Category: Singapore Food Haven

Missing Bangkok? Head To Soi 19 To Get Your Thai Wanton Mee Fix For Just $4 A Bowl

When it comes to Thai food, I order the same three things every time — green curry, basil chicken and an omelette.

Any self-respecting chef serving Thai grub will have no problem cooking these classic dishes, and they’re so tasty and reliable that i’ve never really seen the need to try anything else.

In a way, this “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset has stunted my knowledge of Thai cuisine, so when I was told that I’d be eating Thai Wanton Mee I honestly thought that it was some kind of Southeast Asian fusion dish.

Turns out Thai wanton mee is actually pretty similar to Singapore’s, but prepared in a different style. Same same but different, basically.

For the uninitiated (I can’t be the only one…right?), the main difference between “regular” wanton mee and the Thai version is the absence of any sauce, resulting in a drier dish that places a heavier reliance on the noodles for flavour. The ingredients remain mostly the same though, with the inclusion of char siew, vegetables, and of course, wantons.

Bang(kok) For Your Buck

When it comes to eating Thai wanton mee in Singapore, there’s only one name that you need to know: Soi 19.

Named after the street that houses the famous SabX2 Wanton Mee in Bangkok, founder Ng Sing Chow set up his first outlet in Ang Mo Kio back in 2012, and has since opened two more outlets in Jurong and Kovan that see long queues every day.

This isn’t a case of culinary appropriation either. Ng — who previously worked in the clothing industry and had zero f&b experience — actually learned his recipe from his god brother in Thailand, and painstakingly tried 20 noodle varieties before finding one with the right texture.

His efforts have certainly paid off, because the noodles are without a doubt the star of the show here. Despite having no sauce, they’re infused with a rich, eggy flavour, and have a bouncy, al dente texture that makes it effortless to chew on. I seriously think I could’ve eaten a bowl of them without the ingredients.

That’s not to say that the ingredients aren’t good, though. The char siew used here is less sweet than what you’d usually expect — a deliberate choice, according to Ng’s daughter Claire — and it balances out the noodles’ strong taste. The larger bowls also include a few slices of fish sausage, which strangely enough taste like bak kwa (I’m still trying to figure that one out myself).

And then there’s the crispy pork lard, which is made in-house on a daily basis. The Ang Mo Kio outlet is famous for offering a free flow of these crispy bites, but this unfortunately isn’t available at the other two stores in the interest of cost. It’s a shame, considering that a small amount already adds yet another dimension of savoury goodness to an already-varied taste.

And what would a wanton mee be without…well, good wantons? The dish includes both the crispy and soft variety, and they’re quite literally bursting with flavour thanks to a generous amount of minced meat within each of them. Throw in some juicy greens for good measure, and you have an extremely hearty and satisfying meal for as low as $4.

You’d think that a wanton mee with no sauce would be less flavourful than its gravy-laden counterpart, but Soi 19 has converted my wanton allegiance to team Thai.

Earlier in our interview, Claire tells me that the goal was not to produce an exact replica of Thai wanton mee, but instead use it as an inspiration to create a version that appealed to the local palate (“60% Thai, 40% Singaporean”, she says).

Having tried a bowl for myself, I can safely say that they’ve succeeded.

Soi 19 Kovan
Address: 9 Yio Chu Kang Road, #01-56, Singapore 545523
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 10pm

Soi 19 Ang Mo Kio
Address: 151 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, Singapore 560151
Opening Days: Wednesday to Sunday
Opening Hours: 7am – 3:30pm

Soi 19 Jurong
Address: 130 Jurong Gateway Road, #01-211, Singapore 600130
Opening Days: Tuesday to Sunday
Opening Hours: 7am – 4pm (7pm on Fridays)

Also Read 6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

Last Chance To Catch The Food Trucks At Market On Wheels – Ends 9 Sept At AMK Hub

Remember when Market On Wheels took over Bugis Junction back in June?

If you missed the first edition of the container pop-up market, no worries, here’s your last chance to catch the food trucks at Market On Wheels.

From now till 9 September, head down to AMK Hub for IG-worthy food and shopping! Here’s what you can expect.

A Sugar Rush by Cereal Citizen

You might’ve seen them at previous events like Artbox. Cereal Citizen was founded by local blogger and influencer, Bong Qiu Qiu. They’re known for their signature Crododo, which is a quirky little creation of a cross between a croissant and a donut.

Basically, a donut with the texture of a croissant.

If you love everything unicorn, then you’ll love their Unicorn Milkshake and Unicorn Crododo ($8) which is topped with an adorable unicorn meringue.

Grilled Meats From The Swag Social

Brought to you by the people from The Swag Social who were also at the previous Market On Wheels, they offer grilled Yakiniku Ribeye Beef Cubes ($10), Grilled Salmon Mentai ($9), Donburi, fries & refreshing mojitos!

Local Delights by Abracowdabra

Serving up a combination of Singapore and Thai flavours, you can expect unique dishes such as Crab Phad Thai ($10), Satay Beef Phad Thai ($9) and Satay Chicken Phad Thai ($7).

For the satay lovers, the fragrant nutty satay sauce along with the aromatic tinge of spice from the sambal chilli makes for a sweet & spicy combination that would suit those with a lower threshold for spice!

Each bowl of phad thai comes with a runny egg yolk and a medley of spices such as spring onions, chilli flakes and fried shallots.

Deep Fried Treats by Ha-Mess

If you’ve never had fried oreos or fried toblerone, it’s about time that you do!

Each set goes for $4 each!

Expect to find an aesthetically-pleasing range of food available from other vendors such as Hasan Istanbul for your kebab fix as well as Charms Cafe for their Over the Rainbow Gelato Ice Cream ($7) which comes with Mango, Yuzu, Raspberry topped with Green Apple Nata, Aloe Vera, Mango Jelly.

And if it’s anything like Bugis’ Market on Wheels, there’ll also be designated photo spots for you to snap pictures for the gram!

Market On Wheels (AMK Hub)
Address: AMK HUB, 53 Ang Mo Kio Av‍‍‍‍‍‍e 3, Singapore 569933
Date: August 3 – September 9
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am-9pm, Sat – Sun:11am-10pm

Also Read Let It Glow, Let It Glow – Tsum Tsum Takes Over Vivocity With 2000 Lanterns This Mid-Autumn Festival

(Header Image Source: @robinpok, @gnohznaij)

Art After Dark Returns – Another Round Of Good Food, Musical Acts And Exhibitions At Gillman Barracks This Sep

Singapore’s art scene has blossomed over the years, with numerous art festivals annually, celebrating the nation’s growing appreciation for the arts.

One of the most consistent and popular events is Art After Dark.

We had the first Art After Dark of 2018 back in January, in conjunction with Singapore Art Week. This time round, it’s coming back on 21 September 2018 as part of Gillman Barracks’ 6th Anniversary!

In celebration of the arts, galleries will open their doors with free entry to their ongoing or new exhibitions. Artists will also take the opportunity to showcase the works that they’ve been working on.

And of course, no arts festival is complete without entertainment in the form of musical performances.

Jam to a wide range of tunes by local Rock ‘n’ Roll quartet The Pinholes (7:50pm to 8:30pm), eclectic punk rock band Tiramisu (10pm – 10.40pm) and indie group, Pleasantry (8.50pm – 9.30pm).

After a long night of jamming to local music, dig into a variety of savoury bites and sweet treats by Handlebar, Park Bench Deli, The LAB, Hopscotch, Super Simple and Iskina Cebu.

This upcoming Art After Dark is set to be the biggest one yet, as Gillman Barracks celebrates its 6th anniversary, complete with live performances, interactive art experiences, precinct-wide activities and programmes and much more!

If you plan on going by public transportation, one-way FREE bus services to Gillman Barracks will be available from:

1. Raffles City (Swissotel Bus Bay) (7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm and 8pm)

2. Vivocity Bus Bay (7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm and 8pm)

3. Art Stage Singapore at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre (8.15pm, 8.30pm, 8.45pm, 9pm and 9.15pm)

Please note that cars will be directed to Alexandra Retail Centre carpark when the carparks onsite are full.

Come 21 September 2018, gather your friends and family and head over to Gillman Barracks to show your support for the arts and also for a night of good food and great fun!

Art is not just for the elite anymore. Art is for everyone.

Check out the full exhibition lineup here.

Art After Dark x 6th Anniversary Celebrations
Venue: Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Date: 21 Sep 2018
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Website

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

(Header Image Source: Gillman Barracks)

From Vodka Apple To Acai Berry – 6 Millennial-Approved Mooncakes That Aren’t Lotus Paste

There are a few things that you can count on seeing every Mid-Autumn Festival — Chinatown being popular for a few weeks before fading back into obscurity, gaudy-yet-endearing lanterns being sold in the heartlands (bootleg Spider-Man is a personal favourite), and companies getting into an unofficial competition to create the most unique mooncakes possible.

We know firsthand that not all of these creations hit the mark (*coughOreoMooncakescough*), but here are five that certainly do:

Milo Dinosaur Snowskin Mooncakes By Fullerton Hotel

Milo has become so ubiquitous that you can find it in everything from energy bars to ice cream these days, and thanks Fullerton Hotel the chocolate-malt drink has now been immortalised in mooncake form as well.

Wrapped in a soft snowskin exterior (because if you’re going to appeal to the millennials, you might as well go all the way), the filling is comprised of milk lotus seed paste, along with a generous serving of milo “pops” for a little bit of crunch.

We’re not sure where where the “dinosaur” part is, though. Not sprinkling milo powder on these is certainly a missed opportunity, but when it comes to mixing one of our favourite drinks into a traditional snack, we’ll take what we can get.

The Fullerton Hotel Milo Dinosaur Snowskin Mooncakes
$61 For a Premium Box of 4, $73 For a Classic Box of 4
Website

Acai Berry and Chia Seeds Snow Skin Mooncake by Raffles Hotel Singapore

Acai Bowls have become the new health hotness over the past year, and with the Mid-Autumn Festival rolling around it was only a matter of time before someone made a mooncake version of this superfood.

That “someone” appears to be none other than Raffles Hotel Singapore, who have a track record of releasing unique flavours like Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Feuilletine (2016) and Strawberry Yoghurt and Crunchy White Chocolate (2017). Their latest Acai Berry and Chia Seeds Snow Skin Mooncake might be their healthiest yet, said to be full of anti-oxidants, calcium and vitamin A.

The health factor is turned all the way up to eleven with the inclusion of organic chia seeds and Greek yoghurt, which add even more nutrients that your body probably needs. If you want to indulge in the festivities and feel a little less guilty about it, then these are the ones to get.

Raffles Hotel Singapore Acai Berry and Chia Seeds Snow Skin Mooncake
$72 For a Box of 8
Website

Mao Shan Wang Snowskin Mooncakes by Golden Moments

There are two types of people in this world: people who love durian, and people who don’t.

For the former, these Signature Snowskin Mao Shan Wang Mooncakes by Golden Moments are probably as close as they’ll get to the perfect mooncake. According to their website, the filling consists of nothing but the “purest of luscious Mao Shan Wang durian”, making it more akin to an extremely atas cream puff a than a mooncake (not that we’re complaining, though).

Aesthetics wise, these babies are instagrammable AF too — the use of bamboo charcoal snowskin (which is supposedly healthier) gives it a stylish black exterior, and it’s also sprinkled with edible friggin’ gold for that extra touch of class.

Golden Moments Signature Snowskin Mao Shan Wang Mooncakes
$98.80 For a Box of 4
Website

Prestige Collection by Bakerzin

“You know what’s missing in a mooncake? alcohol”. If that very specific thought has ever crossed your booze-loving mind, then Bakerzin’s Prestige Collection has got you covered.

Whether you’re a fan of the strong stuff or just want a hint of liqueur in your mid-autumn bites, this long-running set has it all — the collection’s four flavours range from Apple Vodka to Butterscotch Baileys, all of which are wrapped in a pastel snowskin exterior.

Each mooncake is also infused with white chocolate truffle ganache, so you don’t have to worry about wincing every time you take a bite (even the biggest of alcoholics have to admit that that don’t drink alcohol for the bitter taste). Throw some lotus seed paste into the mix, and you’ve hit pretty much every point on the flavour spectrum.

Bakerzin Prestige Collection
$47.66 For a Box of 8
Website

Snowskin Collection by Caffe Pralet

Caffe Pralet are probably best known for their Rice Bowls and Chilli Crab Cheese Fries, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t make a mean mooncake too.

Or should we say mooncakes? With flavours like Red Velvet, Butterscotch and Yuzu Coconut White Chocolate, we’re having a hard time picking a favourite out of their eight flavours. There’s not a trace of lotus seed paste to be found either, instead replacing the filling with modern palate pleasers like cream cheese and crushed cookies.

And did we mention how #aesthetic these bite-sized beauties are? From the gold shine of the Signature Pralet to the ombre effect of the Lychee Rose, we wouldn’t have eaten them if they didn’t taste so damn good.

$54.80 For a Box of 8
Call 6223 5595 or WhatsApp 8318 0698 to Order
Facebook

Crispy Skin Mooncakes by Garden Pastry

What makes a mooncake, exactly? Well, the folks at Garden Pastry certainly don’t think it’s the skin, because they’ve completely thrown that out the window for their signature Crispy Skin Mooncakes.

Resembling more of a Tau Sar Piah than a mooncake, this unique take completely flips the mooncake-eating experience on its head — rather than your teeth slowly sinking into the skin, the flaky exterior creates a satisfying crunch that’s as messy as it is delicious.

Most of the items in the collection include a sweet yam filling, but the collection also includes D24 Durian and vegetarian variants as well. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you might also want to try out the Mini Cheesrispy Lotus With Yolk, which throws parmesan and cheddar cheese into the mix.

Garden Pastry Crispy Skin Pure Yam Mooncakes
$48 For A Box of 4
Website

Also Read Oreo They Didn’t – We Tried The New Oreo Mooncakes So You Don’t Have To

(Header Image Credit: Golden Moments)

This Aussie Dude Sells Makcik-Approved Nasi Lemak At Aliwal Street

Fighting over which country makes the best Nasi Lemak has been a constant debate that never seems to get resolved.

Nasi Lemak has been a long perennial favourite among Singaporeans regardless of race. So I understand why we’re so territorial over our Nasi Lemak.

Question is, do we really know our nasi lemak? Are we truly the best?

Most of us have had Nasi Lemak from both Singapore and Malaysia, but have you guys tried Nasi Lemak cooked by an Australian guy?

We have.

And he’s definitely our new competitor.

Nasi Lemak For The Soul

SoulFood Catering has been around for the last 8 months but no one ever really paid attention to this humble shop located at Aliwal Street.

Meet Brett and his wife, Yani. They’ve been married for the last 5 years and they both run SoulFood Catering.

Now, my expectations for their Nasi Lemak was low because I’m a Malay girl and I KNOW my Nasi Lemak. An Ang Moh cooking Nasi Lemak completely threw me off because I was expecting a 50 year old makcik or auntie to serve me instead.

As I walked to the entrance, Brett flashed me a smile and warmly welcomed me with a question: “You ready to makan?”

Brett first discovered Nasi Lemak while on holiday in Malaysia. After multiple tries of recreating Nasi Lemak in his kitchen back in Australia, he was never satisfied with the outcome.

That’s where his wife and mother in law came into the picture.

“My wife and mak (mother in malay), are both great cooks. They’re amazing. One thing led to another, now we have this little shop in Aliwal.

“Everybody knows Nasi Lemak, it’s cultural. You just can’t go wrong with it.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Sugar, Spice, And Everything Nice

Unlike the typical nasi lemak stalls, SoulFood Catering offers a variety of Nasi Lemak. From your standard fried chicken wing to Barbecued Salmon, you name it, they have it all.

But what makes their Nasi Lemak special would definitely be the different ingredients that comes with it.

“Back in Australia, I used to enjoy a good barbecue. We’d grill meats and enjoy food with our friends.”

From chicken and prawns to salmon and scallops, they’re all barbecued fresh upon order.

The sambal however, is the star of this simple dish. We all know a good sambal makes or breaks a good plate of Nasi Lemak.

“Mak, makes the best sambal. Oh you have to try it to believe it!”, he exclaimed.

Yani laughed and added, “I haven’t learn how to make the sambal yet, but I know she’ll make me learn it soon!”

Singapore’s Next Top Nasi Lemak 

The basic Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing ($4) was definitely a game-changer.

As I took my first bite, I was left completely speechless. That sambal, was honestly love at first bite.

I haven’t met this famous Mak they fondly spoke of but I knew I have to meet her some day.

They gave me a generous portion of sambal which I was happy about as most sellers are quite stingy with theirs. The sambal was definitely spicy but it had a hint of sweetness which made it enjoyable and not jelak at all.

The chicken wing was coated in their own special batter as well. It was fragrant and incredibly crispy – just the way any good fried chicken wing should be. The recipe for their chicken wings took multiple tries before they finally settled on the perfect combination. I also liked that the outer coating was not too thick to the extent that it became overwhelming.

If you know your rice, a lot of stalls swap jasmine rice for basmati rice instead. Which just doesn’t give you the same satisfaction.

The rice is prepared in the shop and is the perfect balance of lemak and not being overly “mushy”. From the moment the rice is scooped from the massive rice cooker, your senses will be awoken. Mix the rice together with the sweet and spicy sambal and that itself can be a meal on its own.

Next up, I got the BBQ Prawns Nasi Lemak ($8.90) which comprises of the standard coconut rice, fried ikan bilis, a fried egg, a generous dollop of sambal and of course, 4 juicy prawns that are barbecued to perfection.

This one took about 5-10 minutes of waiting time. Smoke started to fill the shop as Brett was manning the barbecue station in the kitchen. He placed the prawns on the grill and covered it with a lid to ensure that the prawns are evenly cooked and contain all that smokey flavour.

Once that was done, he glazes them with his special sambal oil which gives it that fiery red colour.

I know we’re all lazy to peel our prawns but this is one dish that is worth getting your fingers dirty for.

Saving the best for last, the BBQ Salmon Steak Nasi Lemak ($9.90) was the one I was most excited for.

You’ll have to wait at least 20 minutes for the salmon but rest assured, it’s definitely worth the wait.

He first seasons the salmon with salt, pepper and mixed herbs before throwing it on the grill. Just like the prawns, he covers them with the lid so you’ll get that extra smokey flavour.

He then glazes the salmon with the sambal oil for the extra kick.

Despite being on the grill for about 20 minutes, the salmon was perfectly cooked throughout and best part, the skin was crispy as well. Safe to say, I had a real good food coma afterwards.

Atmosphere at SoulFood Catering

To sum up their entire menu, it would definitely be “Australian Meets Singapore Nasi Lemak” – and I’m all up for it.

It’s not your traditional everyday nasi lemak but this is perfect if you want an upgrade from your usual Changi Village Nasi Lemak.

The space may not be ideal for big groups but it’s definitely a great option if you prefer to dabao your lunch instead. It gets a bit hot and stuffy when they start grilling as the space is not big but there are a couple of seats outside for you to enjoy your meal.

The shop may often be overlooked as they’re located on the quieter part of Aliwal street but this shop definitely does not lack in character and flavours.

The next time you’re in the area, drop by SoulFood Catering for your Nasi Lemak fix.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think the Australians won this time round.

SoulFood Catering
Address: 77 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199948
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm, Sat: 10.30am – 10.00pm, Sun: 10.30am – 8.30pm, Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact No.: 8767 8299
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Also Read 6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

If the sheer number of articles, videos and opinion pieces showing up on our news feeds in the past week are any indication, it’s clear that we’ve reached peak Crazy Rich Asians hype.

There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the movie, and while we’re generally okay with how Singapore was portrayed, one scene that did irk us was when the main characters visit Newton Food Centre and declared its satay as the best in Singapore.

Uh…no. We’re not calling ourselves the ultimate authority on food, but we’re pretty sure that we’ve had better ones at East Coast and Lau Pa Sat, at the very least.

While it might not have the best satay, it *is* true that Newton Circus is home to some really good eats. If you’re planning to head down to this iconic hawker centre to channel your inner Rachel Chu, here are the six dishes that you should be trying out instead:

Bee Heng Popiah

If you’re looking for an appetiser before going all-out, then Bee Heng Popiah ($4.40 for a minimum order of 2) is pretty much the only right choice here.

The generous amount of shredded turnip is probably enough to warrant a place on this list, but it’s the skin that’s the real star of the show. Unlike other Popiah’s it has a light, sweet taste of its own, which blends well with the other ingredients of egg, nuts and shrimp.

The soft skin makes for a weak foundation, however, and there’s about a 60% chance that the abundance of ingredients will spill out before you can bring it to your mouth.

Some might prefer more structurally sound Popiah’s, but if you’re willing to put up with the mess you’ll be treated to one of the tastiest versions of this beloved dish that we’ve had.

Bee Heng
Unit: #01-12

XO Bak Chor Mee

There’s Bak Chor Mee…and then there’s XO Bak Chor Mee ($4.50).

If you’re a fan of minced meat noodles and haven’t tried this variant, you owe it to yourself to. Thanks to the addition of…well, XO, the noodles don’t dry out as fast, and quite literally add a new layer of savoury taste to it.

The “meat” part of the dish isn’t anything to scoff at, either — the pork was extremely lean and pretty much melted in our mouths, and the minced meat was so abundant that we had enough to put in every spoonful.

The best part of the dish, however, is still the Fuzhou fish ball, which might honestly be the best Fuzhou fish ball that we’ve ever eaten. There’s only one per bowl, which is probably a good thing because any more would lead to a full-blown addiction.

XO Minced Meat Noodle
Unit: #01-10

Kwee Heng Duck Noodle

On their own, the ingredients of Kwee Heng’s Duck Noodles ($4) aren’t anything to write home about — the noodles and soup are standard prawn noodle fare, and the duck strangely enough tastes a bit like chicken.

When eaten as a whole, however, the flavour profile is flipped on its head in the best of ways. The saltiness of the soup is perfectly complimented by the lighter taste of the meat, creating a balanced taste that’s just the right amount of savoury.

And if for some reason that isn’t enough, adding a hint of chilli further enhances the flavour with an extra kick of sweet spiciness. We admittedly weren’t expecting much from this dish, but it quickly grew to become one of our favourites.

Kwee Heng
Unit: #01-13

Stall 51 Hokkien Mee

With the use of thinner noodles, Stall 51’s Hokkien Mee ($5) is reminiscent of those served at Old Airport Road or Serangoon Gardens’ Chomp Chomp, and taste just as good as well.

The dish has just the right amount of wetness, and retained its consistency even after being left on the table while we got our other dishes (the hallmark of a good Hokkien Mee). The amount of seafood is decent enough, but its the generous serving of egg that really puts this on a whole other level.

And what’s Hokkien Mee without some good chilli? The owner jokingly warned us about how spicy his blend was, but despite its belachan-esque appearance we found it to be more sweet and spicy, and added a new dimension to the dish’s flavour. Needless to say, we wiped the plate clean.

Stall 51
Unit: #01-51

Alliance Seafood

Being awarded the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand for two years straight is no small feat, but we can totally see why the folks at Alliance Seafood managed to do so. The stall is probably best known for their Chilli Crab and Cereal Prawns, but we decided to go for the other crowd-favourite choice of stingray ($12) instead.

the meat was well-cooked throughout, and flaked off the bone as soon as we applied the slightest amount of pressure with our chopsticks. The dish is also lathered with sambal, and while it wasn’t as spicy as we would have wanted it to be, has a rather sweet taste that grows on you.

Much like Kwee Heng’s Duck Noodles, the two ingredients are okay on their own, but produce an entirely new taste when eaten together. We’d recommend flaking all the meat and giving it a good mix before eating to achieve the maximum effect.

Alliance Seafood
Unit: #01-27

Bangkok Express

When you think of “good Thai food”, the usual suspects like Nakhon Kitchen and…well, the entire Golden Mile Complex are usually the first places that come to mind.

Don’t let the rather random location of Bangkok Express fool you, though — with food prepared by an actual Thai chef, this unassuming stall will give your favourite haunts a run for their money, and is one of the best-kept secrets of those working around the Newton area.

Their extensive menu offers everything from Phad Thai to Basil Chicken, and with so much food already on our plates we decided to go for the Seafood Tom Yum Soup ($6).

While most Tom Yum dishes will have you ordering another cup of sugar cane, this iteration is surprisingly light on the spiciness, while still packing a strong, sweet flavour at the same time. They’re pretty generous with the seafood part as well, with squids and prawns appearing in pretty much every spoonful.

Bangkok Express
Unit: #01-04

Also Read 5 Must-Order Dishes At Hougang’s Hainanese Village For $4 And Under

(Header Image Source: Discover SG)

From Fusion Dishes To Tea Tastings, Grids & Circles Has Everything For The Perfect Date

Cafes have become increasingly popular across the island in the recent years, favoured by millennials due to their Pinterest-worthy aesthetics and brunch menus.

However, the truth is, most cafes have a pretty basic food menu. Call me cynical but pretty latte art and a good brew can only go so far.

But there’s a newcomer in town and they’re gearing up to spoil market.

A Cafe And More

As I stepped out of my Grab, I saw the place – an entirely white shophouse save for their pastel-coloured logo and address.

Stepping in, I feel like I just walked into a Scanteak x MUJI showroom.

Of the 3 levels in the shophouse, level one houses the coffee bar, cashier, kitchen, and some seating space.

Level 2 is where you’ll find the Flex Space, which is a larger area that can accommodate up to 32 people comfortably, and can be booked for corporate or private events.

The Flex Space is divided into 2 sections.

Flex Space 1 is the larger of the 2 and provides additional seating for customers who are simply there to dine.

Flex Space 2 is primarily allocated as a work space. It can also double as a space for conducting workshops.

East Meets West

Now, for the part you’re all waiting for, THE FOOD.

The menu at Grids & Circles doesn’t really centre around a specific cuisine. Though the easiest way to describe it would be “East meets West”.

I managed to try a few dishes specially curated by the Head Chef and Co-Founder, Daryl Lim.

To start things off, I was served a Watercress Potage with Bacon.

I’m a big fan of vegetables and chunky soups and this reminded me of a chunkier cream of broccoli. All I can say is, it didn’t stand a chance against my spoon – gone in 60 seconds.

The next dish was a Tamago Sando ($12).

A fat slab of Japanese tamagoyaki sits between 2 slices of white bread, one slathered in house made konbu mayo, and the other with a thin but useful layer of pear compote.

I’m not going to lie. This sandwich comprises everything I love, so I was a little disappointed with the flavour of the tamagoyaki because it tasted a bit bland.

The konbu mayo was generous but did little to elevate the sandwich and it was quickly becoming jelak, 3 bites in. That was until the pear compote came into play.

The sweet pear compote helped to balance the flavours of the sandwich so maybe a little more pear compote and less konbu mayo would be great.

The next dishes were mains in the form of their Summer Pasta ($16) and Almond Bacon Carbonara ($16).

The Summer Pasta has tagliatelle tossed in a bacon cream sauce with fennel, watercress, Japanese cherry tomatoes, and garnished with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

The Almond Bacon Carbonara also uses tagliatelle tossed in bacon cream sauce, toasted almonds, an onsen egg, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

If I had to choose one, I’d go for the Summer Pasta. The textures and subtle flavours from every ingredient made it a very enjoyable dish to eat. 10/10 will order again.

For the vegetarians, vegetarian options are available for all pastas.

The next to arrive was an interesting Modanyaki Slider.

Modanyaki is a type of okonomiyaki which also contains yakisoba for a double whammy of carbs. What Head Chef Daryl Lim has done, is that he took the key ingredients of a modanyaki and turned it into a slider.

There’s the beef patty, lettuce, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), okonomiyaki sauce, konbu mayo, spring onions, and a unique “noodle crisp”.

The noodle crisp is made by blending cooked instant ramen into a paste, smearing it on a baking sheet and toasting. What you get is a thin, pale crisp that looks like uncooked tau kee (beancurd skin). While it’s tasteless, it does add an interesting texture to the slider.

Next, the Salmon Ochazuke ($16).

Now, I’m a huge fan of Ochazuke and it’s really hard to find good ones in Singapore.

The version here comes with seared sous vide salmon, shredded shiso leaf, nori strips, umeboshi (salted plum), brown rice, and bacon dashi green tea.

If you’re looking for something comforting for lunch, this is it. There’s no other way to describe this. You have to try it for yourself.

Ending off the meal were 2 desserts – the Matcha Affogato ($11) and the Strawberry Wonderland ($16).

The Strawberry Wonderland comes with 2 pancakes, strawberry compote, basil and mint sauce, and fresh strawberries sitting on a cloud of chantilly cream.

It’s simple, straightforward and so darn good.

You can also choose from their seasonal homemade cakes and pastries in the display at level 1.

Now, for the drinks, Grids & Circles has a rather extensive drinks menu. Choose from coffees, teas, cold brews, coffee and tea-based lattes, and even craft beers!

I got myself an Iced Hibiscus Tea with Honey and Mandarin Oranges ($7.50) because I’m boujee and I like sweet drinks. Bite me.

It was great for a while, before the ice melted and the drink started tasting a little like Ribena. But I liked it nonetheless. It’s refreshing for sure.

Finally, what makes Grids & Circles so unique, is that they hold tea degustations for the public, conducted by Clement Lim, a coffee and tea connoisseur and certified sommelier. He’s also the younger brother of Head Chef Daryl Lim.

The Fine Teas menu is separated into Classic Teas, Artisanal Teas, and Pinnacle Teas, in ascending order of quality.

Tea degustation ranges from $18 to $58, depending on the set of teas you choose for the session.

I highly recommend the tea degustation if you love your tea.

Despite their rather bustling location, Grids & Circles provides a respite from the hustle of the city. With good food, great coffee and tea, a cosy ambience, and even greater service.

I’m definitely returning for more, and if you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for?

Grids & Circles
Address: 200 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058749
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 9am – 11pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6935 3546
Website

Also read This New Cafe Serves The Dopa-st Gelato In S’pore, And You Can Choose To Have It With Croissant!

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This New Cafe Serves The Dopa-st Gelato In S’pore, And You Can Choose To Have It With Croissant!

We’ve had ice cream paired with waffles, cookies, cones, bread, but thanks to Dopa Dopa Creamery, we now have ice cream with butter croissants!

New to the slew of cafés that have been sprouting on South Bridge Road is a small artisanal ice cream cafe, Dopa Dopa Creamery.

Dose of DOPAmine

Located just 2 minutes away from Clarke Quay MRT, Dopa Dopa Creamery is the perfect place to unwind on those hot sunny afternoons.

Whether it is a scoop of refreshing sorbet in the middle of the day or an indulgent dessert to end off your night, Dopa Dopa Creamery will please you with their range of ice cream.

Selling out on their first day of operations, here is why you need to make a trip down to Dopa Dopa Creamery if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Serving only a maximum of 8 ice-cream flavours a day, Dopa Dopa Creamery’s stretchy, gooey and creamy gelato is something for hot days. The thick consistency gives the icy treat a slight chewiness, which makes it great on their crunchy cone, flaky croissant and, of course, on its own.

https://www.facebook.com/dopadopasg/videos/221473108549433/

The Watermelon Mint and Apple Ginger sorbets are refreshing options, but if you’re seeking richer flavours, get the Roasted Pistachio or Speculoos with Lotus Biscuit which features bits and pieces of crushed caramel biscuits mixed into a creamy and milky base, giving it an extra crunchy texture

Premium flavours include Green Tea Toasted Rice, Hojicha, Home Roasted Pistachio, Home Roasted Hazelnut, and Speculoos with Lotus Biscuit.

Basic flavours like Banana, Apple Ginger Sorbet and Watermelon Mint Sorbet, meanwhile, are lighter and refreshing, making them a perfect accompaniment to the richer, premium flavours.

We highly recommend skipping the mainstream cups and cones and going straight for their flaky butter croissants instead ($5.50).

Plus, Dopa Dopa Creamery also serves staple coffee selection such as the flat white, black and espresso as well as a range of brewed tea from local tea retailer Leefe Tea. So coffee enthusiasts can look forward to getting a cuppa to complement the sweetness of their desserts.

If you’re looking for a decent stopover for some grab-and-go ice-cream, then head on down to Dopa Dopa Creamery for a treat.

Dopa Dopa Creamery
Address: 29 South Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 059665
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs : 12.00pm – 10.00pm, Fri – Sat : 12.00pm – 11.00pm, Sun : 12.00pm – 10.00pm
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Also Read Have Breakfast At Tiffany’s: Free Croissants And Coffee From Tiong Bahru Bakery Available 27 Aug To 3 Sep

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Kat X, Burpple User Justyn Toh)

Have Breakfast At Tiffany’s: Free Croissants And Coffee From Tiong Bahru Bakery Available 27 Aug To 3 Sep

For those of you who loved the classic 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn, having ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is no longer a dream.

Tiffany & Co. is collaborating with Tiong Bahru Bakery as part of the launch of their Tiffany Paper Flowers collection in Singapore.

From 27 August to 3 September 2018, Tiong Bahru Bakery will be handing out free croissants and coffee from their striking turquoise kiosk outside ION Orchard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm-WspPHqTb/

There are, however, certain prerequisites before you proceed to claim your croissant and coffee.

First, you’ll have to take a photo of the kiosk.

Next, upload it onto Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #tiffanypaperflowers and #tiongbahrubakery.

That’s it. You have earned your breakfast. Or lunch. Note that the kiosk operates from 10am to 2pm daily.

But if a croissant and a coffee isn’t sufficient, then you might want to head to the actual OG Tiong Bahru Bakery instead, which has also been taken over by Tiffany & Co.’s signature colour.

This is a feast for eyes, as much as it is for the stomach.

For those of you who are more interested in the Tiffany Paper Flowers jewellery collection, check out their ad below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTjxuqn67d4

The collection arrives in Singapore on 1 September 2018. In the meantime, can I interest you in some light refreshments? A croissant, perhaps?

Tiffany & Co. x Tiong Bahru Bakery Kiosk
Venue: ION Orchard, outside Tiffany & Co.
Date: 27 Aug – 3 Sep 2018
Opening Hours: 10am – 2pm
Website

Also read Life’s A Beach – Sentosa Offers FREE Entry For S’poreans From 1 to 16 September

(Header Image Source: @tiongbahrubakery)

Take Your Tastebuds Around The World At S’pore’s Largest Food Fair – Happening 30 Aug To 2 Sep

As the end of August approaches, many events are taking place. If you love your booze, then you’ll be glad to know that Beerfest Asia will begin this Thursday all through the weekend.

However, if you’re not much of a drinker, then how about munching your way through the World Food Fair?

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