Placing Your Order In Sign Language Will Get You A 10% Discount At This Cafe

You can order in English – or sign language if you prefer – at Puzzles.

If you order in sign language, you’ll get an additional 10% discount.

Don’t know how to speak sign? Don’t worry, as there is an instruction board at the counter to guide you. The servers will be super appreciative that you tried to converse in their language, so take your time.

[caption id="attachment_29601" align="alignnone" width="856"] A beginner’s guide to sign language that you’ll find at the counter (Image Credit: Wikipedia)[/caption]

A Cafe With A Cause

Puzzles, a cafe that serves up pizza bombs and other snacks, was started by two Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduates, Suzana Slemat and Shazlina Sulaiman, who wanted to shed some light on the struggles that deaf people face when interacting with service staff.

[caption id="attachment_29590" align="alignnone" width="979"] Founders Suzuna nad Shazlina (Image Credit:  After coming in first runner up in a start-up competition, the two girls were offered a space in Ngee Ann Poly’s Ourspace and a $5,000 grant to help kickstart the initiative. 

Puzzles mostly employs hearing impaired students, who are able to gain some working experience and earn some pocket money. The sign language guide and discount helps encourage interaction between the hearing impaired the regular customers.

While majority of customers are students and school staff, there are also regulars from the deaf community who enjoy visiting the cafe because of the servers who speak the same language. It seems like word has gotten out!

[caption id="attachment_29592" align="alignnone" width="1280"]
Pizza bombs are served! (Image Credit: Grab a pizza bomb for an explosion of flavor in your mouth (Image Credit: Puzzles SG)[/caption]

Pizza bomb toppings (or fillings in this case) are constantly on rotation, which means you’ll never get bored by the selection. You can expect flavors like salted egg, Hawaiian, chilli crab, beef satay, black pepper chicken, and cheesy spinach.

Other than pizza bombs, there are all sorts of snacks and desserts to sate your appetite in a long lecture. Think glazed chicken bites, brownies, meatball puffs, and mac and cheese.

Sometimes, they will have an all-day breakfast menu going on, with offerings like breakfast buns, roti johns and the super popular hashbrowns.

[caption id="attachment_29573" align="alignnone" width="1098"] Sweet treats to brighten up your day (Image Credit: Puzzles SG)[/caption]

For now, Puzzles only operates in Ngee Ann Polytechnic during term time as that’s when they get most business. Puzzles takes a break during school holidays, but is still open for catering orders.

Suzana and Shazlina has plans to continue operating Puzzles for two more years, and hopefully expand to other tertiary institutions. Soon, you might even be able to see Puzzles at other universities and polytechnics!

Till then, you’ll have to make do going to Ngee Ann Poly for your pizza bomb fix while learning some sign language on the side!  

Puzzles
Address: Ourspace@Ngee Ann Poly, 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm (during school terms)
Website

Also read 10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk

(Header Image Source: Images from Puzzles Instagram)

10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk

As Mid-Autumn Festival rolls around, it’s once again time to binge on mooncakes!

While we love a good traditional lotus paste mooncake, we have to admit, it’s the novel, intriguingly flavoured mooncakes that tend to grab our attention – and this year, there are plenty of these out there.

Alcoholic mooncakes, ice cream mooncakes, ‘liu sha‘ mooncakes… The list goes on.

Here are some of the most outrageously untraditional mooncakes we could find, and we think you’ll be hard pressed to pick just one to try.

1. Mandarin Orchard – Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass

Alcoholics, now you can even get your buzz from mooncakes!

[caption id="attachment_29486" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mini snow skin mooncakes from Mandarin Orchard[/caption]

Mandarin Orchard‘s range of Mini Snow Skin Mooncakes includes two boozy flavours – Lychee Martini And Chocolate, and Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass.

The Lychee Martini And Chocolate Mooncake releases a burst of crisp, citrusy chocolate into your mouth with every bite, while the Red Wine Cranberry Paste With Japanese Yuzu and Lemongrass Mooncake leaves a lasting impression as each mouthful reveals yet another layer of subtle flavour.

Mandarin Orchard Singapore 
Address: 333 Orchard Road, 238867
Contact.: 6831 6320/6831 6262
2. Grand Hyatt – Violette & Gin

Ain’t nobody got time for old school mooncakes when there are alcoholic snow skin mooncakes to be eaten.

[caption id="attachment_29501" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Pretty mooncakes in a pretty box (Image Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore)[/caption]

Grand Hyatt is adding a new creation to their growing list of alcohol infused mooncakes: Violette & Gin, which comes infused with Tanquert No. Ten Gin and a crème de violette liquor for a delicate, floral twist. 

Another must-try is the Strawberry-Lime-Tequila Truffle, a fruity yet intense mooncake with a kick. Their snow skin mooncakes are available at $69 for a box of eight.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
Address: 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
Contact.: 6738 1234
3. Bakerzin – Butterscotch Baileys Snow Skin

Can a person get drunk on mooncakes? Probably not.

[caption id="attachment_29502" align="aligncenter" width="460"] (Image Credit: Bakerzin)[/caption]

But that’s not going to stop us from trying all the alcoholic mooncakes out there.

Bakerzin‘s Prestige Collection ($56) will make your inner alcoholic rejoice, with four different spirits to try. Each box comes with two pieces each of Apple Vodka Snow SkinButterscotch Baileys Snow SkinCoconut Liqueur Snow Skin, and Latte Kahlua Snow Skin mooncakes. You won’t even know where to start!

Bakerzin
Contact.: 6455 8885 
Website

4. Old Seng Choong –  Cranberries With Choya

Old Seng Choong may be well-known for its old school bakes and cakes, but head pastry chef, Daniel Tay, definitely knows how to take things up a notch.

[caption id="attachment_29503" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Alcohol heaven with the Four Heavenly Beauties (Image Credit: Besides the usual mooncakes, Old Seng Choong wants you to meet the Four Heavenly Beauties ($60.80), a quartet of snow skin mooncakes that will stimulate your senses. The flavours are Cranberries with ChoyaPassionfruit with Martini MintCoffee with Whiskyand Chocolate Rum, all of which are as aromatic as they are flavourful. 

Old Seng Choong
Address:#05-04, 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
Contact.: 6282 0220
5. Shangri-La – Yuzu Bird’s Nest

While it seems like everyone is trying to one up each other in terms of who can come up with the most outrageous, most unexpected mooncake filling, we think Shangri-La‘s ones take the cake.

[caption id="attachment_29504" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] (Image Credit: Shangri-La’s latest Mini Snow Skin Eight Treasures ($88) features two new flavours.

The first is the more typical Chocolate Salted Toffee, which comes encased in a layer of crisp milk chocolate – perfect for sweet tooths. The other is a more luxurious and interesting blend of Yuzu Bird’s Nest that is both tangy and sweet. Who knew bird’s nest would go well with a mooncake?

Shangri-La Singapore
Address: Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
Contact.: 6737 3644
6. The Pine Garden – Pearl Milk Tea Snow Skin

If you love bubble tea and have $17.20 to spare, try The Pine Garden‘s Pearl Milk Tea Snow Skin, which is infused with tea, and comes with bits of chewy boba. Yum!

[caption id="attachment_29506" align="aligncenter" width="380"] (Image Credit: Pine Garden)[/caption]

The more health-conscious can opt for the Purple Sweet Potato With Ginger Mooncake, which you can choose to have either with a baked or snow skin. No more calorie counting this Mid-Autumn season!

The Pine Garden
Address: #01-2369/ #01-232, 529 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, S560529
Website

7. Thye Moh Chan – Chef’s Private XO Recipe

Go old school, but with a twist with Thye Moh Chan‘s traditional Teochew-style mooncakes.

Teochew mooncakes typically see a sweet filling encased in a flaky crust pastry, unlike the baked skin mooncakes we typically see during mooncake festival.

[caption id="attachment_29507" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Thye Moh Chan’s secret recipe with XO sauce[/caption]

They come with various fillings, including an all-new Chef’s Private XO Recipe ($40.80 for four pieces), a Salty Tau Sar With Egg Yolk ($29.80 for four pieces) and the Teochew Mooncake ($18.80 for one piece), which uses a traditional recipe of maltose, citrus strips and five-spice powder.

Although we were at first unsure about how XO sauce would fare in a mooncake, the Chef’s Private XO Recipe completely won our hearts and was a favourite in the office! Unlike most of the mooncakes listed here, these ones lean towards the savoury side, with delicate hints of har cheong (shrimp paste) that is simply addicting.

Thye Moh Chan also has a Mao Shan Wang Durian mooncake ($40.80 for four pieces), which infuses durian and mung bean paste.

Thye Moh Chan
Address: #01-45, Chinatown Point; #B1-12, Paragon
Contact.: 6604 8858/ 67328858
8. Cat & The Fiddle – Cream Cheese Mooncakes

It only makes sense for a bakery famous for its cheesecakes to create cheesecake-filled snow skin mooncakes – and they’re actually quite legit.

[caption id="attachment_29510" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Each mooncake comes with an adorable cat embossing (Image Credit: Cat & The Fiddle)[/caption]

The Cow Jumped Over The Moon-cake selection from Cat & The Fiddle features 4 different flavours filled with cream cheese and lotus paste.

The mooncakes come in a Blueberry Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with White Chocolate and Dried Cranberry Truffle, an Oreo Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Dark Chocolate Truffle, a Strawberry Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Mint and White Chocolate Martini Truffle, and a Chocolate Cream Cheese and Lotus Paste with Orange Vodka and Dark Chocolate Truffle.

Each flavour has a personality of its own, with some of them even containing hints of alcohol! You can order the mooncakes online, or by phone at 6287 0077.

Cat & The Fiddle
Address:#05-04, 171 Kampong Ampat, KA Foodlink, Singapore 368330
Contact.: 6287 0077
Website

9. Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant – Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncakes

Here’s one that you can Boomerang.

[caption id="attachment_29520" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Sweet and salty? (Image Credit: Sheraton Towers Singapore)[/caption]

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant will bring your Instagram game up a notch with their Mini Salted Egg Custard Mooncakes.

As you break open your mooncake, watch the gooey molten lava center come flowing out. Each box contains eight pieces and goes for $72. You can order them Mini Snowskin Green Tea White Lotus Seed Paste with Passionfruit Truffle, and a Snowskin Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Strawberry Sea Salt Truffle that is sure to intrigue your tastebuds with a mix of fruity and salty flavours. 

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant
Address: Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road
Contact.: 6839 5636/ 6839 5623
Website

10. Summer Palace – Pineapple & Pink Peppercorn Chocolate Snow Skin 

The people at Summer Palace are always shaking things up with their mooncake offerings year after year.

[caption id="attachment_29522" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Spicy mooncakes anyone? (Image Credit: Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715
Contact.: 6725 3239
Also read This Poke Stop Serves Aburi-Style Poke, And That’s Not Their Only Twist On The Trend

(Header Image Source: Bakerzin)

This Bakery Makes Millennial Lao Po Bings With Flavors Like Tokyo Banana, Thai Milk Tea And More

If you frequently travel to Thailand, you’ll probably have heard of or seen April’s Bakery around.

With 60 outlets scattered across the country, their home-made pies are now available in Singapore not just in Tampines, but also in the CBD. Located at the bustling food hall at the basement of One Raffles Place, this branch is much more accessible to those of us who, well, don’t live in the extreme east of Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_29516" align="alignnone" width="1484"] April’s Bakery at One Raffles Place[/caption]

While April’s Bakery has its roots in Thailand, their pies are unmistakably Cantonese at heart. Bearing some similarity to the traditional Wife Cake, or lao po bing, April’s Bakery puts its own spin on the pie by switching up its flavours and fillings!

Think Thai Milk Tea, Matcha Latte, Tokyo Banana, Sweet Potato… The list goes on.

[caption id="attachment_29454" align="aligncenter" width="958"] Flavors from top to bottom: Thai Milk Tea, Taro, Matcha, Tokyo Banana, Purple Potato (Image Credit: @oo_foodielicious)[/caption]

Some of their pies come filled with a tasty paste and custard combo, while others have a purely paste filling.

Priced at at just $2, these affordable pies are perfect for breakfast or a midday snack when you get a case of the munchies.

The Story Of April’s Bakery

The original April’s Bakery in Thailand started out as a small, obscure bakery in Central Plaza Ratchada-Rama III shopping centre. Selling cakes, biscuits and pastries, its founder, Nathanaporn Euawanthanakhun, started baking pies after discovering a love for roast pork pies during a trip to Hong Kong.

[caption id="attachment_29517" align="alignnone" width="1484"] April’s Bakery Pies[/caption]

That inspired her to come up with her own signature pie recipe, which eventually led her to expand her range to include flavours like Taro, Custard and Matcha Latte. To date, the bakery has over 30 pie flavours in Thailand, including both sweet and savoury varieties!

Pies For Every Preference

Unfortunately for us, April’s Bakery’s Singapore outlets currently only sell their sweet pies.

The signature flavour at April’s Bakery is Thai Milk Tea. Filled with a mixture of custard and paste, fans of Thai milk tea will likely enjoy this pie that’s rich and creamy, without being overly sweet.

Other custard-paste pies include the Matcha Latte, Custard and the Singapore-exclusive Tokyo Banana. Not available even in Thailand, this is hands down one of our favourites of the lot.

[caption id="attachment_29518" align="alignnone" width="4233"] April’s Bakery pies all cut up![/caption]

Some favourites among the health-conscious (and apparently, the gym-going crowd at One Raffles Place) are the Pumpkin and Sweet Potato pies that come with no added sugar. While much more subdued in flavour, the natural sweetness of Pumpkin and Sweet Potato really come through in these pies.

Durian lovers, here’s another durian-flavoured pastry to add to your must-try list. The latest flavour to hit the shelves at April’s Bakery, these will surely not disappoint.

[caption id="attachment_29456" align="alignnone" width="1180"] durian season should be all year round (Image Credit: @aprilbakerysg)[/caption]

While most of these pies are best enjoyed warm, we were told that you can also enjoy the custard-paste pies cold – and even with a scoop of ice cream!

If you’re working in the CBD area and are ever feeling peckish, grab one of April’s Bakery’s delicious pies. With such a wide variety of flavours, it’ll take you a while to work your way through all the pies to figure out which ones are your favourites.

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, something healthy, or something to fill you up, April’s Bakery got just the thing!

April’s Bakery
Address: #B1-38 1 Raffles Place, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 7pm
Contact: 8122 7604
Website

Also read This Cafe Created A Diner-Themed Dessert Menu, And Our Eyes Are Confused 

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Kat X, Burpple User Amanda Ang)

10 High-Octane Events To Kick Off The First Half Of September [1-15 September]

It’s finally here – September!

September is always a busy month because of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix stop. As the drivers descend upon our shores, we are armed with loads of parties and festivities to welcome them to our sunny island.

If you aren’t into the racing and/or partying scene, here are some ideas on what else you can get up to the first half of this month.

Play & Discover

1. Star Wars: Experience The Force

On the stroke of midnight of 1 September, you’ll be able to get first dibs on exclusive merch from the upcoming movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, at Ion Orchard.

[caption id="attachment_29422" align="aligncenter" width="300"] (Image Credit: Expat Living SG)[/caption]

The celebrations will continue with pop-ups and installations like the Millennium Falcon and a super adorable BB-8 virtual reality experience.

It’s never too early to start, so bring your young ones to their very first Padawan training class to kick start their journey to being a Jedi Master.

The festival will culminate in an entire zone dedicated to fans of the galaxy at the annual Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC). Go crazy taking photos with replicas of Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer, J.J. Abrams’ autographed Rey’s Speeder, and a film replica of the interior of the Millennium Falcon.

Star Wars: Experience The Force Festival
Address: Ion Orchard and Sands Expo & Convention Centre Hall D, E & F, Level B2, Marina Bay Sands 
When: 1 – 10 Sep
The Imaginarium Of David

The greatest suspense is the feeling of mystery!

[caption id="attachment_28993" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: Andsoforth[/caption]

Andsoforth, who is well known for bringing whimsical fantasies to life in a theatrical dinner setting, are back again with another hit production.

This time round, the tale of David and Goliath is re-imagined in a modern disco setting, with b-boys, swan ballerinas, Shaolin Ballerinas, and a cabaret that will ensure you won’t have a peaceful dinner.

Here’s what went down at their previous show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wam9Iq6eSvM

The food will also be extraordinary, with a four course meal to tease your tastebuds and a sneaky cocktail thrown in at the end to finish off the night.

The Imaginarium Of David
Address: Secret location – only revealed on the day of the event itself
When: Every Fri & Sat till 30 Sep
Website

3. Dashboard Confessional Live In Singapore

Relive your childhood with one of the icons of the 2000s emo era – Dashboard Confessional!

[caption id="attachment_29423" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]

Even though they’ve been to Singapore twice previously, they were both stripped down, acoustic shows. This time round, they will come at us full force, with the entire band in attendance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j82FBbgpUy4

You can expect old favorites like ‘Belle Of The Boulevard’, ‘Stolen’, and also newer material off their latest album, such as ‘Hopes Up’. Their sound has changed slightly over the years, but still retains the same poignancy and rawness that we loved in our teen years.

Dashboard Confessional Live In Singapore
Address: D’Marquee@Downtown East
When: 9 Sep
Tickets

4. Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention 2017 (STGCC)

Our local version of Comic Con is celebrating its tenth year this year!

[caption id="attachment_29426" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: STGCC[/caption]

Anything from manga, anime, comics to cosplay and collectibles goes at STGCC. Attendees can score limited edition drops, meet artists and famous cosplayers, and take part in the festivities by dressing up as their favorite characters.

C.B. Cebulksi, editor of Marvel Comics and talent scout, will be here doing his portfolio review rounds for aspiring cartoonists and illustrators. Also visiting are Japanese toy designers Hinatique and Yasu, who will be visiting Singapore for the first time.

[caption id="attachment_29425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A replica of the Millenium Falcon (Image Credit: STGCC)[/caption]

This year, there will be a dedicated zone for Star Wars fans, with a live replica of the Millenium Falcon.

An entire hall dedicated to competitive and casual gamers will also see three gaming tournaments – ROG Masters 2017 – DOTA 2 – Singapore Qualifier and ROG Masters 2017 – CS:GO – Singapore Qualifier finals, and semi-final to finals Tickets

5. West Side Story

Pretty much the underworld version of the Shakespearean romance tragedy Romeo And Juliet.

One of Broadway’s biggest spectacles will be making its way to Singapore after selling out shows in Sydney, Tokyo and London.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evqC4HTIOjY

West Side Story is a tale of two star-crossed lovers from rival teenage gangs, set in the slums of 1950s New York. The musical will take to the stage in a flurry of explosive choreography and jazzy tunes.

We’re sure you won’t be able to resist singing along to this ill-fated violent romance that painfully reveals the injustice of the social system in America back in the 1950s.

West Side Story
Address: Grand TheatreMastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
When: 13 – 30 Sep
Tickets

6. Music Matters Live 2017

Held in conjunction with the All That Matters Live Conference and Apple Music, Music Matters Live is back again this year, happening from 9 – 13 Sep! Artists from all over the world will gather to showcase the best of their country’s burgeoning music scene.

[caption id="attachment_29427" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: DANakaDAN[/caption]

This event will see rapper DANakaDAN from USA, indie outfit Fairchild from Australia and Taiwanese rock heavyweights Elephant Gym 大象體操 making up some of the international acts.

Repping Singapore, we have Falling Feathers, M1ldl1fe and Tabitha Nauser.

[caption id="attachment_29429" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Image Credit: Falling Feathers[/caption]

Head over to the Various locations, including CHIJMES and Timbre outlets
When: 9 – 13 Sep
Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore F1 2017

The highlight of the racing world is finally here!

[caption id="attachment_29433" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore F1 2017
When: 15 – 17 Sep
CHIKIN

Spice up your yakitori with CHIKIN’s Szechuan-style yakitori.

[caption id="attachment_29347" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Chikin skewers[/caption]

Instead of using the usual tare sauce, CHIKIN uses mala to season their yakitori. Expect to find over 11 parts of the chicken available on the menu, as well as various other kushiyaki like veggies and other meats.

[caption id="attachment_29349" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cocktail[/caption]

The pop-art inspired bar also has an extensive range of Japanese whiskies and sakes to choose from, as well as an entire menu of cocktails that reinterpret old favorites with a twist.

CHIKIN
Address: 6 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089820
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am; Sat: 6pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website

9. Ben and Jerry’s new flavors: Frozen Flakes and Cocoa Loco

We just cannot get enough of Ben & Jerry’s new ice cream flavors!

This time, their two new flavors remind us of breakfast. Cocoa Loco is a chocolate cereal milk ice cream with crisp chocolate cereal swirls. Frozen Flakes is the normal milk ice cream version of Cocoa Loco, just without chocolate.

[caption id="attachment_29430" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Image Credit: @nylonsg[/caption]

Who says we can’t have ice cream for breakfast?

Ben & Jerry’s 
Address: Various outlets
Website

Shop 

10. Superga X Disney collection

No matter how old we are, Disney characters will always have a place in our hearts.

[caption id="attachment_29431" align="alignnone" width="300"] Image Credit: Superga[/caption]

The classic 2750 cut gets an adorable update with a baby pink Minnie mouse print and a fire-truck red shade covered in Mickey’s handprints.

These shoes also comes in kid sizes, so that you can be all matchy-matchy with your younger siblings.

These shoes can be found in-store at Wheelock and Vivocity, and you can also purchase them online.

Superga
Address: 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place #B2-04, Singapore 238880
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website

With such an exciting and star-studded month ahead, we can’t wait for it to come! You definitely won’t want to stay in and miss out on all the fun.

Also read Make Your Heart Go “Dookki Dookki” At Singapore’s First Ever Tteokbokki Buffet

(Header Image Source: Expat Living)

Make Your Heart Go “Dookki Dookki” At Singapore’s First Ever Tteokbokki Buffet

Omo-ya, it’s Singapore’s first ever tteokbokki buffet!

If you’ve ever watched a Korean drama, you would definitely have salivated watching your favorite actors feast on tteokbokki, a spicy stir fried rice cake dish that can be eaten as a snack or as a meal in itself.

via GIPHY

Dookki, one of Korea’s leading tteokbokki places, has set up shop at Suntec City. The best part about Dookki is that you can customize your own tteokbokki down to the sauce at their free flow bar stocked full of Korean dishes.

Dookki directly translates to ‘two meals’ in Korean, as Koreans like to start off their meal with a hotpot dish and finish off with a kimchi fried rice.

[caption id="attachment_29393" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Anything goes with tteokbokki – ramen, cheese, eomuk… (Image Credit: mandyzn_)[/caption]

Tteokbokki your way

Instead of providing a base sauce, Dookki lets you create your sauce from scratch. Go crazy on the spice – you can make it as spicy or as salty as you want!

[caption id="attachment_29390" align="aligncenter" width="300"] You can’t complain that the tteokbokki ain’t good cos you mixed it! (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

 If you don’t know where to start, there is a DIY guide sheet at the sauce station which marks out the ratio of Dookki sauce, tteokbokki sauce, gungjung sauce and flame sauce for the various spiciness levels. 

Most people are accustomed to the red, spicy tteokbokki sauce, but the original tteokbokki was made stir-fried with soy sauce.

After mixing your sauce and leaving it to boil, move on to the tteokbokki station to pick out your rice cakes. Besides the typical cylinder-shaped rice cake that is commonly served by Korean eateries, the tteokbokki station also has options like Flat, Slim, Square, Hollow, Special, Square Wheat, Potato Sujebi.

The Potato Sujebi has a little surprise in the middle – each piece of tteok is stuffed with a creamy sweet potato filling. Bonus: see if you can find the heart-shaped tteok!

[caption id="attachment_29389" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The widest selection of tteokbokki under one roof! (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

Load up on leeks and onions for an added layer of sweetness. There are also mushrooms and other veggies to jazz up your tteokbokki creation. Hardboiled eggs are also a huge hit with tteokbokki lovers.

Other than tteokbokki, Dookki also has counters overflowing with other popular Korean street foods like Kimmari (fried seaweed spring rolls) and eomuk (fish cake skewers). The fried chicken and mandu always runs out really quicky, so be sure to get them while they are hot!

[caption id="attachment_29394" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Fishcake on sticks! (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

It’s like having a free flow buffet at a Korean street cart!

Say CHEESE

If you are addicted to cheese, add on a double cheese ring for just $9.80. The cheesy dip comes with corn in it for an extra crunch when you dip your tteok or sausages in it.

[caption id="attachment_29392" align="aligncenter" width="240"] SHIOKKKK (Image Credit: dookki_sg)[/caption]

The stretchy cheesy dip also makes for good photos – but make sure to stir your cheese from time to time so that it does not harden too quickly.

Round 2 anyone? 

Once you’re done stuffing your face with tteokbokki, clean up all the leftover sauce by adding some rice, kimchi, seaweed and corn and frying it all together. Drizzle some sesame oil for a nuttier finish.

[caption id="attachment_29395" align="aligncenter" width="297"] Trust me, it tastes better than it looks! (Image Credit: stalker_jiaan)[/caption]

If you prefer noodles, Dookki also has instant ramen that you can add into your tteokbokki broth as well. Just remember to leave out the flavor packet, as it might ruin the taste of your delicious tteokbokki soup!

With the buffet going at just $18.80 for adults and $10.80 for children, you can stuff your face with as much tteokbokki and eomuk as you want without emptying your wallet. The only catch is that you need to finish your entire meal in 90 minutes.

Dookki screams of comfort food, and is the perfect place to go to when its raining and you are just craving some warm, hearty soup. We hear that the lines can be rather long during peak hours, so go early!

Dookki Singapore
Address: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard #B1-107 (East Wing), Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 11.30am – 10.30pm
Contact: 6266 2425
Website

Also read This Bar Is Serving Yakitori With A Mala Twist That’s Sure To Make You Chikin Out

(Header Image Source: Dookki Singapore Facebook)

This Bar Is Serving Yakitori With A Mala Twist That’s Sure To Make You Chikin Out

Have you ever tried mala yakitori? Probably not. Because CHIKIN is the first place in Singapore to serve up Szechuan-style yakitori!

[caption id="attachment_29338" align="alignnone" width="300"] Step into mala and pop art heaven[/caption]

Besides bar bites, CHIKIN has also curated an extensive selection of sake and created an exciting cocktail menu that will make you want to keep coming back until you’ve tried everything.

[caption id="attachment_29337" align="alignnone" width="300"] Neon lights[/caption]

Pop art vibes

When you first step into CHIKIN, you’ll be greeted by neon signs and walls covered in pop icons, especially everyone’s favourite mouthless kitty. There’s even a wall covered with tuna cans.

[caption id="attachment_29346" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tuna cans featuring the Boba Kori[/caption]

Sit at the bar to soak in the bustling atmosphere of the open bar and kitchen, or head to the second floor for a more relaxed and quieter lounge area.

The third floor, vibing hard with the same pop art furnishings, opens up to a cosy attic that also comes with karaoke machine, so you can sing a few tunes with your friends. The room is open from 8pm onwards, although you need to make a reservation for it. The space can also be rented out for an intimate event.

[caption id="attachment_29350" align="alignnone" width="300"] Pop art fills the walls[/caption]

Sticks and chikin parts

CHIKIN is not your typical yakitori joint. Instead of using the typical tare sauce to season their meats, they use a mala – a Szechuan peppercorn – sauce for a spicier kick.

[caption id="attachment_29347" align="alignnone" width="300"] It’s chikiiiiiiiiiiiin time![/caption]

Other kushiyaki like vegetables and other meats are also available. Must-tries include their Quail Egg, Iberico Pork Collar With Leek and Shiitake Mushrooms.

If you like various body parts, you can try the Beef Tongue or Foie Gras skewers.

The yakitori and kushiyaki sticks are all grilled over Binchotan flames to order, before being transferred onto a super cute plate designed to look like a square in a Japanese action comic.

Skewers are priced individually, starting from $3 a stick. Alternatively, grab a tasting platter at $30 for 10 sticks or 15 sticks for $40.

[caption id="attachment_29352" align="alignnone" width="300"] Unagi Garlic Fried Rice With Fish Roe[/caption]

If you need your carbs, load up on their rice. Chikin makes a delicious Plentiful Ikura Garlic Rice and Unagi Garlic Fried Rice With Fish Roe to pair with your yakitori. The rice is seasoned with their homemade garlic and tare sauce, which means you cannot get the same taste anywhere else!

Other popular bar bites like Umami Fries, Chikin Karaage and even a Chikin Collagen Onsen Soup are also available.

Tip: Add some homemade miso into your food, which is mixed with their Szechuan peppercorns if you just cannot get enough of mala.

Cocktails for everyone

No matter how diverse your tastes are, we’re sure there is something for everyone on the cocktail menu.

[caption id="attachment_29351" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sake sangria for a fruity finish[/caption]

The cocktails are created by Sam Wong, who has won various bartending awards in and around Singapore, and is quite well known in the bartending scene for his creative cocktails.

You might even have tasted his creations at Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall and Nutmeg and Clove. For CHIKIN, Wong recreated a range of classic cocktails with a twist, inspired by Japanese flavors.

A large part of the cocktail menu is made up of whisky and sake infusions, although there are also gin and cognac infusions. The cocktails are usually left aside for a few days to infuse with the alcohol, before they are served. The result is a more blended, smooth concoction.

[caption id="attachment_29349" align="alignnone" width="300"] Smoky nights ahead with the Sumoki Raisin[/caption]

Sweet-tooths will love the Sake Sangria, a fruity infusion of sake and gin. Those who do not like the taste of alcohol can give the Boba Kori a go, as it is similar to a bubble-tea-slash-slushie drink which masks the taste of gin (unfortunately, there isn’t actually boba inside).

Whisky fans are in for a treat, with an Oolong-inspired Oold Fashioned on the menu. The Sumoki Raisin is a smoky whisky and sherry infusion that leaves behind a strong aftertaste, and comes topped with raisins that were left to soak in the whisky infusion for three days – they are sure to pack a punch!

If the Sumoki Raisin doesn’t give you enough of a kick, then CHIKIN challenges you to the ultimate cocktail spice challenge – the Szechuan Bloody Mary.

The vodka cocktail is mixed with Szechuan peppercorn, tomato, chilli oil, and comes in 5 different spicy levels: Novice, Hungover, Expert, Hao Lian, and WTF.

How daredevil are you?

CHIKIN
Address: 6 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089820
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am; Sat: 6pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website

Also read No Holds Bar-ed – 5 Bars That Let You Take On Karaoke, Arcade Games And More

No Holds Bar-ed – 5 Bars That Let You Take On Karaoke, Arcade Games And More

There’s only how many rounds of ‘never have I ever’ and ‘five-ten’ before you start to question how many more shots you have to go before you blackout. Sometimes you just want to drink and have fun, but the only thing you can do is send in endless song requests to the current live band.

We rounded up a couple of our favorite haunts where you and your squad can chill at without ever getting bored. Choose from beer pong, arcade games, giant Jenga, Quiz Night – the list is endless!

1. Hopheads 

Hopheads isn’t your typical underground bar. Besides their super Instagrammable interiors and amazing range of craft beers, they’ve loaded up on all sorts of games to ensure that there will be nary a boring moment.

[caption id="attachment_29249" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Every wall is Instagram-worthy (Image Credit: kestonhuang)[/caption]

Besides the usual dart machines, foosball table and pool table, Hopheads offers a huge range of board games like the infamous Cards Against Humanities and huge Jenga. Need to test your hand-to-eye coordination after one too many drinks? There’s even a ping pong table. I don’t know about you, but drunk ping pong is pretty hilarious.

[caption id="attachment_29251" align="aligncenter" width="300"] So many games, too little drinks! (Image Credit: Hopheads)[/caption]

Once you’ve had your fill of fun, replenish your energy with their food offerings. Hopheads has all the usual bar bites like nachos and wings, and heavier dishes like pizzas, pasta and burgers. A must try is their Waffle Burger ($18.90), where the chicken is fried to perfection and comes sandwiched in two waffles and drizzled in maple syrup. The combination of sweet and savoury flavors is just what you need after an intense game of beer pong.

Hopheads
Address: 178 Clemenceau Ave Haw Par Glass Tower B1-00, Singapore 239926
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 11.30am-12am
Contact6904 4019
Website

2. Stickies

Stickies is probably known for their insanely cheap happy hour promotions. I mean, their beers, wines and housepours are priced by the hour! Which means if you go at 12 noon, your beer is on the house (but you have to get some food) Their beer towers are also cheaper than most places in Clarke Quay at $55 for a three liter tower.

[caption id="attachment_29256" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Have you ever tried to play Super Mario while drunk?[/caption]

Aside from their ridiculously awesome deals, their entertainment options are pretty comprehensive too. Their darts, board games and pool are all free to play, and gamers will love the Playstation 4. If you love awful jokes, try Joking Hazard, a game where you compete to see who can come up with the worst comic strip. Another favorite is Exploding Kittens, which is a kitten version of the popular Russian Roulette card game.

[caption id="attachment_29254" align="aligncenter" width="300"] For those terribly (awesome) jokers (Image Credit: sanzopeh)[/caption]

Challenge the house to a game of beer pong, and if you win, you don’t have to pay! But if you lose, that’s going to cost you $50 a game.

Stickies has also just opened another outlet at Sunset Hill, so Westies don’t have to travel all the way to the city to have some fun!

Check out what else we have to say about Stickies here.

Stickies 
Address: 11 Keng Cheow St,#01-10, Singapore 059608
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 12pm -12am
Contact: 6443 7564
You can use ‘the card too small’ as an excuse anymore (Image Credit: clubcastlegroup)[/caption]

Club Castle is like a playground, but for the alcoholics. With LED chairs and tables so that you can see what you’re doing in the dark, Club Castle exudes arcade vibes, complete with games and booze.

[caption id="attachment_29257" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Claw machines: the bane of every arcade visitor (Image Credit: Club Castle)[/caption]

Giant poker cards will definitely get a laugh when you’re trying to hide your hand from the person next to you, while a rotating wheel will put a spin on your drinking game. Put your vocals to the test with some karaoke, or play the claw machine to take home a souvenir.

https://www.facebook.com/clubcastlegroup/videos/1891088651218228/

Club Castle
Address: 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2 #01-10 Singapore 718813,D’Kranji Farm Resort
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun, 10.30am – 3am
Contact: 9722 4018
Website

4. Obar 

Obar loves its music as much you do, which is why you can catch live performances or even put on a show of your own at their karaoke pub outlets. Nothing like a couple of drinks to help you let down your hair and belt out a couple of songs!

[caption id="attachment_29301" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Can you hear me roar? (Image Credit: its_vicent_not_vincent)[/caption]

There are a lot of Obar branches all over Singapore, but only the outlet at Tradehub 21 offers more than karaoke, with ping pong, foosball tables and dart boards for you to while the night away!

[caption id="attachment_29302" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Darts anybody? (Image Credit: Shental85)[/caption]

Obar at TradeHub 21
Address: 8 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 609964
Opening HoursMon – Fri: 11:30am – 1am, Sat & Sun: 4pm – 1am
Contact: 9050 0973
Website

5. Molly Malone’s Irish Pub

Ever wondered what an Irish pub feels like?

[caption id="attachment_29300" align="aligncenter" width="300"] What’s screams more Irish than green furnishings (Image Credit: Nothing like some Bangers and Mash (Image Credit: Molly Malone’s)[/caption]

Bringing back the ago ol’ tradition of Quiz Night, Molly Malone’s holds a weekly quiz on Monday nights that that is free to enter. Put your knowledge skills to the test, and you might win a bucket of beer and bragging rights if you come out first.

[caption id="attachment_29298" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Challenge others a Cards Against Humanities Championship Tournament (Image Credit: mollymalonesingapore)[/caption]

On the other days, you might be able to join in their Killer Pool, where you are awarded with a $50 bar tab if you are the last man, or challenge their Cards of Humanities Championship round to see who is the best worst human being.

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Address: 56 Circular Road, 049411
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 11am – 1 am
Contact: 6536 2029
Andsoforth’s Unique Dining Experience Serves Up Dinner With A Side Of Theatre

(Header Image Source: Choong Yi Sze)

We Want S’more Marshmello After That Imposter – He’s Set To Spin For Real At Zoukout 2017

Zoukout 2017‘s first headliners are out! Aussie DJ Flume and Marshmello will be headlining this year’s beach party, which will be happening on 8 and 9 December.

[caption id="attachment_29283" align="alignnone" width="300"] Flume[/caption]

Zoukout is like every Singaporean clubber’s rite of passage, and for a long time, had been many Singaporeans’ only option for a rave. Of course Ultra Singapore looks set to be a permanent fixture on the festival circuit, but you won’t be able to get  a beach rave experience at Ultra Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_29284" align="alignnone" width="300"] The all-seeing eye at Zoukout 2016[/caption]

Marshmello was just here last year, causing a huge commotion when he allegedly turned up at Zouk on 10 September 2016 after his set at Ultra Singapore 2016 despite being scheduled to spin at Ce La Vi afterparty. Turns out, it was a guest wearing Marshmello’s trademark helmet!

This time, the real Marshmello will be at Zoukout, alongside Flume, who has just won a Grammy for his album, Skin, this year. It’s going to be a blast with these DJs bringing their explosive live sets to Zoukout for the first time ever.

Here is last year’s recap video, just to give you a glimpse of what to expect!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY5LIWIvxk0

Early bird tickets can be purchased on Also read This Year’s Halloween Horror Nights Brings Your L4D Fantasies To Life And Lets You Shoot Zombies

Rumor Has It The Nasi Lemak Burger Is Coming Back, And We’re Keeping Our Fingers Crossed

Word on the street is that McDonald’s will be bringing back its Nasi Lemak Burger!

A burger that received plenty of hype from the moment it was announced – and that shut down disbelievers with its tasty mixture of flavours once released – the burger sold out a short 2 weeks after it hit McDonald’s outlets across the island.

[caption id="attachment_29275" align="aligncenter" width="989"] Nasi Lemak Burger[/caption]

Not everyone managed to get a taste of the locally inspired burger, and despite queuing for hours to try the burger, many had to leave empty-handed.

It’s not just those who didn’t get to try it that were left devastated; many of us who did manage to get our hands on the burger were saddened when news hit that McDonald’s had run out of them.

[caption id="attachment_29277" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Image Credit: Superadrianme[/caption]

Sure, there are alternatives to the Nasi Lemak Burger, with eateries like Marie Antoinette, The Beast and Makansutra Gluttons Bay selling their own versions – some even with actual nasi – but they just aren’t quite the same. 

Word is that we can expect the reappearance of the Nasi Lemak Burger at the end of August. There is no official confirmation as yet, but we’ll be sure to let you know once we receive any information on these burgers!

Also read These Epic Aerial Photos Of S’pore Will Show You How Beautiful Our Country Really Is

(Header Image Source: Coconuts)

Find Your Inner Peace With Yoga, And A Little Help From Beer

How well can you yoga?

As if yoga wasn’t hard enough as it is already, take your yogi level to the next level with beer yoga!

Fresh from London, beer yoga incorporates a beer bottle into the traditional yoga poses. For example, an exercise could involve you balancing your bottle on your head whilst maintaining a pose chosen by the instructor.

Just in case you were wondering, the beer bottle isn’t just for show. You are expected to down your bottle, or two, over the workout session!

[caption id="attachment_29195" align="alignnone" width="300"] You can let your friend fall, but you cannot let your beer spill! (Image Credit: BBC News)[/caption]

Finding your inner beer chakra 

It’s a bit of a dispute when it comes to the origins of beer yoga, which is currently extensively practiced in Europe, America, Australia and Thailand. Some say that Berlin hipsters first conceptualized it, others say that beer yoga first debuted in Burning Man.

But whoever came up with the idea might just be a genius. Beer and yoga are both century-old therapies that help to relax the mind. Who knew a combination of the two might be able to help you achieve an even higher state of consciousness!

Also, a beer bottle is heavier then it seems when you have to balance it over your head whilst doing the Warrior or the Scorpion pose. Just try not to Savasana too fast.

[caption id="attachment_29209" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sunday pose: Savasana aka the corpse pose (Image Credit: tortoiseandharesports)[/caption]

Beer and yoga with a view to boot

For one night only on 25 August, Funzing Singapore has organized a beer yoga session for all those beer-loving yogis. Not only do you get your booze fix and exercise quota for the day, you also get to enjoy breathtaking views as the class will be held at a rooftop poolside.

The ticket price already includes a complimentary beer, but feel free to bring more.

Head to the event page on Facebook for to book your tickets! The beer yoga class will start from 7pm on 25 August at a secret location that is only revealed once your tickets are booked.

Also read Get Your Brewtiful Selfie Printed On Coffee, Only To End Up Drinking Your Own Face

(Header Image Source: Funzing Singapore event page)