Category: Singapore Food Haven

McDonald’s Rings In The New Year With Salted Egg Yolk Fries – Available From 3 Jan

Feeling sleepy and groggy at work today?

We feel you.

If you’re feeling as down as we are, then we have some great news for you. McDonald’s is here to make your day a little better – they’ll be launching the all new Salted Egg Yolk Loaded Fries from 3 January for a limited time only.

New Year, New Menu

Sure, it’s 2019 and we should really start saying goodbye to Salted Egg Yolk but this combination seems pretty promising. Imagine your favourite French Fries topped with a generous serving of Salted Egg Yolk sauce. It’ll be topped with curry leaves for that sweet and savoury taste. Enjoy the Salted Egg Yolk Fries for $1.20 when you upgrade your fries with any meal.

As if that wasn’t enough, they’re bringing back the highly popular Ha Ha Cheong Gai Drumlets which was released in July last year. Yes, our favourite prawn paste chicken is making a comeback and you can now have it in the Happy Sharing Box (Special Edition) from just $7.90.

Moving on to desserts – McDonald’s is launching 2 new desserts! The first is a Pandan Soft Serve – think pandan chiffon cake but in ice cream form. You can have it in a cone, ChocoCone, Sundae or McFlurry (from $1).

Next up is the all-new Peach Pie ($1.40). It’s filled with juicy white peach chunks and the crust is wait for it…pink.

So if you’re feeling a little moody at work today, look forward to these tasty treats that will brighten up your week. You can definitely count on food to make it all better!

Also Read Cereals-ly? Get Your Cereal Fix At The New Kellogg’s Cafe For Just $2 A Bowl

(Header Image Source: McDonald’s Singapore Youtube)

Cereals-ly? Get Your Cereal Fix At The New Kellogg’s Cafe For Just $2 A Bowl

If you’ve ever thought that taking a quick coffee break, powering through a work project, or just catching up with a friend would be better over a bowl of cereal, Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe at Ang Mo Kio Hub is the casual hangout spot of your breakfast-loving dreams.

Although it’s located in the not-so-exciting, auntie-paradise that is FairPrice Xtra, this new space sees cereal fans dropping by for a quick bowl. It may not be as cool and edgy as its overseas counterparts, but if you’re really craving for a bowl of Coco Pops or Froot Loops, it’ll do the trick.

Cereal For Days

Open daily from noon to 8pm – meaning you can’t have cereal for breakfast, oddly enough – Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe offers a variety of cereal, pastries and dessert.

Flavours in the selection includes Corn Flakes, Coco Pops, Frosties, Froot Loops, Rice Krispies, Mueslix and Special K. Each $2 serving comes with either full cream or low fat milk.

Before you start complaining that you can make a bowl of cereal yourself at home, the menu includes more than just a cereal bar with a wide array of toppings, including goji berries, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds ($0.50 each) which you can add to your bowl.

Not feeling up for cereal? They offer a variety of heavenly desserts served with yoghurt and delicious pastries such as cupcakes, muffins, cakes, cookies, and mini bread loaves as well.

With a variety of options and limitless customisations, Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe should elicit return visits from any cereal fan!

Kellogg’s Cereal Kafe
Address: FairPrice Xtra, #B2-40 Ang Mo Kio Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm, daily
Facebook

Also Read Prepare For Truffle, Make It Double – Kanshoku’s Ramen Is A Truffle Lover’s Dream

(Header Image Source: Kellogg’s Singapore)

“My Toilet Routine Became Clockwork” – What Drinking Kombucha Every Day For A Week Does To Your Body

From acai and goji berry to avocado and kale, ‘superfoods’ have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Despite these food items having been around since forever, why have they been marketed as though no one knew about their benefits?

I never understood the importance of gut health until I was falling sick more often and feeling tired and lethargic all the time. After a severe case of food poisoning last year and not getting proper rest, I started getting really interested in probiotics to help strengthen my immune system.

Probiotics are good bacteria that help stabilise your gut and strengthens your immune system. They can be found in fermented food like yogurt, kimchi and kombucha.

Now, I’ve always been a skeptic of kombucha as it’s been overhyped over the last couple of years. After a first bad experience drinking it in San Francisco, I stayed away from kombucha for the longest time ever. But after reading up on some health benefits, I knew I had to give it another chance.

So I went straight to the source and sought help from experts instead. And I came across Winnie And Zhiwei, founders of local kombucha and kefir makers Craft & Culture.

Does Kombucha Actually Work?

But while skeptics (like me) definitely aren’t wrong in believing that superfoods could simply be overhyped fads, there are also individuals who have seen actual health benefits after incorporating these items into their diet.

One of these skeptics-turned-believers is Winnie, co-founder of local kombucha and kefir makers Craft & Culture. After experiencing food allergies, indigestion problems and falling ill frequently, she was introduced to Kombucha by a friend who suggested that it would help boost her immune system naturally.

For the unacquainted, Kombucha is a fermented drink brewed with tea, sugar, water and a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). It tastes like something between a diluted apple cider vinegar or Korean fruit vinegar – depending on the types of teas and sugar used.

Its origins date back to ancient China, one of the first civilizations to recognize the health benefits of kombucha. Its benefits were also backed by researchers in Switzerland who reported that “drinking kombucha was similarly beneficial as eating yogurt”.

It’s the probiotics that really make this beverage a healthy one. There are good bacteria and bad bacteria inside our gut and probiotics tend to fit in the good bacteria category, as they are shown to have positive health benefits on our digestive system. Having a regular intake of probiotics prevents you from falling sick because your immune system is 80% dependent on the health of your intestines.

On the other hand, Kefir is a fermented milk drink which originated from the north Caucasus Mountains and is fermented from Kefir cultures “which are a combination of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. While it reminds me a lot of Greek yogurt, Kefir is said to have about 20 times more probiotics and nutrients.

The Experiment

In order to see for myself if kombucha and kefir really does deliver on its health benefits, including help with bloating, digestion and improving my gut health overall, I decided to drink it for a week.

Winnie and Zhiwei packed my first batch of kombucha and kefir and I couldn’t wait to try it out. I was excited as the drinks came in a variety of flavours so I knew I had something new to try everyday. As I have poor digestive health, I was told to start with 1/3 of kefir in the morning and half a bottle of kombucha in the afternoon.

They both warned me that kombucha and kefir loads your system with good bacteria and this can cause a mini ‘war’ in your gut. I gave a faint smile and mentally prepped myself for a long week at work (or the toilet for my case).

The First Few Days

I started my morning as instructed. I was a huge fan of the kefir as it reminded me of drinking mango lassi but the bad news was 1/3 kefir proved to be too much for my sensitive gut to handle. I ended up running to the toilet an hour later.

It didn’t help that I drank half a bottle of kombucha a few hours later. The first 2 days of drinking kombucha and kefir was truly hell as I was feeling bloated half the time and I felt really uncomfortable throughout the day. The solution? I gave my gut time to rest and continued taking the probiotics but in smaller amounts. It got better on the third day and I found myself being able to down the entire bottle for breakfast and lunch.

Major Changes That I Noticed

As the days passed, I found myself feeling lighter and happier while making my way to work. I swapped my usual order of kopi siew dai for a bottle of kefir and kombucha everyday and noticed that I was feeling more refreshed and alert even if I didn’t get enough sleep the previous night. For someone who starts feeling sluggish and reaching out of the munchies at 4pm, I felt a whole lot better once I included more probiotics in my diet.

Intrigued, I did a little bit more research and found out that probiotics could relieve mental health conditions like stress and anxiety. Which makes complete sense as if one had an unhealthy gut and lifestyle, less dopamine is produced. This means that people with unhealthy guts tend to be more unhappy. Connecting the dots between gut health and brain health was a life-changing moment for me.

After including kombucha in my diet, I was able to have a “smooth move” every morning and my toilet routine became clockwork. Drinking kombucha and kefir regularly seems to have really improved my gut health in just a week.

Will I Keep Going?

After a week of drinking kombucha and kefir daily, I must admit that I’m now a convert. I’ve previously had kombucha that tasted very “yeasty” but Craft & Culture’s beverages proves that healthy drinks don’t have to taste bland.

I love how it tastes and – more importantly – how it makes me feel. If it means improving my gut health and overall happiness, I’ll probably up the dosage of kombucha to 2 bottles per day.

Give kombucha and kefir a try and check out the offerings at Craft & Culture if you’re looking to improve your digestive health!

Craft & Culture
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Also Read A Uniquely Singaporean Omakase: Feast On An 8-Course Meal Made With Local Produce In A HDB Flat For $99

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Prepare For Truffle, Make It Double – Kanshoku’s Ramen Is A Truffle Lover’s Dream

Food trends may come and go, but that doesn’t mean that they stop being good.

Take truffles, for example — even though the luxurious ingredient has admittedly lost some of its cred and made way for other fads like salted egg and mala, there’s nothing quite like a side of truffle fries to go with your meal.

And if you find yourself craving for a truffle-icious meal, look no further than Kanshoku Ramen.

A Truffle Treasure Trove

Started by two longtime friends — Melvin and Brandon — Kanshoku Ramen is a Japanese food joint that has outlets in Orchard Gateway, Ion Orchard and Northpoint City.

While their menu does include staples like Tonkatsu ramen, rice bowls and gyoza, the star of the show has to be their Truffle Ramen, which is available in both dry ($16.90) and broth ($17.90) versions.

While there really isn’t a wrong choice here, those looking for maximum truffle should definitely spring for the dry version. Thanks to a generous serving of truffle oil, truffle pate and actual truffles, every single bite is heavily laced with that distinct truffle taste (truffle enthusiasts will know that this is a rare occurrence).

The inclusion of an onsen egg adds another dimension of flavour to the springy Hakata-style ramen (made in-house, btw), and I don’t think I could have finished my bowl any faster than I did.

While the broth version is noticeably milder in that truffle taste, it definitely isn’t anything to scoff at either. Instead of covering the noodles the truffles make their way into the soup this time, resulting in a hearty concoction that you’ll want to finish to the last drop.

Whichever version you choose, you’ll also be treated to two slices of Chashu (pork belly), which are marinated for four hours before being served. To be honest, the noodles are good enough to eat on their own, and the pork — while serviceable — did little to add to the already-flavourful dish.

Melvin tells me that Kanshoku Ramen translates to “finish eating every last bit of your food” in Japanese, and with food this good it wasn’t hard to do so.

With so many truffle-based dishes proving only the briefest moments of satisfaction before losing its distinct taste, it’s refreshing to see a dish that doesn’t skim on its key ingredient. If you’re a fan of truffles at all, you owe it to yourself to give Kanshoku Ramen a try.

Kanshoku Ramen
Address: Orchard Gateway (#01-06), Ion Orchard (#B3-18), Northpoint City (#B1-151)
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm

Website I Facebook

Also Read Renowned Japanese Chef Teppei Opens First Halal Eatery Serving Fukuoka’s Famous Udon

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

A Uniquely Singaporean Omakase: Feast On An 8-Course Meal Made With Local Produce In A HDB Flat For $99

“Do I remove my shoes?” I asked sheepishly as Chef Shen laughs and warmly welcomes me into her home.

I took my place at the dinner table and awkwardly shift about my seat. Attending a private dinner in a stranger’s home is possibly the weirdest thing I’ve done in 2018. How do I act? Do I make friends? Am I supposed to eat at the same pace as others?

As the saying goes, the best food is the kind that’s cooked at home. We all love the comfort of a good home-cooked meal but the idea of stepping into a stranger’s home for dinner might sound a little strange to some.

Private home dining experiences are emerging here once more. It’s not difficult to understand why as the modern consumers can be tired of ‘outside’ food and would prefer a ‘simple’ home style cooking instead. However, it’s not exactly the cheapest option either. Some menus may cost anywhere between $80 – $100, some with unique creations and a long waiting list you have to book months prior.

Even though the price-tag seems high, a lot of Singaporeans are willing to fork out good money as many of these concepts offer recipes which are not commonly found anymore.

Ownself Make Chef

The Cook: Durian Tempoyak with Pork Ribs, Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich and Wasabi Chocolate – if you think these combination of sweet and savoury are weird, Chef Shen Tan, a virtuoso of mod-sin cuisine takes it to the next level.

After leaving her corporate job 10 years ago, she jumped into the F&B industry despite having zero culinary background. Famed for her Nasi Lemak at Revolution Coffee and her first restaurant venture, Wok and Barrel, Chef Shen now opens her home to public for a gastronomic experience like no other. And she’s named it Ownself Make Chef.

Ownself Make Chef is about Chef Shen’s journey as a self-taught chef and her culinary explorations. Getting inspirations from her runs and afternoon reads, her food revolves around Singaporean and Southeast Asian flavours.

The Setting: Conveniently located 5 minutes away from the MRT, who would’ve thought that a three-room HDB flat in Commonwealth plays host to some seriously amazing food creations.

I was warmly welcomed into her house and walked in to a minimalist dining area that could comfortably sit up to 12 people. Soft music was playing in the background as Chef Shen prepares the first course of the day. Her kitchen is located right next to the dining area so you could observe Chef Shen as she prepares the courses throughout the evening.

I was lucky enough to attend the Sinfully Seafood Dinner ($99 per pax) and it was a dinner that was about to change my life (no kidding!).

The Menu: Truly the queen of puns, just her menu names alone are worth a revisit. From the aPORKalypse Dinner to Rice to The Occasion, her menu rotates each week so diners can always expect something new each time they dine with Ownself Make Chef.

There’s a total of 12 menus to date with new ones in the pipeline. Her dinners are so popular that she’s all packed till January 2019. Check out her website and reserve a spot before they’re all sold out again. Or simply gather a group of 8 and organise a private dinner instead!

The Food: Working with the best of local seafood from Ah Hua Kelong in Singapore, the Sinfully Seafood Dinner is created for seafood lovers who enjoy Singaporean flavours. Working with familiar local flavours such as Mee Siam, Salted Egg and Durian, this 8 course seafood dinner is far from ordinary.

Here’s what was served:

Mee Siam Ceviche

We finally sat down for the first course. Growing up eating Mee Siam, most of us are familiar with its rich and sweet taste. For this dish, Chef Shen breaks down Mee Siam and turns it into a ceviche which is a seafood dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime.

The botan ebi, hokkaido scallop and grouper are cured in kalamansi lime and mee siam rempah, mixed with pineapple, cucumber, coriander, spring onions, chilli, chinese chives and topped with tau pok croutons.

What you get is a light and refreshing version of the Mee Siam that we all know and love.

Oyster Fritters with Salted Egg Yolk Aioli

We can all agree that the salted egg trend has gotten out of hand within the past two years and it’s about time we put an end to it. But we won’t say no to this Salted Egg Yolk Aioli.

The whole shucked oysters are lightly marinated with fish sauce and sugar then battered and fried. They’re then served with a side of housemade salted egg yolk aioli. Who would’ve thought oysters and salted egg could go so well together.

Seafood Tau Pok Pau 

This was hands down the best dish of the night just because of all the elements that went into it. Also, plus points for creativity.

The tau pok is turned inside out and stuffed with otak mousse, blood cockles, torched ginger flower, leeks and deep fried. It is served with a side of sng ngee which is made up of garlic, lime juice and a handful of chilli padi. It may look like any ordinary chicken rice chilli but this one surely packs a punch.

For someone who can take her spice, I found myself choking from the heat of the chilli.

Luxe Hae Mee Tng 

The handmade oyster pasta is the star of the Hae Mee Tng. Instead of using regular yellow noodles, Chef Shen infuses oyster in her pasta which elevates the flavour of the entire dish.

The broth is made with pork bones, carrots, shallots, swimmer crabs, prawns and clams. You can also expect the freshest jumbo prawns that have been grilled with crustacean infused lard. It’s then garnished with crispy shallots and lardons.

Green Pepper Curry Clams with Nasi Lemak

Famed for her Nasi Lemak, you know you’re in for a real treat. Her signature dish is painstakingly cooked by steaming the rice twice over four hours.

This time, instead of having it with a fried egg and chicken wing, we’re treated to a generous portion of local clams and kampot green peppercorns cooked in a mild lemak curry served with sambal belachan.

Grilled Salted Egg Cured Grouper

The black grouper from Ah Hua Kelong is cured in salted egg and curry leaves which results in a lovely firm texture. The grouper is paired with grilled vegetables tossed through her own Thai basil laksa leaf pesto.

Durian Tempoyak Mussels and Bacon

If you’re a huge durian fan (or not), you’re definitely going to love this dish.

The super fresh mussels from Ah Hua Kelong are cooked with fermented durian from Ah Seng Durian, leeks and bacon.

Dessert

Ending off the 8 course dinner on a high note is a sweet and savoury dessert. Just when I thought that Chef Shen was done with surprises, the last dish did it for me again.

The sweet crepes are stuffed with a mango and crab filling, served with kaffir lime leaf lychee sorbet, salted egg yolk ice cream and grated salted egg yolk. This is the only time we’re not complaining about salted egg yolk in our food.

Let’s just say, this isn’t your average dessert course.

Helming Wok and Barrel, Ujong and Revolution Coffee in the past, Chef Shen’s creations were nothing short of amazing and it definitely set the bar high for all future private dining experiences. She regularly posts sneak peeks of upcoming dinners on her Facebook page and website.

In a city state known for its rigidity and conservatism, the chance to have an intimate and private experience is indeed an exciting , fresh-feeling proposition. But if you think getting into someone’s house for a private dinner is easy, think again.

Many private dining experiences involve multiple emails, follow ups and a long waiting list. But once you score an invite, the back and forth is well worth the effort. You’ll not only be treated to an exceptional meal but an unforgettable experience too.

Check out Ownself Make Chef for Chef Shen’s upcoming dinner.

Ownself Make Chef
Address: 84 Commonwealth Close, #04-83, Singapore 140084
Book Your Dinner Here: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Also Read Wagyu Beef Cubes, Vintage Clothes And More – 8 Stalls To Check Out At Twilight Express: Flea & Feast

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Tis’ The Season To Be Hungry – How To Have The Perfect Christmas Meal Without The Hassle

Christmas season is upon us, which means that we’re most likely going to drop the diets we never really got on board with and indulge in some good ol’ Christmas food.

That’s right — from log cake to potatoes to roast hams, few foods make us feel more warm and fuzzy inside.

Not everyone can cook a turkey without the risk of setting their kitchens on fire, though, and that’s where Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore On Stevens comes in.

Season’s Eatings

For a fuss-free Christmas meal, the Food Exchange Festive Buffet at Novotel Singapore On Stevens might be worth checking out.

Available for both lunch (12pm-2:30pm) and dinner (6pm-10pm), this seasonal special adds several Christmas classics on top of the hotel’s existing international buffet.

Before we get into the festive stuff, however, special mention needs to be made for the “international” part. I’ve been to my fair share of international buffets, but the one at Novotel Singapore on Stevens really is as varied as it gets.

From local delicacies like popiah and chilli crab (mantou‘s included, of course) to international offerings such as sushi and seafood, this buffet has all that and more. I’d highly recommend not eating anything beforehand, because you’re going to need one big appetite to sample everything that’s available.

On the festive side of things, you can look forward to Gravlax (a Scandinavian salmon-based appetiser), Honey Studded Ham, and — of course — Roast Turkey. Throw in an equally-diverse selection of desserts that include log cake, lemon meringue and pecan pie, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to eat your way into the Christmas mood.

At this point you might be thinking that all this must come at a premium price, but the Food Exchange Festive Buffet is actually quite affordable.

Lunch on weekdays and Saturday cost $42++ and $52++ respectively, while a dinner session on both weekdays and weekends goes for $68++. As far as buffet prices go (hotel ones, no less), that’s a pretty fair price when you consider the spread you’re getting.

Available For Dabao Too

If you’re planning on staying in to get away from the Christmas crowds, you’ll be glad to know that Mercure Singapore On Stevens offers takeaway options as well.

Traditionalists can spring for the Traditional Roast Turkey (6kg, $128), Honey Studded Gammon Ham (7kg, $88) or Australian Roast Ribeye Beef (5kg, $98), but I’d personally recommend getting the Salmon Coulibiac (2kg, $98).

A French dish that has Salmon (duh), eggs and mashed potatoes wrapped in a crispy pastry crust, this is pretty much a complete meal in every bite. Bring this to any Christmas pot luck (or keep the whole thing for yourself, we won’t judge), and you’re sure to be the MVP of the party.

You can opt to collect your treats at Mercure Singapore On Steven’s Fudebar, or have it delivered right to your doorstep for $30. Complimentary delivery is available for orders over $200, so it might want to order more than one dish to be eligible for that (you can never have too much Christmas food, after all).

Whether you’re looking for an indulgent night out or planning an intimate xmas party, it looks like Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore On Stevens have got your food needs covered this Christmas season.

Even if you can cook a turkey without setting your kitchen on fire, making your own food can be a messy affair…so why not treat yo’self a little this festive season?

Novotel Singapore On Stevens and Mercure Singapore On Stevens
Address: 28 Stevens Road, Singapore 257878

Website I Facebook I Reservations (Buffet) I Orders (Takeaway)

Also Read Don’t Fight With The Crowd This NYE – Catch A Fireworks Musical From Japan At The Marina Bay Floating Platform

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Roast Paradise Guys Opened A Zi Char Restaurant At Somerset And It’s ‘Fook Kin’ Good

If you’ve been to Old Airport Road Food Centre in the past year or so, chances are that you’ve heard about Roast Paradise.

Started by two friends – Randall and Kai – in 2016, these young hawkerpreneurs have quickly made a name for themselves thanks to their Kuala Lumpur-style char siew and siu yoke / roast pork, and the stall attracts long, long queues at pretty much any time of the day.

And after setting up a second outlet in Ang Mo Kio, the pair have now brought their food to central Singapore in the form of the cheekily-named restaurant Fook Kin.

‘Fook Kin’ Good Food

Conveniently located at 111 Killiney Road (a 5-minute walk from Somerset MRT, according to Google Maps), Fook Kin is a collaboration between Roast Paradise and local DJ royalty The Muttons.

Featuring an Instagrammable, Wong Kar Wai-esque aesthetic (think marble tables, graffiti and neon lights in all the right places), the restaurant offers Roast Paradise’s Signature Char Siew and Roast Pork, while adding several zi char-style dishes to the menu as well.

These dishes aren’t the kind you’d find at your standard coffee shop, though. The Triple Happiness ($9.80) for example, adds salmon roe and salted egg bits on top of Pitan / Century Egg Tofu, creating a refreshing-yet-flavourful appetiser that serves as a perfect accompaniment to Fook Kin’s meatier offerings.

Those looking for a more traditional dish can also consider the Two Way Kai Lan ($9.80), which — as its name suggests — serves the classic vegetable in two styles on one plate. While one half is more or less your standard braised-in-oyster-sauce fare (still delish, btw), the other is fried and sprinkled with a generous amount of pork floss for a crispy and satisfying bite.

Of course, you can’t go to Fook Kin without eating their meat, and the restaurant has added roast duck on top of the Roast Paradise classics for even more freedom of choice.

Those looking for a simple meal can opt for the one-meat Roast Delight ($8.80), while more indulgent patrons can go for the titular Roast Paradise ($10.80) that includes all three meats. Served with either rice or noodles and throwing in a Shoyu egg for good measure, you’re guaranteed a hearty meal no matter which option you choose.

At this point you might be wondering: how does Fook Kin’s meat compare to the original Roast Paradise? Well, considering that Randall has now made Fook Kin his main base of operations (he has trusted employees running the Old Airport Road and Ang Mo Kio outlets), you’re actually getting the quintessential Roast Paradise experience.

Thanks to a painstaking preparation process that takes a whopping 4 hours every day, both the char siew and siu yoke are truly a step above the rest. The char siew was incredibly tender and had a distinctively sweet taste to it, while the siu yoke was probably the crispiest and most savoury that I’ve had in my entire life.

The roast duck — while serviceable — just isn’t as mind-blowing as the other two. If we had to choose between the three, I’d recommend going for either the char siew or siew yoke before springing for the duck.

If the meat in your rice / noodle bowl isn’t enough (and believe me, it won’t be enough), you’ll be glad to know that you can order a meat platter as well. Ranging from $6.80 to $65 for a small and extra large serving respectively, this is the perfect choice if you’re coming here with a group of friends…or just really hungry. We won’t judge.

With its convenient location and mouth-watering menu, Fook Kin is definitely the place to be if you want to up your zi char game. Sure, it might be a tad more expensive than…say, a coffee shop, but for the quality you’re getting, it’s definitely well worth the price.

FOOK KIN
Address: 111 Killiney Road, Singapore 239553
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm

Facebook

Also Read: 10 Affordable Dinner Date Spots In S’pore So You Can Treat Your Bae Without Going Broke

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Get 50% Off More than 50 Popular Dining Spots on Chope Deals’ Year End Sale

From chomping our way through hawker centres to unearthing the latest hidden gems, Singaporeans are definitely a “live to eat” bunch of folks with voracious appetites. And our love for food is only rivalled by our love for deals, discounts and vouchers.

So if you’re a foodie with a sweet tooth for promos, mark 6 December 2018 on your calendar and save the date for Chope Deals’ Year End Sale (YES!).

Just in time for the festive season, Chope Deals is bringing you the most value-for-money dining promotions in Singapore so you get to indulge with your loved ones without burning a hole in your wallet.

From 50% off 50 products to $10 flash deals, grab hold of the deals during this one-day only sale, and visit 11 of our favourite dining spots below!

Plus, read on to find out how you can score additional discounts on these Chope dining vouchers on their app!

1. Don & Tori

If you haven’t quite managed to find a Japanese restaurant in Singapore that matches up the ridiculously high standards you have, Don & Tori might well change your mind.

Nestled between rows of shophouses along Tras Street at Tanjong Pagar, the quality of their food is nothing short of mighty.

This Japanese restaurant is helmed by Chef Jack Chang under the guidance of renowned local chefs Raymond Tan and Max Lai who have years of Japanese culinary experience under their belt.

Don & Tori’s amazing menu showcases departure from traditional Japanese cuisine with instant favourites like Sakura Ebi Angel Hair Pasta and Truffle Wagyu Foie Gras Don. If you’re more of a traditionalist, go for the Gyu Steak and Scallop Butter Yaki which are cooked over an open charcoal grill.

With a live sushi bar, diners are able to witness firsthand the kitchen’s undoubted knife skills that are a spectacle to watch.

Don & Tori
Address: 74 Tras Street, Singapore (079013)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 12-3pm, 6pm-12am, Closed Sunday
Get Up To 30% Off Your Vouchers Here

2. Wheeler’s Yard

Located in an old sleepy alley off the main streets of Balestier, Wheeler’s Yard is a photogenic cafe with an in-house bicycle atelier.

Wheeler’s Yard provides the perfect pit stop for cyclists who are using the Whampoa park connector to rest and grab a bite whilst admiring the stunning array of handmade urban bicycles available for sale.

Their iconic blue door, preserved from the 1980s, is one of its kind and has dominated Instagram feeds since the establishment opened its doors. High ceilings, wide spaces, vintage decorations and posh-looking bicycles – Wheeler’s Yard is the perfect spot to catch up with your friends over a cuppa.

Don’t forget to complete the experience with some delicious cafe grub. The Ultimate Beef Yard Burger and Grilled Chicken especially are consistent crowd favourites and shouldn’t be missed!

Wheeler’s Yard
Address: 28 Lorong Ampas, Singapore (328781)
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 11am – 10pm, Sat – Sun: 10:30am – 10pm, Closed Monday
Get Up To 50% Off Your Vouchers Here

3. Aura

Ask any art enthusiast and they’ll sing praises of the National Gallery’s stellar collection of Southeast Asian art. Ask the foodies and they’ll wax lyrical about its spectacular location that provides amazing views among which to eat and drink.

Facing the Padang and the iconic silhouette of Marina Bay Sands, Aura Restaurant draws hipsters, expats, and everyone in between with an impressive salad bar at lunch, hi-tea in the afternoons, and all-day brunches on weekends.

The restaurant takes inspiration from Italy’s homely recipes and generous flavours and elevates them into refined, elegant meals, where guests are invited to share dishes in casual family style for them to commune over meals.

The menu is an extensive expression of Italian creativity, showcasing a wide variety of antipasto, pastas and wholesome mains that features the finest and freshest ingredients, with an emphasis on seasonal produce.

Aura
Address: 1 Saint Andrews Road, #05-03, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore (178957)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Get Up To 30% Off Your Vouchers Here

4. Byblos Grill

Bussorah Street plays host to a bunch of Middle Eastern restaurants and Byblos Grill is one of the true hidden gems amongst them.

Helmed by Chef Mohamad Salim who was formerly a chef at the Burj Al Arab, the only seven star hotel in Dubai, brings true craft and authenticity to his Lebanese cuisine, served up in a truly homey style.

Lebanese food is perfect for sharing! Go straight for the Mezza Platter, which eliminates all decision-making in choosing the best dip to go with your pita bread (they’re all good!).

For your main, get the Mixed Grill to taste the best of the restaurant’s grilled meats—a combination of lamb kofta (minced lamb), lahem mashwi (grilled lamb cubes), chicken kofta (minced chicken) and shish tawouk (shish kebab).

For a genuine taste of unfiltered Lebanese cuisine, a stop by 14 Bussorah Street is a must!

Byblos Grill
Address: 14 Bussorah Street, Singapore (199435)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 1am
Get Up To 50% Off Your Vouchers Here

5. Gudetama Cafe

Everyone’s favourite lazy egg Gudetama is in town and we’re all here for it! Head down to Suntec City and get a crack at this cheery cafe’s menu.

Noteworthy dishes include the “I’m Cold” Smoked Salmon Benedict, featuring poached eggs wrapped with smoked salmon and mashed avocado on toasted brioche bread with a dash of zesty yuzu hollandaise sauce and ebiko for a finishing touch.

Or how about a steaming bowl of Gudetama Lobster Onsen? Get all comfy as you dig into a poached egg nestled in a bread bowl of lobster bisque, accompanied by a side of freshly tossed greens.

Come with your cameras and phones fully charged because Gudetama Cafe is an Instagram wonderland, with life-sized figurines, animated walls, and sunny-side up eggs and waffle ceilings you’ll want to snap pictures of!

Gudetama Cafe
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-361, Suntec City, Singapore (038983)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Get Up To 35% Off Your Vouchers Here

6. Amo

Located in the gastronomic stretch of Hong Kong Street, Amo is a smart-casual Italian eatery and bar by restaurateur-chef Beppe De Vito of the ilLido Group.

Amò is a union of Italian cuisine and people, where the best culinary influences from all parts of Italy come together, for groups of friends to gather over antipasti, big plates and pizzas to share.

Made with natural leaven, semolina and extra virgin olive oil, Amò pizzas are light, seasonal and easy to digest – the result of patience, exceptional produce, and a fine-tuned knowledge of food chemistry. Get the Signature Pizza which comes with Mushrooms, Truffle, Mascarpone and Tuscan Pecorino to share.

Another one of our favourites is the Spaghetti Chitarra with Boston Lobster and Tarragon. The spaghetti chitarra is made fresh daily in-house, and its signature long square-shaped strands helps take in all the delicious flavours of the lobster bisque and chilli salmoriglio sauce.

Amo
Address: 33 Hongkong Street, Singapore (059672)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Get Up To 30% Off Your Vouchers Here

7. Haru

Haru is the brainchild of two food-mad brothers who’ve turned the historic site of the Old Badminton Hall at Guillemard Road into a little shrine to the humble rice bowl.

Inspired by Japanese and Korean flavours, they serve up some of the best grain bowls in town! At lunch time, this is a build-your-own rice bowl situation. Take your pick of multigrain rice, pearl rice, or soba, and pair it with your choice of Japanese or Korean style toppings like Bulgogi Ribeye, Salmon dressed with miso and sake with hearty vegetables.

As for dinner, they’re known for serving Chazuke, a type of Japanese tea-rice. The multigrain mixture is made up of 8 different types of nutritious grains such as rice crispies, barley and Chinese almonds.

The signature here is their Lobster Chazuke, which features air-flown bamboo lobster that’s lightly poached in dashi and served atop rice with kombu, tobiko, bamboo shoots, spring onions, and nori. Other chazuke options include the Mangalica Pork Chashu and the Smoked Chicken.

Haru
Address: 100 Guillemard Road, #01-06, Singapore (399718)
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri: 12-3pm, 6-10pm, Sat: 11am-3pm, 6-10pm, Sun: 9am-6pm, Closed Monday
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

8. The Butcher’s Wife

If you’re living the gluten-free lifestyle or you have a coeliac friend in the group, hop on over to The Butcher’s Wife, which is all about delicious European comfort food in a lovely setting.

Well-balanced with elements of surprise, these artfully plated comfort foods are packed with robust flavours. Highlights include the Kale and Gorgonzola “Buñuelos” served with saffron aioli or indulge in seafood selections including Cured Salmon, accompanied with pickled courgettes, crème fraiche and chia seeds.

Catering to wine lovers, The Butcher’s Wife even carries over 37 labels, including a selection of natural wines sourced globally to perfectly complement every meal at the restaurant.

Complete your meal with gluten-free dessert, such as the Rum Baba with white chocolate, saffron syrup and rhubarb; Pineapple Carpaccio drizzled with ginger syrup, topped with coconut sorbet and curry crumble; and Strawberries Pavlova served with passion fruit curd and basil sorbet.

The Butcher’s Wife
Address: 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore (168650)
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm, Sun: 6pm – 11pm, Closed Monday
Get Up To 40% Off Vouchers Here

9. Fatboy’s The Burger Bar (Upper Thomson)

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar is the brainchild of burger connoisseurs Kennie and Bernie Tay. Offering a relaxed and casual atmosphere, spacious venue and menu that’s brimming with American-style classics, you’ll be in burger heaven in this Upper Thomson eatery, that’s for sure.

For $15, treat yourself to a burger + float set, with a choice of one of the following burgers: The Elvis, Royale with Cheese, Holy Caesar, Bolly Wooly, Big Bello and a choice of float.

Whether you’re dining with all your best pals or on a casual date, this is one of the best spots in Singapore for juicy, homemade and delicious burgers with all the trimmings.

Fatboy’s The Burger Bar (Upper Thomson)
Address: Fatboy’s The Burger Bar – Thomson, 187 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574335
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs: 4pm – 12pm, Fri – Sun: 12pm – 12am
Get Your Deal Here

10. fȳr

Located in the heart of the CBD foodie enclave of Boon Tat Street, fȳr is a modern grill restaurant that serves up moreish food in a warm, relaxed and casual setting, ideal for get-togethers or friendly catch ups.

The mains are super meaty-heavy so lighten up with some green small plates to share. Once the mains come along, it’s a parade of beautiful grilled meats and seafood.

Savour the rare treat of a Free-Range Yellow Chicken, roasted and deboned then served with olives, tahini, lentils, and a curry brown sauce for some exotic Middle-Eastern flair.

If you’re not up for a meat-fest, fȳr serves up amazing seafood such as Baby Octopus & Squid Ink Rice – think chewy and sweet baby octopus given a rapid sear under the grill before being tossed with squid ink rice, a paprika-spiced rouille and sweet sun-dried tomato.

Or dig into one of their crowd’s favourites; Scallops, Prawns & Chorizo Rice!

With a nice selection of grilled meats and seafood, fȳr is one of the great gems of downtown dining.

fȳr
Address: 19 Boon Tat Street, Singapore (069619)
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:30am – 11pm, Fri: 11:30am – 12am, Sat: 11:30am – 11pm, Sun: 11:30am – 5pm
Get Up To 50% Off Signature Mains Here

11. La Nonna

La Nonna is known for its hearty Italian classics especially its traditional Venetian-style tiramisu. The name ‘La Nonna’ means ‘grandmother’ in Italian, with an implication that food served would be homely and unpretentious.

Dig in to a hearty list of traditional dishes in their ala carte menu and Chef Specials, updated regularly according to the European season.

Go for the classics at La Nonna, where the pasta is lovingly prepared daily, and pizzas are kneaded and wood-fired to cracker-thin perfection. With Chope Deals’ Year End Sale, you can choose from the Signature La Nonna Pizza or Penne with Chicken in Pesto ‘Genovese’ or Linguine with Crab in Tomato Cream and a Tiramisu for just $20 (U.P $44).

As if straight from a family’s recipe book, the simple dishes place great value on the integrity of just a handful of wholesome ingredients.

La Nonna
Address: 26/26B Lorong Mambong, Singapore (277685)
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm, Sat: 12pm – 11pm, Sun & PH: 12pm – 10:30pm
Get Your Deal Here

For one-day only (6 December 2018) starting at 12 midnight, get your hands on these amazing deals so you can indulge in your munchies, all while doing your wallet a favour.

Look forward to saving more than 50% off 50 products including cash vouchers, set menus, signature dishes, buffets and more. Remember to set your alarms as there will be $10 flash deals happening at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm!

Heads up for Visa cardholders – enjoy an extra $10 off with a minimum spend of $70 during the sale! You will have to be fast though, as this promotion is limited to the first 500 redemptions only. All you need to do is key in the discount code <CHOPEVISA> when you’re checking out via the Chope app and pay with Visa.

Time to gather your friends and family this festive season and eat to your heart’s content!

This article is written in collaboration with Chope.

Tiong Bahru Bakery Takes A Walk On The Wild Side With A Safari-Themed Cafe In Dempsey

Tiong Bahru Bakery has done it again. The local pastry and bakery stalwart, famed for their French Croissants, has opened its fifth outlet – a safari-themed space nestled in the lush surrounds of Dempsey.

There may not be any wild animals here, unless you count the illustrations and cushion prints, but there are chickens and bunnies on site!

If you’re planning your next trip to an African Safari, you can finally do so at TBB Safari – a 46 seater cafe serving rainbow lattes and power breakfast jars.

No Wild Animals Here

Following a trip to Selinda Camp and Gomoti Plains Camp in Botswana, founder Cynthia Chua made use of the previously underutilised space in front of farm-to-table restaurant Open Farm Community. Where there once was an alfresco dining area now sits TBB Safari, with an all new, specially designed wooden gazebo and eco-friendly Airbitat coolers set at 25 degrees to regulate the temperature.

Being outdoors may sound cool in theory to some but not when you’re sweating in Singapore’s sweltering heat. Surrounded by Dempsey’s lush greenery, you can connect with nature in maximum comfort.

Inspired by her trip to Botsawana, she decked out the cafe with flat-woven kilim rugs, framed butterfly taxidermy and custom-made wooden tables. For a semi-alfresco space, the pseudo-campsite is nothing short of cosy. It’s the perfect glamping experience minus the mosquitoes and heat.

Exclusive to Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari are anti-inflammatory caffeine-free drinks. The Turmeric & Ginger Latte ($6.50) and Beetroot & Ginger Latte ($6.50) are smooth, warm options perfect for a rainy day. You can also switch out the milk for soy or almond nut milk at no extra charge.

TBB’s signature pastries and breads are also available at the new outlet, along with some Safari-exclusive items. Crafted for the health-conscious are their new power-breakfast jars packed with fruits and herbs plucked straight from the on-site garden. Think: pandan-infused pineapple on rolled oats in black sesame-infused milk ($8.80) and papaya infused with turmeric on a bed of tapioca pearls and coconut milk ($8.50).

A limited edition Wild Safari Cake ($9.20) – an elegant confection of banana mousse, banana passionfruit confit coated in chocolate, and coconut praline feuilletine will be available until Dec 14.

Dempsey is not the easiest place to get to but it’s definitely worth the trip. However we heard that queues stretched on for two hours at the branch’s opening on 16 Nov, so you might have to plan your trip here!

Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari
Address: 130E Minden Road
Opening Hours: 8 – 5pm daily
Contact No.: 6877 4876
Website

Also Read Want To Try Bak Chor Mee Pasta? Timbre Brings Signature Dishes Of Local Home Chefs To Their Outlets

(Header Image Source: Tiong Bahru Bakery)

Want To Try Bak Chor Mee Pasta? Timbre Brings Signature Dishes Of Local Home Chefs To Their Outlets

Private home dining is all the rage these days. It’s not difficult to understand why as the modern consumers can be tired of ‘outside’ food and would prefer a ‘simple’ home style cooking.

As the saying goes, the best food is the kind that’s cooked at home. We all love the comfort of a good home-cooked meal but the idea of stepping into a stranger’s home for dinner might sound a little crazy to some.

However, having attended a private home dining experience, I can ascertain that it is an experience like no other. Some menus may cost anywhere between $80 – $100, some with unique creations and a long waiting list you have to book months prior.

Even though the price-tag seems high, a lot of Singaporeans are willing to fork out good money as many of these concepts offer recipes that which are not commonly found anymore.

Timbre Meets Home Chefs

If you’ve never attended a private home dining session but curious as to what they have to offer, Timbre Group is collaborating with three renowned local home-chefs for the launch of Timbre X.

The first collaboration at Timbre X venues sees three renowned home-chefs, Alvin See (@chefandsommelier), Shen Tan (@ownselfmakechef) and Serene Yeo (@serenesupperclub) putting their signature dishes on Timbre’s menu. Each chef has also picked out 2 – 3 signature dishes from their menu and generously shared their treasured recipes with Timbre’s culinary team for execution.

The dishes are available at Timbre X @ The Arts House, Timbre X @ The Substation, Timbre X @ Gillman and Switch by Timbre X from 24 October 2018 to 23 January 2019.

Here’s a look as to what each chef has to offer:

1. Shen Tan (@ownselfmakechef)

When was the last time you had Chef Shen Tan’s food?

Perhaps it was at Revolution Coffee, where her signature nasi lemak is served for under $10 or her first restaurant, Wok & Barrel on Duxton Hill? Well, if you’re a fan on her take of modern Singaporean cuisine, the latest place she has been unleashing her creativity is at her new private kitchen called Ownself Make Chef.

Housed in in a three-room HDB flat in Commonwealth, the living room and dining room seats up to twelve and can also function as a show kitchen for cooking demos.

Serving up her Signature Nasi Lemak, the famous dish is painstakingly cooked by steaming the rice twice over four hours. The resulting aromatic rice is fluffy with a flavour packed lemak taste. Complemented with her smokey coffee sambal, crispy fried chicken, omelette and crispy white bait, this is one dish you HAVE to try at Timbre X.

Reminiscent of local favourite bak chor mee (also Chef Shen’s favourite local dish), her Bak Chor Mee Pasta features al dente fettuccini tossed through a tart piquant sauce of chilli, lard and fish sauce. The tender juicy slices of pork shoulder ARE marinated in 5-spice powder, coffee grounds, sugar and herbs, elevating this humble hawker dish.

2. Alvin See (@chefandsommelier)

Alvin See is a passionate home cook who whips up dinner for his family almost “every weekend”. In 2010, started a popular blog called

The Roast Pork Belly is definitely a show stopper. This is a tested and proven recipe which he has been using for years and on countless gathering occasions. It has never failed to impress the guests. You can expect a layer of crispy airy crackling atop and juicy, warm and tender meat.

His Dukkah Coated Lamb Chops with Mango Salsa and Roasted Mustard Garlic Potato is another dish you can’t miss. The coat of dukkah spice mix elevated the juicy lamb chops, giving it a robust flavour with a stunning rustic crust while the minty and refreshing mango salsa provides a great balance.

For those who love their steak, the Peppercorn Steak with Creamy Brandy Sauce features a 400g Black Angus Ribeye steak crusted with white peppercorn which rests on a bed of creamy brandy sauce.

3. Serene Yeo (@serenesupperclub)

Inspired by her time living in London and volunteering at Italian-Japanese-Brazilian chef Luiz Hara’s Nikkei supper clubs, Serene shares with guests the origins of Nikkei cuisine and explains each course as it is made from her open-concept kitchen.

One would not know that Japanese and South American flavours form an incredibly delicious partnership had it not been for Serene Yeo who is passionate about it. A marketing manager by
day and Nikkei home cook by night, she runs a Nikkei supper club which serves up Japanese home-cooking with a South American twist.

The Sea Bass Rice With Yuzu And Green Jalepeno is definitely a unique creation. The dressing of olive oil, yuzu juice and green jalapeño chillies, mixed into the rice just before serving gives a kick you’ll love.

Another delicacy offered by Nikkei families at street markets are Pastéis. These pastéis includes a generous filling of chicken, cream cheese and green olives wrapped in gyoza skin and deep-fried to crispy golden perfection.

In a queue to try out private home dining by these 3 chefs? You can now try their signature dishes at the newly rebranded Timbre X venues!

Timbre X
Date: 24 October 2018 – 23 January 2019
Venue: Find Your Nearest Timbre Outlet Here

Also Read Renowned Japanese Chef Teppei Opens First Halal Eatery Serving Fukuoka’s Famous Udon