Category: Singapore Food Haven

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

We’re all constantly on the lookout for affordable and romantic restaurants in Singapore. There are plenty of restaurant guides out there that offer you the most romantic restaurants with the best views of Singapore’s skyline – that is, if you are willing to spend an arm and a leg.

While we all know and anticipate discount deals, Chope now offers permanent discount deals which means extra savings on your meals all year round!

All of these are just one tap away via Chope’s app or on their Chope Deals page.

For couples who don’t want to go all crazy on champagne, caviar, and a lavish dinner, we’ve sussed out 10 dining options with up to 50% savings so you get to enjoy the sweet satisfaction of indulging your munchies anytime, all while doing your wallet a favour!

1. 63Celsius

Tucked away in a relatively quiet section in Paragon, among art galleries and high-end crystal boutiques, 63Celsius attracts loyal crowds for its mouthwatering fare and artisanal coffee.

The restaurant’s chic decor of copper and timber makes it stand out from the shops in Paragon. It is especially hard to miss the intricately designed wood ceiling which extends out of the eatery to connect to a bar in an open space outside.

Choose from their selection of almost-carnal indulgences: think Boneless American Black Angus Short Ribs, impossibly tender ribs served with piquant pico de gallo and fragrant with the complex spice mix of their house dry rub.

The pasta here is artisanal and they’re especially famous for their Lobster Pasta – half a lobster gracing a plate laden with a tangle of spaghetti, fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and garlic.

Pair all this with one of the wines in their comprehensive selection, then settle down to the only logical conclusion to the meal: a Chocolate Lava Tart, so blissfully self-explanatory.

63Celsius
Address: 290 Orchard Road, #04-09/K1, Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore (238859)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 9am – 11pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

2. Hoshino Coffee (Capitol Piazza)

Tucked away in a secluded area of Capitol Piazza’s Basement 2, Hoshino Coffee is a serene place to enjoy a meal with your date.

This popular Japanese establishment is famous for their desserts and hand-drip coffee, but what remains relatively unknown to most people is that they serve a variety of Japanese-style cafe grub at very affordable prices.

Featuring a hearty brunch menu, you can expect their signature Japanese-style souffle pancakes and fluffy “omu” omelette alongside different kinds of breakfast meats – bacon, smoked salmon, and even slices of angus steak.

Come lunch hour, the kitchen trots out an array of Japanese-Western favourites: think pastas, savoury cheese-studded souffles, and omu rice in numerous shapes and forms.

End your meal with Hoshino’s famous hand-dripped coffee which uses the highest quality Arabica coffee beans that were selected by Hoshino’s in-house coffee blend specialist Master Kanno for the perfect Japanese cafe experience.

Hoshino (Capitol Piazza)
Address: 13 Stamford Road, #B2-55, Capitol Piazza, Singapore (178905)
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 10:30pm, Sat – Sun: 10:30am – 10:30pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

3. El Mero Mero

El Mero Mero (which means ‘the go-to guy’ in Mexican lingo), will excite and delight diners with the very best in contemporary Mexican cuisine.

While most of us prefer the laid back feel of a Mexican establishment, it’s always good to have one nice, fancier option in your Mexican restaurant arsenal.

With an open-kitchen concept greeting diners looking to be seated indoors and a stunning terrace for those looking to soak in the sun, El Mero Mero’s got a little something for everyone.

They partnered with ComCrop, Singapore’s first rooftop garden, to grow fresh herbs and ingredients to use in their dishes. While this place isn’t your go-to to pig out and stuff yourself, the quality and execution of their small plates are pretty impressive.

El Mero Mero
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-20, CHIJMES, Singapore (187996)
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 11pm, Fri – Sat, Eve of PH: 12pm-1am
Get Up To 30% Off Vouchers Here

4. 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

5. L’Entrecôte The Steak and Fries Bistro

L’Entrecôte’s classy white doors and red awning blends perfectly well into the cobblestoned nook of Duxton Hill. The decor beyond the entrance is redolent of the relaxed bistro culture that’s so common to the French city.

The Plat du Jour is right in the name of this bistro – Steak Frites. You can expect to indulge in succulent prime meat generously doused with a secret sauce with a side of fresh green salad and a heaping pile of crispy, golden fries.

Of course other bistro options such as Escargots de Bourgogne and Oven-baked Beef Marrow are on the menu, along with decadent desserts like the Vacherin du Bistrot (meringue, vanilla ice cream, and hot chocolate sauce).

This is one meal you definitely won’t forget. Bon appetit!

L’Entrecôte The Steak and Fries Bistro
Address: 36 Duxton Hill, Singapore (089614)
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 12pm – 10:30pm, Fri – Sat: 12-11pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

6. Privé (CHIJMES)

Located in the heart of CHIJMES, Privé is a casual cafe and bar offering simple and approachable favourites from day to night and anytime in between.

Privé also has the unique advantage of having one of the largest and most inviting alfresco area in CHIJMES. Surrounded by greenery, diners can choose to bask in the sunshine under the cool shade or enjoy the starry sky when night falls as they savour their drinks and food.

The menu has brought along some of the most-loved dishes from Keppel Bay including all-day breakfasts, Fish and Chips, Wagyu Burgers and their delightful Sticky Date Pudding.

Added to the mix are stone-baked pizzas, pastas as well as local favourites like the Hainanese Chicken Rice and Traditional Curry Chicken.

Swing by for happy hour from 5 – 8pm daily and relax in the garden with an ice cold drink in hand!

Privé (CHIJMES)
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-33, CHIJMES, Singapore (187996)
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:30am-12am, Fri & Eve of PH: 11:30am-1am, Sat & PH: 10am-1am, Sun: 10am-12am
Get Up To 10% Off Vouchers Here

7. Botanico at The Garage

Located at Singapore Botanic Gardens, Botanico at The Garage has clinched Instagram popularity due to the stunning ambience the restaurant offers while you’re dining amongst the greenery.

If you’re both busy working adults, this is the perfect place to unwind after an exhausting week at work. Plus, when you’re talking about such a beautiful and idyllic setting like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, how much better can it get right?

With chef Sujatha Asokan steering the kitchen, Botanico has taken on a bistro-style menu with contemporary European roots in technique, and with Asian inflections that pay homage to the Singaporean chef now at the helm as well to its setting.

Botanico’s Iberico Char Siew is a dish that is not to be missed – the top loin is smoked, chargrilled and accompanied by carrot ‘noodles’, carrot puree and honey pork jus that goes well with the 30 premium wine labels and signature botany-inspired tipples such as the Garage Gin’onic or the Thyme Lemonade.

Botanico at The Garage
Address: 50 Cluny Park Road, The Garage, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore (257488)
Opening Hours: Wed – Fri: 6-11:30pm, Sat – Sun: 11am-3pm, 6-11:30pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Get Up To 10% Off Vouchers Here

8. Wild Honey

Featuring floor to ceiling windows, Wild Honey is reminiscent of Brooklyn Lofts and boasts a copper, steel & reclaimed wood bar with counter seating.

If you both love waking up for a good hearty breakfast, well, you’re in luck. Wild Honey passionately believes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

They love breakfast food so much that they’ve decided to bring in as many kinds as possible from all over the world. 

All time favourite dishes such as The Norwegian, European, Canadian and Parisienne sit alongside new favourites such as The Greek, Brooklyn Double Pastrami burger, & the Turkish.

You can also get bespoke coffee blends by Common man Coffee Roasters and teas by TWG, hand crafted mocktails and cocktails including the favourite Mandarin Wilderness.

Wild Honey
Address: 6 Scotts Road, #03-02, Scotts Square, Singapore (228209)
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat & PH Eve: 9am – 10pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

9. Wine & Chef

If you’re both wine aficionados, then Wine & Chef has got you covered. With over 140 exclusive bottles from from Italian boutique wineries, match any glass to the delicious culinary creations whipped up by the chef.

Unlike any typical Italian restaurants, Wine & Chef stands out by creatively cooking up a menu of Hokkien-inspired dishes that contain essence of Italian style, which appeals to local palates at prices that do not stress the wallets.

A must-try here is the Scallop Capellini, a dish of cold capellini topped with cured kelp, caviar, and scallops and splashed with soy truffle dressing.

End of your meal with the Salted Egg Cheesecake which brings together the best of east and west. This local take on the classic American dessert consists of a creamy mix of cheese and rich salted egg in a hand-pressed graham cracker crust.

Wine & Chef
Address: 7 Keong Saik Road, Singapore (089115)
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 11pm, Closed Sunday
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

10. Vatos Urban Tacos

Serving up Korean-Mexican fusion fare isn’t an easy feat but the folks over at Vatos Urban Tacos make it seem effortless.

A quick glance at their’ “Seoul-Mex” menu and you’ll know exactly what we mean. They dish out masterful fusion creations like the hefty Kimchi Galbi Grilled Cheese which comes with pieces of marinated Galbi short rib sandwiched between slices of sourdough bread.

Sounds simple? It’s anything but. Each bite is a veritable bomb of umami, with Mexican cheese and savoury fried kimchi lending their own punchy kick.

No visit is complete without going for a range of their popular tacos to go with one of Vatos’ signature margaritas, so be sure to order one (or two) before you head out!

Vatos Urban Tacos
Address: 36 Beach Road, #01-03, Singapore (189766)
Opening Hours: Mon: 5:30pm-11pm, Tue-Thu: 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-12am, Sun: 12pm-11pm
Get Up To 50% Off Vouchers Here

Chope offers permanent dining deals in the form of vouchers for diners to get up to 50% off at over 400 top restaurants in Singapore, all under a new segment of their dining platform called Chope Deals.

Book, discover and most importantly save smarter with Chope Deals.

Got an upcoming date with your other half? Get ready to feast to your heart’s content!

This article is written in collaboration with Chope.

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

Chef Teppei Yamashita is on a roll.

From Man Man in Ubi to Men-Men Tei Ramen at Marina One, Chef Teppei’s latest joint, Fu-Men, is a carby love letter to his hometown of Fukuoka.

Best part, this is Chef Teppei’s first halal Japanese eatery so everyone can enjoy a taste of this authentic Japanese udon.

The Teppei Empire

Considered a form of fast food in Japan, udon can be enjoyed in many ways: warm or cold, in a broth or dry. Every province also has its own take on how to prepare the noodle dish.

Reigning from Hakata, a district in Fukuoka, this newly halal-certified eatery is a rare gem. Hakata udon is mostly only found within the Fukuoka district which means it’s rare that you can find it in other parts of Japan, much less in Singapore.  While most halal Japanese eatery compromises on flavour to cater to the locals, Fu Men Japanese Udon ensures that they maintain the original Japanese flavours.

Hakata-style udon, which is what is served here, is characterised by slimmer noodles as compared to the Sanuki style, and a clear broth made with light soy sauce, dried anchovy, flying fish, dried bonito and kelp.

The broth takes over 45 minutes to prepare as it requires rigorous temperature control and several steps. Plus, the stock is preservative-free and filled with Japanese anchovies, saba, tuna and sardine.

We went for the signature Gobo ($12 for regular, $7 half) which came topped with Burdock Tempura. Not many Singaporean diners may be familiar with burdock as they are typically used in soups and can have an overly-earthy taste.

The burdock is coated in a light tempura batter, shaped in a circular disc and deep fried. Surprisingly, the tempura burdock still had a soft crunch and retained its unique woodiness despite being soaked in the broth.

While the tempura was impressive on its own, what truly sealed the deal for us was the udon noodles that were imported from Fukuoka. The udon noodles were silky smooth and satisfyingly chewy at every bite. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking for a light lunch-time meal.

If you’re looking for something that combines both Singaporean and Japanese flavours, their White Laksa Udon pretty much takes the cake. Using the same udon, the light broth is replaced with a rich laksa gravy and topped with fresh prawns.

For those who prefer the typical Japanese dishes such as Prawn Tempura Udon or Beef Udon, you’ll be pleased to know that they are available at Fu-Men as well!

So to all our Muslim friends who lament about the lack of good halal Japanese options in Singapore, you can finally get your Japanese cravings fixed at Fu-Men.

Fu-Men Japanese Udon & Donburi Restaurant
Address: 16 Raffles Quay, Hong Leong Building #B1-17/18, Singapore 048581
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 8pm, Sat: 10am – 2.30pm, Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact No.: 6224 1134

Also Read This Hawker Turned His Family Recipe Into Japanese-Inspired Dishes – Sells Duck Ramen For Just $5

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Can’t Get Enough Of Mala? Now You Can Snack On These Mala-ficent Mushroom And Potato Chips

If you’ve been following food trends for the past year or so, then you probably already know that mala is one of the hottest dishes right now, both literally and figuratively.

And as is often the case with foods that become hype, companies have created all kinds of different products to capitalise on its sudden popularity (It’s something we like to call “The Salted Egg Phenomenon”).

Among all the self-heating hotpots and instant noodles, however, these Mala Chips just might be our favourite thing to come out of the mala craze.

It’s Getting Hot In Here

Created by local snack brand Mala Mala (you know they’re not playing around when they name their entire company after the dish), these mala chips are a dream snack for any spicy food lover.

The chips come in two varieties: Mushroom Chips and Hand-Cut Potato Wedges. While the wedges provide a more traditional snacking experience (think potato chips, but thicker), the mushroom chips add another dimension of…well, mushroom to the flavour profile.

The choices don’t stop there, however — for the sake of people who can’t handle hot food, the chips are available in three levels of spiciness: Mild Spicy, Super Spicy and Crazy Spicy.

Thanks to the addition of key mala ingredients like Szechuan chilli, peppercorn and star anise, even the mild option possesses the dish’s signature kick (without the oiliness that usually comes with it, thankfully).

Fair warning, though — that signature kick also comes with a lingering heat in your mouth (an especially long one, if you go for the crazy option), so we’d suggest attempting these with a cold drink in hand.

Price-wise, a bag of four 30g packets costs $8 and $9 for the Hand-Cut Potato Wedges and Mushroom Chips respectively. You can head over to the Mala Mala website to order a bag, or head over to their physical store at The Paragon if you don’t feel like waiting.

We’ve seen a lot of weird snacks in recent months, but unlike Chicken Rice and Egg Prata potato chips, these mala chips actually make some sense.

Spicy flavours have always had a place in the snacking world (who doesn’t like some Calbee Hot & Spicy?), and for those looking to take things to the next level, this could be your new favourite snack.

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Also Read Can You Take The Heat? McDonald’s New Red Hot Spicy Peppers Burger Claims To Be Hotter Than The Mcspicy

(Header Image Source: Mala Mala)

This Hawker Turned His Family Recipe Into Japanese-Inspired Dishes – Sells Duck Ramen For Just $5

Walk into any coffee shop or hawker centre in Singapore, and chances are that you’ll find at least one stall selling duck rice and kway chap.

This ubiquity can be seen as both a good and bad thing — on one hand, Singaporeans can eat these classic dishes pretty much anytime they want, but the market has also become so saturated that it’s hard to tell one stall apart from another.

Melvin Chew of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap, however, has managed to find a way around that problem.

Old Recipe, New Look

Located on the second floor of Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Jin Ji has been operating since the building’s inception in 1983.

They weren’t always in the duck rice and kway chap business, though. Melvin’s parents originally ran a fruit stall, but his father made the switch when he realised that there were too many of those in the hawker centre. He learned the recipes from a family friend, and the rest is history.

Fast forward to 2014, and Melvin — who decided to take over the business after his father’s passing — was presented with the same problem, and started to think of ways to set Jin Ji apart from other duck rice and kway chap stalls.

“It’s useless for me to tell everybody that I have good food,” he said. “Everybody says that they have good food, so I had to do something to let people know that I have something special.”

Noticing that youngsters were gravitating towards Japanese food, Melvin came up with Duck Rice Bento, which is essentially his father’s classic duck rice recipe with an Instagrammable twist.

Presented on a stylish semicircular plate, the dish immediately looks more premium than those oval-shaped plates that you usually see at hawker centres (that option is available too, if you’re feeling a little more traditional).

Aesthetics can only get you so far, though, and thankfully the Duck Rice Bento delivers in the taste department as well. The duck is extremely tender and flavourful — not surprising, considering that the ducks are braised for an hour and cooked with 9 different herbs and spices — while the kway chap is so smooth that it practically melts in your mouth.

Melvin also incorporates bits of yam into his duck rice (rolled into balls for that #aesthetic, no less), and includes a perfectly-cooked ramen egg in the bento as well. These small, yet impactful changes add all kinds of different textures, resulting in a dish that’s unique in both looks and taste.

At $8 this certainly isn’t the cheapest hawker meal, but for the sheer amount of food you’re getting, I’d say it’s worth it. Melvin says that he’d usually charge more for the amount that he gives, and I was so full after eating it that I’m not going to dispute that claim.

Made With Love

If you’re looking for something completely different, you might want to try Jin Ji’s Duck Ramen instead.

While not as flashy as its bento counterpart, the dish is bursting with flavour thanks to the noodles being drenched in a generous amount of duck sauce. The sauce also gives the noodles a rather unique texture that feels both wet and dry at the same time.

For $5, this is a cheaper alternative that’s equally satisfying. For maximum satisfaction, I’d recommend adding the stall’s homemade chilli, which adds a kick of spiciness without going overboard.

If Melvin’s goal with his bento and ramen dishes was to set himself apart from other duck rice and kway chap stores, he’s undoubtedly succeeded (I’m not the only one who thinks so, considering that his customers base includes KF Seetoh, Jack Neo and the late Anthony Bourdain).

From my brief conversation with Melvin it’s clear that he’s passionate about his continuing what his parents started, and it shows through the effort he puts into his food. If you’re a fan of duck rice and/or kway chap, this is definitely worth heading down to Chinatown for.

Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap
Address: Chinatown Complex, Block 335 Smith Street #02-156, Singapore 050335
Opening Hours: 10:30am-6pm (Closed on Fridays)

Also Read This Famous Chicken Wing Stall Closed Down After 40 Years At St. Nicks – Now They’re Back In RP

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Can You Take The Heat? McDonald’s New Red Hot Spicy Peppers Burger Claims To Be Hotter Than The McSpicy

McDonald’s has been on quite the roll lately, haven’t they?

In the past few months, everybody’s favourite fast food chain have introduced a host of new breakfast burgers, and brought back perennial favourites like the Samurai Burger and Spicy Nuggets as well.

On top of that, their partnership with GrabFood has blessed us with $1 nuggets till the end of November. If that doesn’t get you in the mood for the golden arches, we don’t know what will.

And in an effort to keep their momentum going, McDonald’s is introducing yet another burger. Not that we’re complaining, of course.

Too Hot To Handle?

Dubbed the Red Hot Spicy Peppers Burger, this new creation is — get this — said to be hotter than the iconic McSpicy.

This is thanks to the combination of tomato jalapeño relish and spicy tomato mayo, along with a “peppery chicken patty” that makes up the bulk of this burger.

Considering how mouth-burning the McSpicy can get, we’re not going to dispute their claims, and will probably be attempting this one with a large coke in hand.

To offset all the heat, McDonald’s is introducing some new desserts alongside the burger as well.

The latest lineup of Cones, Sundaes and McFlurry are made with Hershey’s Chocolate, which is all you need to know about them, really.

An affordable, all-time favourite dessert paired with one of the most well-known chocolate brands? Yeah, we can see the snaking queues at the dessert kiosks already.

If you can’t wait to try these new creations, here’s some good news to brighten up your midweek — the Red Hot Spicy Peppers Burger will be available tomorrow, and will cost you $6.25 and $8 for a la carte and extra value meal options respectively.

The Chocolatey Ice Cream lineup, on the other hand, come at the rather expected price of $1.20, $2.30 and $3 for the Cone, Sundae and Mcflurry.

We don’t know about you, but we know what we’re getting for lunch tomorrow.

Also Read 6 Affordable Korean BBQ Spots To Fulfill Those K-Drama Induced Cravings For Under $25

(Header Image Source: McDSG YouTube)

This New Halal Deli In Bugis Serves Stacked Sandwiches With Hearty Fillings Like Rendang And Chilli Beef

Like many types of food out there, sandwiches are easy to eat, quick to make and delicious to eat. This combination of food traits is perfect for a society that is always in a hurry but still loves eating.

Now, if you love sandwiches as much as we do, you might just wanna pay Stack a visit the next time you’re craving for one!

Curator Of Fine Sandwiches

Stack is the latest addition to The Black Hole Group, known for its themed cafes. Located along Jalan Klapa, the muslim-owned sandwich deli gives you a variety of sandwiches to choose from. With unique sandwich names such as ‘The Makcik’, ‘Sweet Valley High’ and ‘Sleepy Nonna’, Stack is definitely worth a visit.

Being a sandwich deli surrounded by plenty of offices, Stack provides a grab-and-go alternative, especially for those with tight schedules and deadlines.

Here are some of sandwiches you have to try the next time you’re at Stack!

1. Chunky AF ($15)

A definite crowd pleaser, this Chunky AF sandwich is thiccer than Nicki Minaj and Cardi B combined.

If you love a good bagel, this one comes with squashed lamb meatballs, peanut butter hummus, garden greens, roasted beets & eggplant with tzatziki which is basically a yogurt based sauce.

Make sure your wallet’s thicc too as this sandwich will cost you $15.

2. The Makcik ($13)

Any makcik should know how to make good rendang and that is exactly what this sandwich is made of.

Using Rye bread, this sandwich comes with a generous portion of tri-tip beef rendang; garlic aioli; bruised tomatoes, garden greens, pickled onions and fresh jalapeños.

3. Sweet Valley High ($11)

If you love a sweet and savoury sandwich, then you’ll love this one.

This sandwich comes with two slices of fluffy french toast with country apple and peach compote, hickory turkey ham; blueberry cream cheese with speculoos sauce.

This sandwich is bound to give you a sugar rush once you’re done with it.

4. Deli Alli ($13)

The Deli Alli Challenge took over the internet by a storm so Stack also named one of their sandwiches after the famous football player.

Earn your spurs with the Deli Alli which consists of sourdough, hickory turkey ham, beef pepperoni, dill-brined chicken breast, pomegranate aioli, seedy slaw, bruised tomatoes and garden greens.

5. Sloppy Joe ($11)

Everyone loves a good sloppy joe but have you ever had it in a sandwich form?

The Sloppy Joe sandwich comes with onion peppers chili beef, paprika BBQ, bruised tomatoes, onion jam and mild cheddar sandwiched between two pullman loaf.

You’ll be begging for seconds once you’re done with this one.

6. Blue Steel ($11)

This Blue Steel sandwich is definitely Zoolander-approved!

The Blue Steel sandwich comes with a generous portion of crockpot chicken, sriracha aioli, seedy slaw, garden greens fresh jalapeños sandwiched between two pullman loaves.

7. Gold Finger ($9)

Taking comfort food to another level, the Gold Finger sandwich will remind you of those egg mayo sandwiches your mother used to pack for breakfast!

Instead of being a plain ol’ egg mayo sandwich, this one comes with an extra touch of golden mustard and fresh dill.

8. Sleepy Nonna ($9)

This is the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth!

This sweet sandwich comes with two french toasts, ripen banana, crushed oreos, swiss cheese with nutella drizzled all over!

We all love a good sandwich every now and then. So if you’re looking for a change from the usual plain sandwiches from 7-11, head down to Stack instead to get your sandwich fix.

Hey lovely folks at Stack, if you ever need new names for your sandwiches, you know who to call!

Stack
Address: 4 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199316
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Also Read This Famous Chicken Wing Stall Closed Down After 40 Years At St. Nicks – Now They’re Back In RP

(Header Image Source: Stack)

This Famous Chicken Wing Stall Closed Down After 40 Years At St. Nicks – Now They’re Back In RP

Former ex-students of St Nicholas Girl’s School will fondly remember the crispy and juicy chicken wings that was sold by Madam Lim Meow Lang – or more fondly known as Auntie Meow Lang.

Generations of St Nicks girls have grown up eating the chicken wings fried by Auntie Meow Lang, who started the stall in 1972 when the school was still located at Victoria Street.

Sadly, Auntie Meow passed on in 2014 at the age of 82, closing the shutters shortly after the implementation of Healthy Meals in School Programme as selling chicken wings without the crispy skin was just not the same.

But Auntie Meow Lang’s 31-year-old grandson, Mr James Ngiam, is now keen to revive his family recipe and put their delicious chicken wings back on the menu.

40 Year Old History

Running his own Western food stall ‘Coal 3606‘ at The Lawn Food Court in Republic Polytechnic, James has been helping his family run the stall and learning the recipe of the chicken wings.

Armed with a background in Culinary Skills from Shatec and working as a chef in various restaurants, James grew up with a passion for cooking and it was only natural for him to continue the family’s business.

Now, we’ve all had our fair share of fried chicken wings. From undercooked chicken wings at BBQ gatherings to beautiful golden chicken wings from Old Chang Kee, they’re a snack that can never go wrong.

It’s a snack that’s loved by many. So if you’re wondering what’s so good about these supposedly mind-blowing fried chicken wings, let us tell you why.

“Last time, when my grandma fry the chicken, the whole canteen could smell it,” he laughed as he shared with us his fond memories of growing up in the canteen of St Nicks.

And we couldn’t deny it either. When James started frying a fresh batch of chicken wings for us, we couldn’t help but to stand near the stall just to catch a whiff of the fried chicken goodness.

Each piece of chicken wing is priced from $1.30 – $1.50 – depending on the weight of the wings. He has kept the prices of the chicken wings the same as those sold at his grandmother’s stall, just before it closed.

The chicken wings are only sold in one flavour to honour the original marinade passed down by Auntie Meow Lang. Although the recipe has tweaked slightly over the years as our elders only knew how to “agak-agak” the recipe then, it was never the same as the one made by his grandmother.

James shared how the chicken wings made by his grandmother were sweeter whereas his mother’s chicken wings were crispier. James eventually found the perfect balance to ensure that the current generation would love and appreciate the chicken wings without straying too far from the original recipe.

We were impressed by how fat and juicy the chicken wings were. Each wing was lightly battered and was of course, fried to a nice golden brown.

We also loved how the chicken wings easily tore apart and crackled at first bite. The wings were crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside – just like how we all like our wings.

But what truly shook us the most, was how well-balanced the flavours of the wings were. We love that the chicken wings had a hint of sweetness to it which made it completely addictive!

However, you can’t find these amazing chicken wings on the menu displayed at the stall. Now that you know this special item, grab your friends and order their wings if you’re ever looking for a quick snack.

They sell several other items on the menu such as Au Sirlion Steak which is cooked over a special griller that uses coal for just $5.80 and Grilled Chicken for only $3.80!

As part of the RP stall’s official opening on September 22, James hosted a special event for former and current St Nicks girls, as well as their friends and family. He was happy to learn that many former students were able to relive their childhood days through their favourite school snack.

After trying these wings for ourselves, we finally understood why our friends from St Nicks raved so much about them. If you’re a chicken wing junkie or simply want a taste of nostalgia for old times’ sake, check out the fried chicken wings from Coal 3606 to truly believe it!

Coal 3606
Address: Woodlands Avenue 9, Block W4/W6 Level 3, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore 738984
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Contact No.: 9858 9792
Website

Also Read 6 Affordable Korean BBQ Spots To Fullfill Those K-Drama Induced Cravings For Under $25

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Singapore River Festival 2018 Brings Food, Games, Circus Acts, And A Chance To Win $15,000

This October and November, gear up for Singapore River Festival 2018 (SRF) as it kicks off its fourth edition that’s bound to be bigger and better.

Instead of just a weekend, the Singapore River Festival will stretch over a month this time, so visitors can enjoy the street bazaar, live performances as well as an aerial kite show.

Your River, Your Vibe

Happening from 16 October to 11 November 2018 across all three quays – Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and Boat Quay, SRF is bringing a larger dose of local goodness, with an exciting line-up of locally themed performances and activities.

Here are some of the events you can’t miss at the Singapore River Festival 2018:

1. LAH Bazaar

Kicking off the festival is LAH Bazaar – Singapore’s first ever riverside e-payment driven outdoor market.

LAH stands for “Local At Heart” or colloquially, “Long Zong Also Have” to reflect the heartland personality of the Bazaar.

Open throughout the festival period, on Tuesdays to Sundays, the outdoor marketplace boasts over 100 vendors and and activities selling all things uniquely Singaporean.

Feeling hungry? Take your pick from their range of F&B stalls. Choose from local favourites such as Ramly burger – perfect for any time of the day or the famous Taiwanese style blow torched beef cubes from Beef Bro SG.

Go cashless at this event as payment can be made with your EZ-Link cards! EZ-Link cards are available for purchase on-site, and cash top ups can be made via on-site top up stations.

Alternatively, you can top-up your cards via the EZ-Link mobile application and earn 8x Linkpoint when you tap and pay with your EZ-Link.

LAH Bazaar
Venue: Across Clarke Quay
Date: 16 October – 11 November 2018
Time: 3pm – 10.30pm

2. SR Day Out

Held at the open field beside Fort Canning MRT, SR Day Out is a family friendly activity area with carnival games, bouncy castles and movie screenings so there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

Lay out your picnic mats and gear up for some outdoor fun as it’s a great place to spend time with your families, especially with the LAH Bazaar F&B options just right beside.

Be sure to look out for the Instagram-worthy photo booth projections on the building walls which will make any photographers squeal in delight!

SR Day Out
Venue: Open Field Beside Fort Canning MRT (beside Liang Court)
Date: Movie Screening: 26-27 Oct & 2-3 Nov

3. Sky Aquarium

Watch with awe as the Singapore skyline lights up once again!

The last festival weekend marks the return of the much-loved synchronised LED Kite display by Singaporean kite creators –  GoFlyKite, which debuted at Singapore River Festival 2017.

Taking on a marine theme this year, watch as the LED kites drift through the sky elegantly to the music and be sure to whip your cameras out for a super Insta-worthy scene!

Sky Aquarium
Venue: Boat Quay
Date: 2 – 3 November
Time: 7pm – 10pm

4. Riverfront Spectacular

Clarke Quay Central’s iconic promenade becomes the stage for stellar performances by Singaporean talents.

Look out for the jaw-dropping laser acts by Circus in Motion and “modern magic” performed by TK Jiang all against the backdrop of the Singapore River.

Mascots and Puppets by Streets of Singapore! and The Annoying Brothers will also add on to the colourful acts that are to come.

Riverfront Spectacular
Venue: Clarke Quay Central
Date: 26-27 Oct & 2-3 Nov
Time: Fri: 6-10pm, Sat: 3-10pm

5. Master Brain at Singapore River Festival

Put your general knowledge to the test at Master Brain at Singapore River Festival. Pit yourself to a trivia game that will test both your memory and wits!

Held in partnership with live streaming platform BeLive, they are bringing the platform’s popular online streaming game – Master Brain, to the banks of Robertson Quay.

To play, you simply need to download the BeLive application on your mobile device and get ready to be tested on topics ranging from general knowledge, pop culture and local history across ten trivia rounds.

From 26 – 27 October and 2 – 3 November 2018, each festival day will consist of 2 sessions of Master Brain games (7.00pm & 9.00pm). The Master Brain grand finales will be held on 3

November and participants can stand a chance to win a whopping $10,000 cash prize!

Here’s how you can stand a better chance at winning:

1. Look out for the Bonus Question. 1 out of 10 questions will be released at Robertson Walk earlier in the day so participants will have ample of time to search for the answer.

2. Invite a friend to earn an Extra Revive. This gives you an advantage to continue playing whenever you get a question wrong

3. Keep your eyes peeled for Hint Cards that will be given at site as a form of incentive.

4. Alternatively, you can read our previous article on hacks to help you survive all 10 rounds of Master Brain!

BeLive Master Brain
Venue: Robertson Walk
Time: 7.00pm & 9.00pm
Date:  26 – 27 Oct & 2 – 3 Nov

Singapore River Festival 2018
When: 16 October – 11 November 2018
Where: Singapore River, across Boat, Clarke and Robertson Quay

6 Affordable Korean BBQ Spots To Fulfill Those K-Drama Induced Cravings For Under $25

A good Korean BBQ is every meat lovers dream. I mean, who can say no to savouring tender, juicy slabs of meat grilled on the spot right in front of you.

K-BBQ is usually served buffet-style which means it can get a little pricey but we found 6 affordable Korean BBQ spots in Singapore for you to satisfy your Korean food cravings.

1. Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ Buffet

There are a couple of Ssikkek BBQ outlets in Singapore, and their popularity leaves one little to wonder. It is a simple place and fuss-free place for casual feasting with your group of friends.

While they lack in the quality of their meats, it makes up for it with its competitive pricing and lively atmosphere.

You can expect the typical meat ensemble such as seasoned soy sauce pork/chicken and pork belly, and vegetables including bean sprouts, onions, and pickles.

Prices:

Lunch: $12 (adult) | $9 (child)
Dinner: $22 (adult) | $16 (child)
Weekend/PH: $24 (adult) | $18 (child)

Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ Buffet (Chinatown)
Address: 291 New Bridge Rd, #01-01, Oriental Plaza, Singapore 088756
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 2:30pm (lunch), 5pm – 10:30pm (dinner) | Sat – Sun/PH: 11:30am – 10:30pm
Contact No.: 6225 6964

Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ Buffet (Tanjong Pagar)
Address: 44/46 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088467
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 2:30pm (lunch), 5pm – 10:30pm (dinner) | Sat – Sun/PH: 11:30am-10:30pm
Contact No.: 6227 6033

2. Oppa BBQ

Oppa BBQ started out at Tanjong Pagar in 2008 – the motherland of all famous Korean food in Singapore. They’ve since relocated to JCube in Jurong, but serves the same affordable Korean BBQ buffet you know and love.

Oppa BBQ also offers a wide range of meat options. Expect to find choice cuts of thick sliced pork belly, pork collar and beef skirt-loin.

The extensive menu, which also includes a selection of street food like Spicy Rice Cake(Ddeokbokki) and Seaweed Rice Roll(Kimbab) is reflective of the restaurant’s efforts to cater to every palate.

Their salad bar carries all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a delicious ssambap (Korean lettuce wrap), including spring onions, green chilli, and sliced onions.

Prices:

Lunch: $14 (adult) | $12 (youth) | $8 (child) | $5 (toddler)
Dinner: $24 (adult) | $20 (youth) |  $18 (child) | $10 (toddler)
Weekends/PH: $24 (adult) | $20 (youth) |  $9 (child) | $10 (toddler)

Oppa BBQ
Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, JCube #03-10, S(609731)
Opening hours: 11:30AM-4:30PM (lunch) | 4:31PM-10:30PM (dinner)
Contact No.: 6339 5851
Website

3. Daessiksin Korean BBQ

It’s not easy to find value-for-money Korean BBQ buffets in town; especially at Orchard. After a day of shopping around town, settle down for a hearty yet affordable meal. With lunch prices beginning from just $14.90, you get access to a BBQ buffet offering a variety of Korean favourites including beef bulgogi, kimchi fried rice, japchae, fried potato, and the like.

Daessiksin serves up at least 10-12 variety of meats ranging from chicken bulgogi to thick cuts of pork belly.

Daessiksin also provides free flow soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite and lemonade. Other types of drinks are also sold separately, including Korean alcohol.

Prices:

Lunch: $14.90 (adult) | $8.90 (child)
Dinner: $24.90 (adult) | $18.90 (child)
Weekend and PH (all day): $24.90 (adult) | $18.90 (child)

Daessiksin Korean BBQ
Address: Find your nearest outlet 4. I’m Kim Korean BBQ

I’m Kim Korean BBQ is located at the SOTA building, and is within walking distance from Dhoby Ghaut MRT.

With prices starting at just $14.90++ for a weekday lunchtime buffet, they serve up a mix of plain and marinated meats, and the popular cuts include beef rib eye, short ribs, premium bacon and pork belly and their signature volcano chicken – so named for its intense spicy flavour.

I’m Kim Korean BBQ is certainly wallet-friendly and we can see why it is so popular. They also have special (even lower) prices for students on weekdays.

Prices:

Lunch
Mon – Fri: $14.90 (adult) | $12.90 (student/senior) | $9.90 (child)
Sat-Sun/PH: $24.90 (adult) | $22.90 (student/senior) | $16.90 (child)

Dinner
Mon – Thurs: $24.90 (adult) | $22.90 (student/senior) | $16.90 (child)
Fri – Sun/PH Eve/PH: $25.90 (adult) | $23.90 (student/senior) | $16.90

I’m Kim Korean BBQ
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, School of The Arts,01-04/05/06/07 Singapore 227968
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm daily
Website

5. Don Dae Bak

What makes Don Dae Bak stand out from other Korean BBQ buffets is that the restaurant uses charcoal grill instead of the usual gasoline grill. That sure makes a lot of difference to our meats!

A must-try is the marinated pork shoulder loin, which is a hit at this Korean BBQ buffet restaurant. Don Dae Bak is known for its authentic yet affordable Korean fare, so be prepared for a crazy dinner crowd.

Prices:

Mon – Thurs: $23.90
Fri – Sat: $23.90 (lunch) | $25.90 (dinner)

Don Dae Bak
Address: 35 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089000
Opening hours: 11:30AM-2:30PM (lunch) | 5:30PM-10:30PM (dinner) | Closed on Sun
Contact No.: 6226 1727
Website

6. Maru Korean BBQ Buffet

The no-frills Korean restaurant is located along the stretch of Cheong Chin Nam Road and only a stone’s throw away from recently opened Beauty World MRT Station.

Tuck into endless servings of prawns, sausages, marinated beef, marinated pork belly and whatnot. There are several different marinations to choose from and you can look forward to spicy, soy sauce teriyaki and even herb wine.

Prices:

Lunch: Mon – Fri: $14++ | Sat – Sun: $24++
Dinner: Mon – Fri: $21++ | Sat – Sun: $24++

Maru Korean BBQ Buffet 
Address: 16 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599740
Opening hours: Tue – Thur: 12pm to 3pm, 5:30pm to 11pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 11pm
Contact No.: 8183 4939
Website

Masiseoyo! Korean BBQ is definitely a must for anyone who loves meat. Let us know if there are any K-BBQ spots that we missed out on!

Also Read From Fluffy Pancakes To Fresh Oysters, honestbee Welcomes You To Their New Supermarket X Dining Space

(Header Image Source: I’m Kim Korean BBQ)

This Floral Cafe In Hougang Serves Equally Pretty Food: Charcoal Wings, Beef Ochazuke For Under $15

Cafes in Singapore are always coming and going. And honestly, they’re all starting to look the same especially in recent years.

However, one particular cafe in Hougang caught our attention and we’re pretty sure it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

Wild Blooms is a two-storey, floral-themed cafe nestled in Hougang – a refreshing change from the usual cookie-cutter cafes we have seen in Singapore.

Only The Freshest Flowers

Located at The MidTown in Hougang, this cafe is completely decked out with rustic dried blooms, blue and red tinted windows and a bright turquoise interior. There’s even a giant 4m-tall floral feature wall that is extremely intricate – perfect for your ootd backdrop.

Wild Blooms offers desserts and mains that are unlike your typical Eggs Benedict and Rainbow Cakes. Instead, they’re known for their Flower Tea Jelly Cakes ($9.90) which comes in flavours including lavender, rose, osmanthus, jasmine and more.

Each jelly takes a whopping 1 – 3 hours to make. If you’re wondering, each flower is carefully handcrafted and entirely edible!

Just like it’s decor, all their desserts are floral-themed as well. From Rose Apple Pies ($5.90) to Muesli Tarts ($5.90), Wild Blooms boasts a wide array of IG-worthy desserts that you would not want to miss out on.

Wild Blooms’ menu is filled with dishes that are a little unusual from your typical cafe grubs. For sides, diners can look forward to Matcha Seaweed Fries ($8.90) and Charcoal Wings ($10.90/half dozen).

For those looking for a heavier meal, they serve up mains such as Sambal Pulled Pork Burger ($13.90) and Beef Ochazuke ($14.90) which is definitely a rare find in most cafes.

If the last time you visited a cafe was ages ago, give Wild Blooms a try! It’s the perfect place to go to for your next dinner date or weekend brunch!

Wild Blooms
Address: The Midtown, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road #01-01, Singapore 533971
Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 11am to 11pm, Fri – Sat: 11am to 12am, Sun – Mon: 11am to 9pm
Facebook | Instagram

Also Read Popular South Korean Fried Chicken Chain ‘Mom’s Touch’ Is Coming To Singapore

(Header Image Source: Wild Blooms Facebook)