Sydney restaurant that opened in Singapore) has plenty of eggs, avocados, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. Not to mention excellent coffee.

For a beautiful view of the Singapore skyline, head to Potato Head Folk. I’m not sure if this place is associated with Potato Head in Bali, but it’s three stories and has the most amazing atmosphere. The drinks are quite pricey (but where aren’t they in Singapore?) so order a stiff one and know that you’re paying for a great view.

For more amazing hawker stalls, venture to Newton Food Centre (Newton Station is only one stop away from Outram).

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore has been described as “city in a garden,” and I can really see why after visiting the botanic gardens. I could have easily spent an entire day here. Fortunately, I ventured to the gardens first thing in the morning before the rain! It rains a lot in Singapore, which is nice when it’s 35 degrees and hella humid! I loved how everyone was running, practising tai chi and yoga despite the heat.

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Orchard ION Mall

As soon as it started pouring rain, I had no choice but to venture to one of the million malls in Singapore. The Orchard ION has a lot of high-end designer shops (Louis Vuitton, Céline, and Chanel) but also a few more affordable boutique shops by local designers. My favourite store was In Good Company for two reasons: I loved the high quality fabrics used and the wearable styles but also at the back of the shop was the most gorgeous café, Plain Vanilla. After wandering the gardens and the rows upon rows of stores, it was enjoyable to sit down with an espresso and a freshly baked earl grey cupcake.

Another interesting thing about Singapore (and the malls in particular) is the abundance of Christmas décor. My friend, Emma mentioned Singapore’s obsession with Christmas, but I didn’t realize the scale of said obsession until I visited. The decorations are so extravagant and over-the-top (in the best possible way). And I say this as a North American where the commercialization of Christmas knows no bounds.

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Sentosa Island

Singapore is a bit of a user-friendly utopia; it doesn’t always feel real because everything is so perfect. Never is this truer than at Sentosa Island. Home to Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa is a tourist hub. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I caught the MRT to the Harbourfront, but loved that I could walk 15 minutes across the bridge right to the island. The cable car is another option. Sentosa Island feels a bit like Hollywood, but more intense. There are museums, casinos, and rides, and fountains, many, many fountains.

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Other Thoughts

If you have a layover in Singapore, don’t despair! Changi International Airport is rated #1 in the world and it’s easy to see why with a free movie theatre (yes, free!), butterfly gardens, and a rooftop pool. There are also hawker food stalls that sell street food comparable to that sold in Newton! Amazing, right?

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Sometimes I’d forget I was in a mega-city whilst roaming the streets of Chinatown. This neighbourhood is home to my favourite architecture, I loved the detailed pastel facades of each storefront!

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In addition to my usual city guide, I thought I’d try something new and vlog my time in Singapore. I’ll be sharing my vlog via social media in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for that.

This article first appeared on PRAIRIE GIRL MUSINGS

Also, read A Peek At NDP 2016 – Fireworks Both Indoors AND Outdoors!

Take That, McD’s! KFC Strikes Back With Must Try Umakara Chicken!

In what can only be described as “a taste beyond words”, the stage is all set for the new KFC Umakara Chicken. It’s sure to confound your taste buds with tantalising flavours during its limited release from 13 Jul to 5 Aug.

Umami Taste Profile

So here’s the lowdown. We all know about the four widely accepted and recognised taste profiles. Sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Chefs and cooks everywhere craft their dishes based on these four tastes. Mastering the perfect balance of these tastes is the key to creating delicious dishes.

But, do you know that we have a 5th taste Described as ‘moreish savoury’, this savoury taste profile is commonly known to us as ‘umami’. Foods rich in umami components include mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheeses.

Drawing inspiration from this 5th taste, KFC has launched the new KFC Umakara Chicken.

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“Juicy, fresh chicken marinated in savoury shoyu and Japanese spices, hand-coated in a spicy, crispy batter, then sprinkled with an umami spice sprinkle”

Umakara Chicken

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To precede its official launch, the team at DiscoverSG had the delightful opportunity to attend an exclusive tasting session before its release to the public.

“The addictive lure of umami and the kick of heat from the Japanese spices make for an indescribable flavour combination. It gives you uninhibited taste enjoyment that is truly out of this world!”

Step aside, McDonald’s. This is how you do it.

In comparison to the much maligned Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger, the KFC Umakara Chicken doesn’t disappoint. After savouring this perfectly crispy chicken, we can confidently proclaim that this is perhaps, the best seasonal release from a fast-food chain we have seen since like, ever!

Deep fried to a delicious golden brown, every bite into the spicy batter contained very satisfying tinges of heat. It was not only tasty, but also addictive. There was a lingering, pleasant smell of the shoyu marinade that remained on our fingers after we were done with our meal. Talk about finger lickin’ good!

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Side Dishes

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Besides the Umakara Chicken, the meal also came with Crispy Tenders and Shroom Poppers. The Shroom Poppers are potato bites stuffed with mushrooms, vegetables, meatloaf, and onion. The crispy tenders were not much to shout about, and the shroom poppers were a tad underwhelming, to say the least. It was a tad disappointing considering the Umakara Chicken was fantastic.

Verdict

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The Umakara Chicken is definitely going to feature in our meals for the next few weeks. You could skip the Crispy Tenders and Shrooms Peppers, and save your tummy for the Umakara Chicken! Do mark your calendar, as it’s only available for limited release from 13 Jul to 5 Aug.

KFC Umakara Chicken Meal, $7.90:
2 pieces Umakara Chicken, 1 regular Whipped Potato, 1 regular Coleslaw and 1 regular SJORA Mango Peach

KFC Umakara Chicken Box, $9.50:
 2 pieces Umakara Chicken, 2 pieces Crispy Tenders, 2 pieces Shrooms Poppers, 1 regular Whipped Potato and 1 regular SJORA Mango Peach

This was an invited tasting session.

Also, read Comfort Food Always Wins! 7 Local Desserts That Steal Our Hearts