Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant In S’pore Is Pretty Close To The Real Deal – Serves Fish, Ramen, Yakiniku All In One Place

Tsukiji

Considering how many Japanese restaurants there are in Singapore (seriously, there’s like at least one in every mall), it’s no secret that we love our Japanese food.

Anyone who’s actually been to Japan, however, can tell you that our food court Katsudons and conveyor belt sushis are a pretty poor representation of how good Japanese food can actually be.

Obviously, the best place to eat authentic Japanese food would be in…well, Japan, but for the 90% of us who can’t book a flight at a moment’s notice, the next best thing to do when the cravings strike might be to head over to Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant.

One Restaurant, Five Concepts

Located at the top floor of Orchard Central, Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant is named after the iconic wholesale market in Tokyo of the same name.

And while it might look like just another Japanese restaurant at first glance, what sets this restaurant apart from the rest is the fact that it’s home to not one, not two, but five dining concepts under one roof.

Ranging from fish (duh) to Ramen to Yakiniku, each concept specialises in a particular type of Japanese cuisine, and you can order from their respective menus to create the perfect meal.

Spoilt For Choice

With the collective menu being so extensive, there’s really no wrong way to kick off your meal.

[caption id="attachment_37607" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Sushi lovers can start with the 7 Kinds Sashimi Boat, which — as it name implies — serves seven types of sashimi in a miniature wooden boat. Considering that the restaurant receives fish from the actual Tsukiji Fish Market four times a week, it’s no surprise that every slice was incredibly fresh and smooth.

[caption id="attachment_37611" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Meat lovers, on the other hand, can consider the Chicken Yakitori Moriawase, which consists of 8 skewers that each use a different part of the chicken. We were initially squeamish at the thought of eating a chicken’s heart, but its unique taste and springy consistency made it one of the more memorable selections on the plate.

[caption id="attachment_37610" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

If you’re feeling particularly luxurious, you might want to spring for the Fresh Oysters, which definitely live up to their name. There wasn’t a trace of fishiness in its taste, and the addition of soy sauce makes for an explosion of flavour that effortlessly slides down your mouth.

[caption id="attachment_37608" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

On the mains side of things, there’s no shortage of choices either. The Bara Chrisashi Don comes with a generous assortment of sashimi, and while favourites like salmon and tuna make an expected appearance, the dish includes more premium pieces like swordfish and Uni (sea urchin) as well.

[caption id="attachment_37616" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

For a heartier alternative, you might want to try the Wagyu Roast Beef Don instead. As expected the wagyu beef is good enough to eat on its own, but the simple, yet impactful inclusion of a soft boiled egg truly take this dish’s flavour to a whole other level.

[caption id="attachment_37613" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption] [caption id="attachment_37615" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

If you happen to be eating in a group (or are just really hungry, we won’t judge), we’d recommend getting a few extra dishes to share. The Soft Shell Crab and Premium Beef Cutlet With Ponzu Sauce are both deep fried to perfection, and add some crunchy goodness to your meal without being too heavy.

[caption id="attachment_37612" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The standout sides, however, are those from the Hamayaki menu, which are grilled right at the comfort of your table. From squid to scallops to crab risotto, everything is extremely juicy and tender thanks to being cooked on the spot. If you’re committed to only getting one side, it’s got to be from here.

[caption id="attachment_37609" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Tsukiji Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Considering how extensive the menu is (we’ve barely scratched the surface, really), it’s no surprise that there’s a pretty varied dessert menu as well. Whether its the Yuzu Cheesecake, Mango Puree or Matcha Fondant, any choice cleanses your palate without being overly sweet, and is the perfect way to close out your meal.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant might not be the cheapest place to scratch your Japanese food itch, but it’s very much a “you get what you pay for” situation. If you love Japanese food and want to treat yo self, this is definitely one place to consider.

Tsukiji Fish Market Restaurant
Address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road #12-02, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm (Monday to Sunday), 3pm-5pm (Saturday, Sunday)

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Also Read Travelling Soon? Try Over 70 Different Kinds Of Alcohol At Changi Airport From Now To 31 October

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Picking Things Up At Army Market? Here Are 5 Underrated Food You Need To Try At Golden Mile Food Centre

Golden Mile

When you think of what to eat in the Beach Road area, the Thai food haven that is Golden Mile Complex is usually the first place that comes to people’s minds.

The similarly-named Golden Mile Food Centre across the road, however, is a lesser-known-but-equally-satisfying hawker centre that has its fair share of good food as well.

So if you’re in the area but aren’t in the mood for Pad Thai, here are five dishes at Golden Mile Food Centre that are definitely worth your consideration.

Chung Cheng Chilli Mee

[caption id="attachment_37583" align="alignnone" width="5108"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

We’ll say it right now: Chung Cheng Chilli Mee is unlike anything you’ve ever tried before.

You’d think that covering a bowl of noodles in what seems like a comical amount of chilli would result in an overwhelmingly spicy dish, but it actually has a surprisingly amount of flavour to it.

[caption id="attachment_37589" align="alignnone" width="5222"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

This is actually thanks to the titular chilli itself — it somehow manages to provide a strong, sambal-esque taste without being overly spicy, and adds an extra kick of savoury goodness to its ingredients (fish cake, egg and tau pok, to name a few) to create a truly unique dish.

$3 will get you a decent serving with prawns, and if you’re feeling hungry you can add another dollar for pork ribs (add $2 for additional servings of both). With a seemingly endless queue at any given time of day, however, be prepared to wait for this one.

Chung Cheng Chilli Mee
Unit: #01-59
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6:30pm (Closed On Tuesdays)

Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles

[caption id="attachment_37584" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

With the fragrant smell of beef filling the air, chances are that you’ll smell Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles before finding the stall itself.

And while it might look like any other bowl of beef noodles, the taste of these is anything but — the sauce isn’t as heavy but still retains its savoury goodness, and the noodles have a slightly milky taste that adds another dimension to the flavour as well.

[caption id="attachment_37591" align="alignnone" width="4491"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Of course, you’re probably eating beef noodles for…well, the beef, and fortunately that’s the best part of this dish. The meat slices are extremely tender, and the meat balls were bursting with so much flavour that we wish there was a buffet for them.

Kheng Fatt Hainanese Beef Noodles
Unit: #01-89
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 7:30pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

Burgs By Project Warung

[caption id="attachment_37587" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Burgers found in hawker centres are more often that not a little…meh (we’re looking at you, generic western food stalls), but the ones served at Burgs By Project Warung are an exception to that rule.

Even though it was left out in the open for awhile (these photos don’t take themselves, y’know), the Burgs’ Bacon & Cheese Burger ($7) that we got was still incredibly juicy, and had that distinctive beef taste that you’d expect from a pricier restaurant or cafe.

[caption id="attachment_37588" align="alignnone" width="5296"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Throw a slice of smoked turkey bacon and American cheese on top of that, and you have yourself an extremely flavourful burger that punches way above its weight.

Other burger options include Truffle Mushroom ($8) and Nacho Fish & Chips ($5.90), but don’t sleep on their wide selection of fries either — ranging from the standard Truffle ($4.50) to the more experimental Okonomi (Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and Bonito flakes, $4), you’re bound to find something to like here.

Burgs By Project Warung
Unit: #B1-24
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:30pm

Nasi Lemak And Chicken Rice Hipster by Adimann

[caption id="attachment_37585" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Nasi lemak is such a ubiquitous dish that you really have to switch things up to get noticed, and that’s exactly what the folks at Adimann have done.

For starters, the key ingredients of rice and chilli have a rather different flavour, giving off a slightly sweet taste instead of the savoury that we’ve come to expect from nasi lemak. The use of hard-boiled quail eggs instead of fried ones — topped in thousand island dressing, no less — further sets it apart from the rest.

And then there’s the chicken — using cutlets instead of wings and draping them in a generous amount of salted egg sauce, the dish starts to feel more western than Malay, which might be a good or bad thing depending on your tastes.

One thing to take note of, however, is the price — $8.50 is admittedly a little steep for hawker centre food, but in its defence the serving is big enough that you can consider sharing it with a friend.

Nasi Lemak And Chicken Rice Hipster by Adimann
Unit: #B1-12
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm

Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly

[caption id="attachment_37590" align="alignnone" width="4517"]Golden Mile Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

As its name might suggest, Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly has only one thing on their menu (no prizes for guessing what that is).

The good news, however, is that they do that one thing really, really well — available in both drink and desert versions, their grass jelly has an almost tau huay-like consistency to it, and might be the smoothest we’ve ever had.

Unlike the ones that you’d find in a food court, the jelly is light with the slightest hint of bitterness, which is probably how the desert should taste like to begin with. Sugar syrup, however, is still available for those looking for a more “mainstream” taste.

And as if that wasn’t enough to convince you, it’s extremely affordable as well — a standard bowl goes for a mere $1.50 (slightly more if you want to add extras like Longan or Nata De Coco), and is the perfect way to cleanse your palate after a heavy meal.

Zhao An Granny Grass Jelly
Unit: #01-58
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 7:30pm

Also Read This Stall In The CBD Serves ‘Thai Cai Png’ – Mix & Match Basil Pork, Green Curry For $5

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

This Stall In The CBD Serves ‘Thai Cai Png’ – Mix And Match Basil Pork, Green Curry For $5

Basil&Mint

Apart from a few exceptions, Thai food is something that you pretty much have to eat in a group — with most eateries serving dishes à la carte, it’s not possible for one person to get everything they’d want without overordering and burning a hole in their wallet.

Order the green curry, for example, and you’ll wish you had some basil chicken to go with it. Order both, and you’ll soon realise that even the smallest portions weren’t meant for a party of one.

Basil & Mint, however, changes all that.

Thai Food Meets Cai Fan

[caption id="attachment_37562" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Located conveniently at the first level of Amoy Street Food Centre (a mere three minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT), Basil & Mint is a small, unassuming stall that makes full use of its limited space — the storefront is lined from end to end with cooking pots, filled with an assortment of Thai-inspired meat and vegetables.

[caption id="attachment_37569" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

This isn’t the result of poor space management, though — unlike most eateries that make you commit to a single dish, Basil & Mint operates on a cai fan-esque system instead, where you can mix and match different dishes to create the perfect plate of Thai food.

[caption id="attachment_37568" align="alignnone" width="4032"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

And in true cai fan fashion, it’s incredibly affordable too, with prices starting from $5 for the classic order of one meat and two vegetables. If that isn’t enough, additional meat and vegetables go for a reasonable $2 and $1 respectively as well.

The mind (and hands, considering that she cooks and serves the food as well) behind Basil & Mint is a woman who goes by the name of “Vee”. She’s not Thai, but her previous job in the airline industry did allow her to make many Thai friends, who then taught her how to cook their native dishes in an authentic way.

Made With Love

[caption id="attachment_37565" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption] [caption id="attachment_37563" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Having ordered two plates, my team and I were able to sample pretty much everything that was available (considering that it’s a one-woman operation, it’s understandable that the selection isn’t as extensive as an actual cai fan stall).

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s better than the food I’ve had in Bangkok, there is a distinct, home-cooked feel to everything — the general taste is something I can best describe as “hearty”, and you can really tell that Vee makes every single dish with love.

[caption id="attachment_37566" align="aligncenter" width="5197"]Basil&Mint The Moo Palo
Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

While select dishes like the moo palo (AKA Five-Spice Pork) are packed with flavour, others like the basil chicken and bean sprouts are a little too light for my tastes.

[caption id="attachment_37559" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

That’s where the green curry comes in, though — providing a savoury kick without going overboard, the curry helps to unlock the flavour of other dishes, and everything comes together for an extremely satisfying bite. If there’s one thing that you have to order here, this is it.

[caption id="attachment_37564" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Basil&Mint Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Special mention also needs to be said about the portions — Vee is extremely generous when scooping from those cooking pots, and the standard $5 order is more than enough to get you into a food coma (whether that’s a good thing is a whole other thing altogether).

With a unique concept, wide selection and cheap prices, Thai food lovers owe it to themselves to give Basil & Mint a try. It takes all the hassle of choosing what to eat out of the equation, and provides a uniquely homely flavour that you won’t find in your average Thai eatery.

Basil & Mint — Thai Street Eats
Address: Amoy Street Food Centre – 7 Maxwell Road, #01-47
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 2PM (Monday to Friday), 5PM – 8PM (Monday to Thursday)

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Also Read From Korean Sandwiches To Steaks, Here Are 10 New Eateries In Century Square Worth Checking Out

(Header Image Credit: Discover SG)

Take A Walk In The Visually Impaired’s Shoes At Dialogue In The Dark – Free Admission On Oct 6

There’s a lot of things that we take for granted in life, and our eyesight might be the biggest offender in that respect.

Think about it — we stare at a computer the entire day at school/work, squint at the tiny text on our phones on the commute back home, and then kick back by watching YouTube on yet another screen with little regard to what it’s doing to our eyes in the long run.

What we don’t realise (or try not to think about, at least) is that some people don’t have access to this seemingly basic privilege, and Dialogue In The Dark is giving you the chance to take a literal walk in their shoes.

See Less, Learn More

For the uninitiated, Dialogue In The Dark is a social initiative that allows you to experience the life of a visually impaired person.

[caption id="attachment_37518" align="alignnone" width="2048"]Dialogue In The Dark Image Credit – Dialogue In The Dark – Singapore[/caption]

Led by guides who are visually impaired themselves, you’ll be taken through specially designed rooms that are shrouded in darkness, and learn how they perform everyday tasks walking in the park and visiting a cafe.

It’s a sobering experience, to say the least, and one that is sure to make you appreciate life a little more.

Now, we’re fully aware that Dialogue In The Dark isn’t exactly a new concept (the Singapore branch has been opened since 2009), but we’re writing this because now could the best time to try it.

[caption id="attachment_37519" align="alignnone" width="920"]Dialogue In The Dark Image Credit: Tedx Pickering Street[/caption]

Tickets for this experience usually cost $15 and $25 for students and adults respectively, but as part of the Tedx Pickering Street Adventures series of events, you can attend a session on the 6th of October completely free (you’ll need to pay $2 deposit, but it’ll be refunded at the door).

We’re pretty sure that there’s limited slots and they’ll be snatched up quick on account of being…y’know, free, so head over to Peatix now to secure a place.

TedxPickering Street Adventures: Dialogue In The Dark
Venue: Ngee Ann Polytechnic — 535 Clementi Road, Block 5, #01-03
Date: 6 Oct 2018
Time: 1:30pm – 4pm
Price: Free ($2 Deposit)

Tickets I Website I Facebook 

Also Read I Attended A Self Defence Class – Now I Can Take Down Someone Twice My Size

(Header Image Source: Dialogue In The Dark — Singapore)

Award-Winning Musical ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ Returns To S’pore In Apr 2019 – Tickets Start At $75

Phantom Of The Opera

2019 is shaping up to be a good year for theatre lovers in Singapore.

Not only will Matilda the Musical make its Asian debut in Singapore next February, but it’s recently been announced that The Phantom Of The Opera will be making a return to our shores next year as well.

[caption id="attachment_37506" align="alignnone" width="2048"]Phantom Of The Opera Image Credit: The Phantom Of The Opera[/caption]

Broadway’s longest running show was last staged in Singapore five years ago in 2013, and is now set to play at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from the 24th of April to the 12th of May.

If you aren’t familiar with what The Phantom Of The Opera is all about, here’s what wikipedia has to say:

…its central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.

Eh, words don’t really do justice to this epic tale of love and tragedy, so here’s a video of how the production looked like when it last came to Singapore:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7klmV1jzvI]

Ah, better.

Tickets are available for pre-sale right now at sistic.com, with prices ranging from $75 to $780 for a VIP box for four (for that price, the phantom better fall in love with us).

There’s also a 15% discount going on today, so it’s probably a good idea to get them sooner than later.

The Phantom Of The Opera
Venue: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Dates: 24 April 2019 – 12 May 2019
Showtimes: Tue – Fri: 8pm I Sat: 2pm & 8pm I Sun: 1pm & 6pm
Prices: Tue – Thurs: $75 – $700 I Fri – Sun: $75 – $780

Also Read Calling all Roald Dahl Fans: Matilda The Musical Is Coming To Singapore In Feb 2019

(Video Credit: SuperAdrianMe TV Youtube
Header Image Source: Phantom Of The Opera)

Fine Dining On A Budget: S’pore Steakhouse ‘Fat Belly’ Serves 6-Course Meal With Wagyu Steak For Just $78

Despite the fact that my job pretty much revolves around food, I’ve never been one for fine dining — I’ve never been able to justify the price-to-portion ratio in my head (“$100 for a single scallop!?”), and the closest I’ve gotten to it is watching Gordon Ramsay cooking on YouTube.

[caption id="attachment_37496" align="alignnone" width="1440"]FatBelly Image Credit: Fat Belly[/caption]

It would seem then, that Fat Belly’s Alternative Steak Experience is the perfect middle ground for someone like me — for $78, this “speakeasy steakhouse” in the Botanic Gardens area is offering a six-course meal centered around their alternative wagyu steak cuts.

With an open mind and open-er stomach, I headed down to try it out.

Raising The Steaks

Before we get into the food, something needs to be said about the ambience.

[caption id="attachment_37494" align="alignnone" width="4032"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The entirety of Fat Belly is comprised of a cozy bar counter that sits 10 (it shares a space with its sister restaurant, Sugarhaus), and an open kitchen concept allows you to watch the chef prepare your meal as the fragrant smells act as a mouth-watering precursor for what’s to come.

The close proximity of everything makes for an rather intimate experience, making it a great place if you’re running out of date night ideas.

[caption id="attachment_37490" align="alignnone" width="3925"]FatBelly Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

You know you’re in for a good time when your appetisers have appetisers, or a “pre-dinner snack”, as the chef called it. This part of the meal varies from day to day, and I was served Homemade Rice Crackers — sprinkled with beef salt and furikake, this light starter definitely got me in the mood for food.

[caption id="attachment_37486" align="alignnone" width="3174"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The meal then began in earnest with the Foi Gras Creme brûlée. The ignorant foodie in me expected the dish to be sweet, but it gave off a truffle-like taste instead (alternative experience, indeed). Fans of savoury food will enjoy this, but it does lean on the stronger side and might be a little too overwhelming for some.

[caption id="attachment_37495" align="alignnone" width="3187"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The saltiness of the previous two dishes had me craving for meat, and it just so happened that the next appetiser consisted of a Skewered Wagyu Beef Intercostal (that’s the space between the ribs, for those of you who didn’t know). Cooking the meat in red wine gave it an alcoholic aftertaste, and the addition of chimichurri sauce added another fresh dimension to the already-flavourful dish.

[caption id="attachment_37485" align="alignnone" width="2939"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Next up was the Tajima Beef Char Siew, which I can only describe as “char siew on steroids”. Draped in a house sauce consisting of honey and fermented red beancurd, the distinct char siew taste was especially strong, and when paired with the accompanying kale made for a balanced and satisfying bite.

[caption id="attachment_37488" align="alignnone" width="3110"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

You’d think that three appetisers would be enough, but the chef had one more up trick up his sleeve in the form of a Wagyu Slider (not that I was complaining). Sandwiched between homemade potato buns and melted Gouda cheese, the mini burger gave off a buttery umami flavour, and was the perfect end to the string of appetisers.

[caption id="attachment_37489" align="alignnone" width="3364"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption] [caption id="attachment_37491" align="alignnone" width="3688"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Finally, it was time for the main event — the Marble Score 8 Grilled Tajima Tri-Tip, and a USDA 150 day Grain Fed Angus Flat Iron Steak from the a la carte menu as well. Eating the two side by side really exemplified how different cuts can provide wildly different experiences — the flat iron was so tender that it pretty much melted in my mouth, while the Tajima tri-tip was probably the most flavourful steak I had ever eaten in my life. There’s no wrong choice here.

[caption id="attachment_37493" align="alignnone" width="3564"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

And what better way to end a meal than with some dessert? The Molten Lava Chocolate Cake was extremely rich, and the addition of raspberry helped to mix things up as well. The cinnamon gelato from Sugarhaus that’s served alongside it warrants a writeup of its own, but that’s an article for another day.

I was always under the impression that fine dining wouldn’t fill my stomach, but I was surprisingly full at the end of the meal (I suppose six courses will do that to you). From sweet to savoury to every thing else in between, pretty much every taste receptor had been satisfied.

 

[caption id="attachment_37487" align="alignnone" width="3745"] Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

And even if you aren’t up for such an extravagant meal, their surprisingly affordable a la carte menu is worth checking out as well — the aforementioned Flat Iron Steak goes for a very reasonable $22, and sides like Truffle Fries and Sauteed Thyme Mushroom cost a mere $5.

Fat Belly’s Alternative Steak Experience strikes the perfect balance between fine dining and…well, normal dining, and proves that you don’t have to break the bank for a premium culinary experience (relatively speaking, at least).

If you’re ever in the mood to treat yo self, Fat Belly is definitely one place to consider.

Fat Belly
Address: Serene Centre, 10 Jalan Serene #01-04, Singapore 258748
Opening Hours: 6pm-10pm (Monday – Thursday, Sunday), 6pm-11pm (Friday, Saturday)

Website I Facebook

Also Read Meatballs, Wine and Comfort Food – This Restaurant At Telok Ayer Will Put You In A Mellow Mood

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Travelling Soon? Try Over 70 Different Kinds Of Alcohol At Changi Airport From Now To 31 Oct

Changi Airport is home to a lot of cool things, but as far as practicality is concerned the standout attraction has got to be the DFS store.
Or more specifically, the alcohol section of the DFS store — considering how absurdly expensive drinks can get in Singapore, it’s pretty much a must to take advantage of the reduced, duty-free prices whenever you find yourself at the arrival / departure hall.
[caption id="attachment_37476" align="alignnone" width="3663"]DFS The Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
With only a few bottles allowed per passport, however, the million dollar question is “what to buy?” It’s always tempting to gravitate towards your favourite brands, but the ongoing Craft Festival has just made that choice harder in the best of ways.

A Craft Lover’s Dream

Yup, you read that right — DFS is hosting an alcohol-centric festival in Changi Airport’s arrival / departure halls till the end of October, which means that anyone travelling in the next six weeks is going to have a much better time waiting for their flights.
[caption id="attachment_37472" align="alignnone" width="4032"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Taking place across all terminals, the festival will give travellers the opportunity to taste over 70 craft gin, whiskey and beer brands that they might-not-but-totally-should-have heard of, and even meet the distillers behind them as well.
[caption id="attachment_37474" align="alignnone" width="4032"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
One of the main highlights of the festival is Tanglin Gin, which — as its name suggests — is the first gin to be made right here in Singapore. Using a multicultural mix of unripe mango, organic oranges and two kinds of orchids to capture the “spirit of Singapore” (A+ pun, by the way), this drink packs a lot more flavour than your average gin.
[caption id="attachment_37473" align="alignnone" width="4032"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Another gin to look out for is Whitley Neill’s Rhubarb Ginger Gin. As the name suggests, the inclusion of rhubarb and gin extract give it a distinctly sweet taste, and everything is housed in an Instagram-worthy reflective purple bottle that might be worth the price tag on its own.
[caption id="attachment_37471" align="alignnone" width="4032"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption] [caption id="attachment_37475" align="alignnone" width="4032"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Can’t get enough of gin? There’s also Roku Gin — Japanese whiskey-maker Suntory’s first foray into the gin market — and Sipsmith, which might very well be the smoothest gin we’ve drank in our entire lives.
[caption id="attachment_37469" align="alignnone" width="4032"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
On the beer side of things, Australian craft brand Little Creatures is a pleasantly light beer that — according to regional brewer Kum Ryan — goes well with food, especially those of the fried variety . After trying a bottle for ourselves, we’re inclined to agree.
 
We could go on listing all the drinks available, but you’re probably better off trying them out for yourself. In true DFS fashion, everything will be sold at reduced prices (Tanglin Gin is going at $82 instead of $108, for example), so this might be the best time to experiment and expand your alcoholic repertoire.
[caption id="attachment_37470" align="alignnone" width="2766"]DFS Craft Festival Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]
Drinking isn’t the only thing you can do at the festival, though — customers who spend $100 can participate in a sure-win claw game, who’s prizes including none other than the recently released iPhone XS.
And if you aren’t flying just yet, don’t feel left out — everything featured at the Craft Festival is also available at the iShopChangi website, and can be reserved for up to 30 days. Sounds like a perfect excuse to book an impromptu getaway, if you ask us.
DFS Craft Festival
Venue: Changi Airport Arrival / Departure Halls (All Terminals)
Date: 21 Sep – 31 Oct
Also Read This 7-Eleven At Boat Quay Doubles Up As A Bar – Serves Beer On Tap For $4.70
(Header Image Credit: Discover SG)

Get A Dose Of WWE With S’pore Wrestling Dojo Grapple MAX’s First Ring Show On 21 Sep

Whether it’s coming across a WWE show while flipping channels or binge watching Netflix’s GLOW, chances are you’ve been exposed to professional wrestling at some point in your life.
And with more popular names like The Rock, Stone Cold and John Cena all hailing from America, it’s no surprise that it’s often regarded as a predominantly western activity.
[caption id="attachment_37396" align="alignnone" width="1080"]Grapple Max Enter The Ring Image Credit: Grapple Max: A Pro Wrestling Collective[/caption]
What most people don’t know, however, is that Singapore has a small-but-passionate pro wrestling community of its own, and if the sound of that piques your interest you can actually catch them live in action at the Enter The Ring event that’s happening tomorrow.

Put A Ring On It

Considering how visual pro wrestling is, it’s probably better to show than tell you how a local match looks like:

https://www.facebook.com/grapplemax/videos/260408821467204/

The upcoming event is organised by Grapple MAX — over the past 18 months, the pro wrestling collective has organised an impressive 13 shows, including performances at the past two iterations of the Singapore Night Festival.
What sets this particular show apart from the rest, however, is that it’ll take place in a fully-fledged wrestling ring for the first time (thus the name), which quite literally takes the action to another level.
[caption id="attachment_37397" align="alignnone" width="2048"]Grapple Max Enter The Ring Image Credit: Grapple MAX – A Pro Wrestling Collective[/caption]
When it comes to the wrestlers themselves, it looks like they’re pulling out all the stops too — performers from Malaysia and Philippines will coming down to fight, and Japanese wrestling legend Dick Togo is set to make a rare appearance as well.
With that said, the true stars of the show are arguably the wrestlers from Grapple MAX itself — these individuals take a significant chunk of time out of their lives to train up to three times a week, and performing in front of a live crowd is a well-deserved culmination of their efforts.
[caption id="attachment_37399" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Image Credit: Grapple MAX – A Pro Wrestling Collective[/caption]
An electrifying crowd, live action you can’t find anywhere else, and watching passionate wrestling fans live out their dreams? Sounds like a pretty good way to spend your Friday night, we’d say.
Advance tickets are still available at Peatix for $35, but if you aren’t ready to commit just yet they’ll also be available at the door for $50.
We’d recommend getting there early, though, because this is one of those times where a front row seat makes a big difference.
ENTER THE RING by Grapple MAX – A Pro Wrestling Collective
Venue: Fight Pro-Motion: 225 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427488
Date: Friday, 21st September
Time: 8pm – 10pm (doors open at 7:30pm)
Admission: $35 (Advance), $50 (Door)
Tickets I Website I Facebook
Also Read This Flea Market Is Painting S’pore CMYK From 20-23 Sep, With Over 500 International Stalls
(Video, Header Image Credit: Grapple Max – A Pro Wrestling Collective)

5 Must-Try Hawker Favourites At Old Airport Road, One Of S’pore’s Largest Food Centres

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When talking about eating spots in Singapore, Old Airport Road Food Centre is bound to come up sooner or later.

[caption id="attachment_37378" align="alignnone" width="1280"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Since 1973, the ex-Kallang Airport has been home to a wide variety of good eats, and foodies still flock to the now-legendary eating spot to this day to get their munch on.

With more than 150 stalls we’re probably definitely going to have to come back for a second round, but until then here are five dishes that you can count on for a good meal:

Nam Sing Hokkien Mee

[caption id="attachment_37375" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Let’s get the usual suspects out of the way first — Nam Sing Hokkien Mee might very well be Old Airport Road’s most well-known stall, and the seemingly endless queue at any given time suggests that this isn’t going to change anytime soon.

Similar to the one we had at Newton Circus, this iteration uses thinner noodles, and isn’t as wet as the ones you’d find in your average hawker centre. Each plate comes with a generous serving of seafood and eggs, and it’s well-rounded taste definitely lives up to the hype.

[caption id="attachment_37377" align="alignnone" width="5405"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

If you’re going to order food from multiple stalls (as most people do at Old Airport Road), make sure to make Nam Sing your first stop — the store is notorious for its 30-45 minute waiting times, so plan accordingly.

Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee
Unit: #01-32

Bedok Minced Mixed Noodle

[caption id="attachment_37372" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

If you’re a fan of Bedok 85’s minced meat noodles, you owe it to yourself to try Old Airport Road’s Bedok Minced Mixed Noodle (no prizes for guessing where they got their inspiration from).

Prepared by two of the nicest ladies you’ll ever meet in a hawker center, the dish looks deceivingly simple — minced meat, dumplings, and greens are pretty much the only ingredients here, but everything comes together to create an extremely flavourful bite (some might argue that it’s a little too salty, so people who prefer something less intense should take that into account).

[caption id="attachment_37369" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Price-wise, a small and large bowl goes for an affordable $3 and $4 respectively. While the serving size of the former was enough to fill our stomachs, the dish is so tasty that we wished we had gone for the bigger option.

Bedok Minced Mixed Noodle
Unit: #01-125

Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun

[caption id="attachment_37371" align="alignnone" width="5233"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Chee cheong fun has always been a pretty unassuming dish, but the ones by Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun might become the unexpected star of your meal for a number of reasons.

Like its name suggests, each order is made fresh (always a plus, but be ready to queue), and the amount of fillings to choose from is nothing short of staggering. There’s the usual prawn and char siew, but more peculiar choices like egg, otah, scallop and even pig liver are available as well.

[caption id="attachment_37370" align="alignnone" width="5264"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Of course, all the choices in the world wouldn’t matter if the dish didn’t taste good, and thankfully it delivers on that front as well. The rice flour skin possesses an extremely silky texture that melts in your mouth, and the accompanying sauce adds a light, savoury taste that doesn’t go overboard.

And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s still the prawn chilli paste, which adds another dimension of sweetness to an already flavourful dish.

Freshly Made Chee Cheong Fun
Unit: #01-155

Toa Payoh Rojak

[caption id="attachment_37376" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

Full disclosure: we aren’t exactly the biggest fans of rojak, but the one we had from Toa Payoh Rojak might have turned us into converts.

While most rojaks are a little too heavy for our tastes and can get jelak after awhile, this one manages to strike the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Despite being lathered in sauce, pretty much every piece remained crispy, and we couldn’t put our satay sticks down.

We received a very generous serving for $3, and you can bump that size up to $5 if you’re eating in a bigger group. As you might expect, the stall is popular among regulars (it has a clinic-esque numbering system, for crying out loud), so make sure to get in the queue early.

Toa Payoh Rojak
Unit: #01-108

Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow

[caption id="attachment_37374" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The queue at Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow might not be as lengthy as some of the other stalls in this list, but you can count on waiting just as long to get your food.

This isn’t without good reason, though — instead of cooking an entire batch wholesale, the chef prepares each order individually, and that attention to detail definitely makes a difference.

[caption id="attachment_37368" align="alignnone" width="6000"]Old Airport Road Food Centre Image Credit: Discover SG[/caption]

The result is a personalised wok hei of sorts, coupled with an ever-so-slight seafood taste thanks to the addition of prawn, squid and cockles. The overall flavour still leans towards the lighter side, but that’s actually a good thing considering that it allows you to eat other dishes without feeling too bloated.

At just $3-$4 per plate, Dong Ji is definitely worth giving a shot. Just pray that the person in front of you doesn’t order ten packets.

Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow
Unit: #01-138

Old Airport Road Food Centre
Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051

Also Read An Oldie But A Goodie: Canteen 398 At Seletar Is Possibly The Longest Surviving Canteen In S’pore

(Header Image Credit: Discover SG)

Holey Moley! This New Mini Golf Bar At Clarke Quay Serves 1.3kg Burgers And Metre-Long Pizzas

Posting on social media, online shopping and calling your ex — there are some things that you should never do when you’re drunk.

On the flip side, however, certain activities are infinitely more fun with a little alcohol in your system, and mini golf is one of them.

In fact, mini golf could very well be the perfect drinking activity, because (1) it can work with any number of people (2) doesn’t require much physical effort, and (3) usually takes place in a safe, enclosed space under the supervision of people with saner minds.

At this point you might be thinking “sounds good, Internet guy, but there’s no place in Singapore where you can do this”.

Well, that’s about to change this December.

A New Kind Of Drinking Hole

[caption id="attachment_37353" align="alignnone" width="2048"]Holey Moley Image Credit: Holey Moley[/caption]

That’s right: Holey Moley — a half mini golf, half bar concept from Australia — is making its way to Singapore at the end of the year.

Not much has been revealed at this point, but what we do know is that it’ll be fittingly located in Clarke Quay (the former site of Shanghai Dolly, for those of you who know where that is), and will feature a whopping 27 holes split across two floors.

[caption id="attachment_37354" align="aligncenter" width="3462"]Holey Moley Image Credit: Holey Moley[/caption]

In true mini gold fashion, these won’t look like boring driving ranges either — each hole will feature a pop culture theme ranging from Game of Thrones to Monopoly, and there’ll even be a hawker centre one for that touch of local flavour.

Throw a little neon lighting into the mix, and you just might have your new favourite Instagram spot.

If you get the munchies halfway through your tee time, Holey Moley’s got you covered there as well.

[caption id="attachment_37355" align="aligncenter" width="2998"]Holey Moley Image Credit: Holey Moley[/caption]

Their food menu features decadent selections like American burgers with neon-coloured buns, A 1.3kg monster burger, and “pizza served by the metre”, which — if it is what we think it is — could be the best thing ever.

Holey Moley will open its doors on the 6th of December, and if for some reason you have to be first in line, you can reserve a spot at their website right now.

Sounds a lot more fun than squeezing in a club and paying for overpriced drinks, that’s for sure.

Holey Moley Golf Club
Address: 3B River Valley Road, #01-01 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179021
Opening: 6th December

Website

Also Read Calling All Roald Dahl Fans: Matilda The Musical Is Coming To Singapore In Feb 2019

(Header Image Credit: Holey Moley)