Category: Newly Opened

Keep Calm And Curry On With This New Japanese Restaurant That Serves Hokkaido WHITE Curry

If the only curries you’ve tried to date only vary in shades of brown, it’s time to spice things up (pun intended).

Aside from soup curry – a kind of soup-curry hybrid – there is also the unique white curry served at Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry!

Tengawa is the newest Japanese enclave to join the line of Japanese restaurants on the second floor of Millenia Walk. Their signature dish is – you guessed it – white curry straight from Hokkaido!

This is the FIRST ever Japanese white curry restaurant in Singapore.

Hokkaido White Curry

Tengawa prides itself in being the first restaurant in Singapore to specialise in Japanese white curry. 

Its creamy stew is made from pure and fresh Hokkaido milk.

Wondering what gives this curry its white texture? It’s actually the absence of tumeric, the spice that gives the curries we know and love its usual yellow-brown colour.

On Tengawa’s menu, you’ll find three set dishes.

Firstly, there’s the bestseller – the Crunchy Chicken Katsu White Curry Set ($15.80).

The breading is light, crisp and fragrant, while the chicken within is moist and tender.

Next, there’s the Premium Ebi Fry White Curry Set ($16.80).

Covered with the same breading as the chicken, opt for this for that light prawn flavour! The prawns are pretty large too, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry!

Lastly, there’s the Juicy Japanese Style Hamburg White Curry Set ($15.80).

Its juicy and tender pork patty is nicely battered and well worth a try too!

Each of these sets come with a homely bowl of miso soup and chawanmushi, so you get even more of a mix of flavours and textures in your meal!

What’s On The Side

With just three dishes on the menu, you can be sure that each plate of creamy, curry goodness is made to perfection!

The chawanmushi is smooth and silky, with a lingering truffle taste.

The fragrant short grain rice is cooked in small batches too, which means you always get them fresh from the cooker.

For extra authenticity, even the garnishes of yellow petals and perilla leaf are brought in from Japan!

A complete meal with a delicious, unique curry, it’s definite worth checking out the next time you’re not sure what to have for lunch!

Tengawa Hokkaido White Curry
Address: Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-16, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6265 1314
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Also read Japan’s Largest Fugu Restaurant Chain Is Here In Singapore, And It Will ‘Blow’ Your Mind

(Header Image Source: Tengawa)

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

Hello, July!

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

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

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

Play & Discover

1. Singapore International Festival Of Arts

Who says Singapore’s art scene is dead?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Pink Dot

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

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

3. Closing of Sungei Road Thieves Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Cirque du Soleil – KOOZA

Get ready for some jaw-dropping action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Gallery Children’s Biennale

No more dragging your children around to boring art exhibitions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Pesta Ubin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Imaginarium: To The Ends Of The Earth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eat

8. Sama Curry & Café

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

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

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

9. Gain City Durian Feast

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

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

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

10. Singapore Food Festival

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

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

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

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

Hilton Garden Inn Opens In S’pore So You Can Live Luxe On A Budget During Your Next Staycay

It’s the school holidays and what better way to enjoy it than with a luxe staycation?

Hilton Garden Inn, the award-winning, mid-priced hotel brand has finally opened its doors in Singapore.

Located in the heart of Little India, the hotel’s location is a dream come true for foodies. For cheap and good food, head to the nearby Tekka Market for a hearty meal of Indian food. If you are looking for a place to unwind and people-watch, hop over to Jewel Cafe and Bar for brunch. At night, you can even do some shopping at the nearby 24-hour Mustafa centre or have tipple in Clarke Quay.

Features and amenities at Hilton Garden Inn

If you are feeling peckish, visit the Pavilion Pantry which stocks a selection of fresh and healthy snacks, cold beverages and ready-to-cook meals to keep your hunger at bay. Alternatively, dine at The Garden Grille restaurant which offers local and international favourites from the à la carte menu.

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

What comes to mind when you think of curry? Spicy, thick gravy with either turmeric or coconut milk?

Be prepared to have your expectations thrown out the window at Sama Curry & Café. Originating from Sapporo, Hokkaido, they are the first Japanese soup curry restaurant here in Singapore.

I have to admit, while the cafe was adorable with its grumpy bear silhouette on the walls and on the menu, I was initially a little underwhelmed by the selection on the menu. With only 8 menu items, 2 of which were simply variations of the other items, it felt strange being so quickly certain of what I wanted to eat.

I ordered the Oink2 Hamburg ($16.90), Japanese Base, at spiciness level 10. I expected a simple thick curry gravy poured over a bed of warm rice and steamed veggies–after all, that’s what Japanese curries typically look like right?

Our 2 DiscoverSG ambassadors, Nicholas and Vanessa, ordered the Hungry Bear ($18.90) with Pork Belly, with a Shrimp Base, spiciness level 10, and a Cheesy Bear ($16.90) with a Coconut Base, spiciness level 13 respectively. We also decided to get the Hokkaido Imomochi Cheese ($6.50/2 pieces) and Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette ($6.50/2 pieces) as sides.

Our food in all their glory

To say we were surprised was an understatement. Receiving our curries in a bowl of what seemed like soup left us speechless for a couple of seconds. Couple that with the amazing smells wafting up in roiling steam, we couldn’t wait to dig into the unusual dish.

My dish came with a thick hamburg patty, surrounded by a bed of vibrant, assorted vegetables and half an Ajitsuke Tamago (Japanese marinated soft boiled egg).

At level 10 (out of 30) of spiciness, I was greeted with a gentle, warming heat from the light curry. While I thoroughly enjoyed the juicy beef patty, what intrigued me most were the vegetables. After a quick chat with the chef, we found out that the vegetables (potatoes, green peppers, baby corn, carrot and broccoli) were first pre-fried for around 10 seconds, before being assembled in the dish.

The pre-frying was clear from the crispy potatoes which only required the slightest pressure to achieve a satisfying popping of its crunchy skin, revealing a melt-in-your-mouth tender potato.

As for the curry broth… I still can’t figure out the components of its complex herb and spice mix. It was a special, secret recipe, which was probably why the chef wasn’t too keen to share what the particular herb dancing on my palate was. My guess is basil, but I could be wrong.

Flavours of shellfish burst forth from this curry, making one suspect that tons of shellfish, ranging from shrimp to clams, have been boiling for hours in this shrimp base to infuse it with such intense seafood flavours. You may think pork belly is a weird topping for a shrimp base curry, but the two actually paired nicely. Definitely a dish you’ll have to try for yourself to understand.

We also got to try the coconut base curry, which was both unique and familiar in flavour at the same time. The milky coconut essence floods your mouth without overwhelming the flavours of sweet cabbage, carrots and fragrant, crispy chicken katsu. The cheese was a nice touch, accenting the dish without distracting from the other components of the dish.

Our attentive waiter recommended the house’s special side: the Hokkaido Crab Cream Croquette.

Covered in the classic Japanese tempura breading, the croquette was stuffed with the creamiest crab mash ever. When topped with the savoury, slightly acidic dipping sauce (my guess is it’s Yakitori): Heaven.

I saved the best appetiser for the last: the Hokkaido Imomochi Cheese.

A thin, crispy breading reminiscent of fried ice cream, your teeth will sink into a layer of chewy mochi before hitting the jackpot of melted, oozing cheese. Coupled with a sweet teriyaki dipping sauce that enhances the delicate, dripping cheese, it’s safe to say that Sama Curry & Café has perfected their dishes.

With every dish packing a punch of flavour, scoring 10/10 on presentation, and breaking our expectations by surprising our palates, Sama Curry & Café is THE place to go to for a comforting and delicious workday lunch.

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

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10 Exhilarating Experiences And Eats To Spice Up The Second Half Of June [15-30 June]

We’re midway through June, but the holidays are far from over!

The fun this month isn’t stopping anytime soon either! As per usual, there’s a spread of thrilling events to head out to and fresh new dining spots to try out.

Think: a giant, hipster pasar malam, a magical DreamWorks carnival, and food exhibitions where you can stuff yourself silly. Whether you’re an artsy soul, die-hard foodie or music lover, we’ve got some ideas on how you can spend the remainder of June!

Here’s a calendar of 10 amazing activities and foods to delve into to wrap up the month!

Play & Discover

1. Geylang Serai Bazaar

Let the Hari Raya celebrations begin!

The annual Geylang Serai Bazaar is back–and it’s a not your usual pasar malam.

Expect to see over 1000 stalls, and sample all sorts of traditional Hari Raya goodies as you go along.

We can already taste the Ramly burger, kuih tart, kuih bangkit, otah-otah and other delicious snacks.

Why it beats your neighbourhood pasar malam though, is its selection of super instagrammable foods. Think candyfloss burritos, poke bowls, fried durians, rainbow planet ice-cream buns, unicorn tears and more–not to mention the many, many Thai milk tea stalls.

If you’re wondering how these picture perfect foods fared taste-wise, check out our verdict.

Nosh aside, you’ll enjoy colourful installations, free movie screenings, gigs, a pop-up museum and a heritage race as well!

Geylang Serai Bazaar
Where: Spans Geylang Serai market, Joo Chiat Complex and along Haig Road
When: 25 May – 24 June, 11am
Facebook

2. 14th Singapore Open Gymnastic Championship

It’s spins, vaults, somersaults and tumbles galore!

That, and a whole lot more, is what you can expect at the riveting 14th Singapore Open Gymnastics Championships.

Whether you’re an artsy soul or someone just looking for a photo op, it’s hard not to get excited over this new exhibition.

Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow is the most unique setup at the National Gallery right now!

[caption id="attachment_27247" align="aligncenter" width="991"] Image Credit: National Gallery[/caption]

One of the world’s most influential artists, Yayoi Kusama plays a crucial role in key art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.

This exhibition in particular focuses on the immersive and expansive nature of her practice.

Step into her infinity mirror rooms and explore her intricate nets, dots and pumpkin motifs.

What’s more, encounter new paintings that have never been shown before!

It’s the perfect chance to discover her creative vision through paintings, sculptures, videos, and installations from the 1950s to the present. That, and take some pictures for the ‘gram too, of course.

Yayoi Kusama Exhibition
Where: National Gallery, City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery
When: 9 Jun – 3 Sep
Admission: $15 (Singaporeans/PRs) / $25 (Non-Singaporeans)
Website

4. UFC Fight Night

UFC fans rejoice!

Watch the fighters on your TV screen come to life at UFC Fight Night Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_27240" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: The Playbook[/caption]

You’ll be catching the sport’s finest athletes from around the globe compete in the world’s most intimidating arena, the Octagon!

There’s even a UFC Fan Experience outside the arena for the more hard core fans.

Challenge yourself at the Striking Challenge, try out the interactive activities at the booths, and don’t miss out on the photo opportunities.

Can’t wait for Fight Night? You can visit a day early to catch the ceremonial weigh-ins and a guest fighter Q&A session on Friday!

UFC Fight Night Singapore
Where: The Octagon, Singapore Indoor Stadium
When: 17 Jun, 4.45pm – 10pm
The local music scene seems to really be flourishing.

This time, local acts are coming together for a good cause at the ADAC Music Concert!

[caption id="attachment_27246" align="aligncenter" width="744"] Image Credit: CNB[/caption]

That’s ADAC for Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign. Organised by The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA), this FREE music concert will bring together all your favourite local musicians.

There’s Inch Chua, Scarlet Avenue, The Sam Willows, THELIONCITYBOY and Taufik Batisah!

With tunes like “Help Me” (Scarlet Avenue) and “High On Love” (Taufik Batisah), we’ll be singing along, while bearing the all-important anti-drug message in mind.

ADAC Music Concert
Where: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
When: 16 Jun, 6pm – 10pm
This year, we will see Asia’s first ever DreamWorks Day right here in Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_27241" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: DreamWorks Day[/caption]

Take part in the 5km Fun Run, or the 800m Kids Dash and Carnival with your little ones!

You’ll be doing all that alongside your favourite DreamWorks characters from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.

Beneficiaries of this event include the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Wishing Well, and Club Rainbow!

This run is truly a great opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends, while doing some good for those in need!

DreamWorks Day
Where: Gardens By The Bay, Bay East Garden
When: 24 Jun, 4pm – 8pm
Website

7. Gardens Turns 5

Let the birthday celebrations begin!

Our favourite futuristic garden, Gardens By The Bay, turns 5 this month, and it’s throwing a big birthday bash to mark the occasion.

[caption id="attachment_27245" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: YouTube[/caption]

Expect nothing short of a myriad of festivities that all can enjoy!

There will be a display of blooms in the rarest colour–shades of blue–at the Blue Beauties floral display in the Flower Dome!

Also not to be missed is a special edition of the nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. The experience will be further enhanced with stunning video mapping that tells the story of the Gardens’ journey through the years.

Another highlight is the ‘Wonder Through Your Eyes’ photo exhibition, where your own fondest memories at the Gardens will be featured alongside other unforgettable moments.

So come join in the fun at Gardens, where wonder truly blooms!

Gardens Turns 5
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953
When: Fri, 19 May 2017 – Fri, 30 Jun 2017
Contact no.: 6420 6848
Hit us baby one more time!

We can’t believe Pop Princess Britney Spears is coming to our shores this June!

[caption id="attachment_27244" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Asia Live 365[/caption]

The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon will be making her 7th stop in Asia here.

With 150 million records sold worldwide, seven Billboard Music Awards and the Billboard’s Millennium Award to her name, you won’t find someone who hasn’t heard of her.

Her catchy songs “Baby One More Time” and “Piece of Me” get everyone singing along when they come on the radio and during Karaoke. Now, you get to catch Britney performing in the flesh!

If you want a piece of that, hurry and grab your tickets!

Britney Spears Concert
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium
When: 30 June, 8pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Price: S$188 – S$568
The Yummy Food Expo 2017 provides the perfect opportunity to stuff your face with all the good food Singapore has to offer!

[caption id="attachment_27243" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Singapore Expo Hall 5, Booth B27
When: 22 Jun – 25 Jun
This one’s for you avid snackers and junk food lovers! (That’s all of us, to be honest.)

The World Snack Fair 2017 is sure to satisfy all your sweet and salty cravings!

[caption id="attachment_24343" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Emaze[/caption]

This yummy exhibition is set to feature hundreds of different snack brands from all around the world.

Popular brands you will be familiar with include Japanese brands Meiji and Calbee. We can hear the crunch of potato chips already!

There will also be Ichiban kuji for the Otakus to get anime merchandise, and international guest cosplayers.

A maid and butler cafe will also be set up on-site for those who enjoy themed cafes!

World Snack Fair
Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Concourse 1-4, Singapore 039593
When: 30 Jun – 1 Jul, 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6560 5424

Well, what are you waiting for?

Don’t let the second half of your June holidays slip away!

We think now’s the best time to get busy, trying out as many fun activities as possible, to give us that boost we need for school/work the rest of the year!

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